Moving From Surviving to Thriving by
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Michigan Chronicle Vol. 82 – No. 19 | January 16-22, 2019
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II took a tour of the NAIAS PHOTO: NAIAS.COM
Last cold Auto Show in Detroit By Branden Hunter
More than 800,000 people attended the event’s public days a year ago.
The 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will make its final appearance during the winter season in Detroit, January 14-27. In 2020, the show will shift to June, a development that Mayor Mike Duggan praised during a tour of the showroom, predicting the warmer weather will draw “thousands” of people on the streets of Detroit.
And while the summer auto show is still 17 months away, it was the talk of the preview, tossing around all of the possibilities that may come with it. Of course, the main plus will be the warmer temperatures and access to open space in downtown Detroit.
“Years from now, when people are coming to the June auto show, they are going to say to their kids, ‘I remember when we used to come down in January when it was freezing’”, said Duggan. The venue was still under construction, but Duggan stopped by to check out the progress. He was joined by auto show chairman Bill Golling and vice chairman Doug North, as well as a posse of media members as he walked around the floor of the Cobo Center convention hall. Duggan pointed out the economic impact the auto show has on the region already and how that will be amplified
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Mayor Mike Duggan now that it will be during the summer months next year. “By and large, people come to the auto show during the cold and go home,” he said. “I think, when you look at June of 2020, you’re going to see thousands of people on the streets
of Detroit. And, of course, by then, you’ll have Ford well on their way into the train station, you’ll have the high-rising Hudson’s coming out of the ground, and the beautiful riverfront. So, I totally support what they are doing. For those of us that grew
up here, this is going to be a little bit of nostalgia, the last show.” The annual North American International Auto Show got underway with a media preview on Monday. It is open to the public from January 19-27.
celebrates 100 Centennial Anniversary
Faith. B7
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The hosts of the NAIAS estimate there to be about 30 product reveals at the auto show. This is a massive decrease from
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SHOW page A2
Senator Stabenow Fighting to lower Prescription Drug Prices By Trevor W. Coleman
James H. Coles
“We need all of you to pray for good weather in 2020,” North said jokingly to the media. He will take over as chairman in 2020. “Outside, we will have 14 additional acres, including Hart Plaza, which gives us the opportunity to put on a great show. We are already in the planning stages, and our goal is to have displays both inside and outside. You might be able to ride in a car outside or inside and you’ll see some more of the motorsport and racing type activities, something we aren’t able to do as much inside.”
own Michigan border in Canada pay so much less for their prescriptions,” said Senator Stabenow. “My bills will help put an end to these outrageous practices and Big Pharma’s price gouging of American families.”
Fresh off the heels of a bipartisan victory last year that saw the passage of her Know the Lowest Price Act last summer, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, ranking member on the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, is back at it with new legislation aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs. Her Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to directly negotiate with drug companies for price discounts of their drugs which is banned under current law. Accompanying legislation called the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations permitting wholesalers, licensed U.S. pharmacies, and individuals to import safe medications from licensed Canadian sellers that
Stabenow’s Know the Lowest Price Act, co-sponsored last year with Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), cracked down on outrageous gag clauses that stop pharmacists from telling customers that they could pay less for their prescription if they pay out of pocket.
are manufactured at facilities inspected by the Food and Drug Administration. Currently, Americans pay about 40 percent more on prescriptions per person than Canadians do. Her new legislation is intended to further bring down the cost of prescription drugs for Americans. Right now, U.S. citizens
pay – by far – the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. Already this year, prices on more than 1,000 medications have experienced an average price hike of six percent. “It’s absurd that our own government is prohibited from negotiating lower prescription drug prices for seniors under Medicare and that people across our
An AARP’s study found, that in 2017, the retail price of the popular brand-name drug Lyrica, which is used to treat fibromyalgia, increased by 19.3 percent; the price of diabetes drug Januvia increased by 8.2 percent; and the price of Benicar, a widely used medicine for high blood pressure, increased by 17.8 percent. While the majority of older
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PRICES page A2
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the 69 reveals that took place at the 2018 auto show. Another dying trend for the 2019 NAIAS is the fact that there is only one press conference schedule for the weekend leading into the press preview days. “Obviously, with a few less par-
Drug prices From page A-1 Americans enrolled in Medicare have coverage for their prescriptions, Megan Foster Friedman Senior a Healthcare Analyst at the Center for Health and Research Transformation at Usaid these hefty increases in the retail price of drugs still adversely impact beneficiaries and all U.S. consumers. In fact, Consumers Report said last year that 23 percent of the time, people were paying too much at the counter for prescriptions. Roughly 46 million individuals over 65 are on Medicare
Second Baptist Church-Detroit celebrates M.L. King Birthday Second Baptist Church of Detroit, 441 Monroe, celebrates the 33rd observance of the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Monday, January 21, 2019, 1-4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Second Baptist will host an interfaith program and breakout discussion on Coming Together in Divided Times. Michael Imhotep, founder of The African History Network and host of “The African History Network Show” on 910 AM The Superstation WFDF Detroit, noted lecturer, and historian will be the featured speaker. Representatives from Old St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, and the Council on American Islamic Relations and other churches will Come Together for a look back and plan forward to reinvigorate Dr. King’s dream.
ticipants, it’s going to make a difference,” said Golling. “They don’t tell us everything that is going to be going on, but the 30 reveals is still a great number for us.” The charity event is January 18 and Golling said it is the largest charity event in the country. They raised $1.5 million for Detroit-area children’s charities and $112 million has been raised since 1976.
in the U.S. and in Detroit it’s about 88,000. Of that 88,000 more than one-third have incomes of $18,000 or less as individuals and $25,000 or less as couples, which would make them eligible for extra help with their prescriptions. “This tells me there are a lot of people covered for Medicare who is not earning that much,” said Foster Friedman. “Even when individuals have Medicare coverage they still pay face significant out of pocket costs for prescription drugs. It causes people to make really tough decisions about where to spend
Tickets are $400 each, $390 of which is tax deductible. The NAIAS show is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, except Sunday, Jan. 27 where it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 per person, $7 for seniors 65 and older and $7 for children 7-12 years old. Children 6 and under are free with a parent or guardian.
those limited dollars.” Which is particularly problematic for seniors who are often living on fixed incomes, she said. Stabenow said while her bill has more than 30 co-sponsors right now, it’s going to be a much tougher haul because the pharmaceutical industry is fighting hard against it. “This is going to be even harder to get because it goes to the core of the drug pricing industry,” she said. She said while she is confident it will pass the new Democratic-controlled Congress, the Republican-controlled Senate will be a tougher
fight. The proof is in the fact she does not have a Republican co-sponsor at this time The fact is, taxpayers, pay for basic research through the National Institutes of Health because drug companies couldn’t absorb the risk, Stabenow said. So, that means they get the benefit of free taxpayer-funded research that they use in the development of their medications. “They get the benefit of taxpayer-funded research from the NIH,” she said. “All that I ask is with taxpayers sharing the costs of all that research that they are able to afford to buy the medicine.”
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City of Detroit prepares winter resources for residents By Patreice A. Massey MANAGING EDITOR
The City of Detroit is offering a range of cold-weather resources and information for residents to help them to stay safe this winter. The services and resources are provided through a collaborative effort between the Detroit Health Department, Housing and Revitalization Department, Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the Buildings Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). “As temperatures drop, we want to make sure we are prepared to address any and all problems that we face as a city each winter,” said Arthur Jemison, Chief of Services and Infrastructure. “Whether it’s providing shelter to those experiencing homelessness, addressing buildings without heat or even protecting our pets in the cold, we are prepared to ensure all Detroiters have a safe winter season.” New this year is a rapid response team, comprised of Detroit Health Department staff and community health workers, which will stand ready to support the Buildings Safety Engineering and Environmental Department in emergency housing situations. If, for example, a multi-unit apartment building does not have heat, BSEED will work with the building owner to restore the heat. If this is not successful, the rapid response team, will assist with temporary housing for those residents who may need it. The team also can engage social service agencies and other city departments as needed, such as DDOT to transport families or the Fire Department to be on hand for any potential medical emergencies. “In situations like these, we want Detroiters to know that their city government will be there for them to provide whatever assistance is needed to get them safely through their situation,” Jemison said. If you or someone you know is suffering from no heat in your home,
please call BSEED at 313-628-2451. If you think someone is suffering from extreme cold, call 911. Warming Centers now open The City, in conjunction with two local nonprofit homeless service providers, has opened three warming centers to offer Detroit residents a break from the winter chill from now through March 31, 2019. The City of Detroit is contracting with Cass Community Social Services and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (two locations) to provide temporary relief to persons who are homeless when year-round shelters may be at capacity. Detroit utilizes a coordinated entry process to access to shelters and warming centers. This means those seeking shelter or warming center placements should visit the appropriate Access Point to meet with a staff member to explore available shelter options. Health Department tips to stay safe this winter The Detroit Health Department recommends that residents prepare to stay warm when temperatures fall below freezing (32 degrees). If residents must go outside, the Health Department urges them to remember to wear multiple layers of loose fitting clothing including a winter coat, hat, scarf, mittens and warm boots to reduce the chances of frostbite. The Detroit Health Department is asking residents to stay hydrated and to remember to check on the most vulnerable including children, the elderly and the chronically ill. It is important to know the risks of extremely cold temperatures as it can cause hypothermia. Hypothermia is when the body begins to lose heat faster than it can it can be produced. Hyperthermia is also dangerous because a person may not be aware of what’s happening. Warning signs of hypothermia include: shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion and slurred speech. Hyperthermia can also occur even at cool temperatures
(above 40 degrees) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water. Other tips for keeping safe in cold weather include: • Keep space heaters and candles at least 3 feet away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture and clothing – as it can catch fire fast. • Do not use stoves or generators as a source of heat. They may cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning • Check the carbon monoxide detector and make sure it’s working. • Do not leave your car running in a closed space such as a garage. • Dress appropriately for the winter while standing, waiting for bus. It may look a little silly, but moving your body may generate some heat. Keeping pets safe too Detroit Animal Care and Control and the Michigan Humane Society will provide free straw to pet owners to insulate the dog’s bedding and/or dog house, if they don’t have proper shelter for the animal. In addition, the Michigan Humane Society will provide other outreach resources for pet owners including dog houses. Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) urges pet owners to keep their pets inside during cold weather. If the weather is too cold for a human, then it is too severe for a pet. If dogs are left outside, they should have a draftfree shelter large enough to stand and turn around in, yet small enough to retain body heat. Use a layer of straw or other bedding material to help insulate them against the cold. Keep your cats indoors, as they can freeze in cold weather without shelter. Never leave your pet in the car during cold weather. Also remember to wipe up antifreeze from vehicles as it is a deadly poison with a sweet taste that may attract pets. For more information, call Detroit Animal Care and Control at 313-224-6356 or the Michigan Humane Society at 313-872-3400.
Warming Center Information For Families with Children & Unaccompanied Youth (age 18-24):
Southwest Solutions Housing Resource Center, 1600 Porter St., Detroit, Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11am - 7pm For Singles Adults: NSO Tumaini Center, 3430 3rd Ave., Mon-Fri., 11am – 7pm NOAH Project, 23 E. Adams, Mon-Thurs, 10am – 4pm For Veterans: Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV), 4646 John R. Street on the 2nd Floor, Red Section, Mon.- Fri., 8am-4:30pm Veterans Community Resource & Referral Center (VCRRC), 301 Piquette St., Sun. – Sun 8am – 8pm. Staff at the access points will assist to explore alternatives to shelter or make shelter placement for the night. After hours or during weekends and holidays, those seeking shelter should present in person at one of the following warming center locations: Cass Community Social Services 1534 Webb, Detroit 48206|313.883.2277 40 warming center beds for: Families with children Single women Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Genesis House 3 3840 Fairview, Detroit 48214 313.331.8990 45 warming center beds for: Families with children Single women Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries 3rd Street 3535 Third Ave, Detroit 48201 313.993.6703 45 warming center beds for: Single men ONLY
Toyota continues to support the Detroit Area Community by donating winter boots and socks to homeless and low-income women and children For the eighth consecutive year, while showcasing new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show, Toyota Motor North America, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, stepped in to protect Detroit area homeless and low-income families from the cold by donating BOGS winter boots, guaranteed to weather harsh conditions, and Smartwool socks, the official sock of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams, through its “Toyota Walk In My Boots” community outreach project. More than 150 residents of The Salvation Army (TSA) Detroit Harbor Light/Booth Family Shelter, a homeless shelter primarily for women and single mothers and their children, and local families from the TSA Head Start program received the donations.
less students with over 36,000 children in public schools facing homelessness and/or housing insecurity, according to a recent study by the University of Michigan. Covering the basic living expenses of housing and food alone is a difficult, if not an impossible, task for many. Winter is the hardest time of year for homeless and low-income families. When temperatures drop below freezing as they often do in Michigan, people are at severe risk for hypothermia to set in and consequences can be fatal. While many programs offer winter coat giveaways, a person’s feet are often left vulnerable as many homeless and low-income families are often forced to use local modes of transportation like taking the bus or walking in harsh elements.
Sixty-three percent of homeless families in Michigan are led by single mothers with an average monthly income of $629. Michigan also has one of the largest populations of home-
“Many people don’t realize how much a brand-new pair of winter boots can affect someone in need,” says Captain Jamie Winkler, director of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan
Harbor Light System. “Boots not only provide warmth and protection from the elements but, can also boost a person’s self-esteem and self-worth. The Salvation Army is grateful for the generosity of Toyota Motor North America. Its donation will help us continue to provide shelter to the underserved in Detroit throughout year.” The Salvation Army Detroit Harbor Light/Booth Family Shelter located in Detroit provides residents with emergency shelter for up to 90 days for single women and single mothers and their children who have become victims of unfortunate life circumstances such as house fire, job loss, foreclosure or domestic violence. Through the shelter they can receive emergency assistance, case management and pastoral care and worship and special services such as utility assistance, down payment assistance toward first month’s rent, food and clothing assistance. “At Toyota, we want to build
more than just great cars and trucks,” said Alva Adams Mason, national director, Multicultural Business Alliance and Strategy; and Multicultural Dealer Relations, Toyota Motor North America. “We believe furthering the success of our communities is key to our success. We want the work that is being done at The Salvation Army Harbor Light/Booth Family Shelter to continue for years to come. And, we hope that our donation of winter boots and socks to the families will help to enrich their lives…one step at a time.” The timing of the winter boots and socks giveaway was a comfort to many as freezing temperatures hit Michigan this week. Mike Law, general manager, LaFontaine Toyota located in Dearborn, MI, participated in the program this year as he and some of the dealership staff helped the families try on new boots. Munson Steed, CEO, Steed Media Group, publisher of Rolling Out, and author of
“Little Professor Skye” children’s coloring book geared toward African American children, personally signed his book for all the children at the event. It was a great morning as Toyota brought a ray of sunshine and warmth to the families. Toyota also donated $15,000 to The Salvation Army Harbor Light/Booth Family Shelter enabling them to continue to provide refuge for homeless women and single mothers and their children and families from the TSA Head Start program in times of crisis. They also treated the families to a “Thanksgiving-style” buffet luncheon by Jackson’s Five Star Catering. Through this program, in Detroit alone, Toyota has donated over 1,400 pairs of winter boots and contributed more than $100,000 to the TSA Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. The project has also been held in Chicago, Washington DC, Baltimore, and Harrisburg, PA.
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January 16-22, 2019 | Page A-4
Surviving Complacency:
The Cries of Black Women and Girls are Finally Heard By Diop Russell We validate the pain of Black boys and men, but Black women and girls don’t have a network of protection. Black girls are called “fast” and are held accountable for the way their bodies are consumed and mistreated. When they listen to hip hop and r&b, their high tolerance of abuse is romanticized by descriptors like “strong woman” and “ride or die chick.” When Black girls watch R. Kelly thrive after he commit- Diop Russell ted 20 years of documented abuse, they understand that their suffering does not spark agency. Watching Surviving R. Kelly made me feel guilty because the Black community protected him at all costs. Discussions about R. Kelly flew over my head because they were strictly confined to grown folks’ business. I was only three years old when “Step in the Name of Love” became quintessential to every family reunion playlist. I even sang “I Believe I
Can Fly” at my kindergarten graduation. As I grew older, my friends told me that he was a terrible person watching the docuseries made that judgement an undeniable truth. Kelly and his camp used money, stardom, and toxic masculinity to silence his survivors while his fans became complacent. In sexual violence cases, I often hear people say “I don’t believe her.” Kelly’s effort to paint these young women as shallow, manipulating gold diggers allowed him to neglect responsibility, and his survivors were at a loss for support. Surviving R. Kelly is a testament to how hard Black women and girls have to work to be believed. Over the span of six hour long episodes, countless survivors share the darkest moments of their lives. As if, their tears and trauma are the only things that validate their pain. These women are called survivors, but they are far more than that. The constant questioning, accusations, and interviews make them relentless fighters for justice. Although their pain has been negated for 20 years, they are encouraging others to speak up. It angers me that it has taken so long for them to be heard, but it reinforces the need for society to mobilize when Black women and girls make cries for help.
Humanizing America Theoddeus Gray was born into a violent world. He died a violent death. He was not a gangster. He was not a monster. He was a human being. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., remained a man of peace even though he was born into a violent world. He lived a life promoting peace, but died a violent death. He was much more than a dreamer. He was a social change agent. He organized to make peace, economic equality and human dignity more relevant and evident in a world that values money, things and power. He chal- David Alexander Bullock lenged a government and a culture that had little value for the poor and the oppressed. He sought to change a country that killed black and brown people and then claimed immunity behind the dirty white sheet of an allegedly colorblind justice. Theoddeus Gray was killed on November 4, 2018. He was shot around 48 times by St. Clair Shores police officers. He was shot in the back more than 10 times. During the incident a police dog named Axe was killed. Axe got a funeral fit for a king. He received a eulogy from elected officials. People donated thousands of dollars to a memorial fund for Axe. The news covered his funeral and a park was dedicated in his honor. Axe was honored as a fallen hero. Theoddeus Gray was branded a gangster and a monster. Axe was treated like a human being. Theoddeus Gray was treated less than human. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is honored every year. However, he is not honored
because he was a perfect man. In fact, he made mistakes. He had character flaws. He struggled with depression. He was great because he was not perfect. It takes courage for an imperfect person to remind all of us that being human means being imperfect. It takes a hero to force us to value each other even when we see faults and failure. He challenged America to value the Negro. He challenged the Negro to value America. He challenged all of us trapped by our addiction to money and power to put people above things. Theoddeus Gray may not be honored every year. He many not get a hero’s tale told about him. Still, he has much in common with Dr. King. He is another black male killed by the government and devalued by his country. Many will point out character flaws or lapses in judgment as reasons for treating him less than human in life and death. His life and death are chilling reminders that in America we still struggle to find the courage to value human life. On Monday, January 21, 2019, some will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with a breakfast, a lunch, a speech or a dinner. On Monday, January 21, 2019, the family of Theoddeus Gray and concerned citizens will remember Dr. King by holding a demonstration at 2 p.m., in front of the St. Clair Shores Police headquarters located at 27665 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48081. We cannot accept the conflicting media reports. We will not let a dog become a hero while a human becomes a monster. We will not simply think of King. We will continue his work of humanizing America. David Alexander Bullock is founder of the Change Agent Consortium. He is a radio personality, lecturer, faith teacher organizer and artist. Stay connected | Visit www.ThePeoplesShow.com | www. ActionCac.com | www.DavidAlexanderBullock.com
The Chronicle Cares... Do you have a news tip, opinion piece, firsthand account, information or photos about a news story to pass along to our editors? Well we want to hear about it. Here’s how you pitch an idea to the Michigan Chronicle: • Briefly summarize your story idea. • Briefly explain why you’re the right person to write the piece. What’s your relevant expertise or experience? • Briefly explain why this argument or story matters. What are the stakes here? • Briefly outline how the piece will start and end. If you have a draft, include it in the body of the email. • Note clearly in the subject line what you’re pitching, using a clear, informative headline. • Specify in the subject line if your pitch is time sensitive. • Include a short description of your previous writing experience and links to published clips, if relevant. Submit to newsdesk@michronicle.com | Attn: Patreice Massey The fine Print: We’re not only interested in policy, politics or government. We’re interested in everything, if it’s opinionated and we believe our readers will find it worth reading. The Michigan Chronicle accepts opinion articles on any topic, for the Viewpoints page. Articles typically run from 300 to 600 words, but submissions of any length will be considered. All submissions must be original, and exclusive to The Michigan Chronicle. Submissions may be sent by email to newsdesk@michronicle.com.
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Benson to Detroit: We need a landing zone for our growing middle class By Scott Benson Jose King is experiencing a growing problem in Detroit, but it’s a good problem to have. When city officials announced that a new automotive manufacturing plant would bring 500 jobs to Detroit’s east side, Jose - a Generation Z (twenty something) GED recipient from Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Adult Education East Campus (class of Scott Benson 2016) and former employee of Walmart - was one of the first to get a job. His new position also included a 40 percent pay increase and a robust benefit package. With his newfound prosperity, Jose immediately looked to improve his quality of life – by moving out of the city of Detroit. Right away, I started digging in my Detroit toolbox to help Jose find an affordable housing solution suitable for a new member of Detroit’s middle class. The tool that I found is the Neighborhood Enterprise Zones Homestead (NEZh) program, which was established by Mayor Kilpatrick in the early 2000’s. It was intended as a tool to keep our middle-class families in Detroit who were fleeing the city for the suburbs. Authorized by the State, the NEZh allows cities to reduce their general operating and county tax rates by 50%, resulting in a reduction in the overall property tax bill of between 25% and 40%. This does not reduce the tax capture of any other taxing entities, i.e. DPSCD, library, museum, zoo, etc., but it does incentivize and reward people who purchase or have purchased homes af-
ter 1996 in select neighborhoods that meet the NEZh criteria and have been designated by the city. City leaders are considering a plan to refresh the NEZh program by looking at all of the existing NEZh neighborhoods to see if some need to be removed from the program because they have achieved their goals or no longer meet the program’s guidelines. After the city’s review, new neighborhoods could be added to the NEZh list. This will be a challenging process, because residents who have grown accustomed to the housing incentive will worry that losing it will make their neighborhoods less attractive to middle-class homebuyers. Then residents in other neighborhoods will likely demand that they be added as a NEZh area even if they don’t meet the program guidelines. While there will likely be changes to NEZh, existing NEZh residents should apply for the incentive by going to the Detroit Assessor’s office and submitting the required paperwork, which will make them eligible to receive the incentive for 15 years, even if their existing neighborhood loses its NEZh designation in the future. The NEZh program helps bring housing and economic stability to Detroiters like Jose and qualifying neighborhoods in Detroit. Programs like the NEZh will help keep residents in our burgeoning middle class from moving to the suburbs when they get a better paying job. This initiative ensures that residency has its privileges in Detroit, and it reinforces our commitment to making Detroit a true city of opportunity for all. Councilman Scott Benson represents the 3rd District on the Detroit City Council and is Chairman of City Council’s Public Health and Safety Standing Committee and has over 20 years of community development experience on Detroit‘s eastside.
Religious Leaders Forum
Statement of Faith Leaders On the Accessibility and Treatment of Water in Detroit The Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit believes that access to water is a matter of human dignity and a moral concern for all. While government officials have implemented programs to help residents with overdue water bills, more than 17,000 households were at risk of shut-off in 2018—a recurring problem each year. We have adopted the following statement and will seek meetings with City of Detroit and State of Michigan officials to encourage lasting solutions to ensure water for all and transparency about water shutoffs. In addition, we have designated the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend as Water Justice Weekend. We are asking religious leaders individually and through their judicatories to preach about water rights and help their congregations understand why this is a major moral concern for our communities. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.– Psalm 29:3 Water plays a pivotal role in our various religious communities and congregations. We mention water in our prayers. We use water in our rituals. We find water in our Scriptures, where water is more than a metaphor for God’s loving kindness, but a promise made to people living in places where water was scarce and precious. Water makes life possible. Water is essential to human flourishing and human dignity. In 2010, the General Assembly of the United Nations rightfully declared that “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation” is “a right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights” (UN Res. 64/292, art. 1). This fundamental human right reso-
nates with all of our sacred teachings. As religious leaders, we live under a Divine obligation to speak on behalf of those who do not have access to water. We bear responsibility to lead by word and action in calling for policies that are just and equitable. We are called to work with those of good will for water practices that are environmentally sustainable. We are called to give water to those who are thirsty. In Metropolitan Detroit, thousands face the threat of losing access to water due to financial hardships stemming from a lack of meaningful employment. Many are forced to pay rates they cannot afford, and many bear the burden of living with a sanitation system that is unreliable, unsustainable, and out of date. Finally, many cannot take advantage of the assistance programs that the Detroit Water and Sewage Department has established to mitigate their plight. Our elected officials must therefore address the essential role water and its affordability play in the flourishing of Michigan residents and communities. We are writing to encourage equitable and creative solutions to help low-income and vulnerable persons have access to clean and safe water. We, the religious leaders of congregations throughout Metro Detroit write with one voice to urge all citizens to support our civil officials as they search for ways to reduce the barriers to clean and safe water for all. We also pledge to continue to listen to the needs of the poor and to work for meaningful change in the provision of, and access to, clean and safe water for all. Finally, we pledge to work collaboratively whenever we can to promote the common good and build the Beloved Community. The Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit
Stabenow Statement on Nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be EPA Administrator U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (DMI) released a statement on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: “The next head of the EPA must stand with us to protect our Great Lakes and make decisions based on sound science. I voted against Andrew Wheeler to be Deputy EPA Administrator because I had no confidence he would do that. I am deeply concerned that he will continue Scott Pruitt’s legacy of undermining protections for our air and water if confirmed as EPA Administrator.”
January 16-22, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-5
The new CBC features nine new members of the U.S. House bringing the group to a total of 55. The 116th Congress will be the first time that the Congressional Black Caucus will ever have over fifty members.
Fifty-Five Strong: the largest Congressional Black Caucus kicks off the 116th Congress
By Lauren Victoria Burke
As the new Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.) was handed a large gavel from outgoing Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) it became clear that the new CBC would be making a sizable mark on the next Congress. The new CBC includes the youngest African American woman to be sworn-in to the U.S. House in history, Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), as well as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the first Muslim females ever elected to Congress. Rep. Tlaib occupies the seat held by long term Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) who retired from Congress on December 5, 2017. The new CBC features nine new members of the U.S. House bringing the group to a total of 55. The 116th Congress will be the first time that the Congres-
sional Black Caucus will ever have over fifty members.
Black Caucus over the next two years.
Bass, 65, severed served as the former Speaker of the California House and was the first-ever African-American woman ever to hold that position.
Just as Rep. Richmond witnessed, there will be many issues that will arise out of nowhere in the news simply because the Trump Administration has decided to roll back so much of what was completed during the eight years president Barack Obama was in The White House.
“Honored to have been sworn in as 26th Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus today. We will fight fiercely against hate. We will not retreat and allow our past victories to be erased,” wrote Chairwoman Bass on Twitter, January 3, the first day of the 116th Congress. “I am proud to witness the ceremonial swearing-in of the largest @OfficialCBC in history. With 55 members and @ RepKarenBass serving as their chairwoman, the Congressional Black Caucus is stronger than ever,” wrote Democratic Nation-
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass al Committee Chairman Tom Perez. The Presidency of Donald Trump will greatly shape the agenda of the Congressional
But there is one huge difference: The CBC will have what was referred to at the ceremonial swearing in as “the big five.” They are the five Chairmen and Chairwomen who will serve over what many CBC members hope are Trump’s last two years in office. They are Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Bobby Scott (DVa.), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.). Three of the five Chairs will
head committees that are certain to play an investigatory role over the Trump Administration. Rep. Cummings who will Chair the Committee on Government Oversight has already signaled that his committee will subpoena over the Trump Administration policy of children being separated from their parents and detained at the U.S./Mexico border. Chairwoman Waters, who will lead the House Financial Services Committee, has signaled she will push against Wall Street and in favor of consumer protections regarding investment and financial products. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and writer for NNPA as well as a political analyst and strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke
Gig-speed to more businesses in more places
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Offer requires EcoBill paperless billing and automatic payment enrollment through Comcast Business My Account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10.00. The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in EcoBill paperless billing and automatic payments. If either EcoBill paperless billing or automatic payments is subsequently cancelled during the term of the agreement, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Visit business. comcast.com/help-and-support/accounts-billing/ for complete details. Offer ends 1/31/19. Limited to new Comcast Business customers. Not available in all areas. Limited to Comcast Business Internet 75. Requires subscription to two Comcast Business Voice Mobility lines at additional monthly charge. Two year term agreement required. Early termination fee applies. Equipment, additional installation, taxes, the Regulatory Recovery Fee and other applicable charges (e.g., per call or international charges) extra, and subject to change during and after promotion. May not be combined with other offers. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. WiFi hotspots available in select areas. Requires WiFi enabled mobile device. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.
Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com •
January 16-22, 2019
High School Senior? Become a S.W.A.G Awards Scholar!
Diop Russell
‘18 Finalist
The Michigan Chronicle presents the 4th annual S.W.A.G. Awards in Detroit. S.W.A.G., which stands for Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness, is a scholarship program recognizing outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to community, integrity and service.
Camryn McMurty
‘18 Finalist
Current students that live and attend school in Detroit or the Metro Detroit area and planning to attend college or a trade school are eligible to apply.
The Michigan Chronicle is awarding scholarships up to $10,000. Apply by March 15, 2019
Ricardo Cummings ‘16 Finalist
Raheida Khalique ‘16 Finalist
presented by
Remember the following when starting the application process: 1) Application deadline for 2019 scholarships: March 15, 2019. 2) Only completed applications will be considered. 3) Attach a current copy of your high school transcript where indicated. 4) Consideration for any scholarship award is based on a point system including GPA, participation in extracurricular activities, school organizations and community service. 5) Submissions will be judged on clarity and grammar (30%), the uniqueness of your story (50%) and your reference letter (20%).
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. 2018-2019 Michigan Chronicle S.W.A.G. Awards entry period starts at 12:00 AM ET on 12/12/18 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 3/15/19. Open only to 12th graders who are 16 and older who are legal residents of City of Detroit or Metro Detroit area who: (a) attend a public, charter, or private Detroit or Metro Detroit high school; (b) will graduate in spring 2019; (c) have at least a 2.5 grade point average (or equivalent); and (d) are in good community standing. Visit www. michronicleonline.com/swag-awards for entry instructions. Submission requirements prizes and complete details. Only one (1) Submission per entrant. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
B1
| January 16-22, 2019
Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson’s Winter Gear Give Away
Roots.
michiganchronicle.com
By Trevor W. Coleman For the fifth consecutive year, Detroit leaders have worked together in a public-private partnership to provide much-needed warmth to city children in need of seasonal gear to get through another Michigan winter. Led by Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson (District 3), the group of high-profile community and corporate leaders recently gave away 1,500 sets of winter hats, gloves, socks and scarves, and approximately 400 coats to students at Davison Elementary and Middle School and A.L. Holmes Elementary and Middle School, two of Detroit’s schools. The event was the culmination of a three-week clothing drive organized by Benson who has been collaborating with business and civic officials to collect winter gear for children in his council district since around 2013.
Jennifer Collins and her daughter, Bailee Williams, attended a December meeting to learn more about the new Detroit high school at Marygrove College. Photo Credit: Lori Higgins
New Detroit high school at Marygrove curriculum to focus on social justice and engineering By Lori Higgins Imagine this: A high school where students design a system to create equitable voting districts that don’t silence the voices of some residents. Or a high school where students learn to test water for contaminants like lead. A two-term council member whose district covers the east side of Detroit, Benson partnered in the effort with Minister Malik Shabazz, former Detroit Public Schools Community District board member Wanda “Akilah” Redmond, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, and the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, Quicken Loans, PVC Chemicals, Link Logistics, Flex N Gate, and Detroit Public Schools Community District. “I am pleased that once again, some of the most prominent corporate and civic leaders in Detroit have worked with my staff and me to help children at Davison and Holmes stay warm this winter,” he said. This year – for the first time – the effort included a coat giveaway in addition to winter gear. The schools were selected for the giveaways not only because of their high concentration of low-income children but also because the schools’ students thrive academically despite the life challenges they face.
See Gear Give Away page B-2
Or a high school that finds a way to help Parkinson’s patients with shaky hands accurately measure a cup of liquid. These are just some examples of how a focus on social justice and engineering might shape Detroit’s newest elite high school, which is set to open next year on the campus of Marygrove College. It won’t be the first Detroit school with a social justice theme. The first, the Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice, abruptly closed in September, just a few weeks after the start of the school year. It failed to attract students to the school, and enrollment and budget problems forced its closure. The school at Marygrove, which will open with ninth-graders only next fall, will be the newest addition to the Detroit school district’s cadre of schools that require an examination as part of the admissions process. A new grade will be added each year until the school covers grades 9-12. It is part of a unique “cradle to career” campus at Marygrove that eventually will also include an early childhood center and a K-8 school. A $50 million contri-
Nir Saar, principal of the new high school that opens this year on the Marygrove College campus, discusses the need for more women and minorities in science and engineering jobs during a December meeting. bution from the Kresge Foundation is funding the effort. Officials from the Detroit school district and the University of Michigan, which is playing a strong role in the school, recently laid out initial plans for the new school before a large crowd
of interested students and parents. Another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at the college. The deadline for applying to the school at Marygrove — or any of the dis-
See Marygrove page B-2
Why NOT to make New Year’s Resolutions (and what to do instead) By Barika Butler, MD, MHCM It is that time of year again. Gym memberships will be purchased, workout clothes are flying off the shelves. People are juicing and dieting. Another year resolved to save more than you spend, spending less time on your devices and more time “being present.” The calendar has flipped to January and that means New Year’s resolutions. Is this really Barika Butler, MD the way to make the improvements that we desire and push ourselves to new heights? Studies estimate that up to 80% of New Year’s resolutions have failed by the second week in February. That’s right. Not two months in to the New Year and for most, the new you has become the same old you. We are essentially setting ourselves up to fail. Why, then, do we do this to ourselves year after year? The simple answer is that we have been doing what we have always done. So how do we make ourselves more successful in the changes that we want to see in the upcoming year? Do not make New Year’s resolutions. Swap out your resolutions for goals. What is the difference? Resolutions are wishes, thoughts, and hopes. Goals are clear, specific, and realistically attainable. Set Meaningful Goals To make your goals meaningful, they
must be well thought out and carefully planned with the beginning, middle, and end in mind. Goals should be very specific. Alter your general statements like “I am going to start exercising this year” to something like “I am going to walk, run, or do some form of cardio exercise for 30 minutes, 2-3 times per week.” Once you have established your goal, carefully outline what it will take for you to realistically meet that goal. For example, it may require you to wake up an hour earlier every morning or prepare dinner ahead of time for those days when you will be focused on your goal. Rally the troops of supporters who will help to take some responsibility off your hands to allow you the time to work toward your goal. Engage your spouse, children, and friends to help you. Once you are regularly completing these goals, push yourself to set new ones to build upon them. For example, once you are regularly completing your target exercise goal, you might then set a new goal of adding some weight training to your regimen 1-2 times per week or to beat your previous running times. Be sure to make your goals measureable and specific (30 minutes, 2-3 times per week, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays) so that you can track your progress and understand
where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Remember those sticker reward charts you used as a kid? Create a similar tracking system specific to your goal. Journal, check off your lists, make your progress visible. Celebrate your wins and evaluate your shortcomings Now that you have set goals so specific that they allow you to track your progress, celebrate what you have accomplished. Pat yourself on the back, give yourself healthy rewards, allow yourself to feel good about all of your hard work. When you have fallen short, go back and analyze what the shortcoming was and why it may have occurred. Because you have tracked so closely, you will be able to pinpoint what kept you from reaching your goal in a specified time period (for example, you did not exercise 3 times last week because there was a looming work deadline, or your child had a project due that you helped with). Whatever it is, your close tracking allows you to understand why goals were not met and improve upon those things for the next time period. Enlist an accountability partner An accountability partner is a person who helps you keep a commitment. They
will help you design the steps and process for reaching your goals and ensure that you are successful. There is an important distinction between an accountability partner and a friend or a mentor. First, selecting the right fit for an accountability partner is key. This relationship is less about personality or shared interests and more about having someone who understands your goals and knows how to get you to success. Second, be honest and transparent with your partner. Not doing so defeats the purpose of having them around. Finally, allow a “no judgment zone” between the two of you where criticism is constructive and results driven while successes are celebrated but not based in fantasy. The New Year is an opportunity for you to grow in ways you have always wanted, to push yourself to new heights and to bring those you love along with you. Are you ready to dump those resolutions and set some serious goals? How are you going to change your approach to self-improvement in 2019? Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” - L.M. Montgomery
Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • Januray 16-22, 2019
The students of homeroom 8B at Bethune Elementary-Middle School at their eighth-grade graduation ceremony. Eleven of 31 students didn’t enroll in the school until eighth grade.
The children of 8B: One classroom, 31 journeys, and the reason it’s so hard to fix Detroit’s schools
By Erin Einhorn and Chastity Pratt Dawsey
rolled in their neighborhood school. A comprehensive federal study that tracked a group of 20,000 children from 1998 until 2007 found that one in eight had attended four or more schools by the eighth grade. Those students were concentrated in large urban areas where people living in poverty are also grappling with evictions, foreclosures, and other forces that push people from their homes.
This story is part of the series Moving Costs: How students changing schools disrupts Detroit classrooms, a joint project from Chalkbeat and Bridge Magazine. By the time she’d reached the eighth grade, Shantaya Davis had attended so many schools — at least five — that she couldn’t name them all.
This kind of enrollment turmoil has a debilitating impact on schools, dragging downtest scores, exacerbating behavioral issues, fueling dropout rates, and making it more difficult for all children to learn — not just those who are on the move.
“I don’t even know what grade it was,” she said of one school, the one her mother decided wasn’t safe after she was threatened by a man in a car after class one day. “I just know I went there and it was like half a year … I went to a lot of schools. That’s why I keep forgetting.” Her classmate, Shawntia Reeves, attended four schools on the way to eighth grade. Or maybe five. Her parents weren’t exactly sure of the details, beyond the fact that she’d started kindergarten at the small neighborhood school her family had attended for generations. When the district shut the school down to cut costs, she bounced around, forced to repeatedly make new friends, then lose them again. “It makes you feel like you ain’t got no one to talk to,” she said. Both girls were members of the same eighth grade class at Bethune Elementary-Middle
In short, it’s a major — but often unrecognized — reason why improving urban schools has become one of the most intractable problems facing American cities.
The 31 students in homeroom 8B at Bethune Elementary-Middle School in Detroit collectively attended 128 schools by the time they reached eighth grade. Citywide, one in three elementary school students changes schools every year. PHOTOS: Anthony Lanzilote School in northwest Detroit last year. They posed with their classmates for a photo in June — a portrait of middle-school grads who looked like they’d known each other for years. But the 31 eighth-graders in Bethune’s “8B” homeroom had collectively attended a total of 128 schools — an average of more than four schools each.
Five of them said they’d cycled through seven or more schools on their path to eighth grade. Just three had attended the K-8 school since kindergarten. These students are among countless others just like them in cities like Detroit — kids who’ve spent their childhoods
Marygrove From page B-1
“We’ll never have a society that is truly just and truly equitable until we have a representation of these people in all fields,” Saar said.
“If you’re interested in making a change in the world, and if you’re interested in design, this is the place for you,” Elizabeth Moje, dean of the university’s School of Education, told the crowd at the December meeting.
He provided some examples, including the one about students designing a geographic mapping system for creating voting districts. “By engineering new ways to look at population increases, decreases, we can design more equitable voting districts.” The example of a tool to help someone with Parkinson’s came from a New York student. He said people with Parkinson’s often struggle to pour liquid into a cup and measure it accurately. “This kid created a machine where if you type in the measurement … it will pour that amount into a cup,” Saar said. The examples he gave of how social justice and engineering can intersect are the kind of
Stories like theirs ripple through school districts across the country where the growing push to create new options such as magnet and charter schools has put an end to the days when most students enering 2015 data that show women and minorities are grossly underrepresented in science and engineering jobs.
trict’s examination schools — is Jan. 18.
Nir Saar, former principal of Mumford Academy who will lead the new high school, explained the school’s theme this way: He said that engineering is about identifying complex problems and finding solutions to them. The social justice piece will have students “identifying the problems that have to do with a society we all live in that are unjust.”
starting over every couple of years, navigating new schools, trying to fit in.
Jennifer Collins came to the meeting with her daughter, Bailee Williams, an eighth-grader at Clippert Multicultural Magnet Honors Academy. Collins said they’re still exploring high schools for Bailee, and she was hoping to hear from officials “what is going to be so special about this high school.”
This map shows the area surrounding Marygrove College where students will get priority in enrolling at the new high school that will operate on the campus. Photo Credit: Lori Higgins Still a work in progress: The school is still designing curriculum, based on community input. During the first year, the school will be housed in the college’s Liberal Arts Building. For the second year, it will move to the Immaculata Building, which will undergo renovations. Students will work with architects and engineers to help design the renovations. Students will also help name the school. Neighborhood priority: Unlike other examination schools in the district, priority will be given to students who live near the Marygrove campus. How will that work? Students can earn up to 100 points based on performance on the entrance exam, grade-point average, a writing sample, and references. Current district students earn an additional 10 points. Students who live within a mile of Marygrove earn an additional 10 points, while those who live within two miles earn 5 points. Extracurricular activities: Because the school is small, it likely won’t join interscholastic sports competition. But the district plans to arrange with neighboring high schools to take Marygrove students who want to participate in activities like football and marching band. Students who enroll in the school will be able to create extracurricular clubs. things students “need to be engaged in if they’re going to be ready to go to the top schools. That’s the kind of work they’re
going to have to figure out how to do.” The engineering focus is also crucial, Saar said, consid-
That was also the gist of the first question that officials received from a parent during a question-and-answer period. Alycia Meriweather, a deputy superintendent in the district, explained that one unique feature is the partnership with the University of Michigan, which will co-design the curriculum with the school district. The “strength of the Michigan brand,” she said, is important. Moje added that experts from other university departments will contribute to curriculum design. Among them: the School of Education, College of Engineering, School of Information, Ross School of Business, College of Nursing and College of Public Health. “We don’t want business as usual. We want a really robust, rich curriculum,” she said. “We want to try to find the space where we can do something really innovative and exciting.” In addition to its work with
“You can’t create trust between a student and parent and a school when you have this constant disruption,” said Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which runs roughly half the schools in Detroit. “It’s hard to hold teachers accountable to performance if children are not consistently in their classrooms. We are going to set teachers, schools, and principals up for failure if we don’t acknowledge that.” curriculum design, UM experts will also be using the K-12 schools to develop a unique approach to training teachers that will be similar to the way teaching hospitals train doctors. Collins said she likes the engineering focus of the school and the small atmosphere — with each grade including just 100 to 120 students — that will mean students “won’t get lost in the shuffle.” Bailee, who said Cass Technical High School is still at the top of her wish list, said she liked what she heard about the Marygrove school. “I think it’s going to be exciting and a challenge just to be able to experience this new school,” she said.
Gear Give Away From page B-1
“It is an honor and pleasure to work alongside Councilman Benson and his partners to provide winter clothing for this fifth annual event,” said Wanda Akilah Redmond, a former member of the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board who helped Benson collect items for the clothing giveaway. Benson said knowing that the children will be warm and comfortable this winter is what mattered the most. But, the appreciation shown by the children and their families is what makes the effort all the more worthwhile. “Seeing gratitude and joy in the faces of children who received coats was enough to warm my heart through the entire winter,” he said.
January 16-22, 2019 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-3
HOPE At Home Health Care appoints Cleamon Moorer Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer By Patreice A. Massey MANAGING EDITOR
HOPE At Home Health Care has announced the appointment of Cleamon Moorer Jr., DBA, of Grand Blanc, as chief business development and strategy officer. “Dr. Moorer extends the depth of our management team to improve planning and processes to allow the highest level of patient care and service,” said Christine Bartel, HOPE At Home Health Care CEO. “Every business decision we make is driven by corporate social responsible behavior, and Clem is a fellow proponent of doing what’s right by our patients, employees and the communities we serve.” Moorer, a native of Detroit, was most recently dean of the College of Business at Baker College in Flint and formerCleamon Moorer ly dean of the School of Business at Madonna University in Livonia. He has held leadership positions as a business executive, management consultant, professor, lecturer and telecommunications engineer. As someone who shares HOPE At Home’s commitment to serve the local communities, Moorer gives back through his charity, Dr. C. Moorer & Associates Inc., an organization that provides scholarships and grants to students and educators. He also volunteers his time to several non-profit organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint and Genesee County, Beyond Basics, Macomb County Habitat for Humanity, and Catholic Vantage Financial Credit Union. “It’s extremely energizing to work with a team as committed to its patients, families and community as the folks at HOPE,” said Moorer. “I am looking forward to expanding the number of patients we serve and developing strategic initiatives to ensure HOPE At Home Health Care is well positioned to help every patient excel.” In 2017, Moorer received several prestigious awards including Detroit Pistons Game Changer Award, Hometown Hero award from BLAC Detroit Magazine and Modern Man of Distinction from Black Enterprise Magazine. Additionally, Moorer received the Spirit of Detroit Award from the City of Detroit Council and was recognized in “40 under 40” by Crain’s Detroit Business, the Michigan Chronicle and the Network Journal-NYC. He was also included in DBusiness Magazine’s “30 in Their Thirties.” An accomplished writer, Moorer is the author of “From Failure to Promise: 360 Degrees,” the inspirational autobiographical story of how he overcame flunking out of college to become an engineer, college professor, dean and business executive. He has also published another book as well as multiple academic journal articles. Moorer holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Kettering University, an MBA and a Master of Science in management and organizational behavior from Benedictine University, and a Doctor of Business Administration in management from Argosy University. He is currently pursuing a Business Excellence for Health Professionals Certificate at Cornell University.
DIA partners with Detroit Public Schools Community District to bring curriculum to life Hundreds of Detroit Public Schools Community District students are experiencing art, culture and history at the Detroit Institute of Arts this month. They are among the nearly 30,000 Wayne County students who visit the DIA for free field trips annually. “When our students attend field trips to the DIA, they are amazed,” said Iranetta Wright, deputy superintendent of schools at DPSCD. “The experience opens a window to cultures and history from around the world. The DIA field trips help our students discover self-expression and visual thinking, while building observational, problem-solving and analytical skills. We are proud that the DIA is one of our partners in the Cultural Passport initiative.” The DIA is one of 14 partners in the DPSCD Cultural Passport initia-
tive, which provides experiences in art and music to K-5 students. The DIA was one of the first three partners during the initiative’s pilot last February. “The free field trips and bus transportation offered by the DIA help us give Detroit students the opportunity to experience art, culture and history in ways that extend what they read in a book, see on television or find on the web,” Wright said. As part of the tri-county art institute millage passed in 2012, the DIA provides free admission and bus transportation for students in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. In January, students from 14 DPSCD schools will visit the DIA, including the Academy of the Americas, Ann Arbor Trail Magnet Middle School, Charles Wright Academy of Arts and Sciences, Chrysler Elemen-
tary, Golightly Education Center, Law Elementary, Munger Elementary-Middle School, Pasteur Elementary, Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy, Roberto Clemente Learning Academy, Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy, Spain Elementary, Vernor Elementary and Wayne Elementary. “The DIA works closely with teachers to provide rich experiences that bring learning to life, spark imaginations and encourage discovery,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “Field trips to the DIA show kids diverse cultures they can’t experience anywhere else in Michigan.” The DIA provides guided and self-guided tours and online teaching resources for schools, including lesson plans that can be incorporated into curriculum. To schedule a group tour or field trip, contact the DIA at 313-833-7981.
About HOPE At Home Health Care HOPE At Home Health Care is a full-service home care agency that helps people excel in the comfort of their own homes. HOPE represents Helping Other People Excel. The company provides Medicare and Medicaid-certified skilled services, including skilled nursing, therapy, palliative care and social work services, to patients throughout nearly a dozen Michigan counties, including the Detroit metropolitan and Greater Flint areas. The organization won an international Stevie® Award in 2018 for Achievement in Women-related Corporate Social Responsibility. For more information, call 800.462.5632 or visit www.HOPEAtHomeHealthCare.com.
L!FE Leaders Inc., announces inaugural gala on March 28 featuring a performance of Hamilton Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Mrs. Lori Maher and Hamilton Producer Jeffrey Seller are Honorary Hosts of L!FE Leaders, Inc. highly-anticipated inaugural gala. The gala features a performance of the musical Hamilton on March 28, 2019 in Detroit, MI playing at the historic Fisher Theatre. L!FE offers immersive, experience based programs that focus on equipping youth with leadership skills and real work experience, and emphasizing the power of the individual voice and having the audacity to achieve goals and dreams through strength of character, integrity and the determination to make it happen. “We’re thrilled to be working with Hamilton, a musical that embodies our mission to empower our youth to empower their future,” said L!FE Founder and President Amy Nederlander. “L!FE students’ training and direct work with local businesses, communities and political leaders build experience and relationships that ensure the continued dynamic growth of Detroit’s revitalization. There is something to say about strength in numbers – working alongside the Detroit educational community has been extremely rewarding and we’re energized by Detroit’s commit-
ment to youth and education.” Having deep roots in Detroit’s theatre community, Amy Nederlander’s grandfather, David Tobias Nederlander, founded his family theatre business in Detroit in 1912 when he managed the Detroit Opera House on Cadillac Square. Over the next several decades, he and his sons built and/or managed theatres, produced dozens of live shows and presented hundreds of the top headliners of the day, establishing Detroit as the most successful theatre-town in America. Today, the Nederlander’s continue to be represented in Detroit by The Fisher Theatre. The benefit will include a strolling dinner with recipes inspired by Chef and Restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster Harlem, a performance of the musical Hamilton, an ex-
clusive conversation with cast members moderated by Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller and a champagne and dessert reception to close out the evening. The gala is supported by a strong, Detroit-centric host committee including Dennis Archer Jr., Leslie Graham Andrews, Toby Barlow, Pamela Becker, Lauren Mondry Blanck, Chris Brochert, Dean Brody, Lane Coleman, Ellen Gilchrist, Mary Kramer, Diane and Mitch Mondry, Liz Nederlander-Coden, Daniel Coden, MD, Mark Ornstein, Amy Peterson, Antonio Luck, Angelique Peterson-Mayberry, Lisa Phillips, Shari Rogers, Todd Sachse, Tony Smith, Julie Tauber McMahon and Josh Thompson. “Education has been central to Hamilton’s mission since we opened on Broadway and I am
delighted that L!FE is hosting a benefit to raise funds for their stellar programs which help students develop the leadership skills and real work experience to fulfill their greatest potential,” said Hamilton Producer Jeffrey Seller. “The story of Alexander Hamilton, an orphan from St. Croix with incredible potential and drive who went on to change the world, is a great lesson about the ways in which we can improve the country and the world when we invest in our promising students. I have seen, first hand, the impact L!FE programs have had. It is inspiring.” L!FE was founded in 2016 by Detroit native and entrepreneur Amy Nederlander and Director of Education at Buck’s County Playhouse, PA, and Curricular Consultant Michaela Murphy. Guided by their combined expe-
rience in entrepreneurship and storytelling, and the idea that when people find their personal voice and are able to articulate their passions, they can achieve at the highest levels, Amy and Michaela developed the program designed to teach Detroit’s future adults Entrepreneur-ISM skills: the Ability and Audacity to Achieve. The experiential curriculum offers two programs, Entrepreneur-ISM and Excellence Corps and works with middle and high school students to emphasize leadership, team and community building, business acumen, design thinking, public speaking and networking, coupled with ongoing community involvement. The organization is heralded by community leaders, non-profits, schools, companies and government agencies, including Mayor Mike Duggan, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Detroit Employment Solutions Corps, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, UAW-Ford, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Cass Technical High School, Detroit 90/90 University Prep Academy Schools, and others. Visit www.FueledByLife.org to learn more about L!FE and www.Hamilton.FueledByLife. org to support this evening through sponsorship, to purchase a journal ad, or to purchase tickets.
Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • January 16-22, 2019
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School Tenth Annual Legacy March Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School will be the site where we honor its namesake at the 10th Annual MLK Legacy Awards, March, and Live Exhibit Tour. This year’s theme, “The Audacity to Believe… The Dream Lives is our call to action— we all have a role to play in continuing Dr. King’s Dream. The two-day event will showcase The Dream living on within our youth, community leaders, elected officials, business owners, academia and so many more. The two-day event will begin Sunday, January 20, 2019 with the MLK Legacy Awards at 4 pm. MLK Legacy Award honorees are individuals or groups who have selflessly showcased their skills, sacrifices, Dr. M. L. King, Jr. and generosity in making our community greater by keeping Dr. King’s legacy alive. This year each honoree has a connection to either helping the citizens of Detroit and Flint, Michigan, or the nation. The 2019 MLK Legacy honorees include: ■ Mari Copeny (Little Miss Flint), Activist ■ Frankie Darcell, Radio Personality and Community Activist ■ Mildred Gaddis, Community Director Radio One Detroit and Community Activist ■ Carl Levin, Former U.S. Senator ■ Bill Lucy, Civil Rights Icon, Labor Activist Organized March with Dr. King in Memphis ■ Colin Kaepernick, Activist and Former NFL Quarterback ■ Dorothy “Dottie” Jones, Retired UAW International Rep. and women’s rights trailblazer ■ Cliff Russell, (Posthumously), Radio Personality, Community Activist/Media Groundbreaker ■ Victoria Miller, Former MLK King High School Band Director and Youth Champion ■ Dr. Bill Picard, Entrepreneur , author, mentor and philanthropist The school will be transformed into a historical time capsule for interactive tours with information covering America’s civil rights movement. Members of the community, churches, labor unions, businesses, sororities, and fraternities from across the metropolitan area will then march alongside DPSCD and area students. After the march King High School encourages marchers and all citizens to do an act of community service or commit to an action some time during 2019. Several students will assist the UAW-Ford and Mildred Gaddis in delivering sleeping bags to the homeless after the March.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Ride Did you know that Martin Luther King, Jr. first delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in Detroit? It’s true! On January 21, 2019, Tour de Troit invites you to join them for its 7th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The ride will begin and end at McGregor Memorial Conference Center on the campus of Wayne State University. The Martin Luther King bike ride route is approximately 10 miles in length and will feature several historical sites relevant to Dr. King and other local activists that were integral to the Freedom March and the impact of the “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at Cobo Arena afterward. Several hundred riders typically participate in the tribute. The ride is free. Registration is at tour-de-troit.org.
PARKING: Parking is available on-street (free on the holiday) and at structures PS#2 (Lodge Service Drive S. of Kirby), PS#8 (Forest between Woodward and Cass Ave.) surface lots #32 (at the Law School) and #31 (behind the Faculty Administration Building). Regular rates will apply. THE COURSE: The route is approximately 10 miles in length and will feature several historical sites relevant to Dr. King and other local activists that were integral to the March and the impact of the “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at Cobo Arena afterward. HELMET MANDATORY RIDE: ALL cyclists must wear a helmet to ride in this event. Double, and triple check that you have the appropriate gear before leaving the house.
Performances and highlights: • A performance of “Glory” and a tribute to Aretha Franklin by King’s award-winning dance troupe • King, Renaissance, and Cass Tech’s city-wide marching bands will perform during the march. A float from the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade will complement the marchers and carry Michigan’s High School Football State Champions—the King High School football team. • Free hot chocolate and commemorative wristbands will be distributed while supplies last UAW-Ford is the major sponsor of the March with support from Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan, Free and Accepted Masons, DPSCD Board, the Parade Company, UAW Region 1A, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, and City Councilmember Mary Sheffield. On site voter registration will be conducted by the A. Phillip Randolph organization. “As adults we must encourage and inspire our young people with our actions,” said Michael Joseph, MLK Legacy March Co-Chair. “We all must have the audacity to not just hope but to believe in each other, our cause, and do the work. Working together with respect that is rooted in integrity can guide us in leadership by doing what is necessary and what is right. Respect and honor is essential to make our lives successful and morally meaningful. The Dream is alive inside of us and the Legacy continues because of us.” “It’s an honor to support the students of King High School as they welcome the community for the march each year,” said Karinda Washington, MLK Legacy March Co-Chair and Class of 1996 King Alumna. “Ten years is a blessing and our youth need us now more than ever. I hope each attendee leaves feeling inspired to effect change in their corner of the world—together we will fulfill Dr. King’s Dream. “I am grateful to all, who created a legacy that paved the way for us today,” said King High School Principal Deborah Jenkins. “As a professional educator, I am in a position to utilize this opportunity to help remove the veil of ignorance of not just knowing math or English comprehension but opening eyes to the best about ourselves and life. I can be a part of the process to help my students, my community, and myself—I have the audacity to believe. Individuals and organizations are invited to join us as volunteers and marchers. If you wish to volunteer, call or text 313.355.4154. #LegacyMarch10
City of Westland Celebrates annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Freedom Walk and Ceremony Andrew Humphrey, Meteorologist and reporter at WDIV, will deliver the Keynote Address at the City of Westland’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony on Monday, January 21.
ginning at 8:30 am. The ceremony, which begins at 10:00 a.m. will include uplifting messages from Mayor Wild and other state and local elected officials. Light refreshments will be provided by the Westland Police Community Partnership Committee.
Andrew Humphrey is an Emmy award winning meteorologist and reporter at WDIV-TV Local 4. In addition, he is proud to have earned the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) distinction and delivers science and technology reports for”Tech Time With Andrew Humphrey.” These honors are indicative of Andrew’s passion for weathercasting and storytelling that help people stay informed and safe.
gather at Westland City Hall, located at 36300 Warren Rd. beginning at 8:30 a.m. From there, weather permitting, participants will be shuttled to the Westland Public Library for the Annual Freedom Walk, which will begin at 9 a.m. The Freedom Walk will honor all of those who marched with Dr. King over 50 years ago. The short walk will end at Westland City Hall.
Participants are asked to
City Hall doors will open be-
“I am honored to welcome Andrew Humphrey and other esteemed figures to our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony,” commented Mayor Wild. “Every year I am humbled by the incredible turnout for this event which signifies unity in the City of Westland. We honor Dr. King by remembering his life, legacy and vision and by reflecting on how we can best live up to his dream today.”
34th annual Southfield MLK Peace Walk Celebration set for January 21 By Patreice A. Massey MANAGING EDITOR
The city of Southfield and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force will host the 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Peace Walk Celebration on Monday, January 21 beginning at 9 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway. This year’s theme will be Celebrating Diversity in honor of Southfield’s rich history of cultural and religious diversity and inclusion. The peace walk will depart from Hope United at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. program at the Southfield Pavilion, located in the Southfield Municipal Complex at 26000 Evergreen Road. This year’s program will feature Master of Ceremonies Roop Raj from Fox 2 News and a keynote address by Southfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Green. The program will also include remarks from Mayor Kenson Siver, MLK Task Force President Patricia Haynie, and
MLK Task Force founder Barbara Talley as well the Presentation of Colors by the Southfield Police & Fire Departments Color Guard; the Star Spangled Banner performed by Cantor David Propis of Congregation Shaarey Zedek; and other performances and special presentations by local students and school groups including the
Levey Middle School Jaguars Marching Band.
together in love and brotherhood.”
“Now more than ever, in these divisive turbulent times, we need to embrace the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing our commonalities rather than our differences,” commented MLK Task Force President Patricia Haynie. “Our nation must come
The program will also include the presentation of the 2019 MLK Community Service Award, the MLK Youth Service Awards and the Greg Kennedy Community Service Award. “The theme ‘Celebrating Diversity’ is reminiscent of the 32 Southfield residents who
came together in 1985 to form a Peace Walk and Program to remind us of those involved in the Civil Rights movement, many of whom walked and died for peace, justice and equality for all people,” added Barbara Talley, co-founder of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force. “Thirty-four years later, Southfield residents and those from other communities will walk and continue to keep the Dream Alive. We are not only the oldest MLK peace walk, but also the largest celebration of Dr. King’s holiday in the state of Michigan.” Southfield was the first city in the state of Michigan to hold a Dr. King peace walk or march. The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk took place on January 20, 1986, commemorating the first national observance of Dr. King’s birthday. The walk continues to grow in size and scope each year, with year-long educational and community outreach activities. For more information, call the MLK Task Force hotline at (248) 924-9MLK or visitwww. mlktaskforcemi.org.
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| January 16-22, 2018
Money.
michiganchronicle.com
POWER MOVES
Charles H. Wright Museum announces new CEO, Neil A. Barclay The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has named Neil A. Barclay its new chief executive officer. Bringing more than three decades of professional experience and leadership in the management and development of art and cultural institutions, Barclay will assume the leadership post of the Detroit-based global cultural institution effective Jan. 15. “The board of directors and staff are very excited to welcome a new CEO with Barclay’s diverse experience,” said The Wright Museum Board Chairman Eric Peterson. “With the changing dynamics and environmental challenges facing art and cultural institutions in the years ahead, the acumen of a proven leader like Barclay is certain to augment our efforts to Neil A. Barclay engage a global community in exploring and celebrating the perseverance and achievements of African Americans.” “I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter with The Wright,” said Barclay. “The museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in the U.S. and Detroit is an incredible city undergoing a remarkable transformation. I’m thrilled to be part of the history that is in the making.” A former attorney, Barclay was most recently executive director and CEO of the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in New Orleans. During his five-year tenure, the institution’s budget increased by more than 40 percent including lead gifts from the nation’s major art philanthropists. Barclay’s experience also includes seven years of service as associate director of the Performing Arts Center for the University of Texas at Austin and service as founding president and CEO of Pittsburgh, Pa.’s August Wilson Center. Additionally, he was instrumental in capital development planning for Los Angeles’ Vision Theater, originally built by Howard Hughes for the city.
Lisa P. Jones appointed Executive Director at Sinai-Grace Sinai-Grace Guild Community Development Corp. (SGGCDC), the non-profit organization committed to promoting a thriving, healthy and sustainable Northwestern Detroit, recently announced that Lisa P. Jones was named executive director. With more than a decade of executive management experience, Jones will help raise diverse sources of funding for new and existing projects and support the organization’s mission towards becoming a community development corporation dedicated to helping the underserved residents of the area. “Lisa has a proven track record in helping both the public and private sectors thrive,” said Lisa P. Jones Dr. Abby Freeman, president of the SGGCDC. “Her innovative ideas and solution-driven mindset will help take SGGCDC to the next level by elevating our initiatives to improve economic security, health and quality of life for northwestern Detroit residents.” Conrad Mallett, CEO of Detroit Medical Center’s Sinai-Grace Hospital, added, “As a leader with progressively responsible knowledge in planning, developing, and executing operational strategies within the private and public sectors, Lisa brings deep experience in helping with community relations and driving effective programs to address the many social determinants of health. We’re proud to support her and the Sinai-Grace Guild Community Development Corporation in every endeavor.” Before joining SGGCDC, Lisa worked for the City of Detroit as the Agency Chief Financial Officer for the Detroit Police Departing overseeing a budget of $300 million and fiscal operations. Prior to that, she served as deputy director for the Office of Grants Management where she coordinated and supervised financial and programmatic activities related to over $500 million in grants and contracts. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and master’s degrees from University of Illinois and Northwestern University. The DMC made a 5-year commitment to support the organizational capacity and programs of SGGCDC, which has used the funding to hire personnel and provide match funding to grant awards from Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (ECP). Enterprise Community Partners has awarded SGGCDC three grants totaling $130,000 to date to develop a strategic framework, and support SGGCDC’s Aging in Place initiatives which include connecting older adults to workforce opportunities and a weatherization program for seniors in Northwest Detroit.
Roderick Rickman looking of more schematics of a project with his brother, Alphea Rickman, Sr. Business Development
From the Brewster’s to the Boardroom
By Trevor W. Coleman
Roderick Rickman walks through a long winding corridor in his plant adjacent to his office building on the northwest side of Detroit. Along the way, he stops to check on employees working on various projects, including Rodney Richards, the lead warehouse supervisor and his plant manager, James Ivy, who are kneeling over schematics for a containment structure. “How you guys doing?” Rickman cheerily asks the men. “Blessed and highly favored,” yells back Richards, as Rickman walks into the staging area Section 2 of the plant. It is a cavernous room which contains huge reels of steel coil to be used for manufacturing. Looking over his property, Rickman confidently notes his building is more than 170,000 square feet and that his business now employees roughly 200 people including family members. The 57-year-old businessman has come a long way since he started out in the industrial and environmental service waste management business 30 years ago. At that time, he was simply “one man and a truck,” and had only been discharged from the army for a year. However, during his eight years of service in the army, Rickman developed a specialty for environment clean-up which includes decontamination, hazardous material handling, and waste transportation. And always entrepreneurial, upon his discharge he decided he wanted to work for himself and use the skills acquired in the army to start his own business. “In the military, we were doing hazardous material handling and decontamination, which is your cleaning structures surfaces that have been contaminated,” he said. “So, when my time was up, I wanted to come out and build and lead my own destiny.” Looking about Detroit in the late 1980s he saw an automotive industry and city on the verge of a
Roderick Rickman in Section 2 of his plant standing next to a huge reel of steel coil to be used in manufacturing
Roderick Rickman (L) and James Ivy (R-kneeling) inspect schematics for a containment structure. very turbulent period. Not wanting to risk pursuing a job in a plant that may not be secure, he decided to place his fate in no one else hands but his own. That meant using his GI Bill benefits to buy his first truck and determining to work very hard to earn every dollar that comes
his way. After working for small local businesses for a while, Rickman got his first big break and contract as a Tier 2 to a prime contractor in 1988. “It was doing industrial cleaning at General Motors,” he said. “We did traditional industrial cleaning of paint shops, waste water
treatment plants, flumes, pits, trenches, and tank farms.” But with a work ethic that emphasized dedication, hard work, competitive pricing, safety, quality, new and innovative technology, in less than a decade Rickman was able to build a strong enough reputation to leverage that one contract with GM to obtain business with Ford, Chrysler and other private and public entities. In fact, by 1996 he was able to purchase his first office building and plant, a 40,000 square foot building on Michigan Avenue and Clark Street. And that one man and a truck is now a roughly 200 employee multi-million dollar business that has been cited in Black Enterprise as a BE 100 top black businesses. Now sitting in his ornate board room which is adorned with business and civic awards along with photos of himself with some of the state and country’s leading political, corporate and civic leaders, including former President Barak Obama and Gov. Rick Snyder, Rickman; who grew up in the Brewster Projects and was the 11th of 12 children, said he is most proud of being able to share his success with his community. “We are national business based and founded in Detroit that’s open for business,” he said. “We’re looking to participate in the revitalization
See RICKMAN page B6
January 16-22, 2018 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-6
Rickman From page B-5
Moving From Surviving to Thriving by Spending Less to Save More By Jordan Woods
how much skipping a vacation this year could potentially speed up your timeline towards making a down payment on your dream home. Other things you may want to consider saving for include:
In our last installment of Financially LIT, we discussed navigating the troubled waters of debt. This month, we want to talk about preparing for the future—saving money. Saving doesn’t mean starving (although it may mean reducing how often you splurge). We’re going to discuss a few best practices to help you save for the future of your dreams. Where should you save? Many banks offer higher interests if you put your money in a savings account as opposed to a regular checking account. Similarly, Certificates of Deposit, where you give your funds to a bank for a promised amount of time, are also a good option to actually make money by doing nothing other than saving it, with the bank typically giving you a higher interest rate for these funds over time. However, they do require that you keep the funds locked up for a specific period of time, which varies across banks. Mindset towards saving Prioritizing our spending is important, but it’s almost just as important to prioritize how we save. Whether it’s a for a new concert tickets or a down payment on your first home, you are never too young to start saving money. The important thing is to review your budget first and factor your savings plan into
Retirement: 401Ks and IRAs offer opportunities to put pre-tax dollars aside for retirement, but they also can come with penalties for withdrawing your money before you are of age for retirement. your budget. First Independence Bank has a Savings Calculator to limit the guess work at https://www.firstindependence.com/resources/calculators/. A good rule of thumb is to start with something manageable. Try taking the money you would’ve spent going out to lunch one day a week and put it in a savings account. Over time, add a little more. The goal is to get to the point where you can set aside 20% of your income without having to touch it. This is generally just enough to build up a sizeable amount of untouched funds over time, while still covering everyday expenses. Like most things in life, devising your savings plan is a constant battle between what you want now, and what you want most. Age and current income will likely dictate what that looks like for each of us. For example, age 16, saving for a car might be thing to put above everything else if you’re about to get your driver’s license. At 25, with a stable job, it might be time to consider
Sending your children (or yourself) to college- 529 savings plans offer tax benefits for those looking to save specifically for college, although early withdrawal penalties can apply. Rainy day funds Loss of income or employment A theme in a couple of these is saving for the unexpected. We’ve seen the rash of natural disasters all over the country wipe out homes and sources of income more than ever in recent years. Even our own government is currently shut down, potentially delaying tax refunds that thousands of Americans rely on each year. These real-world occurrences are just a couple of the demonstrations of how we never really know what could happen next that might affect our income, so it’s important to start saving now. Remember, every dollar counts when saving money—start small and work your way up. Your future you will thank you.
of our world-class city and to provide economic opportunity for residents in or community and provide them with solid jobs with stable future, so they can provide a wholesome home and environment for their families.” Rickman said that means his goal is to continue to expand and offer services beyond simply jobs to the community. “It means to provide a sustainable impact in our community with the next generation of leaders. To provide them with access to training and development with scholarships, grants, internships and introductions of colleagues to other businessmen.” He proudly noted Rickman Enterprise Group conducts an annual career in construction fair at the office annually and has a 125 seat training facility they use to provide training and development for the young men and women in the Detroit community. Dr. Kenneth L. Harris, president/ CEO of the Detroit-based National Business League, Inc. praised Rickman’s leadership for extending beyond the contours of corporate responsibility. “Not only has Mr. Rickman represented Rickman Enterprises as a Board member of the National Business League, but also as an impactful leader in the Black community, and representative in his company hiring practices, support of neighborhood sub-contractors and philanthropic support locally and throughout the country,” he said. “Rod’s value-seeking model is an example for other Black businesses to follow.” It’s a long journey from the Brewster Projects to rubbing elbows with the industrial titans of the auto industry and socializing with the President of the United States. And Rickman admits it hasn’t always been easy. “The road has been tough. It’s been a fight. It’s been hard work, that required dedication and commitment,” he said. “But God just gave me the recipe. I have a strong belief in God and I am truly blessed. The Word has blessed me.”
Serving Detroit for 48 years!
Three locations to serve you better! Main Office Branch 7310 Woodward Ave., Ste. 101 • Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 256-8400
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Faith.
| January 16-22, 2019
michiganchronicle.com
James H. Coles celebrates 100 Centennial Anniversary
T
he year 2019 marks the centennial anniversary of a Detroit business fixture, the James H. Cole Home for Funerals. The business will mark this milestone with a yearlong celebration sharing the faces and stories of the people who have been providing compassion and service to Detroiters for 100 years. The James H. Cole Home for Funerals first opened its doors in June 1919 on the lower east side of Detroit on St. Aubin St. in an area commonly known as the “Black Bottom.” The family-owned business was first helmed by James H. Cole Sr. He required every member of his staff to extend compassion to grieving families and superior customer service to all in the community. This focus fueled the business’ growth, and it relocated several times over the next few decades as a result. Today, the James H. Cole Home for Funerals has 50 employees, services approximately 1,800 families annually and has two locations. Its main chapel is located at 2624 W. Grand Blvd; its secondary location is at 16100 Schafer Highway.
Now owned and operated by third and fourth generation family members Karla M. Cole, President, and her sons, Antonio and Brice Green, the James H. Cole Home for Funerals have the most licensed funeral directors of any funeral home in the area with a total of 12. The
business recently received the prestigious Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association, recognition for its proven track record of maintaining high standards and providing excellent service. The Cole family will host several events during the centennial year including the Legacy Breakfast on April 18 at the Northwest Activities Center and sponsored by Fifth-Third Bank. In July, it will host the Cole Family Festival in the lot adjacent to its W. Grand Blvd. location. Open to all members of the community, this event promises fun for all ages. To close out its anniversary celebrations, the Cole family will host its Centennial Gala on September 14 at the Roostertail on Detroit’s riverfront and will be headlined by soul singer Dwele. “Since our business first opened in 1919, we’ve been committed to caring for Detroit-area families in their most pressing time of need,” Cole says. “While we’ve certainly grown over the decades, we’ve remained true to our founding principles of compassion and service to the community. We look forward to honoring the families, communities, and employees who have enabled our success throughout this century-long journey.”
ry celebration, visit https://www.cole100. com. About the James H. Cole Home for Funerals James H. Cole Home for Funerals provides high-quality funeral services for approximately 1,800 Metro Detroit families each year. This fourth-generation family owned company has become
a pillar of the Detroit community. Compassion, quality and excellence has been the foundation of this business for 100 years. As a recent winner of the National Funeral Directors Association’s “Pursuit of Excellence Award”, the James H. Cole Home for Funerals is positioned to remain an industry leader for the next 100 years. Learn more by visiting https:// www.jameshcole.com/.
For more on the James H. Cole Home for Funerals and its yearlong anniversa-
Step Out on Faith by Jonathan A. Merritt By Taquinda Marie Author and Faith Influencer, Jonathan A. Merritt Encourages Readers to Step Out on Faith. With individuals in search of purpose and fulfillment, Metro Detroit author, influencer, entrepreneur and pastor Jonathan A. Merritt walks readers through the steps necessary to overcome fear and live a purposeful life in his debut book release entitled, Step Out, Leave Your Imprint on the World. In his first literary venture, Merritt shares his eye-opening, life-altering testimony, causing him to take his own personal step out on faith. Through spiritual and practical application, Merritt shares the importance of faith and pressing past life’s circumstances and challenges. This guide serves as a resource for all walks of life, encouraging people to leave their own personal imprint on the world around them. “This book is really near and dear to my heart because I can truly say that I lived every aspect of what I am sharing in ‘Step Out’. No matter what life presents, I want readers to know that you have a story to tell and someone is waiting for you to make your imprint on this world. No matter what situation or circumstance you are facing, if you simply trust God and step out on faith, there is nothing you cannot accomplish” states Merritt. Believing faith to be the key to every aspect of his life, Johnathan Merritt knew from a young age that he would make his own personal mark on the world around him. Coming from a long legacy of service and faith as the son of megachurch Pastor, Bishop Andrew Merritt, Jonathan serves alongside his parents and brother David Merritt as Associate Pastor at Straight Gate International Church in Detroit, Michigan. Beyond writing and preaching, the husband and devoted father of three (soon to be four) has made his mark in the community with the opening of Narrow Way Cafe. As a Motor City Match grant winner, Merritt and his team at Narrow Way strive to impact lives around them daily simply by providing great coffee and conversations while sharing the love of God. Merritt also serves as a dedicated board member of Give Merit, a non-profit arm of Merit Goodness, Inc., which is committed
Dr. Jim Holley’s 75th Birthday and 50 Years in Ministry Celebration The Historic Little Rock Church cordially invites you to join them as they celebrate their leader and pastor, Dr. Jim Holley as he celebrates his 75th Birthday and 50 Years in ministry. The celebration will take place, February 4th, 2019 at the Little Rock Banquet Hall located at 9000 Woodward, Detroit, MI. Tickets can be purchased at Little Rock Baptist Church between 9am to 5pm, Monday- Thursday. For information, please call (313) 872-2900.
to embrace education through its four-year, cohort-based program for high school students in northwest Detroit.
Jonathan A. Merritt to helping provide young people with the resources and opportunities
For more information about Jonathan A. Merritt, please visit his website at http://jonathanamerritt.com.
Page B-8
• michiganchronicle.com •
January 16-22, 2019
Real Times Media Presents
a tribute to multicultural achievement in the automotive industry
VOLUME IX
Come network with the automotive industry’s top executives Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Garden Theater 3929 Woodward Ave. • Detroit, MI Pre-reception 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m.
Cocktails and Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres Featuring DRIVEN IX 2019 Awardees Minority Company of the Year | Burrell Communications Minority Dealer of the Year | Hall Automotive Group Vanguard Award | Rajoielle “Raj” Register Diversity Leadership Award | Adrienne Trimble SPONSORS
City. Life. Style. C1 | January 16-22, 2019
Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style
michiganchronicle.com
North International American Auto Show Charity Preview By Latrice Delgado-Macon | The Styling Closet It’s officially the week of style as we look forward to the most glamorous night in fashion. If you have the opportunity to attend the NAIAS Charity Preview Gala, here are some, “do’s and don’t’s” for the event. 1. Do be prepared for inclement weather. This is Michigan in January, the weather can be unpredictable. 2. You will be waiting in various lines throughout the night make sure you have comfortable shoes to wear later in the evening. 3. Don’t be afraid of color. The color of the year is, “Living Coral” embrace it in a gown, wide leg pants or even a jumpsuit. 4. Do have a smile on, ready to smile in a moment’s notice. Press and cameras will be everywhere. 5. Embrace the first black tie event of the season with a sense of style and have fun.
6. Yes, you can make the preview into a, “date-night” you and your S.O. dressed to the, “nine’s” make your entrance. Have dinner before the gala and then top off the night looking at fantastic cars and rubbing elbows with some of the city and states elite. 7. Body Posture on the red carpet. – You know how you’re advised to try on your dress for size fitting days before the day of the event? Same with your pose. Perception is everything and you want to be sure you serve the right side of things, even on the red carpet. 8. Purse over bags – Ladies especially have to weigh every single fashion choice on a scale. In all of these choices, be advised to pick a purse over a bag. There’s a lot going on already to
Latrice Delgado-Macon
Quentin Oliver Lee redefines Beautiful in Phantom of the Opera for Broadway Detroit By AJ Williams City.Life.Style. Editor
attributes to being beautiful to reenact.
“It’s a beautiful opportunity that Cameron Mackintosh’s specI am excited about to be an Afritacular new production of Andrew can-American male in this role.” Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM Lee, said. OF THE OPERA will go on sale He continued his excitement for Sunday, October 14 for the triumthe production stop in Detroit. “I’m phant return engagement at the excited to perform in Detroit and Detroit Opera House, January 24 would love to have fans from the – February 3, 2019. With newly city to let me know the new spots I reinvented staging and stunning should visit while I’m there.” scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is performed by a cast Quentin Oliver Lee Detroit never fails on the call. Tag and orchestra of 52, making this @QuentinOliversings on IG using one of the largest productions on tour in North the hashtag #CityLifeStylePhantom to give your America. best Detroit #BeScene spot for him to visit. However, the highlight of this year’s performance is Quentin Oliver Lee (Prince of Broadway, Porgy and Bess) who plays the disfigured musical genius Phantom, a role he ironically
Tickets for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA start at $35 and will be available for purchase online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com
add the extra weight of a bag. As a stylist, I’d advise total freedom. No purse or clutch at all. However, some ladies would prefer to have something to hold. If that is the case, then choose a purse over a bag.” 9. Heels over sandals/slip-ons – Heels don’t lie when they serve you up as a tall glass of chocolate ice cream.” The red carpet is not just about wearing the pretty gown, but also letting the facial do the talking. Our featured make-up artists also gave some education on the No-Nos when it comes to make-up. Now let’s get ready to rock the red carpet in Haute style! See you on January 18, 2019. IG: LatriceDelgadomacon IG: The Styling Closet Facebook: The Styling Closet
Page C-2 • michiganchronicle.com • January 16-22, 2018
B. Scarber, Brielle Lesley, Uncle P, PaperDoll
Team Money Hungry
The 5th Annual Underground Hip-Hop Awards
Raises the Bar in More Ways Than One By Curt Williams The fifth annual Underground Hip-Hop Awards (UHHA) left those who were lucky enough to be in attendance with a mixed bag full of emotions. The show was equally entertaining as it was bittersweet. This year’s event ushered in what would be viewed as the beginning of an era, while also signaling the ending of another. For the first time since the UHHAs inception they would not be, the UHHA held at the historic St. Andrews Hall instead Detroit’s underground hip hop community was hosted at the madeits debut at the Charles H. Wright museum, a huge leap from its early beginnings at historCurt Williams ic Saint Andrews Hall. The venue change was another capped off a season of grand openings and grand closings for those planning the UHHA. On another note, theThe closing of the popular hip-hop performance spot, Bullfrog Bar & Grill loomed over the audience and everyone responsible for making this award show happen— but more on that later. The fifth installment of the UHHA will also be rememberedalso made its own history as they featured a female host for the for this being the first time in its short historythat a woman would host the show. The elegant Krissy of “Inside Thethe Grind”, became the first woman host for the UHHA, and she absolutely knocked it out the park. To take Committing to on such a huge undertaking for an event of this magnitude, would make most falter under the pressure, but Krissy possessed the confidence of someone who had been here before. When asked about her first timefirst-time hosting, Krissy was earnest with her response: “I have to thank [UHHA founder] DJ Uncle P. He noticed my grind and saw something in me. This is something I will never forget.” The award show itself was something to marvel atnothing short of impressive. There was a handful of unique categories ranging from Best Manager to Best Venue. The nominees were stacked from top to bottom in their respective fields. Team Money Hungry, and respected veteran Big Gov were the night’s biggest winners—dominating in almost every category in which they were nominatedin. With tears in his eyes, Big Gov, who won a slew of awards, including Best Male Hip-Hop/Rap Artist, delivered a powerful, teary-eyed acceptance speech. “I’ve been grinding my whole life,” said the respected lyricist. “I made my first song when I was 5-years-old. To receive an award like this, man. You don’t know how much this means to me.” Aside from Team Money Hungry and Big Gov, other winners included: P. Dot (Best Female HipHop/Rap Artist), Supa Emcee (Best Lyricist), Foul Mouth (Best Producer), DJ Midnite Black (Best DJ) Donna Banks (Best Promoter), Brielle Lesley (Best R&B/ Vocalist), JC (Best Battle Emcee), and more. There was one noticeable factor that was hard to ignore throughout the night. It was something the UHHA made sure its audience would never forget, and that was without a doubt, the performances. High-octane performances from the likes of Kid Swoop, Malcolm Elliott, the aforementioned Team Money Hungry, and the highly-popular, Drego kept those the packed crowd in Charles H. Wright’s auditorium on their feet. The biggest highlight came in the form of the Bar-Raisers showcase. It’s the UHHA’s version of BET’s Hip-Hop Awards cypher. Clocking in well over 10 minutes, over classic instrumentals of like Black Rob’s “Whoa” and LL Cool J’s “Doin it”, some”, some of the best bar-spitters of their generation took center stage and gave a crash course in pure unadulterated lyricism. P. Dot, 3269 Chise, 3Xotica, Junes Flow, Kid Swoop, and Pierre Anthony all delivered in one of the greatest Hip-Hop cyphers in recent memory. It seemed like the bar had been raised so high by the cypher (no pun intended) that anything vying for the title of Most Memorable Moment, was in for a long night—or were they? Not to be outdone, DJ Uncle P and UHHA co-founder Brandon K. Scarber handed out the most important award of the night, and probably the most memorable moment that night when the Bullfrog Bar & Grill, which was closing its doors after 25 years, took home the UHHA “MVP” Award. Owner Jim Forner, his wife, and a host of people responsible for making the Bullfrog one of the best
UHHA 2019 Winners: Best Male Hip-Hop/Rap Artist - Big Gov (2019) Best Female Hip-Hop/Rap Artist - P Dot (2019) Best Group -Team Money Hungry (2019) Best Lyricist - Supa Emcee (2019) Best Live Performer - Team Money Hungry (2019) Best Live Performance/Showcase Venue - The Bullfrog Bar & Grill (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) (Retired in UHHA Hall of Fame) Best Song - Drego & Sadababy – “Bloxk Party” (2019) Best Full-Length Project (Album/EP/Mixtape) - Big Gov & Pierre Anthony – “Betrayal” (2019) Best Producer - Foul Mouth (2019) Best Recording Studio - Mix Factory One Recording Studio (2015, 2018, 2019) Best Video - Big Gov – “Blame It On Me” (2019)
Iv Duncan, Owner of Mix Factory One Studios
Best Video Director - Diego Cruz (2019) Best Battle Emcee - JC (2019) Best DJ - DJ Midnite Black (2019) Best Internet Media Outlet - Detroit Unplugged (2019) Best Promoter - Donna Banks (2019) Best Manager - LaTrelle McNairy – Metamorphosis Management (2019) Best R&B Artist/Vocalist - Brielle Lesley (2019) Best Hip Hop Movie - The Come Up (2019) UHHA “MVP” Award - Bullfrog Bar & Grill (2019)
UHHA Bar-raisers 1. P Dot (2016) 2. 3269 Chise (2017) 3. 3Xotica (2018) 4. Junes Flow (2018) 5. Pierre Anthony (2018) 6. Kid Swoop (2019) venues in the Midwest for 25 years strong graced the stage to accept the biggest award for that night. “When I started the Bullfrog twenty-five years ago”, said Mr. Forner. . “The main thing was the music. That’s what connects people. The Bullfrog gave artists a place to showcase their talent and build confidence...Detroit is a city that everyone looks at.to. Detroit stand up!” The UHHA really made this one of the greatest events in a city that music legends of the past built. “The Underground Hip Hop Awards is a onestop shop networking event,” says Brandon Scarber. “No matter where you are in journey as ana potential artist, and or music entrepreneur, you can meet and rub shoulders to your next contact and opportunity in one event.”
Big Gov & Pierre Anthony
The impact of the UHHA’s is not lost on those who work behind the scenes. As As the night came to a closeended, and the sold-out crowd made their way toward the exitdoors, one could not help but think about what will be Uncle P and Brandon K. Scarber have in store for next year’s event? But before they can even think about that they are taking in this moment. “As I reflect on what we’ve accomplished in 5 years, not many people can say they were able to have 5 years of consistent success,” said Scarber. “UHHA started from a phone conversation between me and Diarra “Uncle P” Collazo, and with the help of Johnny Hawkins from Mighty Jon Entertainment we have made it a cornerstone of the hip-hop music community of Detroit, MI.” There was no doubt that this year’s show was intended to one-up previous year installments. A feat many believe DJ Uncle P and company succeeded in doingso. Speaking of DJ Uncle P. The genius behind all of this,When asked was asked what was his favorite moment of the show? Uncle P “replied, “[For me], just being backstage listening to the winners accept their awards. There was a lot of excitement and joy in winning tonight.” The Underground Hip-Hop Awards continues to flourish and make its mark in Hip-Hop. Most importantly, it continues to celebrate those who aren’t as fortunate to be givenyet getting those mainstream the opportunity on other platformslooks. . That’s what makes the UHHA standout from other award shows, and for us, that what makes those here to witness it firsthand the most fortunate. Salute.
P Dot and Latrelle McNairy, Metamorphosis Mgmt
Classified
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
FUNERAL SERVICES
January 16-22, 2019
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PERSONAL SERVICES CALL NOW (313 )341-0145 LOUISIANA ROOTMAN FIXER I don’t care what your problem maybe I’ll Fix It!! LOVE HEALTH ETC. MONEY IS HERE HELP
MIKE DUGGAN MAYOR, CITY OF DETROIT ADVERTISEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS TO SELECT A DESIGN/BUILD CONTRACTOR FOR THE OFFICE RENOVATIONS AT COLEMAN A YOUNG MUNICIPAL CENTER FOR THE CITY OF DETROIT BUILDINGS, SAFETY ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
(DBA #58-0001)
SUBURBAN MOBILITY AUTHORITY FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION (SMART) Proposed Fare Changes Notice is hereby given that Public Hearings have been scheduled to consider the following fare changes: • Eliminate 25 cent transfer fare for full fare riders • Eliminate 25 cent transfer fare for youth riders • Reduce Youth fare (6 -18 years of age) from $1.00 to 50 cents • Eliminate 50 cent up charge for transfers from DDOT to SMART • Eliminate monthly SMART/DDOT Regional Pass and monthly SMART Plus Pass • Replace full fare SMART/DDOT Regional Pass and SMART Plus Pass with one, full fare 31 Day Regional Pass (valid on SMART and DDOT) with an increase in total price from $69.50 to $70.00 In addition to the new 31 Day Regional Pass, other new regional fare offerings are being considered that will be valid on both SMART and DDOT: • Regional 4 hour ride ticket: $2.00 full fare, 50 cents reduced fare • Regional 24-hour pass: $5.00 full fare, $2.00 reduced fare • 7 Day Regional Pass: $22 full fare, $10 reduced fare • 31 Day Regional Pass for seniors, youth, and disabled: $29.00 reduced fare
Public Hearings will be held at the following locations and dates: Location Roseville City Council 29777 Gratiot Ave Roseville, MI
Date Tuesday, February 5
Time 5:30p
SMART Administrative Offices Wednesday, February 6 12:00p 535 Griswold, 6th Floor Detroit, MI Dearborn Transit Center 21201 Michigan Ave Dearborn, MI
Wednesday, February 6
Royal Oak Transit Center Thursday, February 7 202 Sherman Royal Oak, MI
5:30p
An interpreter for the hearing impaired will be made available if SMART is contacted seven (7) days prior to the public hearings. Comment will also be accepted by telephone via Michigan Relay: 711/866-962-5515 and press Option 2. For those unable to attend the meetings, written comments will be accepted through Friday, February 9, 2019. Written comments should be addressed to “Public Hearing” and mailed to SMART Administrative Offices, 535 Griswold Street, Suite 600, Detroit, MI 48226. Comments may also be emailed to publichearing@ smartbus.org.
Blessed Be! I WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING WITHOUT YOU TELLING ME ANYTHING! LOTTERY DRAWING PACKET SURE TO WIN $68.00 Bro. Harris - P.O. BOX 21765 DETROIT, MI 48221
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Written responses are requested from interested respondents (“Respondents”) to this request for qualifications and proposals. The purpose of this request is to procure a design/build contractor for the design, renovations, and improvements to the Coleman A Young Municipal Center, Suite 400, Detroit, MI 48226, as more fully described in the Request for Qualification/ Proposals (RFP/Q). The DBA will receive the responses, as herein set forth, in the offices of the Detroit Building Authority, Attention: Marc Tirikian, 1301 Third Street, Suite 328, Detroit, Michigan 48226. Qualifications shall be endorsed “BSEED: CAYMC Office Renovations Design/Build Services” and submitted not later than 1:00 P.M., Detroit time, on Monday, February 4, 2019, and will subsequently be evaluated to select a candidate for a design/build construction services agreement. A processing fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), cashier’s check or money order, payable to the Detroit Building Authority must be paid prior to the submission of qualifications. A mandatory pre-submittal meeting and site tour will take place at the Coleman A Young Municipal Center, Suite 401, Detroit, MI 48226, beginning at 1:30 P.M., Detroit time, on Thursday, January 17, 2019. The Respondent may only submit one response to this Request for Qualifications/Proposals. Participation in more than one submittal team will result in rejection of all responses by that Respondent. Respondents submitting qualifications may be required to make an oral presentation(s) to designated City representatives. The issuing office, if required, will schedule such oral presentation(s). The Respondent must pay any travel costs incurred for such presentations. The Respondent must agree to comply with the requirements of the City of Detroit’s Ordinances and Human Rights Department. No response to this Request for Qualifications/Proposals may be withdrawn for at least 120 days after the actual opening of the qualifications/proposals. The DBA reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any qualifications/proposals, and to reject any or all qualifications/ proposals, should it be deemed in its best interest. If additional information is needed regarding this RFQ, please contact Marc Tirikian of the DBA at (313) 628-0903. Tyrone Clifton, Director Detroit Building Authority 1301 Third Street, Suite 328 Detroit, MI 48226
5:30p
DIGITAL DAILY
Page C-3
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for Lake Erie Transit Center (LETC) Wall Repairs, Control No. 19-2745. RFP forms may be obtained beginning January 16, 2019 from http://www.mitn.info. RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, February 15, 2019.
EDUCATION
Learn to Tutor at Dominican Literacy Center GIVE THE GIFT OF READING Saturday January 26, 2019 8:00 am – 4:00 pm 5555 Conner, Detroit, MI This workshop will teach you to work with an adult who needs help with Reading, Math or ESL.
Call 313.267.1000 Today to RSVP! HELP WANTED
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
CITY OF EASTPOINTE $62,755 Plus Comprehensive Fringe Benefits Package Job description, minimum qualifications and instructions to apply for the position are posted on our website at cityofeastpointe. net. To receive veteran and/or education points, submit copies of Form DD214 and/ or unofficial school transcripts with the application packet. Application packets must be received by February 3, 2019. EEO Joseph M. Sobota, M.P.A. City Manager/City Clerk/Personnel Director
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Additional information will be posted on SMART’s website www. smartbus.org or you may call SMART Customer Service at (866) 962-5515 press Option 2 to talk with a representative.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
POLICE AUTHORITY OFFICER I
CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER
Posting Date: January 8, 2019 Reports To: District Director, Police Authority Grade / Level: Non Union ($15.00 per hour) Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Posting Date: January 8 2019 Reports To: District Director, Police Authority Grade / Level: Non Union ($20.00 per hour) Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Summary of Duties: Campus Safety Officers perform specialized safety/ security activities including enforcement of college regulations, vehicular and foot patrol of college property. Under the direction of the shift supervisor, conducts preliminary investigations (gather evidence and obtain witnesses information, and submit written reports), answer calls and complaints and provide assistance to students, faculty and staff, including assisting with jump starting vehicles. Personal escorts, provides directions/ information, lock/unlock classroom doors, and perform other related duties as assigned. Issue parking violations and enforce the college’s parking procedures. Observes and reports unsafe equipment or areas on the campus. Assist in communication/ control center, monitoring CCTV, alarm system, access control, taking students ID cards, and assist with all other dispatch / communication duties as needed. Officers may also assist law enforcement officers in the performance of their legal duties, including the investigation and apprehension of suspects in criminal matters. Performs other work –related duties as requested.
Summary of Duties: Under the direction of the Director of Public Safety, law enforcement work involving the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of laws and ordinances on all property owned and operated by Wayne County Community College District. Employees may be designated to represent the police department in various uniform and non-uniform capacities. MCOLES sworn police officer will perform all related duties including, but not limited to, patrolling on foot or by vehicle, college property and on the public way adjacent to all college owned or controlled property to prevent and discover the commission of crimes; enforce State and Federal laws; enforce traffic regulations; conduct investigations on criminal offenses and traffic accidents to gather evidence, obtain witnesses and make arrests; provide documentation and testimony to Judicial Board and courts; and provide general security for college properties and citizens on campus to insure a safe environment for all.
CAMPUS SAFETY OFFICER Internal / External Part Time (E003-19)
Posting Date: January 7, 2019 Reports To: District Director, Public Safety Grade / Level: Non Union ($12.00 per hour) Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Summary of Duties: Campus Safety Officers perform specialized safety/ security activities including enforcement of college regulations, vehicular and foot patrol of college property. Under the direction of the shift supervisor, conducts preliminary investigations (gather evidence and obtain witnesses information, and submit written reports), answer calls and complaints and provide assistance to students, faculty and staff, including assisting with jump starting vehicles. Personal escorts, provides directions/ information, lock/unlock classroom doors, and perform other related duties as assigned. Issue parking violations and enforce the college’s parking procedures. Observes and reports unsafe equipment or areas on the campus. Assist in communication/ control center, monitoring CCTV, alarm system, access control, taking students ID cards, and assist with all other dispatch / communication duties as needed. Education: College credits in Criminal Justice or related study preferred. Experience: Two (2) years security related experience. Three years employment with emphasis on interaction with the public may be considered. Other: Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s license. Applicants are subject to a background check for criminal convictions and a drug/ alcohol dependency test, (medical) will be conducted as a condition of employment.
Please reference this staffing number on all documents: E003-19 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/H/V Mail Resume to: Wayne County Community College District, Attention: Human Resources, 801 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226 Or e-mail your resumes to: jobs@wcccd.edu
WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM
Internal / External Part Time (E002-19)
Education: •Previous graduation from an accredited Police Training or a P.A. 330 accredited academy, and received a Police Officer training program, including receiving instruction on Use of Force policy. Bachelor Degree in criminal justice or related field preferred. Experience: •Previous Law Enforcement experience with an MCOLES Police agency or equivalent experience with P.A. 330 certified Police Agency. Ten (10) years of previous corporate security experience and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice may be considered. Additional Requirements: Successful candidate must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Applicants are subject to a background check for criminal convictions; a drug/alcohol dependency test (medical) will be conducted as a condition of employment. Applicants are subject to a background check for criminal convictions; a drug/alcohol dependency test (medical) will be conducted as a condition of employment. Possession or ability to obtain a CPL license and must be currently P. A. 330 certified or eligible for P. A. 330 certification.
Please reference this staffing number on all documents: E003-19 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/H/V Mail Resume to: Wayne County Community College District, Attention: Human Resources, 801 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226 Or e-mail your resumes to: jobs@wcccd.edu
External Part Time (E001-19)
Education: • Must be a high school graduate, or equivalent, Associates Degree preferred General Requirements • Must be MCOLES certified. Previous experience as an MCOLES police officer preferred. • Must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 21 years of age. • Possession of a valid driver’s license. • Ability to work as a team player in a multi-cultural diverse working environment. • Experience with multi-cultural students and staff preferred. • Each applicant must meet the minimum employment standards for Police Officers as established by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). http://www.michigan. gov/mcoles/0,4607,7-229-150169--,00.html Additional Requirements: Successful candidate must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Applicants are subject to a background check for criminal convictions; a drug/alcohol dependency test (medical) will be conducted as a condition of employment.
Please reference this staffing number on all documents: E003-19 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/H/V Mail Resume to: Wayne County Community College District, Attention: Human Resources, 801 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226 Or e-mail your resumes to: jobs@wcccd.edu
Classified
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
January 16-22, 2019
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Page C-4
HELP WANTED
CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, MICHIGAN, COUNTY OF WAYNE ORDINANCE TO AMEND 208.10 An ordinance to amend the Highland Park Administrative Code, Chapter 208.10, by amending Section (a), deleting fencing requirements, and amending Section (b) by changing “will” to “may”. Also, by adding “Mayor” to sections (c) through (I) regarding the sale of vacant lots. WHEREAS, the City of Highland Park desires to amend a local ordinance by adopting policies and procedures for the sale of vacant lots; and WHEREAS, the Charter for the City of Highland Park provides that the City Council has the authority to enact all ordinances they deem necessary for the safety, order, and good government of the City and the general welfare of its inhabitants. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK ORDAINS: 208.10
POLICY RE SALE OF VACANT LOTS
a. Whenever city vacant lots are no longer required for corporate or public purposes, except any park, or part thereof, except where a park is no longer required under an official master plan, such vacant lots may be sold or leased upon the affirmative vote of four or more members of the City Council. The City may sell or lease cityowned vacant lots using one or more of the following methods: public auction, negotiated sale, listing with real estate broker pursuant to guidelines established by the Mayor, solicitation of sealed bids, or request for proposals. In all cases, the Mayor may develop the disposition strategies, policies, and procedures to facilitate the sale of city-owned vacant lots. b. Private Vacant Lot under City Control. The City shall acquire by purchase, gift, condemnation, tax reversion or otherwise, vacant lots, and interests in vacant lots, within the corporate limits of the City, for any public use, purpose, improvement or service within the scope of its powers and to encumber or dispose of the same. c. When, after recommendation by the Mayor, the City Council determines that it is in the best interest of the City, vacant lots acquired by the City through tax reversion may be disposed of by one, or a combination of more than one, of the following methods, as determined appropriate by the Mayor, on a case-by-case basis: listing with real estate broker; auctions; special auction process; solicitation of sealed bids; negotiated sale; or request for proposals. The Mayor shall submit the offer, which he or she deems to be in the best interests of the City, together with his or her recommendation, to the City Council for action. d. 1. Sale of Vacant Residential Side Lots to Residents: A. For individuals purchasing side lots, the following conditions apply: 1. The Purchaser must submit an Offer to Purchase Application and pay a $25 non-refundable fee. 2. All Purchasers must own the house adjoining the vacant side lot; 3. Purchaser must maintain the vacant lot in accordance with city ordinance. 4. Purchasers cannot owe past due taxes, unpaid blight bills nor unpaid water bills; and/or any other indebtedness to the City. 5. Not have any code violations within the past 18 months. 6. Secure the vacant lot, remove debris and maintain the land within 14 days after closing; 7. Price shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. 8. Neighboring vacant lot owners who submit an Application to Purchase for the same lot may have the lot split and purchase. Each vacant lot owner must submit a separate, completed application along with the $25 application fee; however, the purchase price shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. The request to split the lot must be made to Wayne County and all associated costs will be at the expense of the vacant lot purchasers. If one adjoining vacant lot purchaser is not interested in splitting the lot, they must sign off on their right to purchase the vacant lot or the City Council may waive the sign off at their discretion. 9. If not current, Purchaser must pay the annual taxes on the side lot and stay current on water bills after purchase. 2. Sale of Vacant Residential Lots to Residents and Non-Residents For individuals purchasing residential vacant lots, the following conditions apply: 1. The Purchaser must submit an Offer to Purchase Application and pay a $25 non-refundable fee. 2. Maintain the vacant lot in accordance with city ordinance. 3. Purchasers cannot owe past due taxes, unpaid blight bills nor unpaid water bills; and/or any other indebtedness to the City. 4. Not have any code violations within the past 18 months. 5. Secure the vacant lot, remove debris and maintain the land within 14 days after closing; 6. If not current, Purchaser must pay the annual taxes on the lot and stay current on water bills after purchase. 7. Vacant lots forty-five feet and over may be sold as buildable lots. The purchaser shall submit to the Real Estate Division at the time of his or her request for purchase a notarized statement of a development plan. The purchaser shall also be in compliance with Zoning and Community Development Policy. 3. Sale of Vacant Commercial and Industrial-Zoned Lots For individuals/businesses purchasing commercial vacant lots, the following conditions apply: 1. The Purchaser must submit an Offer to Purchase Application and pay a $25 non-refundable fee. 2. The Purchaser shall submit to the Real Estate Division at the time of his or her request for purchase a notarized statement of a development plan. The purchaser shall also be in compliance with Zoning and Community Development Policy. 3. Purchaser must maintain the vacant lot in accordance with city ordinance. 4. Purchasers cannot owe personal or corporate past due taxes, unpaid blight bills nor unpaid water bills; and/or any other indebtedness to the City. 5. Not have any code violations within the past 18 months. 6. Secure the vacant lot, remove debris and maintain the land within 14 days after closing. 7. If not current, Purchaser must pay the annual taxes on the lot and stay current on water bills after purchase. 8. Vacant lot located in strategic areas, or properties that the City expects will be in high demand or receive more than one bid are generally publicly marketed or packaged as part of a Request for Proposals (RFP). During the public marketing or RFP process, the City’s real estate committee will make disposition decisions based on offered purchase price, the use proposed, and the determined capacity of the potential purchaser. d. Auctions. The City may auction residential vacant lots owned by the City as the need arises. 1. Individuals may bid on no more than three (3) residential properties per auction, and highest bidder shall become the Purchaser. 2. Vacant lots forty-five feet and over may be sold as buildable lots. The purchaser shall submit to the Real Estate Division at the time of his or her request for purchase a notarized statement of a development plan. The purchaser shall also be in compliance with Zoning and Community Development Policy. 3. The Purchaser: A. Must maintain the vacant lot in accordance with city ordinance. B. Cannot owe personal or corporate past due taxes, unpaid blight bills nor unpaid water bills; and/or any other indebtedness to the City. C. Not have any code violations within the past 18 months. D. Secure the vacant lot, remove debris and maintain the land within 14 days after closing; E. If not current, Purchaser must pay the annual vacant lot taxes on the lot and stay current on water bills after purchase. e. Development Agreements. The City may enter into development agreements to sell vacant lots with any developer seeking to purchase a minimum of five (5) properties. 1. Developer must provide a project plan that the City deems suitable for the benefit of the public’s interest. 2. Developer must invest a minimum of $30,000 - $100,000 into each vacant lot, as determined by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. If the approved investment per vacant lot is not realized, the City may fine the Developer an agreed-upon amount, unless good cause is shown. 3. Developer shall provide adequate proof of funds equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total projected cost of the development prior to signing a development agreement. 4. Any properties subject to a development agreement shall be excluded from any city auctions. 5. The City may support the development project with letters of support and grant applications to government entities; however, the City shall not incur any financial obligation or liability. 6. Once ownership of the vacant lot is finalized, all taxes, water and sewerage bills become the responsibility of the Developer. 7. Development on each vacant lot shall commence within six (6) months of purchase and must be completed within two (2) years from the date of purchase. Residential lots not being developed within two (2) years will automatically revert to the City, unless the City, at its sole discretion, grants an extension to Developer. 8. Developer may request an Option to hold vacant lot from being sold for a due diligence period starting at 3 months not to exceed 6 months. When, after recommendation by the Mayor, the City Council determines that it is not a detriment to the City, Developer may pay a non-refundable fee of $500, to hold the vacant lot. If an Option is granted, Developer must secure and maintain the vacant lot by: A. Clearing the vacant lot of trash and debris and continuing to remove such trash and debris as needed; B. Ensuring that the grass is neatly edged and does not exceed 6 inches; C. Trimming all trees, shrubs, and other plant life as needed; and D. Maintaining all sidewalks and other paved portions of the vacant lot clear of snow and ice in a manner that makes it safe for pedestrians and within the timeframe currently required under City regulations. f. This section shall not apply to real estate purchased pursuant to a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development program. g. All sales of real estate shall be for cash, except that the City may sell on executory land contract if four or more members of the City Council shall vote in favor thereof, provided that in no case shall the contract be for a term of more than five (5) years, nor for less than thirty (30%) percent down; and provided further that the balance owing on the contract shall be paid in monthly or quarterly installments, whichever the City Council shall approve, and shall bear interest at a rate to be determined by the City Council on the unpaid balance. Such contract shall have such other provisions, as the City Council shall approve on the advice of the City Attorney. h. Transactions involving the purchase, sale, gift or lease of vacant lots shall be authorized by City Council resolution. Offers to purchase and proposals to sell cityowned vacant lots shall be reviewed by the City Attorney and a recommendation made concerning: 1. The sufficiency of the consideration. 2. The public purpose involved in the land transaction. i. The following factors shall be considered and identified by the Mayor and approved by the City Attorney prior to making any recommendation to the City Council for the purchase, sale or lease of vacant lots: 1. Purchase A. Identification of the public purpose involved in the proposed land transaction. B. At a price which shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. C. Determination of value as reflected by any recent comparable sales in the immediate area. D. Obtaining an outside appraisal or opinion of value if recommended by the City Attorney or requested by the City Council. E. Transaction upon a negotiated purchase price or through condemnation, if authorized by separate Council resolution. 2. Sale Identification of the public purpose involved in the proposed land transaction. A. At a price which shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. B. Advertising and/or posting the vacant lot if two or more persons have indicated an interest in the vacant lot, the vacant lot has a general utility, or the City Council requests the vacant lot to be advertised. C. Examining the use to which the vacant lot can or will be put and the cost of acquisition, demolition and improvement. D. Sale to the highest bidder. Consideration to include dollar offer and such other items as identified by the City Attorney that represent a legal obligation to the City and value assigned thereto. The City shall reserve the right to reject all bids. 3. Lease Identification of the public purpose involved in the proposed land transaction. A. At a price which shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. B. As lessor, advertising and/or posting the vacant lot if two or more persons have indicated an interest in the vacant lot or the vacant lot has general utility or the City Council requests that the vacant lot be advertised. C. As lessee, the lease fee should be based upon the above indicators of value through a negotiated lease fee procedure. These rules of procedure shall be construed liberally in recognition of the unique character of land transactions and the requirement that all vacant lot transactions shall be authorized by City Council resolution. All land transactions involving city officers or employees shall be governed by applicable provisions of state law and city charter on conflicts of interest and, in any event, shall require a full disclosure of the officer or employee’s interest and non-voting of the officer involved. This shall be the final reading to amend Highland Park Administrative Code, Chapter 208, and Section 208. 10..
IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 313 963-5522
Seeking
UNIVERSITY SERVICES MOVER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Facilities Business Management
Transports furniture, office equipment, and related items within the university campus and off-campus as needed Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be physically able to safely perform all job duties and requires frequent lifting of up to 70 lbs., requires a MI driver’s license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier. Salary is $13.73 per hour/ $14.28 per hour after 90 days. This is a full time position. See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by January 23, 2019. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu
Seeking
COORDINATOR, INTRAMURALS/ CLUB SPORTS AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY University Recreation & Well-Being
Provide day-to-day direction, leadership and facilitation for a variety of intramural sports, club sports and other special events and tournaments. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Physical Education or related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Minimum one year experience in a higher education recreational sports setting (two years of graduate assistantship in higher ed/ recreational sports will count as one year of professional experience).This is a full time position. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. Salary commensurate with education and experience. First consideration will be given to those who apply by January 24, 2019. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu
Seeking
CAMPUS-COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Arts & Sciences
Work with OU faculty and staff to cultivate, manage and grow opportunities for collaboration that enhances both campus and community. Identify, track and assess current and ongoing experiential learning activities at Oakland University. Develop and maintain experiential learning partnerships with external agencies within the context of Oakland’s strategic plan and mission statement. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with experience in an appropriate field or an equivalent combination of education and/ or experience. Demonstrated experience/ training in community engagement and program assessment in a college or university setting including experiential learning. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply February 1, 2019. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu APPLICATIONS PROGRAMMER/ANALYST SENIOR-BIOSTATISTICIAN The University of Michigan has available positions of Applications Programmer/Analyst Senior-Biostatistician in Ann Arbor, MI. Position requires a Master’s degree in Biostatistics & 36 months experience as a Statistician &/or Biostatistician. Position also requires: 1) Exp. must include: a) 36 mos. exp. developing & maintaining a relational database for health data; b) 36 mos. exp. using SAS (Statistical Analysis System) software; & c) 36 mos. exp. using SQL (Structured Query Language) language; & 2) One journal publication or conference paper in statistics. Exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same 36-mo. time period. Job duties: Design, analyze, & implement targeted statistical methods geared to advancing & improving public health research reporting. Maintain & develop a complex health related research relational database utilizing SAS, SQL, PL-SQL, & R. Analyze new data sources for integration into research database. Prepare detailed documentation database management process including tables, charts, & other visual aids. Prepare/publish results of research in peer-reviewed publications & at professional & governmental meetings. Train new & current staff in data management analytical processing. Qualified candidates should send resume & verification of requirements to Sally Sivrais, MS, Research Center Business Manager, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Kidney Epidemiology & Cost Center (KECC), 1415 Washington Heights, Suite 3645 SPH 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029.
IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
January 16-22, 2019
ANNOUNCEMENTS CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, MICHIGAN COUNTY OF WAYNE ORDINANCE TO AMEND 208.11 An ordinance to amend the Highland Park Administrative Code, Chapter 208, by adding Section 208.11 to adopt policies and procedures for the sale of real property other than vacant lots. WHEREAS, the City of Highland Park desires to amend a local ordinance by adopting policies and procedures for the sale of real property, other than vacant lots; and WHEREAS, the Charter for the City of Highland Park provides that the City Council has the authority to enact all ordinances they deem necessary for the safety, order, and good government of the City and the general welfare of its inhabitants. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK ORDAINS: 11. POLICY RE THE PURCHASE, SALE, GIFT OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY a. Whenever city real estate is no longer required for corporate or public purposes, except any park, or part thereof, except where a park is no longer required under an official master plan, such real estate may be sold or leased upon the affirmative vote of four or more members of the City Council. The City may sell or lease city-owned real property using one or more of the following methods: public auction, negotiated sale, listing with real estate broker pursuant to guidelines established by the Mayor, solicitation of sealed bids, or request for proposals. In all cases, the Mayor may develop the disposition strategies, policies, and procedures to facilitate the sale of city-owned real estate. b. Private Property under City Control. The City shall acquire by purchase, gift, condemnation, tax reversion or otherwise, real property, and interests in real property, within the corporate limits of the City, for any public use, purpose, improvement or service within the scope of its powers and to encumber or dispose of the same.
c. Auctions. The City may auction residential property owned by the City as the need arises. 1. Individuals may bid on no more than three (3) residential properties per auction, and highest bidder shall become the Purchaser. 2. The City shall have the right to negotiate with the Purchaser a minimum sum to be spent on rehabilitation. 3. The Purchaser must board up and otherwise secure the property within 14 days of purchase and keep secure before, during and up to the completion of any project. 4. Rehabilitation of each property must commence within six (6) months of the date of purchase, and the entire rehabilitation completed within one (1) year from the date of purchase. If Purchaser does not complete the residential renovations within one (1) year, the property will automatically revert to the City, unless the City, at its sole discretion, grants an extension to Purchaser. 5. Residential lots with structures - Residential lots with existing structures are categorized in two classifications: A. Demolish - Residential lots have structures on them that require demolition may be purchased. Within 30 days after closing the purchaser must: 1. Provide the City a copy of an executed demolition contract from a licensed contractor showing that the structure will be demolished within 180 days after closing. 2. Provide a copy of a demolition permit from the State of Michigan. 3. After completion of demolition, secure and maintain the property thereafter. B. Rehabilitation - Residential lots that have structures on them that will be purchased for personal residential living are subject to the following: 1. They will be required to enter into a purchase agreement. 2. They will be required to secure the property and remove any debris within 14 days after closing. 3. They will be required to provide the City proof of a certificate of occupancy within 12 months after closing. Where proof of significant repair progress has been made, but work is not complete, with reasonable proof and explanation, the City may, at its sole discretion, extend the 12-month deadline. 4. Violation of the purchase agreement of any kind may subject the property to revert back to the City 6. Commercial lots with structures - Commercial lots with existing structures are categorized in two classifications: Demolish - Commercial lots that have structures on them that require demolition may be purchased. Within 30 days after closing the purchaser must: 1. Provide the City a copy of an executed demolition contract from a licensed contractor showing that the structure will be demolished within 180 days after closing. 2. Provide a copy of a demolition permit from the State of Michigan. 3. After completion of demolition, secure and maintain the property thereafter. A. Rehabilitation - Commercial lots that have structures on them that will be purchased for commercial uses are subject to the following: 1. They will be required to enter into a purchase agreement. 2. They will be required to secure the property and remove any debris within 14 days after closing. 3. They will be required to provide the City proof of a certificate of occupancy within 12 months after closing. Where proof of significant repair progress has been made, but work is not complete, with reasonable proof and explanation, the City may, at its sole discretion, extend the 12-month deadline. 4. Violation of the purchase agreement of any kind may subject the property to revert back to the City 7. For individuals/businesses purchasing commercial lots with structures, the following conditions apply: The Purchaser must submit an Offer to Purchase Application and pay a $25 non¬ refundable fee. A. The Purchaser shall submit to the Real Estate Division at the time of his or her request for purchase a notarized statement of a development plan. The purchaser shall also be in compliance with Zoning and Community Development Policy. B. Purchaser must maintain the commercial lot with structure in accordance with city ordinance. C. Purchasers cannot owe personal or corporate past due taxes, unpaid blight bills nor unpaid water bills; and/or any other indebtedness to the City. D. Not have any code violations within the past 18 months. E. Secure the lot with structure, remove debris and maintain the land within 14 days after closing; F. If not current, Purchaser must pay the annual taxes on the property and stay current on water bills after purchase. G. Commercial property located in strategic areas, or properties that the City expects will be in high demand or receive more than one bid are generally publicly marketed or packaged as part of a Request for Proposals (RFP). During the public marketing or RFP process, the City’s real estate committee will make disposition decisions based on offered purchase price, the use proposed, and the determined capacity of the potential purchaser. (8) Upon completion, the City shall certify the property prior to allowing occupancy or resale. 9. Purchaser is not eligible to purchase property if any of the following conditions exist: A. Previously owned the property. B. Currently owes property taxes or other indebtedness to the City (i.e., water bills, tickets, tax liens, etc.) C. Failure to maintain property. D. Has outstanding code, policy or ordinance violations d. Development Agreements. The City may enter into development agreements to renovate residential properties with any developer seeking to purchase a minimum of twenty-five (25) properties. 1. Developer must provide a project plan that the City deems suitable for the benefit of the public’s interest. 2. Developer must invest a minimum of $30,000 - $100,000 into each property, as determined by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. If the approved investment is not realized, the City may fine the Developer an agreed-upon amount, unless good cause is shown. 3. Developer shall provide adequate proof of funds equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total projected cost of the rehabilitation prior to signing a development agreement. 4. Any properties subject to a development agreement shall be excluded from any city auctions. 5. The City may support the development project with letters of support and grant applications to government entities; however, the City shall not incur any financial obligation or liability. 6. Once ownership of the property is finalized, all taxes, water and sewerage bills become the responsibility of the Developer. 7. Development and rehabilitation on each property shall commence within six (6) months of purchase and must be completed within two (2) years from the date of purchase. Residential renovations not completed within two (2) years will automatically revert to the City, unless the City, at its sole discretion, grants an extension to Developer. 8. Once rehabilitation is complete, Developer may only sell or rent the property to owner¬ occupants. 9. Developer may request an Option to hold property from being sold for a due diligence period starting at 3 months not to exceed 6 months. When, after recommendation by the Mayor, the City Council determines that it is not a detriment to the City, Developer may pay a non-refundable fee of $500, to hold the property. If an Option is granted, Developer must secure and maintain the property by: A. Boarding all broken or missing windows and doors of structural improvements, if any; B. Securing all openings of structural improvements, if any, to prevent entry of unauthorized persons; C. Clearing the property of trash and debris and continuing to remove such trash and debris as needed; D. Ensuring that the grass is neatly edged and does not exceed 6 inches; E. Trimming all trees, shrubs, and other plant life as needed; and F. Maintaining all sidewalks and other paved portions of the vacant lot clear of snow and ice in a manner that makes it safe for pedestrians and within the timeframe currently required under City regulations. e. When, after recommendation by the Mayor, the City Council determines that it is in the best interest of the City, real property acquired by the City through tax reversion may be disposed of by one, or a combination of more than one, of the following methods, as determined appropriate by the Mayor, on a case-by-case basis: listing with real estate broker; auctions; solicitation of sealed bids; negotiated sale; or request for proposals. The Mayor shall submit the offer, which he or she deems to be in the best interests of the City, together with his or her recommendation, to the City Council for action. f. This section shall not apply to real estate purchased pursuant to a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development program. g. All sales of real estate shall be for cash, except that the City may sell on executory land contract if four or more members of the City Council shall vote in favor thereof, provided that in no case shall the contract be for a term of more than five (5) years, nor for less than thirty (30%) percent down; and provided further that the balance owing on the contract shall be paid in monthly or quarterly installments, whichever the City Council shall approve, and shall bear interest at a rate to be determined by the City Council on the unpaid balance. Such contract shall have such other provisions, as the City Council shall approve on the advice of the City Attorney. h. Transactions involving the purchase, sale, gift or lease of real property shall be authorized by City Council resolution. Offers to purchase and proposals to sell cityowned property shall be reviewed by the City Attorney and a recommendation made concerning: 1. The sufficiency of the consideration. 2. The public purpose involved in the land transaction. i.The following factors shall be considered and identified by the Mayor and approved by the City Attorney prior to making any recommendation to the City Council for the purchase, sale or lease of real property: 1. Purchase A. Identification of the public purpose involved in the proposed land transaction. B. At a price which shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. C. Determination of value as reflected by any recent comparable sales in the immediate area. D. Obtaining an outside appraisal or opinion of value if recommended by the City Attorney or requested by the City Council. E. Transaction upon a negotiated purchase price or through condemnation, if authorized by separate Council resolution. 2. Sale Identification of the public purpose involved in the proposed land transaction. A. At a price which shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. B. Advertising and/or posting the property if two or more persons have indicated an interest in the property, the property has a general utility, or the City Council requests the property be advertised. C. Examining the use to which the property can or will be put and the cost of acquisition, demolition and improvement. D. Sale to the highest bidder. Consideration to include dollar offer and such other items as identified by the City Attorney that represent a legal obligation to the City and value assigned thereto. The City shall reserve the right to reject all bids. 3. Lease Identification of the public purpose involved in the proposed land transaction. A. At a price which shall be not less than its market value, as determined and certified by the Assessor. B. As lessor, advertising and/or posting the property if two or more persons have indicated an interest in the property or the property has general utility or the City Council requests that the property be advertised. C. As lessee, the lease fee should be based upon the above indicators of value through a negotiated lease fee procedure. These rules of procedure shall be construed liberally in recognition of the unique character of land transactions and the requirement that all real property transactions shall be authorized by City Council resolution. All land transactions involving city officers or employees shall be governed by applicable provisions of state law and city charter on conflicts of interest and, in any event, shall require a full disclosure of the officer or employee’s interest and non-voting of the officer involved.
IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE 313 963-5522
Page C-5
PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Senior Design Release Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, dvlp &integrate entire vehicle electrical system &architecture for current &future truck &SUV programs for domestic &export markets. Design, engr, &validate vehicle electrical grounding &define number of chassis ground points required. Work with Power &Signal Distribution Sys engineers to package wiring harnesses, &wire harness suppliers to define vehicle wiring harness partitioning &design. Design, engr &dvlp circuits including power, signal, ground, &LAN, &assure EMC for vehicle electrical wiring harnesses &all program electrical accessories. Integrate electrical modules into vehicle electrical system. Review electrical module Interface Control Docs for devices &design circuits incldg fuse &ground. Select wire gages &fuse sizes to meet systems reqmt. Generate vehicle electrical schematics using IVED &Mentor Capital Design software. Create &analyze vehicle electrical load chart &define system fusing reqmts. Work with core architecture team to establish &confirm CAN bus communication reqmt. Bachelor, Electrical or Computer Engrg. 36 mos exp as Engineer, engrg or validating circuits incldg power, signal, ground, &LAN, &assuring EMC for vehicle electrical wiring harnesses. Mail resume to Ref#50267, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
Design Release Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr &dvlp current/future psgr vehicle steering system components from concept to launch. Engr, dvlp &release truck/SUV steering system components incldg steering columns, intermediate shafts, &electronic power &hydraulic steering gears, using UGNX, Teamcenter &Vismockup. Engr &dvlp Component Technical/Subsystem Technical Specs. Coordinate PDT meetings for component &subsys, integrating suppliers, &Purchasing, Validation, Quality, Product Design, Mfg &Finance depts. Dvlp &coordinate Component Timing Chart w/ Tier I suppliers, to ensure timely/high qlty delivery of steering systems components meeting reqmts &imperatives. Dvlp, refine &finish steering system criteria &typical sections using mathdata. Use CAE in steering system dvlpmt. Attend physical tests &teardowns &correlate CAE &FE simulation results to physical test. Perform DFMEA &DRBFM during steering system development. Bachelor, Mechanical or Automotive Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg &releasing psgr vehicle global &emerging market steering system components incldg steering columns, intermediate shafts, &electronic power steering gears, using UGNX, Teamcenter &Vismockup. Mail resume to Ref#931-205, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
Architecture Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Analyze psgr vehicle feature, sys &subsys reqmts using DOORs, &evaluate functional partitioning &allocation scenarios to establish primary design direction for active &passive safety syss domains. Create UML models in RationalRhapsody, mapping AUTOSAR for active/passive functions incldg ADAS, V2V &V2X communications, adaptive cruise control, park assist, side blind zone, autonomous steering, autonomous braking, autonomous shifting, propulsion control, collision detection &airbag/restraints control, seatbelt reminder, motorized seatbelts, night vision, driver monitoring sys, long range radars, short range radar, cameras &ultrasonic sensing subsys. Model electrical architecture (topology diagram), incldg Engine Control Module, busses &gateways. Create &maintain system design models for the communications architecture incldg CAN, LIN, Flex Ray, CANFD &Ethernet vehicle communication systems. Model serial data communication between different controllers such as External Object Calculation / Front Camera / Park Assist Modules, short &long Radars, Sensing Diagnostic Module, Automatic Occupant Sensor, Night Vision/Surround View Camera Modules. Master, Electrical or Computer Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, creating &maintaining psgr vehicle or heavy duty vehicle system design models for communications architecture incldg CAN bus, LIN, &Ethernet vehicle communication systems. Mail resume to Ref#3286, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
Designer Warren, MI, General Motors. Create, design &dvlp math data (3D math models) using UGNX, Teamcenter, &Vismockup to design concept &new global &emerging market psgr car, truck &SUV body structures incldg A/B/C/D pillars, braces, wheelhouses, &brackets, to meet engrg criteria such as typical sections, standard modeling, clearance anlys, durability, crashworthiness &mfg clearance (weld guns &assy tools) reqmts. Ensure component designs meet strict safety reqmts such as FMVSS# 208/210/214/216a/301 for frontal, side &rear impact, NCAP, UNECE, Brazil CONTRAN &LatinNCAP regs, &IIHS &RCAR recommendations. Develop &improve A/B/C/D pillar reinforcements, using tailor rolled blank, tailor welded blanks &patchwork processes to improve vehicle safety &fuel economy. Use HyperForm &HyperMesh tools to conduct &perform formability analyses of cold stamped &hot stamped light weight, high strength steel &UHSS sheetmetal parts. Bachelor, Mechanical, Automation &Control, Mechatronics or Automotive Engrg, or related. 12 mos’ exp as Engineer, Design Engineer, or Designer, designing &developing math data (3D math models) using UGNX, Teamcenter, &Vismockup to design psgr vehicle body structures including A/B/C/D pillars, braces, &wheelhouses, to meet engrg criteria such as typical sections, standard modeling, clearance analysis, crashworthiness &mfg clearance (weld guns &assy tools) reqmts. Mail resume to Ref#2892, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
Design Release Engineer – Overhead Systems & Hard Trim Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, design &dvlp solutions for psgr vehicle interior trim systems incldg overhead consoles (incldg PCB with microprocessors) &hard trim (A/B/C/D pillar trim, sill plates, &liftgate trim), using UGNX, Teamcenter, Vismockup &E2 tools. Establish technical design parameters to be performed by CAE design engrs to create psgr vehicle interior &hard trim systems parts (math data). Perform feasibility studies with engrg teams to ensure vehicle manufacturability, integration, performance &compliance with regul. reqmts. Define materials &part design according to Best Practices, Component/Sub-System/Vehicle Technical Specs &certification compliance with regs of FMVSS, USNCAP), UNECE &ChinaCCC crash, &pedestrian &occupant safety reqmts &IIHS recommendations. Evaluate mold flow results for injected plastic components &coordinate supplier dvlpmt of injection molded tools. Bachelor, Mechanical, Control &Automation, Mechatronics, Automotive, or Electrical Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, engrg, designing, &dvlpg solutions for psgr vehicle interior trim systems incldg overhead consoles incldg PCB or hard trim (A/B/C/D pillar trim, sill plates, &liftgate trim), using UGNX, Teamcenter, Vismockup &E2 tools. Mail resume to Ref#3220-1102, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
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Classified PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Corporate Common Component (CCC) Lead Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Dvlp, strategize, analyze, approve &execute CCC to create new Bills of Material (BOM) rows for body &interior systems incldg latches &seating using UGNX, Vismockup, E2, Excel, &SharePoint tools, &PRTS, Electronic Statement of Requirement (ESOR), GBOM, Vehicle Partitioning &Product Structure, Product Program Content, DFSS &DFMEA processes. Lead CCC engrg &BOM strategy &content in weekly meetings with Sys Management Teams during all phases of product dvlpmt incldg ESOR sourcing phase. Review, engr, approve, &execute psgr vehicle door, seat structure, trim, upper structure, latch, body, &closure hardware components, using UGNX, Vismockup, &E2, in accordance with U.S. FMVSS#206, UNECE-R11, &British Thatcham safety standards. Review ESOR &EWOs to ensure piece price is aligned to targets, while meeting engrg specs &reqmts. Master, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Automotive Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, engrg or executing psgr vehicle seat structure, latches, closure hardware, or body component or system using UGNX, Vismockup, &E2, in accordance with FMVSS 206, UNECE-R11, &Thatcham safety standards. Mail resume to Ref#5289, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
January 16-22, 2019
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED
Page C-6
PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED
Senior Software Engineer
Electrical Architecture Engineer
Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, debug, &dvlp embedded software in CC++ &Java for infotainment modules using Agile process. Dvlp reqmts, subsystem &system level designs &improve systems performance of infotainment module incldg calibration module, diagnostics module, CAN data handling module &audio module. Design, engr &dvlp Android Linux apps &framework for synchronizing calibrations between Vehicle Interface Processor (VIP), coprocessor responsible for interacting with vehicle buses &controlling the power to System on Chip using RTOS sys software &System on Chip (SoC, using Android OS. Analyze reqmts, design, dvlp Android HAL &PAL for interacting with lower layer devices &VIP. Integrate/release software using git &gerrit. Design &dvlp Android apps for debug purposes using Android Studio, Android Java &Eclipse. Profile Android system for analyzing performance, stability &memory usage using tools like bootchart, systrace, adt, procrank &hprof. Bachelor, Computer Science, Comptr Sci &Engrg, Comptr Engrg, or Electronics Engrg. 60 mos exp as Engineer or Developer, designing, debugging, &dvlpg embedded software in C, C++ &Java for psgr vehicle infotainment module or mobile phone module using Agile process. Mail resume to Ref#1753-108, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, dvlp &validate functional reqmts (serial data) of conventional &autonomous psgr car, truck &SUV critical infotainment &telematics features in ECUs in networks incldg CAN, LIN &Ethernet, incldg Virtual Cockpit Unit, Center Stack Module (CSM), radio, OTA, Firmware FOTA, SuperCruise/Embedded Navigation, In Car Communication, Augmented Reality, Combiner Head-up Display (HUD), using DOORS, &DOORS NG) software tools to analyze ASIL-rated, OBD, OnStar diagnostics, &Power Moding sys requmts. Implement functional reqmts for infotainment, telematics &HMI domains ECUs in new vehicle architecture using Rhapsody tool &Unified Model Language. Ensure all features are AUTOSAR compliant. Bachelor, Electrical, Electronics &Communication or Computer Engrg, or related. 60 mos exp as Engineer, Tech Lead, Project Lead, Functional Architect, or related, dvlpg &validating functional reqmts (serial data) of conventional &autonomous psgr vehicle infotainment &telematics features in ECUs in networks incldg CAN, LIN &Ethernet incldg CSM, radio &HUD, or related. Mail resume to Ref#8520-F, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.
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Make Better Brain Health Your Top New Year’s Resolution for 2019 (StatePoint) Alzheimer’s Disease is expected to impact nearly 14 million Americans by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. So, as you set your New Year’s resolutions for 2019, consider the following ways to maintain and improve your cognitive function. Research has shown lifestyle changes like improving diet and exercising regularly have helped drive down death rates from cancer, heart disease and other major diseases. These same lifestyle changes may also reduce or slow your risk of cognitive decline, which is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Discovering risk factors and preventive strategies for cognitive decline that can cause problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment is a hot topic in Alzheimer’s research, as are multi-faceted lifestyle interventions to slow or prevent dementia. The good news? Many such interventions are things you might already be doing or thinking about doing in the new year, such as eating well, staying physically active and getting good sleep, just to name a few. “There is increasing evidence to suggest that what is good for the heart is good for our brains,” says Keith Fargo, Ph.D., director of scientific programs and outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Keeping our brains healthy is not something we should worry about only as we get older. It should be a lifelong effort.” One easy way to encourage brain health at any age is to stimulate your mind with problem-solving challenges. Working on a jigsaw
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puzzle, learning a new language and playing strategy games are a few ways to strengthen your memory -- as long as they are new and challenging tasks. Research has also found correlations between higher levels of formal education and a better cognitive reserve -- so sign up for a class in 2019! Another way to promote brain health is taking care of your mental health. Managing stress and anxiety is not only important for overall health and wellbeing, but studies have found a link between depression and increased risk of cognitive decline. Take care of yourself and seek medical treatment if you have symptoms. Being social may also support brain health. That’s right. Add “hang out with friends” and “have fun” to your New Year’s resolutions list. Better yet, take on several of these lifestyle changes for maximum impact. For example, enroll in a dance class with a friend. Alzheimer’s researchers are now looking into whether a “cocktail” of these interventions can protect cognitive function. The Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) is a two-year clinical trial that hopes to answer this question, and is the first such study to be conducted of a large group of Americans nationwide. While there’s currently no certain way to prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias, there is much to be gained by living a healthy lifestyle and adopting brain health habits that you enjoy, so that you stick with them for the long haul.
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