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POWERED BY REAL TIMES MEDIA

June 29 - July 5 2016

michiganchronicle.com

Volume 79 – Number 42

Paradise Valley

Snyder appoints Bill Pickard to WMU board

Cradle of black business set for $52M redevelopment

By Sidnee King and Tatyana Hopkins Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the appointment of Dr. William Pickard to the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees. Pickard, a popular figure in Detroit circles and a staunch advocate for African American owned businesses, is the only African American on the eight-person board.

“William brings decades of experience to the board, and I am confident he will do substantial work to ensure the success of the university,” said Snyder.

Pickard is the chairman and chief operating officer of Global Automotive Alliance and a 1964 alumnus of WMU. He will serve the remainder of an eightyear term expiring Dec. 31, 2020, following the Dr. William Pickard recent death of trustee and close personal friend Ronald E. Hall. Hall was a highly respected business leader and a beloved civic and social advocate.

Pickard and Hall attended WMU together.

Pickard serves as a board member for Real Times Media, Inc., the parent company for the Michigan Chronicle, as did Hall. “It is a high honor to serve on the Board of Trustees, but it’s even more meaningful and symbolic when you are following in the footsteps of Mr. Ron E. Hall,” said Pickard. “He served with distinction.

“We were the nucleus of men who re-established Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the campus,” said Pickard, adding that his college experience helped to establish productive, long-term relationships with a number of prominent persons, including his first business partner, Raymond Snowden.

Pickard said he has had unique experiences in entrepreneurship and academia that provide him with “key insight to the opportunities and challenges facing today’s universities.”

The new WMU trustee said he is excited to learn more about the university’s medical school, making sure first-generation and diverse students retain access to education, and students are prepaired for entrepreneurship in a modern workforce.

“It is our responsibility to represent the perspective of all students. We are there to serve all WMU students,” he said. “I’ve had the pleasure to meet with (WMU) president, John Dunn … and I am impressed with his energy and his commitment to having a diverse student body and provide a quality, 21st century education for all of his students.”

The multifaceted and highly successful entrepreneur launched Global Automotive Alliance in 1999, which operates six manufacturing entities in the United States and

See PICKARD page A-4

WHAT’S INSIDE

By Roz Edward Managing Editor

Detroit’s historic Paradise Valley, once the epicenter of commerce and entertainment for black Detroiters, is set to make a remarkable return to its former prominence thanks to the Downtown Development Authority's approval of a $52.4 million restoration and redevelopment plan for the area formerly known as Harmonie Park. The DDA’s decision to make way for the highly anticipated project, led by a group of primarily African American developers and investors, is generating waves of excitement in Detroit’s business community and is being hailed by cultural conservationists as one of the most important urban renewal projects in the city’s history.

The highly anticipated vote took place in a special meeting held in Paradise Valley on Wednesday, June 29, and was followed by a public announcement to herald the celebrated decision for comprehensive redevelopment. Under the plan, nine properties are slated for redevelopment.

“With all of the development taking place around the city, the timing is perfect to redevelop Paradise Valley by preserving its history and making it the culturally relevant

district that it once was,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “I am very impressed with the plans and ideas that these groups have proposed and look forward to the day that the project is complete and open to the public.”

The redevelopment plans for Paradise Valley include new construction and the renovation of five existing buildings and four surface lots.

The new Paradise Valley will be the

home of new luxury loft apartments, commercial retail, Class A office space, a five-story, 150 car parking deck, a 24-room boutique hotel, a banquet hall and ballroom, jazz clubs and restaurants.

Five African American led development groups are participating in the unprecedented plan. The de-

See PARADISE

Detroit in focus at Obama's Global Entrepreneurship Summit Michigan Chronicle Reports

al Working Group ensures that the federal government remains a strong partner for Detroit as it charts its historic economic recovery. This includes working to connect Detroit to international opportunities and attracting global entrepreneurs.

Touching Communities. Touching Lives.™ A PUBLICATION OF MGM GRAND DETROIT

June 2016

Making good on a promise to our community never gets old at MGM Grand Detroit

By Scott Talley Special to the Michigan Chronicle

During a political season the importance of keeping promises is magnified, and that is why the MGM Grand Detroit family can stand proud during this historic moment.

Twenty years ago the voters of our city made the decision to authorize three Detroit casinos.

Continue on page 3

Inside This Issue • MGM Grand Detroit continues to make good on a pledge to voters and our community.

• Detroit City Chess Club honors some of our city’s brightest young minds.

• Success is on the menu for Schoolcraft College culinary students, with help from MGM Grand Detroit.

• And much more!

City of Detroit to begin $400,000 restoration of Palmer Park’s historic Log Cabin See page B-1

$1.00

VALLEY page A-4

The 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, hosted by President Barack Obama and attended by more than 1,500 global delegates on Stanford University’s campus on June 22-24, included special events designed to highlighted entrepreneurship and innovation in Detroit.

The White House Detroit Federal Working Group partnered with the New Economy Initiative (NEI), a philanthropic initiative that funds a network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Detroit and Southeast Michigan, to host “The Detroit Story,” an official side event of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit taking place on Thursday, June 25, 6:30 p.m. at HanaHaus at the New Varsity Theater (456 University Avenue) in downtown Palo Alto. The event focused on Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and featured a series of panels in which Detroit entrepreneurs would discuss the city’s social, food and mobility sectors. Following the main event, an evening reception was be held at the Shinola (Detroit) store in Palo Alto. “The Detroit Story” concluded on Saturday, June 25 with a film screening

President Barack Obama and discussion of the documentary “Generation Startiup.”

Detroit was represented by five official delegates to GES, the most of any city in the nation, to include: Amy Kaherl (Detroit Soup), Pashon Murray (Detroit Dirt), Jerry Paffendorf (Loveland Technologies), James Sayer (UMTRI), and Pam Lewis (NEI).

The focus on Detroit, a city in which entrepreneurship is helping pave the way for a more

inclusive, sustainable economy, reflects the Obama administration’s dedication to finding innovative and transformative solutions to key global problems.

President Obama named a point person on Detroit in 2014, Cliff Kellogg from the Department of Treasury, and a team of advisers, including Julie Egan, his deputy director from the U.S. Department of State, along with advisers from other federal agencies.

The White House Detroit Feder-

“Detroit is a global city with a proud history and people. Its full recovery depends on the strategic leveraging of all assets including its legacy as one of the nation’s original centers for innovation and entrepreneurship, and its position on one of the richest trade crossings in the nation,” says Julie Egan, deputy director of the White House Detroit Federal Working Group. “It is time to tell the Detroit story, to put Detroit back on the global map, and to encourage innovators from around the world to come join the entrepreneurial movement in Detroit led by Detroiters. As the mayor of Detroit said recently, entrepreneurs are rebels, and entrepreneurs from Detroit are extreme rebels. GES is a reflection of the President’s commitment to utilize entrepreneurship as a foundational tool to build more economically prosperous, secure, and glob-

See SUMMIT page A-4

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page A-2

New Youth Room Reading Corner celebration at Pontiac Pubic Library On Saturday, June 18, the Pontiac Public Library along with the North Oakland/Macomb Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. celebrated the unveiling of its new Youth Room Reading Corner. The ribbon cutting ceremony included Pontiac Mayor Deirdre Waterman, Oakland County Drain Commissioner David Bowman and Pontiac Public Library Board Chair Rosie Richardson.

The renovations were made possible by a $3,000 Reading Corner Grant awarded to the North Oakland/Macomb Chapter by the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. As a result of the grant and additional funding from the Pontiac Public Library and NOM, the Reading Corner will feature a puppet theater, interactive learning walls, a magnetic story board including characters, new

seating, new books and bookshelves. The goal of the Reading Corner is to encourage reading proficiency and inspire a love for books among Pontiac youth. The renovations will also enhance the NOM Story Time sessions by increasing reading comprehension and the ability to retell stories among participants.

Pontiac Public Library Director Devan Green, and youth librarian Bon-

nie Balduf, collaborated with NOM chapter members Reeshemah Ross Howard, Colleen Joseph, Nicole Key, Lois McEntyre, and Tuanda Ward-Holmes over several months to plan and execute the renovation.

“This partnership with the Pontiac Public Library is extremely important to us. As a chapter, we strive to develop and deliver impactful programming for children of

Rochester mayor launches ‘100 Cities to Reduce Gun Violence’ initiative Michigan Chronicle Reports

In response to the Orlando shooting, the deadliest domestic shooting in U.S. history, Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren has invited mayors from across the United States to recognize June as Gun Violence Awareness Month (GVAM) and work to make neighborhoods safer for citizens. Mayor Warren is asking at least 100 U.S. mayors to sign a petition at Change.org to support the common goal of reducing gun violence in America.

As part of Gun Violence Awareness Month, Warren joined with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and their #OrlandoUnited and #OurMayors movement in an act of national solidarity. Warren hopes to address gun violence in a meaningful way to make our cities safe for our citizens.

“As mayors, we understand that gun violence plagues each of our cities,” Warren wrote in a letter delivered to mayors of several dozen cities.

“Gun violence victimizes families, public safety officers and neighborhoods.

Local governments are on the front lines. Our citizens are in the trenches.

June is national Gun Violence Awareness Month (“GVAM”) and the time for action could not be more pressing. Our nation’s mayors must address gun violence in a meaningful

Mayor Lovely A. Warren way.”

Warren hopes to create a national movement around “100 Cities to Re-

duce Gun Violence.” The initiative has a goal of bringing more than 100 U.S. cities on board by the end of June, creating National Gun Violence Awareness Month and keeping the issues of gun violence in the forefront year-round.

The petition can be found at https://www. change.org/p/city-of-rochester-100-cities-to-re-

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In addition to signing a petition during the month of June to bring recognition to gun violence in America, Mayor Warren asked elected officials to:

May, NOM hosts Story Time sessions on the fourth Thursday of the month for local community youth. At each session, every participant listens to two stories, makes a craft and gets a free book to keep. Previous crafts included science experiments, planting seeds for healthy eating, decorating a journal to track school progress, customizing pumpkins, making a black history book, building structures, and creating a career goal map.

Each of the story time sessions focuses on a different theme to enhance learning for children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER TO VOTE AUGUST 2, 2016

REV. WILLIAM SCOTT

1. Recommend five ideas that can reduce gun violence in our cities, which Mayor Warren will share with all contributors; and

PHILLIPS STATE REP DISTRICT 9 ■ US Army Accounting ■ U.A.W. Steward ■ A Mason ■ College Degree In Accounting ■ Worked With Senator Coleman Young’s Campaign ■ Working on Bill to prevent children being put in freezer ever again.

2. Recruit at least five cities that will designate June 2017 as GVAM. To learn more about the initiative, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/GVAM

586 / 329-0031

Northeast Guidance Center to Increase Affordable Housing on East Side

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For all news and calendar items: Deadline is two weeks prior to event.

O’Dell Tate, City of Detroit Department of Neighborhoods, Linda Smith, Community Engagement Consultant, U-SNAP-BAC, Timothy Thorland, ­ ­Executive Director, Southwest Housing Solutions, Sherry McRill, President & CEO, Northeast Guidance Center, Timothy Killeen, Wayne County Commissioner, Peggy Trewn, NEGC Board of Directors, EMU faculty, Burney ­Johnson, Deputy Director, MSHDA, Tiffany Douglas, Market Manager, Bank of America, Julie Nagle, director, Humble Design

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YOUR GOALS. OUR COMMITMENT.

The SMART Affordable Mortgage1 • • • •

duce-gun-violence/.

all ages in the local community. This is what the North Oakland/Macomb Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is all about,” said NOM President Cynthia Miree-Coppin.

The entire NOM chapter participated in renovating the Youth Room.

They decorated walls, painted bookshelves and created a mural. NOM members donated 242 books to the library for this project. These updates are beneficial to the continuation of the NOM sponsored Story Time sessions at the Pontiac Public Library.

From August through

Attractive rates No private mortgage insurance Low down payment options Plus, closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers2

Northeast Guidance Center [NEGC] broke ground for Mack-Ashland, Phase II, to expand its successful affordable housing project on Detroit’s east side. The timely project will provide more low-income housing and hope for many of our most vulnerable Detroiters, including domestic abuse victims, veterans, aged out foster care young people and those diagnosed with serious mental illness.

NEGC partnered with Southwest Solutions and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority [MSHDA] to add 28 beautiful townhomes in an area that desperately needs housing alternatives. Southwest Solutions, the real estate developer for both phases, worked with MSHDA to secure close to $700,000 in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits toward construction of the townhomes.

Construction site

“We’re building on the success of Mack-Ashland, Phase I,” Artist Rendering Phase ll Townhomes stated Sherry McRill, president of NEGC, as she pointed to a group of current Mack-Ashland residents in attendance who are currently enjoying the benefits of low-income housing and an array of supportive services.

“Supportive housing is the key to ensuring individuals and families enjoy successful recovery in their quest for mental health wellness.”

In addition to new housing for low-income citizens, the project will benefit local homeowners. A plan to demolish unsalvageable properties is underway and some of the remaining residents will have access to funding to improve their homes.

The housing development expertise of Southwest Solutions helped to bring the project to fruition. “We are privileged to be a collaborative partner with NEGC and U-SNAP-BAC,” said Tim Thorland, executive director of Southwest Housing Solutions. “Mack-Ashland, Phase II helps to alleviate the critical shortage of quality affordable housing in our city.”

“This is the kind of project that excites me to attend,” added Burney Johnson of MSHDA. “We are increasing affordable housing in Detroit.”

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Phase I one of the Mack-Ashland Community project was completed in 2013 featuring an apartment building containing 12 studio, 18 one-bedroom, six two-bedroom and a trio of three-bedroom units. Humble Designs will furnish 8 supportive housing units in Phase II. Phase II construction begins this fall with occupation beginning in the spring of 2017. The Mack-Ashland Community is owned by Mack-Ashland II Limited Dividend Housing Association Limited Partnership and is a subsidiary of Southwest Housing Solutions.

Northeast Guidance Center promotes total wellness with an emphasis on behavioral and physical health care for children, adults and their families. NEGC serves nearly 1200 children and more than 4700 adults annually.

To support the Phase II, purchase tickets to NEGC’s Kruize4Kids fundraiser: Kruize4Kids – August 11, 2016, 6-9:30 p.m., Jefferson Beach Marina, St. Clair Shores This year proceeds from Kruize4Kids will support our Mack-Ashland housing project. With the help of Humble Design, a non-profit agency that collects donations of furniture and household items for the homeless, we will again furnish “happy, humble homes” for supportive housing residents. Tickets are $150 each. Sponsorships of various levels are available. More information: http://neguidance.org/

WE SOLVE FOR X INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO THE SMART AFFORDABLE MORTGAGE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. LOANS ARE SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. 2 THE CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE BORROWERS TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS AND PREPAID FEES ON THE NEW PURCHASE OR REFINANCE OF AN OWNER OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING. INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS APPLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. FUNDING MAY BE LIMITED AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. 1

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About Northeast Guidance Center Northeast Guidance Center (NEGC) is a comprehensive health agency founded by the ­Junior League of Detroit in 1963 to provide services to children on Detroit’s east side, and today is ­committed to innovative, community-based services that promote behavioral and physical healthcare. NEGC serves nearly 1,200 children and over 4,700 adults annually. For more ­information, visit www.neguidance.org.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page A-3

Campaign to fund rape kit testing has a new ally: men Dozens of African American men launch July Men’s Month Campaign in support of AA490 Challenge

black fraternities, non-profit organizations and large and small business owners. July will also see a barbershop challenge, where owners try to outraise their competitors. Individuals or organizations who want to participate can sign up by going to the website, www.aa490challenge.org.

Michigan Chronicle Reports At a lemonade stand hosted by a Detroit youth who wants to be a part of the solution, dozens of African American men announced Tuesday their plans to join the ongoing effort to raise money to pay for rape kit testing and investigations.

Declaring July Men’s Month, Campaign Chair Rod Rickman of Rickman Enterprises, along with men from all walks of life, said it’s important that black men stand with black women. Their effort, a goal to raise $125,000 by July 31, is in support of the African American 490 Challenge of Enough SAID, which was launched last fall by more than 100 black women and organizations. The 490 Challenge’s goal is to raise $657,090 by year’s end for processing 1,341 untested rape kits. So far, $250,000 has been raised.

“When I heard about this

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy noted that as a result of fundraising efforts so far, some 756 predators have been identified, and there have been 43 convictions. Another 1,200 cases are awaiting investigation, however.

The AA490 Challenge fundraising campaign has attracted the support of black men. Many showed up at Tuesday’s press conference. horrible issue, I was like wow!

I have six daughters and this issue is very important to me,” said Rickman. “It was critical that men be a part of not only raising money, but also helping to raise awareness as well.”

“We are here for such a significant moment, such a significant movement, such a significant matter,” Wheeler said.

“We are here for Enough SAID: Enough Sexual Assaults in Detroit. Enough of that.”

Emcee Heaster Wheeler kicked off the presser by saying that Tuesday’s gathering was part of continued efforts by individuals and organizations to take the lead on issues affecting the city.

The 10 a.m. press conference took place in Harmonie Park in front of a lemonade stand hosted by 13-year-old Joshua Smith. Four years ago, Smith raised close to $4,000 for the City of Detroit with his lem-

onade and popcorn stand and received national attention.

Smith said he got involved because he learned of the campaign from his mother, Rhonda Smith. He sold lemonade at the news conference and will also do so over the next two days, he said.

“This is just wrong, I want to put an end to this,” Smith said.

Other organizations that took part in Tuesday’s news conference were historically

More than five years ago, 11,341 unopened, untested rape kits were found in a Detroit Police Department storage unit.

While 10,000 of those kits have been tested, some 1,341 kits remain. Enough SAID (Enough Sexual Assault in Detroit) was formed by Worthy, the Michigan Women’s Foundation and the Detroit Crime Commission to raise money for the testing of the kits, as well as the investigation and prosecution of these forgotten crimes.

For more information, go to www.aa490challenge.org

Flint residents visit D.C. to discuss lead in black communities...should other cities be concerned?

By Tatyana Hopkins Flint, Michigan residents traveled to Washington, D.C. to discuss their experiences dealing with their city’s water crisis.

The Flint residents assembled Tuesday, June 21, at Metropolitan AME Church with a panel of notable African American leaders including Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings and Michigan Congressman John Conyers.

The panel also included Black Psychiatrists of America CEO, Dr. Patricia Newman; Association of Black Psychologists President, Dr. Mwata Kevin Washington; health and environmentalist justice advocate Dr. Jewel Crawford, and human rights reparations advocate Adjoa Aiyetoro.

The former president of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Leonard Dunston, organized the town hall meeting, “We Charge Genocide: Black Leaders Discuss Flint and Poisoning of Black Communities.”

“The goal of the gathering is to shine a spotlight on the continuing crisis in Flint and draw attention to what the organizers believe is a disturbing pattern of lead poison in the water systems of predominately black neighborhoods and cities across the country,” said organizers in a statement.

Flint has been the focal point of the

nation’s discussion concerning lead poisoning. In April 2005, the city’s water became contaminated with lead when city officials changed its water source from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to the Flint River and failed to treat the newly sourced water with corrosion inhibitors.

Lead from aging pipes leaked into the water supply, causing elevated levels of the metal in drinking water and creating serious public danger. In January, the city declared a state of emergency and soon after President Barack Obama declared it a federal emergency.

The majority African American city has been advised until further notice by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to only consume filtered and bottled waters for daily activities such as drinking and cooking, as the lead contamination has made these activities hazardous without filtered water.

A provisional May 2016 report released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on the blood lead levels of children in Michigan showed that more children in the generally affluent Oakland County had above-average levels of lead in their blood than in Flint. The data used looks at general lead exposure from a broad range of contact with the metal.

The report which uses 2015 data suggests the lead problem is worse in

Detroit, where 1,618 children had unacceptable lead levels. In Genesee County, where Flint is located, 159 children had elevated blood lead levels. In Oakland County 206 children had elevated lead levels.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly half a million U.S. children have elevated blood lead levels that could possibly cause irreversible brain damage and other health problems.

Statewide, almost 5,000 children tested in Michigan in 2015 had an elevated lead blood levels.

Though more children in Oakland County had elevated blood lead levels, the numbers accounted for a smaller proportion of those children tested. In Oakland County, those 206 children who had unacceptable lead levels only accounted for 1.4 percent of all children in the area who were tested.

However, in Genesee County, those children who tested with above-average lead levels accounted for 2.3 percent of children in the county, and in Detroit 7.5 percent of those children tested had unacceptable lead levels.

Dr. Michelle Faber, a pediatrician at Southfield Pediatrics in Oakland County encouraged all parents to look for information regarding lead poisoning.

Dr. Faber was not concerned about the numbers in the report, “1.4 percent (in Oakland County) seems like a pretty low number to me, a good number,” she said.

“I do not think people are educated enough [about lead poisoning]. It’s always important to be educated about a health issue, no matter what the issue is,” Faber said.

“We charge genocide because we are seeing the devastating toll on human life and destructive damage to Flint and Black communities across this country,” said Dunston.

Faber explained that most of her patients between 9 and 18 months go through lead testing and most do not have levels of concern. Faber’s patient pool draws mostly what she called the tri-county area, and while not many patients have tested with lethal levels, parents are concerned.

“Whether through blatant or benign neglect, what’s happening to Black families and communities is unconscionable and should be considered a crime against humanity. The town hall meeting is the first step in bringing this crime to the attention of the nation and the world.”

“Since the Flint incident, we have had a lot of parents bringing in their children because they were concerned.”

Parts of Newark, New Jersey, the District and New York have also had problems with lead poisoning in their water.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Paradise Valley velopers responded to a Request For Proposals issued by the City of Detroit in late 2015. The proposals were evaluated in part on the group’s commitment to resurrect the legacy of the area and revive the spirit of a vibrant and thriving business and entertainment hub in downtown Detroit.

Development partners include Paradise Valley Real Estate Holdings II, led by Hiram E. Jackson; Gotham Capital Partners, led by Dennis Archer, Jr.; Randolph Centre, 2020, LLC, led by architect Rainy Hamilton; and 311 E. Grand River, LLC led by Pat Cole and Roger Basmajian.

“We are excited to be a part of Detroit’s resurgence and this project in particular,” said Hiram E. Jackson, managing partner of Paradise Valley Real Estate Holdings II and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, the state’s leading urban newspaper.

“It is not lost on me, or any of the others, that we are part of restoring Paradise Valley which was once one of the very few areas where blacks were allowed to do business.”

In 2015, the Michigan Chronicle broke ground on its new home in Paradise Valley. The building, which anchors the new redevelopment of the district, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in early fall 2016.

“Moving back to the new Paradise Valley is actually a celebration for the Michigan Chronicle. Paradise Valley is where the Michigan Chronicle was founded in 1936,” said Jackson. As managing partner in Paradise Valley Real Estate Holdings II. LLC, his participation in the Paradise Valley revival includes building Hast-

ings Place, an 83,340 sq. ft. building on three current parking lots. It will include 60 apartments on the top floors, a five-story parking deck and first floor retail spaces.

Other planned developments are: • Randolph Centre Building renovation and expansion led by architect Rainy Hamilton • Harmonie Club Hotel development by partners Patricia Cole and Roger Basmajian, who will convert the 36,000 sq. ft. space into a 25 to 30 room boutique hotel and refurbish a third

From page A-1

floor theater and banquet hall • Harmonie Pointe, a music forward lounge and restaurant with offices on upper floors, developed by Gotham Capital Partners, under the direction of managing partner Dennis Archer, Jr. • La Casa Cigars and Lounge, La Casa Properties, LLC, led by Ismail Houmani will purchase and renovate the first floor lounge and retail store on the current site, renovate the second floor VIP lounge and reconfigure

Pickard Canada. The company focuses on innovative business development, team building and long-term strategic planning in his various enterprises. Pickard is also a partner in the MGM Grand Detroit Hotel and Casino and is the owner of multiple McDonald’s restaurants in the Detroit metropolitan area.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from WMU, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University.

In 1980, Pickard was honored as a WMU Distinguished Alumnus. In 2002, he was honored by the Detroit News as Michiganian of the Year for his mentorship of new entrepreneurs and his leadership at Global Automotive and with various civic, community and business organizations.

Pickard is a member of Business Leaders for Michigan and serves on the board of the National Urban League.

As an engaged business and community leader, Pickard also serves on the executive board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and is a trustee of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

In 2010, Hour Detroit magazine honored him as a Detroiter of the Year for leadership and philanthropy, particularly in the areas of the arts, education and entrepreneur-

Page A-4

existing apartments on the building’s two upper floors.

Paradise Valley was once the home of more than 300 black-owned businesses including drugstores, beauty salons, restaurants, nightclubs, bowling alleys, theaters and even a mini golf course. The area was the primary source of income for residents in the nearby Black Bottom, a densely populated African American residential area in the 1920s through the 1950s.

Legendary artists like Ethel Waters, Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzger-

From page A-1 ship.

Pickard has taught at University of Michigan’s business school and at Wayne State University. By way of this experience he was able to forge relationships with many people, including his first business partner, Raymond Snowden.

Pickard is the only African American currently serving on the board.

He said he has had unique experiences in entrepreneurship and academia that gave him “key insight to the opportunities and challenges facing today’s universities.”

Pickard said he is excited to be learning more about the university’s medical school, making sure first-generation and diverse students retain access to education, and preparing all students for entrepreneurship in a modern workforce.

“It is our responsibility to represent the perspective of all students,” said Pickard. “We are there to serve all WMU students.”

Pickard is a well-known entrepreneur.

He launched Global Automotive Alliance in 1999, which operates six manufacturing entities in the United States and Canada.

He focuses on innovative business development, team building and long-term strategic planning in his various enterprises.

“I’ve had the pleasure to meet with the president, John Dunn, said Pickard. “I am impressed with his energy and his commitment to having a diverse student body and efforts to provide a quality and 21st century education for all of his students.”

Pickard said he looks forward to contributing to those efforts.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from WMU, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University.

In 1980, Pickard was honored as a WMU Distinguished Alumnus.

Pickard is also a member to many business, community and civic organizations.

In 2002, he was honored by the Detroit News as Michiganian of the Year for his mentorship of new entrepreneurs and his leadership at Global Automotive and with various civic, community and business organizations.

Pickard is a member of Business Leaders for Michigan and serves on the board of the National Urban League. He is on the executive board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and he also serves as a trustee of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

His appointment to the Board of Trustees is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

ald, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie performed there, just to name a few.

A portion of Paradise Valley is now Ford Field.

The Paradise Theater, Detroit’s jazz mecca during the 1940s and 1950s, is now Orchestra Hall and home to the Detroit Symphony.

A non-profit organization, Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment

Summit

ally connected communities around the world.

The White House Detroit Federal Working Group is proud to support that work in Detroit and lift up ‘The Detroit Story’ to the world.”

“The city of Detroit has come a long way in recent years, and we think a lot of that has to do with philanthropy taking an inclusive approach to investing in support for entrepreneurs,” says Pam Lewis, director of NEI. “Though we still have a long way to go, the regional economy, which for a century relied on the fortunes of a single industry, is diversifying, and people across communities are beginning to view entrepreneurship as an engine of opportunity.

There’s a lot the nation and world can learn from what’s happening in Detroit today.”

In the past decade, NEI’s investments in the city's entrepreneurial ecosystem have leveraged almost $1 billion in additional investment to service providers and their small business clients in Detroit, in addition to contributing nearly $2 billion to regional GDP and creating over 17,000 jobs.

“The Detroit Story” at

District Conservancy will also be formed to maintain, beautify, improve and program the district throughout the year. The Music Hall will be responsible for managing the conservancy and collaborate with local artists like Hubert Massey, Chris Turner and George N’Namdi, among others.

Terms of leases of any existing tenants are expected to be transferred to the new building owners.

It is expected that tenants who uphold their obligations will able to stay through the duration of their current lease.

“I am thrilled about this development,” said former Black Bottom resident Patricia Brooks.

“Today is my 75th birthday and this is like a gift to me and other people who lived in and made their livings in this area.

I grew up on Hasting and Willis, and we used to come to Phelps Lounge and shop at the stores and eat in the restaurants in Paradise Valley. Now it’s coming back bigger and better and younger people will get a chance to experience the type of unity and feel the pride that we did. This is going to make a great.”

Black Bottom was an African American community adjacent to Paradise Valley that was demolished as part of an urban renewal project.

The neighborhood was fractured by the construction of the Chrysler Freeway and replaced by the residential development Lafayette Park.

“What's funny is that the area was called Black Bottom because of the dark top soil, not the people,” quipped Brooks.

From page A-1 the Global Entrepreneurship Summit will showcase the opportunity in Detroit on the ground today. Through a series of panel discussions on Thursday, June 23, entrepreneurs engaged directly in Detroit's social, food, and mobility sectors spoke about their experiences. During the event’s culminating session, a group of entrepreneurs including Jacques Panis (Shinola), Carla Walker-Miller (Walker-Miller Energy Services) and Lorron James (James Group International), addressed the question “Why Detroit?”

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Silicon Valley was the seventh installment in a series previously hosted by the United States and the governments of Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Morocco and Kenya. The event attracted approximately 1,500 attendees, including 700 entrepreneurs from over 170 countries selected from over 5,000 applicants; and investors, educators, government officials, and business leaders who represent the full measure of entrepreneurial talent from diverse backgrounds across the nation and the world.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page A-5

Fannie Lou Hamer

Political action committee

Primary election

tuesday, august 2, 2016

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony Founder

Yvette McElroy Anderson Field Director

(Partial Listing)

“I’m just sick and tired of being sick and tired!”

– Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977)

John Conyers, Jr.*

Brenda Lawrence*

13th Congressional District

Five people of color who would be a good running mate for Clinton After New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker announced recently that he is not being vetted “as a potential vice presidential running mate for Hillary Clinton,” political analysts are wondering aloud just whom she will pick in her historic bid to become U.S. president.

Given her constant outreach to communities of color during the ongoing and hard-fought primaries, she will likely pick a woman or person of color.

And thanks to lessons from President Obama, who was propelled to office twice by voters of color, she understands the importance of the electorate.

But it can’t just be lip service. In order to lure voters of color to the polls on Election Day, she will need a running mate of color or a woman to show that she is serious about tackling issues of equal pay, criminal justice reform, and overhauling the education system.

Here are some names for Clinton to consider: New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Although Hakeem Jeffries‘ name does not appear to be on the list, we’ve added his name since New Yorkers have dominated the presidential race this election season. Serving his second term, he represents the diverse Eighth Congressional District of New York, an area that encompasses large parts of Brooklyn and a section of Queens. He has been a vociferous advocate for criminal justice reform, college affordability,

Eric Sabree*

Wayne County Treasurer

U.S. CongreSS (13th DiStriCt) John Conyers, Jr.* U.S. CongreSS (14th DiStriCt)

New Jersey Democratic Senator Corey Booker — Courtesy Photo

By Lynette Holloway

14th Congressional District

BrenDA LAWrenCe* WAYne CoUntY SheriFF Benny n. nAPoLeon*

and social and economic justice.

WAYne CoUntY treASUrer erIC sABree*

California Rep. Xavier Becerra The veteran House member is the highest-ranking Latino lawmaker in the Democratic Party, and is reportedly on Clinton’s short list. He told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union that he’s in constant communication with her campaign, “but I can’t tell you I know where they are on this vetting process.”

Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty While she does not appear to be on Clinton’s short list, we like Beatty because she is a woman on the move. She has been the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 3rd congressional district since 2013. She has been vocal on issues of criminal justice reform, gun control, and LGBT rights.

Kamala Harris Kamala Harris, California’s Democratic Attorney General, is reportedly on Clinton’s short list. She would go a long way in helping Clinton to implement her pledge to overhaul the nation’s floundering criminal justice system.

Deval Patrick Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is reportedly on Clinton’s short list. He left office in 2015 and joined Bain Capital, the Boston-based private equity firm founded by his gubernatorial predecessor Mitt Romney, as a managing director. In 2007, Patrick became the first and, thus far, only African American governor of the Bay State.

JUDge oF 3rD CirCUit CoUrt reGInA ThoMAs StAte SenAte

DIsTrICT 4

FreD DUrhAL Jr. StAte repreSentAtiveS

DIsTrICT 1 DIsTrICT 2 DIsTrICT 4 DIsTrICT 5 DIsTrICT 9

WAshInGTon yoUson WILLIe BeLL rose MAry C. roBInson* FreD DUrhAL III* GAry PoLLArD

Detroit CitY CoUnCiL (At-LArge)

JAneÉ L. Ayers*

Detroit Zoo Millage renewal vote Yes The Wayne County Zoological Authority was established pursuant to Public Act 49 of 2008 and formed to allow for continuing zoological services for the students, residents and visitors of Wayne County. The law allows the Authority to seek authorization from the electors to levy a tax on real and personal property to provide revenue to an accredited zoological institution for this purpose. Accordingly, as a renewal of the previously approved millage authorization which expires with the 2017 tax levy, to continue providing zoological services to benefit the residents of the County, shall the 0.1 mill (10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value) on all of the taxable property located within the County continue to be imposed for a period of ten (10) years, being years 2018 through 2027? It is estimated that if approved and levied, this millage would generate approximately $3,940,066.55 in 2018. Shall this proposal be adopted? vote YeS

* Denotes Incumbent

Remember to just fill in the ovals on the ballot.

?

Paid for by the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee • P.O. Box 21940 • Detroit, MI 48221-0940 • www.flhpac.org Barry Brown, Treasurer • Yvette McElroy Anderson, Field Director.

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BCB134428 MIChronicle_F1.indd 1

6/11/15 2:21 PM

Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • June 29 - July 5, 2016

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Hundreds applied, now meet the 8 Howard University students who were selected to DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED—a first-ever fellowship program by Chevrolet Malibu in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Teams will share good news stories from Detroit, Washington D.C., Chicago and Atlanta. Plus, they’ll get to navigate their city in an all-new 2016 Malibu. Join them on this exciting journey that is sure to inspire us all.

#discovertheunexpected

DISCOVER MORE OF THEIR STORY AT NNPA.ORG/DTU

SECTION B ASK THE

COMMUNITY Powered by Real Times Media

DOCTOR

michiganchronicle.com

UAW-Ford announces youth summer enrichment programs Michigan Chronicle Reports

UAW-Ford has announced a series of summer enrichment programs that will provide meaningful learning opportunities for metro Detroit children of all ages. The programs, which began June 21, run through August 12 and include a variety of educational, social and volunteerism activities. The announcement was made by UAW-Ford Vice President Jimmy Settles.

Dr. Carmen McIntyre Question: What would be your vision of the ideal integrated health care facility (mental and physical health) of the future?

This month’s question is very timely. The integration of “mental” health and “physical” health has been written about and studied extensively. Recently, Michigan Governor Snyder proposed directing funding for the public mental health system through the Medicaid Health Plans, arguing that this was the best way to integrate care.

June 29 - July 5, 2016

“One of our chief principles in the UAW-Ford mission is to give back to the communities in which our members live, work and play,” said Settles. “We are proud that our efforts include providing meaningful programs to help children reach their fullest

potential while helping them have a little fun along the way.”

UAW-Ford has made available summer programming for metro Detroit children, and played an integral role in helping to provide both educational enrichment and safe recreational activities.

Expanding upon its summer youth programs for the past four years, UAW-Ford also provides funding for extra-curricular activities at select Detroit Public Schools, which now offers swimming, chess, golf, financial literacy, etc. to students and community residents.

The 2016 UAW-Ford summer programs include: June 21- July 21 – Marcus Garvey Summer Camp:

In its third consecutive year, UAW-Ford proudly presents its five-week summer camp, taking place at Marcus Garvey Academy. Metro Detroit’s K-8 youth will learn from certified instructors and participate in weekly field trips.

Attendees also will engage in hands-on activities such as: etiquette, archery, golf, karate, nutrition, financial literacy, and more. In the spirit of giving back, youth will help beautify Marcus Garvey Academy by planting flowers and painting. Applications are accepted through Fri., June 24. on a first come, first serve basis. The camp fee is $10 per child.

June 24 – All-City Chess Awards: In its fourth year, UAW-Ford will co-sponsor the awards program, honor-

ing Detroit City Chess Club’s K-12 children who have excelled at playing chess. Radio personality John Mason from 105.9 FM’s Mason & Coco in the Morning will serve as guest speaker. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. at the Detroit Institute of Arts located at 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Admission is free and open to the public.

June 27 – July 1 – 3D Boot Camp Work Internship: This newly added program is open to incoming high school juniors and seniors who are interested in participating in a construction internship this summer. Nearly two dozen participants will learn essential workplace skills, financial training, safety and career paths in construction.

See PROGRAMS page B-2

This is an important topic because unfortunately, people with serious mental illness die, on average, 20-25 years earlier than the general population. There are many reasons for this, but the cause is usually untreated, preventable illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), barriers to primary care, coupled with challenges in navigating complex healthcare systems, have been a major obstacle to care. Yet, primary care is often the referral point to specialty behavioral health services.

So the solution is “integrated” care.

Integrated means that both sides of the healthcare spectrum are well coordinated. One model of integration has primary care settings within behavioral health clinics. This model argues that all persons with behavioral health needs also need general medical care.

This model is efficient and has been proven effective. However, it doesn’t make behavioral health accessible to most people who are receive primary care services.

The flip-side of this model, where behavioral health specialists are put in primary care settings, has also been shown to be effective. The benefit of this model is that it accounts for stigma. Many people are reluctant to go to a mental health clinic because they don’t want others to know they are suffering from a mental illness. So, if the specialist is available within their primary care clinic, they are more likely to follow up. The problem with this model is that traditionally this specialist is a social worker who, while very helpful, doesn’t offer the full range of services that community mental health has available to it.

Since I’m being given the freedom to outline my ideal integration setting, I’m going to dream big here. What I would love to see is a movement toward community health and wellness centers.

These centers would not revolve solely on a disease model, meaning that the focus is primarily on “fixing” illness.

Instead there would be places that also focused on wellness and prevention.

These centers would deliver quality care to the uninsured, those with Medicaid and Medicare, and those with private insurance. This way, no matter how one’s circumstances changed over time, the care would still be in a familiar place with familiar people.

These centers would be located in the community, where people live so that transportation would not be an issue, rather than in big, complicated, hospital-based medical centers “downtown.” People typically see hospitals as places for “sick” folks. Community centers are places for socialization, education and recreation.

See ASK THE DOCTOR page B-2

City of Detroit to begin $400,000 restoration of Palmer Park’s historic Log Cabin Michigan Chronicle Reports

As metro Detroiters celebrated Log Cabin Day this past weekend at Palmer Park, the City of Detroit announced that it will spend $400,000 to stabilize and restore this historic structure.

The work will include abatement and clean-up work inside the cabin, as well as replacement of rotted logs, foundation repairs, complete roof replacement and more. The City has hired KEO & Associates, a Detroit-based minority-owned business, as contractor.

Once reopened, it will serve as a community center in the park offering educational programming, as well as serving as a backdrop for weddings and other events.

Log Cabin Day is a free annual event featuring tours of the cabin, an ice cream social, costumed re-enactors, music, talks about the history of Palm-

er Park and the cabin, square dancing, and more.

“The effort to restore this landmark for future generations of Detroiters would not have been possible if it weren’t for the dedication of the People for Palmer Park,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “They’ve volunteered countless hours cleaning and maintaining the Log Cabin until the city was in a position to pay for major repairs. Now that we are, we can all look forward to a grand reopening in near future.”

The cabin dates back to 1887, and was the summer home for Sen. Thomas W. Palmer and his wife, Lizzie Merrill Palmer. Sen. Palmer was one of Detroit’s most distinguished citizens in the 19th Century, and gave the cabin and the 140 acres of land it sits on to the City of Detroit in 1893.

The structure sits along Lake Fran-

ces, just north of Merrill Plaisance and Third Street. It served as a visitor center and museum at the park for decades and was quite a tourist attraction. Unfortunately it was closed by the City in 1979 and fell into considerable disrepair. The volunteers of People for Palmer Park have been working the past several years to clean and fix up the cabin to get it reopened for the public.

When work begins this week, it will mark the culmination of three years of effort by the City to come up with a plan to restore the cabin.

“The Log Cabin is the very heart of Palmer Park, said Jason Fligger of the People for Palmer Park. “Sen. Palmer greeted many friends and distinguished guests at the front door of his cabin. It is our hope that the cabin will continue to invite the community into Palmer Park for generations to come.”

Michigan Veterans Foundation receives donation from Parts Galore Summer Car Show 100 percent of proceeds from Summer Car Show benefit local troops

ernment let veterans down. I cannot say enough about the committed work that the Michigan Veterans Foundation does every day to support our veterans in southeast Michigan,” said Murell. “That dedication to focusing benefits and resources to help our local veterans lead me to work with and help Michigan Veterans Foundation in any way we can.”

Michigan Chronicle Reports

The Michigan Veterans Foundation and local troops got a boost last weekend thanks to Parts Galore, a local Detroit-based auto parts supplier. Parts Galore hosted its first ever Summer Car Show on Saturday, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the Michigan Veterans Foundation.

The show featured classic and noteworthy cars from community members and all participants took home trophies and dash plaques to commemorate the afternoon.

“The generosity and unselfishness displayed by companies like Parts Galore, and people like Tony, is essential for the Michigan Veterans Foun-

The Michigan Veterans Foundation recently broke ground on a new facility for the Detroit Veterans Center — a transitional housing facility and resource center that provides the skills and confidence needed for homeless veterans to break the cycle of homelessness and return to independent living. dation to continue to provide support and maintain our programs to assist local veterans,” said Michigan Veterans Foundation executive director Tyrone Chatman.

Parts Galore’s regional manager Tony Murell, a veteran, was inspired to host the event to benefit the Michigan Veterans Foundation after seeing their commitment to providing

critical assistance and services to veterans in southeast Michigan.

“As a veteran, I know all too well how the gaps in our gov-

To learn more about Parts Galore, visit parts-galore.com.

To see the work the Michigan Veterans Foundation is doing for local veterans, visit michiganveteransfoundation.org.

community

By Sidnee King

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page B-2

T-shirt spreads message of Detroit’s rise

“Detroit Still Exists.”

In the midst of much hopeful discussion about the city’s future, this declaration has been popping up on paraphernalia around the city.

The man behind the words, James Morris, is a Detroit native hoping to inspire others to take charge of their economic futures. Morris, 32, is the founder and designer of Definitive Style Exclusive (DSE), a local clothier that has established its roots in the heart of the city.

Detroit themed apparel has become increasingly popular as investment in certain areas of the city grows.

“The name Detroit has become a trend. There are people who are looking to get a cash grab off of the popularity of Detroit.

I’ve always had a problem with that,” said Morris, who expects a certain level of authenticity in Detroit themed businesses and reflects this expectation in his own work.

DSE sits on the corner of Grand River and Broadway where it has for the past eight years.

The store sells everything from men’s and women’s clothing, to photography prints, to scented candles.

The store sells pieces that promote Detroit’s heritage. Morris’ products are a representation of the city’s history, from French settlement to Black Bottom. DSE prides itself on its “Detroit-cen-

tric perspective” and commitment to individuality.

“Definitive style exclusive means a true persona that is unique to someone,” said Morris. The embrace of uniqueness, critical to the brand’s ideology, is to what Morris attributed to his success this far.

“I started to succeed when I started to be true to myself,” he said, reflecting on a time when he was forced to make the choice to invest in himself and his ideas. When the store opened in May of 2008, DSE carried several other local and national brands.

In 2012, Morris made the decision to focus squarely on his designs and sell only DSE brand product in the store.

James Morris

The idea for “Detroit Still Exists” was birthed when Morris was brainstorming ideas for his Instagram bio. He was playing around with the acronym DSE for creative ways to promote his brand on social media when he thought up the phrase, “It just popped up in my head. I immediately took it off of Instagram and went to design it,” he said.

According to Morris, “Detroit Still Exists” has a meaning that’s unrestricted. Motivations behind the declaration range from the resilience of businesses after the city’s 2013 bankruptcy, to the enduring spirit of natives as gentrification moves through the city. “Detroit still exists because I still exist,” said Morris.

A third generation business owner, Morris considers entrepreneurship something he was born into. His mother, aunt and uncle are all Detroit based business owners who have helped him along his way. “It gave me inspiration early to say that I always wanted to be

in business for myself,” he said.

vesting in your talents is the best route to success.

Morris hopes that the the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic instilled in him at a young age are evident through DSE. He wants to lead by example and show other Detroiters that, despite the challenges the city has faced, in-

In the last three years DSE has experienced continued growth. Morris is determined to ensure a future for his store. “I’m going to make sure that people know that this brand exists. It’s not going to become a side note

MADE IN DETROIT

Programs

Brandon Scarber, an emerging leader

By Patreice Massey Detroit is a city whose residents are known for a lot of things. One of them is our grind and persistence.

Known as a city of hustlers, Detroit can be a proving ground for many. If you can make it here you can make it anywhere.

So I’ve decided to profile a few local people who are in the process of making a name for themselves in our city. There are so many burgeoning businesses and emerging leaders that should be recognized.

One such emerging leader is Brandon Scarber.

The program will culminate with a meeting between participants and prospective employers.

The internship program will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UAW-Ford’s NPC Building. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate.

at a young age, Scarber learned early the importance of education and discipline.

“I grew up in a single parent household,” he said. “My father was incarcerated, so it was my mother, my younger sister and I. My mother attended Farris State for a year on an athletic scholarship, but had to leave school once she became pregnant with me. So I am a first generation college student.”

After leaving school, Scarber’s mother made it her mission to stress to her children the importance of receiving a college education even though she had left school and had fallen on hard times.

“Very early on I can remember my mother making sure we understood the importance of higher learning.

She didn’t want us to experience the hardships that she dealt with as a young parent raising two kids.

We spent half our time in our own Scarber and grandfather Johnny Scarber home and half our time living off Born and raised on the west side government aid in the homes of varof the city, Scarber’s story is one ious family members.” of grit, grind and hustle. It’s a true Eventually life would throw ScarDetroit tale that speaks to the resilber and his family another curve ience of our citizens. ball when Child Protective Services Scarber grew up in the Liverremoved both he and his sister nois and Davison area. He has an from their mother’s care when he insatiable appetite for learning, but was 13. “That was a rough time for more importantly he is competitive us. We were both placed in foster and knows that success is not all care. I ran away from one foster talent, but a lot of hard work as home and as a result had to spend well. Born to a single mom who’s an entire summer in a juvenile dehigher educational goals were tention facility,” he recalled. dashed when she became pregnant

July 11 – August 5 – Boys Theater of Detroit Camp: In its third year, the Boys Theater Camp will teach youth the essential elements of acting. During the four-week program, participants will build strong performance, public speaking and communication skills. The camp is open to children ages 9 to17 and will be Brandon Scarber, receiving his held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. master’s degree from U of M-Dear- at UAW-Ford’s NPC Buildborn ing. The troupe’s final Scarber’s grandfather, Johnny production will be held Scarber, stepped in and assumed on August 5 at 2 p.m., feaguardianship over him while his turing “Labor and Henry sister went to live with her father. Ford’s $5/day work wage.”

“It was at that time that I was forced Admission is free and open to the public. to get back on track,” he said.

July 11 – August The aspiring graduate would go on to attend Kalamazoo College, 12 – Detroit City Chess where he doubled majored in eco- Camp: In its fifth-year, the nomics and business, minored in National Chess Master English, and also had a concentra- James Canty III will contion in African Studies. He gradu- duct educational classated with honors in June of 2008. es at this year’s summer In April of 2013, he received his chess camp for intermemaster’s degree in public admin- diate to advanced chess istration at the University of Mich- players. The program, igan-Dearborn with a concentra- which is open to children tion in Non-Profit Leadership while of 12 to 18 years old, will working at Michigan State University as a senior admissions advisor.

He currently recruits students based on academics in the metro Detroit area and the Downriver areas in southeast Michigan (Detroit, Inkster, Romulus, Wayne, Westland, Monroe, Trenton, and Rockwood). He has been working at MSU for five years and says that this position affords him the perfect platform to impress upon inner city youths the importance of sacrifice, hard work and obtaining a college education.

“There is no doubt that education saved my life. Not saying that I’d be dead or in jail, but the quality of life would be drastically different,” he said. “It’s so hard to break cycles and do something no one has done before you. My sister, who is a sophomore at MSU, and I made a promise to ourselves that we would not become a statistic. As an admission advisor, I’m in the community day in and day out speaking on the importance of a college education. My story makes me relatable and shows young people that where there’s a will there’s way.

Nothing can stop you but you.”

Scarber meeting with kids at Renaissance High School.

Patreice Massey is the director of Creative Services and an occasional writer for the Michigan Chronicle. She can be reached at (313) 963-8100 ext. 266 or via email pmassey@realtimesmedia.com.

Ask the Doctor In these community centers, all primary care needs could be met. For persons with severe and persistent mental illness, the current community mental health clinics are a primary care setting.

Our settings are fairly holistic, offering assistance with obtaining benefits; food and housing; education and employment in addition to the clinical services. We also offer opportunities for socialization, and learning life skills to maximize independence. This is something missing from typical primary care settings that we have to offer.

Primary care settings are open to all, including those without current signs and symptoms of illness. There are recommendations for screening to identify risks, and make lifestyle changes before illness sets in. Often there are alternatives to medication, including physical activity, nutrition counseling, and “alternative” treatments that

in the newspaper saying ‘Local brand is forced out.’”

Definitive Style Exclusive is located at 202 E. Grand River. You can find out more about DSE by visiting DSEDetroit. com or following them on Instagram and Twitter @ DSEDetroit.

From page B-1 be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. located on the 3rd Floor at UAW-Ford NPC building, 151 W. Jefferson Ave, Detroit. For registration information contact: youngdetroitThinkers@ gmail.com July 30 – Community Day: First-year participants will clean, paint and landscape from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sampson-Webber Academy located at 4700 Tireman, Detroit.

Chess Team parents will donate lunch and local businesses will provide water throughout the day.

Detroit City Councilwoman Raquel Castaneda-Lopez will make a special appearance. To register to volunteer visit: www.UAWFord.og/volunteer August 5-7 – Midnight Golf Program Leadership Summit: Midnight Golf Program participants will engage in a skill-building intensive weekend, during which they will learn leadership skills from PGA professionals and mentors. UAW-Ford National Programs Center will be sponsoring a trip to the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center in Onaway, Michigan, August 5-7, 2016 for program participants. Approximately 144 youth will attend.

From page B-1 may be missing from typical mental health clinics.

The final benefit that I see to these sorts of community clinics is that the staff would interact and learn from each other.

For example, symptoms that look like depression may be due to Lyme disease, vitamin D deficiency, or low thyroid hormone levels. Perhaps that person is going through a divorce, or has lost a job and can’t afford their medications. Collaborations between the family medicine doctor, psychiatrist, nutritionist, case manager and therapist would help to address all of the person’s needs.

I hope this ideal is not just a pipedream, but becomes a reality one day soon!

Dr. Carmen McIntyre is the chief medical officer at Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority. If you have a question for Dr. McIntyre, please submit it to AskTheDr@dwmha. com.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Detroit Fire Department provides important fireworks safety information

Commissioner Jones reminds residents that “there are no safe fireworks”

Fireworks can be fun to enjoy this time of year; however, they can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. Tragically, in the last two years, two adults from metro Detroit suffered fatal injuries related to fireworks. To help Detroiters enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration, the Detroit Fire Department is sharing important information about fireworks safety. Fire Commissioner Eric Jones also reminds parents that it is illegal for children and teens under 18 to possess fireworks in Detroit, according to Detroit’s fireworks ordinance.

Commissioner Jones stresses that fireworks can be very dangerous in the hands of a child. He added that the number of reported fireworks-related burns typically increases during the summer months because safety precautions are disregarded. Children have suffered such horrific injuries as second- and third-degree burns and the loss of fingers and even entire hands due to fireworks accidents in recent years.

Commissioner Jones recommends that all residents refrain from any use of fireworks. However, if residents use fireworks, the Commissioner urges parental supervision when children are using legal fireworks such as sparklers, caps, smoke bombs and toy “snakes” not containing mercury.

Those who decide to use fireworks should adhere to the following precautions:

• Make certain an adult is present whenever fireworks are used.

• Never hold a firework in your hand while lighting it.

• Always read and follow instructions on fireworks packaging.

• Never try to re-light fireworks that malfunction.

• Don’t give any type of firecracker or sparkler to young children.

• Ignite fireworks outside and away from the house, garage or any area with dry brush or rubbish.

• Don’t ignite fireworks inside any container, glass bottle or metal cylinders.

• Never experiment with fireworks, especially around vehicles that may contain residual flammable liquids i.e. gasoline • Light fireworks one at a time.

• Always keep a safe distance.

• Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Keep a bucket of water handy.

The City’s fireworks ordinance emphasizes the restrictions involving the possession and sale of fireworks, Commissioner Jones said. The ordinance prohibits the sale of any type of fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age and mandates that anyone wishing to sell legal fireworks must first obtain a license from the City.

For more information about fireworks safety, please visit www. detroitmi.gov/safe-fireworks.

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page B-3

Gleaners launches campaign to work towards a hunger-free summer for Michigan children

By Sidnee King According to the USDA, more than 20 million children rely on free or reduced-price school lunches. Gleaners Food Bank is working to reduce the amount of Michigan children in this number.

Last week, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan kicked-off it's 2016 Hunger Free Summer campaign at its Detroit distribution center. The campaign is one of the food bank’s efforts to ensure that no child goes without food this summer.

Hunger Free Summer is tackling what many say is a big problem in Southeast Michigan. According to a 2016 report from Kids Count in Michigan, 46 percent of Michigan students are eligible for reduced-price or free meals in school. The report also states that 42 percent of the Michigan children that receive reduce-price or free school lunches live in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland or Wayne County. That equals 300,000 southeast Michigan children that live in dire poverty.

When schools close for the summer, many of these students lose guaranteed meals. Gleaners hopes to provide stability for these students by distributing eight semi-truckloads full of

food to school and community programs every week over a span of 12 weeks.

Gleaners programs supported by Hunger Free Summer include its school-based Mobile Pantry, Summer Lunch program, and the new Michigan Food Bank Access to Nutrition program. Each of these programs reaches thousands of highneed children and their families every month.

Volunteers rose early to help pack food and learn from Gleaners President Gerry Brisson about the importance of Hunger Free Summer.

“The meals we raise through Hunger Free Summer offer immediate and much-needed relief and stability to those families, so their children can return to school healthy and ready to learn. I’m grateful to Citizens and all of our match partners for making this possible,” said Brisson.

Citizens Bank and Ford Motor Company are partners in the campaign.

Each will match every dollar donated. Six meals for hungry Michigan children will be provided for each dollar matched by the two organizations.

Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity, and the Food Bank Council of Michigan, collects food and money for Michigan food banks. They are also partners in the campaign.

AFDP to award special Nicholas Hood Sr. Scholarship Michigan Chronicle Reports

Every year the AFPD Foundation awards academic scholarships in the amount of $1,500 to extraordinary and deserving students all throughout the Midwest who will be attending, or are already attending, an accredited public college, private college, or university. Schol-

arship recipients have an opportunity to meet and network with donors and contributors during the AFPD Foundation’s Annual Joseph D. Sarafa Scholarship Luncheon. There are 38 students total, 32 in Michigan, four in Ohio, one in Illinois, and one in Wisconsin equaling $57,000 in college scholarships this year. Since its inception,

generous contributions have permitted the AFPD Foundation to distribute more than $700,000 in scholarship funds to the employees and family members of member businesses, their customers, and financially disadvantaged youth.

The event was held on Tuesday, June 28, at the Detroit Ath-

letic Club. This year’s keynote speakers were Dan Loepp, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan, and Jim Petcoff, Chairman & CEO of Conifer Insurance Company.

Last year, the AFPD Foundation awarded 34 academic scholarships, totaling $51,000, with an additional $1,000 to

both the ACC and CFA. There was a special scholarship awarded in honor of the late Rev. Nicholas Hood Sr. and the invocation was given by his son, Rev. Nicholas Hood Jr. Prior to his death, the Rev. Hood Sr. was the Minister Emeritus of Plymouth United Church of Christ in Detroit.

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HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher

A Real Times Media Newspaper 479 Ledyard, • Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 e-mail:newsdesk@michronicle.com June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page B-4

Quote of the Week:

CATHY NEDD Associate Publisher

“We must adjust to changing times and still hold on to unchanging principles”

KEITH A. OWENS Senior Editor SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

Let’s remember all of Brush Park’s history

By Ken Coleman Eighty years ago, America endured a sweltering summer heat wave that posted triple-digit temperatures and took the lives of more than 5,000 people nationwide.

In fact, between July 8 and 14, high temperatures in the Motor City soared between 100 and 104 degrees coupled with pressure cooker-like humidity.

Streets hot enough to fry an egg buckled.

Lawns choked by dry air browned and burned. Men and women without ventilating air and electricity were struck with cardiac arrest and collapsed. One of the 364 who died Ken Coleman during that week was Isaac Irvin of 703 Winder Street in Brush Park.

He, like many other eastsiders, took to the cool-watered Detroit River for relief. The African American boy, however, was simply no match for the current that can be strong and choppy even on a hot day. He drowned near the Naval Amory and Belle Isle Bridge.

Isaac was only 10 years old.

A lifelong Detroit resident, I’m happy to see development in the Brush Park area. However, I encourage developers to incorporate as much history of African Americans in the project as possible. Between Brush Park’s grandeur of the late 1880s and its revival of the last 15 years rests several decades where African Americans lived there and built strong institutions. I hope that history lives and people educate themselves and remember those years, too.

From the 1860s until the start of the 20th century, Brush Park was home to well-to-do Detroiters who made their money in lumber, shipbuilding and other commerce. The boundaries of the community are considered to be Mack Avenue to the north, Woodward Avenue to the west, Beaubien to the east, the Fisher Freeway to the south. The spacious homes were later sliced and diced into units for people who were moving to Detroit to work in automobile factories, etc.

I live one mile from the area and to be sure I’m pleased to see that Hamilton Anderson Associates, owned by Rainy Hamilton, a black man, is providing the architectural design for the new development. Also, happy to see that African Americans are part of the development team, which includes former deputy mayor Freman Hendrix and longtime home builder Samuel Thomas

Jr. Thomas’ family has a distinguished history in our city and at one time operated hospitals on the lower east side.

Blacks have history in Brush Park as well as in Paradise Valley, the entertainment district located to the immediate south, and Black Bottom, the residential community immediate south of “the Valley.” Both of those districts, however, don’t exist today. They were razed during the so-called “slum clearance” era of the late 1940s and 1950s.

Brush Park’s history includes: • Mercy Hospital founded by Dr. David Northcross and located first at 248 Winder Street and 668 Winder Street. It holds the distinction of being the city’s first black hospital.

• The Most Worshipful Mt. Sinai Grand Lodge, a black Masonic lodge, located at 312 Watson near Brush Street, operated during the 1930s and early 1940s.

In fact, a marker is etched on the small Victorian-style home, which sits at the corner of Watson and Brush streets today. The King David Grand Lodge located at 114 Erskine was a popular social meeting place during that era and continues to operate today.

• In 1939, DeWitt T. Burton and Chester Ames, black doctors, founded Wayne Diagnostic Hospital (later called Burton Mercy Hospital). Located at 271 Eliot, the institution had nearly 100 beds and was one of the several black-owned hospitals on the lower east side of the city where most blacks lived.

• In 1941, Samuel H. Russell, a black man, was appointed superintendent of the Alfred Street U.S. Post Office located at 60 Alfred Street between Woodward Avenue and Brush Street.

• That same year, Beulah Whitby, a University of Michigan-trained social worker, was tapped to lead the Alfred Street district of the Detroit Department of Public Welfare. Whitby was the city’s first black to serve as an administrative supervisor, according to Ulysses W. Boykin in his book, “A Handbook of the Detroit Negro,” published in 1943.

• King Solomon’s Barber Shop on John R Street, owned by Richard Devan McCants, was a popular establishment during the 1940s and 1950s.

During the 1940s, the Michigan Chronicle operated in an office located at 208 Eliot Street.

Last week, I presented to Teach for America recruits who are new to Detroit.

The organization is focused on raising student achievement in public schools.

I also talked with a group of Michigan Political Leadership Program fellows. I pointed out to them that gentrification is a movement that we’ve seen before in Detroit. The neighborhood in which Isaac lrvin lived is gone and forgotten by many.

And that’s a shame.

Where are the African American and Latino Mark Zuckerbergs and Sheryl Sandbergs?

By Hill Harper NNPA News Wire Guest Columnist

The question, which came from a participant in a minority business empowerment seminar, quieted the room. The answer is simple: “They’re out there.

But they don’t have a data plan.”

That seems glib, but truth comes best in a simple package.

The digital divide is real. Millions of brilliant, creative thinkers are still left behind, because they don’t have afford- Hill Harper able access to the Internet. So what can we do to change this paradigm? We can go mobile.

Mobile technology has changed our world. Those of us who are already part of the mobile revolution know this innately: to be without our smartphones is to be isolated. It’s standing in a field, watching the train flash by. It’s trying to find a book in the dark when others are holding flashlights.

But we’re not done yet, not until we’ve brought that change across the digital divide. We know what it means to be connected. And we know that to fully bring change, we have to bring that connection to the populations who today may not have access. Mobile tools don’t work when you can’t get to them.

This issue matters more than ever because being “unconnected” now means so much more than not having the chance to stream Netflix or send tweets.

It means being unable to access the myriad of business and entrepreneurial opportunities that exist across today’s vibrant technological landscape. It means not having an on-ramp to healthcare and educational information that

could transform or save a life. It means being stuck in the 20th century at a time when the 21st century economy is finally kicking into high gear.

Imagine someone who isn’t connected or someone that has a mobile device, but can’t access more online data because they exceeded their monthly allotment. For them, free data could be the key. Free data is an offering that allows you to use more mobile content without having to worry about exceeding your monthly data allotment.

This leaves more data to use on other things like social media, and gives you the option of switching to a lower cost plan, if you have too much data left over, because the content you love is covered by free data program. It’s expanded opportunity at no cost. If you see that you can watch an unlimited amount of video as part of a plan, then that might just be enough to entice you to cross the digital divide. And once online, you’ll inevitably use your mobile device to explore the web, allowing your device to be the transformative tool that it can be.

Until we get people online, they may not know the resources on which they’ll build. Creators and innovators need access to the Web to connect with others and to expand their world. Indeed, our embrace of mobile innovations like streaming media and free data can serve as the light we use to illuminate the world around those who remain in the digital dark.

Dr. King’s vision of a “worldwide brotherhood” comes from those connections, those ties that grow a fully empowered and engaged community that refuses to let any more opportunities pass us by.

Our vigilance and advocacy will build the momentum we need to close the digital divide once and for all. Join me in this monumental task and be #MobileLikeMe.

— Jimmy Carter

Why Warren should be Hillary's VP

By Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president, is now sorting out her pick for her running mate and potential vice president.

She’s launched the “search,” the traditional and often irritating public surfacing of various possibilities, paying respect to different constituencies and different personalities, before settling on a choice.

One possibility Jesse L. Jackson being floated clearly merits serious consideration. Consider the resume: Raised in a family struggling to get by, this prospect started working while still in high school, went to college on a debate scholarship, graduated from law school, and became a Harvard Law professor and expert on bankruptcy law, particularly as it relates to how the financial industry preys on families in crisis.

This person wrote path-breaking books on the economic pressures on working families, then chaired the Congressional Oversight Panel monitoring the federal bailout of the U.S. banking system and created the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), ushering it from conception to passage into law. Then elected as U.S. senator, immediately gaining a national reputation as a progressive leader willing to take on the big banks and stand up for working people, this leader has demonstrated a tough mind, a full heart, a strong will and a gift for inspiring people.

What’s not to like?

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is, of course, a woman. Some suggest it’s impossible to have two women lead the party’s ticket. But haven’t we gone far beyond that?

We’ve had two men lead parties forever, so there’s no tradition of gender balance. Hillary Clinton should be looking for the strongest candidate. And on that criterion, Warren is hard to beat.

Warren would help Clinton heal the divisions of the primaries. She appeals to the Sanders wing of the party, to inde-

pendents and the young. Indeed, before Sanders announced, progressives organized across the country to urge Warren to run. She speaks with a credibility earned by her willingness to take the side of working families against powerful interests and the Washington establishment. She’s already demonstrated the fire needed to call out Donald Trump and the party that is about to nominate him.

Warren exemplifies Clinton’s goal to be a “progressive with results.” She had to take on the banking lobby, Obama’s treasury secretary, entrenched regulators, and Republican and more than a few Democratic members of Congress to get the CFPB enshrined in law. Already that agency has helped consumers recover more than $10 billion from credit card companies and banking institutions that had defrauded them. If she is on the ticket and helping to lead the administration, voters can be confident that Wall Street bankers will finally be held accountable.

Warren has been a leader in the effort to expand Social Security, now an emerging consensus in the Democratic Party. She led the effort to reduce student debt from college. She’s been a strong supporter of lifting the minimum wage and creating a floor under workers.

She has less experience in international affairs and national security. But what is required there is intelligence and judgment. No one doubts she has the intelligence to learn what is at stake in any crisis. She exhibits the judgment — and a skepticism about foreign military adventures — that is badly needed in any White House. And, of course, she’s already shown she will call them as she sees them, ensuring that Clinton would get her best informed and unvarnished opinion, no matter who is lined up on the other side.

Clinton, like most presidential candidates, will make her choice on the basis of political judgment, extensive vetting and personal affinity. She will want to choose someone who will add strength to the ticket, and to the administration if elected, and have her confidence. She should not let the fact that Warren is female get in the way of giving her strong consideration.

John McCain absurdity:

Blaming President Obama for Orlando

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA News Wire Columnist

The cretin who took an assault weapon into Pulse, an Orlando nightclub, on “salsa night” is beneath contempt. Was his target the LBGTQ community, Latinos, or simply human beings?

It is somewhat reductive to simply describe Pulse as a “gay club.” It catered to the LBGTQ communities and allies. Some of those who were massacred were not gay. They just wanted to dance.

In the wake of the massacre of Julianne Malveaux 49 people, and the injury of another 53, the networks have offered sunup to sundown coverage.

Analysis and opinions have been more than plentiful.

Some of the most disgraceful comments came from Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), who blames President Obama for the massacre in Orlando. To be sure the Senator quickly retracted his words and said that he “misspoke.”

But he started out by saying that he held President Obama “directly responsible” for the massacre in Florida. He explained that, because President Obama pulled U.S. troops out of Iraq, he created the vacuum that ISIS came to fill.

McCain was harsh in his excoriation of President Obama, and his harshness was misplaced when it was issued, on the same day that President Obama visited Orlando to meet with the families of those murdered.

If you look into a dictionary under “sore loser” you will find a photograph of Arizona Senator John McCain. He still has not recovered from the whipping he took when then-Senator Barack Obama beat him for the presidency.

While he can only blame himself, his poorly executed campaign, and his poor choices (Sarah Palin, anyone?), he is far

more comfortable venting against President Obama than he is exploring his own failures.

Florida’s Republican Governor Rick Scott is another politician who has made unfortunately inappropriate statements. Deflecting questions about assault weapons, he says he prefers to talk about eliminating ISIS. He behaves as if legislators have only a one-track mind.

While it is appropriate to talk about managing ISIS, it is also appropriate to talk about the easy access that anybody has to assault weapons. If you are on the no-fly list, the adage goes, you ought to be on the no-buy list, too. Not that it helps as much as it should – there are too many ways to buy guns, ammunition, and body armor legally and under the table.

It does not erode anyone’s second amendment rights to restrict their right to assault weapons. One does not need a automatic weapon and thousands of rounds of ammunition to protect oneself or, for that matter, to “hunt.”

Whenever those NRA folks start talking about hunting, though, I really want to know what (who) it is they want to hunt. .

President Barack Obama has had to take on the role of Empathizer-in-Chief several times during his presidency. In the last year, he has had to deal with the shootings at Emanuel AME Church (June 2015, 9 casualties), at the Chattanooga Recruiting Center (July 2015, 4 casualties), Roseburg Community College (October 2015, 10 casualties), the San Bernardino Community Center (December 2015, 14 casualties), and now the tragedy in Orlando.

In the wake of a tragedy, our nation’s leaders ought to follow our president’s leadership in offering empathy. We ought also look at ways to prevent further tragedy. Banning assault weapons is one way to offer some solutions, and some Democrats have attempted to deal with that, despite resistance.

Loose lips are inappropriate in the wake of this tragedy.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 29 - July 5, 2016

City of Detroit cooling centers open during extreme summer heat

When the summer heat reaches extreme temperatures, it is critical to take steps to keep cool and prevent heat illness. The Detroit Parks & Recreation Department and the Detroit Public Library have cooling centers available that provide air-conditioned comfort and protection from the heat.

The cooling centers are open throughout the summer during excessively hot days.

Please see the information below for the locations and hours of cooling centers, followed by tips on keeping cool in summer's heat.

clothes, especially if you're in direct sunlight. Loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat.

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, everyone is at risk, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion and pale or flushed skin. The American Red Cross recommends the following treatment for people suffering from heat-related illness:

• Visit at-risk people twice a day and watch them for signs of heat illness.

• Move the victim to a cool place.

• Give him or her cool water to drink.

• Apply ice packs or cool wet cloths to the skin.

• If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately.

Tips for preventing heat-related illness • Stay indoors if possible.

Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to a public place that does, including the City of Detroit cooling centers. If outside, stay in the shade.

• Drink water. Even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

• Wear light-colored clothing. Avoid wearing black

Destroy your sensitive documents at free AARP shred events this summer

By Lisa Whitmore Davis AARP Michigan Associate State Director for Multicultural Outreach

Every two seconds, someone’s identity gets stolen. So if you don’t think it can happen to you, you’re wrong.

• Never leave a person, especially children or the elderly, or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle. The temperature inside the car can become 30 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

Identity thieves routinely search through dumpsters and trash cans, looking to find confidential information.

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks.

• Speak with your doctor about any medications you are taking to learn whether they may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

• Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

List of Detroit Cooling Centers Crowell Recreation Center 16630 Lahser Road | 313) 628-2050 Monday – Friday from noon 8 p.m.

Coleman A. Young Recreation Center 2751 Robert Bradby Dr. | (313) 628-0995 Monday – Friday from noon 8 p.m.

Farwell Recreation Center 2711 E. Outer Drive | (313) 628-2028 Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. 7 p.m.

Patton Recreation Center 2301 Woodmere | (313) 628-2001 Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. 7 p.m.

Main Library 5201 Woodward Avenue, near Warren | (313) 481-1300 T, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | Th, F, Sa: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Page B-5

Lisa Whitmore Davis

As part of its ongoing efforts to help consumers avoid falling victim to identity theft, AARP Michigan is sponsoring several free “Shred Fest” events this year, including five in metro Detroit in August and September.

This is an opportunity to destroy sensitive documents before the thieves can get them and wreak havoc with your family finances.

Campbell Branch - 8733 W. Vernor | (313) 481-1550 M, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Chaney Branch - 16101 Grand River, near Greenfield | (313) 481-1570 M, W, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon - 8 p.m.

Chase Branch - 17731 W. Seven Mile, near Southfield | (313) 481-1580 M, W, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon - 8 p.m.

Conely Branch - 4600 Martin, near Michigan | (313) 481-1590 M, W, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon - 8 p.m.

Edison Branch - 18400 Joy Rd., near Southfield | (313) 481-1720 M, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Elmwood Park Branch - 550 Chene, near Lafayette | (313) 481-1730 M, W, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon - 8 p.m.

Franklin Branch - 13651 E. McNichols, near Gratiot | (313) 481-1740 M, W, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon - 8 p.m.

Hubbard Branch - 12929 W. McNichols, near James Couzens | (313) 481-1750 M, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson Branch 12350 E. Outer Drive, near E. Warren | (313) 481-1760 M, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Knapp Branch - 13330 Conant, near E. Davison | (313) 481-1770 M, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Parkman Branch - 1766 Oakman Blvd., near Linwood | (313) 481-1810 M, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Redford Branch - 21200 Grand River, near W. McNichols | (313) 481-1820 M, W: Noon - 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sherwood Forest Branch - 7117 W. Seven Mile, near Livernois | (313) 481-1840 M, W, F: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon - 8 p.m.

Skillman Branch - 121 Gratiot, near Library Street | (313) 481-1850 M, T, W, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Security experts recommend shredding the following types of materials: Old documents: Papers that carry your Social Security number, birthdate, signature, account numbers, passwords or PIN numbers.

Banking: Canceled or unused checks. Shred deposit slips and ATM and credit card receipts.

Credit cards: Preapproved credit card applications and incentive/gift checks from credit card companies.

Medical: Unneeded medical bills.

Investments: Investment account statements.

Obsolete ID cards: Expired driver’s licenses, medical insurance cards and passports.

Bring your sensitive information to these free shred truck sites this summer: • August 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Second Ebenezer Church, 14601 Dequindre, Detroit.

• August 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd., Detroit • August 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Booker Dozier Recreation Center, 2025 Middlebelt Rd., Inkster • August 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lathrup Village City Hall, 27400 Southfield Rd. • September 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Delta Service Through Detroit Foundation, Inc., 24760 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit.

Remember: Don’t have your identity stolen.

Shred instead.

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Page B-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • June 29 - July 5, 2016

An Open Letter To

Our Readers

for the Men’s Month campaign of I am writing you today to seek your support llenge. It is a local effort during the the Enough SAID African-American 490 Cha an-American men in the movement to month of July to engage Detroit-area Afric oit’s DNA rape kit crisis. raise money for and awareness about Detr tor Kym L. Wor thy’s staff discovered In 2009, a member of Wayne County Prosecu in a Detroit Police Department storage 11,341 untested, unopened DNA rape kits the Detroit Crime Commission and room. Last year, Wor thy joined forces with ch Enough Sexual Assault in Detroit the Michigan Women’s Foundation to laun and public dollars to process Detroit’s (Enough SAID), a campaign to raise private ecute the ensuing cases. abandoned rape kits and investigate and pros higan Chronicle has in Michigan, I am proud of the work the Mic per spa new ican mer an-A Afric est larg catastrophic the As publisher of We have devoted extensive coverage to the ity. mun com our in rape of urge sco the done in reporting on mother, aunts, sisters and daughters. impact it has had on the lives of our wives, and faith in the city’s of how it undermines our sense of security ing and erst und eral visc a have I r, oite k man, father, As a native Detr brutal crime. And equally important, as a blac feel about his with y awa get to wed allo is st rapi a leadership ever y time er that black women citizen, I understand the frustration and ang ant in a Detroit Police Dehusband, son, brother, uncle and concerned the more than 11,000 rape kits that sat dorm ess proc ly ient effic and ly ctive effe to someone wrongfully ility this inab processing these tests could also mean that that w kno I y, ilarl Sim s. year for room age partment stor convicted could be exonerated. to respond with more than and Detroit deserves better. Now is the time er bett erve des ity mun com our of en The wom to put our money where our mouth is. words of empathy or disgust. Now is the time cost ($490) an- American 490 Challenge, named for the Afric the ing port sup in me join to y toda That is why I am asking you nizations, seeks to raise both an-American women and women-led orga Afric by led n, paig cam This kit. rape one that coalition has raised to test stigations in Detroit and beyond. Already, inve and ults assa al sexu to tied ss rene have not been funds and awa the remaining 1,341 rape kits that as of yet of ing test r cove will that ey mon l, goa 0 $250,000 of its $657,09 ’s helping with fundraising.

American men, I am part of a coalition that processed. Now, joining with other African tion. Twenty-one perit is important that we are a part of the solu ns, rica Ame an Afric are ms victi the of these serial ent Because 81 perc mitted and 40 states have been impacted by com was rape the time the at 16 age er und cent of victims were n-11 times. rapists, who attack on average between seve justice. positive is happening in this effort is secure In spite of those grim statistics, something , we are e awareness and change the culture. In fact rais to t wan we ey, mon e rais to this g ng that has remained in the We are not just simply doin these assaults and speaking out on somethi rting repo are en wom e mor that ing see already shadows for far too long. and digwhat is rightfully ours. And that is the honor k bac take to now is time the rs, nde higa se sense of violation and My fellow Detroiters and Mic acted by rape. We must stand with those who imp n bee has who oit Detr in an wom y ever nity of ated by the failure to find justice. degradation of their humanity is only exacerb rican from all walks of life by taking the African Ame en wom and men n rica Ame an Afric and f en city and broken hearts.

Join me, the Chronicle staf uctible donation today and help heal our brok ded tax a e Mak . that just g doin in ge llen 490 Cha in the memo Michigan Women’s Foundation, with AA 490 the to able pay de (ma ck che a ing writ er You can do so by eith line) and sending it to:

Michigan Women’s Foundation 333 West Fort Street, Suite 1920 Detroit, MI 48226

g to make a donation online.

Or you can go to www.aa490challenge.or r backs. . Our sisters need to know that we have thei We all need to be a par t of the solution

Sincerely,

Hiram E. Jackson

www.aa490challenge.org

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Southwest Detroit Business Association hosts local community and business leaders during investment breakfast The Southwest Detroit Business Association recently hosted more than 300 community leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs and residents during its annual Community Investment Breakfast. The event was presented by MotorCity Casino Hotel and was held in the SoundBoard located at 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. This year’s keynote speaker was Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. Fox 2 Detroit’s Huel Perkins served as master of ceremonies.

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Lisa Milton of Redesign & Restoration is

In recognition of this year’s breakfast theme — Southwest Resurgence — the event celebrated the growing economic investment that is taking place in Southwest Detroit while also acknowledging SDBA programs and services to promote business and community development. Local individuals, businesses and organizations were recognized during an awards ceremony for their achievements and positive contributions to the community.

Detroit driven

“This year’s honorees have diligently worked to make our neighborhood a better place to live, work and play,” said SDBA President Kathy Wendler.

“As valued community partners, their dedication is inspiring and we’re truly proud to share their individual stories and thank them for their efforts.”

The list of honorees included: Jose and Sandra Lopez, Taqueria Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant – The Springwells Award for Small Business Investment; John James, Jr. and Lorron James, James Group International – The Bagley Award for Generational Investment; Motor City Match – West Vernor Award for Community Leadership Investment; Maria Salinas, Congress of Communities of Southwest Detroit Neighborhoods; Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program – The Clark Street Award for Civic Investment; and The Kathy Wendler Award; and SEMCOG and MDOT – The Spirit of Southwest Detroit Award.

By Patreice A. Massey Designer Lisa Milton’s Redesign & Restoration (R&R) is the latest business to flourish during Detroit’s imminent creative boom. The once stay-at-home mom of three has her artist and entrepreneurial hat on and its firmly in place.

Having moved to the city 15 years ago, Milton has adopted a Detroit state of mind. Unforeseen circumstances forced her take a chance and create her own lane.

“I started R&R when my husband lost his job, I was a stayat- home mom and needed to find something that would give me the potential to earn income, but also the flexibility to be there for our three daughters.

I have always loved design but Lisa Milton have had no formal training so I decided to create my own opportunity,” says Milton.

Sworn in as Wayne Country Executive in 2015, Executive Evans has established a reputation as a highly effective leader who is known for his efficiency, innovation, and strategic collaboration. In just under two years in office, Executive Evans and his team generated Wayne County’s first General Fund surplus in eight years by implementing a fiscal Recovery Plan that has eliminated the County’s accumulated and structural deficits.

The growth of the business was slow but steady as Milton started selling her painted items online through Craigslist, and as the demand grew, Milton and her husband, Kandia, decided to open up a small shop in their neighborhood. That was in 2009. Today they have expanded into hand-painted vintage furniture sales, custom upholstery, design services and rentals for special events and staging.

The Evans administration reduced Wayne County unfunded healthcare liabilities by nearly one billion dollars.

They also negotiated new contracts with Wayne County’s labor unions.

The National Organization of Black County Officials recently recognized Evans as its 2016 County Executive of the Year for his work to turn around the County’s finances.

See RESTORATION Page C-2

Perkins has worked at Fox 2 News for 24 years. He has won two Emmy awards for reporting, as well as four nominations for Best Anchor. In addition to anchoring the weekday evening news, he also hosts the popular talk show “Let it Rip!” on Thursday nights.

Founded in 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association fosters innovation, drive and commitment in our community. Tihey support our community’s vision for a healthy, vibrant neighborhood. The SDBA works with local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, customers and neighbors to develop a place where more people are choosing to live, work, shop and play – a place where you find business building community and community building business. For more information, visit www.southwestdetroit.com.

Linda Forte to retire from Comerica Bank Comerica’s Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer Linda D. Forte has announced her plans to retire in August 2016 following a 42-year career with the bank. Comerica Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition Nathaniel Bennett has been named as Comerica’s new Chief Diversity Officer, reporting to Megan D. Burkhart, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. In addition to his new responsibilities, Bennett will continue his role as the leader of Talent Acquisition at Comerica, which will allow for strong synergies.

“I have been blessed with a career in which I could fulfill my passion to empower others,” said Forte, who has helped define and drive business strategies to establish Comerica as a leader in diversity and work life practices. “It has

“Under Linda’s leadership, Comerica has contributed millions of dollars to nonprofits in the communities we serve, provided our colleagues meaningful community volunteer opportunities, and driven our diversity program forward, making it one of the best and most recognized in the country,” said Ralph W. Babb, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer.

Linda Forte been a privilege to help raise appreciation and support for the diverse members of our community, as well as make our communities better through corporate contributions and volunteerism.”

“Diversity and community involvement are core values at Comerica. As chief diversity officer, Nathan will reinforce our deep commitment to a diverse workforce, community and customer base.

This fits perfectly with Nathan’s focus on talent acquisition, since we know that when our workforce truly reflects the demographics of our markets, we will better serve our customers, grow our business and build an even stronger organization,” Babb added.

Linda Forte Among Forte’s significant accomplishments during her 42-year career with Comerica, which began in 1974, are the: ■ Formation of employee teams designed to develop and nurture business relationships with diverse business owners, professionals and community influencers; ■ Development of employee networking groups, which coordinate hundreds of professional development opportunities for colleagues while supporting communities the bank serves through volunteer projects and events; ■ Launch of the bank’s well regarded Master of Diversity Awareness program, which supports understanding of the value of an inclusive workplace environment; and ■ Annual reporting of thousands of volunteer hours in the bank’s “Comerica Cares” program, which has received national recognition for its impact on communities served.

Forte, in addition to her service on a number of boards, has earned considerable recognition during her tenure with the bank, including as a recipient of the 2014 Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Annual Humanitarian Award, as the 2014 Michigan Women’s Foundation Woman of Achievement and Courage, and as a 2013 Inductee into the “Academy of Distinguished Alumni” for Bowling Green State University.

She also was recognized in 2016 by Black Enterprises’ “Top Executives in Diversity.”

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Restoration Although no longer a full-time stay-at-home mom, Milton’s family is very much an integral part of her success. “I talk to my husband about every piece I design. Sometimes he agrees with me and sometimes he disagrees and we take the approach he suggests. We are truly a team. I am blessed to have a family that supports and encourages my business,” she says.

Milton is determined to take more chances and design risks in order to take her business to the next level. Her custom designed chairs have been gaining attention nationwide and images of her latest Detroit themed collection have gone viral.

“When I started making the chairs and hearing the response to them, it ignited something inside of me. They've taken on a life of their own. I posted the Diana Ross chair in a Facebook group and it received 12,000 ‘likes’ in just two days,” she says.

This attention no doubt helped spark the Detroit Leaning event that was held in June. Inspired by a lyric from the Pretenders song “Brass in Pocket,” Detroit Leaning refers to a driving style where one leans to the side. The name is meant to be a hat tip to the city’s flair and swag. The event was a collaborative effort with Je Donna Dinges of Margaux and Max to promote the two businesses. It was a partnership formed in the spirit of supportive sisterhood to celebrate all things Detroit. “I wanted to pay homage to the city that I have adopted and that has adopted me,” said Milton who moved to Detroit 15 years ago.

“I have grown to love Detroit. I wanted to show the triumphs and the struggles, which have made it what it is and the promise of what it will be,” Milton said.

Women entrepreneurs’

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page C-2

From page C-1

collaborating to achieve a common goal is a trend that is on the rise. More women are realizing that there is strength in numbers and the old adage, together everyone achieves more. “I believe collaboration is important because it allows us to help each other, when you're a small business you can feel a bit alone, like a raindrop in an ocean. But when we come together as entrepreneurs our small ripple can become a wave,” she says. “Just planning the event was monumental.

We used my space and Je Donna did a lot of the legwork on bringing attention to the event. We both invited various vendors who also had an opportunity to showcase their businesses. I don't think it would have gone as well as it did without our jointed effort.”

As Milton turns her attention to expanding her business she is overjoyed about the emotions her art is evoking. Her work appeals to young and old and one doesn’t have to be an art aficionado to see that her work is pretty dope. “I've had children in the neighborhood stand and stare at the chairs in our window.

Once a homeless man came in just to tell me how great the chairs are and how they made his day,” shesays. “It's been wonderful to have that type of effect on people.

People have been requesting images of other icons like Prince, Muhammad Ali and even their loved ones. I think people appreciate the fact that its functional art.”

This is just the beginning of Milton’s “Detroit Collection.” So far they have Joe Louis, Motown (Diana Ross), Eastern Market, Mexican town (Frida Kahlo), Rosa Parks (on an actual bus seat) and their Neighborhoods chair which has sparked lots of conversation on Facebook. Milton plans to expand the Detroit Col-

lection to honor the auto industry, Detroit's leadership and a commemorative chair recognizing the Uprising of ’67.

Powerful women share sisterhood at it’s finest

By Jane Riley

“The Powerful Women, is an empowerment organization that aims to cultivate a culture of excellence for women,” said founder Meagan Ward. This year’s Powerful Women’s Weekend created an opportunity for women to connect, educate themselves and celebrate one another.

Women from across the United States attended the conference to participate in workshops and interactive activities that focused on brand empowerment, financial literacy, and self-worth. “The experience has been amazing,” said attendee Bria Renee. “I’ve had the chance to connect with great women who are doing great things.”

I had the opportunity to sit down oneon-one and connect with some of those great women. Jereshia Hawk, transmission pipeline engineer by day and founder of Goal Getter Group by night, is dedicated to preparing and advancing the empowerment of millennials. She urges women to take the time to discover themselves. “Create space in your world

to be still so that you can learn who you are and learn to fall constantly in love with yourself.”

Tonya Radley, the creator of My Fab Finance, uses her story and experience to provide women the tools necessary to break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. She offered three financial pieces of advice; “(1) create boundaries around your finances - no one is going to protect your finances like you will, (2) become knowledgeable about what you don’t know or hire someone is, and (3) just start - don’t put it off.”

My conversations with these women were just a glimpse inside all of the empowering and encouraging words and from the speakers, panelists, and attendees. Toni Jones, the program’s director and founder of Wife Comma, strongly believes that The Powerful Women’s Weekend is a valuable experience to help women grow and engage in authentic sisterhood.

For more information on the organization, visit www.thepowerfulwomen. org.

Lisa Milton’s passion, commitment, quality and talent will ensure that Redesign & Restoration is around for many years to come. So support a local business or at minimum, stop by the shop. You are

sure to be inspired.

Redesign and Restoration is located at 14440 E. Jefferson in Detroit.

To learn more, visit www. redesignandrestoration. com or call (313) ­926-3573

Patreice Massey is the director of Creative Services for the Michigan Chronicle. She can be reached at (313) 9638100, ext. 266, or via email at pmassey@realtimesmedia.com.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Does the company that just bought Ebony magazine really have a plan?

Chicago Crusader Staff Report

The new owners of Ebony magazine and JetMag.com emerged on June 21, unveiling their plans for the iconic black publications. The announcement came nearly a week after the Chicago Crusader published a story on the sale that was shrouded in mystery.

A story published on Ebony.com described Clear View Group L.L.C. (CVG), the company that purchased Johnson’s magazines, as a black-owned investment firm based in Austin, Texas led by Michael Gibson and Willard Jackson, chairman and vice chairman, respectively. The partners started the firm in 2015.

In the story, Gibson said purchasing the two publications was a “no-brainer.”

The new owners said that “Ebony, Ebony.com and JetMag. com will be part of the newly formed group called the Ebony Media Company (EMC).

Johnson Publishing Company Chairman Linda Johnson Rice will serve as chairman emeritus of EMC. Kyra Kyles, who led Ebony’s digital operations, will be the magazine’s editor-in-chief and senior vice president of digital editorial.

CVG purchased the Johnson publications in May for an undisclosed price.

Columbia College Chicago bought the Johnson Publishing Company building for $8 million in 2010.

platform that we think is really important for us and all of our community.”

Gibson said that the partners view their strength “as raising capital and networking.”

CVG is still mum on the terms of the deal and the sale amount for Ebony and JetMag.com, two magazines that were founded by John H. Johnson, who used his mother’s furniture as collateral to start Johnson Publishing Company.

The sale ended an era of Ebony and Jet, which were both family-owned since Johnson founded the company in 1942.

According to Ebony.com, CVG specializes in private equity acquisitions.

Gibson and Jackson are Clear looking to transform the Ebony Media Company into a “multimedia platform” that will include existing print and digital operations.

Clear View also said there is also a possibility of expanding into broadcast operations as well.

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page C-3

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We inspect nearly 10,000 miles of pipeline each year using advanced technologies, and modernize about 100 miles of pipeline annually. We also add an ingredient that makes natural gas smell like rotten eggs, making it easily identifiable in the case of a leak.

If you smell natural gas or suspect a leak, do not use electronic devices or open flames, leave the area immediately, and call DTE Energy at 800.947.5000 24 hours a day.

“We see bringing additional programs, activations, events to further satisfy what we think is a need out there for African American content,” Jackson said in the Ebony story.

“Whether its healthcare or education related, we want to offer different ways to provide content to the existing readership. We really see expanding the digital platform.”

College officials ditched plans to renovate the building and recently announced that they will put the 11-story property up for sale. Proceeds from the sale will help to fund a new building project, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.

Given the new ownership team, some former employees and readers believe Ebony won’t be the same. With little to no media experience and Ebony’s financial woes, there is also concern that restoring the magazine will be too difficult in a tough industry where advertising dollars have been declining for years.

Gibson will serve as board chair of the new Ebony Media Company.

In the Ebony.com article, Gibson said he is ready for the challenge.

“Ebony’s always been a part of our families, so it had always been an attraction,” Gibson said in the Ebony.com story.

Gibson added, “We have a reach of over 1.25 million subscribers a month, that’s more than any other (black targeted) magazine that’s out there.”

“But this opportunity was introduced to us…and it didn’t take us very long to make a decision that this was something unique, it’s the most iconic image in the African American community and it’s a

The Chicago Crusader is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.T:10” nnpa.org.

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June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page C-4

Detroit’s car donation program provides more than transportation Michigan Chronicle Reports

Vehicles for Change, Detroit, the innovative donated car program serving the Detroit area, has had its first recipient, Tracey Thomas, completely pay off her vehicle loan, five months ahead of schedule. The announcement was made by Teresa McFadden, director of Operations for Vehicles for Change, Detroit.

Founded in the Baltimore, Maryland area by Martin Schwartz, a cousin of former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, Vehicles for Change sells low-cost vehicles to qualified applicants, helping them achieve much-needed transportation.

The program guarantees low-interest car loans, under $1,000, helping recipients build credit while achieving pride of ownership. In addition, the vehicles are repaired as needed before being sold and carry a six-month/6,000-mile warranty.

The Detroit program, the first national expansion of Vehicles for Change, began last year.

“Through this program, I am now able to drive to work and be to work on time every day,” said Detroiter Tracey Thomas, a caregiver at Fresh Start Transitional Housing, who paid off her loan at the end of March 2016. “In fact, this has allowed me to acquire another part-time job. It has opened up doors for me. I recommend the program to anyone.”

Thomas’s 2003 Saturn Ion was donated to Vehicles for Change, Detroit by Harry Godlewski Jr. of Washington Township.

“I heard about Vehicles for Change on the radio. What attracted me was how the person was going to get the vehicle after it was repaired. They don’t go out and scrap a car, but the donation has a purpose,” said Godlewski Jr., a Detroit area pharmacist.

Thomas was referred to Vehicles for Change, Detroit by one its human service organization partners, Southwest Economic Solutions. McFadden explains that the role of a sponsoring agency like Southwest Economic Solutions is to identify recipients who are taking the right steps to manage their lives better and transportation is the last issue. Individual applications are sent to Vehicles for Change for approval based on qualifying criteria.

“In connecting folks to jobs, the challenge is always transportation. Studies have shown that many of these jobs are outside Detroit proper, so people have to leave the city to work at entry level positions,” said Hector Hernandez, Executive Director of Detroit nonprofit Southwest Economic Solutions, whose group works to promote and preserve home ownership and advances workforce development and adult literacy among its services and programs.

Tracey Thomas

“We were attracted to partner with Vehicles for Change because of their multi-prong strategy. There is a training component in their model, where they will train mechanics to provide high quality, low cost repairs and add employment to the community,” Hernandez added.

In addition to Southwest Economic Solutions, Vehicle for Change partners in the Detroit area include Matrix Human Services, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency and Belle Tire, who is helping to repair donated cars.

Baltimore-based nonprofit Vehicles for Change Inc. (VFC) empowers families with financial challenges to achieve economic and personal independence through car ownership and technical training.

In 1999, Vehicles for Change opened outside of Baltimore, Maryland. After building sustainable car award and automotive training programs in the Maryland-Virginia-Washington D.C. region, Vehicles for Change began work to replicate those programs nationally, aiming to bring independent transportation and training in the automotive field to as many

people as possible.

Vehicle for Change took its first step towards national expansion by opening up its second location in Detroit, Michigan in 2015.

Since 1999, Vehicle for Change has awarded 5,140 cars to low-income families, changing the lives of more than 15,000 people. Our 2011 study found that 75 percent of Vehicle for Change recipients achieved better jobs and/or boosted their earnings an average of $7,000 within the first year. For additional information, please visit www.vehiclesforchange.org.

DTE Energy unveils plans for new public park CEO, Detroit mayor break ground at site Michigan Chronicle Reports

Against the backdrop of historic and restored buildings, a transformation began as DTE Energy broke ground and shared its plan for a 1.5 acre public park to energize the western edge of downtown Detroit. The park will serve as a vibrant green space to anchor the emerging neighborhood, spur economic development and provide a spot for residents, visitors and employees to gather, play, eat and enjoy entertainment.

“We see this as an opportunity to create connectivity in an area of the city that has 'lived on an island' for decades. Our

vision and promise is to transform this piece of land into a magnificent public green space that will benefit the city and its people for generations to come,” said Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy chairman and CEO. “This park will serve as a catalyst for future development, and builds upon our strong roots in the community. For more than a century, DTE has been an integral piece of Detroit’s history and we see this as a continuation of our efforts to be a force for growth and prosperity in the city’s revitalization.”

The park will feature a yearround restaurant and a central lawn with intimate walking

paths and areas to sit, relax and recharge; a multiuse space for outdoor, programmed activities; a roll-in stage for performances; areas for food truck vendors; and bicycle parking.

“For all of the construction and redevelopment we are seeing in greater downtown, providing access to green space is just as important to our city's growth,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. "Thank you to DTE for building this incredible new multi-use park that will help to link downtown with the arena district and bring us another step closer to having a world-class walkable city.”

During the groundbreaking,

Toast the 2016 Class of

Anderson revealed the new renderings for the park and the restaurant. The contemporary building, which will have three moveable walls that can open during the warmer seasons, will offer: • A free-flowing design for the bar and eating areas that can hold up to 75 guests • A 735 square-foot roof deck for a panoramic view of the city, able to hold nearly 50 people • A sustainable, green roof space that is designed to conserve and collect runoff water to repurpose it for other trees, grass and plants • A theatrical, upward cantile-

ver roof that extends over the sidewalk for unique flair and to pay homage to Detroit’s historic structures DTE will work with the Downtown Detroit Partnership to develop park programming and identify a restaurant operator to attract visitors of all ages.

The park is scheduled for completion in 2017. The construction costs are being funded by a separate non-utility DTE business, not by customers.

A crowd-sourcing campaign will be held closer to the grand opening to solicit suggestions from the community to name the park.

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Class of 2016. Among those cheering the done. I usually do most of my studying were Sawabini’s quadruplets; cheering drenbusiness went to bed. My husband hasTHE been MICHIGAN CHRONICLE June 29 - July 5, 2016 Page C-5 for s support! Last year, my husband changed mom for a job well done.

Dr. Curtis L. Ivery who conferred the able juggleof care ork midnights so we were Mom Quadruplets ren. I haven’t worked outside of the home degrees and certificates reminded the stud Makes the Grades in“AsNursing School we approach our 50th anniversary, edu dren were born.”

C. B continues to be the key to achieving succe s thatB Dother moms with children, family During her speech, Sawabini shared with the Michigan, Dr. Mark S. Schlissel, Ph.D. “The key to audience her journey into her nursing career and the thriving throughwith change is education, and the benefits Our students leave the assurance tha ealize that the road is not easy but there role her family played in helping her along the way. extend beyond enhancing careers. It enhances life – “I’d like that to tell you a little bit about myselfforward and my forinto you as graduates everyone you interact with,” step thisandchanging society wi t at the end of the tunnel. “I hope journey here at Wayne County Community College Dr. Schlissel told the graduates. “Education is the gift that keeps on giving. It informs how we interact as District. In 2011, I decided it was time for me to go they go back to school realize that although citizens, tools how we vote, and howneed we approachto our succeed back to school. I needed to get knowledge a degree and I wanted and challenges,” Dr. Schlissel told the graduates. a career I would enjoy. I started out taking a couple sy, it can be done. There will always be What made it a little different for greatest This year’s commencement ceremony was of classes online.

Mom ofwas thatQuadruplets historical; not only because Dr. Schlissel delivered me at the time I had four infants at home! the keynote and encouraged the Class of 2016 to the fall of 2010, my husband and I became the d everything that can go wrong Inwill. move forward and achieve their dreams, but because proud parents of quadruplets. They are now 5 and Makes the Grades in Nursing School WCCCD graduated its oldest student, Ruby Watson here with me tonight.

Some of you are single; some walk across that stage with your ofchildren us have families, husbands and wives, one child or Parker, 87, who received her Associate of Arts degree. eight. There are some who came to Wayne County She started at WCCCD in the Fall of 1969.

B D B u, you willC.know that they are the reason Community College District right out of high school.

The youngest person among this year’s graduates For During some, nursing is a second career was CortezDr. Pittman, 19,Schlissel, who received Associate while others her speech, Sawabini shared with the knew Michigan, Mark S. Ph.D.his“The key to those long nights with a book in your of Arts degree. this was the thinginto they ever meant to do. audience heronly journey herwere nursing career and the thriving through change is education, and the benefits WCCCD established and maintained We are on different paths, yet her it is along the same role herall family played in helping the journey. way. extend beyondhas enhancing careers.

It enhances life – rayer in your heart!” partnerships with over high schools in nearlywith,” It was antoincredible and I don’t one and40everyone you interact “I’d like tell you achallenge little bit about myselfregret and my for you as graduates 15 school districts in graduates. the region.“Education As a result of these minute of it! at I could not have done it without my Dr. Schlissel told the is the gift journey here Wayne County Community College partnerships, is proudhow to announce that husband and without my parents!” that keeps on WCCCD giving. It informs we interact as District.

In 2011, I decided it was time for me to go sing and Allied Health Pinning Ceremony Meranda Sawabini will always remember the 10 students Cass and Technical High Schoolour and Sawabini, having four children citizens, howfrom we vote, how we approach backAccording to school.toI needed to get a degree and I wanted Spring of 2016. It was the year that she was selected Chandler Park High School graduated with their and making the grades in nursing school was not an greatest challenges,” Dr. Schlissel told the graduates. a career I would enjoy.

I started out taking a couple des the WCCCD’s graduation which to represent the 40 diverse students who walked across of associate’s degrees coupled with ceremony their high was school easy task. online.

“Balancing enough for my husband, This year’s commencement classes What madetime it a little different for the stage to receive their nurse’s pins during the diplomas. not only because Dr. Schlissel delivered children has Ibeen I wanted to be historical; me at theand timeschool was that had tough. four infants at home!

Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Ford Field in Nursing and Allied Health Pinning Ceremony at the was loud applause the from families and to ablethe tofall giveofeveryone attention deserved the There keynote and encouraged Class of 2016 In 2010, mythehusband andthey I became theand Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts friendsforward to acknowledge thetheir achievements of the have had to sacrifice some of that to are be able get move and achieve dreams, but because proud parents of quadruplets.

They now to 5 and n more 1,700 graduates received Centerthan at the Wayne County Community College Class of 2016.

Among loudest assignments I usually of single; my studying WCCCD graduated itsthose oldestcheering student,the Ruby Watson here with medone. tonight.

Somedo of most you are some District’s (WCCCD) Downriver Campus in Taylor. were Sawabini’s cheering for theirdegree. after to bed.and Mywives, husband been Parker, 87, who quadruplets; received her Associate of Arts of us my havechildren families,went husbands onehas child or There were loud applauses when Sawabini approached and certificates in various disciplines. momstarted for a job well done.in the Fall of 1969. a tremendous support!

Lastcame year, to myWayne husband changed She at WCCCD eight.

There are some who County the podium and it did not only come from her Dr. Curtis L. Ivery who conferred the various his shift to work midnights we were able juggle care The youngest person among this year’s graduates Community College Districtsoright out of high school. classmates; but from the audience; most especially, degrees and certificates reminded the students that for our children.

I haven’t worked outside of the home was Cortez Pittman, 19, who received his Associate For some, nursing is a second career while others knew m began at 11:00 am, and it wasthis from her husband and their quadruplets; two “AsArts we approach sincewas mythe children were they born.” of degree. our 50th anniversary, education only thing were ever meant to do. daughters and two sons; Sophia, Gabriella, Nicholas to behas theestablished key to achieving success. hopes that other moms WCCCD and maintained We She are all on different paths, yetwith it is children, the same family journey. continues Forty-Seventh Annual Commencement and Noah.

Our studentswith leaveover with40the assurance they and school realize that the roadand is not easyregret but there partnerships high schoolsthat in nearly It was an incredible challenge I don’t one “When I got the call that I was going to represent stepschool forward into this changing withofthethese is alwaysoflight the end of thedone tunnel.

“I hopemy that 15 districts in the region.society As a result minute it! I at could not have it without The keynote speaker for this year’s the graduating class of 2016, I was flabbergasted,” knowledge and tools they parents who back tomy school realize that although partnerships, WCCCD is need proudtotosucceed.” announce that husband andgo without parents!”

Sawabini, saidSawabini as she choked back tears.

“I brought Meranda will always remember the it is According never easy,toit Sawabini, can be done.

There willchildren always be 10 students from Cass Technical High School and having four with meofmy napkins wipe away tears I 2016.

It wastothe year thatmy she was and selected s theSpring President of the University of problems andthe everything can school go wrong Chandler Park High School graduated with their and making grades in that nursing waswill. not an Y

AVID

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hope you also napkinsstudents to do thewho same,” she across began. to represent thehave 40 diverse walked I amstage humbled at thetheir opportunity andduring feel blessed the to receive nurse’s pins the to have beenand a part of such an Pinning amazingCeremony group of people.

Nursing Allied Health at the I’d likeC. to Prechter take this Educational opportunity and to welcome all of you Heinz Performing Arts here. I’datlike give aCounty special Community thanks to ourCollege Dean of Center the to Wayne Nursing, to our entireDownriver nursing faculty and in theTaylor. rest District’s (WCCCD) Campus of the Wayne County Community Collegeapproached District There were loud applauses when Sawabini faculty.

Special go to all come of ourfrom families the podium andthanks it did not only her and friends whobut are from celebrating along with You have classmates; the audience; mostus.especially, been our support throughout these two years. from her husband and their quadruplets; two You are the ones who made theseGabriella, crazy schedules, daughters and twohave sons; Sophia, Nicholas longNoah. nights and early mornings possible,” she added. and “Most importantly, want to Isay “When I got theI call that wascongratulations going to represent to us, the class of 2016!” the graduating class of 2016, I was flabbergasted,” Sawabini, said as she choked back tears. “I brought with me my napkins to wipe away my tears and I hope you also have napkins to do the same,” she began.

I am humbled at the opportunity and feel blessed to have been a part of such an amazing group of people.

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you here. I’d like to give a special thanks to our Dean of Nursing, to our entire nursing faculty and the rest of the Wayne County Community College District faculty. Special thanks go to all of our families and friends who are celebrating along with us. You have been our support throughout these two years. You are the ones who have made these crazy schedules, long nights and early mornings possible,” she added.

“Most importantly, I want to say congratulations to us, the class of 2016!”

But, task. as you“Balancing walk across that stage your children easy enough timewith for my husband, watchingand you,school you will that they are the to reason children hasknow been tough.

I wanted be you spent those long withthey a book in your able to givealleveryone thenights attention deserved and hand had andto a prayer in some your heart!” have sacrifice of that to be able to get The Nursing Allied do Health Ceremony assignments done.and I usually mostPinning of my studying usually WCCCD’s graduation after myprecedes childrenthe went to bed. My husband which has been held on Saturday, 2016 Ford Field in awas tremendous support!June Last 4, year, myathusband changed Detroit, when more than 1,700 graduates received his shift to work midnights so we were able juggle care theirour degrees and Icertificates in various disciplines. for children. haven’t worked outside of the home The program began at 11:00 since my children were born.”am, and it was WCCCD’s Forty-Seventh Annual Commencement She hopes that other moms with children, family Ceremony.

The keynote speaker year’s and school realize that the road isfor notthis easy but there ceremony was at thethe President of the University is always light end of the tunnel.

“I hopeofthat parents who go back to school realize that although it is never easy, it can be done. There will always be problems and everything that can go wrong will.

But, as you walk across that stage with your children watching you, you will know that they are the reason you spent all those long nights with a book in your hand and a prayer in your heart!”

The Nursing and Allied Health Pinning Ceremony usually precedes the WCCCD’s graduation which was held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Ford Field in Detroit, when more than 1,700 graduates received their degrees and certificates in various disciplines.

The program began at 11:00 am, and it was WCCCD’s Forty-Seventh Annual Commencement Ceremony. The keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony was the President of the University of

associate’s degrees coupled with their high school diplomas.

There was loud applause from families and friends to acknowledge the achievements of the Class of 2016. Among those cheering the loudest were Sawabini’s quadruplets; cheering for their mom for a job well done.

Dr. Curtis L. Ivery who conferred the various degrees and certificates reminded the students that “As we approach our 50th anniversary, education continues to be the key to achieving success.

Our students leave with the assurance that they step forward into this changing society with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.”

unity College District celebra ment Ceremony on June 4th!

Wayne County Community College District celebrated its 47th Commencement Ceremony on June 4th!

Wayne County Community College District celebrated its 47th Commencement Ceremony on June 4th!

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June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page C-6

Tyson Gersh, Eric Thomas, Tatiana Grant, Rev. Charles Williams III and Katherine Cockrel

Pancakes and Politics panelist say no to ‘rebranding’ Detroit

By Roz Edward

Y

oung business and political leaders lead an important social discussion on the pros and cons of rebranding Detroit agreed at the Michigan Chronicle’s “Pancakes and Politics” speaker’s forum at the Detroit Athletic Club.

A poll of the event’s 250 guests revealed over 80 percent of them believed that the Detroit’s Motor City image was what gave the city it’s storied identity which would remain

in tact as the next generation of leaders takes drives Detroit into the future. Pancakes and Politics panelists included: Rev. Charles Williams, pastor of King Solomon Church and president of National Action Network Michigan; Eric Thomas, a senior partner and brand specialist at Saga Marketing; Tatiana Grant, President or Infused PR and Events and Co-Founder of Flash Delivery; Katherine Cockrel, an Associate Vice President Finn Partners; and Tyson Gersh, President and Co-Founder of the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative.

Panelist with CBS 62 representatives: Tom Canedo, Rev. Charles Williams III, Eric Thomas, Carol Cain, Cathy Nedd, Tatiana Grant, Katherine Cockrel and Tyson Gersh

Karl Bell (left), SVP, Invest Detroit; Eric Thomas, co-founder, Saga Marketing; Hiram E. Jackson, publisher, Michigan Chronicle

Cathy Nedd, COO and associate publisher, Ric DeVore, president and CEO, PNC Bank Michigan Chronicle

Katrina McCree (left), director of Government & Community Affairs, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, Allante Whitmore, supervisor, McNair Scholars Program, Carla Walker-Miller, CEO, Walker Miller Energy Services

Katherine Cockrel, associate vice president, Finn Partners, and Sheila Cockrel, president, Crossroads Consulting

Kimberly Dowdell, Andrew Colom, Malcolm Miller

Panelist with PNC representatives: Rev. Charles Williams III (left), Nicole Mattoli, Eric Thomas, Tatiana Grant, Ric DeVore, Cathy Nedd, Katherine Cockrel, Tyson Gersh and Jason Paulateer

Vicki Thomas, city beat reporter, WWJ 950

DiAnna Solomon, Cierra Jefferson, Lisa Whitmore-Davis, Allante Whitmore

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Reflections

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Dorinda Clark-Cole

By Steve Holsey

Lesser known family connections Most people know that Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen are sisters, that Romeo and Master P are son and father, and so on. But a lot of people are not aware of other blood relatives in the show business industry.

For example, Snoop Dogg is the cousin of Brandy and her brother Ray J. as was recently disclosed.

Detroit gifts to the world

Brandy and Snoop Dogg “We never told the world because we weren’t trippin’ off of that, but that’s my family,” said Snoop (real name: Calvin Broadus).

Cherrelle and Pebbles are cousins.

So are Shaquille O’Neal and Bill Bellamy (second cousins), Christopher Martin (of Kid ’n Play) and Martin Lawrence, Al B. Sure and Christopher Williams, and Fantasia and K-Ci and JoJo. Also, many sources say Melvin Franklin of the Temptations was the uncle of Rick James.

RONALD ISLEY, who became a bona fide R&B icon many years ago, recently celebrated a milestone birthday — his 75th. Applause to him for career and personal longevity.

(…and these ladies have something else in common)

By Steve Holsey Della Reese

Freda Payne

But concerning the latter, the Motor/ Renaissance City has been a highly influential powerhouse in many genres, not just R&B as created by Motown Record Corporation.

Few, if any, cities can match Detroit in terms of what its has given the world, including R&B, gospel, rock, blues, jazz, rap, pop and it is literally where the electronic dance music dubbed techno in the late 1980s was created.

In casual terms, the best way to put it is to say that Detroit has got it goin' on. No one knows why so much music has emanated from Detroit in the past, and still does, but many of us — it should be all of us — are proud to claim it. Maybe it has something to do with Providence.

IN ANY event, the focus of this story is the amazing number of female vocal stars from Detroit, whether actually born here or not, who have names that end with the letter “a.” In fact, most of them do.

Consider: Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Freda Payne, Della Reese, Aretha Franklin, Thornetta Davis, Martha Reeves, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Priscilla (CeCe) Winans, Laura Lee, Alicia Myers, Ursula Walker, Erma Franklin, Alberta Adams, Rena Scott, Agatha (Kim) Weston, Elbernita (Twinkie) Clark, Yolanda McCullough, who at one time was one of the most popular and well-paid background studio singers in the business, Sandra (Lois) Reeves of the Vandellas, Brenda Franklin and the late Ortheia Barnes…and that’s not all of them.

ARETHA FRANKLIN had been crowned the “Queen of Soul” in the first half of the 1960s, but didn’t actually become that until 1967 when “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” “Respect” and “Do Right Woman-Do Right Man” propelled her into the stratosphere.

Aretha Franklin

Anita Baker

Isley has one of the most unique and expressive voices in R&B and pop history. No one sounds anything like him, and that voice has been consistently heard since 1959.

The list of Isley Brothers hits Ronald Isley is amazing, including “Shout,” “It’s Your Thing,” “Between the Sheets,” “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You),” “Twist and Shout,” “Fight the Power,” “That Lady” and “For the Love of You.” MARY J. BLIGE and Kanye West are not two artists you’d expect to collaborate on a recording, but that is what has happened. The song will be included on the nearly completed new Blige album, but the title of the collaboration remains a mystery.

Diana Ross

“I don’t want to give up the name of the song,” said Blige, “but I can’t wait for people to hear it. I wish I could give the title, but I just can’t do it yet.”

Maybe there is Mary J. Blige something particularly unusual about the title.

Something very wrong was going on at the three Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles businesses in Atlanta.

The Georgia Department of Revenue took action, closing all three, but they might be back in operation by the time this reaches print although there’s a very good possibility they will not.

Say the word “Detroit” to just about anyone outstate and the first word association is likely to be “cars,” followed by “Motown,” and both for very good reason.

The classic soul hits since that time is remarkable, among them “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Think,” “Something He Can Feel,” “Chain of Fools,” “Ain’t No Way,” “Jump to It” and “Dr. Feelgood.”

DIANA ROSS was born to sing, and born to be a superstar and icon. In her case, it wasn’t a matter of “if” she would make it, it was just a matter of “when.” And in the process she also became the queen of glitz and glamor.

The Supremes hit No. 1 for the first time in 1964 with “Where Did Our Love Go?” and in no time became the biggest female group in the world. They had the advantage of having Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland write and produce for them, resulting in additional No. 1 hits like “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “I Hear a Symphony,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Baby Love.”

When Diana Ross launched her solo career in 1970, success was a certainty.

SOME BELIEVE that Anita Baker is the heir apparent of her idol, Sarah Vaughan. Although Baker had her own style, she was heavily influenced by Vaughan. Smooth, jazzy, classy. Baker even went so far as to refer to it as “cream singing.” (Baker even laughs like Vaughan did.)

People will never stop loving “Angel,” “Sweet Love,” “Giving You the Best That I Got,” “Caught Up in the Rapture” and all the rest.

FREDA PAYNE’S heart was in jazz and she had been making inroads after moving to New York, working with Quincy Jones and other notables. But in the latter part of the 1960s as the Motown artists continued to explode, Payne realized the possibilities of R&B. “Band of Gold” was an instant classic and her other hits included “Bring the Boys Home” and “Cherish What is Dear to You (When It’s Near You).”

ONE OF the Motown acts that specifically caught Payne’s attention was Martha & the Vandellas. Starting out as a Motown secretary, Martha Reeves, whose voice, at that time, was a jew-

See DETROIT GIFTS Page D-2

Gladys Knight has nothing to do with any of this. Shanga Henderson, son of the superstar and her former husband, Barry Hankerson, is accused of tax evasion. The IRS seized his bank accounts and his three luxury vehicles, according to reports.

NICK ­CANNON has tongues wagging. He and his wife, Mariah Carey, went their separate ways quite some time ago and she is eager to marry her billionaire boyfriend, James Packer. The problem is that for whatever reason, Cannon has been dragging his feet Nick Cannon about signing the papers — yet has recorded a song titled “Divorce Papers.”

Bobby Brown says he would like

See Reflections Page D-2

Martha Reeves

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

TONY BENNETT, Fox Theatre, Aug. 12. Tickets on sale at the Fox Theatre box office and Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

SEAL, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Aug. 31. For more information, call 248.377.0100.

BOY GEORGE and Culture Club, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, July 17. For more information, call 248.377.0100.

SINBAD, MGM Grand Detroit, July 1, Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations.

BOYZ II MEN, En Vogue, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Aug. 7.

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

THE WHISPERS, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, July 23. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call Sinbad 1.800.745.3000.

“BRING IT LIVE,” featuring Miss D & her Dancing Dolls, Fox Theatre, July 9. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

DETROIT Paradise Valley Music Festival Weekend, Hart Plaza, July 15-17, featuring Pieces of a Dream, Howard Hewett, Ronnie Laws, Thornetta Davis and many others, over 30 acts total.

Also, Saturday Night White Party. For more information, call 1.800.794.7503.

Downtown Detroit continues to grow as a destination for good times and good food, especially during the summer months. Adding to the excitement is the Detroit Paradise Valley Music Festival taking place at Hart Plaza from Friday through Sunday, July 1517.

PITBULL, Prince Royce, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Aug. 9.

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

DARIUS RUCKER, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Aug. 25. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

Billboard magazine named Martha & the Vandellas one of the 10 most successful female groups of all time. The records were on fire then and still sound great today — “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “Nowhere to Run,” “Jimmy Mack,” “Quicksand,” “Honey Chile,” et al.

DORINDA CLARKCOLE, a member of one of the supergroups of gospel music, the Clark Sisters, today is royalty in that field, often referred to as “the Rose of Gospel,” used in the title

Over 30 acts are scheduled to perform, offering soul, blues and jazz. Producer Johnnie Washington has added a Paradise Valley Business Expo to this year’s event.

The Detroit Paradise Valley Music Festival opens on Friday, July 15, with Blues on the River starring Thornetta Davis. On Saturday, July 16, Ronnie Laws and Howard

of the 1950s, “And That Reminds Me” and “Don’t You Know.” (Her first name is actually Delloreese but she became famous as Della.)

Reese once had her own talk show, “Della,” and appeared on many other shows, among them “The Mod Squad,” “Sanford and Son,” “Welcome Back, Kotter,” “The Love Boat,” “227” and, most famously, “Touched by an Angel,” on which she had a regular leading role and was nominated for an Emmy Award and received many NAACP Image Awards. She appeared in a number of films as well.

Reflections From page D-1

to make peace with Whitney Houston’s family, but that seems increasingly unlikely. Truth is, his late wife’s mother, Cissy Houston, never cared for Brown anyway. According to a source close to the family, “she would rather have a root canal than even speak to Bobby.”

Once again we quote from Ruth Pointer’s fascinating book, “Still So Excited!

My Life as a Pointer Sister”: “I think’s it’s flat-out wrong to condemn (gay people). It especially nauseates me when I hear that tired old line, ‘Love the sinner, but hate the sin.’ It’s hypocritical and an ugly part of organized religion that I don’t like and can’t abide. God is so much bigger than that.

He doesn’t want any of (His) children to be condemned.”

The real sin is being judgmental about something that is a fact of life, not a “choice.”

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that the Temptations’ Melvin Franklin came up with the Supremes’ famous “Stop! In the Name of Love” arm and hand movements.

MEMORIES: “Saturday Night” (Earth, Wind & Fire), “I Just Want To Be” (Cameo), “My True Story” (the Jive Five), “Going in Circles” (the Friends of Distinction), “The Boss” (Diana Ross), “Work on Me” (the O’Jays), “I Wanna be Your Lover” (Prince), “Ask the Lonely” (the Four Tops), “Guilty” (Barbra Streisand with Barry Gibb), “Through the Fire” (Chaka Khan).

BLESSINGS to Katherine Schaffner, Donafay Collins, Bud McQueen, Mike Wimberley, JuJuan Taylor, Mojo, Larry Davis, Montez Miller, Lorenzo Colston, Thomas A. Wilson Jr., Stanley Hamilton and Alex Alexander.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Maya Angelou: “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at svh517@aol.com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

LOOKSGOOD

Thornetta Davis

Hewitt will be presented in a jazz review. Pieces of a Dream will headline on Sunday, July 17. Phase 5 will also perform that day.

Event hours are from 11:30 am to midnight all three days. There is no charge all day on Friday before 5 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday until 2 pm, $5 after. There will be a red carpet walk on Saturday at 6:30 pm celebrating “The Rebirth of Paradise Valley.” Sunday morning, a worship service and praise fest will take place from 10 am to 1:30 pm.

For more information, visit www.detroitparad i s e v a l l e y mu s i c f e s t i val.com.

For sponsorship information, call 1.800.794.7503.

From page D-1 of one of her albums. She is also a fiery preacher.

Clark-Cole, who has received many prestigious awards and nominations, also ranks up there with Vickie Winans as one of the best dressed women in gospel. And she has intrigued audiences not only in the U.S., but in Japan, England, Korea, Germany, France and South Africa as well.

DELLA REESE can do it all — sing, act, host TV shows and anything else that crosses her mind.

With skills ranging from supper club, jazz and pop to gospel, jazz and R&B, she had her first hit records in the latter half

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Call (313) 963-5522 Ronnie Laws

SNOOP DOGG, Wiz Khalifa, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Aug. 12. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by Drake phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

PICKS 164 860 512 426 736

Place your classified or display ad in the

DARYL HALL and JOHN OATES, DTE Energy Music Theatre, July 18. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

GINA’S Jazz & Soul, Friday-Saturing, ongoing, 17410 E. Warren. For more information, call 313.469.1732.

37

WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

IN PRINT

CHENE PARK Amphitheatre: Maysa, Michael Phillips, June 29; Nelly, Keyshia Cole, July 1; Ready for the World, Surface, July 6; Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, July 10; Patrice Rushen, Yancey, July 13; New Edition, July 15; Spyro Gyra, July 20; Sheila E, Tower of Power, July 22; Eric Benét, July 27; Diana Ross, July 30; S.O.S. Band, Brothers Johnson, Aug. 3; Regina Belle, Gary Taylor, Aug. 10; Will Downing, Lynn Marie, Aug. 17; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Aug. 27. For more information, visit cheneparkdetroit.com.

DRAKE, Future, Joe Louis Arena, Aug. 16. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

June 29 - July 5, 2016 Page D-2

‘Champagne’ soul The dedicated fans of Evelyn “Champagne” King never get tired of hearing her hits, and she is always happy to oblige. At Chene Park recently, she performed many of those hits, including “Love Come Down,” “Shame” and “I’m in Love.” — Monica Morgan photo

‘White Party’ On Saturday, July 9, Mix 92.3’s Donafay presents “The White Party with a Splash,” 8 pm-2 am at Larkin’s Hall, 4381 Larkins, just west of Livernois.

There will be great music, delicious food, a 50/50 raffle, set-ups, first-rate security. For tickets, call 313.445.5321, 313.204.0847 or 313.778.4563.

Applause to these and the other ladies who helped make Detroit even more famous than it already is.

1st Annual Golf and Networking Outing Thursday, June 30, 2016 8:00am Registration 9:00am Shotgun Start

Cost: $80.00/pp 1pm Luncheon: Only $30.00 www.100blackmendetroit.org Location: The Woodlands of Van Buren 39670 Ecorse Rd. Wayne, MI 48184 To Register click here Contact: 313.405.9089

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

June 29 - July 5, 2016

Page D-3

Watch the throne; rapper Veezu Lo-Ki wants the crown

By Patreice A. Massey Detroit rapper Javon Kimbrough aka Veezu is poised to take over the city with his latest project Name Me King. At only 20 years old Veezu has bars for days and a skill set far above many of his peers. In a time where rappers sound like they’re mumbling their way through songs and stringing random words together simply because they rhyme, its refreshing to hear some true BARS. One can’t help but wonder where this young man got his sauce from.

“If you wanna be great then you have to study the greats. I listen to a lot of Rakim, Kanye West, Common, Eminem, Drake, J. Cole and just anybody that’s doing this in a serious way. I’m really influenced by artists who are consistent,” said Veezu.

Veezu found his passion and honed his skills as a Songwriter/Artist/Performer in his home after uploading countless home videos and demo recordings to YouTube; exhibiting his own individuality, with a penchant trademark voice, witty lyrics, and clever punch lines.

“No disrespect to artists like Desiigner, Tory Lanez or Future but Veezu can really rap! In any scenario… he can freestyle on a dime or if you need him to write a introspective song with a concept behind he can do that too. And for me that’s paramount,” says manager Brandon Scarber of ASIR Management Consulting.

By the age of 15, Veezu would take his passion and make it a reality by signing to a local indie label [Varsity Music Group, LLC]. Releasing his first project entitled “Gotham City” in the summer of 2012, all while attending and graduating from Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn, MI in 2013. After a brief revitalization period, Veezu got back in the studio to create his second project entitled “Focused” released in 2014.

Veezu has just released his third project entitled "Name Me King," AKA #NameMeKing.

“Name Me King is a statement. Prior to starting this I had just become a father and got off my square a little bit. My focus changed and this project was like my welcome back. Telling the world that I’m here and I’m still a dope lyricist,” said Veezu. life; it will also provide him with the fundamental tools needed to showcase and capitalize on the talent he possesses, while building the foun-

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ty; in addition to working part-time.

Veezu believes that obtaining his degree, will not only provide him with something to fall back on in

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3 COL. (4.94") X 10.5"

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE (DETROIT)

WED 6/29

MR

While making his voice heard and holding his own as an independent underground artist, he lives by the old adage “knowledge is power.” Currently he is pursuing an online B.A. degree in Business with a concentration in Media Communication at Full Sail Universi-

dation for a solid brand and future.

That type of focus and preparation is what makes Veezu an exciting artist to watch. You just want to see what’s next.

To hear more from Veezu you can check him out on soundcloud. com/veezulo-ki.

For more information on Veezu and/or booking & general management concerns contact: Brandon K. Scarber at (313)-318-8079 or e-mail at asirconsulting.getgraphicllp@ gmail.com.

Patreice Massey is the Director of Creative Services and occasional writer for the Michigan Chronicle. She can be reached at (313) 963-8100 ext. 266 or via email pmassey@realtimesmedia.com

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A PLATINUM DUNES/BLUMHOUSE/MAN IN A TREE PRODUCTION “THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR” EXECUTIVE COUPER SAMUELSON FRANK GRILLO ELIZABETH MITCHELL MYKELTI WILLIAMSON PRODUCERS LUC ETIENNE JEANETTE VOLTURNO PRODUCED WRITTEN AND

BY JASON BLUM p.g.a. MICHAEL BAY ANDREW FORM BRAD FULLER SÉBASTIEN K. LEMERCIER p.g.a. DIRECTED BY JAMES DE MONACO A UNIVERSAL RELEASE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

© 2015 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JULY 8 CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JULY 1 CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Classified

June 29 - July 5, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

5 Ways to Better Market Yourself to Land Your Dream Job

HELP WANTED

PERSONAL SERVICES

BORN GIFTED READER The 7th Daughter without asking you a single word. I will tell you what you want to know. Tell your present, past and future. Tell you who your friends and enemies are.

Why you’re so unlucky. If your loved one is true or false.I will advise you all problems of life, such as love, marriage, business and health, etc. Why suffer, you can be free from all troubles. I guarantee Sucess where others failed. I am superior to any other reader you have seen.

Don’t let distance keep you away from Health and Happiness. Hrs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily and Sunday.

POLICE OFFICER

ANNOUNCEMENTS The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for Manufactured Differentials for New Flyer Rehab Buses for 3 Years with 2-1 Year Options, Control No. 16-2177. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning on June 22, 2016 from www.mitn.info. RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, July 27, 2016.

PLANNING POSITIONS The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments seeks individuals with degrees in planning, engineering, or related field. Candidate must have knowledge of transportation planning issues, and excellent quantitative, interpersonal, and communication skills.

For more information, visit www.semcog.org/careers. EOE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (SMART) is soliciting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Microsoft Dynamic GP Consultant, Control No. 16-1917. RFP forms may be obtained beginning June 29, 2016 on www.mitn.info .

1. Use staffing/recruiting firms to maximize your chances. As the most effective method to recruit fulltime and contract workers, job seekers should take advantage of staffing firms to gain access to a wide range of opportunities at no cost. Working through a staffing or recruitment firm is oftentimes the best entry point for some of the country’s most desirable employers.

RFP’s are due by 3:00PM EST, Friday, July 29, 2016 at the Buhl Bldg. 535 Griswold, Ste 600 Detroit, MI 48226.

4. Don’t rule out the importance of work ethic and soft skills. Decision-makers cite work ethic (36 percent) and soft skills (33 percent) as two of the top areas candidates are lacking. Don’t leave any question in the hiring manager’s mind about your willingness to work hard. During interviews, make eye contact, communicate effectively and demonstrate your

Charter Township of Waterford is taking applications for entry level Police Officer. Min. qualifications listed on our website. Apply at 5200 Civic Center Drive Waterford, MI or visit our website at www.waterfordmi.gov closing date is 4:00 p.m. 07/22/16.

EOE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The 2016 Workplace Trends Guide by Randstad US reveals how employees can better position themselves for success during their job search.

Whether you’re an active or passive job seeker today, here are the top five considerations:

3. Use multiple sources to find available positions.

On average, the companies surveyed report they are currently understaffed by 10 percent with an average of 137 open jobs. Hiring decision-makers report using a wider range of recruitment methods, which include social media, digital networking, as well as working with local universities and colleges.

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan - Systems Support Specialist Vacancy Announcement at http://www.mied.uscourts.gov.

Located in Detroit, the employee provides technical and end user support for Court applications.

EOE

No Mail Answered 2742 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio 1-419-248-2145 1-419-973-9058

“With companies reporting job vacancies that are threatening productivity levels, candidates have a tremendous opportunity to land their dream job,” says Jim Link, chief human resources officer, Randstad North America, one of the largest HR services and staffing companies in the U.S.

2. Market skills based on desired assets. As companies move beyond recession recovery and enter growth mode, their ability to hire great talent is arguably the most important driver for success and profitability. Do the necessary research to understand the skills and expertise companies in your industry are looking for and take every step to market yourself with those desired job requirements in mind.

SYSTEM SUPPORT SPECIALIST

MRS. LINN

(StatePoint) Employers report a lack of skilled talent as one of the biggest threats to meeting business objectives in 2016. Job seekers who take note of what skills and characteristics companies are seeking could have a competitive advantage.

Seeking

ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENTS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JULY 5, 2016

ability to adapt to any work environment.

5. Don’t rule out contract work. On-demand talent is needed. More workers are choosing contingent or temporary work as the economy embraces an “on-demand” workforce. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 40 percent of the U.S. workforce will be contingent by the year 2020.

Sixty-eight percent of companies surveyed believe a variable workforce model with a mix of temporary and permanent employees allow for more agility to meet customer demands. This can mean increased benefits for job-seekers, including broader job opportunities, flexible work schedules and greater income potential.

Student Life

Notice is hereby given that the City of Highland Park, Mi. will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Robert B. Blackwell Municipal Building, 12050 Woodward 2nd Floor, Council Chambers. The purpose of the Public Hearing will be to give citizens an opportunity to express their input regarding the proposed establishment of new water and sewer rates.

Respond to student/campus crisis situations; administer academic and nonacademic university conducts systems; respond to discipline and retention issues; serve as student ombudsman; perform student outreach; advise departments on development of disciplinary policies and procedures. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration or counseling or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Five years of progressively responsible higher education experience. Experience in crisis response, crisis management, and student conduct administration. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 6, 2016.

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

Brenda Green City Clerk

HELP WANTED

For an inside perspective of what companies are looking for and how they go about searching for talent, access the Randstad 2016 Workplace Trends Guide at RandstadUSA.com/workforce360.

Seeking

COORDINATOR, FACILITY OPERATIONS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

By doing your research and taking advantage of opportunities like working with staffing firms and utilizing social media connections, you can improve your chances for a successful job search.

Campus Recreation

Position will provide direction, leadership and facilitation for day-to-day operations of the RecCenter, Outdoor Complex, and any future recreation facilities, including scheduling, equipment inventory/repair, and personnel management.

Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management or Physical Education or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One year experience in university recreation building management. Knowledge of building systems, maintenance supervision and facilities operations. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. Compensation commensurate with education and experience.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 11, 2016.

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

OFFICE ASSISTANT III AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Office of the Registrar

Refreshing Summer Entertaining Ideas (StatePoint) When it comes to successful summertime entertaining, think light and refreshing food and drink. Keeping flavors and colors cool will infuse your get-together with energy and zest.

Food When the weather warms, let your guests’ plates cool with fresh salads and cold soups like gazpacho or chilled pea soup.

Get fresh produce in season at your farmer’s market or grocer. Serving up big helpings of colorful vegetables will bring seasonal freshness directly to your table.

Great appetizers for summer include shrimp cocktail and fresh tomato bruschetta. Serve dips like hummus and guacamole with freshly chopped vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. All of these are easily prepared and refreshing starters in warm weather.

For main dishes, rely on cold proteins: chilled roasted chicken or poached fish can be paired with a pasta salad and topped with mozzarella or goat cheese.

These ideas are great for serving family-style, giving you more time to mingle. Remember, simplicity should extend to your hosting duties!

Drinks Wine and cocktails are the stars of the show at any good get-together.

This summer, think about going beyond traditional warm weather drinks. A delicious, unexpected choice is Port wine. With all its diverse styles (ruby, tawny, rosé, and white), Port should not be reserved for the colder months.

Certain types work perfectly in

warm weather, such as Croft Pink Port, a crisp, ripe and fruity wine. Serve chilled with a squeeze of lime or in a rosé sangria; it’s a great pairing for lighter meals.

Warmer days also call for lighter cocktails that are lower in alcohol. Try Fonseca Siroco, a dry white Port, that is delicious served over ice, topped with tonic, and garnished with a lemon peel. It’s a simple and refreshing summer sipper.

Some Tawny Port wines are great served chilled, such as Croft Reserve Tawny or Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny. They are light, nutty, and have good acidity, making them a naturally refreshing choice for an excellent aperitif on their own or paired with hard, nutty cheeses or paté.

A glass of Port also offers a lighter, warm weather alternative to end a meal, satisfying sweet cravings without eating an entire heavy dessert.

Port, which was once thought of as a classic winter drink, is now lightened up to be enjoyed any time of the year. It’s also one of the few wines that keeps in the refrigerator for weeks after being opened; ready to go for those impromptu summer sipping moments. Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft are all famed Port producers to try.

Above all, have fun with your food and drinks this summer entertaining season, keeping everything light and easy for you and your guests.

Provide specialized office assistance, coordinating procedural business or service activities for a complex program. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years progressively responsible office experience, including direct experience in office coordination, prioritizing work assignments and maintaining work flow to meet deadlines.

This is a full time, clerical-technical position, some evenings and weekends may be required. Salary is $43,021.00 annually.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by July 7, 2016. See online posting for additional position requirements.

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

CITY OF WESTLAND PARKS & RECREATION/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR POSITION The City of Westland seeks experienced individual for this executive level position.

Qualified individual is responsible for planning, coordinating and supervising programs, facilities and equipment of City including City Hall, Ice Arena, Golf Course, recreational, historical and cultural amenities and several parks.

Successful candidate will innovate and expand program offerings, manage staff, volunteers and vendors, provide financial oversight and policy development.

Position requires excellent business management skills including verbal and written communication skills and ability to insure marketing and profitability of operations. Individual will have flexible schedule which may exceed 40 hours per week including weekends, nights and holidays. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree and five years prior experience in leisure, facilities or hospitality, business or similar management. Salary range: $63K-78K; City offers competitive compensation package. Please submit resume, 5 references and compensation requirements to Cindy C. King, Personnel Director, City of Westland, 36300 Warren Road, Westland, MI 48185-2298; or email to cking@cityofwestland.com. Position open until filled. EOE

June 1st thru July 4th Fireworks Safety Month

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Detroit woma showers De n infants with troit love See page

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nicle.com March 23-2 9, 2016

U.S. Conferen of Mayors sta ce nds with Flint Mayor Weave r

Michigan citizens are surprisingly of using statesupportive resources to support Detro Schools. Demo it Public crats tend to be more supportive that Repu blicans — which is not surpri sing.

Michigan Chronicle Reports

Wayne Health Cent er (Page B-1)

Wayne Coun ty Executive Warre n C. Evans partners with health care providers to open new Wayne Health Center

Small busin es big clout in s equals Detroit

By Keith A.

Senior Editor

Owens

U.S. Confe rence of and Execu Mayor and formetive Director Tom s CEO Cochran Franklin r Atlanta Mayor stood in Shirley Flint Mayor solidarity with Karen a recent press confeWeaver during City Hall where she rence at Flint al and state called for federassistance. the Confe rence’s suppo As part of also releas rt, Cochr an to Congr ed a new bipartisan ess and the White letter from more the count than 150 mayors House around ry urgin Flint in g resou the afterm rces for crisis. ath of the water As the democratic mayor of Flint, Karen ally elected the full faith and confid Weaver has colleagues from aroun ence of her try. On their d the counsecon Cochran, Franklin, d visit to Flint, perts are providing and a team of exsupport to Mayor

10,000 black The narra in the dining businesses,” tive for comes to room of one he said, while local Detroit is quite some time sitting of many to be had, that there when it tively establishments, of his and that are very that are few jobs and new black-owne The Crab House favorite truly succe the majority of , a relad restau Evergreen businesses are not ssful in rant that opene those owned this city d in 2009. near 7 Mile And when right now Indeed,

by Africa n Americans nearly two a Huffington Post concerning you look at the domin years . the story publis Detroit’s is overw same thing, ago in July of revitalizatioant headlines hed helmi 2014 said focusing n, the focus tually black what’s wond ngly on Detro it’s down businesses on the fact that much erful in Midto ering the is exactl it is in Detroit wn — neithe town and revitalizatio y recognized that are acknow it by a more than n, even as the black r of which powthoug most of the est parts restaurants, 80 percent black news cover h you’d never of “Stories age. to be conce the hottest nightstown. The latest ing, that Flint Mayo revitalizing claim entrepreneu ntrated pots, r graphical rs are and even – Andre SmithKaren Weaver area. Blackin one relatively all seem primarily on cally sideli small geo- er white profes saving Detroit buildphoto folks are and ned focus being siona in new Black desig Weaver as a guys get systemati- thats rigged game ls, often transplants to youngpalpable while to recov she implements signed by play first string fashion fromner reinvents and frustr to the city, a her plan er on an openthe white journalists them for trend frames to ating for public health Flint’s infras and them. fur. field de- leavin That’s , and econo tructure, g black readers criticized locals. When the Times my. paper’s publics out of its City Coun the more popular The Flint water crisis editor addreCorktown story, for versity in top ingberry, cil President Pro narrative, anywa priority for has been the ssed the y. regret a follow however, Tem The U.S. a of Mayor not that begs to differ. George Cushted not includ-up, and the writerlack of diConfe s since there aren’t Strongly. the Confe rence (A more January businesses ing a black said she enough recen It’s Winte rence’s -owned busin in Detro succe t Times story r Meeting ing view.) ington, seems to it, but rather ssful black in DC, takes a wider ess. care. that nobod Flint Mayor where newly Wash-rangelecte “It’s not y “Conservati Karen d about the difficult vely in owner to challenges Weaver spoke to find Detroit in her city. we have than 32,00speak with, thoug a black business Immediatel over h. There 0 in the city, This year’s Winter Meeti y following the are more according first Panca USCM ng in to U.S. Censu ference & Politics See SMAL of Mayor January, Conforum quick kes s L BUSIN ESS s Baltim evolved into President ly page A-4 ore and ings-Blake Mayor Stephanie and hones a direct t ta Mayor asked that forme Rawlof what is assessment Shirley Frank r Atlan precisely the al expert lin, a nation problem with USCM CEOon water investmen, Public Schoo Detroit and Tom Cochr and Executive Director can and must ls and what Flint in earlyan co-led a missi be done on to February. about it.

The Confe rence of supported Mayors also Mayor Weaver tified before Congress, as she tesWeaver and Mayor recen Winter Leade tly attended rship Meeti USCM’s nearly 45 ng where mayors stood of her effort in suppo rt health crisis s to solve a He is one serious that has term and of both stars of rap, the greatest Flint reside long-term impac shortbut has since ts for nts. become The U.S. From left: is the officiaConference of better Crab Hous Mayors l nonpa zation of and V. Lonni e co-owners known as cities with rtisan organie Peek.

Eric and Damo 30,000 or populations a highly n English, of 1400 such more. There are Chronicle nearly skilled Senior Editor today, and cities in the country Keith Owen actor in the Confeeach city is repres s, ented rence by and a ed officia l, the mayo its chief electpolish r.

C. Grangsto n Bullard (Page C-1)

Pancakes & Politics straight talk (Page C-6)

LL Cool J raps again (Page D-1)

NORTHERN

HIGH SCHO OL STUDEN Historic even T REVOLT TU t led to seism S 50 ic change RN at DPS

ed, genial awards shows host of

By Ken Cole . Can LL Cool J find man renewed acceptance As resolu He believes as a rapper? te as he Charles Coldin was at age 48, he can and, in his Medic g leans forwa 50 springs ago, is al Center-area rd from the couch new album working on a me in the apartm . eyes and declar es: “We had to get rid fascist o of A

D-1

TIMES MED

28

Assisting urban scho ols (Page A-3)

ent, stares

Page D-4

praise connection

June 29 - July 5, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page D-5

‘The Gathering’: Detroit pastors and preachers gather to bridge the gap between generations

By Sidnee King and Nicole Black This month, over 100 pastors and preachers came together at Second Ebenezer Baptist Church for The Gathering.

The Gathering was, as Bishop Edgar L. Vann described it, “an interdenominational and in­tergenerational twoday event designed to strengthen the relationship between young and old, pastors and preachers.”

The kickoff was a Sunday service open to the public titled “The Gathering Worship Service.” Pastor Rochelle White of New Beginnings Church and Pastor Kenneth Pierce II of Hopewell Baptist Church were the speakers along with Joshua Rogers as the guest soloist. Bishop Eric Mitchell of Greater Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance presided this awesome worship experience. This was followed by all day impartation for clergy on Monday. Monday’s events included a panel discussion and sessions taught on The Gathering’s four main topics: The joy of pastoring, the heart of a preacher, the trials and triumphs of ministry and the changing church culture.

The esteemed panel of pastors spoke to attendees. Among these were Dr. Wilma Johnson of New Prospect Baptist Church, Bishop J. Drew Sheard of Greater Emmanuel Church of God in Church, Pastor E.L. Branch of Third New Hope of Baptist Church and host pastor and visionary Bishop Edgar L. Vann of Second Ebenezer Church.

Bishop Vann hosted The Gathering with a vision to bridge the gap between generations in senior ministerial leadership with the young generation of new leadership in our city. Vann has been in senior pastor at Second Ebenezer for nearly 40 years and understands the need of connecting with younger generations.

“It’s very important for us to be in the business of spiritual development in our community, not only for today’s generations, but beyond,” he said.

Today’s generation of pastors face a number of challenges that vary from those of more seasoned clergy. Social issues such as the legalization of gay marriage and increased visibility of the transgender community in America leave young pastors and preachers with the task of modifying the culture and approach of their ministry without abandoning their beliefs.

In his session, “The Changing Church Culture,” Bishop Vann addressed this conflict.

“The culture of the

Unity Baptist Church 2016 Annual Women’s Day ‘Christian Women Cherishing God’s Word’ (Psalms 119:11) The Women of Unity Baptist celebrate their Annual Women’s Day at Unity Baptist Church located at 7500 Rev. Valmon D. Scotts Blvd. (Tireman Ave.). Guest speaker for 8 am service is Sister LaDonna Colvin. Guest speaker for the 11 am service is Sister Marian Pledger. Songs and praises will be by Unity’s Women’s Choir. Directress Eunice Wade, accompanied by Robert Anderson.

Chairperson, Mrs. Valerie Scotts-Morgan. Rev. Dr. Lee C. Winfrey Sr., pastor.

Dr. Dorgan J. Needom, minister of music. The Public is invited to this joyous celebration.

Cleatis Kendrick and Nancy Kendrick A homegoing service for Cleatis Kendrick and Nancy Kendrick took place on Monday, June 13, at Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church with Dr. Robert Brumfield officiating. They passed away on May 26 and June 2, respectively.

Cleatis Jackson Kendrick was born on July 1, 1934 to the union of Andrew and Nina Kendrick. He was educated in Henderson, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana before joining the U.S. Army after which he moved to Detroit where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in administration. He worked for the Detroit Public Schools, first teaching math and later serving an administrator for the faculties department.

Bishop J. Drew Sheard (left), Greater Emmanuel COGIC, Dr. Wilma Johnson, New Prospect Baptist Church, Bishop Edgar L. Vann, Second Ebenezer Church, Dr. E.L. Branch, Third New Hope Baptist Church church should be ever-evolving. Our principles should not change, our convictions should not change, but our methodologies should be adjusted to meet the need.”

Pastor Wilma Johnson taught a session on “The Joy of Pastoring,” where she shared her experiences as senior pastor of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church.

Speaking to the clergy in her class session, Johnson touched on the joy that she consistantly gives as a pastor and even spoke on the challenges she faced not as a woman, but as a pastor who God has called to lead and preach the Gospel.

She told a story of how she was faced with opposition among leadership in her church, but was ultimately able to bridge the gap and how proud she was to still stand as the senior pastor of New Prospect Baptist Church for 17 years.

Johnson encouraged the female pastors not to shy away from the uniqueness of being women, saying, “We know how to love, how to use our gifts of compassion, and that’s what we’ve got going for us. Embrace it.”

She encouraged the pastors to find their joy place because if you keep living you’re going to have to run to it.

Pastor David Johnson Sr. taught on “The Trials and Triumphs of Being a Pastor.” He spoke of how the trials of his ministry ultimately allowed him to bounce back and triumph over his past. Being in the ministry for more than 40 years, he knows now that what he went through was to only be a blessing to someone else. He was delighted and grateful for the opportunity to be able to change and help someone else in ministry.

Pastor E.L. Branch and Pastor Aaron Chapman spoke on “The Art of Preaching.” Pastor Chapman talked about

discipline and dedication to the call of ministry, knowing what you’re preaching about, preaching with the attention and focus on building and mentoring God’s people.

Bishop Branch stated to the room of clergy not to ask what the world needs, ask what makes them come alive and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive. You have to love God’s people and have a strong foundation if you plan on surviving as a pastor.

Bishop J. Drew Sheard spoke of his experience working as a pastor when being called in the ministry. He shared with the young clergy that being a pastor, you still have an obligation to your family. He spoke of the challenges of how he started with eight members and thanks be to Gd that the ministry has grown over the years to over 3000 members through prayer and being obedient to God.

Young pastors and preachers who attended The Gathering were excited by the opportunity to grow their ministries as well as their communities and learn from these experienced people in the Gospel such as their panel and teachers.

Rev. Jason M. Moseley of Bethel Temple Baptist Church discussed his appreciation for The Gathering, describing it as “the fellowship of the brothers and sisters in the faith, understanding that we’re in this thing together. I’m just excited about what God is doing this weekend.”

Bishop Vann looks forward to advancing the kingdom by imparting into the younger generation of pastors and preaching by hosting more events like The Gathering in the future.

For more information regarding The Gathering, please call (313) 8674700.

Nancy Watson Kendrick was born on Jan. 14, 1937 to the union of Fred and Marie Watson. She was educated in Madisonville and Henderson, Kentucky. She continued her education in Detroit, earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. She was a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools, retiring in 1999. She married Cleatis Kendrick in 1955. They had two children.

The memory of Cleatis and Nancy Kendrick are being cherished by their children, Cletis Breon Kendrick and Yolanda Crain; his two sisters, Iriah Jefferson and Rumyrtle; her sister, Dorothy Bell; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Roseland Park Cemetery.

Patricia Ann Jones Services for Patricia Ann Jones were held on Saturday, June 25, at Exodus Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Joseph J. Perry officiating. Mrs. Jones passed away on June 19, 2016.

Mrs. Jones was born on March 8, 1952 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

She married Larry L. Hollowell on Oct. 2, 1972 and they were blessed with two children, Larry Phillip Hollowell, who preceded her in death, and LeTrece Allison Hollowell. She married Allan Jones on Jan. 2, 2010.

Cherishing the memory of Patricia Ann Jones are her daughter, LeTrece Allison Hollowell; siblings, Angelan Faye Stewart, Delores Holmes, Charles Howard, Sheila Porter and Grealin Kimbrough; and many other relaties and friends.

Arrangements were handled by the James H. Cole Home for Funerals.

Interment took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Bertha Miles Smith Services for Bertha Miles Smith were held on Friday, June 17, at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Charles C. Adams officiating. Mrs. Smith passed away on June 7, 2016.

Bertha Miles Smith was born on Jan. 17, 1918 in Autaugaville, Alabama to Frank and Mayola Miles.

After graduating from high school she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). When her military duties were completed, she attended Alabama State University, earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

She later pursued advanced studies at Wayne State University.

96

th

She was married to Willie James Smith for over 65 years and had two sons James Council and Charles, a nephew who was adopted as their son.

Mrs. Smith was involved in many organizations and loved traveling.

Cherishing the memory of Bertha Miles Smith are her husband, Willie James Smith; a son, Charles E. Miles; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

1919-2015

Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • June 22-28, 2016

Highland Park High School Class of 1971 Reunion Highland Park High grads spent an evening reminiscing, remembering and rejoicing at an all-star party at the St. Regis Hotel on W. Grand Blvd.