MC Digital Edition 4.15.2020

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Money Managing Tips Help Maneuver Through Coronavirus Pandemic ROOTS. A3

Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No.32 | April 15-21, 2020

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COVID-19 Crisis Shows The Importance of Census 2020 The devastation of ­COVID-19 means we need an accurate Census count now more than ever I know that the Coronavirus is upending all of our lives right now, and it will be awhile before we return to anything resembling normalcy.

But this doesn’t mean we can afford to ignore the Census. As a matter of fact, we need you to fill out the Census now more than ever before. If we don’t all get counted, Wayne C o u n t y could lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars from the federal government that we desperately need for essential Warren Evans services and programs to serve you better.

Not just this month or this year, but over the next decade.

There is no way to know how much the Coronavirus is going to cost Wayne County and its 43 communities economically, but it is safe to say we will need every dollar we can get to repair the damage while trying not to lose too much of the progress we have made.

Census Count Day was April 1, but it’s still not too late to make sure Wayne County’s voice is heard. You are that voice. Every single one of you.

Please. Fill out the form. Everybody Counts.

Here are the three ways you can complete the Census form: • Online at 2020census.gov • By phone 844-330-2020 • Complete the questionnaire you received last month in the mail. If you can’t find your questionnaire a new one should be arriving at your home soon.

–W ayne County Executive Warren C. Evans

The Coronavirus Effect:

Black Detroit...The COVID-19 New Hotspot! Why?

By Whitney Gresham With the third-highest rate of deaths from COVID-19 in the nation, Michigan is among a handful of states now considered at the epicenter of the deadly pandemic.

Forty percent of the people who’ve died are African Americans, even though African Americans only make up 14 percent of the state population.

According to the state Coronavirus website Michigan.Gov, as of Friday morning, the state ranks in cases and deaths only behind New York and New Jersey and ahead of the more populous California.

It has recorded more than 21,500 cases, almost 1,100 deaths, more than 1,115 confirmed cases and 117 daily deaths.

Detroit’s death toll has climbed to nearly 300 and its total cases more than 6,000.

Given the disproportionate impact the deadly virus is having on the Motor City on Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the creation of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. She also extended a stay-athome order. Michigan residents must stay home and away from non-essential workplaces through April 30.

The task force, chaired by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, will consist of leaders across state government and health care professionals from communities most impacted by the spread of coronavirus.

As of today, over 40% of COVID-19

deaths in Michigan are African Americans, but only 14% of Michiganders are African Americans. The Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities will provide the governor with recommendations on how to address this disparity as the state works to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state.

“This virus is holding a mirror up to our society and reminding us of the deep inequities in this country,” said Governor Whitmer. “From a basic lack of access to health care, transportation, and protections in the workplace, these inequities hit people of color and vulnerable communities the hardest. This task force will help us start addressing these disparities right now as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan.”

Dr. Tiffany Sanford, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer for the Wellness Plan Medical Centers of the Greater Detroit area said the task force was badly needed.

She hoped it focuses on the structural and racial inequities in Michigan which are as much a reason for the disproportionate impact the deadly virus is having on Detroit and other urban areas as much as the victims underlying health issues.

She noted beyond underlying health problems another major reason for the rapid spread of the Coronavirus throughout the Detroit metro area is poverty and environmental challenges. Many of the Black elderlies in metro Detroit do not live in homes or are in an economic or social position where they can isolate themselves from their grandchildren. And

because most young people have difficulty voluntarily complying with orders to isolate themselves from the elderly – especially with those with whom they live - it has created a ticking time bomb in Detroit and poor communities all across the country.

“The most irritating thing about all of this coverage is that folks in the media are acting as if this is a new thing that just came about,” Dr. Sanford said. “The narrative around it has very much been about placing the blame on those communities; African Americans have higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes because you guys eat a lot of unhealthy food. But this virus is the great equalizer to the extent that anybody is as easy to catch this thing as the next person. The determining factor is if you have underlying health issues. But your chances of surviving it too often depends on your ability to access adequate healthcare and the environment you live in.”

Dr. Stacy Scott, a Toledo-based public health expert and founder of the Global Infant Safe Sleep Center in Toledo, agreed with Sanford. She said while she, too, welcomed the governor’s task force, she hopes that it focuses not just on the lifestyles of the victims, but on another major underlying precondition, African Americans grapple with daily: white supremacy.

“The issue before them is are they going to really going to deals with the

See CORONAVIRUS

EFFECT page A2

COVID-19: The View Across Black America WHAT’S INSIDE

By Jon Jeter

executives hope to profit from the growing caseload.

Similar to Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago, the global coronavirus pandemic is shining a light on America’s racial fault lines.

By whatever trope you choose to deploy—“last hired, first fired,” “When White America catches a cold, Black America has the flu,” or “Your Blues ain’t like mine” — People of Color generally, and the 42 million descendants of chattel slaves, specifically, will experience this almost Biblical scourge in ways that are very different from Whites.

COMMENTARY

Well-renowned

Bishop P.A. Brooks dies at 88 Page B4

$1.00

A nurse reports that White nurses began disappearing from her central New Jersey hospital around the first week of March, applying for vacation and leaves of absence just as the number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. was beginning to skyrocket.

As the hospital admitted more and more infected patients, they announced that all time-off requests would be denied, leaving mostly Black and Brown nurses to cope with the worst global health crisis in more than a century.

But that’s not all. Running short of surgical masks and hand sanitizer, a nurse at the hospital recently was exposed to a patient infected with the coronavirus; her coworkers are on pins and needles, nervously awaiting her test results.

“While most facilities like the one I work at have turned away any new admissions, we’re still taking admissions,” wrote one nurse, a Latina with 15 years of experience. She surmised that hospital

While Washington, D.C.’s Metrorail has been largely emptied of its professional class of passengers, reductions in the city’s bus service have made it difficult for its darker and poorer customers—many of whom work in government jobs considered “essential” or the service sector and either do not have sick pay or cannot afford to take the day off—to practice social distancing on buses teeming with riders. Near the end of March, a Metrobus driver tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“It’s impossible to socially isolate in a sardine can,” said Rohan Edmonson, 40, who lives in the D.C. suburb of Silver Spring and works on Embassy Row. The buses in South Florida are considerably less crowded than usual, said one African American resident, Roger Williams. After revelers and spring break-

See BLACK

AMERICA page A2

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April 15-21, 2020

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Individual Stimulus Checks Begin to Arrive, What Should You Expect?

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Payments from the $2.3 trillion federal coronavirus stimulus package have begun hitting individual bank accounts.

In a memo, IRS Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the first round of payments were sent on Thursday, April 9, and should arrive in bank accounts beginning no later than Tuesday, April 14.

out to those receiving Social Security and disability, even if recipients don’t typically file a tax return.

For those who haven’t provided the IRS with bank account information, paper checks are expected to begin reaching households in May, but, in some cases, recipients won’t receive payment until September.

“If we have your bank information, you’ll get it within two weeks,” Mnuchin said. “Social Security, you’ll get it very quickly after that.

Most Americans are eligible for and will receive stimulus payments, except for those who owe back child support payments.

Single-filers who make less than $75,000 will receive $1,200, while married couples making less than $150,000 are scheduled to get $2,400. An additional $500 payment will be provided to households for each child under 17.

The IRS will base the payments on the adjusted gross income of taxpayers’ 2019 return. If a 2019 return hasn’t been filed (the deadline has been extended for two months), the IRS will use information from the 2018 return.

If the return doesn’t contain direct deposit information, or if the IRS doesn’t have returns from 2018 or 2019, a paper check will be issued later.

Electronic payments also will go

If we don’t have your information, you’ll have a simple web portal, we’ll upload it. If we don’t have that, we’ll send you checks in the mail.”

Treasury officials said they expect 50 million to 70 million Americans to have received directly deposited payments by April 15, which is one day later than what

the IRS said it expects the deposits to become available.

The IRS does plan to set up a portal on its website where filers can enter direct deposit information if the agency doesn’t already have those details. Those who have provided bank information on their 2018 or 2019 returns don’t have to do anything unless their information has changed.

As for paper checks, the Washington Post reported that the IRS plan would distribute those to the lowest-income Americans first, prioritizing payments for individual taxpayers with incomes of $10,000 or less on April 24.

Checks for earners of $20,000 or less would be in the mail May 1, followed by those with incomes of $30,000 on May 8, $40,000 on May 15, and continuing in income increments of $10,000 each week, according to the plan. The IRS plans to issue about 5 million checks each week.

Stimulus checks would be issued on Sept. 4 to joint taxpayers earning $198,000, the maximum allowed under the stimulus.

All others would be sent on Sept.

11, in most cases, because the IRS did not have prior tax information for them, and they need to apply for the checks.

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Black America From page A-1 ers—mostly but not entirely White —posted photographs and videos last week of large gatherings on boats and beaches, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez ordered the closure of all public beaches, parks, marinas, and recreational facilities.

The measures are beginning to take: Williams said he rode his bicycle on a typically bustling roadway near his suburban Miami home last week and only encountered one vehicle on the road, a scene that is redolent of post-hurricane Florida. The challenge, however, is that “a lot of very low-income Miamians live in motels, and many are now being asked to leave because of the shutdown,” said Williams. This is “creating another crisis, since they will now add to the already striking numbers of homeless people on Miami’s streets.”

A Haitian-born American woman who works for a major healthcare provider agreed, saying that she has found that the pandemic is exacerbating problems such as homelessness and unemployment and health conditions such as diabetes. This is dramatically increasing anxiety levels for many in South Florida’s African American and Afro-Caribbean communities.

At ground zero of the U.S. pandemic, New York City, only essential services are allowed to remain open: groceries, drug stores, liquor stores, hardware stores, and restaurants that offer delivery. Grocery store shelves remain wellstocked, but cold and flu medicines are in short supply in drug stores.

Coronovirus Effect

is having a major impact in Detroit and communities of color everywhere.”

social determinants of health?” she said. “COVID-19 really exposes some of the major issues around health outcomes for African Americans. Such as environmental issues, like where they live. The lack of employment opportunities, lack of insurance and the criminal justice system.”

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist acknowledged this sad reality in the governor’s announcement.

From page A-1

Dr. Scott said these are all major factors in how life is lived in a city such as Detroit where structural racism and discrimination in every aspect of black lives that it can be considered a pandemic in and of itself.

“On top of all this we haven’t begun to measure the impact of implicit biases within healthcare systems which contributes to who is being tested for COVID-19 and how they are being treated,” she said.

“So we can see how this COVID-19

“We know that generations of racial disparities and inequality has a detrimental impact on the lives of people across the state,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “The coronavirus pandemic has shown this inequity to be particularly true, especially in the Black community, where the health of our friends and family has been disproportionately impacted. That’s why we are taking immediate action to assemble some of the greatest minds to tackle this racial injustice now and in the future.”

During the COVID-19 crisis, Governor Whitmer has signed several executive orders aimed at protecting people in vulnerable communities. These include orders to

Dr. Sanford said despite the disproportionate impact COVID-19 is having on Detroit and the states black communities it should be a wakeup call to the white communities too.

In Harlem, Margaret Kimberley, an author and columnist for Black Agenda Report, wrote on Facebook: “People are riding the subway, but there are so few that you really can practice social distancing even on public transportation.

I’d say half of the people I see outside are wearing masks, myself included.

Some are makeshift affairs, scarves tightly tied around the mouth for example. . .

“The Coronavirus is shining a spotlight in the African American community and people are making it a big issue because they know we are all in this together,” she said.

“Diabetes doesn’t impact you, hypertension doesn’t impact you if you are a Caucasian woman living in Bloomfield Hills. But if a community of Black people who are very poor and exposed to this illness, all you need is to come into contact with a small pocket of that infected population and now you have a virus that spreads outside that community into yours.”

“To prevent people crowding onto buses,” Kimberley continued, “we are now allowed to enter through the back door. This is something poor people always did.

Now everyone can ride for free… I got my hair braided yesterday, the last day before beauty shops had to close. I wasn’t alone, but there were a lot fewer people than you would see there on a normal Saturday. I went but wore

temporarily ban evictions and tax foreclosures, expand unemployment benefits, and restore running water for families.

my mask.”

Perhaps the most jarring description from Kimberley was the gallows humor that has descended on Harlem’s Black community as many discuss the Trump administration’s plans for emergency grants. “Lots of folks are out of work.

People are making jokes about getting checks from Trump but I think it is no joke. Folks were struggling before this, and the $1,000 they’re expecting will come in handy.”

It is by no means strictly doom and gloom, however. Across the country, communities are banding together to help each other weather the storm.

Activists with the Community Ready Corps are distributing Corona Kits—hand sanitizer, N95 masks, and brochures— immune-boosting care packages of garlic, ginger, turmeric, lentils and oats, and even books to Oakland’s Black community focusing on the elderly, the sickly, and even stir-crazy kids.

Opened four years ago amid a food desert on Indianapolis’ east side, the Trap has pivoted sharply to a web-only eatery that is preparing to ship its shrink-wrapped healthy seafood nationwide. A retired schoolteacher in New Jersey volunteered to knit surgical masks for mostly nurses of color treating coronavirus patients at a local hospital.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Blacks are joining Whites in long lines to buy ammunition, preparing, it would seem, for violent racial conflict.

Fittingly perhaps, several Blacks say that the least difficult adjustment in confronting the scourge is social distancing, particularly as it pertains to White people.

Said one African American man in Indianapolis, “I been trying to keep my distance from White people my entire life.”

Jon Jeter is a freelance journalist writer and social critic He formerly worked for several major newspapers, including the Washington Post before becoming an independent journalist.

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HOMEFRONT

Money Managing Tips Help Maneuver Through Coronavirus Pandemic The current coronavirus pandemic does not only create personal and community health challenges, but for everyone who has seen their paychecks dwindle or disappear altogether, it’s also created a severe challenge to their financial health.

The crisis will end at some point, but following key money management tips will help during this critical time, keep many financially afloat and establish a path of recovery afterwards.

Mike Cheatham, Comerica Bank’s S.E. MI External Affairs Manager and 26-year veteran of the financial industry, oversees the bank’s financial education outreach, and he stresses that following these strategies is crucially important, especially during times of uncertainty and crisis.

Start with a Budget Any personal or business financial plan must start with a budget, and that begins with tracking all income and comparing expenses.

For income, calculate current wages, or revenue for business purposes, along with any other income that may occur that will aid in weathering the storm, such as the benefits received via the CARES Act stimulus package.

Then proceed to evaluate expenses, which typically are categorized into needs (things you must have to live), wants (things you desire and can live without) and obligations (debts owed).

Finally, subtract the expenses from the income.

In a perfect world, there should be some money left over.

Ask: Are there less expensive ways to meet my needs? Are there some wants I can reduce or eliminate?

Aware that budgets can be tough to stick to, Cheatham suggests the whole family get involved with creating it. Having the family participate in the budget plan creation will serve as motivation to adhere to it. It can also serve as a teaching moment – take the time to teach the kids about the importance of creating a budget, showing them different ways that you can all budget together.

Cheatham says to help follow your plan, write it down, then post it in high traffic areas of the home, such as doors to bathrooms, and the one he likes best, the door to the refrigerator. This will create awareness and serve as a reminder to everyone in the household about the plan you all created together.

“If you’re really serious about a plan, you’ll share it with someone who can hold you accountable,” said Cheatham. “If everybody in the family is aware of the budget, you feel a responsibility to hold back on what you want to make sure everybody else can get the things they need, creates an incentive to stick with it.”

Control What’s Controllable Start with the simple stuff and take a closer

look at those bills paid electronically, because, as Cheatham puts it, “there are a lot of things being paid out of their bank accounts that maybe they haven’t looked at in a while.”

Some of those things include subscription services, the monthly cable TV and utility bills.

“You might be paying more for your cable service, for instance, than you might really be comfortable with, even before all of this,” Cheatham states. He suggests giving some of those premium channels or services a good hard look, cutting back on them, at least temporarily.

One discovery for many families during this crisis, is how cost-efficient buying in bulk can be, especially at the supermarket, because it ends up being less expensive per unit, Cheatham points out. What you buy is important, too—for example, breakfast cereal. It’s a good time to try generic brands instead of name brands since they’re considerably less expense.

With restaurants and most other gathering spots closed, we’re not spending as much money dining out, going to the movies and driving around.

“It’s a bit of a wakeup call,” said Cheatham. We become aware of our normal spending habits and now notice how they can improve.

“Paying attention to those types of things might make you feel better about your financial position, because you recognize you do have the power and ability to make cuts in areas where previously you might not have been comfortable cutting,” Cheatham pointed out.

Utilize Financial Resources Luckily, there’s no need to feel like you’re in this without some helping hands. Comerica Bank has set up a special website with helpful tips about managing your money during the coronavirus crisis, including a guide for banking from home.Access the site at https://www.comerica.com/coronavirus.

Cheatham points out Comerica customers can already conduct online banking through Comerica’s web access portal or its mobile app, including the ability to take a picture of a check to deposit it.

Comerica Bank Vice President Michael Cheatham presents a financial education question and answer session in early March at Second New Hope Church in Ferndale at part of the Unify Detroit Coalition Free Community Health Fair.

Cheatham emphasizes the importance of budgeting, savings and taking control of individual and family expenses.

Comerica is also helping customers protect their assets that might be targets of criminals.

“During this time, criminals get busy, and newer fraud attempts are out there, so we have reportfraud@comerica.com, where you can send info about suspected fraud,” said Cheatham. “Some banking centers also have limited or adjusted access.”

By being extra careful and vigilant about managing our money, it’s possible to overcome challenging financial conditions. But Cheatham wants Comerica customers to know, they have as much support as they need, promising, “we’re here to support your families and businesses, and we feel confident you can to look to us to get information that’s going to be valuable to you and your families.”

Creating a Budget from the American Bankers Association

The key to a good budget is including as much information as you can, so that you can adequately prepare and plan. It’s important to keep accurate records of your spending so you’ll spot places where you can save money and know how much you can reasonably spend.

What is your current income? The first step in creating a budget is to total all of your

income, or money coming. We recommend you do this on a monthly basis. Include only your take home pay (this is your salary minus taxes and deductions). Your income may also include tips, child support, investment income, etc.

What are your monthly expenses? Next, you’ll need to track your expenses, or money going out. Some of your bills will vary from month-to-month, so use a monthly average. For example, if your cell phone is $45 one month and $55 the next, estimate $50 per month. For annual bills, divide the yearly cost by 12 for a monthly figure.

How much of your income should be spent? Rent or mortgage payments plus

your credit obligations – should not exceed 35 to 40 percent of gross monthly income.

The amount you owe on credit cards, monthly car payment, student loans and other monthly payments should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of your take-home pay.

Put it in writing. Document and categorize your expenses. Tally up everything you spend money on. Don’t forget your daily coffee or snacks. Those can add up quickly!

Do the math. The last step in creating your budget is to total all of your expenses and Mike Cheatham shows attendees at Show Me the Money Days held on the campuses at Wayne County Community College last April how to put together a budget, review expenses, plan to save, review credit and work on financial empowerment.

subtract them from your total income.

Courtesy of American Bankers Association; ABA.com

2020 Java & Jazz Series Update

Due to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of patrons and staff, the Detroit Public Library has postponed the Comerica Bank Java and Jazz 2020 concert season, which was originally scheduled to occur from March-July.

The health of patrons and staff is of the utmost concern and postponing this year’s concert series adheres to the guidelines of social distancing and current executive orders issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

This long-standing series has been a cornerstone in the Detroit community for an incredible 20 years. The Java & Jazz series has featured widely recognized artists such as; award-winning vocalist, Kathy Kosins; the critically acclaimed vocalist, Naima Shamborguer; and Marcus Elliot, a saxophonist, composer and educator, who has performed and traveled with top performing artists like Talib Kweli.

For future updates on the Comerica Bank Java and Jazz series as well as all library activities and events, visit www.detroitpubliclibrary.org or following on social media.

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • April 15-21, 2020

Beware of Coronavirus Phishing Attacks

As coronavirus continues to dominate news headlines, more cybercriminals are developing new email phishing scams to profit from those who are vulnerable.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has led to fear and anxiety among the public, giving birth to a new subgenre of phishing attacks.

During the pandemic, cybercriminals have sent emails to unsuspecting users, posing as trusted entities such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These emails contain malicious links and attachments that, when clicked on or downloaded, can infect personal computers with all kinds of malware, from viruses to worms.

Once the malware is in the computer’s system, the hacker may be able to spy on activity, access financial records, freeze the system and even steal a person’s identity.

Whether it is a local natural disaster or a global pandemic, cybercriminals will send phishing emails to exploit people when they are most vulnerable. With bars and restaurants shut down, public events canceled and citizens practicing social distancing, it is no surprise that

For more information, visit the Comerica Fraud Scams Coronavirus (Covid-19) center at Comerica.com/fraud-center.html. hackers have been tailoring their latest phishing schemes around coronavirus.

PHISHING SCHEMES COMMON SIGNS

How to avoid becoming the victim of a phishing attack

Here are a few common signs that an email is actually part of a phishing scheme:

Upon receiving a questionable email, avoid clicking on any links included in the message or

KEEP CALM

■ The email does not include your name, and instead begins with a generic greeting like “Dear sir or madam.”

■ The text contains spelling and grammar errors.

■ The sender is requesting private information like your login credentials, Social Security number, etc.

■ The message is urging you to act immediately, whether that means clicking on a link or providing personal information.

and Avoid

Coronavirus Scams

Here are 5

things you can do to avoid a Coronavirus scam: Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits.

Scammers are selling products to treat or prevent COVID-19 without proof that they work.

Hang up on robocalls.

Scammers use illegal sales call to get your money and your personal information.

Watch out for phishing emails and text messages.

Don’t click on links in emails or texts you didn’t expect.

Research before you donate.

Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. Get tips on donating wisely at ftc.gov/charity.

Stay in the know.

Go to ftc.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on scams. Sign up to get FTC’s alerts at ftc.gov/subscribe.

If you see a scam, report it to Federal Trade Commission CB-258244-02 (3) COVID-19 Community Comerica Ad MM.pdf 1 4/8/2020 9:59:32 AM ftc.gov/complaint

download any attached files. Additionally, if the sender is requesting private information such as passwords or Social Security number, do not respond. Instead, delete the email.

As a good rule of thumb, never engage with any email unless 100% confident in the source.

Keep in mind that a legitimate organization, like an individual’s bank or employer, would never ask to send private information over email in the first place.

If there remains doubt on the authenticity of the email after deletions, the next best step is to connect with a representative from the organization in person or over the phone for more clarity.

Another way to avoid becoming the victim of a phishing attack is downloading antivirus software. These programs can detect and dismiss fake emails before they make it into your inbox.

In order to protect against phishing attacks, it is important to understand what they look like and how to act once you become a target.

To learn more about how to protect yourself, employees and loved ones against cyberattacks, utilize helpful resources such as the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov/phishing), American Bankers Association (aba.com/phishing) or reach out to a representative at your local financial institution.

At Comerica, we stand ready to help.

At Comerica Bank, the well-being of our customers, employees and communities is our priority. For over 170 years, we’ve been helping customers weather every economic climate. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an unprecedented impact on the businesses and the people in our communities, we stand ready to help.

Let us Raise Your Expectations® of what a bank can be in times like these.

®

RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. Comerica Bank NMLS ID: 480990

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Money.

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Marathon Petroleum Corporation Delivers for Healthcare and Local Communities Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by donating personal protective equipment to healthcare providers and contributing $1 million to the American Red Cross through Marathon Petroleum Foundation, Inc. To address the nationwide need, MPC donated more than 575,000 N95 respirator masks to 45 hospitals and other healthcare organizations in 20 states to help protect healthcare providers as they treat patients infected with COVID-19. The masks were from a supply MPC prepared years ago as part of its pandemic response plan.

In addition, the Marathon Petroleum Foundation’s $1 million donation to the American Red Cross will help supply critical resources necessary to safely provide disaster relief and support to those in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

“We are incredibly grateful for the selfless actions of doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers on the front lines of this pandemic, and we are grateful that we can make this contribution to their safety,” said MPC President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Hennigan. “Likewise, the American Red Cross provides vital services in the communities where we do business and throughout the nation, and we are proud to be part of their efforts through this donation from the Marathon Petroleum Foundation.”

Trevor Riggen, senior vice president of Disaster Services at the American Red Cross, said the relief organization responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year, and will continue to help people in need.

“Thanks to partners like the Marathon Petroleum Foundation, the Red Cross can continue to provide food, shelter and care to people impacted by disasters nationwide,” he said.

“We are extremely grateful for their support during this public health crisis.”

Self-Employed Relief: Apply For Federal Unemployment Now

By Alan Hunt The U.S. Dept of Labor reports that since March 15, more than 800,000 people in Michigan filed for unemployment, a more than 5,000 percent increase over that last three weeks. Michigan has seen a record number of claims for three consecutive weeks.

The current pandemic has had a significant impact on self-employed workers, gig workers, and 1099-independent contractors who now find themselves out of work.

Beginning April 13, they are now eligible to file for state and federal unemployment.

The recently passed CARES Act, which approved $2 trillion in emergency funding, includes federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Under PUA, workers can receive federal weekly payments in addition to state unemployment benefits. Michigan is one of the first states to start sending out federal payments.

“We will do everything we can to continue providing emergency financial assistance as quickly as possible to the Michigan working families who have lost income as a result of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer.

“Ensuring Michiganders have access to state and federal benefits during this pan-

demic is a critical part in protecting everyone’s health and safety.”

If you are a self-employed worker, gig worker, 1099-independent contractor or lowwage worker considering filing, here’s what you need to know: • All newly eligible workers will need to provide proof of income (W-2s, 1099 tax forms, pay stubs) to receive the maximum amount.

• If you previously applied for unemployment benefits and have been denied, login to your MiWAM account to complete the next steps. Creating a new claim delays benefits.

• Eligible workers will begin receiving their state benefit amount (paid with federal funds) and the $600 federal payment as early as April 20.

• Workers already collecting state unemployment benefits (up to $362) have begun receiving the $600 additional federal amount.

The Unemployment Insurance Agency guarantees every eligible worker who applies for unemployment benefits will receive them.

“We’re committed to making sure everyone who is eligible for unemployment as-

sistance receives their benefits as quickly as possible,” Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio said.

Starting on April 13, online applications will be available. Considering the high demand, last names beginning with letters A-L file claims on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Last names beginning with letters M-Z file claims on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday. Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

Apply online at michigan.gov/UIA In addition to PUA, the CARES Act also makes provision for direct stimulus payments for Americans, as previously reported by the Michigan Chronicle.

There are additional COVID-19 related financial assistance services available.

The city of Detroit has created a multi-million dollar small business fund and TechTown is also offering aid for small business owners.

Additionally, Fifth Third Bank is offering deferral and fee waiving programs.

For a complete comprehensive guide of COVID-19 resources, visit https://michiganchronicle.com/category/covid-19/resources/.

Protecting Your Financial Health in These Uncertain Times With expected delays in bill payments, unprecedented layoffs, hiring freezes and related hardships, many Americans are facing new financial challenges.

help you protect your financial health in these uncertain times. For example, Experian is hosting a series of #CreditChat conversations surrounding COVID-19 on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. ET on Twitter. The program covers important personal finance topics. The next several #CreditChats will be dedicated to items like methods and strategies for bill repayment, paying down debt, emergency financial assistance and preparing for retirement during COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has impacted all industries and individuals from all walks of life,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian. “With all of these rapid changes, you might not be thinking about how your credit report may be impacted yet, but you likely will soon.”

As you adapt to life in this unprecedented time, the experts at Experian are sharing strategies and resources for protecting your financial health and credit history.

• Check your credit report.

While checking your credit report regularly is always a good idea, this is especially true now. You can get a free copy of your report from Experian every 30 days with a free account.

In addition, you can get a free credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies annually by visiting annualcreditreport.com.

• Maintain your score. Making credit payments on time and in-full and keeping your utilization rate (balance-to-limit ratio) as low as possible are the best

ways to maintain your credit score. At a maximum, you should try to keep your credit card balances below 30 percent in total and for each individual card. For many reasons, maintaining these habits might not be possible right now. However, paying your minimum monthly payments and anything additional you can afford will go a long way.

• Talk to your lenders. Keep in mind, lenders don’t want you to fall behind on your payments any more than you do. If you’re facing trouble making monthly payments, contact your lender or creditor. They may have options for helping you cope with COVID-19-related financial hardships. For example, lenders can place your accounts in forbearance or deferment for a

period of time.

• Use credit as a financial tool.

While debt is a problem, credit can be a financial tool that can help improve your overall financial health in the long run. As always, avoid making rash decisions when it comes to credit and your financial health.

• Check out resources. Use new educational resources that can

You can also visit Experian’s blog post, “COVID-19 and Your Credit Report,” for updated information pertaining to how COVID-19 may impact your creditworthiness.

Additionally, the “Ask Experian” blog shares immediate and evolving resources on its COVID-19 Updates page. To obtain a free Experian credit report and other free services, enroll at Experian.com.

While staying safe and healthy should be everyone’s number one priority, it is also important to protect your financial health at the same time. Be sure to leverage all the resources available to you that can help you emerge from this crisis in good financial standing.

– (StatePoint)

April 15-21, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6

Cannabis and Cannabis-Related Business ­Experiencing Unprecedented Demand During the COVID-19 Pandemic COVID-19 has not affected all industries and businesses equally, with some experiencing a huge spike in sales during the pandemic. Cannabis is just one of the markets that have seen sales surge with more Americans staying home and sparking up.

To the Cloud Vapor Store (an online retailer that sells cannabis vaporizers) has experienced a 75 percent growth in sales over the last three weeks, with a 200 percent increase in sales to metropolitan areas under mandatory quarantine, such as New York and San Francisco.

New to working from home? Here are some tips

By Chida Rebecca Editor-in-Chief, Black & Magazine

With more time spent sitting inside more people are smoking and ­drinking. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) Tyler Browne, the owner of To the Cloud Vapor Store attributes this to a few factors: With more time spent sitting inside more people are smoking and drinking.

Cannabis dispensaries remain open, but smoke shops are closed. Online retailers who sell goods such as cannabis vaporizers — products that many would otherwise purchase at local smoke shops, are being bought online.

Cannabis vaporizers emit much less of an odor compared to the conventional consumption methods of smoking.

This permits someone inside on quarantine to smoke without worrying about stinking up their apartment complex or house with kids.

To the Cloud Vapor Store offers rentals and lifetime buybacks, which allow customers to return their vaporizer after use. We have seen a vast amount of inquiries about renting a vaporizer to use in quarantine.

The idea of working from home has always been a glamorized one. Rolling out of bed whenever you’d like, sitting poolside with your favorite drink at noon. Man! That sounds like a day anyone would enjoy. Especially if you find yourself working for a company that you may not particularly like physically going to. In the last few weeks, we’ve seen corporations big and small come to a major halt due to COVID-19. Businesses have essentially locked their doors and are requiring employees to work from home. While some may have been excited, others are realizing that working from home is not for everyone.

I grew up in a family business and was accustomed to working for long hours at my desk. I had an innate discipline that helped me stay glued to my seat and maybe a little too much. But as times changed and opportunities arose for me to work from home, I realized that I had to implement some different habits at home than that of my former office space. For those of you that are new to “working from home,” here are a few tips I’ll share with you to help you in your transition.

Pick a Designated Work Area When I started working from home, I thought I could sit on my bed, spread out documents and my laptop and have at it. Well, I soon found that I would start off sitting up, legs crossed and attentive, then progressively move into a slouched position, followed by a full-on fetal position with complete attention

Voice of the Community at your fingertips. michiganchronicle.com

on the television while my computer and papers were strewn off to the edge of the bed. Talk about a reality check.

After being in denial about the obvious distractions, I opted to get an actual desk with a chair and sit there. I went from papers all over the house to everything being in one central location. The desk and chair in a designated part of the house started me off with the structure I need to work efficiently.

Structure Your Time This is a must. Try to keep the same hours you had when you were physically going to work. Working from home can be one of the biggest distractions there is. From the television to the kitchen to the laundry and even YOUR BED! These are all things that will beg for your attention during the times you should be working. When I first started working from home, my house seemed magical. It just had a different feeling on Wednesday at 11 am than a Saturday or Sunday at 11 am did. If you don’t structure your time you won’t get anything done. The great thing about going to work is that your office was, for the most part, a space designated purely for work. It pretty much shaped how you worked and to what degree. Your home is usually considered a place for rest and relaxation – a place you escape to. So, understand your brain is going to need some slight rewiring and some patience.

Take Your Breaks ‘In the workforce, breaks are mandated. According to Psychology Today, “A ‘break’ is a brief cessation of work, physical exertion, or activity. You

decide to give it a rest with the intention of getting back to your task within a reasonable amount of time.” Did you know that sitting for long periods of time is said to put you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity? Simply stepping away from your desk and taking a walk, stretching or some form of activity can reduce the negative effects of too much sitting. If you have other individuals in the house, taking breaks affords you the opportunity to connect with them and shift your mind from any stressful thinking you may be engaged in.

Create an End Time Knowing when to start working is just as important as knowing when to stop. When I initially started working from home, I found that when I got into a good flow, it was hard to stop. So, I wouldn’t. I would sit from 7 am until 11 pm at times with minimal breaks. I was determined to ride out the wave of productivity, sometimes working beyond midnight. My dad would always encourage me not to work past the midnight hour because I was cheating myself out of the next day. He was right. Pushing yourself beyond an established cut off point can lead to burnout quickly. Ultimately, it’s about setting boundaries with yourself. Give it your all within the time allotted and then stop. Put all your focus and energy into the hours you set, the same way you did when you physically clocked in at work.

When you’re done – then you’re done.

Save work for the next day. There will ALWAYS be something to do. Time is the one thing we cannot replace. Remember to unplug and regroup.

Viewpoint Michigan Chronicle

A Real Times Media Newspaper

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

April 1st has come and gone and meeting routine financial obligations such as mortgage/rent, student loans and utility bills are becoming challenging for millions of Americans who find themselves without a paycheck due to the COVID-19 PanAnthony O. Kellum demic.

Not sure which way to turn? Scared?

Overwhelmed? First start out by making a list and at the top of your list should be the things you need most, according to experts.

Typically, your mortgage and rent are at the top of your list. But nothing is typical these days. In some states for instance in California and New York a moratorium on evictions has been enacted. So, in New York, no eviction warrants will be issued for 90 days. Foreclosures are also on pause.

In the state of Michigan, eviction actions have been suspended. What this means is: Governor Whitmer’s order suspends eviction unless the tenant poses a “risk to another person or an imminent and severe risk to property.”

Columbia University’s law clinic compiled a spreadsheet of eviction policies by city and state. View this link for details.https://docs.google.com/ spreadsheets/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vTH8 d U I b f n t 3 X 5 2 Tr Y 3 d E H Q CAm60e5nqo0Rn1rNCf15dPGeXxM9QN9UdxUfEjxwvfTKzbCbZxJMdR7X/ pubhtml?urp=gmail_link The rules differ from state-to-state, and it is beneficial to determine which rules apply to you and your situation and then have a discussion with your lender or landlord.

As you probably know in late March Congress passed a stimulus package providing a moratorium on federally backed mortgage loans depending on your situation for 60 or 180 days. View this link for detailed information. https://www.consumerbankers.com/ sites/default/files/CARES%20Act%20 Analysis%203.25%209.12%20pm_1.pdf There is help out there…but it won’t come to you.

If you are unsure about if you can pay your mortgage, you should call your lender and explain your situation. Once you make that call, there are a number

of options available on a bank-by-bank basis; the options range from grace periods, delaying payments or making late payments. But if you are able ~ you should keep up with your bills.

The recent stimulus passed by Congress also provides for a $1200 check for individuals and $2400 for married couples. The amount you will receive is based on your marital status and your adjusted gross income. For an in-depth look at who qualifies and the requirements, check out this link: https://www. cnbc.com/2020/03/25/congress-to-sendtaxpayers-1200-checks-in-the-wake-ofcoronavirus.html Utility companies are offering relief and even Comcast said they will not disconnect your internet during this time of uncertainty. Also, many cell phone companies such as Verizon announced they will not suspend service and will do away with late fees for customers who are suffering due to the global crisis.

Again, reach out to your various creditors and inquire, most companies are empathetic and want to lessen your stress levels, the main thing is to determine who is offering leniency during this time of necessity. Being proactive is a great way to determine who should be at the top of your list of what needs to be paid now.

If you have federal student loans, there is not a downside to taking the coronavirus forbearance since interest will not accrue on your debt due to the pandemic which unfortunately has led to job loss and economic turmoil nationwide. As part of the bill passed by Congress, lenders must stop all payments for federally held student loans. For more information on this see the below link. https://www.buzzf eednews.com/ article/sarahmimms/coronavirus-bill-ends-student-loan-payments-interest-6 Above all else, be certain to have money for groceries, medication and other necessities before you spend money you are unable to get back.

“We tend to be quick to forget how great we are at overcoming difficulties in our lives” Unknown If you have any question just give me a call personally! Interest rates are historically low. Now is the perfect time to do a cash out refinance for debts consolidation etc.

Anthony O. Kellum, Speaker, Author and TV Host NMLS # 1267030 President of Kellum Mortgage, LLC NMLS #145445.

Connect with me on Facebook at: www. facebook.com/propertyispower. O: 248599-1624 E: anthony@kellumortgage. com Anthony O. Kellum; Empowering Communities Through Homeownership.

Access to credit and serving distressed communities remains my chief focus.

COVID-19 — Even During a Killer Pandemic Trump Tests Positive for Racism

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

On March 23, standing at the podium in the White House Briefing Room, President Trump was asked whether or not using the term “Chinese virus” when referring to COVID-19 pandemic was racist or was inspiring recent violence against Asians.

“It’s not racist at all. It comes from China, that’s why,” Trump said to punctuate the point.

President Trump’s press briefings on COVID-19 are carried by millions and in multiple appearances the President referred to COVID-19 as “the Chinese virus.”

A reporter asked, “Do you think, using the term ‘Chinese virus’, that puts Asian-Americans at risk, that people might target them?”

“No, not at all,” Trump answered. “I think they probably would agree with it, 100 percent. It comes from China,” he added. The President’s press briefings on the COVID-19 crisis is viewed by millions.

Many political observers have pointed out that labelling the virus this way will only increase tensions between the two countries and encourage xenophobia.

President Trump has a long history of racism, racist comments and targeted words against almost every group that is not white Anglo-Saxon protestant.

Asian-Americans have reported incidents of racial slurs and physical abuse over the perception that China caused COVID-19.

Racism against Asian Americans has surged as the coronavirus sweeps the U.S., with reports of hate crimes averaging approximately 100 per day, according to Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.).

On television on March 31, Chu discussed the increased violence against Asians in the U.S. and confirmed that, “at least 1,000 hate crimes incidents being reported against Asian Americans” after the pandemic hit the U.S. “The FBI assesses hate crime incidents against Asian Americans likely will surge across the United States, due to the spread of coronavirus disease … endangering Asian American communities,” read a report compiled by the FBI’s Houston office and sent to local law enforcement across America.

“The FBI makes this assessment based on the assumption that a portion of the US public will associate COVID-19 with China and Asian American populations.”

On March 27, the FBI warned of a surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans because of coronavirus. On March 30, several members of Congress spoke out to address the issue and bring more attention to the FBI’s findings. Legislators included Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Grace Meng (D-NY).

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

Ashes And Rubble

Property Is Power We are living in unprecedented times and if it seems like no matter where you turn your not getting the answers you need. In fact, the more you hear about mortgage relief, the more confused you become…well do not fret because you are not alone! I get calls almost daily with people from all walks of life wondering “…where do I go from here?”

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997

CONTACT US 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • (313) 963-8100 e-mail: newsdesk@michronicle.com

April 15-21, 2020 | Page A-7

In Time of Need: Where Should I Turn

AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

Unless you have serious psychological issues, you recognize the grave danger the COVID-19 pandemic poses for our global community.

This is a time of great loss. The worst tragedies are the loss of our loved ones.

And in addition to these heartbreaks, we also must bear the simultaneous catastrophes of the loss of income, the destabilization of our families and the destruction of whatever marginal security we may have had.

Because COVID–19 is going to leave communities around the world in ashes and rubble – financially, socially and emotionally – it is extremely important that we, as people of color, stay strong and focused.

This murderous virus does not discriminate based on race or Oscar H. Blayton economic status, but the social structures under which we live leave some of us more exposed than others to its dangers. And facts, borne out by data, show that people of color and the poor are dying of the virus at a rate disproportionate to our percentage of the general population.

In the midst of this pandemic, it is not easy to see clearly all the circumstances contributing to the misery we now suffer. Amid the scramble to survive, we are left with little time to reflect on why it is killing African Americans and other people of color faster than wealthy white people. As in the fog of war, the fog of crisis narrows our focus on the enemy directly in front of us from moment to moment. And it takes critical analysis to understand why this is happening to us.

The answer to this question also reveals why whites generally live longer than people of color: We live in different worlds.

This might be an extraordinary thing to say if it was not for the reality of environmental racism.

Environmental racism creates different worlds for different people. It created the toxic water crisis in Flint, Mich.

It is one reason Puerto Rico has not fully recovered more than two years after Hurricanes Irma and Maria left it devastated in 2017. And for years after New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward was flooded

by Hurricane Katrina, its rehabilitation was neglected because of environmental racism. These tragedies, which never would have been tolerated in predomi-

nantly white and wealthy communities, are only a few examples of environmental racism. Interstate highways and exchanges cut through predominantly Black urban areas. Many urban areas populated by people of color are classified as food deserts by the federal government. And in a 1987 study titled “Toxic Waste and Race in the United States,” the United Church of Christ’s Commission for Racial Justice found that “indeed, race has been a factor in the location of commercial hazardous waste facilities in the United States.”

Those facilities have been deliberately located in and near communities of color, resulting in a disproportionate number of individuals having their health compromised and being more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus.

For people of color, our fight for survival must be fought on multiple fronts, and now COVID-19 has opened yet another one.

We should not despair, however, over the dangerous road ahead. Instead, we should take a lesson from our ancestors, many of whom suffered slavery or oppressive colonialism in times past. The generations that emerged from under these evils to educate themselves and their children while building lives, communities and institutions in the face of racism set an example for us to follow.

We must support and rely on each other while demanding fair treatment from a reluctant government. Threats to our health and welfare have always been compounded by social injustice. And so it is with this COVID-19 pandemic.

With one arm we must shield ourselves and our communities from encroachments and threats like pandemics and, with our other arm, we must wield the sword of justice to eliminate public policy inequities born of racism and notions of white superiority and then inflicted upon us.

Our greater vulnerability to COVID-19 is the result of conscious and deliberate decisions by policy makers under the influence of racial bigotry and belief in white superiority. It is not enough for us to beat back this deadly virus.

We also must also strategize and work to eliminate those injustices that make us the most vulnerable in its path. And we must work with those who recognize these injustices in order to tackle these problems collectively.

Out of the ashes and rubble of this worldwide tragedy we must build a new and more just world.

Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia.

Save Black Lives from COVID-19

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

With evidence growing that shows African Americans disproportionately affected by the novel coronavirus, just nine states and the District of Columbia have released a racial breakdown of those diagnosed with the disease.

Concerned health experts, members of the U.S. Congress, and civil rights organizations have ramped up their call for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to provide a detailed report.

“We know that there’s a disproportionate rate of infections and death nationwide,” Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.) stated in a conference call with the Black Press of America represented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) on Tuesday, April 7.

“It’s happening in all of our [African American] communities nationwide. We feel that it’s an emergency that needs to be addressed right away, and, importantly, we need data, and the CDC is not compiling data,” Bass added.

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), the chair of the CBC’s Health Braintrust, agreed that statistics along racial lines are vital.

“The data already released shows troubling trends for African Americans that must be addressed to ensure public health,” Kelly stated.

African Americans makeup about 18 percent of the population in Michigan but account for approximately 40 percent of coronavirus-related deaths, according to Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Michigan).

“I am speaking as just one part of the major piece of concern, and that’s the alarming way in how this pandemic is having an impact on our Black community,” Lawrence said.

“We are the number one target for this disease. We have pre-existing conditions, and yet we’re told to go home when we visit the emergency room. We know that there must be some form of regulation in place for testing and getting testing sites and equipment into the community,” Lawrence added.

A published report this week noted that the Louisiana Department of Health

revealed that 70 percent of coronavirus deaths in the state are African American, despite Black people making up just 32 percent of the population.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, African Americans reportedly accounted for nearly half of coronavirus cases and more than 80 percent of deaths related to the disease.

“I have seen in my waiting room mostly Black and Brown patients who are essential workers and service workers who can’t afford to stay home,” Uche Blackstone, the CEO of Advancing Health Equity, told The Hill.

“These are the ones that I see presenting to the clinic with COVID-19 symptoms,” Blackstone stated.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) led a group from congress recently in demanding that the federal government release data about racial disparities in America’s response to the pandemic.

Pressley said she and her colleagues made clear in the letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar that the government is failing to collect and publicly report on the racial and ethnic demographic information for coronavirus tests and patients.

“Without demographic data, policymakers and researchers will have no way to identify and address ongoing disparities and health inequities that risk accelerating the impact of the novel coronavirus and the respiratory disease it causes,” the letter said.

“Although COVID-19 does not discriminate along racial or ethnic lines, existing racial disparities and inequities in health outcomes and health care access may mean that the nation’s response to preventing and mitigating its harms will not be felt equally in every community.”

Dr. Ebony Hilton and Dr. Taison Bell, of the Virginia Medical School, have publicly demanded the release of racial data surrounding the virus.

“Release the data,” stated Dr. Hilton, who continuously posts that message on social media sites like Twitter.

“We see in states that aren’t reporting on racial demographics that there’s been a surge in patients dying from respiratory distress and respiratory failure,” Dr. Bell stated.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • April 15-21, 2020

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

Comerica Spotlight on Success:

Kimberly Alexander

For Kimberly Alexander, every day on the job includes a bit of risky business. You see, Alexander is a Risk and Compliance analyst in the Comerica Bank Wealth Management Risk Department.

Kimberly Alexander

If that sounds like a position with lots of responsibility, it is.

Alexander says she’s responsible for “performing complex duties related to supporting the Wealth Management operations and technology efforts by guiding Wealth Management administration.”

That’s the short answer. A fuller description of her job duties includes: • Completing deliverables related to federal and state regulatory exams, internal audits, external audits and enterprise-level controls • Participating in division-wide projects working with other group members to streamline and improve existing risk management and compliance processes • Conducting and report results of compliance testing across the department.to reflect if national policies and procedures are being followed.

• Acting as the point of contact for internal client inquiries, issues and requests relating to regulations that affect Banker/Lending Assistant process/procedures.

After 22 years at Comerica, Alexander says what she loves most about her job is “meeting and working with new contacts throughout the organization.”

Tigers Opening Day Celebrated with

She says landing in the banking industry occurred by “happenstance,” as she didn’t really see herself pursuing a career in that industry.

Although, as Alexander tells it, she started in the Check Services Department. She worked her way through several different positions over the years, eventually earning a job in the Comerica Trust Department, which led her to her current position.

#TigersOpeningStay Campaign Although Detroiters could not participate in the city-wide Opening Day celebration, Comerica Bank ensured fans could still share their Tigers pride from home.

Fans were invited to dress in their favorite Tigers gear, snap a photo and share it on social media with the hashtag #TigersOpeningStay, so everyone could come together and celebrate the event virtually.

The fans did not disappoint – some posted fun photos in Tigers apparel, others played a few games of baseball in the backyard, memories and photos were shared from past seasons, and some even dressed up their fur friends for the occasion.

can’t deny that our city loves the Tigers and its Comerica Park, and we can’t wait to be together soon.

The #TigersOpeningStay social campaign to spread the message to about the importance of staying home originated as an extension of the bank’s ongoing Detroit’s Biggest Fan Contest, where Comerica is searching for Detroit’s most passionate sports fan. Fans can show their support on social media via #DetroitsBiggestFan or by uploading their favorite fan photos on Detroitsbiggestfan.com.

“Our goal for the #TigersOpeningStay campaign was to bring all the fans together, share their love for the Tigers and remind everyone to stay home and stay safe,” said Josh Anderson, Comerica Bank vice president and retail brand strategy manager. “We’re glad everyone had fun and shared their pride. It really shows the passion and unity of Detroit and Tigers fans alike.”

Support even came from the two of the Tigers’ downtown neighbors—the Lions and Red Wings.

It’s safe to say that nothing stops Detroit’s pride for the Tigers! We

Kimberly Alexander volunteers at Crossroads Soup Kitchen in Detroit “My continuous quest for knowledge and understanding of how clients maintain long term wealth management piqued my interest,” Alexander explained. “I also worked consistently with the Trust Compliance trust advisors, gaining knowledge regarding trusts and how they function, in that, some regulations must be followed to maintain trust. A position became available, and I joined the Wealth Management Risk team, making the Trust Department one of my clients.”

While the graduate of Central Michigan University has faced and overcame many challenges in her professional life, the one that stands out is her successful effort to streamline a time-consuming process. It involved manually collecting more than 300 employee reports, documenting their quarterly personal securities transactions.

Red Wings supported #TigersOpeningStay on social media with a post featuring center Dylan Larkin and Tigers mascot Paws, who donned the winged wheel red jersey.

Comerica shared the message to stay safe at on Facebook with a collection of #TigersOpeningStay photos.

She worked with a colleague to develop a system to collect and access the reports electronically, noting, “The same database would allow me to track and confirm receipt of their submissions within the ten-day regulatory requirement following each quarter-end. The report could be easily accessed by my risk management team when requested by auditors and regulators for review.”

Outside of her important and far-flung duties, Alexander enthusiastically volunteers her time through Comerica Cares and especially enjoys helping at the Crossroads Soup Kitchen in Detroit. There, she prepares lunches and works with Junior Achievement – an organization that has been important to her since high school.

“Just as someone was kind enough to show me the way, this is my way of giving back to the community – by helping to provide the students with a valuable experience when it comes to managing their own finances in life,” said Alexander.

Her advice for anyone hoping to improve their career and life? “Always be open to learn and seek out new information and be agile.”

Hobbies: Reading, cooking, and some traveling.

Goals: Alexander is currently working towards obtaining Certified Fiduciary Investment Risk Specialist (CFIRS) certification.

For more information on how Comerica colleagues are giving back to our community, visit The Tigers closest neighbor, the Detroit Lions, helped reinforce the message to stay safe and stay home with a Twitter post that generated approximately 2,000 engagements.

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | April 15-21, 2020

michiganchronicle.com

Isolation Graduation 2020:

Celebrate Your Commencement and Prom Virtually The Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has ended several year-end celebrations for high school students across the state. Many of those are high school seniors whose longawaited proms and graduations have been cancelled due to the rapid spread of the virus, causing a state of emergency shut down. Local non-profit, Mostyn Community Development (MCD) is fighting back with their innovative spirit by providing a virtual prom and graduation for students throughout the state to attend – free of charge.

Mostyn Community Development’s focus is to build and nurture relationships with young people encouraging them to promote social awareness, interpersonal skills, leadership, critical thinking and reassert a sense of pride in their community. MCD specializes in providing service and assistance

for academic enrichment to students deemed at-risk/underprivileged and special needs. During this time, Program Director Raphael Mostyn wants to utilize current circumstances to continue the traditions in a way that no one has ever experienced before.

“I want to create an opportunity to still attend life’s very special moments although our current circumstances are unfortunate,” said Mostyn, “this is a very difficult time for our students because they worked so hard to get to this point, only to have it taken away due to uncontrollable circumstances.” The virtual graduation and prom will be held via Facebook Watch and will include a live DJ, guest speaker, and a virtual tour guide. Registration is free and includes a free T-shirt to the first 100 students who register to attend. T-shirts are also available for purchase and all proceeds will go toward scholarship recipients.

The live “Michigan High School Virtual Prom” will take place on May 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. and the “Michigan High School Virtual Graduation” will be June 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. All interested individuals and parties are encouraged to register to ensure that they are properly acknowledged during the live virtual broadcast. Participants are also highly encouraged to signup for Facebook to ensure access via Facebook Watch. For more information and to register, visit 2020is. live or email admin@mcdimpact.com.

d i o v A o T s y a 5W

Isolation

Temptation

W

hen the rulebook gets torn up and the world seems to lose all balance, it’s natural to feel lost at sea – even in your own home. It’s times like these when we look to food, alcohol, or other temptations to help us feel better and more comfortable. But to get through these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we maintain healthy long-term habits and curb the temptation.

1. Create a new routine – It’s per-

fectly natural that you’ll want to stay in bed a bit longer, and maybe you’re tempted to stay in your PJs for a day or two, but don’t let it get out of hand whereby you’re living out of your bedroom! Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. That means getting up at normal times, get showered and dressed in daytime clothes, eat meals at normal times, and make time for all those exercise and hobbies that you’ve never had time for before. Doing so will provide you with a structure and a sense of purpose. That way you’ll feel less

Ways 5 To Maintain

Gray Your

During Isolation

1. Regular eye mascara – using regular eye mascara to cover your greys is a great little hairdresser’s trick. You just need to ensure that the color will match your natural base.

Something to note though – the eye mascara will be sticky and may take a longer time to wash it out, so only use this if necessary.”

2. Touch-up wand – if you can get hold of a Touch-up wand from your local chemist/ supermarket, they are easy to apply and the most practical option for making quick touchups throughout the day. An additional bonus is that they are often waterproof, so you can rely on it to keep your grey hairs out of sight even if it’s raining or humid outside.

tempted to develop unhelpful behaviors and bad habits during this challenging period.

2. Accept the situation – losing con-

trol of your destiny is a hard pill to swallow and can send your mood spiraling.

But the sooner you choose to accept that you have no control of anything except your own reactions, the better. Taking back control of how you feel, what you do and think, and how you spend your time will help you avoid finding comfort by less helpful means.

3. Don’t be too hard on yourself

– no one is perfect despite what you see and read on social media. Don’t be fooled by anyone, or try and copy anyone else, just do what works for you and when you don’t achieve what you wanted to achieve, don’t be too tough on yourself, just aim for a better tomorrow.

It’s about not getting into the habit of rewarding or punishing yourself with food or other stimulants either, just enjoy them in moderation as you normally do.

4. Share your worries – it’s good

to talk – if you’re concerned about how you’re feeling, talk it out. You might not be able to see a close friend or family member in person, but a video call or just a message will be enough to help you get things off your chest and help you think more clearly. If you sense your mood is spiraling downwards, catch it before it crashes, ring for professional help from a coach, a mentor, a counselor, or a therapist, and don’t forget in the event this lockdown is just too much for you, then please call the Samaritans in total confidence, you are not alone!

5. Lend a helping hand – if you’re

able to, become a volunteer. What a wonderful legacy to say you that you were there and did some good in this challenging period! You might be able to bring light and hope to someone else in self-isolation with a phone call, or by doing a good deal, getting someone’s shopping or prescription assuming you’re allowed out, it’s all about making good use of your time and if you’re someone who cannot work, then find other ways to use your time effectively.

If you can’t get to the salon for your regular hair color treatment, don’t panic! There are some clever hacks that can tide you over and hide your greys, whilst still being safe for your hair and low on cost. Here’s 5 ways to hide your greys when you can’t make a trip to the salon.

3. Avoid sleek looks – ponytails, French braids and straight blow dries will show your greys more. Anything that will pull your hair to reveal your roots should be avoided if you can. Don’t be afraid to mix in accessories too, cute sun hats, scarfs, or caps will work well for a ‘lockdown chic’ look.

4. Wash your hair more frequently – if you want to hide your greys, wash your hair more frequently than usual. Volume will help too – create extra oomph by using volumizing products and using a special routine. Start by drying your hair with your head upside down, massage the roots in small circle whilst doing this so that your roots are lifted form your scalp.”

5. Style your hair curly – curls are your allies when it comes to hiding your greys.

Using a zigzag parting will hide the straight line that could show them off. The more style you put on your hair the easier it will be to hide the greys.

Wearing your mane this way will attract the eyes to focus on a different area of your hair.”

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • April 15-21, 2020

Motown Museum’s Motown DJ Dance Party Expands to Every Friday Night With traditional nightlife currently on pause, Motown Museum is bringing the party to your home every Friday night. The Motown DJ Dance Party will feature Detroit’s own DJ Rue mixing your favorite Motown songs and streams live on Motown Museum’s Instagram channel (@motownmuseum). Throughout the 1-hour stream, DJ Rue will shout out fans and alumni who join in—promising a good time for all.

City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets

LIFE STYLE

New Detroit Coloring Book Makes for Great Quarantine Craft

and Life Meets

We are several weeks into quarantine now, and you may be in search of new ways to occupy time indoors. After all, there are only so many Netflix suggestions, books and board games. The Detroit River Conservancy is here to help.

The Detroit Parks Coloring Book has been developed in partnership with the Belle Isle Conservancy, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), Eastern Market and the City of Detroit.

Many beloved public spaces throughout Detroit will be featured including:

In Print & Online

michiganchronicle.com

The art in the Detroit Parks Coloring Book are original illustrations created by the team at 313 Creative, a Detroit-based strategic planning and de-

A mortgage built for you, because we’re close to you.

sign firm located in Eastern Market.

So, in a time where things may seem bleak and gray, why not add a little color?

That’s the power of the Human Interest Rate.

■ Belle Isle Aquarium ■A nna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

TM

Flagstar Bank is in your neighborhood, so we understand your unique needs when it comes to financing a home:

■D equindre Cut along the riverfront ■S hed 3 at Eastern Market

• Low to no down payment mortgage options • Specialty area grant and gift programs • Down payment assistance available*

■ Campus Martius Park “Detroit has amazing parks,” said Mark Wallace, president & CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

“These parks bring us together to exercise, find peace by interacting with nature, and gather as a community.”

Visit flagstar.com/welcomehome or call 877- 667- 6159

Each Tuesday from April 14 through May 26, two new images will be released and available to download, print and color at detroitriverfront.org/ coloringdetroitparks.

The book was originally designed for kids, but all are encouraged to share their masterpieces by tagging the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy on social media using #ColoringDetroitParks. Coloring has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety according to beaumont. org.

Archway Publishing (From Simon & Schuster)

NEEKA AND THE SQUIRREL HIGHWAY

by Charlie Wes Harris Illustrations by Daniel Majan Children’s book – Easy Reader Peer Reviewed

Get your weekly home delivery of the

Michigan Chronicle Subscribe Today!

Call (313) 963-5522

Website: www.charliewesharris.com Book Trailer Video: accessible on website To order: visit website or Amazon, e-Bay, B&N Price: $14.99

The power of the Human Interest Rate.™

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

Down payment assistance and gift funds have limited availability. Some restrictions may apply. All borrowers are subject to credit approval. Programs subject to change without notice. Underwriting terms and conditions apply.

*

201352_B_FSB_CRA_MichiganChronicle_5x10_v1.indd 1

4/7/20 10:33 AM

April 15-21, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page B-3

The Best Plant For Your Zodiac Sign

I

n times of isolation bringing some of nature’s goodness into your home can have many mental benefits. Houseplants can physical and mental health, while bringing life to your living space.

In fact, research from NASA claims houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxin with 24 hours. While nbcnews.com has revealed common houseplants can:

■ Improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%!)

■ Reduce stress levels ■ Boost mood Which makes houseplants perfectly suited to your home and your workspace (a double bonus for work from home jobs!)

This could explain the buzz on

social media too. There are over 3 million hashtags for “houseplant” on Instagram and more than 14,000 hashtags for “deskplant”. Proving indoor plants are a lifestyle – not just an accessory.

To help you find out which house plant is for you, the experts at FarawayFurniture.com decided to match a houseplant to the personality traits of each zodiac sign.

Sign: Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Houseplant: African Violets

Sign: Aries (March 21 – April 19) Houseplant: Calathea

Often chasing geographical, intellectual and spiritual adventures, those under the Sagittarius sign find a good match in African Violets. This houseplant is, after all, one of the most popular in the world and what’s more adventurous than that?

Calathea, also known as “Prayer Plants”, make a great fit for bold and ambitious rams. The rich mix of purple, green, pink and red leaves in a Calathea house plant put on a show, which is perfect for those under the Aries sign that love to feel like all eyes are on them!

Sign: Leo (July 23 – August 22) Houseplant: Yucca The woody stems and spikey leaves of the Yucca houseplant convey vivacity – just like a Leo! What’s more, Leo is a spirited fire sign known to bask in the sunlight, which mirrors this house plant. The recipe for a happy Yucca is sun, sun, and more sun.

Sign: Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) Houseplant: Guiana Chestnut Sign: Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Houseplant: Ponytail Palm The Ponytail Palm is perfect for those under the Taurus sign because bulls enjoy relaxing in serene, rustic environments. Fittingly, the slow-growing Ponytail Palm loves to bask in the sunlight and will thrive by a window.

Sign: Virgo (August 23 – September 22) Houseplant: Begonia Virgo is an earth sign that represents practical, perfectionist qualities. This suits Begonia. The perfect blooms of this house plant only require an occasional drink, and even less water in the winter. Begonia also comes in a variety of colours and patterns so don’t worry about a clash with décor!

Sign: Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Houseplant: Bromeliad Some say Geminis are so busy they need a clone in order to get everything done. The Bromeliad does exactly that! The long-lasting houseplant produces pups (or side shoots) that will replace the original plant.

Sign: Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Houseplant: Asparagus Fern Those under the Cancer sign effortless pick up energy, plus they are intuitive and tangible. Similarly, an Asparagus Fern can tolerate a change in energy and will adapt to both bright spots and darker corners.

Mythological Capricorns are experienced in navigating both the material and emotional realms, which makes the Guiana Chestnut (also known as a “Money Tree”) a perfect match. Many people believe the trunk braid and leaves of a money tree bring good luck and financial success, fitting the material realm. While the vibrancy of the houseplant will soothe any soul, fitting the emotional realm.

Sign: Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Houseplant: Air Plant Sign: Libra (September 23 – October 22) Houseplant: Peace Lily This sign is perfectly suited to the Peace Lily because Libra’s champion harmony and equilibrium.

This houseplant will detoxify its environment and look beautiful too, which will help to maintain balance at home. With enough light, the Peace Lily will also produce tranquil white and off-white flowers in the early summer and continue to bloom throughout the year.

Sign: Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) Houseplant:Cast-Iron Plant The Cast-Iron Plant mirrors the power of Scorpio; a sign that takes great strength from emotion. Surviving low light, poor quality soil and a wide range of temperatures, the Cast-Iron Plant is a formidable asset to the home.

Aquarius is a humanitarian sign, thought to be representative of a mystical healer. Fittingly, Air Plants are epiphytes, which means that in nature they grow on other plants – not in soil – breathing new life into everything they touch. Soak this houseplant in water for 2 or 3 hours every 10 days to help them flourish at home

Sign: Pisces (February 19 – March 20) Houseplant: Jade Plant The water sign Pisces reflects constant division between fantasy and reality and is therefore suited to South African native, the Jade Plant. If a Jade Plant doesn’t get enough water, it will become dormant. Once rehydrated it is generous in growth. This echoes the divisive nature of the Pisces sign.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • April 15-21, 2020

Well-renowned

Bishop P.A. (Phillip Aquilla) Brooks dies at 88

Well-renowned Pastor Bishop P.A. (Phillip Aquilla) Brooks, 88, died on April 9th, Brooks son announced on social media via Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dad, Bishop P.A. Brooks. Bishop Brooks was loved by many and we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that you all have shared with myself and the Brooks Family. Due to our great loss, we have received many phone calls. We appreciate your love and support but were asking if you would

Maggie Watson Sanders Maggie Watson Sanders was born in Columbia, South Carolina on October 26, 1922 to Bertha Camps and Ernest Watson. Named after her grandmother, Maggie Camps, she spent her childhood years in Columbia where she graduated from the famed Booker T. Washington High School with high honors. She attended Allen University where she graduated at the top of her class in the nursing program, and studied at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Maggie moved to Detroit, Michigan in the early 1940s and she soon married the love of her life, O’Neal Jack Sanders, Sr., before he was shipped overseas for Army duty during World War II. Maggie and O’Neal were blessed with four wonderful children, daughters Onita and Sandra, and sons O’Neal Jr. and Bruce.

Maggie was an extremely caring and compassionate head nurse for many years at Detroit’s Herman Keifer Hospital serving Detroiters in a generous and selfless manner. Maggie always put the needs of others ahead of herself. She stressed the value of education, and active participation in church, music, sports, and other activities to her children. Maggie was a voracious reader of books, newspapers, magazines, including her favorite spiritual readings of the Bible and Daily Word. Maggie was a deeply devoted Christian joining the church at a very young age and continued her bible studies her entire life. Even in her nineties, Maggie would read scriptures with the staff in her very caring Four Chaplains Nursing Home community, and was beloved by all who had the good fortune to be in her presence.

Maggie transitioned from this life very peacefully on the night of April 3, 2020. She was preceded from this earthly life by her loving husband O’Neal, Sr. after nearly 54 years of marriage, her precious daughter Sandra, and her wonderful sister Ernestine Brown. Maggie is survived by her daughter Onita, sons O’Neal, Jr. and Bruce, daughter-in-law Monice Hodges Sanders, grandsons Trooper Sanders and Chad Sanders, granddaughter Shannon Sanders and her husband Wesley Darden, great grandson Fox Darden, as well as many other family members and friends.

Maggie will always be remembered for her love, devotion, and spiritual guidance to her family, friends, and community. She will be interred with her beloved daughter Sandra at Woodlawn Cemetary in Detroit.

The Sanders family wishes to express their gratitude to the wonderful communities of the Fountains at Franklin Senior Community in Southfield, Michigan and Four Chaplains Nursing Center in Westland, Michigan and who were her loving communities for several years before her recent passing.

just please pray for us at this moment. Talking is difficult right now, but we will update and share with you all in the days to come. The Brooks Family love each and everyone of you and we’re just asking that you please keep us lifted in prayer.”

As First Assistant Presiding Bishop and Prelate of the Historic Northeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Michigan, Brooks had the distinction as the longest-serving General Board Member in the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. – spanning over 40 years. Brooks also was the first Chief Adjutant of our denomination, appointed by the late Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. Brooks was beloved and endeared throughout Christendom. Known as “Mr. Church Of God In Christ,” he ministered with dedication, devotion, and the spirit of excellence. He was the founder and pastor of the New St. Paul Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ for over 63 years. The longevity of his servitude extended from our founder, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason to our current Presiding Bishop, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulting in local and state restrictions on public gatherings to achieve social distancing, the Brooks family will hold a private memorial service. When the restrictions are lifted, a date will be set for a National Memorial Service that will appropriately recognize the godly life and notable achievements of Bishop Phillip Aquilla Brooks.

In Memory of Barbara Wilson After graduating from Prairie View A & M University in Texas, she moved to Detroit in 1962 where she met her husband, Porterfield, who was in the used car business. He was appointed the Pontiac dealer in Detroit in December 1970.

be their dealer in Ferndale which they accepted. Barbara Wilson was shown as the President and Dealer Operator on the sales and service agreement along with her husband as dealer principals. She managed the business on a day-to-day basis.

At that time, she was working in the accounting department of GM. But with the acquisition of Pontiac, the decision was made for her to join her husband and learn the business the ‘old-fashioned way, by doing it” - - doing anything and everything to make the business successful.

When Porterfield died in 1989, the Pontiac dealership was closed, and Barbara devoted her full attention to successfully managing Ferndale Honda, which she did until 1996. History will record Barbara Wilson as the first African-American woman to appear as a dealer principle in the automotive retail business.

During this period, they acquired GMC Truck. In March of 1979, the Wilson’s, were approached by Honda to

Barbara Wilson transitioned April 4, 2020.

Melvin D. Jefferson, Sr. Melvin D. Jefferson, Sr. first African American to serve as Fire Commissioner for the City of Detroit for 20 years, died peacefully in his home on Monday, April 6, 2020. He was 97.

Upon his arrival to Detroit from Philadelphia in 1946, Melvin Jefferson founded the Superior Beauty and Barber Supply which became one of the largest ethnic beauty and barber supply wholesale/retail in the United States despite the business being totally destroyed during the 1967 riots.

During its height, Superior Beauty and Barber Supply grew to over 50 full time employees and was one of Black Enterprises 100 top retail businesses. “He was able to aid and assist many persons in launching successful careers in the industry,” stated his son Attorney Melvin Jefferson, Jr. who worked side by side with his father as early as the age of 12. The company was sold after over forty years in existence.

In 1968, he was appointed to the Detroit Board of Fire Commissioners

by Mayor Cavanagh and served until 1974 when he was then appointed Fire

Commissioner for the City of Detroit, by the Honorable Mayor Coleman A. Young. During this time, there was a long history of racial discrimination in the hiring process and promotion in leadership positions for the Detroit Fire Department. There was only one minority personnel beyond the rank of fire fighter and less than three percent of the total ranks was minority.

He fought against these practices by establishing an affirmative action hiring plan that was legally challenged but upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of the United States. Upon his departure in 1994, over fifty two percent of the total ranks were minority with an enhancement in African American and Hispanic recruitment. Marvin Beatty, Vice President, Community and Public Affairs, Greektown Casino, recalls his personal and professional bond with Melvin Jefferson. “ My career in the Fire Department rising to Deputy Commissioner happened because this Man believed in me and my talent.” He was the longest serving Fire Commissioner in the history of Detroit.

Devoted to his community, he

served on nearly every campaign committee for prominent black political candidates in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, often times providing the seed money for these candidates. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP, former board member of the Detroit Urban League, United Negro College fund and the City of Detroit Police and Fire Retirement Systems. He was a founding member of the Detroit Rogues, a member of the Guardsmen and numerous other social organizations.

Melvin D. Jefferson, Sr. was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Helen, and daughter, Joyce Bearden. He was survived by his son, Melvin D. Jefferson, Jr., daughter-in-law, Honorable Patricia L Jefferson, son-in-law, James Bearden (Joyce), grandson, Melvin III, granddaughters Emily Daniels Mace (Alexander), Mia Jefferson and Piper Daniels, great grandchildren, Melvin IV, Eric, Milan, Emerie, Vivienne Emily and Vera Marguerite, sister, Diane Bradley, and a host of other family and friends.

A memorial service shall be held at a later date.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

— Revelation 21:4

Classified

April 15-21, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting quotes for Electrical Supplies.

Solicitation forms for RFQ Control No. 20-3110 may be obtained beginning April 15, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info. RFQ is due by 3:00 PM ET, May 13, 2020.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP for Multifunction Machines (copier/printer/scanners) Control No. 20-3142. RFP forms may be obtained beginning April 16, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info. RFP is due by 3:00 PM ET, May 13, 2020.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting quotes for Roof Inspection, Maintenance & Minor Repairs.

Solicitation forms for RFQ Control No. 20-3123 may be obtained beginning April 15, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info. RFQ is due by 3:00 PM ET, May 20, 2020.

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS AND ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK OF INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS AND THE RIGHT OF REFERENDUM RELATING THERETO PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Highland Park, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, intends to issue and sell its general obligation limited tax bonds pursuant to Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended, in an aggregate amount not to exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000), for the purpose of paying all or a portion of the costs of acquiring, constructing, installing, repairing and improving certain capital improvements in the City, including sinkholes, sanitary sewer conduits, sewer lining, and conducting a flow metering and CCTV study, together with all necessary interests in land, rights-of way, appurtenances and attachments thereto (the “Project”)

SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF BONDS THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS SHALL BE PAYABLE from the general funds of the City lawfully available for such purposes including property taxes levied within applicable constitutional, statutory and charter tax rate limitations.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Software Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Define SW security &security enhanced Android &Linux reqmts, design sys security protocols, dvlp, review, test, deploy, &maintain embedded infotainment SW in psgr vehicle Center Stack Module (CSM) incldg cameras, in C/C++, SELinux in C, Java &QNX languages, in Linux &QNX RTOS &Android OS, in Linux &Android frameworks, using Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, DOORS/RTC, ADB &VSpy tools, in neoVI FIRE, RAD-Moon/-Star HW, using Agile methodology. Assure CSM validates CAN comm. messages. Meet w/ UX design team for technical discussions. Dvlp, integrate, &test SW deliveries using Scrum dvlpmt model. Wrap original Android framework API to match infotainment framework interface. Master, Computer, Electrical, Software Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, defining SW reqmts &testing embedded infotainment SW in psgr vehicle CSM incldg cameras, in C/C++ or Java language, using Git, Gerrit, IBM RTC, ADB &VSpy tools, or related.

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BOND DETAILS SAID BONDS will be payable in annual installments not to exceed thirty (30) in number and will bear interest at the rate or rates to be determined at the time of sale to the Michigan Finance Authority but in no event to exceed the maximum rate permitted by law.

ADDITIONAL SECURITY FOR BONDS SOLD TO MICHIGAN FINANCE AUTHORITY BECAUSE THE BONDS WILL BE SOLD TO THE MICHIGAN FINANCE AUTHORITY, THE CITY MAY PLEDGE FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS MONEY RECEIVED OR TO BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY DERIVED FROM IMPOSITION OF TAXES BY THE STATE AND RETURNED OR TO BE RETURNED TO THE CITY AS PROVIDED BY LAW, except for money the use of which is prohibited for such purposes by the State Constitution.

The City may enter into an agreement providing for the payment of taxes, which taxes are collected by the State and returned to the City as provided by law, to the Michigan Finance Authority or a trustee, and such funds may be pledged for the payment of the bonds.

RIGHT OF REFERENDUM THE BONDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE ELECTORS UNLESS A PETITION REQUESTING SUCH A VOTE SIGNED BY NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS RESIDING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY IS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IF SUCH PETITION IS FILED, THE BONDS MAY NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT AN APPROVING VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS RESIDING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY VOTING THEREON. THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 517, Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended.

Brenda Green City Clerk, City of Highland Park

NOTICE TO ELECTORS AND TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, MICHIGAN OF INTENT TO ISSUE WATERWORKS SYSTEM LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS SECURED BY THE TAXING POWER OF THE CITY AND THE RIGHT OF REFERENDUM RELATING THERETO PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Highland Park, County of Wayne, Michigan (the “City”), intends to issue and sell general obligation limited tax bonds, in one or more series, pursuant to Act 451, Public Acts of Michigan, 1994, as amended, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed Fourteen Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($14,800,000), for the purpose of paying the cost of acquiring, constructing, installing, repairing and improving certain improvements to the City’s waterworks system, including water mains and service lines, necessary to comply with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Administrative Consent Order #ACO-399-062017, dated July 28, 2017, as now in force or hereafter amended or extended, and with other applicable permit requirements, all as more fully described in plans and specifications on file with the City Clerk of the City (the “Project”).

BOND DETAILS The bonds will mature in annual installments which shall not exceed thirty (30) in number, with interest rates to be determined at public or negotiated sale but in no event to exceed such rates as may be permitted by law on the unpaid balance from time to time remaining outstanding on said bonds. The bonds may be issued in one or more series as shall be determined by the City Council.

SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF BONDS THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS shall be payable from the general funds of the City lawfully available for such purposes, including ad valorem taxes levied upon all taxable property in the City, subject to applicable constitutional, statutory and charter tax rate limitations.

Because the Bonds will be sold to the Michigan Finance Authority, the City may pledge for the payment of the bonds money received or to be received by the City derived from the imposition of taxes by the State of Michigan and returned or to be returned to the City as provided by law, except for money the use of which is prohibited for such purposes by the State Constitution. The City may enter into an agreement providing for the payment of taxes, which taxes are collected by the State and returned to the City as provided by law, to the Michigan Finance Authority or a trustee, and such funds may be pledged for the payment of the bonds.

RIGHT OF REFERENDUM THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE ELECTORS UNLESS A PETITION REQUESTING AN ELECTION ON THE QUESTION OF ISSUING THE BONDS, SIGNED BY NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS RESIDING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY, IS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. If such a petition is filed, the bonds cannot be issued unless approved by a majority vote of the QUALIFIED electors of the City voting on the question of their issuance.

THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 4307(2) of Act 451, Public Acts of Michigan, 1994, as amended.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION may be obtained from the office of the Finance Director upon request.

Brenda Green City Clerk, City of Highland Park

Please visit our website for more classified ads. www.michiganchronicle.com

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Engineering Specialist HIL Simulation & Modeling Warren, MI, General Motors. Dvlp, execute plant models on HIL test benches, improve &validate real time controls sim. plant models for dSPACE simulators using MATLAB, Simulink &Stateflow tools for conventional &semi-autonms ICE, HEV, &BEV psgr vehicles. Integrate plant models w/ HIL test bench for networked ECUs using dSPACE tools. Improve psgr vehicle sim. methods using automotive sim. models for psgr vehicle Body/Engine/Transmission Control Modules, Battery Sys. Manager, &full vehicle ECU syss including Central Gateway/External Object Calculation/Front Camera Modules, to support real time testing of integrated controllers on HIL test bench using MATLAB, Simulink, CANalyzer, CANape, CANoe, INCA, VSpy tools, &neoVI FIRE/RAD-Galaxy HW. Design sim. &testing methods using dSPACE tools incldg ModelDesk, MotionDesk &ControlDesk for advanced driver body &full vehicle features.

Master, Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, Engrg Spec., Jr Specialist, or related, dvlpg, executing plant models on HIL test benches, &validating real time controls simulation plant models for dSPACE simulators using MATLAB, Simulink &Stateflow tools for ICE psgr vehicles. Mail resume to Ref#38-302, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Manager - N.A. Treasury Ops General Motors, Detroit, MI. Lead NA Treasury Ops Grp activities related to cash mgmt, counterparty risk assessment &review incldg internal compliance mgmt, &global banking relations. Review, analyze &benchmark financial metrics of financial &banking institutions, using quarterly &annual income statements, balance sheets, &cash flow statements, &build &maintain internal financial &economic models in Excel to evaluate &set numerical limits on U.S. &global financial counterparty exposures based on historical &forecasted probability of default &loss given default of banking &financial institutions.

Prepare &present presentations in daily meetings w/ senior leadership w/ regard to regular updates on financial projects, &to senior banking team members on investment bank-GM engagement opportunities &dvlpmts. Analyze daily cash flow forecasts to identify excess cash available for Capital Markets Team investments &redemptions required to prevent overdrafts &meet major payment commitments. Supervise 3 Sr. Financial Analysts. Master, Bus. Admin., Economics, or Finance. 24 mos exp as Financial Analyst or Analyst, reviewing &analyzing quarterly &annual income statements, balance sheets, &cash flow statements of global banking institutions or global industrial companies, &building &maintaining internal financial &economic models in Excel, &analyzing &benchmarking financial metrics using valuation models, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2033-102, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

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Julius V. Combs, MD

Julius V. Combs, MD, retired chairman of the National Healthcare Scholars Foundation, died Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Sarasota, Florida, with his beloved wife Alice by his side. He was 88.

According to Allen Ross, a member of the Music Hall Board of Trustees, “Julius Combs was a man easy to love.”

Dr. Combs was easy to love, because he loved others. He loved being a “West Sider”, the name of the close-knit community in which he grew up, a place he described as, “a real community in which everyone had a part of you...I wonder where I would be had it not been for that neighborhood.”

“Under his sometimes gruff attitude, was one of the funniest, kindest, smartest people I have ever known”, said Vincent Paul, President and Artistic Director, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

A life-long resident of Detroit, MI, Julius was a product of the Detroit Public Schools System and a proud Honors graduate of Cass Technical High School, where he served as the Senior Class Vice-President. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Wayne State University and earned his Medical Degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

In 1968, Dr. Combs and Charles Vincent, M.D. formed the Vincent and Combs Professional Corp., the first black medical service professional corporation in Michigan. That OB-GYN practice included the original partners as well as Dr. Donald Masse and Dr. George Shade. He also became a member of the Wayne State University Clinical Faculty in 1968, retiring as Assistant Clinical Professor in 1996.

From 1980-1992, Dr. Combs served as Chairman of Omnicare Healthcare Plan, the first licensed HMO in Michigan. In 1984, he co-founded the United American Healthcare Corp., a full-service HMO management company, and was elected its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The company was successful in obtaining management contracts with HMO’s in Ohio, New York, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Michigan. On January 14, 1993, under Dr. Combs’s leadership, United American Healthcare Corp. experienced its “Original Listing” on the New York Stock Exchange.

In 1987, United American Healthcare Corp. founded the National Healthcare Scholars Foundation, which provided grants to students at five medical schools and nursing schools. From 1992 until ceasing operations in 2009, the foundation provided grants totaling more than 1.5 million dollars.

Dr. Combs was a life member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was also a member of the Sigma Pi Phi - Iota Boule Chapter.

Dr. Julius Combs is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice; his son, “Bud” (Julius G. Combs); a son-in-law, Daniel Voss; a grandson, Dante Voss; a sister, Ruth White; a good friend, Dan Wolfington; a host of relatives, and many friends.

Final arrangements have not yet been established and will be shared at a later date.

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Thomas A. Diggs Thomas A. Diggs, of Detroit, Michigan, a beloved, family-oriented man and pillar of his community, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020. Thomas, who preferred to be called Diggs, faithfully served his country while serving in the Air Forces for two terms, 1952-1964.

He then worked at the Internal Revenue Service for 32 years, retiring as a Division Chief. He was the Chief Informational Officer at Detroit Public Schools (DPS) for two years and Fast Track Manager at Focus Hope for two years. Diggs lived life to the fullest. He was always an avid photographer where he found beauty wherever he pointed his lens, from capturing photos of his military tour in Germany, to doing portraits of Detroit’s Homeless community, to the events during the Detroit 1967 Riots.

His photographs of the Detroit 67 Riots are now featured at the Detroit Historical Museum. Along with photography, he loved playing racquetball and riding his Harley. Diggs is survived by his wife, Sarah Diggs, son, Michael Adams (Holly); Janet M. Diggs (Chuck); two granddaughters, Lynette and Sydney; a great-daughter, Asia; and a sister, Penny. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to The Husband Family Funeral Home.

Page B-6 •• michiganchronicle.com 5-11, 2020 michiganchronicle.com • • February April 15-21, 2020

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