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Michigan Chronicle

Maintaining Mental Health Amidst The COVID-19 Crisis

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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No.36 | May 13-19, 2020

Shooting Death in Georgia of Ahmaud Arbery is Defined as a “Modern Day Lynching” By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

Months after the U.S. House passed a new lynching law, which has been held up by the Republican led U.S. Senate, and a day after investigative journalist Ida B. Wells was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize — a lynching story dated February 23, 2020 is in the news. The shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, 25, went viral on social media on May 6, months after his murder. The video shows Arbery jogging down a street in Brunswick, Georgia. It appears to demonstrate the involvement of Ahmaud Arbery three men — two on a pickup truck and another filming the scene from behind. Arbery’s death took place on February 23rd about three miles from where he lived. Arbery was an avid jogger and played football. The two men on the pickup truck have been identified through numerous media reports as Greg McMichael, a retired investigator in the Brunswick District Attorney’s office, and his son Travis McMichael. They appear to follow Arbery from behind as he is jogging down a suburban street. Travis McMichael, the alleged shooter, is seen confronting Arbery and part of a struggle ensues in and outside of the camera’s range. The sound of shotgun fire is heard. Arbery is then seen on video collapsing after the sound of the gunshot in front of the truck. Brunswick District Attorney Jackie Johnson recused herself because one of the men seen in the video of the fatal shooting pointing a gun at Arbery worked in the district attorney’s office. During an exclusive interview on Roland Martin Unfiltered on May 7th with Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones confirmed there was no support of her from anyone in the small Georgia community after her son died. That is changing. Since the viral video has been widely seen everyone from LeBron James to former Vice President Biden and President Trump has commented on Arbery’s death. “Initially I was told there was a

See ARBERY page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Racial Disparities and Coronavirus in Michigan By Whitney Gresham

hile New York City may be at the epicenter of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation, Michigan may very well have the most disturbing fallout from the disease as it continues to ravage the state despite Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s best efforts to fight it. As of Monday, more than 40 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Michigan were African Americans who only comprise 13.6 percent of the state population. Cases in Macomb County rose to 5,245, Oakland reported 6,913 cases and Wayne County, inclusive of Detroit, had 124 new cases reported. The virus has now infected more almost 40,000 Michiganders and killed nearly 3,500. And the recent tragic death of five-year-old Skylar Herbert, who became the youngest person in Michigan to die of COVID-19, according to Michigan Health Department statistics, made headlines across the nation. The scrutiny provided a lurid new visibility to the lethality of the disease, but also to its devastating impact on the state’s black population in particular. It provides a window into the rationale behind Governor Whitmer’s establishment of the first state appointed group in the nation to look into the impact of COVID-19 on people of color. The Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities will serve as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services to study and develop strategies to address these disparities that stem from a history of systemic inequalities. During her announcement last week, Governor Whitmer explained she expects the task force to provide her with recommendations on how to ad-

dress the disparities and work alongside her and other state officials to slow the spread of COVID-19, particularly in people of color. “This virus is holding a mirror up to our society and reminding us of the deep inequities in this country,” she said. “From basic lack of access to health care, transportation, and protections in the workplace, these inequities hit people of color and vulnerable communities the hardest. This task force will help us start addressing these disparities right now as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan.” The task force, chaired by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, will include Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon or his designee, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun and 24 members appointed by the governor reflecting the diverse geographic, economic, racial, cultural, gender, and occupational composition of this state. The Task Force also may consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including experts in the private sector, organized labor, faith community, government agencies and at institutions of higher education. “This is something that’s proven particularly lethal in communities of color across the state of Michigan and frankly, across the country,” said Gilchrest during a recent interview with WOODTV in Grand Rapids. “And that’s why we have to look into this. I felt this personally; 15 people in my life have passed away from COVID19 and I have other extended family members or friends who are either hospitalized or tested positive. And this is hitting home for more and more people in our state.”

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See RACIAL

Along with providing technology to thousands of students and families, Triumph Church is also feeding them daily. It has partnered with the community group New Era Detroit to provide “Crisis Care Packages” to families that have been impacted by the coronavirus.

In midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to end the school year early for all students in Michigan on April 2, Triumph Church wants to ensure students in Detroit continue to learn.

Money. A5

“The most irritating thing about all of this coverage is that folks in the media are acting as if this is a new thing that just came about,” Dr. Sanford said. “The narrative around it has very much

DISPARITIES page A2

Triumph Church Provides Support To Community By Darlene White

Tatiana Grant opens new Marketing & Communications Firm

Gilchrest said the task force is dedicated to the memory of little Skylar. “Skylar lived in a predominant black neighborhood,” he told NBC News. “This task force will serve in her memory to ensure that we can limit the exposure for as many people, as many families as possible.” Other cities such as Cleveland and Oakland, Calif., have issued task forces to study the disproportionate deaths of black people in their communities from the pandemic. Michigan appears to be the first to do so at a state government level. Public health experts say the issue of the growing amount of cases of COVID-19 in predominately black areas stems from the higher reliance on public transportation, having jobs at essential businesses as opposed to working from home, and lower income which leads to more trips to the grocery store and other outside establishments putting them in risk of contracting the virus. And less access to healthcare and emergency treatment in these areas has led to the spread of misinformation relating to COVID-19 and a delay of proper preventive practices. Dr. Tiffany Sanford, Chief Medical Officer for the Wellness Plan Medical Centers of Greater Detroit predicted as much to the Chronicle a month ago. However, she said her hope is that the focus of the Task Force provides a deeper analysis of how structural inequality and institutional racism is driving the crisis in our community.

“I want to help our youth in the community in whatever way possible,” said Solomon Kinloch, pastor of Triumph Church. Kinloch stepped up in his leadership and decided that his church would help the community during the crisis by providing free laptops and tablets to low-income families of the Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD). “I felt that our kids deserved just as much as any other district would provide for their students,” Kinloch said. “My hope is that the spirit of generosity would become conta-

Solomon Kinloch, pastor of Triumph Church gious and others will step up to the plate to help our youth.” The laptops and tablets are on a first come, first-served basis while supplies last and recipients have to pre-register at www.TriumphCh.org. The giveaway will occur every Friday until May 29 at Triumph’s east campus at 2760 East Grand Boulevard in Detroit.

“Since 1920, Triumph Church has helped a community navigate through the stormy waters of the Great Depression, measles, mumps, polio, Civil Rights and so much more,” Kinloch explained. “It’s important that we demonstrate our faith to help calm fears and give our community a sense of reassurance that we will get through this by His grace and mercy. The church has always represented a place of safety and sanctuary – a house of hope in times of calamity.” Kyra Cook, 28, of Detroit says, Triumph Church has

been a blessing her household in many ways. “I am a single mother with five children, and we are all working remotely, so you can imagine how hard it can be to share one tablet with everyone needing to do work,” explained Cook. “We don’t have the money to just jump up and go out to buy a new computer, especially during this pandemic, so when I got the word of the free laptops, I was too excited. Triumph is truly a blessing. I love that they care about our children’s education.” Alexandria Griffin, 44, of Ferndale says she was happy to know that the church is providing groceries to families in need. “It’s great to see people coming together to make things happen, not only to help our youth with the tools that they need for education,

See TRIUMPH page A2

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Racial Disparities

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week. Supplies will be offered by drive-up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday over the next 30 days.

From page A-1

but to provide food for families as well,” Griffin said. Triumph Church will distribute groceries to qualified registrants on a first-come, first-served basis and has limited the distribution to one giveaway per household per

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the church will also offer free groceries delivered by its staff and volunteers. Unemployed workers, single mothers, senior citizens or those physically disabled can register to receive the pick-up or delivery ser-

From page A-1

vice on the church website. “One of thing people need to understand is to never think too little when it comes to giving back, everyone doesn’t have to do the same thing, but if everyone does something we will get through this pandemic,” explained Kinloch. “It is not about what you do in a church on Sundays. It’s about what you do outside of the church Monday through Saturday.”

Former Senator Morris Hood III dies at 54 from COVID-19 Former state Senator Morris Hood III, 54, has died on May 11 after a weeks-long batter with COVID-19 according to news reports.

But Dr. Stacey Scott, a Toledo-based public health expert and founder of the Global Infant Safe Sleep Center (GISS), said white supremacy is every bit as much a pandemic for the black community as COVID-19. Any meaningful look into the cause for the disproportionate impact on black Michiganders must seriously consider it as another very real factor.

Hood, a former member of the Michigan House and Senate, represented Michigan’s 3rd district of Dearborn, Melvindale, and northwest Detroit from 2010-2018. From 2003-2008, he also served in the Michigan House of Representatives. Hood also served with the Wayne County Executive’s office and County Executive, Warren C. Evans stated he served admirably. “I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Morris Hood III this morning from complications related to COVID-19. Morris served the State of Michigan admirably in both the House and the Senate for nearly two decades and recently served as a valued member of my administration. He was the very definition of a public servant, one who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others and bettering his commu-

been about placing the blame on those communities; African Americans have higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes because you guys eat a lot of unhealthy food. But this virus is the great equalizer to the extent that just about anybody can catch this thing as the next person. The determining factor is if you have underlying health issues. But your chances of surviving it too often depends on your ability to access adequate healthcare and the environment in which you live.”

Former State Senator Morris Hood III with Governor Gretchen Whitmer. nity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hood family at this difficult time.” Morris, affectionately known as Mo, “was a loyal friend”, according to a statement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Morris was a dear friend. He was a proud Detroiter and continued the family commitment to the service of his

Arbery From page A-1 burglary and a struggle over a firearm,” Cooper-Jones said on Roland Martin Unfiltered. She confirmed she has not watched the video of her son’s death but the description of it from others did not line up with what authorities told her after her son died. “I need to get these men indicted. They need to go to jail. Two months has been too long,” said Jones on Martin’s show answering a question from Dr. Gregg Carr, the Chairman of the African American Studies Department at Howard University. Late on May 7, Greg and Travis McMichael were finally arrested. Many observers of the breaking news warned that the exotic charges and where any future court case is likely to take place matters. The Congressional Black Caucus had demanded arrests the day before and released a statement that in part read, “the killing of Ahmaud Arbery shows us that the spirit of lynching is still alive and well in our nation and something that we cannot tolerate.” “The scary thing for me is the they thought the video would help his client. The culture is so backwards down there they actually thought that,” said Arbery family attorney Lee Merritt on Roland Martin Unfiltered. The case has widely been compared to the 2012 murder of Trayvon Martin in Florida by George Zimmerman. “What happened to #AhmaudAr-

community. There was not a more loyal friend, thoughtful advisor, or quicker wit. Mo was the type of guy that lit up the room and made you glad to be there. He is doing that in his next life now and those of us left here are better having known him. May he rest in peace. My love and prayers go to his beloved family and many friends who grieve this tough loss.”

bery is a MODERN DAY LYNCHING. This February, the House overwhelmingly passed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which would make lynching a federal crime,” wrote Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) South Carolina Republican U.S. Senator Tim Scott wrote, “ Every. single.time. The excuses pour in – ‘he looked suspicious’… ‘we thought he was committing a crime”…The fact remains, #AhmaudArbery was hunted down from a pickup truck and murdered in cold blood. My heart breaks for his family, and justice must be served.” Likely Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said, Arbery was “shot down in cold blood,” and his killing reflected a “rising pandemic of hate.” “Ahmaud Arbery should still be alive right now. This is tragic and unacceptable. It should ignite us all in demands for justice. I’m calling on the Department of Justice to investigate. We need justice for Ahmaud and his family,” wrote Sen. Cory Booker on twitter.

Duggan stated that the loss of Morris is a loss to the City of Detroit. “Our city has lost another champion to COVID-19 with the passing for former State Senator Morris Hood III. In his life and his years of public service, “Mo” carried on his father’s tradition of public service and fighting for justice and equality. His passing is a great loss to the community and another reminder of how important it is for all of us to protect ourselves and each other from the spread of this virus.”

“COVID-19 really exposes some of the major issues around health outcomes for African Americans,” she said. “Such as environmental issues, like where they live. The lack of employment opportunities, lack of insurance and the criminal justice system.” These dynamics are major factors in in how life is lived in Detroit where structural racism and discrimination is rampant and a lifelong condition for black citizens, she told the Chronicle. “On top of all this we haven’t begun to measure the impact of implicit biases within healthcare systems which contrib-

How do you prepare for unforeseen financial problems?

utes to who is being tested for COVID-19 and how they are being treated,” she said. “So, we can see how this COVID-19 is having a major impact in Detroit and communities of color everywhere.” Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a member of the Task Force, acknowledged as much last week in a letter he sent to clinicians across the state. In his letter he stressed that clinicians should be aware of how their own subconscious biases may impact their practice. “We know that patients with COVID-19 can deteriorate quickly,” he wrote. “Complaints of symptoms should be taken seriously in any patient, and particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups. To support this effort, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has expanded testing criteria to include mildly symptomatic individuals, and people working in jobs that have been deemed ‘essential’ during the COVID-19 outbreak. “Furthermore, be aware that implicit bias (unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that impact our thoughts and actions) exists among clinicians and can impact patient outcomes. Be mindful of how implicit bias may be impacting your own clinical practice.” Dr. Scott, founder of the GISS Center, said such candor is a good first step toward getting to the root of the actual problem.

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Fix The Damn Schools!

Court Rules Detroit Students Have a Right to Literacy: Many calling on Gov. Whitmer to settle the case By Patreice A. Massey Detroit has been hit with blow after blow as of late as the effects of COVID-19 have been far reaching. We have some of the highest number of cases in the state, many small business have been ravaged and we are facing a nearly $350 million budget deficit, all due to the pandemic. Let’s face it, at a time where there is so much uncertainty the city really could use a “win” right now. Well that’s exactly what we got on April 23 when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Court ruled that students in the low-performing Detroit Public school system have a right to expect to learn to read and write, thus reversing the previous 2018 decision that said the state was not responsible. This has been a hard-fought battle for the seven students that filed this class-action suit against the state of Michigan in 2016. The students argued that education is a basic right which

they had been denied. The lawyers filing the suit—from the pro bono Los Angeles firm Public Counsel—contended that the students (who attended five of Detroit’s lowest-performing schools) received an education so inferior and underfunded that it’s as if they’re not attending school at all. The lawsuit sought to hold state officials responsible for system-wide failures that the plaintiffs said have deprived Detroit children of their right to literacy, left many classrooms and buildings in terrible condition, and left teachers without the resources they needed to do their jobs. The ruling validated the concerns of many students, and Jamarria Hall, 20, one of the student plaintiffs, feels they are on the path to reconciliation. Hall graduated at the top of his class at Osborn High School but when he moved out of state to attend community college, he learned very quickly that he was not prepared. His struggles caused him to be put on academic probation and he now has to work with a tutor. He chose to be a part of

the lawsuit because he wanted the next generation of Detroit children “to have a chance,” he said. “This is our future. These are our voters.” When the case was first filed it listed then Republican Governor Rick Snyder as the defendant as the state was “the ultimate legal authority over Detroit schools in 2016,” since state-appointed emergency managers ran the district “from 2009 through Dec. 31, 2016.” This followed an earlier fiveyear stretch of emergency management from 1999 to 2004. As state attorney Ray Howd had to be reminded that Michigan held unmatched power over the district for the better part of two decades. The case was inherited by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer who, while campaigning for her party’s nomination for governor, spoke movingly about the lawsuit stating, “Despite what the federal court said, despite what Bill Schuette and Gov. Snyder say, I believe every child in this state has a constitutional right to literacy.” However, the mood seeming-

ly changed; Whitmer received criticism for back-tracking and ultimately reaching the same conclusion she campaigned against. Whitmer has not said whether she will appeal the ruling; however, a spokesman said that her office was reviewing the court’s decision. “The governor has a strong record on education and has always believed we have a responsibility to teach every child to read,” he said. It’s important to remember what this means for the lives of actual people. “Denial of access to literacy,” said attorney Mark Rosenbaum, who represents the student plaintiffs, has consistently been a way “to subordinate or disenfranchise communities of color, going all the way back to when it was a crime to teach children how to read, going all the way back to literacy tests.” In other words, to say that there is no right to literacy is to uphold a heinous crime — one that uses gaps in the constitution to smuggle in policies that exploit and devastate the country’s segregated black communities. Communi-

ties like ones all across Detroit. The case certainly blurred lines as lawyers in the Michigan Attorney General’s office had to defend the state against the students’ concerns, while Dana Nessel, the Democratic Attorney General, moved to file a brief on behalf of the students. The brief was not accepted due to a conflict of interest, however Nessel is still pleased with the outcome. “I am overjoyed with the Court’s decision recognizing that the Constitution guarantees a right to a basic minimum education,” Nessel said in a statement. “This recognition is the only way to guarantee that students who are required to attend school will actually have a teacher, adequate educational materials, and a physical environment that does not subject them to filth, unsafe drinking water, and physical danger.” Detroit school district leaders are urging Gov. Whitmer to reach a settlement with the plaintiffs.

See SCHOOLS page B-2

The Struggle To Serve: COVID-19 Causes Problems for Nonprofits By Patreice A. Massey As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt throughout the country, nonprofits are facing hard times. On any given day you can scroll your timeline and see another celebrity or philanthropic billionaire has made a generous donation to COVID relief efforts; yet many charities and nonprofits are still struggling. Donations to churches have fallen, volunteer numbers have also taken a hit and many organizations have had to cancel key fundraising events including galas, bike races and walks. Since Gov. Whitmer announced the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, nonprofit organizations have been forced to make difficult decisions rather quickly in order to continue serving those in need. The choices being made depend on the type of organization. For Detroit Phoenix Center, which provides resources and support to at risk and homeless youth in Detroit, they’ve had to get creative with how they offer services. “It’s been a challenge because so much of the work that we do Is tied to being a place-based program and we’ve had to close our drop-in center which is essentially a day shelter where young adults could shower, do laundry, access the food pantry, computer lab, and clothing closet,” said Courtney Smith, Detroit Phoenix Center’s founder and executive director. “We’ve had to transition to providing our workforce development programming virtually through

Portia Roberson, CEO, Focus HOPE, Kirk Mayes, CEO, Forgotten Harvest and Courtney Smith, Founder & Executive Director, Detroit Phoenix Center Facebook and Instagram Live. We’ve had to get creative.” And that’s not the half of it. Since having to close their drop-in center, the Detroit Phoenix Center doesn’t have a place for donors to leave their non-monetary donations. “The community has been very supportive by dropping off essential supplies but it’s difficult trying to receive goods while not having a physical space to store things,” Smith said. “So, we’ve partnered with local businesses that are willing to act as drop-off points. It’s been nice to see everyone coming together to help our mission. We’ve had to pivot and

rethink the way we serve.” Forgotten Harvest has had to do the same. As COVID-19 leaves many without jobs, the need to feed families is dire. Food pantries that typically serve 200 families are now having double that. When COVID-19 hit, many of Forgotten Harvest’s community partners that act as pickup points closed leaving the almost 30-year-old organization looking for a new way to do their jobs. “Many of our staff and volunteers are older adults and a lot of them have had to stay home as older adults are at higher risk for severe illness,” said Forgotten Harvest’s Chief Executive Officer

Kirk Mayes. “Not doing our job is not an option so we had to find a new way to service the community.” Forgotten Harvest decided to create a supersite model where they work with community partners in 15 locations throughout the Metro Detroit area to set up a mobile pantry. “Our trucks set up at the 15 pop-up sites and they distribute pre-packaged food boxes,” said Mayes. “We are here and we will provide nutritious food for anyone who needs it. It’s all a matter of flexibility.” With so many moving parts and things being figured out daily nonprofits have to be flexible. This is nothing new for Focus: HOPE. The organization was birthed during a time of uncertainty. Detroit was still smoldering from the 1967 riots when a small band of people, led by Father William T. Cunningham and Eleanor M. Josaitis, pledged to unite a community that was sharply divided along racial and economic lines. And for over 50 years, Focus: HOPE has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the community. But despite their long history of service even they have felt the impact of COVID-19. “We immediately had to convert the way we deliver many of our services. We saw an increased need in our food for seniors program and for the parents in our Head Start program and we converted a number of Workforce Development and Education classes to virtual training,” said Portia L. Roberson, Esq., chief executive officer of Focus: HOPE. If there were any service gaps or community deficiencies COVID-19 has laid

See NONPROFITS page A-4

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • May 13-19, 2020

Analysis: Real-time unemployment rates range from 39.5% to 11.3% By Michael Lucci 50economy.org

The rising tide of unemployment continues to advance at a rapid pace. Three million workers filed new unemployment claims in the week ending May 2, according to a report from the Department of Labor. In total, 33.5 million American workers have filed initial unemployment claims in the seven weeks of the pandemic recession, the most rapid bout of job loss in American history. State policymakers can act to mitigate the economic pain of the pandemic recession and prepare a policy landscape to grow an economic recovery. Tax and regulatory policies should be adjusted to help more businesses survive a long economic shutdown and to keep workers connected to their jobs. States should also prepare for new investments and job creation by enacting policies that incentivize growth. The national economic unwind has not been spread evenly amongst the states. Real-time unemployment rates range from 39.5% in Kentucky to 11.3% in South Dakota. Georgia (35.6%) and Louisiana (33%) have the highest rates in the South, while Nevada (32.8%) and Washington (31.1%) are highest in the West. Pennsylvania (32.4%) and Michigan (31.8%) have the worst unemployment problems in the industrial heartland. In terms of raw unemployment, California has an estimated 5.3 million jobless, more than double Texas’ 2.6 million unemployed. States can make targeted tax changes to ensure that workers can stay connected to their jobs and to help businesses survive. States and businesses should adopt and leverage workshare

programs within unemployment insurance. Such programs allow workers to receive partial unemployment insurance while working reduced hours, which keep workers and employers connected while making sure workers can tap unemployment insurance for lost wages. Twenty-seven states have such a program. State unemployment insurance trust funds are headed to insolvency because of unprecedented levels of joblessness. But

according to new guidance from the United States Department of Treasury, states can use some of the money they received from the federal CARES Act to backfill their unemployment insurance trust funds, thereby maintaining jobless benefits while reducing the need to raise employer payroll taxes to replenish the funds. States also should provide two years of net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks so that businesses can quickly deduct 2020 losses against taxable income from prior years. This will let businesses maintain precious liquidity by accelerating tax deductions that they would receive in the future anyways. States also should work to

Nonprofits

receive services virtually,” she said. “We must work to get more of our communities connected.”

them bear leaving many to reflect on what they would’ve done differently or how they can better position themselves in the future. One noticeable issue that Focus: HOPE (along with the DPSCD school system) is facing is Detroit’s technology gap. In Detroit, almost a third of households don’t have Internet. This digital divide is a today problem with massive implications for tomorrow, and it is not lost on Roberson.

Much like Detroit Phoenix Center and Forgotten Harvest, Focus: HOPE could use your help. With many nonprofits postponing their fundraising events and pushing them to Fall there are going to be many organizations in need of donations.

From page A-3

“This has definitely made us much more aware of the need to provide technology to our students and families so that they are prepared to learn virtually and

“We are always in need of donations. Through the generosity of donors we have been able to buy diapers, wipes and formula for our head start parents, Roberson said. “In addition, we always need volunteers. We are currently packing food boxes for 41,000 seniors per month and we rely on volunteers to help. We have

abolish the taxation of business inventories and capital stock taxes, two provisions which anachronistically tax businesses based on assets held in a state rather than profits generated within the state. Finally, states should provide full and immediate expensing for new business investments as allowed for under section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. This change will incentivize new business investments to help pull states out of the recession. Regulatory reform can cut away unnecessary red tape that hinders business formation and job creation. For example, occupational licenses should be recognized between states, and states should deregulate their licensing regimes so that workers are afforded simpler ways to enter licensed occupations. Local government permitting requirements should be curtailed, and state policymakers should embrace reforms to protect home-based businesses, which are essential during a pandemic. The Phoenix city council created the 24-hour city model to deregulate permitting and approval processes. The Phoenix approach helps foster start-ups and dramatically accelerates new job-creating projects. Government policymakers can take advantage of down time by rethinking state tax and regulatory policies that could impede economic growth, particularly policies that are more acutely felt during the pandemic. More than 33 million workers are going to need jobs once the pandemic ends, and state policymakers should leave no stone unturned in unlocking robust economic opportunities during the recovery. masks and gloves; we’ve installed portable sinks and sanitizer and have marked the floor for social distancing. Our plan is to help and we plan to do it in a safe and healthy way for our employees and those we serve.” To volunteer or donate to Detroit Phoenix Center call (313) 482-0916 or visit www.detroitphoenixcenter.org To find the Forgotten Harvest mobile pantry pop-up nearest you, volunteer or make a donation visit www.forgottenharvest. org. Please note site locations are updated daily. To volunteer or donate to Focus: HOPE call (313) 494-5500 or visit https://www.focushope.edu/ donate/

Schools

From page A-3 The State has until May 15 to file for further review but many are calling on Whitmer to “do the right thing” and settle the case. “Reaching a settlement is not complicated,” said Rosenbaum. “The children of Detroit desperately need what their affluent counterparts take for granted: for starters, qualified teachers, literacy interventionists, curricular materials geared to literacy achievement, smaller teacher-student ratios.” “We won’t ask for anything that Governor Whitmer has not called for as part of a basic, minimal education preparing Detroit children for the opportunity to better their circumstances and become meaningful participants in our democracy,” he continued. “As Judge Clay noted, we can’t call ourselves a real democracy until every child has their shot.” Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and Board President Iris Taylor said in a letter to the governor: “We respect your advocacy for traditional public education throughout the state and in Detroit. However, we encourage you to stop listening to attorneys and rely on your instincts.” “The decision shines a bright light on the State’s failures toward the school district’s children and employees, mainly teachers,” the letter from Vitti and Taylor continues. “Despite the district’s improvement under an elected empowered school board and appointed superintendent, the legacy of state control will negatively impact children and the community for years. Accountability and justice are required.” A group of black leaders is also calling on Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to “claim her place in history” by negotiating a settlement in the landmark Detroit Right to Literacy case. National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Martin Luther King III and Yvonne M. White, president of the Michigan State Conference of the NAACP, joined Dr. Pamela L. Pugh to call on Gov. Whitmer to settle the case of Gary B. v. Whitmer and ensure equal access to edu-

cation for black children in Michigan. Dr. Pugh, the vice president of the Michigan State Board of Education, who is both a defendant and an appellee in the case, wrote to the governor urging settlement on Friday. Crump, who represented the families of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and many other victims of racial injustice, called this a seminal issue for the black community that will long be remembered by black voters in Michigan and throughout the country. “This is the Brown v. Board of Education of our lifetimes – the chance to change the life trajectory of countless underprivileged black and brown children in Michigan,” Crump said. “This is Gov. Whitmer’s appointment with destiny. The next choice she makes will define her place in history.” White of the Michigan NAACP said the ruling sets the stage for Gov. Whitmer to make a lasting mark on Michigan and “even the scales of justice for hundreds of thousands of children of color who don’t stand a chance of succeeding without a decent education.” The next step in the litigation is up to Governor Whitmer. It’s time to move the case from the courtroom to the classroom and work to settle this quickly. Education is the great equalizer, giving all children a chance to meet or exceed society’s expectations, even when faced with substantial disparities in wealth and racial inequality. Governor Whitmer has publicly stated in the past that she supports the right to literacy and she campaigned that she would see the right realized if elected. Everyone who knows Detroit schools and champions the desire of the students to learn in order to achieve their potential should agree that this is the time to provide them that opportunity. As Judge Eric L. Clay wrote in his decision: When “a group of children is relegated to a school system that does not provide even a plausible chance to attain literacy, we hold that the Constitution provides them with a remedy.” Governor Whitmer, it’s time to fix the damn schools.

William T. Riley, III will soon be celebrating 5 years as the Police Chief of Inkster. With a population of just under 25,000 people, Chief Riley is committed to protecting citizens, lowering crime rates, and continued training for his officers. Having worked in Alabama for ten years in Tornado Alley and on the east cost in the midst of floods, hurricanes, and ice storms, emergency management is nothing new to him.

would be very difficult to police. However, if that did happen they could rely on the assistance and support from the Michigan State Police and the Wayne County Sherriff’s Department.

When it comes to COVID-19 and the community of Inkster, Chief Riley has employed several standards for his personnel to follow as a result of his professional experience. He has asked his officers to keep their distance when they go on calls. Specifically, when they go into anyone’s home, they are asked to step outside so officers won’t have to be in a closed, confined area. Often times, they will provide civilians with PPE.

“We’re thankful for Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and the Wayne County Sherriff’s Department for coming out with 200 individual boxes of food for our seniors. This has meant so much to our citizens.”

“Our goal is to keep ourselves and the citizens as healthy as possible”, said Chief Riley. “I am proud to announce that no one in my office has tested positive for COVID-19. We have 0 cases and we intend to keep it that way. This virus is something new, but the way we handle emergency management is not, and it shouldn’t be new to most police chiefs or agencies. This is why we go through training so we can know how to put a team together and make things work.” The department is practicing social distancing by changing shifts to have as few people in the station as possible to minimize contact. As a small department, they can’t afford to have 4-5 staff infected as it

The most important thing is to provide a service to his people and to make sure the citizens stay safe. Chief Riley has also been assisting with food distribution to those in need as well.

Chief Riley is also a member of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s (DWIHN) Board of Directors, the Substance Use Disorder Policy Oversight Board and the Chair of the Committee for Recipient Rights whose purpose is to ensure people served are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. “I hate to see people lose their life during this pandemic, but we must make sure we do our best to protect our people during this crisis. We don’t want the community to see us as a threat. I work so hard and am dedicated to what we do at DWIHN,” says Riley. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24/7 HelpLine at 1-800-241-4949 or visit www.dwihn.org.

| May 13-19, 2020

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Without More Help, Black-Owned Businesses Might Not Survive the Pandemic By Eugene Cornelius Jr. Black communities in the United States not only represent a disproportionate share of casualties from coronavirus, but they have also been deeply affected by the economic impact of the disease. Longstanding racial discrimination in economic and housing policy has increased their risk for exposure to the virus, as well as the resulting financial crisis. The economic effects of the pandemic on Black communities can be explained by several factors. Almost half of Black-owned businesses are in industries - such as administrative and support services, health care and social assistance and retail - that are bearing the brunt of this pandemic. These industries not only pose a health risk because of Eugene Cornelius Jr. the interaction between workers and customers, but they are also especially vulnerable to lower consumer demand due to social distancing measures. Over 90 percent of small businesses in majority Black communities hold cash reserves of fewer than 14 days, so they are more likely to run out of operating funds when customers stay at home. And the most recently available Federal Reserve data shows that Black business owners are denied loans at twice the rate of white owners, so they are more likely to have trouble finding capital to survive the pandemic. In the face of large-scale shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 crisis, there is a clear need for policies to support small business. But the spending programs passed by Congress thus far have ignored the challenges of capital access facing Black-owned firms. During the first round of funding provided for small businesses, borrowers seeking Paycheck Protection Program loans were required to work with banks already participating in the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) primary loan program, thereby excluding firms that worked with smaller community banks. Moreover, Congress allocated just $10 million to the Minority Business Development Agency. According to the Center for Responsible Lending, these conditions may have prevented 95 percent of Blackowned businesses from receiving loans. The second round of small business funding assistance specifically set aside $60 billion for community banks and credit unions that are traditionally a key source of capital for minority-owned firms. However, the measure did not stipulate that minority-owned businesses would have priority access to those funds. Addressing these short-term lending gaps is crucial to ensuring that Blackowned businesses will stay in business long enough to survive the pandemic. But we must also plan for a long-term recovery that emphasizes inclusion. This will require us to remove historic inequities through targeted support for Black-owned businesses and Black workers. We can begin by taking three key steps: First, federal and state governments

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Keeping Michigan’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Ignited During COVID-19 By LeTasha Peebles and Margaret McCammon Every Michigander has been impacted to some degree by COVID-19. Both personally and professionally, these last couple of months have been like nothing any of us have ever experienced before. And for too many within our community of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state, the economic impact has been crippling. Now more than ever, it is on all of us to help uplift our communities. Vital to these efforts is finding new opportunities to support and aid our diverse business owners and entrepreneurs to provide greater equity and inclusion amongst our state’s business ecosystem and economy. That is why this week, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced it is supporting the $1.5 million Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund, administered by Michigan Women Forward, to help entrepreneurs and small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 recover from the outbreak, as well as assist businesses in meeting increased demands in support of COVID-19 response efforts. And while resources through this program are made available to all eligible small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, there is an added priority on those diverse businesses that can demonstrate ownership by underrepresented groups, to help advance the state’s diversified economic portfolio. For example, according to the most recent State of Women-Owned Busi-

nesses Report, Michigan ranked first across the U.S. in growth of women-owned companies in 2019. Between 2014 and 2019, metro Detroit also ranked first in economic clout based on a combination of growth rates for a number of companies, along with employment and revenue figures. Across the U.S., annual growth rates for the number of diverse companies were dramatically higher than for their non-minority counterparts last year. Specifically, African American women-owned businesses grew by 12 percent and accounted for 21 percent of all women-owned businesses. As we all work through the economic impact of COVID-19, it is vital we ensure the diverse businesses that contribute to our economy have the necessary support and resources to help them recover and grow. Funds awarded through the program can be used to support small businesses in managing expenses through the recovery phase, including rent, payroll, and inventory, due to the significant economic impacts of COVID-19. The fund can also advance business growth by providing working capital to assist with increased product or service demand in response to COVID-19, to allow a company to revamp their business virtually through a strengthened online presence, or to start up a company to meet a new demand as a result of COVID-19. This fund will support small businesses of all industries, with grants awarded through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per case, and microloans between $5,000 and $10,000

based on the indicated need. Small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups interested in applying can do so at miwf.org/mwf-entrepreneur-resilience-fund. Michigan Women Forward will consider applications on a weekly basis and are working with other potential funding partners to provide additional opportunities for grants and loans through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. So far, Consumers Energy Foundation, the New Economy Initiative and General Motors Corporation, Fifth Third Bank and Comerica Bank are contributing to this critical cause. No matter the challenges we may face, our state is known for its ingenuity and resilience; as Michiganders, we always find a way to lift ourselves back up when knocked down. And through the coming days, weeks and months, that is exactly what we are all going to do again, together. Other resources for businesses across Michigan to assist them in recovering from economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/ covid19. This site includes resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Pure Michigan Business Connect procurement platform, support services offered through the Small Business Development Center and more. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq. LeTasha Peebles and Margaret McCammon are members of the MEDC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation initiative.

Tatiana Grant opens new Marketing & Communications Firm By Darraynn Hutson “I remember my mother talking about Marlowe Stoudamire to someone that didn’t know him; she said that ‘he was a beacon calling attention to the talent of Detroit,’” says Tatiana Grant, co-founder and owner of 2050 Partners, Inc, a new firm delivering integrated marketing, social impact and business strategies to its clients. “Marlowe had been encouraging me to start a partnership with him because he said that I was perfect at bringing strategies and events together on the back end. He felt that I deserved so much more than that.” The native Detroiter and serial entrepreneur runs both Infused PR & Events - whose clients include Michigan’s M1 rail and McDonalds, and Cultivate MI Solutions, the only company in the state to hold a license for recreational cannabis events, both while successfully managing the launch of

a new brand, 2050 Partners just prior to the tragic death of her mentor and partner Marlowe Stoudamire. Stoudamire died due to complications from contracting the Coronavirus. “Infused PR & Events has always been my money maker and has allowed me to fuel other businesses. Before I had even considered Cultivate MI, a third company - Flash Delivery - was bleeding money with [the creation of competitors] Grubhub, Uber Eats and Postmates. I was pregnant with my daughter when one of my mentors suggested that I investigate the cannabis delivery business,” says Grant. 2050 Partners came on the heels of a devastating blow that would leave Grant a victim of partner fraud. Recovering from the loss of a fledgling business while becoming a new mom was challenging but not daunting. Grant always surrounded herself with mentors and individuals that supported

her vision. “About a week before we officially launched the company, Marlowe and I were talking about executive things that included working with the CFO and accountants. He knew that I wanted to be hands-on with those people specifically because I had been burned before with my previous partner. He understood that and I appreciated him for letting me take the lead. He knew that there were bigger things in store for us,” said Grant. Expansion and resilience are the cornerstones behind Grant’s success. She started the partnership at a tumultuous time when most business owners, especially Detroit business owners would have given up. “After the betrayal of my previous business partner, I was devastated but I was also six months’ pregnant which is when I became so much more spiritual. I started to envision the reasons why people do the things they do and

See 2050

PARTNERS, INC page A6

May 13-19, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6

4 Steps to Create a Household Budget with Staying Power (StatePoint) These uncertain times are forcing more people to reexamine finances and rewrite their household budgets. According to the Pew Research Center in a survey conducted soon after the COVID-19 crisis began, 33% of Americans either lost their jobs or suffered a pay cut or reduction in work hours. Plus, 49% said the outbreak is a major threat to their personal finances. Regardless of your situation, examining your budget and making some changes can save money and make your financial future more secure. Here are four ways to budget wisely. 1. Calculate the bottom line: Figure out your baseline income. Then, categorize expenses by what you need to maintain your standard of living, such as a mortgage, utilities, groceries and insurance. Another category should include non-essential expenses. Determine if you also want to set aside money for savings, retirement plans or college tuition. And, experts advise setting aside at least three to six months of expenses for emergencies. Once you have these numbers, you can calculate what you’ll need on a monthly basis. 2. Eliminate or reduce niceto-haves: If your expenses are still too high, or you want to save more, take another look at discretionary spending and find ways to cut. One easy way to save is to cancel premium

TV channels, switch to a basic package or even sign up for a streaming service instead (Sling, Hulu, etc.). You can also drop your DVR option to save on the monthly bill. Digitally streaming or downloading content from your local library is another entertainment option too – everything from movies, music and magazines is available at no charge. 3. Find ways to save on the must-haves: Everyone needs insurance and many companies offer discounts if you buy both auto and home insurance together. You can also look for unique programs to control expenses. For example, Erie Insurance offers a program called ERIE

2050 Partners, Inc. From page A-5 why they are put in situations where they believe they have to lie, deceive and [commit] fraud. It was hard but I had to keep going. I was driven to thrive and live,” said Grant. “It has been weird that I’ve been blessed to have strong businesses and strong mentors that have always supported my entrepreneurial spirit.” Grant received praise from 2050 Partners’ clients after the untimely death of Stoudamire. “Our family of parents, staff and shareholders were devastated when we heard about Marlowe’s passing,” says Diane Fisher, CEO of Chandler Park Academy, 2050 Partners’ first client. “We have been changed for the better after working with 2050 Partners for

Rate Lock that takes away the worry of having car insurance premiums rise with inflation. Instead, unless you move, get a different car or change drivers, you’ll pay the same amount every year, even if you have a claim. Erie Insurance also announced immediate financial relief for auto customers impacted by the pandemic. Other ways to save include taking advantage of credit card rewards and cash back apps, and making sure to use them. And if you’re overwhelmed by keeping things organized, there are free services online to track your loyalty program points, including airline miles. 4. Consider at-home side gigs: Many are supplementing

just a short time. It’s been amazing that the whole team -- Marlowe, Tatiana and everyone involved -- have become a part of our family. Enrollment is up, our website conveys our mission and our community partnerships have grown. That’s all due to our work with 2050 Partners. Our transformation has been painful for some because we have been doing business the same way for 22 years, but it has been amazing.” 2050 Partners’ active clients include Charles H. Wright Museum for African American History which is in the midst of planning the annual African World Festival 2020, and the Michigan State Police which is involved in a powerful community engagement and brand strategy campaign. Since 2009, Tatiana Grant’s brand has partnered with other major Detroit players such as Mayor Duggan’s “Duggan for

their income without leaving the safety of their living room. In fact, nearly half of working Americans have a gig outside their primary job, according to Bankrate. But before applying for a remote job, always check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company is legit. Depending on your skills, there are a variety of online jobs you could do, such as customer service, copywriting or online tutoring. By tracking and cutting expenses, taking advantage of discounts and special savings programs, and perhaps even earning extra money on the side, you’ll be on your way to having a household budget with staying power.

Detroit” campaign, the PGA, the Detroit Super Bowl host committee and so many others. “I believe that it is my purpose to start these businesses and it’s been odd how things have come together. To say it’s been a roller coaster would be an understatement,” says Grant. “A month ago, I was on cloud nine because we were about a week away from announcing Michigan’s first recreational cannabis event. Then we got a call that the governor was shutting down all outside events and the coronavirus swept away how we do business. If I was not a spiritual person and surrounded by people that love me, I would not be able to keep moving forward. I have to continue to live and continue to thrive because none of this hard work is done in vain. We are representatives of how Detroit does business and I believe that Marlowe would be proud of that.”

Pandemic From page A-5 should enact robust credit enhancement programs for minority borrowers. These programs provide incentives for banks to lend to businesses in low- and middle-income areas, allowing more firms to remain open and refrain from laying off workers. In states with existing loan programs that provide credit enhancement, treasury officials should make loans more flexible, easier to access and increase loan guarantees. In others, where credit enhancement programs do not yet exist, treasury officials should create loss reserve funds and collateral support mechanisms, as well as a marketplace to pair pre-qualified lenders with borrowers in need of working capital. State governments can also authorize one-to-one matches for philanthropic funding to expand the pool of available capital. Second, credit enhancement programs should also be used to support place-based investment, with a priority on housing and infrastructure in low-income areas. For example, officials can increase loan guarantees to support construction of housing for individuals earning from 80 percent to 200 percent of the local average median income, or offer special collateral guarantees for minority-owned businesses with revenues under $5 million to invest in long-term assets. Third, place-based investments should emphasize environmental quality in low-income and minority communities through special support for projects with higher air and water quality standards -including the remediation of outdated water infrastructure. Using federal and state loan guarantees to fund these investments will simultaneously support improvements to the health of minority populations and reduce their vulnerability to future health crises. As we look beyond the pandemic, these steps are crucial for ensuring the American dream is within reach of minorities across the country. By addressing fun-

damental inequities in our economic system, we can begin to pave a new avenue toward a more prosperous future. Eugene Cornelius Jr. is senior director for the Milken Institute Center for Regional Economics. He previously served as a senior official in the U.S. Small Business Administration. This commentary first appeared on CNN.com.

Viewpoint Michigan Chronicle

A Real Times Media Newspaper

May 13-19, 2020 | Page A-7

The Lifeboat Dilemma Like the Titanic, the U.S. ship “Democracy” has struck several proverbial icebergs and is going down. The madman at the helm who drove us into these multiple disasters is insisting that the band continue to play a merry tune as the water rises above the gunnels. The Democratic Party establishment has launched an unimpressive life raft in the form of former Vice President Joe Biden and insists that, for the sake of our own survival, people of color and the poor must jump aboard. There are many of us who eye this questionable escape route with suspicion. There are even some who realize that the good ship Democracy is going down but are loathe to get aboard the flimsy “Biden.”

color. His 1995 Crime Bill, his opposition to women’s freedom of choice for their reproductive rights, his treatment of Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas hearings, his opposition to busing for school desegregation and his “too cozy” relationships with segregationists during the 1970s all stand out as bright red flags warning us of his willingness to abandon us. For Biden to convince us that he has a more equitable view of government, he must foremost choose a female woman of color as his vice presidential running mate If this is a deal breaker for the party insiders, that says more about the party than it does about the significant number of highly qualified women of color in politics who would run on the Democratic ticket.

Oscar H. Blayton

This hesitation and recalcitrance are viewed by Democratic Party loyalists as insanity. “How can you possibly risk another four years under a Trump presidency?” they fume with incredulity. “Nothing could be worse than four more years under the ‘orange scourge.’” But suspicion of Joe Biden and the Democratic Party insiders is neither insane nor imprudent. When you are being invited by cannibals to join them in a life raft, they may be less interested in your survival than they are in having an adequate food supply. And it cannot be denied that the Democratic Party eats its own. Time and again, people of color loyal to the Democratic Party have suffered wounds inflicted by party insiders. After praising African American women for saving the party in the November 2018 elections, insiders are now leaning towards finding a vice presidential candidate who can “appeal to ‘working class Americans.’” “Working class Americans” is a not-so-subtle dog whistle to moderate white voters who turned their backs on the Democratic Party and voted for Trump in 2016.

Next, Joe Biden must legitimately embrace universal health care now that the weaknesses of the current health care structure of this country have been exposed by the COVID-19 crisis. He also must take responsible positions on climate change and the environment, prison reform, police misconduct and minimum wage, as well as the United States being a reliable global partner in the areas of women’s rights and human rights generally. Unfortunately, even if Joe Biden does not deliver on these issues, we will have to vote for him in November. He will not deserve our votes, but he will get them anyway because we must rid America of Trump. But Biden will be well advised to understand that he will be a one-term president if he tries to return this country to the way things were. There will be opposition to his re-election, kicking off on the day of his inauguration in 2021. His political persona has too many comorbidities to survive a sustained and determined four-year assault from the left, which he will certainly face if he disappoints.

We step into Biden’s life raft at our own peril if we do not demand some conditions first.

The Joe Biden we know can be tolerated for one term, but he is not the future of this country. We will grudgingly put him in office, but we will enthusiastically vote him out of office if he tries to take the country back into the past.

The multi-flawed Joe Biden has a lot to atone for in order to deserve the vote of poor Americans and people of

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

In America the Choice –

Death, Coronavirus or the Economy By Roger Caldwell NNPA Newswire Contributor

Under the direction and management of President Donald Trump and his coronavirus pandemic task force, there has been mass death. With over 56,000 deaths, and over one million cases of the virus, there are still no masks, limited ventilators, limited gowns, limited tests-kits and massive corruption. Instead of President Trump’s weekly briefing solidifying and bringing the Roger Caldwell country together to fight a common enemy, the nation is more divided and broken. President Trump’s briefings have become a comedy show, where officials tell lies, there’s no coordinated national plan, and made up facts. In the last week, the president has made a mockery of the country by suggesting that citizens could cure COVID-19 by injecting bleach, or tanning. Here are Trump’s strange remarks, “And then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks out in a minute, one minute. Is there a way where we can do something like that, by injection? Almost a cleaning. So, it would be interesting to check that,” Trump said. As a result of President Trump’s statements, major companies have put out statements to customers to not follow the president’s instructions or advice. This strange behavior is bizarre, and the president’s numbers are getting worse instead of better. After this debacle, many Americans are forced to ask the question, “Do we trust our president and the government?” The failure is national, and our president sees the coronavirus pandemic in personal and political terms. He is forcing Republican governors to open up the country with limited thought, no strategic plan, and everyone on their own. Trump sees the coronavirus pandemic as a “temporary speed bump,” that will magically disappear, and things will go back to normal. America will not be just back in business, the virus is highly contagious,

and there will probably be more than one wave. With the Republican governors opening their states, we can expect more carnage and death, because there is no drug or vaccine. “The virus should have united America against a common threat. With different leadership, it might have. Instead, even as it spread from blue to red, attitudes broke down along familiar partisan lines. The virus also should have been a great leveler. You don’t have to be in the military or in debt to be a target – You just have to be human,” says George Parker – reporter for The Atlantic. But under the Trump and Republican regime, they have decided that compassion, integrity, and truth were character faults that should never be practiced or exemplified. Trump and the Republicans are only interested in making money and the healthcare system and economy is set up for the rich to keep winning. There is something wrong with a healthcare system that is expecting Americans to die, and don’t care if only less than 2% of the population have been tested. The Republican leaders only care about opening up the economy and get as many people as they can off unemployment. The president never talks about death and families suffering, because “happy talk” makes Americans feel better. The universe is speaking, and all our president can do is lie, lie and lie. “He never even pretended to be president of the whole country, but pitted us against one another along lines of race, sex, religion, citizenship, education, region, and – every day of his presidency – political party. His main tool of governance was to lie,” says George Parker. History is bound to repeat itself, and the second wave of a pandemic is usually the most fatal and deadly. America is at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and very few Americans are thinking. It is very easy to lie, but covid-19 will force you to tell the truth. “The fight to overcome the pandemic must be a fight to recover the health of our country and build anew. Under our current leadership nothing will change,” — George Parker. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

Will Our Houses of Worship Be Ready for the “New Normal” When Michigan Reopens? By Rev. Dr. Steve Bland Jr. President, Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity Senior Pastor, Liberty Temple Baptist Church

As Senior Pastor of Liberty Temple Baptist Church on Detroit’s westside, I have urged my congregation to adhere to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s’ “Stay-atHome” Executive Order. It was issued to slow the spread of the highly contagious and deadly COVID-19. Over the last six Sundays, worship services at Liberty Temple have been exclusively presented to members and guests via audio and visual platforms, inclusive of Facebook live streaming and social media. Except for my production team, no other congregates attended worship services in the sanctuary.

to be spaced. Remote sites inside of churches may be needed for groups of churchgoers to watch televised services and sermons, to reduce large numbers of people from gathering in the sanctuary. For the in-house-worship experiences, ushers and greeters’ roles may have to shift from shaking hands, giving hugs or handing out bulletins to monitoring church entrances, allowing people in at intervals, but not to exceed a set number. Verbal expressions of love and courtesy must replace those that engage human touch which is so foreign to our cultural practices and spiritual belief systems. Passing trays for offering or Communion must now be re-examined for more practical means without violating the sacred sanctity of its Divine purpose.

As President of the CounWe must also seek to cil of Baptist Pastors of De- Rev. Dr. Steve Bland Jr. provide PPE equipment troit & Vicinity (COBAP), I have also urged our 150-plus pastors (e.g. masks, gloves, etc.) to meet what– through our weekly conference-call ever the indoor requirements are for meetings averaging 70+, to strongly ad- gathering. For individuals who come to vise their respective congregations to church without a mask, one should be follow these directives to “stay home, given at the door. This will help them stay safe, save lives” until the COVID-19 have protection in the various places they must go even after leaving the worvirus has been contained. ship experience. Too often we require Michigan is now slowly reopening what we don’t help provide! some businesses, with others expected Weekly meetings and other gathto follow suit gradually. I’m grateful that erings traditionally held at churches, our State still has its foot on and over the brake, so that we don’t set off anoth- such as Bible studies, ministry/auxiliary er destructive wave. While pressure is meetings, and choir rehearsals, etc. all being put on, by protesters in particular must be carefully strategized with these brandishing assault rifles and not prac- practices in mind. ticing social distancing to make faster Church weddings and funerals will moves to restoring an understandably be different going forward as is the case tough economic reality, we must be now. The number of family, etc. in attencareful not to make the same mistakes dance may be greatly restricted while all of previous administrations in the wake practicing these safety measures. Many of the 6th anniversary of the Flint Water people have contracted this deadly virus Crisis - to prioritize profits over people at such gatherings. and livelihood over life! However long it may take, it’s cruYet, very little has been said about cial that we continue to be safe, by takreopening our churches, and how our ing care of ourselves, our families, our churches will look and operate in the friends and neighbors, and others we “new normal.” We must have respect for encounter while continuing to live out the safety of our parishioners and the our Holy faith. families and friends they are connected Through it all, we take comfort in to. knowing “this too shall pass!” Our People will soon begin returning faith teaches us that even when we walk to the church sanctuaries, temples, through the valleys of the shadow of mosques, etc. across the city and be- death, God is right there with us – and yond. When the time comes, churchgo- He will carry and see us through. ers should expect many modifications In the weeks and months ahead, it’s to the scope of how worship services important that we use our sound mind are delivered. In other words, there will (common sense, good decision-making) and should be measurable changes to that God has given us. Dr. Calvin Butts, prepare and execution our worship exesteemed New York Pastor and friend, periences. says: “Religion tastes better with some We will and should give strict adher- common sense!” ence to safety, spacing, sanity, and sanLet us not be fearful to examine our itizing! Our traditional practices must practices, programming and faith tradinow be under prayerful review before we tions, but continue to serve God even in migrate back into our places of worship. new ways. We must be cautious about For the foreseeable future, church- our joyful return to our spiritual homes es will need to find innovative ways to from this unexpected pandemic exodus. reduce the gathering of large numbers Otherwise, there may be another one to of people for worship services in the follow soon after! sanctuary. The solution may be to hold Let’s explore new normals and formore and smaller services than normal, sake “old abnormals!” God wants to do i.e., morning, noon, afternoon and early a new thing! I trust that you, like I, still evening, to adhere to social distancing believe we’re Stronger Together. In the and restraints that will need to continue words of our COBAP 2020 Vision Statein the coming weeks and months. ment, We’re Looking Forward, Going There will be a need for fewer people Further, Climbing Higher! to sit on each pew, and chairs will have Keep looking up!

Voice of the Voice of the Community at your Community fingertips at your

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May 13-19, 2020

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Maintaining Mental Health Amidst The COVID-19 Crisis In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Michigan Chronicle is launching Mind Yourself: Maintaining Mental Health Amidst The COVID-19 Crisis, a month-long series on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in the black community. Mind Yourself will provide resources and tips on maintaining emotional wellbeing during these troubling times and beyond. Visit MichiganChronicle.com for the latest news. Tune in on Thursday, May 28th at 2 p.m. for a Facebook Live Roundtable discussion.

Thursday, May 14 @ 2 p.m. | Facebook Live @ MichiganChronicle Panelist

Moderator

Pierre Batton

Vice President of Small Business Services DEGC (Detroit Economic Growth Corporation)

Rory Jaynes

Vice President Sr Banker Business Banking Flagstar Bank

Kala Gibson

Executive Vice President & Head of Business Banking Fifth Third Bank

Joshua Hundt

Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer MEDC

Rufus Bartell Owner RBI Group

Michigan Chronicle

Maintaining Mental Health Amidst The COVID-19 Crisis B1 | May 13-19, 2020

michiganchronicle.com

How to Stay Healthy While Social Distancing

Maintaining

(StatePoint) COVID-19 has the public rethinking how they stay healthy -- both physically and mentally. Even those in good health can start to feel anxious and fearful when the words ‘pandemic’ and ‘social distancing’ are mentioned.

Mental Wellness

But can you stay active and mentally healthy while social distancing? The answer is a resounding yes. While routines have changed, it’s critical that people keep exercising and eating nutritious meals, since the body is often able to better fight off illnesses when it’s healthy and strong. Taking these steps helps fight off stress, which most people are experiencing right now in one way or another. Here is some advice from Cigna chief nursing officer, Mary Picerno to help stay healthy, both physically and mentally, during this time.

During COVID-19

May is Mental Health Awareness Month • Get Outside: While it’s important to limit physical interactions, getting outside for a run, walk or bicycle ride is a great way to boost endorphins and enjoy fresh air. Just make sure to maintain six feet between yourself and others. If weather or other reasons limit your ability to go outside, many companies and gyms are offering free online exercises right now. Endorphins have been found to reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness and help fight against depression. • Get Proper Nutrition: Add fruits and vegetables to your plate for colorful, nutrient-rich meals. Vegetables also are a good source of fiber. Eating well will help you feel better and give you energy to keep moving. Now is a great time to try that new recipe or food subscription box! • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dehydration can cause unclear thinking and mood swings. Not sure how much to drink? Many medical professionals suggest following the 8x8 rule, eight ounces of water eight times a day. • Stay Connected: Just because you can’t be with friends and family in person doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch. Set up time to connect with video chats, phone calls and emails. Staying connected doesn’t have to be high-tech. Have kids or just a kid at heart? Write encouraging messages on your driveway or in your windows for your neighbors, and postal and delivery workers.

See SOCIAL DISTANCING Page B-2

By Susan Kozak

health and recognize signs of mental health problems.

hile one in five people in the U.S. will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, right now, we are all facing unique challenges that are impacting our mental health. Sheltering in place, separation from loved ones, loss of income or a job, the devasting fallout and effects from an already uncertain and anxiety-filled time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The first step to take control of our mental state is to recognize the signs that how we are dealing with the present circumstances, our coping mechanisms, are no longer working.

Americans are struggling with mental health during the COVID-19 closures and many are turning to unhealthy habits to cope. In a University of Michigan study that began a week after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, 28 percent of respondents said they used alcohol or drugs to feel better. More than 50 percent of people reported symptoms of anxiety every day or several days a week. May is Mental Health Month and considering what is happening in our world, there is no better time to proactively prioritize our mental wellness. The good news is there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency - and there are ways that everyone can be supportive of friends, family, and co-workers who are struggling with life’s challenges or their mental health. One of the easiest tools anyone can use is taking a mental health screen at mhascreening.org when they need answers. It’s a quick, free, and private way for people to assess their mental

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here’s what stress during an infectious disease outbreak can look like: • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones • Changes in sleeping or eating habits • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating • Worsening of chronic health problems • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs You may not be able to control the virus, but you can help control your emotional reaction to it. Here are some strategies to help you manage your anxiety. Stay connected. While many are physically separated from friends and loved ones, we are fortunate to have several means to still stay connected. Of course, there is Skype, Facebook, Zoom, and other great tech tools that are a click away. But even a simple phone rotation list of 10 to 15 people to commit to call weekly is not only good for the recipient but will help you as well to stay in touch. Be sure to include those you may not normally speak to on a regular basis and those who may be especially isolated right now.

How to COPE with the Fear of

Returning to the World By Darlene White After nearly two months under the coronavirus shutdown people are starting to head back to their normal lives outside of their homes. During this transition there may be a lot of people feeling anxiety about possibly being exposed to COVID-19 or even returning to their old routine after months of upturn. Some people have lost loved ones or know someone who got sick during the pandemic, so it will hit close to home. Others may have anxiety about returning to work safely; or about finding a safe daycare for their children, who are not returning to

school. Others will be tired of being at home and will welcome the opportunity to go about life as if nothing is happening. But, how are people coping with the fear of returning to the real world after the pandemic? Summer Starr, 22, a recent graduate and employee at Wayne State University says, she doesn’t feel that the world is ready to return back to normal due to the pandemic. “I’m unsure and uneasy about the world opening up,” she said. “It still feels too soon and I’m not sure if the U.S or any country is in

See RETURN TO THE WORLD page B-2

Get a routine. Lives have been turned upside down and we’ve lost the comfort of daily routines. Some are working more than ever, and others have reduced hours or lost their jobs altogether. If you haven’t been in one, begin to set a regular schedule by getting up at a set time, plan time for household chores and exercise, and other things. The benefit a routine brings is it provides us with a sense of normalcy and control when things feel so out of control. Practice gratitude. Science has shown that people who practice gratitude are happier and more optimistic -- and you can easily teach yourself how to do it. It’s easy to dwell on the negative, but it takes conscious effort to focus on what is good. Take time to quiet yourself and think about what you’re most grateful for each day. Reach out for help. If your stress reactions are interfering with your life for two weeks in a row or longer, call your healthcare provider. It is important to note that while many businesses are temporarily closed at this time, behavioral health centers, such as Community Care Services in Lincoln Park is open, providing online virtual TeleHealth therapy and accepting new consumers and has been designated one of two Urgent Behavioral Health Care Services Provider for Wayne County by the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Center. For each of us, the tools we use to keep us mentally healthy will be unique. Finding what works for you may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes.

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • May 13-19, 2020

Breaking the self-isolation blues

By Susan Kozak

If you’re experiencing anxiety and depression while in self-isolation, try giving the news channel and your social media accounts a break.

Months ago, the idea of staying at home with few obligations or commitments may have seemed appealing. But now that it’s become our new reality, many long for structured days at work, the regularity of school schedules, and enjoying ‘nonessential’ outings without a second thought. Monotony has set in and days are running together. While this extended period of isolation may be a necessary measure for public health, unfortunately, it could also have a detrimental impact on our mental health.

Combat quarantine loneliness Being quarantined or isolated is difficult. Start by planning your day and following a regular schedule. There’s satisfaction in ticking off tasks from a list and can help make the day more productive. There are countless studies that show the direct benefits of activity and exercise on the mind. Boosting endorphins is one of the best ways to improve both physical and mental health. As the weather gets warmer, go for a walk. Or try working out at home, there are tons of free online programs and classes to keep it interesting. Maintain your connections with others as much as possible. While we are practicing social distancing, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to stay in touch which is good for both parties. This is an ideal time to finally try

From page C-1

any condition to open back up fully.” Starr says her biggest concern returning to her everyday life is the well-being of other people. “You never know how seriously people are taking this virus and it’s a big gamble to go back to “normalcy” and try to live like we used to,” she stated. “There’s got to be a lot of changes made concerning physical contributions towards healthiness and it’s hard to gage how seriously and how often people exercise that.” Starr says she has a specific way that she will cope with returning to work after the pandemic. “I will be sure to wear my masks, gloves, and remain social distancing and continue constant hand washing throughout the day,” she said.

Create structure working from home Structure helps us to feel stable, but when work routine changes, consider creating other routines that feel ‘normal.’ Dedicate a space to your work that has few distractions. It may be helpful to dress in work clothes as you usually would, but no one will fault you if you decide to be comfortable). Schedule times when you work and times when you take breaks. Prioritize self-care activities throughout the day, such as taking breaks to move your body and have lunch. Not spending in-person time with colleagues can be challenging, especially for those with mental health challenges and people living alone. While nothing can fully replace seeing people in person, technology can be extremely helpful. When speaking with colleagues, consider using video, rather than just phone calls and emails.

Return to the World

This is our new normal, she added. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are many different ways people can cope with stress during the transition back to everyday life.

your hand at that something you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe it’s painting, writing or learning to cook or garden. Many of us have extra time on our hands and staying productive and learning new things can be therapeutic.

access to support groups, mental health providers and other support systems, there are online resources that can help. If you feel that the isolation, stress or anxiety is becoming a daily struggle, reach out for help to your primary care doctor.

It’s safe to say that most of us have logged in more binge-watching movies and favorite TV shows than ever before. Be mindful of your screen time, whether for work or pleasure. The blue light from smartphones, computers and TV can be disruptive to your sleep and overall wellbeing.

It is important to note that while many businesses are temporarily closed at this time, behavioral health centers, such as Community Care Services in Lincoln Park is open, providing online virtual TeleHealth therapy and accepting new consumers and has been designated one of two Urgent Behavioral Health Care Services Provider for Wayne County by the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Center. Contact Community Care Services by calling 313-389-7500 or visiting www.comcareserv.org.

Hearing about the crisis repeatedly can be upsetting to some people.

About the author - Susan Kozak has been a licensed social worker for the past 35 years and currently serves as the executive director of Community Care Services, a position she has held since 2011.

“Since I own an event hall I for sure have anxiety, because my business is specifically for crowds of people,” she said. “Even though my space is smaller and on the intimate side it worries me that people are more concerned with partying than to be concerned with safety.”

• Get Support: Talking through concerns and fears can help put them in perspective and make you feel calmer. You may want to reach out for professional support if you’re struggling. Cigna offers many resources and tools, including a 24-hour toll-free help line (1-855-287-8400) to speak with qualified behavior health clinicians, a webinar focused on managing anxiety, fears and concerns, and mindfulness podcasts (available in English and Spanish) focused on improving resiliency and stress management.

For my peace of mind, I do not plan to open my event space right away, says White.

For many people, we are feeling information overload. Listening to the news right now can be incredibly overwhelming and the same goes for social media where everyone has an opinion on everything, and all those posts won’t help your mental health. If you’re experiencing anxiety and depression while in self-isolation, try giving the news channel and your social media accounts a break. While you may not have in-person

Social Distancing From page B-1 • Know Your Options: One of the best ways to prepare is knowing what to do if you start to show symptoms. Cigna and many other health insurers are now waiving the costs of doctor visits related to a COVID-19 diagnosis as well as the cost of COVID-19 FDA-approved testing. To minimize your exposure, call or email your doctor or a local health system about a telehealth visit to be screened for COVID-19. The provider will then identify what steps you should take next.

During this challenging time, taking care of your health should be a priority.

If possible, people should take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media about the pandemic.

Another idea is, taking care of your body. Eating a well-balanced meal, mediating, and exercising is extremely important to your well-being. People should also note that if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row, they should call their health care provider. Da’Nae White, ceo of Da’Luxe Events of Detroit says is fearful about her business, because of the virus.

“Besides following protocol of state regulations, as I did before with cleaning and maybe having even smaller than normal gatherings. I also would wait at least a month after the world opens back up to play it safe,” she added. White says she is coping a lot better these days when it comes to the crisis. “Things has gotten better overtime. I was an essential worker and decided to stay home with my family. Now I’m not as nervous to grocery shop like I was before,” she explained. I am ready to work again, but when it is safe for all. I can’t wait to put smiles on my customers faces again, but until then I think its best we stay home and stay safe,” she said.

We all need to We all need to We all need to do our part. do our part. do our part.

How you can slow the spread of COVID-19. How you can slow the spread of COVID-19. How you can slow the spread of COVID-19. 6 feet 6 feet 6 feet Wash hands frequently Wash hands

frequently Wash hands frequently

Cover your cough Cover your

cough Cover your cough

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your face Don’t touch your face

Stay home Stay home Stay home

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Protect those at the highest risk for getting severely ill: the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions heart disease, COPD,ill: and with compromised immune Protect those like at the highest risk diabetes for gettingand severely thethose elderly, those with chronic medical systems. If you you mayrisk have of COVID-19, call with your healthcare provider first. Protect those atthink the highest for symptoms gettingand severely ill: thethose elderly, those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes COPD, and compromised immune conditions likethink heart disease, diabetes and COPD, and those immune systems. If you you may have symptoms of COVID-19, call with your compromised healthcare provider first. systems. If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider first.

Get the facts. Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. Get the facts. Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. Get the facts. Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

May 13-19, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page B-3

5 Tips on How to Combat Loneliness During Social Distancing (StatePoint) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are staying in their homes to help prevent the spread of the disease. Feeling lonely from time to time is natural, but this unprecedented time of social distancing could lead to increased loneliness. There are some easy ways to feel connected to others, even when you aren’t seeing them in person. Consider these tips from Dr. Doug Nemecek, Cigna chief medical officer for behavioral health. • Use technology… but not too much. Social media is a favorite and easy way to stay connected to family and friends, but too much use can leave you feeling lonely. Cigna’s 2020 U.S. Loneliness Index found that 72 percent of very heavy social media users identify themselves as lonely. Balance technology use with disconnecting and taking time for yourself. Use real-time interactions with others, like video chats, to build meaningful connections and limit time spent passively scrolling social media. Read a book, take a walk or do a puzzle after

screen time. It may help you feel more connected when you spend time online. • Join a virtual club or group. There are plenty of resources available to find virtual book clubs, craft communities or even fitness challenges. You can start a new hobby, learn a skill or find others who are interested in the same things as you, remotely. Once the guidelines for social distancing are lifted, you’ll have new friends you can meet in person. • Spend time outdoors. Simply leaving your house to take a jog around your neighborhood or to walk your dog a few blocks could improve your spirits, refreshing you for the next time you virtually connect with others. • Ask those you reach out to how they’re really doing. How you connect with those in your network makes a significant difference in how lonely you feel. People tend to feel less lonely when connecting on a deeper level. Cigna’s study found that those who do not feel they have close relationships that give them emotional security and

well-being have an average loneliness score of nearly 15 points higher than those that do. When video chatting with friends, ask them for their most honest response when you ask how they’re doing. Everyone will likely feel better for it. • Rethink working hours. We spend approximately 90,000 hours at work over our lifetime, so how we spend that time will play an important role in how we feel overall. Improving your work-life balance and connecting with colleagues can reduce loneliness. Your employer may also benefit from you feeling less lonely. Lonely employees are less productive, produce lower quality work and miss more days of work. So, talk to your boss about slight changes you can make to how you spend your working hours. This could help you feel less lonely and benefit your company. Being unable to spend time with others in-person will likely cause many of us to feel lonely, but there are ways to help lessen those feelings during this challenging time.

Be Focused About Caring for your Mental Health Amid this worldwide coronavirus pandemic, each of us faces unique challenges to our mental health and well-being. Some people are living alone, facing a deep sense of loneliness being quarantined apart from loved ones, church families, communities and friends. Others are suddenly navigating a chaotic world with our children at home all day, trying to balance home-schooling with parenting duties, housework and a full-time job. Others are facing the loss of their job, their business, their employees while still others are devastated by the loss of a loved one due to complications from COVID-19 — and unable to grieve with family. The immediate and numerous difficulties we’re all facing are nothing like our world has seen, causing some to resort to an auto-pilot existence, ticking off the many tasks just to get through each day, while the anxiety and stress mount. It’s under-

standable. Yet we must find ways to prioritize for our mental health and well-being. May is Mental Health Awareness Month – an important reminder to find ways to care for your mental health, especially during this trying time. In a normal year, about one-fourth of all Americans experience a behavioral health condition, while over a lifetime, about fifty percent will meet that criteria. People from all backgrounds suffer from mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most common conditions. And importantly, mental well-being and physical health are both important to overall health. Undoubtedly, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis can take a serious toll, which is why I want to share some of the programs and resources available to help our members, employees and the public cope during this unique time.

For our members, we’re expanding telemedicine and waiving copays for behavioral health services. Through Blue Cross Online Visits, members have 24-7 access to U.S. board-certified doctors – and they can make an appointment to see a psychiatrist. Help is just a phone call away if you’re feeling anxious or need support, which is why we’ve created a 24/7 COVID-19 Crisis Hotline (1-833848-1764) and are reminding members about access to our 24-hour nurse’s line. And to assist those with substance use disorders, telehealth programs with behavioral health providers have been expanded for some patients to undergo detoxification and treatment at home. We’re supporting providers and primary care doctors, with funding to expand telemedicine practices. We’ve also extended prior authorization limits and enhanced delivery options

for mail order medications, as well as other measures, to ensure people have easy access to medications they need. Addressing the impact COVID-19 is having on the behavioral health of our members and community is an immediate priority for Blue Cross during this unprecedented time. If you or a loved one are struggling, know that you are not alone. Help is available. I encourage you to prioritize and care for your mental health, which can also help you navigate the challenges of this crisis and ensure better overall health. And if a loved one is suffering, share these resources with them so they can get the care they need, too. We are all in this together, and we will get through it by helping each other. This article was provided courtesy of miblueprespectives.com

Coping With Stress During Uncertain Times 6. Use homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines offer a simple, low-risk solution as they do not suppress the cause of stress itself, but provide enough relief to help you face it and react appropriately.

(StatePoint) Stress is an important and natural stimulant that compels us to adapt to a new environment or lifestyle change. It causes a physiological response that helps us either flee or fight the threat or stressor. But spending too much time on high alert can have damaging health effects.

“Solutions are not always simple. Stress pills, or anxiolytics, relieve tension and some physical symptoms of stress, but unfortunately, they have unwanted side effects, like drowsiness, and can be habit-forming,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, author of “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor,” and founder of Redcross Concierge. “However, homeopathic medicines provide an easy, lower-risk treatment option.”

Prolonged, unwanted and unmanageable stresses like the ones so many people are facing during the pandemic can take a toll, causing anxiety, irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness and digestive upsets. Stress can also aggravate or even trigger chronic diseases. Here are some easy, natural ways to cope: 1. Write a gratitude list. Grab a blank piece of paper and write down a list of things that you are grateful for. This has been proven to drastically improve one’s mood and completely change their perspective. You might even consider making this a daily habit and keeping a journal. 2. Do a random act of kindness. Consider donating to an organization feeding those in need or asking an elderly neighbor if you can pick anything up for them at the store. Give a colleague a compliment. It feels good to do good. 3. Reach out to someone you haven’t

talked to in a while. Think about that person you used to be close to but just haven’t had the time to catch up with. Go ahead and give them a call or arrange to video chat! They will appreciate hearing from you, and reconnecting can put you both in a much better mood.

4. Go for a walk. Step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Going for a walk can help to clear your head. 5. Meditate. You don’t need to invest a lot of time. Meditating for even just five to 10 minutes can reduce stress and anxiety.

Consider using Sedalia from Boiron to relieve nervousness, hypersensitivity and fatigue due to everyday stress, and Quietude to address occasional sleeplessness or restless sleep. Claims for these products are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. They are not FDA evaluated. To learn more, visit shop. BoironUSA.com. While a certain amount of stress is normal and natural, too much of it for too long can have harmful health impacts. To cope safely, take natural steps to relieve tension and worry.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • May 13-19, 2020

Helping our children cope during

COVID-19 May is Mental Health Awareness Month

By Laura Boros

ing, movies, TV and outdoor activities.

ob loss, social isolation, shortages of paper products and school closures have not only challenged the best of coping tools but dramatically exacerbated existing mental health challenges in adults and children prior to Covid-19. While binge watching Netflix, eating fast food and living in pajamas has trended across social media, it actually creates more anxiety and encourages children and teens to resist returning to previous expectations.

Although many schools have advocated that students will not be penalized for incomplete work, a sixmonth break from school is outside the norm and opens the door for behavioral problems. At the very least, set aside an hour or two each day of the week to help your school age child complete homework. At this point, most school districts have provided some type of on-line learning curriculum or sent home packets. For distracted or resistant learners, build in breaks, snacks and get creative with learning to keep them engaged.

In the last three months we have been expected to adapt to how we make money, communicate with our families, shop for essentials, spend our free time and celebrate special occasions. As we continue to feel cut off and drift from daily habits, underlying or preexisting challenges such as depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, panic, mood disorders and substance abuse can become barriers to well -being. Similar to being on a boat, rough water can make even the most seasoned sailor sick to their stomach. Focusing on the horizon is to sea sickness what returning to a routine is for good mental health. Make daily expectations for yourself and the family to wake at a reasonable time, shower, dress for the day, clean the home, prepare and cook meals, exercise, read, communicate with teachers, coworkers, and respond to emails and phone calls. Try to save evenings and the weekend for gam-

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared. Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. The Center for Disease Control offers some common changes to watch for in your child: • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting) • Excessive worry or sadness • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits

• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens

frightened about something they do not understand.

• Poor school performance or avoiding school

• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.

• Difficulty with attention and concentration • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past • Unexplained headaches or body pain • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs Ways to support your child: • Talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. • Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand. • Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you. • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be

• Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members. Lincoln Park-based Community Care Services provides outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use issues. For resources and links to helpful websites, visit www. comcareserv.org and check out the CCS School Based Program link. CCS will share new videos throughout May on its Facebook page to support and help parents maintain the education of ADHD students. About the author: Laura Boros MA LLP has been a master level psychologist in the downriver area for the past 14 years and has been with Community Care Services since 2014 where she currently serves as the School and Home-Based Program Manager.

Parents and the Struggle of Homeschooling By Darlene A. White

off times in order to eliminate the gathering of parents at our check-in area and help reduce the risk of spreading illnesses in our center. “

Parents across Detroit have now become teachers, their children have become the students, and their home has become the classroom.

For parents who are unable to send their children to a learning center during the pandemic, it is possible to home school by following these basic steps, Jackson says.

It’s been a little over a month since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan’s K-12 schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Schedule and routines are a must,” she said. “I have three children of my own, I run a business and I am a special lecturer at a local university. Therefore, I understand far too well the demands that are now placed on parents to be productive in work and manage children’s distance learning needs.”

Kindergarteners to seniors were forced to swap blackboards for zoom — and parents are now forced to step in as teachers. For most parents, homeschooling has become one of the most trying aspects of the pandemic. They now have to play teacher’s aide, hall monitor, counselor and cafeteria worker — all while trying to do their own jobs under extraordinary circumstances. Essential workers are in perhaps the toughest spot especially if they are away from home during school hours leaving just one parent, or no one at all, at home when students need them most. Jessica Taylor, 35, of Detroit says homeschooling her children has not come as an easy task. “The biggest challenge I have right now is that I have three kids and it’s hard giving each one the attention that they need,” said Taylor. “Also not having the tools that I need for them; I only have one computer, so it takes me hours to help with homework and get it all turned in.”

Parents must remember to give their children enough time to learn at their own pace, says Jackson. Taylor’s children ages 11, 7 and 6 attend Schulze Academy for Technology and Arts in Detroit. Their daily routine has changed tremendously since school has canceled face-toface learning. “I really don’t have any down time during the day. By the time we get up it’s time for us to start the class assignments. That can take pretty much all day, because we only have the one computer. So, by the time I get done with helping them I am ready to go to bed,” she stated. Since start of homeschooling, parents are recognizing that school lessons have changed since the last time they attended school. “The way that teachers are teaching kids is totally different than how I learned my class assignments. My son some-

times has to show me the way it’s being done so I can help his younger brother with his schoolwork,” she explained. “Sometimes I may show them one way, but they will tell me I am doing it wrong and this is the way it’s supposed to be done, so YouTube is my friend, because I don’t want my kids to get behind, because mommy doesn’t know the new way of teaching them how to do certain things like math.” Trying to teach a child material that is normally taught in a classroom setting can become overwhelming, but there are resources available to help students and parents get through this process. In Southfield, Dr. Melissa Jackson, owner and operator of The Ark Developmental Center, remains open servic-

ing children of first responders and offers distance learning for “scholars” as they’re called. Jackson implemented safety and sanitation practices at her learning center prior to any “official” directives. “From the first day we opened our doors at The Ark Developmental Center we have always had detailed safety and sanitation procedures in place to protect our staff and the families we serve,” Jackson said. “We created these procedures because of the specialized populations we have enrolled at our center. We considered the rules and regulations that we were mandated to have in place to be a licensed childcare center and added additional procedures that we felt were overlooked. For example, we implemented staggered pick-p and drop-

“Be creative and pack your patience. Do not try to pack their schedules full of work. Instead, allocate time for breaks and exercise. A good schedule will avoid frustrations and help children to reach their full potentials.” It is important to be forgiving to yourself and your student, this is everyone’s first time dealing with a pandemic, says Dr. Stephanie Griffin, assistant principal of West Bloomfield High School. “Continue to ask teachers for help navigating assignments while homeschooling,” she added. “We will get through this in solidarity. While the start of the next school year remains in limbo, one thing remains certain: normal is no more. We must embrace our new normal.”

Classified

May 13-19, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

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The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP for Unified Communication Phone System Control No. 20-3186, 3187, 3188. RFP forms may be obtained beginning May 13, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info. RFP is due by 3:00 PM ET, June 4, 2020.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Highland Park, Michigan will hold a Virtual Public Hearing

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 6:00 p.m. To consider the Proposed General Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2020/21 Proposed budget summary may be viewed via the City of Highland Park website www.highlandparkmi.gov (on the City Clerk’s page) The City of Highland Park will provide a hyperlink on the official website www.highlandparkmi.gov before the start of the hearing.

Brenda Green City Clerk HELP WANTED

LABORER CITY OF EASTPOINTE Starting hourly rate of pay is $24.48. Send application and resume to the City Manager’s office at 23200 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, MI 48021 or email to mwalton@eastpointecity.org. Visit our website for additional details at cityofeastpointe. net. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, June 4, 2020.

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ZONING (BUILDING OFFICIAL) CITY OF EASTPOINTE $ 75,691 -103,320 Plus Comprehensive Fringe Benefits Package Applicant must be registered as a Building Code Official, Plan Reviewer and Building Inspector in the State of Michigan. Send application and resume to the City Manager’s Office at 23200 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, Ml 48021. Applications can also be submitted to mwalton@eastpointecity.org. Visit our website for additional details at cityofeastpointe.net. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr &perform CFD simltn about fluid flow, heat transfer, &reacting flows in gasoline &diesel psgr vehicle &Battery Electric Vehicle syss. Build &analyze CFD models, &optimize designs of engine cmpnts incldg intake/exhaust manifolds, compressors, turbochargers, EGR syss, 3-way catalysts (TWC), GPF, &exhaust aftertreatment syss incldg DEF mixing for SCR sys, soot regeneration for DPF, &battery packs for RESS, using Star-CCM+, StarCD, Fluent &GT Power tools. Use &apply optimization techniques such as DOE &DFSS to dvlp cost effective, flow &thermal performance optimized engine cmpnts to improve fuel efficiency, &to meet EPA &CARB emissions reqmts. Master, Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, building &analyzing CFD models, &optimizing designs of engine cmpnts incldg compressors, turbochargers, TWC, &exhaust aftertreatment syss, using Star-CCM+ &GT Power tools, or related. Mail resume to Ref#4169-2A, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

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Wendell Harris Our hearts are broken, a life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. The Harris/ Perkins family announces with great sadness the loss of our beloved Wendell Harris. Wendell passed away on April 24, 2020. Wendell, was a prominent, successful Mental Health Therapist for over 30 years and a Detroit native; he had a passion for restoring communities and helping people. His laid back personality and love of life will be missed by many.

Design Release Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, define technical roadmaps, validate &release future BEV high voltage Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (RESS) busbars, Electric Drive Unit (DU), low voltage wiring harnesses, ground straps, &structures incldg packaging &protection of battery packs &HPCCM, &interface compatibility w/ chassis, BIW &underbody structures, using UGNX, Teamcenter, Vismockup, &E2 tools. Size busbars according to battery pack reqmts. Dvlp, validate &evaluate new RESS designs, technologies &reqmts from clean sheet to innovation of mature concepts of RESS structures utilizing steel &aluminum alloys &composite materials. Ensure components meet IEC 60529 rating sys IP6K9K sealing. Required travel to supplier plants in MI/IL/IN/TX &MEX/CHN to evaluate production capabilities to meet GM design reqmts &perform TASL audits, up to 30 days P/A. Bachelor, Mechanical orAutomotive Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg, validating &evaluating new RESS or RESS DU designs, technologies &reqmts from clean sheet to innovation of mature concepts of structures utilizing steel &aluminum alloys &composite materials, or related. Mail resume to Ref#613-114, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

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Celebrating the life of Mr. Wendell Harris May 16, 2020 at O.H. PYE, III Funeral Home 17600 Plymouth Road Detroit, Michigan Family hour: 9:30 am | Funeral service: 10:00am **Live Stream** PYE YouTube channel, Mr. Harris’s name in the search bar and click on his video. Floral Tributes will be accepted on, Friday, May 15, 2020 at the O.H. PYE, III Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent via website at www.pyefuneralhome.com

Sr. Financial Analyst - Global Ledger General Motors, Detroit, MI. Plan, improve, consolidate &execute U.S. &global CPR system to improve (&enable rapid) processing, anlys &reporting of financial results for Actuals, Forecast &Mid- &Long-Term Plans using SAP S4/Hana, GCARS, &GPPS in Hyperion, &legacy eSAP &SAP Syss for U.S./global ops. Perform 1st time qlty &insight from data leveraging One Version of the Truth. Clean &integrate Master Data &common processes &platforms to achieve efficiencies decreasing manual work &increasing anlys time globally. Document reqmts for intercompany profit (IP) movement logic, journal entry posting, mgmt reporting &intrcmpny financial data validation to evaluate &ensure SAP S4 HANA &eSAP &SAP Syss automate reporting &properly report IP elimination &country of sale (COS) mnthly processes. Bachelor, Accntng, Finance, or Bus. Admin. 24 mos exp as Financial Analyst or Accntnt, or Supv, Mgr or Assist. Controller-Commercial Accntng, or related, analyzing &approving IP movement logic, journal entry posting, mgmt reporting &intercompany financial data validation in eSAP &SAP syss to properly report IP elimination &COS results, or related. Mail resume to Ref#500-104, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Appearance Quality Launch Lead

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

Warren, MI, General Motors. Plan for every part to meet 100% Final Approval to Grain &100% Appearance Approval Report. Collaborate w/ vehicle assy plant Paint Shop Mfg Sys Integration Engr to dvlp new body colors, &approve new body colors. Review pre-grain samples for surface &grain (texture) mapping, part draft anlys, &approve injection molding tools, slush/in mold Nickel Shell tools for trim cmpnts to meet surface &grain mapping reqmts. Interpret &execute production part aesthetic &engrg reqmts in psgr vehicle program Appearance Plans, &approve color, grain, gloss, &paint substrates (incldg automotive woven fabric, automotive leather, Molded in Plastic (MIC) &chrome finishes) of visible cmpnt Class A surfaces to ensure overall vehicle harmony of compnts (w/ various materials &varying mfg technologies &processes), in compliance w/ vehicle appearance reqmts specified in GM standards for technical design qlty specs, to support globalization of appearance harmony. Required travel to vehicle assy plants in U.S. to evaluate interior &exterior harmony of production vehicles during launches, up to 20 days P/A. Bachelor, Chemical, Materials, or Mechanical Engrg; Chemical or Paint Technology, or related. 24 mos exp as Engineer, Design Qlty or Design Qlty Launch Lead or Team Lead, or related, interpreting &executing production part aesthetic &engrg reqmts in psgr vehicle program Appearance Plan, &approving color, grain, gloss, &paint substrates (incldg automotive woven fabric, automotive leather, MIC &chrome finishes) of visible cmpnt Class A surfaces to ensure overall vehicle harmony of cmpnts (w/ materials &mfg processes), to support globalization of appearance harmony, or related. Mail resume to Ref#4289, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Helping Veterans and Active Duty Military Cope With Social Isolation (StatePoint) As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of veterans and active duty military personnel are on lockdown, many suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance abuse. With the additional challenge of social isolation, finding ways to combat depression, anxiety and loneliness is critical. That is why Help Heal Veterans (Heal Vets), a nonprofit founded during the Vietnam War, has gone into overdrive, shipping more than 90,000 free craft kits since the beginning of the pandemic and creating a newly designed kit to help veterans make the masks they need to stay healthy and safe. Operating on the principle that not all medicine comes in a bottle, Heal Vets distributes kits in craft categories like masks, leatherwork, models, woodwork, jewelry, paint-by-numbers, needlecrafts, poster art, scrapbooks and more. Crafting can provide therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits, including improving fine motor skills, cognitive functioning, memory and dexterity, and can help alleviate feelings of anger and the severity of negative behaviors triggered by PTSD and TBIs. With demands flooding in due to the COVID-19 pandemic, kits have been distributed to more than 90 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers around the country and a large number of military bases, state veteran homes and other locations where the need is great. “The coronavirus is overwhelming, but being alone in a pandemic crisis can be terrifying and

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deeply debilitating,” says Joe McClain, retired Navy captain and Help Heal Veterans CEO. “Our goal is to give our veterans what they need to heal during this time of enforced isolation.” In a recent survey of vets, 94 percent of those polled who use Heal Vets craft kits said the kits helped them have a more positive outlook on life, and 98 percent said the kits took their mind off problems. With many of the nation’s veterans labeled high-risk now in lockdown with little contact from others, (no visitors, no family allowed, no volunteers and limited staff interaction), it is particularly important to address suicide prevention, according to McClain. “We’re working closely with the VA Suicide Program to start including VA-produced suicide prevention awareness and education material with our kits,” he says. “Our concern is that during this time of increased stress from isolation and financial uncertainty, some veterans may be at higher risk of taking their own life. We are hoping to raise awareness and improve access to craft therapy kits to help mitigate that risk.” To learn more about Heal Vets and the organization’s COVID-19 efforts, as well as find out how you can help, visit HealVets.org. Anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges can be exacerbated during this quarantine period. Luckily, there are tangible ways to support isolated and sick veterans in their most significant time of need.

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