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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 84 – No. 11 | November 18-24, 2020

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Building A Stronger, More Equitable Michigan With The Black Leadership Advisory Council

By Governor Gretchen Whitmer This year, the COVID-19 pandemic and the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery exposed the deep inequities Black Michiganders face every day, from health care to affordable housing, education, paths to good jobs, and more. Now more than ever, it is crucial that leaders at every level take action to address these disparities and ensure a seat at the table for a diverse group of voices. That is why I have been working around the clock to protect our most vulnerable communities from the spread of COVID19. And it is why this August, I created the Black Leadership Advisory Council to help us develop, Gov. Gretchen review, and recomWhitmer mend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is among a set of diverse ethnic commissions within the state of Michigan. Although African Americans are the largest racial minority in the state, this Council is the first of its kind in Michigan to elevate Black leaders.

And this week, I am proud to have appointed 16 members to the Council that represent Black leadership in our state. This group of leaders includes experts in economics, public policy, health and wellness, technology, the environment, agriculture, arts and culture, and more. I know that on the Council, all of them will continue to be a force for change in Michigan, and I am excited to work closely with them to help address the deep inequities in our state.

Creating and appointing members to the Black Leadership Advisory Council was not the only step my administration has taken to prevent racial inequity in Michigan. Listening to a diverse group of leaders and creating partnerships in our communities is what this administration is all about. I created the most diverse cabinet this state has ever seen because that’s how we solve problems here in Michigan. When we create more opportunities for people of color, we can address the deep inequities in our society, and we can ensure paths to opportunity for all Michiganders.

COVID-19 has attacked everyone from the very young to the very old, especially in the Black community.

Who can forget Skylar Herbert, who at just 5 years old lost her battle with COVID-19, and whose parents work as first responders here in Detroit. Or my dear friend Morris Hood III, who served the Detroit community with passion

See BLACK

LEADERSHIP page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Will Detroit Resurgence Continue Amid COVID-19 Crisis?

By Donald James

Like many cities across America, Detroit has been impacted by the COVID19 pandemic that began to wreak havoc on businesses and economic development in March of this year. Unlike other American cities, however, Detroit, in 2013, filed for a devastating bankruptcy, making it the largest municipality in American history to do so. Yet, since coming out of bankruptcy the following year, the city has made steady gains in job growth and economic development.

And then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, sparking job loss in Detroit across every sector of business.

This August the University of Michigan released a report that revealed in April of this year more than 64,000 jobs had been lost by Detroiters due to the pandemic. According to Nicole Sherard-Freeman who oversees Detroit at Work, a Mayor Duggan Workforce Development Board entity, employment of Detroiters has rebounded faster than expected, but has not reached the level reported earlier this year. However, as of Nov. 10, according to Detroit at Work’s website, 5,028 jobs are available in Detroit across 237 employers.

While the pandemic has the power to negatively impact businesses and jobs across the Motor City, there are lots of reasons for optimism, even as the pandemic rages on. One of the city’s leading organizations on economic development, job creation, and small business entrepreneurship is reflecting complete optimism.

“We are in ‘go-mode’, “said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the city’s economic catalyst created to attract investments, create jobs and advance Detroit’s economy for all residents. “We are going as hard as we can to provide support to small businesses and fulfilling our obligation to continue to build the economy of Detroit with our

local, regional, state, federal and philanthropic partners.”

Johnson admits that the pandemic has stunned small businesses across the city, many of which are Blackowned.

Yet, he was ecstatic when talking about DEGC helping small businesses through the tough times of the pandemic to the tune of $7.25 million in restart grants distributed in late September of 2020. Black-, women- and veteran-owned businesses have been awarded more than 70% of the funds.

“Protecting Detroit’s small businesses that have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 crisis is a key priority for the City, “ Johnson said. “Assistance from the Restart Program will help more than 900 Detroit small businesses that are suffering from lost revenue. Our entire community is coming together with resources to help our small businesses survive this crisis so we can protect jobs, economic growth and the neighborhood vibrancy that comes from the small business community.”

Johnson said that even though there have been tough moments for DEGC due to the pandemic, the non-profit organization has not slowed its efforts to attract investments and complete projects that have been in the organization’s queue since March, when the pandemic became a stark reality.

“We announced the Amazon project during the pandemic, announced Queen Lillian during the pandemic, announced Osi Art Apartments during the pandemic, and had ribbon-cuttings on Motor City Match winners, such as Polished Lounge. And Clearcover, a leader in car insurance, announced they are coming to Detroit and will generate close to 300 jobs.”

Jobs for Detroiters is something that Nicole Sherard-Freeman knows a lot about. She has molded Detroit at Work into a world-class staffing entity that supplies ready talent to employers.

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go, is celebrating its nearly 100-year-old history as a recognized world leader in supporting life-saving scientific research in its fight against heart disease and stroke.

In AHA’s fight against these diseases, their work has helped, with these overall death rates declining “significantly over the past two decades.”

This topic and more were touched on during a Nov. 10 American Heart Association [AHA] one-hour online news conference, “Call to Action: Structural Racism as a Fundamental Driver of Health Disparities: A Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association.”

O

See COVID-19

American Heart Association Addresses Structural Racism Systematic racism in Black and Brown communities is unfortunately nothing new.

And, in the wake of Black empowerment movements earlier this year, creating more equitable opportunities for Black and Brown people has become a much-needed focal point as of late.

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“It’s clear that the workforce in the city is one of the leading advantages in the marketplace, as we convince businesses to locate to Detroit or expand in Detroit,” said Sherard-Freeman. “Detroit having the workforce to support their businesses is a huge selling point.

It’s more important than incentives and tax abatements because if you can solve employers’ talent problems, it’s huge.”

Sherard-Freeman points out that two of the largest companies to work with Detroit at Work to fill jobs with Detroiters are Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Amazon.

“We are just beginning to feel the impact of FCA bringing thousands of jobs to the city,” Sherard-Freeman said.

“We were not sure how things would pan out earlier in the year. Now, here we are in November with more than 4,300 Detroiters who have job offers with FCA, 4,100 Detroiters that have already accepted, and more than 3,400 who have already started work at FCA.” Amazon has been hiring many Detroiters for months, even amid the COVID19 pandemic. The company’s goal is to hire 2,000-plus workers. Amazon has a starting hourly wage of $15.00 with full benefits that begin day one.

“We are targeting our recruitment to Detroiters through the Michigan Chronicle and local news stations,” said Ofori Agboka, Amazon’s vice president of human resources for Global Customer Fulfillment. “We’ve come to Detroit because we believe in Detroit.”

Amazon’s presence in Detroit will become even larger when the giant company builds a 3.8-million-square-foot fulfillment-distribution facility at the site of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds. When completed in 2022, the facility will accommodate at least 1,200 workers. With the addition of two Amazon facilities currently under construction in Pontiac, it is apparent

Nancy Brown, AHA CEO, said that structural racism is a system of laws, policies and societal practices that “perpetuate inequity” among races, resulting in “devastating and deadly” health impacts in Black and Brown communities. “[This is] including higher rates of heart disease including stroke, obesity and high blood pressure,” Brown said, adding that the AHA has published scientific statements addressing cardiovascular risks and disparities among racial and ethnics groups in the United States previously. But more can be done.

“We believe these statements have not

“But those rates have recently plateaued in part because these gains were not equitably shared among all the people in all the communities,” Elkind said, adding that societal barriers created by structural racism contribute markedly to cardiovascular risk factors within certain communities. adequately addressed structural racism as a fundamental cause for poor health and disparities in cardiovascular disease,” Brown said during the event. “Today, that and more will change.”

Brown added that as champions for health and equity, by 2024, AHA will advance cardiovascular health for all, “including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality.”

Mitchell Elkind, AHA president said that the Association, founded in 1924 in Chica-

Risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity and Type 2 diabetes [long plaguing the Black community] are significantly higher in the Black, Asian, American Indian, Alaskan, Native and Latinx people compared with white people in the U.S., Elkind added.

“Black Americans continue to experience the highest death rates due to heart disease and particularly stroke -- nearly 30 percent higher death from cardiovascular disease and 45 percent higher death rate from stroke,” Elkind said, adding that death

See STRUCTURAL

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Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •

November 18-24, 2020

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Black Leadership

priority for my administration.

on COVID-19 because we are committed to leading with our values, which are rooted in justice and equity. And I created the COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, to help us protect our most vulnerable communities. But there are hundreds of leaders across the country who have chosen to paper over this problem – refusing to acknowledge the disparate impacts this virus has had. It is time for leaders everywhere to follow our lead and take action like we have. That is how we enact real change in our country, and it is a top

From page A-1 and dignity in the Michigan legislature. The devastation COVID-19 has caused the Black community will never be forgotten. When confronted with these crises, my administration got to work.

I partnered with leaders across Michigan to build a safer, stronger Michigan for everyone.

I am proud to be one of the leaders across the country who saw the disparate impacts of COVID-19 on the African American community and worked around the clock to address it. Michigan was the first state to release demographic data

Structural Racism From page A-1 before hospital discharge also increases in Black and Brown communities.

Also, since the 2010 Affordable Care Act, Black and Brown people are still more likely to be uninsured with rates between 12 percent and 22 percent, respectively, of those uninsured than their white and Asian counterparts, who are uninsured at a rate of 7 percent to 8 percent.

Bertram Scott, AHA chairman, said that the Association, staff members, volunteers and ­supporters are well poised to take on the challenge.

“Many of our current initiatives are addressing health initiatives by supporting the advancement of underrepresented people in their communities in the realm of scientific research,” Scott said.

The AHA has strategies to address structural racism to include: • Advocacy • Quality improvement program • Leadership • Human Resources/business operations • Science

Michigan has emerged as a nationwide leader in reducing health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 15% of Michiganders are African American, but in April, African Americans accounted for over 40% of COVID-19 cases and deaths. The Michigan Task Force on Racial Disparities studied this issue and recommended actions to immediately address it and the historical and systemic inequities that underlie them. And now, thanks to their hard work, the state has seen significant progress: with Black residents accounting for 9.1% of cases and 5.7% of deaths.

We have made great

“That compels us to address structural racism in a meaningful, bold, comprehensive, thoughtful fashion,” Scott said.

Dr. Regina Benjamin, 18th Surgeon General, AHA board member and leading public health champion, said that our society must begin to remove the barriers of systemic racism. “[This means] giving everyone, everywhere, regardless of color or creed the same opportunities to live a long and healthy life,” Benjamin said. “But no one organization or agency can do it alone. This advisory points out how important it is to have allies.”

Benjamin went on to say that allyship is important to make the start to address structural racism and allyship is when those in a position of power and privilege work “hand in hand” with the groups being held back.

“Everyone, every person, every organization can play a role … because it’s impacting our entire society,” she said, adding that it is also changing individual attitude as it comes to making a difference. “We need allies … the board of directors for the American Heart Association invites other like-minded organizations to join us in this important journey.”

strides to address the deep inequities in our state because we have brought a diverse group of leaders to the table.

But our work is not done.

That’s why the creation of the Black Leadership Advisory Council is so crucial – racial disparities in Michigan will not go away when this virus does. We need a diverse group of leaders at the table to end the inequities we see in health care, education, job opportunities, and more. My commitment to breaking the barriers Black Michiganders face every day has never and will never wavered. Let’s get to work.

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Covid-19 Crisis From page A-1

that Detroit and surrounding cities have become prominent destinations on Amazon’s radar for expansion.

Both Sherard-Freeman and Johnson share the belief that Detroit is a city of destination, but they agree that the pandemic can have an impact. Johnson believes the linchpin to the continuation of business and job growth is the ability to control the COVID-19 virus and its spread.

“If things are going in the opposite direction because of the virus, no one is going to come invest anything,” Johnson said. “If this virus is not under some level of control and we are not doing our parts to prevent the spread, it becomes a threat both externally and internally.”

Dr. Tiah E. McKinney, founder of The Equity Institute, agrees that the key to economic growth, stability, and prosperity for Detroiters is controlling the virus.

Through the Detroit-based Institute, McKinney oversees relevant research, policy making, and the implementation of best practices that empower individuals and organizations economically.

“Detroit was hit hard by COVID-19 and now we are seeing a resurgence of the virus,” said Dr. McKinney, who also heads the 10-year-old McKinney Foun-

dation. “Businesses and the economy will not rebound as they should until COVID-19 is under control. When we stabilize COVID, we will stabilize the economy. I see education, health and the economy as synergistic.”

“When the pandemic happened, it put heavy stress on small and medium-sized businesses,” said Johnson. “How we responded and continue to respond was to identify resources that would provide liquidity in the system to help businesses survive. That is what we do, and will continue to do, to help stabilize this economy.”

Sherard-Freeman knows that as more Detroiters are hired, the better it will stabilize the economy, while reflecting that the Motor City is a place that companies will find a strong workforce.

“Our aim is not just to attract businesses to Detroit, but to have a reputation in the state, nation, and world as a place where it’s easy to do business,” said Sherard-Freeman, who on January 1, 2021, will serve as group executive of Jobs, Economy and Detroit At Work, after Mayor Duggan appointed her to the powerful position. “I’m extremely optimistic that more employers will see Detroit as a place to locate, a place that they want to do business and a place that will deliver on the talent promises we make. I’m completely confident that Detroit is on the right side of the equation.”

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Roxsand Dobson, retail banking risk & compliance specialist VP of Comerica Bank, poses ‘pretty in pink’ to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Comerica Bank’s support for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

A shot from 2019, members of Comerica’s Michigan Retail Banking leadership team pose for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (from left to right: Charise Key-Gray, behind her, Larry Bryant, Rhonda Davenport-Johnson, Debra Van Hevele, Nadya Nahra, Yolanda Serra).

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Comerica Teams Unite to Make Strides Against Breast Cancer

A head-shaving to celebrate reaching a fundraising goal, wearing pink clothing and costumes, holding small family gatherings and staging short neighborhood strolls. Those were just some of the creative ways Comerica Bank team members participated in this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in October.

For more than two decades, the national event organized by the American Cancer Society has centered around raising money for breast cancer awareness and prevention. The national event has traditionally centered around walks, where volunteers solicit donations based on the length of their journey.

But like many other events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s initiative required some creative thinking that would adhere to the need for social distancing, while still raising funds for this vital cause.

“We are leveraging virtual capabilities, and are very much focused on the team coming together and using our influence to reach out to friends, family and associates to raise money and awareness,” said co-executive sponsor, Rhonda Davenport Johnson, EVP -national director retail and small business banking for Comerica. “The need is still there, the cause hasn’t changed, but the way we’re going about it has changed, because of COVID-19.”

In her third year as the event coordinator for Comerica, Roxsand Dobson, retail banking risk & compliance specialist VP of Comerica Bank, said, even in the planning stages, this year’s event differed, explaining, “you can’t hold team meetings in-person. So, to get everyone

fired up, I typically have on pink wigs, lipstick and boa when we meet on video.”

Pink is the breast cancer awareness color.

Dobson said some examples of alternate fundraising included team captains raising donations by holding virtual Zumba dance fitness classes. She said team members contributed by donating their time to assist her in organizing this year’s activities.

James Lee literally lost his locks to boost donations. In his first year as a co-executive sponsor, the SVP, retail delivery & strategic services, participated in the Real Men Wear Pink initiative. His original goal was $2,500, but as donations arrived, he raised the goal to $8,317.

“That represents my sister’s birthday,” he explained. “My sister is a breast cancer survivor, so I have a personal stake in this and thought I’d honor her with her birthday. I hit that goal and thought maybe I should raise my goal to $10,000 and make it a little interesting by offering the head shave.”

Lee’s head is a little cooler today because the ploy worked to heat up enthusiasm, and he ended up raising $13,195.

He also joined a co-worker on a five-mile neighborhood walk to a coffee shop the day when the large Detroit walk was originally scheduled.

“We had cars honking in acknowledgement of it,” he said.

Jim Lee, SVP, retail delivery & strategic services, poses for his “before” photo, prior to shaving his head for one of Comerica Bank’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month initatives.

See STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER page A-4

Lee, captured mid-haircut, as he surpassed his $10,000 fundraising goal for Real Men Wear Pink.

Comerica Bank backs Michigan Women Forward and Small Business Entrepreneurs Statewide Comerica Bank has donated $350,000 to greatly leverage our efforts to help small busiMichigan Women Forward (MWF), a communinesses across the state to obtain the resources ty development organization whose mission is and aid they need to recover from COVID-19,” to expand economic opportunity for Michigan said Carolyn Cassin, Michigan Women Forward women. president and CEO. “Our mission began more than thirty years ago by a group of 30 Michigan Comerica’s contribution helps replenish women that wanted to address the imbalance in MWF’s Entrepreneur Resilience Fund, estabfunding women’s programs.” lished to support women-led small businesses recovery from the pandemic and re-open their Comerica is committed to helping businessbusinesses. These funds will provide much-needes statewide. Comerica Bank and Comerica ed, additional loan dollars throughout the state.

Charitable Foundation announced an investment totaling nearly $4 million in Michigan, including “We are committed to supporting womComerica’s partnership with Michigan Women en-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, Forward. Coupled with aid to small and micro helping them recover amid COVID-19,” said businesses, investments have assisted communiMike Ritchie, Comerica Bank Michigan market ty service organizations providing services to Carolyn Cassin, Michigan president. “The stability and growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs significantly con- Women Forward president youth, seniors and other vulnerable populations. tributes to the economic vitality of our commu- and CEO “We are proud to support Michigan Women nities, as they provide important employment Forward’s lending programs that provide access opportunities and deliver valuable resources and services. We are to capital to small businesses, and we look forward to strengthhonored to partner with Michigan Women Forward to help busi- ening our partnership and working collaboratively to address the nesses throughout our state.” negative impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses,” said Michigan Women Forward’s mission is to accelerate the state’s Linda N. Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Southeast Michigan External progress by advancing equality and opportunity for women and Affairs market manager. girls. MWF is the only major organization in Michigan exclusiveTo date, MWF has aided over 12,300 women in starting a busily committed to finding solutions to issues affecting women and ness. Often, the businesses that Michigan Women Forward assists girls, inspiring emerging leaders, providing leadership training and are just getting started and rely on the organization as a micro empowering women and girls to create change in their own com- fund loan provider to get off the ground. These businesses are munities. from a variety of industries, such as food, logistics and manufactur“We are very thankful for Comerica Bank’s donation, as it will ing, professional services and more.

“

We are proud to support Michigan Women Forward’s lending programs that provide access to capital to small businesses, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership and working collaboratively to address the negative impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses.”

Linda N. Nosegbe Comerica Bank Southeast Michigan External Affairs market manager

MWF Entrepreneur Resilience Fund Recipients

Led by a mission is to accelerate the state’s progress by advancing equality and opportunity for women and girls, Michigan Women Forward has worked directly with the numerous MWF Resilience Fund grant recipients, including small businesses in Detroit and Hamtramck. A sampling of MWF grantees include:

LOVE TRAVELS IMPORTS (Detroit) Owner: Yvette Jenkins “I am so grateful to Michigan Women Forward and the MWF Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. This grant will assist me with getting the shop compliant with the COVID19 retail requirements and to safely re-open. These have been challenging times as a small business and woman-owned entrepreneur in Detroit. As we pivot to meet the current market conditions, we appreciate this amazing support to help us do so.”

See MWF Resilience Fund recipients page A-4

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • November 18-24, 2020

MWF Resilience Fund recipients

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Index Improving

From page A-3

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index increased in August to a level of 103.1. August’s reading was 16 points, or 19 percent, higher than the cyclical low.

The index averaged 117.7 points for all of 2019, 0.9 points below the index average for 2018. July’s index reading was revised to 95.2.

Our Michigan Economic Activity Index rebounded in July and August as a result of the early summer business re-openings and resumption of economic activity. We expect the index to show ongoing improvement in September as well.

Robert A. Dye

JO’S GALLERY (Detroit) Owner: Garnette Archer

In August, all nine sub-indexes improved for at least the second consecutive month. Housing starts, light vehicle production and hotel occupancy have improved for three consecutive months. House prices have continued to firm since late 2019.

“Thank you to Michigan Women Forward for providing a way for my business to keep moving forward. With the financial support the resistance grant provided, I would not have been able to pivot my business to make the necessary adjustments for social distancing needed within my workspace for my framers and gallery for my clients. Also, this grant will help me market our new website, josgalleryonline.com, to draw new clientele.”

As the center of the U.S. auto industry, Michigan faces both regional and national risk factors through the remainder of this year.

LOCS R US (Detroit) Owner: Mickyla Jordan

THE D LOFT (Hamtramck) Owner: Brandi Shelton “The MIWF Grant provided us with a true hand up on the marketing needed to expand the visibility of the cafe. We have negotiated and couponed our way to marketing bliss. With a focus on building up the foundation of the chefs, bakers, tastemakers, and innovators.”

Strides Against Breast Cancer first wife lost her life to breast cancer, so it’s From page A-3 Indeed, Lee isn’t alone in being motivat- personal. I have two children whose mom ed by a family member stricken with this passed away from breast cancer, and my mother-in-law is a survivor of breast canterrible disease. cer.”

“I have been impacted through multiAs of this writing, efforts by Comerica ple family members and close friends that have been impacted by breast cancer, so it team members have surpassed the goal of was without a second thought that I got in- $50,000, raising $51,295. volved,” said Dobson.

Rhonda Davenport Johnson thanks all of the Comerica team members for their Davenport Johnson lives with the effects of breast cancer every day, explaining, “I am efforts, and stresses the importance of conthe recipient, and I have been blessed with tributing, in some way, to a vital cause saying a family that has been touched greatly by a “we all are called to do our part, make a CB-258244-01 (3) COVID-19 Community Comerica Ad MM.pdf 1 4/8/2020 9:59:01 AM loved one who lost their life. My husband’s difference and to make an impact.This is just

“Michigan Women’s Forward – you have no idea how much you have helped me and how much time the financial tutorial you provided saved me. I would like to take the time to thank the entire team. I was very pleasantly surprised by the level of detail and resources they provided me. The resilience grant allowed me to survive in these unprecedented times. It is truly refreshing to know that there are organizations such as MIWF willing and ready to provide the assistance we need as small minority business owners. Thank you very much.” one opportunity.We all have an opportunity to make a difference.”

In the end, no matter how the initiative is conducted, Comerica executives leading the effort say, for a company so dedicated to serving its communities, it’s just the right thing to do.

“Organizations like Comerica, in the community in which we operate, have an obligation to find ways to support key events like this,” said Lee. “Our tie into the community is very much about how we represent our customers.”

Roxsand Dobson adds, “It really helps us to see how caring of a company Comerica is and knowing we’re working for such a compassionate organization. I love it!”

Regionally, we are very concerned about the spread of the coronavirus through the manufacturing intensive Midwest region. A late-2020 surge in cases could lead to more restrictive social mitigation policies and their associated drag on the regional and national economies.

Nationally, there is downside risk for car and truck demand that could potentially lead to reduced vehicle production, and manufacturing employment, in Michigan.To date, light vehicle demand has bounced back after the spring lows.

September saw a 16.6 million unit sales rate for the U.S. as improved consumer confidence allowed pent-up demand from last spring to get spent out. Boeing’s recent announcement that the 737 Max is near final FTA approval is also good news for western Michigan manufacturers.

The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of nine variables, as follows: nonfarm payroll employment, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, house price index, industrial electricity sales, auto assemblies, total trade, hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue. All data are seasonally adjusted.

Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values.

Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages.

To subscribe to Comerica’s economic publications or for questions, contact

ComericaEcon@comerica.com.

Archives ­available at http://www.comerica.com/insights Follow on Twitter: ­@­Comerica_Econ.

Comerica means Community.

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

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

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Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics Forum Celebrates 15th Anniversary Season Finale

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

On Friday morning, Nov. 20, The Michigan Chronicle will hold its final Pancakes & Politics event for the season. It will mark the 15th anniversary of the epic forum, which has been called the premier platform for deep and provocative discussions of issues that impact African Americans in Detroit and the region.

The season finale’s theme for the virtual platform, which begins at 7:50 a.m., is “The State of Black Leadership in Detroit.” The panelists are Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr. (senior pastor, Liberty Temple Baptist Church), Tonya Allen (President & CEO, The Skillman Foundation), Rory Gamble (President, UAW), and Nicole Small (Vice-Chair, Detroit Charter Commission).

Since its inception, Pancakes & Politics has been front and center in tackling hot button issues, as they pertain to the economy, education, political policies, city government, race relations, jobs and workforce, and an array of other topics. And it’s not just discussions and opinions being bantered about, Pancakes & Politics presents strong panelists who are considered the movers and shakers, policy makers, elected and appointed officials, corporate and other organizational executives, and content experts across broad spectrums of the city, region, and state.

“It doesn’t seem like we’ve been doing Pancakes & Politics for 15 years, but it speaks to the relevancy and the significance of the forum,” said Hiram E. Jackson, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle and founder of Pancakes & Politics. “The event speaks to the need to have Black voices at the table when the region is considering big public policy and economic matters.”

Jackson said before Pancakes & Politics was formed, he was disenchanted that he didn’t see a Black presence and hear large blocks of Black voices at the table when the region stakeholders were considering and making big public policy decisions on such matters as transportation, education, economic de-

velopment, workforce development, and other issues that had a direct impact on Detroiters and others citizens in southeastern Michigan.

“I thought it would be interesting to establish a townhall meeting type forum with the leaders in the community, where there would be significant participation and feedback from a diverse audience of people within the city and region,” Jackson explained. “And the Michigan Chronicle wanted to host it, set the agenda, ask the tough questions, attract the panelists, and we wanted it held at the Detroit Athletic Club in downtown Detroit because that’s where the power discussions take place.”

Over the years, dozens of the area’s leaders and decision makers have been panelists, to include, but not limited to, Dave Bing (former Detroit mayor), Mike Duggan (current Detroit mayor), Carla Walker-Miller (founder and CEO, Walker-Miller Energy Services), David E. Meador (vice chairman and chief administrative officer, DTE Energy), Ric DeVore (PNC regional president for Detroit and Southeast Michigan), Warren Evans (Wayne County Executive), the late L. Brooks Patterson (Oakland County Executive), Dan Gilbert (Chairman, Quicken Loans), Roy Roberts (former Detroit Public Schools emergency manager), Jennifer Granholm (then-governor of Michigan), and Daniel Loepp (President & CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan).

“I usually attend Pancakes & Politics events with high expectations, and the events always deliver,” said David E. Meador, vice president and chief administrative officer, DTE Energy, who has served as a panelist several times, including one on workforce development.

“I’ve been going to them for so long it’s hard to pull out a favorite forum. However, this summer’s event on social injustice stands out because of the COVID pandemic, the economy, and Black Lives Matter, all of which made this Pancakes & Politics a classic.”

Speaking of classics, the first Pancakes & Politics forum is still talked about in many circles. The forum featured then-mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick and then-Oakland County Exec-

utive L. Brooks Patterson, as the only two panelists.

“The two had big personalities,” said Jackson. “At the time, many people thought that they hated each other because they both represented racially different communities and ideologies.

Both were straight talkers. There was a lot of energy, a lot of excitement, and a lot of anticipation. It was a great way to kickoff Pancakes & Politics.”

Bishop Edgar Vann, senior pastor of Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit, also remembers the inaugural forum, which featured Kilpatrick and Patterson, but chose to reflect on other Pancakes & Politics events.

“I really have enjoyed the corporate and business forums in terms of discussions on diversity and inclusion,” Vann said. “I have also enjoyed the forums that speak on investing in Detroit and building and redeveloping in the city.”

Through the years, there have been many highlight events and moments for different people for various reasons.

“My favorite moment was earlier this year,” said Carla Walker-Miller, previous Pancake & Politics panelist and president & CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services,“Tonya Allen was on a panel and so boldly and unabashedly made the case for the urgency of racial equity and inclusion. I could not hold back tears.

It was one of many reminders of how rarely we talk about race with people of different races. Now, we do!”

According to Jackson, Pancakes & Politics forums were held four times per year for the first 14 years. In year 15 (2020), a total of six will be held, five of which consist of virtual platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every event, said Jackson, has been sold out. Jackson adds that the panelists are never chosen until 30 to 35 days before the event because the idea is to have the hottest people discussing the most current and hottest topics at Pancakes & Politics.

Jackson said the tough questions are never provided to the panelists in advance - only the topics. Two years ago, entrepreneur Dennis Archer, Jr. and radio journalist Vickie Thomas stepped

in as co-hosts of the events. And yes, pancakes are really served as part of a full and elite breakfast for attendees and panelists.

“The panels and events that Hiram and his team have put together over the years are of quality and pretty amazing,” said Ric DeVore, PNC regional president for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. “ I do miss the comradery with the attendees and panelists before and after each event that wasn’t possible this year because of the pandemic. But Hiram has pivoted Pancakes to reach more people through virtual platforms.”

DeVore said he has been a panelist twice, and PNC has been a presenting sponsor of Pancakes & Politics for eight of the events 15 years.

“Pancakes & Politics is a great convener,” said DeVore. “The event will be around for many years to come. And we at PNC are proud to be a part of its future.”

Bishop Vann agrees that the future of Pancakes & Politics is tremendous, calling it a “must go to and must see and hear event in Detroit.”

“Pancakes & Politics brings together folks from throughout the region to discuss key community issues,” said Faye Nelson, director of Michigan Programs at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “The value it provides includes the topics, the panelists and the ability to connect with colleagues in a pre-panel discussion.

Hiram’s Pancakes & Politics’ vision has provided real value to the community.”

“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished with Pancakes & Politics for 15 years,” said Jackson. “And we are really excited about the next 15 years.

We start back in March of 2021 and we already have companies lined up to be a part of the forum. We will continue to have high quality panels, including one or two with national panelists. We are looking to get back into the Detroit Athletic Club, but still have a virtual component, and we want to continue building our audience and following.“ To register for the Friday, Nov. 20 Pancakes & Politics forum, to be held virtual, go to the Michigan Chronicle’s Facebook page.

GreenPath Financial Wellness Partners for Upcoming Millennial Money Series

By Alan Hunt “60 percent of people feel stressed about money. 80 percent believe they could benefit from some professional advice,” said Donna Doleman Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer of GreenPath Financial Wellness. “We simply provide financial and debt coaching counseling by phone. We have helped people manage their money simply put, since 1961.”

As a generation, millennials are facing unique, systemic financial obstacles, including higher students loan debts, a tough job market, and more.

This,that can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Almost twothirds of them millennials saying say that they are livinglive paycheck to paycheck. Studies show that African American millennials consistently report significantly greater economic vulnerability than whites and Asian Americans. As a result, many are delaying traditional adulthood milestones, including homeownership. The reality is that for many millennials, the American Dream feels out of reach.

GreenPath has partnered with the Michigan Chronicle

for a six-installment series designed to help millennials become better stewards of their finances. The series is called Millennial Money. The seriesMillennial Money will kick-off with a virtual Facebook Live discussion. The first installment will run in the Michigan Chronicle paper and online at MichiganChronicle.com on December 16th.

“Being able to make healthy financial choices is about having good information at your fingertips, and I would say that teaming with the [Michigan] Chronicle, it’s really our goal to get the right information to help readers make the best decisions about their future,” said Dickerson.

GreenPath Financial Wellness provides free one on one financial advising with certified counselors. Headquartered in Michigan, they the national nonprofit offers credit card debt counseling, debt management plans, student loan counseling, housing counseling, foreclosure mitigation, and debt management counseling across 22 states. The Millennial Money series intends to give a younger audience a head start on a better fiscal future,. Dick-

erson said, “If you think about the life stages of people 22-38, they might be hitting some key milestones like establishing their careers, in school, a recent graduate, trying to build credit, starting a family, looking to buy a home, or even proactively planning for retirement. No matter the stage they are navigating, figuring out finances is a key way that millennials can be successful.”

Dickerson suggests figuring out finances by keeping track of credit card spending and setting up a spending plan for monthly bills.

The pandemic has created economic hardship across the country. GreenPath has helped many clients face challenges like navigating mortgage payments, credit card debt, or prioritizing what to pay after losing income.

“People are just overwhelmed, and given these external dynamics, the Millennial Money series is designed to help people with what’s happening right now…Now is the perfect time for people to get a solid footing on managing their financial health. We really

want to be a resource, and we want to be able to also highlight real stories of how people have managed throughout this crisis,” said Dickerson.

By the conclusion of the series, GreenPath hopes millennials learn that time, patience, and focus are essential for improved money management.

“No matter what the situation is, whatever goals people are trying to achieve, they are not going to happen overnight.

Having a trusted resource, advice, or action plan with tried and true strategies that can propel people toward that smooth roadis needed,” said Dickerson. “By the end of the series, our goal is really to get the right information to the readers and help them make the best decisions about their future.”share options that can help millennials build up their financial health and wellness to set them up for success as they move through key life milestones.

GreenPath intends for the Millennial Money Series to resemble more of a dialogue than a lecture approach. They are seeking to produce content readers can easily apply.

“We want to hear from peo-

ple. We want to understand what they are facing. We want to be able to craft learning tools to meet the needs of the readers. We thrive on two-way conversations.”

Until the series officially kicks off, millennials can practice improving their financial wellness now. Checking credit history is a significant first step to getting in better shape.

“When it comes to good financial habits, the phrase that comes to mind is know your numbers,” said Dickerson.

“You’ve probably heard that when people are talkingreferring to about physical health, like knowing your cholesterol and blood pressure, but it’s no different when you’re talking referring toabout financial health. Know your numbers is about understanding the interest rates you are paying on credit cards, interest rates you are paying on loans, and taking time to pull your credit report.”

Visit MichiganChronicle. com/MillennialMoney to receive the Millennial Money digest and stay up to date on the series. Learn more about GreenPath by visiting https://www. greenpath.com/.

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • November 18-24, 2020

The State of Black Leadership in Detroit Friday, November 20, 2020 Opening remarks and Sponsor Introduction 7:50 am @MichiganChronicle and on www.michiganchronicle.com FORUM I Panelists | Thursday, March 5,Pastor 2020 a.m.

I 7:30 Reverend Dr. Steve Bland, Jr. - SeniorFORUM Liberty Temple Baptist Church FORUM Detroit Athletic ClubFoundation III Skillman Tonya Allen - PresidentFORUM & CEO of The FORUM |

Thursday, March 5, 2020 7:30 a.m.

241 Madison Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 FORUM I Charter Nicole Small - Vice Chair of Detroit Commission Thursday, March 5, 2020 7:30 a.m. ||| 7:30 Thursday, March 5, 2020 a.m.

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Detroit Athletic Club Panelist Rory Gamble - President of the United Auto Workers | 7:30 Thursday, March 5, 2020 a.m.

Detroit Athletic Club 241 Madison Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 Detroit Athletic Club | Thursday, March 5, 2020 7:30 a.m.

Club Detroit Athletic 241 Madison Madison Avenue, Avenue, Detroit, Detroit, MI MI 48226 48226 241

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November 18-24, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-7

The 2021 TUCSON, it’s like dancing in the streets.

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Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • November 18-24, 2020

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

Comerica Spotlight on Success:

Natasha Lampkins Natasha Lampkins laughingly calls herself “a bit of a nerd,” which only enhances the enjoyment of her position as assistant vice president, business unit risk analyst at Comerica’s Auburn Hills, Mich., office.

Celebrating her 16th year with Comerica this month, Lampkins was promoted one year ago to her current position. It’s one that takes full advantage of her skills, as she explained “working with the corporate credit, small business underwriting department to identify and mitigate operational and regulatory risks.”

Her skills have been honed for more than two decades, starting with her undergrad degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Master of Science-Finance from Walsh College and a banking career that started before joining Comerica. Over those years, Lampkins said she earned her stripes in various positions – from teller, to counting money in a vault, to mortgage processing, and commercial and retail credit.

Natasha Lampkins Aside from her work duties, what Lampkins says she loves about being a member of the Comerica team is “my co-workers. I’ve made a lot of friends at the bank.”

Lions great wide receiver, Herman Moore (middle), poses with Comerica Bank’s Frank Natoli (left) and Patricia McCann (right) in celebration of the bank’s commitment to Game on Cancer in 2018.

Comerica Drives Toward 2020 Game on Cancer Goal For the third -straight year, Comerica Bank is participating in Game On Cancer, a joint campaign between Henry Ford Health System, the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Pistons. The annual fundraiser helps alleviate barriers cancer patients face on their road to recovery and advance leading-edge research.

All funds raised through Game On Cancer supports the mission of providing a platform for funding groundbreaking research, enhancing patient care by alleviating barriers or burdens, and supporting clinical programs that allow for best-in-class cancer care.

Comerica is driving closer to cross-

ing the goal-line in this year’s campaign.

Thus far, 88% of the $10,000 goal has been met with funds still flowing in from colleagues.

“Every year, I become more impressed and encouraged by the support our colleagues provide to our communities,” said Frank Natoli, senior vice president - director of customer contact center and executive champion.

Comerica’s efforts honors longtime friend and former colleague, Linda Forte, who serves as an active spokesperson for Game On Cancer in memory of her daughter, Dr. L­ ynette Davenport.

Lampkins is active in the community, volunteering through Comerica Cares at Junior Achievement and Gleaner Food Bank, and independently with Habitat for Humanity, which she says is especially rewarding because “you’re helping someone build their dream home.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected both her professional and personal life. Professionally, “it’s been an interesting experience as we’ve completely changed our work environment,” Lampkins said.

Personally, the pandemic dealt her family a devastating loss with the passing of her great aunt, explaining, “She was more of a grandmother to us.

We were very close, so the whole family, we’d get together almost every Sunday for dinner. So much of our family dynamics have changed. Every day gets better, but overcoming it, no, it has not been easy to deal with.”

For those hoping to improve themselves personally or professionally, Lampkins offers simple advice, “go for it, whatever your goals are. Sometimes the only thing stopping you from reaching those goals is you.”

Hobbies: Natasha enjoys reading, especially through a book club at work, and traveling. She’s visited Las Vegas, New Orleans, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, the Bahamas, Mexico, Canada.

Goals: For the next four years, reach personal and financial goals and stay healthy. I always try for a better version of myself. Her more immediate goal?

“When this pandemic is over, going on vacation in Hawaii. I’m outta here.”

For more information on how Comerica colleagues are giving back to our community, visit

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

Comerica Bank colleagues gathered to assist the NEYIC’s Adopt-A-Child Christmas Program in 2019. This year will look different as the program will focus on a drive-thru event to deliver necessities to families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CAAN Helps NEYIC Pivot Adopt-A-Child Christmas Program

CAAN, Comerica’s African-American employee network resource group, has stepped up this holiday season to further the bank’s assistance to the annual Adopt-a-Child for Christmas Program organized by the North-End Youth Improvement Council.

This year’s gift giveaway event in downtown Detroit was cancelled but the season of giving by NEYIC will not be slowed. Instead, NEYIC will distribute a turkey holiday meal, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), and a family board game to encourage family time

and well-being for 2019 Adopt-A-Child families.

In addition to Comerica’s annual support, CAAN has contributed $2,500 for PPE needs.

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

B1 | November 18-24, 2020

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

‘I Always Call Her God’s Masterpiece:’ Metro Detroit Families Celebrate National Adoption Month in November Every Day

*The Michigan Chronicle captured snippets of Black family adoption stories in this two-part series for National Adoption Month. Stay tuned for the second part to learn about more Metro Detroit families and their journeys to become parents.

Her name is Harper Lee Wright.

The beautiful, brown-skinned baby has an abundance of black curls which is where your eyes might land first. Then you can’t help but immediately notice her squeezable cheeks, doe-like eyes and sweet, gentle demeanor.

Harper is the beloved and long-awaited daughter of 49-year-old Southfield resident LaShon Wright.

Wright adopted Harper four months ago and said overcoming difficult life challenges [including her father’s passing] helped solidify her desire even more to become a mother.

Wright said that she tried to wait for her husband, “That is what we’re taught to do,” she said. But as time went on with Wright dating she said “nothing is working.”

“I still want to be a mother,” she said adding that she tried the fertility clinic route and that didn’t work.

Wright, who has a couple of girlfriends who Harper Lee Wright adopted, decided to go that direction and started planning. “The desire in my heart was there; I wanted to do that. … Why not give someone a second chance?”

That second chance came in the form of two-day old Harper whom she flew out to meet at a hospital in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in July. Despite the pandemic rearing its ugly head and slightly stalling the process the family was finally united shortly after Harper’s birth mother gave birth.

“I knew God had a plan and there was a baby for me,” she said of how she encouraged herself during this lengthy journey filled with disappointments and setbacks-- including one birth mother changing her mind about Wright adopting her baby in March.

Wright said that Harper’s birth mother already had two babies, a two-year-old and one-year-old.

“She was 20,” Wright said, adding that the birth mother hugged her immediately upon their meeting. “I was like I knew … this is God’s blessing to me. I always call her [Harper] God’s masterpiece.”

Wright said that her daughter was “beautiful” and her heart “melted” when she saw her.

“I call her my nosy baby,” Wright said beaming while cradling her sleeping daughter on the morning of Nov. 6. “She kept her eyes open [the day we met]; She’s a good baby inside and out.”

Wright said that she’s received mainly positive feedback about her adopting [she told any naysayers to keep it moving] and that the Arkansas judge presiding over her case said days into Harper’s birth that Wright is “making a legacy.”

“You’re giving someone a second chance,” the judge said to her.

Some Black children are never given a first chance, according to a 2019 article from pri.org.

Social workers are often called upon to “assess” a newborn’s skin color, because skin color can be a deciding factor potential for placement, according to the article, which also revealed from an NPR investigation that dark-skinned Black children cost less to adopt than light-skinned white children.

They are, oftentimes, ranked by social workers and the public as less preferred, the article stated.

“In the adoption market, race and color combine to create another preference hierarchy: white children are preferred over nonwhite,” Washington University law school professor Kimberly Jade Norwood said in the article. “When African-American children are considered, the data suggest there is a preference for light skin and biracial children over dark-skinned children.”

Wright said that she would “absolutely” encourage others in the Black community who might be

See BLACK FAMILY ADOPTION Page B-2

Grand Opening of

Pedicure & Shoes 2 Go in Downtown Detroit

By Lindsay Keener

get customers in here?’” said Williams-Jones. “Customers couldn’t park on the street because of construction and every other day they’re gouging on the prices people have to pay to park in the parking garage.”

From a struggling startup to a booming business, Pedicure and Shoes 2 Go has made its mark as one of Detroit’s businesses on the rise and it has the square footage to prove it.

The brainchild of owner Ayanna Williams-Jones, Pedicure and Shoes 2 Go (PS2G) is a celebrity day spa and shopping experience that caters to the local community with nail services and fan-favorite massages.

The lapse in customers didn’t last long. In fact, PS2G’s clientele has grown so much in the last five years that “they now have an over weeklong waiting list in order to even confirm an appointment with clients,” according to a press release.

While the store debuted in August of 2015, Williams-Jones says the downtown-based oasis was a long time coming.

PS2G is moving to a larger 3,000-square-foot location at 9217 E Jefferson Avenue in order to fit the needs of its customers.

“[The idea for the business] started in 2011. I was actually working full-time at General Motors and I started the business on the side, doing shoes and wine parties around the city and setting up a website...that led to the brick and mortar,” said Williams-Jones.

Ayanna Williams-Jones

The pamper parties wouldn’t be a hobby for much longer. In 2014, Williams-Jones attended a retail bootcamp at TechTown where she pitched her idea for PS2G in front of Ray Waters, President of the Detroit

Despite the years of time and effort spent, the business owner says some obstacles came by surprise.

Development Fund. Williams-Jones said the impressive pitch landed her a meeting with Nicole Farmer from Lifeline Consulting and a business plan that resulted in a monetary loan.

“Starting out, there was a huge worry of, ‘Now we have to get customers in here. How are we going to

The new space results in an expanded massage therapy business in addition to allowing them to diversify and offer clients new spa treatments like body scrubs, facials and more that weren’t possible in their original location, according to the release. In addition to offering spa treatments, PS2G will resume selling shoes in the near future.

Innovative ideas, alongside quality services, are critical to PS2G’s success.

See PEDICURE Page B-2

The Pursuit of Happiness: Champ’s Deli

By Lindsay Keener Humble beginnings are no match for a father with an inherent need to provide for his son. Just ask Drake Wilkins of Champ’s Deli, a new Blackowned delicatessen located in Eastern Market.

Wilkins, a native Detroiter and father of one, says the deli wasn’t born from a background in the restaurant industry but was sparked during a time of necessity and desperation.

“Up until last year, my child and I found ourselves on the down end of things,” said Wilkins.

“Out of necessity, we moved into a studio-sized apartment where we shared the same bedroom. My son was

happy because prior to that we didn’t have anything, but in my mind I knew that I wanted him to have more.”

For Wilkins, “more” meant having a vision that served a purpose - a valuable lesson that he’d learned in recent years.

“I started in business back

when I was a 19-year-old college student and everything back then was built off of artistic expression, thinking that you have the coolest idea ever,” said Wilkins. “But you find out years later that it’s not about having the coolest idea, it’s about ‘what problems are you solving.’”

Intent on giving his child a better life, Wilkins passed the same lesson down to his son.

“We sat down together and said, ‘What kinds of things can we go into that are needs that the community always has?’” Wilkins recalled. “We talked about food and nutrition, grooming and automobiles. Our expertise was in food.”

Knowing that he and his

son shared a love of sandwiches, Wilkins embarked on a year-long journey with his child to create sandwiches with premium products that they’d assemble at home.

“It all goes back to him and I,” said Wilkins. “I liken it to us playing house. Instead of play-

See CHAMP'S DELI Page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • November 18-24, 2020

Champs Deli From page B-1

LaShon Wright

Black Family Adoption From page B-1

considering adoption to adopt Black children like she did.

“I decided to adopt a Black baby because of the culture,” she said. “I wanted her to be a powerful African American woman -- that is my goal for her.”

Wright used Florida-based Lifetime Adoption Agency to adopt Harper.

Heather Featherston, vice president of the agency, said that they use mostly pregnant mothers and occasionally mothers with toddlers who are put up for adoption.

Lifetime Adoption Agency operates the African American Adoptions program online, which started over 15 years ago as a more direct way for Black pregnant mothers to find Black and biracial couples for their child(ren). That is the route Wright took.

Featherston added that modern adoption today is “open,” in which the birth mother makes the choices of where her child goes. She also said that this type of adoption is nothing new but it’s “kind of the untold story.”

“She [the biological mother] gets to see a variety of families,” Featherston said, adding that the families have prepared booklets and video clips describing who they are for the birth mother to peruse. “She can talk to one or more of them and see who she would like to choose for her child. … and she can make other choices for her child; the

Pedicure From page B-1

“A lot of the things the state was requiring businesses to do per COVID-19, we were already doing pre COVID-19,” said Williams-Jones. “After each client, our liners are thrown away; we sanitize after every client; our vegan, gluten and paraben-free pedicure boxes have the whole works - sugar scrub, soap, massage lotion, mud mask. You don’t have to worry about cross contamination.”

Williams-Jones also said PS2G is maintaining CDC guidelines by limiting the number of clients inside the salon at one time, providing sanitization sta-

ing with dolls or playing with cars, we were playing with sandwiches.”

Determined to make their dream a reality, Wilkins took their idea public with the help of his community. Wilkins and his son began introducing themselves to vendors at Eastern Market in hopes of getting fresh produce for their sandwiches.

“One of the gentlemen that we were talking to said, ’I have someone I think you should meet,’” said Wilkins. “And it ended up being one of the founders of the building who immediately accepted our pitch.”

Wilkins says that while his tenacious spirit helped to get him in front of the right people, forces outside of his control helped keep him there.

“The only thing that I can attest to [our journey coming together] is everything that happened spiritually. All of the stars aligned; we didn’t have any control over it,” said Wilkins.

While Wilkins attributes much of his success to a destined fate, the business owner has a strong say in the quality of his products and the results are quite favorable.

Fresh off the heels of its grand opening, Champ’s Deli is booming with business. The Black-owned sandwich shop sells a select line of fresh produce ranging from staple sandwich pairings to international food items that can’t seem to stay on the shelves.

Champ’s Deli prides itself on offering consumers Michigan-based products and places a special focus on brands

type of ongoing contact she wants [and who] is in the delivery room with her.”

“We’ve worked hard to keep it so in search results it shows up … for those moms,” she said of the Black-centric online program. Also, in the last 15 years a lot more Black families have adopted from the program, Featherston said. “We get a lot of families [like Wright’s] who apply from word of mouth. We want to be sure that women considering adoption have the opportunity to choose the type of family they are looking for when it comes to race.”

Wright’s longtime friend, Southfield resident Pat Clarke, 75, is the adoptive “meemaw” and watches Harper a couple of times a week when Wright goes to work at Weight Watchers.

“We talked about it … I kind of went through the process with her when she decided to adopt,” the proud grandmother [who doesn’t have any biological grandchildren] said.

Clarke said that children are a blessing and she and her friend are both learning along the way.

“In this day and age we are our brother’s keepers and so many kids out there … need homes,” Clarke said. “I would definitely encourage Black people to do [adopt Black children] so we can make our culture stronger.”

For more information go to http:// www.AfricanAmericanAdoptionsOnline. com/ or find “African American Adoptions” on Facebook. tions, and spacing customers out once they are inside.

Williams-Jones says her Black-owned business is designed to provide customers with an experience unlike any other.

“Our customers are the reason that we’re here and because they’re the reason that we’re here, our goal is to service them,” said Williams-Jones. “Our hope is that whoever walks through the door - celebrity, local, entrepreneur, student - knows what good customer service is and they know the value that they bring.”

Williams-Jones has taken her business to new heights with the addition of her new partner and investor Timothy Lewis, owner of Twin Resorts.

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from the city of Detroit.

Wilkens says health-conscious patrons, as well as those with an interest in foreign dishes, will be happy with the menu choices.

“From a product standpoint, we don’t carry anything that is per se normal. Everything we carry is higher-end, or premium, or even gourmet,” said Wilkins.

Having confidence in both his deli and its products, Wilkins opened Champ’s Deli on Nov. 3 - months into the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is a very real thing where people are dying, and this is not to overshadow that, but I noticed, in meeting with a lot of friends and business associates from the area that are doing well with new ventures, when you’re talking about a global shaping that’s negative, there’s always room for opportunity or growth on the opposite side of that,” said Wilkins.

Wilkins found his opportunity through the phrase #CANDEMIC, a term he coined to describe the level of perseverance he’s seen from others during the pandemic.

Wilkins says he chooses to look at the glass half-full, encouraged by the opportunity to bring his community happiness in his role as a business owner.

“With everything that’s going on, I had to think, ‘What can I do that brings people happiness?’” said Wilkins. “People need to feel good right now.”

Wilkins plans to continue providing his community with the support and comfort food necessary to make it through the pandemic.

Champ’s Deli is located inside Eastern Market at 2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207.

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Addressing the need for healthcare & healthy food Here in Detroit, people of color are being disproportionately impacted by this health and humanitarian crisis, requiring improved access to healthcare services and food assistance.

At Bank of America, our commitment is unwavering. Building on work we’ve had underway for many years, we’re investing $1 billion over the next four years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, and the well-being of our neighbors — including right here in Detroit. We’re partnering with local healthcare systems and nonprofits that are increasing medical testing and treatment capacity and are providing enhanced access to nutritious food.

Together, my teammates and I are working for healthy, sustainable change here in Detroit. We’re committed to doing more, and doing more now.

Matt Elliott Detroit Market President

Healthier together Here in Detroit, we’re working with local organizations that are providing vital access to healthcare and nutritious food. They include: Salvation Army Gleaners Community Food Bank Lighthouse of Michigan

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Classifieds

November 18-24, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5 HELP WANTED

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Retired Third Circuit Judge Dalton Roberson, Sr. dies Longtime judge had been diagnosed with COVID-19

Public Safety Officer City of Oak Park

HELP WANTED

Oak Park Department of Public Safety is a consolidated Police & Fire Department.

Applicants must have successfully completed 60 semester hours of college credit or have served a minimum of four years active duty military, with an Honorable Discharge. Applicants must take and pass the MCOLES Written Test and the MCOLES Physical Agility Test at the time of application.

Salary range is

$57,095.78 to $81,568.84 Current work schedule 12-hour shifts Excellent fringe benefits and retirement plan

Application Process:

Please visit the Employment Opportunities webpage on the City of Oak Park website.

This can be found at: www.oakparkmi.gov The job posting will close on January 3, 2021 The City of Oak Park is an ADA/Equal Opportunity Employer

Seeking Seeking Office Assistant II OFFICE ASSISTANT III atATOakland OAKLAND University UNIVERSITY

Admissions School of Medicine Minimum Qualifications: High school Tograduation provide or specialized office assistance, an equivalent combination coordinating procedural of education and experience.business Four yearsor service for including a complex program generalactivities office work, experience area involvingwork processing, implementing, in prioritizing and meeting deadlines.

Ability toon, operate equipadvising and standard reportingoffice specialized ment. Knowledge of proper grammar, subject matter. Minimum Qualifications: spelling & punctuation, intermediate word High school graduation or an equivalent processing, spreadsheet and database combination education and experience. applications.of Ability to effectively interFour yearstheprogressively responsible office act with public, students, faculty, and experience, direct experience in staff. This isincluding a full time, clerical-technical position, occasional i.e., evenings and weekoffice coordination, prioritizing work ends required.

Salary of $42,123 annually. assignments, maintaining work flow to meet See online posideadlines.

Thisposting is a full for time,additional clerical-technical tion requirements. First consideration position.

Salary is $43,718.00 annually. will be given to those who apply by See online posting for additional ­December 1, 2020.

Must apply position on line requirements.

First consideration will be to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

given to those who apply by March 23, 2020.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Must apply online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Senior Decision Management Solutions Lead, Enterprise Decision Management (EDM) General Motors, Detroit, MI. Identify &analyze business reqmts, design, dvlp, debug, validate, assure full functionality, maintain &deliver N. A. OnStar Vehicle to Back Office (V2BO) infotainment service apps incldg Entitlements (such as Remote Start, Vehicle Locate, Smart Driver, &Location Sharing), Product &Discount Qualifications, Marketing Content (packages, anlys of services), &Campaigns (Offers, Promotions), using Pega Rules Process Commander (PRPC or Pega) Marketing &Decisioning (M&D) Suite. Design, implement &customize business sys &standardized operating procedures in Agile methodology based on app reqmts anlys. Lead, set technical objectives &issue performance appraisals of internal team of 3 EDM Developers. Create &customize rules for app integration in ConnectSQL using incldg RDB Save, RDB Open, &RDB List methods in Pega. Master, Electrical or Computer Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer or Developer, dvlpg, validating, &delivering N.A. OnStar or infotainment/telematic sys V2BO infotainment service apps incldg Entitlements (such as Remote Start, Vehicle Locate, Smart Driver, &Location Sharing), &Product &Discount Qualifications, using PRPC or Pega M&D Suite, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3472, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Systems Engineer - Wireless Connectivity Warren, MI, General Motors. Create sys reqmts &technology roadmaps for next generation psgr vehicle connectivity technologies, incldg Wi-Fi, WiGig, Dedicated Short-Range Communications, UltraWideband, &Vehicle to Everything, using MATLAB, Jenkins, Jira, IBM RTC/DOORS/DOORSNG tools.

Generate block diagrams, sys models, &technical specs for wireless connectivity features, functions, &subsyss using MATLAB, Visio, ADB in Linux &Windows Platforms. Perform DFMEA, fault tree anlys, &field assessments to identify &resolve potential failure points using FIT, Wireshark, Iperf, vector signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer &tcpdump.

Lead sys peer reviews &create interoperable validation plans w/ teams &external chipset suppliers using Agile framework. Collaborate w/ suppliers to assess technical feasibility, KPIs, &reqmts of new features. Required travel via private automobile to GM Milford Proving Grounds (MI) to test pre-production &production vehicles on AM/FM range &RF anechoic chamber for short range connectivity performance, ~2 wks P/YR. Support wireless connectivity feature testing &validation field trips for urban, dense &congested environment testing in MI, IL, OH. Required travel to perform short range connectivity testing, ~4 wks P/YR (~11% annual travel). Master, Electrical or Computer Engrg. 12 mos exp Engineer, generating block diagrams, sys models, &technical specs for wireless connectivity features, functions, &subsyss using MATLAB &Visio, in Linux &Windows Platforms, or related. Mail resume to Ref#2450-204, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

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PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Program Systems Engineer 6/8 – Speed RWD Programs

Supervisor – Software Program Management

Warren, MI, General Motors. Ensure &drive adherence to lessons learned mfg engrg (ME) processes, ME operational improvements, &upgrades &share w/ GPS facilities. Share expertise in wkly mtngs w/ Prgrm Execution Team. Dvlp 2nd gen 8-spd vehicle transmissions for RWD vehicle applications -- GENII, to be produced at powertrain mfg plants globally. Serve as SME responsible for dvlpg mfg processes to facilitate timely launch of production of 8-spd GENII transmission. Act as technical expert &liaison betw Product/Mfg Engrg, Program Mgmt, &high-volume powertrain mfg plants. Required travel to vehicle transmission plants in U.S., MEX &CAN to evaluate &improve mfg processes, support launches, &resolve psgr vehicle transmission product design issues incldg gear design, helix &profile tolerance &N&V, up to 30 days P/YR. Bachelor, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engrg. 24 mos exp as Engineer, analyzing N&V reports &providing feedback to Gear Product Engrg to guide gear design, helix &profile tolerance dvlpmt, &identifying source of transmission noise &optimizing gear machining processes, or related. Mail resume to Ref#16194, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Nexteer Automotive Corporation seeks a Supervisor – Software Program Management in Saginaw, MI, to lead project management activities across all functional areas in the systems and electronic systems organization; among other duties. Min. bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field of study and ten years of experience in the job offered or a related. Send resume to: Angela Passariello, Nexteer Automotive, 3900 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601, Ref #11062842.

Sr. Engineering Supervisor II Nexteer Automotive Corp. seeks a Sr. Engineering Supervisor II in Saginaw, MI, to manage and coordinate software development activities across multiple application programs, among other duties. Min. bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related and five years of experience in the job offered or a related. Send resume to: Angela Passariello, Nexteer Automotive, 3900 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601, Ref #11092069.

Retired longtime Third Circuit Court Judge Dalton A. Roberson Sr., passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. He was 83 and had recently been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Roberson was born in Mount Vernon, Alabama on May 11, 1937. After graduating from Mobile Training School in Mobile, Alabama, he moved to Detroit to seek work. He served as a boom operator in the United States Air Force, and after he was honorably discharged, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, where he became of member of the Delta Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. After a stint with the Michigan Department of Social Services, he earned a law degree from what was then known as Detroit College of Law in 1967. That same year, he married Pearl Janet Stephens.

After law school, he served as an Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor and Assistant U.S. Attorney before founding a law firm with Robert Harrison and Bernard Friedman. From 1972 until 1974, he served as a member of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and the Sentencing Community Alternative Commission.

He was appointed to what was then known as Detroit Recorder’s Court by Governor William Milliken in 1974, replacing Judge John R. Murphy, who had died in a plane crash. In 1987, he was elected chief judge of the court.

During his tenure as chief judge, the court decided high profile cases such as the Malice Green murder case. In 1992, the National Conference of Black Lawyers named him its Judge of the Year.

After he retried in 1999, he and his wife move to Diamondhead, Mississippi, where he indulged his passion for golf. The couple returned to Detroit in 2013. Mrs. Roberson passed away in 2018.

In recent years, he served as a visiting judge for the Third Circuit Court.

He is survived by his daughter, Portia Roberson; son Dalton A. Roberson, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Jakeema Roberson and granddaughters, Avery and Harper Roberson.

Associate Electrical Engineer III Nexteer Automotive Corporation seeks an Associate Electrical Engineer III in Saginaw, MI, for algorithm design of EPS functions at an Electrical Systems Level, which includes measurement and driver integrated circuits and microcontroller peripheral configuration; among other duties. Min. bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related and three years of experience in the job offered or related. Send resume to: Angela Passariello, Nexteer Automotive, 3900 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601, Ref #11062800.

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