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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 83 – No. 43 | July 1-7, 2020

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Super-sized Racism: Former McDonald's Execs Strike Back In Explosive Race Discrimination Lawsuit Part One Of A Three-Part Series

By Trevor W. Coleman and Trevor W. Coleman II For more than 50 years the McDonald’s Corporation took pride in branding itself as a socially conscious corporation particularly interested in doing business in abandoned and long-ignored Black communities while embracing racial diversity as a critical component of its corporate ethos.

It is a philosophy that helped create a popular narrative and also focus on story that the Chicago-based company was a progressive business and a place where African Americans could grow, find mentors, promotions and economic opportunity.

However that image was shattered this year in an explosive lawsuit brought by two African American female executives who claim that under new leadership the company not only deliberately divested from the Black community and businesses, but hurled racist, sexists insults at them including referring to the employees as “niggers” and “angry Black women.”

Adding further injury to the grotesque insults, the women also claimed when they spoke up about such treatment they were demoted and the perpetrators were promoted.

The shocking accusations have rocked the fast food industry especially since McDonald’s has long projected itself as a leader in diversity initiatives and as an aggressive recruiter and developer of African American talent and entrepreneurs.

But Domineca Neal and Vicki Guster-Hines, former vice presidents of the fast food chain, allege the discrimination and harassment start­ ed and progressive programs came to a screeching halt following a change in corporate leadership at McDonald’s in 2015. In their suit they said the new regime engaged in systemic racist and discriminatory behavior and civil rights abuses against them and other

WHAT’S INSIDE

Toni Jones: Affirmations, Music, and CHILL

City.Life.Style. B1

Domineca Neal

Vicki Guster-Hines

Black executives.

Among the allegations were that one top white male executive repeatedly referred to them as “angry Black women” and another who earlier had referred to Black employees as “niggers” shockingly being promoted rather than disciplined following a complaint filed against him for such racially abusive language.

In an exclusive interview with the Michigan Chronicle, Neal, a native Detroiter, said the harassment began shortly after the new CEO, British-born Steve Easterbrook, came on board in 2015 and initiated a corporate restructuring plan that de-emphasized racial diversity and input from Black executives and franchisees. She and Guster-Hines were then demoted from vice-president to senior director positions in July 2018.

They are seeking compensation following those demotions, claiming that they occurred as a result of discrimination.

“When they assumed leadership, it became very clear that African Americans stakeholders were no longer a strategic priority and the environment became toxic,” she said. “An example

would be, you know, cutting advertising spending with African American agencies that impacted, of course, African American customers and local community organizations, and it didn’t make economic sense, it didn’t make good business sense.”

McDonald’s commitment to diversity was so widely known and promoted that it was regularly named among the Fortune 500 top corporations for diversity and inclusion and other companies would benchmark against them.

That reputation, however, is now threatened by the lawsuit scheduled to be heard in the Northern District Court of Illinois next month or early August.

Besides Easterbrook; who was let go last year after it was revealed he was involved in an affair with a colleague in violation of company policy, also named in the suit are the current CEO, Chris Kempczinski, and Charles Strong, the chief field officer.

At its bare essence, the women allege in the suit the world’s largest fast-food restaurant chain has “declared war against the African American community.”

She noted her observation is based on its new business plan and corporate

See LAWSUIT page A2

Governor Whitmer Proposes Additional Police Reforms Authorize MCOLES to do the following:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed additional police reform policies to help strengthen police-community relations and ensure that all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law.

The four-pronged plan, which was developed in partnership with community leaders and law enforcement organizations, will make significant reforms in policy, personnel, participation and community engagement, and prevention and accountability to address racial disparities in how law enforcement is applied toward communities of color.

“People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “These reforms will help us build a more just and equitable law enforcement system and ensure the safety of Black Michiganders across the state. ” The governor proposed the following reforms:

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leadership’s attitudes toward African American employees and owner-operators who had the majority of restaurants in African American consumer markets and would be impacted, more so than others. “And that action coincided with a significant reduction in the number of African American owner-operators.”

When Neal and other executives brought these concerns to the attention of leadership, they began to retaliate against them. They defunded the company’s African American Diversity Council and it subsequently became dormant. The Council provided career development and a talent pipeline for African American employees. And soon the demotions started with African Americans being targeted for elimination such as herself and Guster-Hines, leaving no African Americans at Kempczinski’s leadership table during his tenure as president of McDonald’s USA to advocate on behalf of Black employees, franchise operators, or customers.

The suit claims the number of African American executives in the top ranks of McDonald’s operations fell to seven in 2019 from 42 in 2014, the year before the new regime came on board.

The suit also alleges: Before Easterbrook and Kempczinski’s arrival, African American consumers generated 20% of all revenue for McDonald’s US stores.

Easterbrook and Kempczinski caused a decrease in advertising to attract African American patronage. The constant cutting in the funding of programs for building African American leadership resulted in the system-wide purchases by African Americans to decline by 6%.

Nearly one out of three African American franchisees left the McDonald’s system since Easterbrook arrived which was disproportionate to the loss of non-African American franchisees.

But among Neal’s and Guster-Hines’

POLICY: The Whitmer Administration supports legislation that makes the follow-

• Audit law enforcement agencies to ensure they are accurately reporting violations of law or improper use of force.

• Establish penalties for agencies who don’t comply with reporting.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer ing reforms to law enforcement policies: • Ban chokeholds/windpipe blockage.

• Further limit the use of no-knock warrants.

• Require “duty to intervene” policies.

• Classify false, racially-motivated 911 calls as a hate crime.

• Require in-service training for all licensed law enforcement officers to maintain licensure.

• Direct the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Diversion Council to make recommendations on best practices and training for police departments when responding to situations involving persons with mental illnesses.

PERSONNEL: The Whitmer Administration will work with leaders in law enforcement to make the following reforms to build a more empathetic police force: • Provide incentive programs for law enforcement agencies to hire/retain officers who live where they work.

• Require retention of disciplinary records resulting from violations of law or improper use of force.

See REFORMS page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com •

Lawsuit From page A-1

most shocking claims was the racist, sexist taunts they had to endure from the McDonald’s executives. The suit alleges that in 2005 Marty Ranft, a white vice president and general manager of the McDonald’s Ohio Region told GusterHines “You are a nigger like all the rest--you just believe you are better cause you are a smart one.”

She further alleges she reported Ranft to her supervisors and emphasized that she would not tolerate being called a nigger within McDonald’s or anywhere else. She said there was no response to her complaint from the corporation and Ranft was eventually promoted to Vice President of Development for the entire U.S. The suit also alleges in 2017 Strong, who supervised Neal and Guster-Hines and at the time responsible for 50% of the U.S. business and about 14,000 restaurants, instructed Neal not to consult with or take the advice of two African American women, Bridgette Hernandez and Barbara Calloway who had been promoted over Strong’s opposition. She alleged he stated, “We don’t need any of that Black woman’s attitude. They are too angry and aggressive.”

The next year in March 2018, Strong allegedly told Guster-Hines that five African American women, Chioke Elmore, Regina Johnson, Hernandez, Calloway and Neal, were “angry Black women” that “always seemed to be mad about something.” He then allegedly asked Guster-Hines to explain the source of their anger.

The five women constituted 40% of female African American vice presidents as of March 2018. And were three out of five vice presidents reporting to Strong when he allegedly made these statements.

“So that was shocking that he was so openly discussing that with various stakeholders that we were angry Black women,” Neal said.

But what she, Guster-Hines, and others found even more jarring and demoralizing was after they shared Strong’s racist, sexist, and demeaning remarks to his superiors, he, too, was promoted and they were demoted.

“In shocking ways difficult to overstate, McDonald’s under Easterbrook and Kempczinski declared a war against the African American community,” the lawsuit alleges.

July 1-7, 2020

Neither the McDonald’s Corporation Media Relations Department or the lawyer representing them, Nigel F. Telman of Chicago, returned calls from the Chronicle by publication deadline.

However, in a statement to the media in January, issued at the filing of the suit, McDonald’s said it disagreed with the characterization of the company’s behavior. It said 45% of its corporate officers and all of its field vice-presidents are people of color.

“At McDonald’s, our actions are rooted in our belief that a diverse, vibrant, inclusive, and respectful company makes us stronger,” the company said. “While we disagree with characterizations in the complaint, we are currently reviewing it and will respond to the complaint accordingly.”

Carmen D. Caruso and Linda C. Chatman, the Chicago-based trial lawyers representing Neal and Guster-Hines said the behavior by McDonald’s executives constituted some of the most egregious acts of racial discrimination they have ever been confronted with in their careers.

“Under the guise of reorganizing the way they manage the franchise system, the restaurant system across the country, they basically decimated the ranks of the African American leadership and employees,” Caruso said. “That to me is one of the most glaring act of intentional discrimination that we saw in the case. And we lay those numbers out in greater detail in the complaint itself. But that was very, very, serious discrimination in employment, and it’s over and above a lot of other things that came before and other things that have come after, but that’s kind of a centerpiece of the discrimination against the executive employees, including Domineca and Vicki.”

Chatman agreed and said that they are also arguing that McDonald’s will try to argue that their promotion and demotion policies are neutral because they are based on data, not race. The racially hostile work environment had a particularly destructive impact upon Black employees, including Domineca and Vicki.

“The crux of it is that, under Easterbrook and now Kempczinski, McDonald’s is not interested in, or focused upon, Black customers, Black franchisees or Black executives, as evidenced by how they decimated their ranks at the corporate level,” she said.

“Domineca and Vicki were forced to witness McDonald’s blatantly deemphasize Black people and the effect upon them was terrible,” Chatman said. “I mean, how are they supposed to work in an environment that is openly hostile to people who look like them.”

Neal said when Kempczinski was told about concerns that there weren’t any Blacks on his U.S. President executive team, he said he can the ask questions “the numbers don’t matter.”

“But, the numbers do matter,” Chatman said Caruso said the bottom line is that they are alleging their clients were victims of intentional discrimination and it came from the very top of the McDonald’s organization in the person of Steve Easterbrook and Christopher Kempczinski.

“It was not an accident that all this happened to Domineca and Vicki, and other African Americans in the company,” he said.

Neal, reflecting on her time at McDonald’s recalled how happy she was to join the organization in 2011 precisely because of its reputation for embracing the African American community.

“And we embraced them, and that was shown through the loyalty to the brand, the representation of African American talent at all levels throughout the organization and the opportunities to create wealth for the African American owner-operators which was also very inspiring and a representation of their diversity and inclusion values,” she said.

Now, after leaving the corporation in March, Neal still finds the swift turnabout in the company’s attitude and values – after nearly 50 years of progress – disconcerting.

She said the whole “angry Black woman” incident felt as if she was living in an episode of Mad Men. She is left to wonder how sincere the corporation was about diversity and inclusion in the first place. She noted things would never have had gotten out of hand as it did if the Board of Directors had come down on the executives. But they didn’t.

“It was very disheartening, heartbreaking, and shocking because I think that we’re at a stage in society, where we know that’s language that is racial in nature and stereotypical and used in a manner to quiet African American women from being able to comfortably bring their authentic selves to the workplace,” Neal said.

This story is developing. Stay tuned for Super-sized Racism Part Two in our next week edition.

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Reform

From page A-1 PARTNERSHIP/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The Whitmer Administration will promote the following community engagement strategies to strengthen trust between police officers and the communities they serve: • Invest in programming in communities around the state that connect local police and community leaders to build relationships.

• Invest in expanding existing community relationship programs to break down barriers between police and communities around the state.

PREVENTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY: The Whitmer Administration

will support legislation that makes the following reforms to improve transparency and accountability in investigations: • Require independent investigations of all shootings and use of force that resulted in the death of unarmed civilians at the hands of law enforcement.

“All Michiganders, no matter their community or the color of their skin, deserve equal treatment under the law,” Governor Whitmer said. “This proposal will help us ensure that law enforcement officials treat all Michiganders with humanity and respect, and will help us keep our communities safe. I will continue working with leaders in law enforcement to make public safety more just and equitable in Michigan.”

A3

| July 1-7, 2020

Kindergarten Is Essential To Improved Life Outcomes For Detroit’s Children

Roots.

michiganchronicle.com

By Kimberly Llorens Principal, University Prep Academy Elementary School – Mark Murray Campus

Too many children in Detroit begin school already far behind those in more wealthier communities. From an early age, they can struggle with hunger, safety, self-esteem, communication and social skills, as well as access to meaningful learning opportunities. They may need help with health issues. If these issues aren’t addressed at an early age, our children can fall behind.

Moreover, as studies repeatedly show, access to high quality preschool and kindergarten improves school readiness for these children, making it more likely that they will be able to read at grade level each year, graduate from high school and achieve their career goals.

This is why it is so important to start kindergarten as soon as possible to combat the school readiness gap and give our children the advantage they so deserve. Kindergarten makes the difference, and even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are encouraged to prepare their children for school in the fall.

University Prep Schools is already working on ways we might adapt this upcoming kindergarten year to a coronavirus world. Certainly, a regular in-person, at school experience is what teachers and parents would prefer, made workable through enhanced cleaning protocols and social distancing practices. This will be another outstanding learning opportunity for children. But our schools also are preparing for other modes of education, including remote learning or a mixture of remote and inschool classes.

Detroit

Future City

Releases Research Report Outlining Detroit’s Challenges, In And Beyond Covid-19

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

Detroit Future City (DFC), a non-profit think tank, policy advocacy, and data-driven organization created to build a better future for Detroiters, recently published a 12-page research report which chronicles the horrific effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the City of Detroit and its population, which is overwhelmingly African American.

Titled COVID-19: Future Resilience Demands Greater Equity Today, the report, although compact in volume, provides valuable data-based information that’s eye-opening and confirms African Americans are disproportionately infected and dying of COVID--19.

As of May 27, African Americans accounted for 31% of COVID cases in Michigan, yet black people are 14% of the state’s population. Hispanics represent 7% of COVID cases in Michigan, while representing 5% of the population.

In Detroit, where African Americans are 77% of the population and Hispanics 8%, there has been almost 11,000 cases of the Coronavirus reported.

Regardless, now is the time for parents and guardians to explore the different schools offering kindergarten in Detroit, some of which start in August.

In Michigan, all children are required to begin school by 6 years of age, while children must be 5-years-old by September 1 to attend kindergarten.

Statistics aside, the report centers on the enormous and destructive instability the pandemic has caused – and will continue to cause for African Americans, Hispanics, and immigrants in Detroit - unless actionable strategies and meaningful policy changes are implemented immediately and on a grand scale. While there are multiple areas of concern that have hindered the advancement of Detroiters to reach and sustain equality, the authors of the DFC’s research report chose to focus on four key areas that must be addressed immediately: providing for Detroiters’ physical health; poverty and housing instability; education and the Internet gap; and employment and

entrepreneurship. Each area listed is accompanied by short policy considerations by DFC, which the organization believes will address and potentially solve serious conditions in Detroit, America’s blackest major city.

Providing for Detroiters’ physical health - DFC’s data show Detroiters have numerous underlying health conditions such as asthma and diabetes at rates higher than other areas in the state and across America. Such conditions have greatly contributed to the higher rates of illness and death caused by COVID-19. With 58% of Detroiters living in medically underserved areas, the COVID pandemic has taken a steeper toll when compared with white communities in America. The DFC report calls for better “physical health policy considerations” to include the immediate development and implementation of a comprehensive approach to health care. Options gleaned from the report include adopting impactful forms or models of universal health care, complete with government investments. In addition, to combat COVID-19, the workplace must make better provisions when employees are sick and need to stay home or seek medical care without risking financial or other penalties. Paid time off during such health issues is a policy consideration stated in the report.

Poverty and Housing Instability – Detroit’s poverty rate continues to be high, with around 33% of Detroiters living below the federal poverty level. The rippling effect of poverty, according to the report, hampers people from gaining access to an array of basic needs and services, inclusive of quality housing. The report offers policy considerations, such as the adoption of stronger housing policies to stabilize neighborhoods and make available housing options for various income levels. The report

See DETROIT FUTURE CITY page B-2

Kindergarten—A new world of discovery and good habits.

In kindergarten, our children learn about others beyond their immediate family and neighborhood. They explore new ideas and skills in a protective, nurturing environment. They learn to set and achieve goals and work together in groups. They benefit from school health screenings that can catch early childhood medical issues like hearing loss and vision problems which can impede learning, dental decay that can be painful; developmental issues; and school nutrition programs that serve healthy, satisfying food.

This is the time to develop good attendance habits. It’s also the time to nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Preparing well for grade school will improve outcomes in literacy. Michigan already has a third grade reading retention rule (Public Act 306), which began with the 2019-2020 school year. The law states that a child may be retained and asked to repeat third grade if they are one or more grade levels behind in reading at the end of third grade.

The goal of this bill is not to punish children or parents. Instead, the bill requires schools to provide a customized reading program for identified students.

The program is designed to improve individual reading concerns, while also working with parents to develop athome reading strategies. We are all on the same page when it comes to the importance of reading — and kindergarten begins that journey to reading at grade level.

Please enroll your eligible child in the upcoming kindergarten season and get involved with your school of choice.

The advantages of starting children in school at age five are many. U Prep and other Detroit schools will work closely with parents and guardians to ensure that Detroit’s children get off to a great start on their school years.

We all need and welcome your participation in your child’s educational journey. Together we can make it happen, but only if they are enrolled.

World’s First ‘Industry Club’ for Youth Launches in Detroit!

This September, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) will open its first Industry Club, offering an unparalleled immersive summer and after-school experience for young people interested in pursuing a career in retail or fashion merchandising. The Industry Club will be co-located with the Détroit is the New Black (DITNB) store at 1430 Woodward Ave, and employ up to 200 Detroit youth each year, ages 14 and up.

“True equality can only be achieved through economic and social mobility and the Industry Club is designed to do just that. Metro Detroit youth will gain the economic, cultural and social capital needed to become college, career and start up ready,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. “BGCSM is grateful that Bedrock,

Ponyride and DITNB have committed to leveraging their resources to build a blueprint that can be replicated across any industry for our youth.”

Since Détroit is the New Black opened its flagship store in 2016, the signature clothing brand has offered retail floor space to other Detroit-based small businesses. That accelerator concept will continue through the Industry Club project, with Ponyride offering both brick-and-mortar, and e-commerce support to local women and entrepreneurs of color. Five rotating concepts will stock their goods alongside DITNB within the sales space in the heart of Detroit’s historic Woodward Shopping District, and offer online sales through detroitisthenewblack.com.

“The Industry Club is a dream manifested for Détroit is the New Black and such a perfect example of community

partners coming together to support the future of the city,” said Roslyn Karamoko, founder of Détroit is the New Black. “I’m so pleased to welcome these partners into the space, which will allow us to expand our programming and mission to uplift entrepreneurs and minorities in business.”

Bedrock’s contribution Bedrock, downtown Detroit’s largest real estate company, will provide the 2,400 square-foot Industry Club retail space rent free, along with a $25,000 pre-development grant. Bedrock will also work with the Industry Club partners to build a long-term skilled volunteer support program for the small businesses participating in the Ponyride accelerator.

Since the onset of COVID-19, Bed-

See INDUSTRY CLUB page A-4

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • July 1-7, 2020

Detroit Future City From page A-3 also champions stronger and long-term policies to protect against evictions and foreclosures during the pandemic.

Education and the Internet gap - With online learning becoming more prevalent in Detroit schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students will be left behind because of their lack of connectivity to the internet. The report offers the following policy considerations: The Internet must be viewed as a utility necessary to households.

It can no longer be considered a luxury or amenity.

While steps are being taken to provide tablets and internet access to city students – public and charter

Industy Club From page A-3

rock has deployed millions in capital to small businesses downtown through three months of rent abatement and offering variable rent structure through the end of the year. As downtown businesses begin to reopen, Industry Club will be an important next step in Bedrock’s small business support strategy, targeted toward women and entrepreneurs of color.

“It has always been our belief that a sustainable, vibrant retail district is a place where strong local brands thrive beside big national names. That strategy needs to expand to elevate minority-owned businesses and help strengthen pathways for their growth and contribution to Detroit’s ongoing momentum. The Industry Club will be an important step in that direction,” said Matt Cullen, Bedrock CEO. “We are excited to work with the Boys & Girls Club, Détroit is the New Black and Ponyride to help create a pipeline for tomorrow’s retail leaders at the Industry Club while empowering Bedrock’s team members to become directly involved in building Detroit’s start up community.”

Industry Club members will gain experience in careers representing every aspect of the retail business development cycle, including stocking merchandise, ordering wholesale and fulfilling online orders, all while earning a wage. Outcomes include 21st Century skills, industry certifications, industry access/mentorship/network and paid job placement Ponyride’s fourth location Ponyride, a Corktown-based maker space that recently announced a robust strategic partnership with BCGSM, will offer its alumni to also sell their goods on detroitisthenewblack.com. The Industry Club will serve as Ponyride’s fourth location.

BGCSM is the first Boys & Girls Clubs location in the nation to provide co-working and makers spaces for entrepreneurs through this partnership.

“This partnership and overall collaboration provide Ponyride with a unique opportunity to not only incubate but expand small business growth in the city through access to resources, retail space and capital,” said Phil Cooley, co-founder of Ponyride. “This is a powerful move to invest in the hard-working entrepreneurs of Detroit, and we’re excited to be at the table help ensure these opportunities are provided.”

The Industry Club initiative aligns with BGCSM’s efforts to address poverty through economic mobility and continue to have a positive community impact and advancement for youth and their families A second Industry Club is scheduled to be announced later this year.

BGCSM’s Industry Club also launched its limited edition “Industry Club” t-shirts sold only through detroitisthenewblack. com. Available while supplies last.

- by such organizations as The Connected Futures Project, more organizations and funding sources must be identified to help city students be able to learn online from home.

Employment and Entrepreneurship – For decades, Detroiters have faced employment challenges and roadblocks for various reasons, with considerable gaps in employment for African Americans. The DFC report states even before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 60% of working-age Detroiters were employed, which DFC says is 14 percentage points lower than similar working adults in the region. DFC’s policy

considerations include developing and advancing a more robust support system to encourage entrepreneurs of color to gain better access to capital, along with an ongoing support system for growth. And, as businesses begin to reopen amid the pandemic, there is the potential that many small businesses may ultimately fold, impacting thousands of employees. One DFC policy consideration is that systems be put in place to ensure that all businesses continue to grow, with equitable and inclusive treatment to all.

While it’s impossible to capture the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Detroit and its large African American population in a 12-page report,

DFC’s findings are stark reminders that much more work has to be done to create, implement, deliver, and evaluate sweeping changes that are equitable to underserved populations across wide sectors of the city.

In conclusion, the COVID-19: Future Resilience Demands Greater Equity research report offers an informative snapshot of data and narratives to describe the state of Detroiters in the COVID-19 era. The report also offers short glimpses into what can be achieved for underserved Detroiters through actionable and policy changing strategies facilitated by dedicated stakeholders and change agents in the areas of physical health,

poverty and housing instability, education and the Internet gap, and employment and entrepreneurship. As DFC states in its report, each of these issues are interrelated and interdependent. However, addressing one issue without tackling the others will deepen and widen the challenges faced by

Detroiters every day and everyway as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To read the complete DFC’s research report or learn more about the organization’s mission and vision for building a better future for Detroit, log on to www.detroitfuturecity.com.

State Representative District 7

WILLIAM PHILLIPS Write In Only My Name

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 DETROIT, MICHIGAN TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualified elector of Detroit, Michigan who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of the Detroit Department of Elections, the office of the Detroit City Clerk, any of our satellite/ vote centers, the office of the County Clerk, a Secretary of State branch office, or other designated state agency.

Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Detroit Department of Elections or the Detroit City Clerk’s office. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com.

The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, July 20, 2020.

After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the Detroit Department of Elections, Detroit City Clerk’s office or any of the following satellite locations or vote centers:

District 1 WCCCD Northwest Campus 8200 W. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48219

District 2 Northwest Activity Center 18100 Meyers Road Detroit, MI 48235

District 3 Farwell Recreation Center 2711 E. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48234

District 4 WCCCD Eastern Campus 5901 Conner St. Detroit, MI 48234

District 5 Department of Elections 2978 W. Grand Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48202

District 6 WCCCD Downtown Campus 1001 W. Fort Street Detroit, MI 48226

District 7 Adams Butzel Recreation Complex 10500 Lyndon St. Detroit, MI 48238 HOURS OF OPERATION: • Regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Department of Elections) Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (All other locations) • Saturday, August 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Election Day, Tuesday, August 4th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Detroit will be voting in the Primary for the following offices: •United States Senator •Representative in Congress (Districts 13 and 14) •Representative in State Legislature (Districts 1-10) •Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney •Wayne County Sheriff

• 3rd Circuit Court Judge • Wayne County Clerk • Wayne County Treasurer • Wayne County Register of Deeds • Wayne County Commissioner (Districts 1-7) •Delegate to County Convention

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Detroit will also be voting in the Special Primary for the office of the 4th District of the Michigan House of Representatives. (Partial Term ending 01/01/2021).

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Detroit will be voting on the following authority millage as presented and listed below: LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: RENEWAL OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF DETROIT NONHOMESTEAD MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL – 18.00 mills ($18.00 per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 11 years.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Wayne County will be voting on the following authority millages as presented and listed below: • PROPOSITION O : RENEWAL OF WAYNE COUNTY OPERATING MILLAGE – 0.9529 mills (95 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of ten years.

• PROPOSITION P – RENEWAL OF WAYNE COUNTY PARKS MILLAGE – 0.2459 mills (25 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 5 years.

Full text of the ballot proposal may be obtained at https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/electioninformation.aspx or at the Wayne County Clerk’s Office, 2 Woodward Ave., Room 201, Detroit, MI 48226. A sample ballot may be viewed at mi.gov/vote.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations should contact the Department of Elections at 313-876-VOTE (8683)

Janice M. Winfrey Detroit City Clerk

A5

| July 1-7, 2020

Money.

ePS Launches $2.5 Million Amazon Business Funding Program

was going on from all sides,” he said. I sat down with the nurses, the doctors, the janitors -- everyone. I am committed to working with staff and management to identify the areas that need improvement and we are putting plans in place to exceed expectations.”

However, COVID-19 has made any plans of restructuring Sinai-Grace difficult, to say the least. Having only been on the job for five months prior to the COVID-19 outbreak Jackson was still in the early assessment and execution phase when the hospital became a “hotspot” for the virus. Reports suggest that Sinai-Grace was among the hardest-hit hospitals by Detroit’s surge of COVID-19 patients.

For Michigan Minority and Veteran Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19 ePS, an Auburn Hill-based, fully automated solution for Amazon sellers, has announced it will establish a $2.5 million funding program for ePS integration+ for Amazon business partners in Michigan in response to the Minority Business and Technology Initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

Jackson knows that the pandemic has taken its toll on staff and the community at large and wants to let everyone know that he is empathetic to the added layer of stress added to an already demanding job.

“This [COVID-19 outbreak] was absolutely unprecedented,” said Jackson.

“Honestly not very many, if any, hospitals were prepared for the influx of COVID-19 patients that we have encountered. I have to acknowledge the hard work of the staff.

They have been dedicated and worked diligently during this difficult time.”

“Our Michigan minority and veteran small businesses are at the very least suffering severe financial issues because of the COVID-19 shutdown and are now looking to Amazon Business as an avenue to sell their products or reduce costs because of staffing reductions if they’re already using the Amazon platform,” said ePS President and CEO David Saroli.

As a result of the staff’s diligence Sinai-Grace reports approximately 749 recovered COVID-19 patients.

Saving Grace: ePS’s product offering has greatly enhanced the ability for minority and veteran-owned businesses to become active sellers on Amazon, implementing a more efficient and cost-effective business model. The average Amazon seller has a small product offering in its Amazon online catalogue. Those businesses who work with ePS average a minimum of 10,000 items and can increase that to 250,000+ items. Through ePS’s support of the MBDA / Amazon Business initiative, ePS can expand its effort to help minority entrepreneurs expand their global businesses and increase sales through Amazon Business.

Saroli and ePS were early supporters of the MBDA / Amazon Business initiative and regularly offer webinars for the MBDA branches throughout the country. “ePS as a model, focuses on minority and veteran-owned businesses and this support and funding program was an easy call,” said Saroli. He instructed his board of directors this month to establish the $2.5 million funding program for ePS which cuts costs for small business partners in half for the first 500 qualified sellers who contact the company.

As the fastest-growing category of small businesses, minority-owned companies are significant contributors to the economic future of Michigan communities.

Minority and veteran small businesses which are interested in taking advantage of ePS’s Integration+ funding program can call ePS sales at 1-248-6307200 or email sales@eprosvcs. com

michiganchronicle.com

Meet Sinai-Grace CEO,

Daniel Jackson

By Patreice A. Massey

“Teamwork makes the dream work.”

“There’s no ‘I’ in team”. “Together Everyone Achieves More.”

We’ve all heard these phrases before.

They’ve been etched in our mind since grade school. But for Daniel Jackson, CEO of DMC Sinai-Grace, teamwork is more than a phrase plastered on the walls in elementary school -- it is a way of life.

Born and raised in Warner Robins, Georgia, by middle class parents (his father is a minister and his mother worked for the Keebler Company) he and his siblings were taught the importance of working together.

“My parents taught us that there’s nothing in this world that you can’t do; but there’s nothing that you’ll ever do alone. So, I value team and working together. That has really shaped my life philosophy.”

His collaborative nature would serve him well throughout his career. Jackson was named chief executive officer of DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital in September 2019.

He brought with him nearly 20 years of valuable healthcare experience to the DMC, having worked in numerous senior leadership roles including prior roles with Tenet. Most recently, he served as vice president of administration with WellStar Health System’s Atlanta Medical Center – South, where he had previously served as chief administrative officer pri-

or to its acquisition from Tenet.

So, Jackson’s move to Sinai-Grace may be just what the doctor ordered.

“I have a background in actualizing potential. I specialize in taking things from one level to the next. So, when it comes to Sinai-Grace the actual facility has been renovated and upgraded prior to my arrival, so now it’s time to renovate the way we operate. I want people to recognize Sinai-Grace as a top-notch facility inside and out.”

It’s no secret that DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital has had its share of controversy. You’ve no doubt heard of the recent complaints of high nurse to patient ratio, long hours and personal protective equipment shortages. Even before the pandemic, staffing shortages were alleged to be common at the hospital.

In early 2018, Grace was in danger of losing its federal Medicare funding after inspections found “significant” deficiencies in nursing care and building safety, and more recently there was the allegation of bodies being improperly stored amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

To say Sinai-Grace has a complicated reputation would be putting it mildly.

However, Jackson is undaunted by Sinai-Grace’s reputation. He says he is “fully committed to turning things around.”

But before he could even begin to discuss his plan to turn Sinai-Grace into a five-star hospital he had to first listen.

“I had to get a good picture of what

“Our team has been resilient and we make extra effort to provide support for them in terms of counseling and other resources,” he continued. “You have to regroup and refresh in order to come back into this arena to provide care for the community.”

Jackson’s concern with the community was fully on display when he decided to meet with the local churches and community leaders to talk about the rising number of violent incidences that occur at the hospital.

“There have been incidences where family members of an injured person have come to the hospital and disruptions occur. So, I spoke to community leaders about the need to respect the hospital as a safe zone and a place for healing.”

Jackson says the community responded well and as a result the number of those types of occurrences decreased.

“We have a host of frontline workers that include physicians and nurses and other caregivers who courageously care for the community and we have to make sure that they are safe so that they can provide the best care and support.”

Jackson is taking a new approach to leadership at Sinai-Grace, one that includes alliance building and bridging the communication gap between staff and administration. He has plans for taking Sinai-Grace into the future but is quick to point out that the first step is mastering the basics.

“Before we can branch off into secondary plans we need to ensure that we do our primary functions well. That means being available to the public in their moment of need and ensuring that our operations are available and have the capacity to care for patients. At the end of the day everything we do is about the patients and our commitment to provide care without qualifications.”

Despite the bumpy road Jackson remains optimistic and enthusiastic about serving in Detroit.

“My introduction to Detroit has been wonderful. People have been extremely supportive and have made me feel welcomed and that has allowed me to go about my work with a certain level of excitement and commitment,” Jackson said. “We have certainly had our challenges and despite what I have experienced in this short amount of time I count it as a blessing and an honor to be here.”

As Businesses Reopen, A Good Plan And Flexibility Are Key With the economy trying to overcome the effects of COVID-19 and the nation’s political unrest, business leaders face a challenge like never before as stores and offices reopen and try to lure back customers and clients.

mal won’t be easy, and most people are predicting the recession will continue at least into early 2021. “Some businesses aren’t going to be able to reopen at all, and that includes big retail chains and local mom-and-pop stores,” Witty says.

“That’s going to have a ripple effect in the economy.” So, as much as everyone may hope for a quick turnaround, it’s still best to make your plans based on the idea that the economic downturn will last a long while, he says.

“Even before our current crisis, it’s always been important for businesses to respond to unanticipated changes in the market that threatened their product or business model,” says Adam Witty, the ForbesBooks co-author of Authority Marketing: Your Blueprint to Build Thought Leadership That Grows Business, Attracts Opportunity, and Makes Competition Irrelevant.

“Now, a willingness to adapt to changing consumer habits and ways of doing business will be more important than ever. One big challenge will be that businesses need to have a plan as they work to return their operations to normal, but they also need to remain flexible and willing to change that plan as the circumstances around them change.”

At the same time, all of this will need to be done while following CDC guidelines and taking into account the concerns of employees and customers, says Witty, who also is the founder and CEO of Advantage|ForbesBooks (www. advantagefamily.com).

Stay optimistic. These are the most challenging circumstances any business has faced in at least the last 50 years, Witty says. Despite that, business leaders and their employees can’t let gloom rule their feelings and emotions.

“When you’re going through tough times,” he says, “it’s better to have an optimistic attitude than a pessimistic attitude.”

“I’m a big believer in making decisions based on facts and data,” he says.

“But if you don’t stay on top of what has been a very fluid situation, you could end up making decisions based on information that is already outdated.”

Going forward, Witty says, businesses need to: Play the long game. It’s easy to get

into a “survive-the-week” mindset, and certainly businesses need to make some things happen now to see them through the crisis. But as they ride out the difficulties in the short-term, Witty says, they also need to create a plan that will help them prosper over the long haul.

Be ready for the worst, hope for the best. With 41 million people who want to work out of work, the path back to nor-

“As a businessperson, my hope is that we’ve already seen the bottom, and that each month going forward the economy will get better,” Witty says. “With that said, there is no playbook for this.

But the businesses where leaders and employees all work together, plan carefully, and try to keep a positive attitude are the ones most likely to emerge in good shape when this is over.”

July 1-7, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-6 THIS AD HAS BEEN CREATED TO BRING ATTENTION TO BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES.

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July 1-7, 2020 | Page A-7

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997

President and CEO National Newspaper Publishers Association

I am pleased to work and live in our nation’s capital.

Washington, DC is a city on the move progressively even amidst the continued existence of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is one emerging issue in the District of Columbia that in my long career in the field of civil and human rights that I am very concerned about. That is the issue of people returning to our communities from prison.

It’s difficult to argue that there is not an urgent need for better helping former inmates make the difficult transition back to society. A returning citizen with a pathway to gainful employment and secure housing has a better chance of developing a strong connection to his family and community and not returning to prison.

Watchdogs and activists, including myself, have long been calling for Hope Village to be shut down due to poor program management and a lack of accountability. Put simply, the provider had lost the trust of the community.

Against this backdrop, representatives at CORE DC have gone to great lengths to reassure the public that they are committed to helping turn the page on this long and turbulent chapter and work closely with the community to establish a re-entry model that is tailored for the District’s unique set of needs.

That outreach has included meeting with elected officials, advocates, faith-based organizations and residents to hear their concerns and invite their input on how the community can come together and forge a new way forward on this important issue.

But just weeks after BOP awarded the contract to CORE DC, there are already disturbing, not-in-my-backyard reactions from individuals who should know better, especially now, amid constant reports exposing the systemic injustices that African American men must contend with in the policing and criminal justice systems.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

Mass incarceration in America is a serious national problem that needs to be resolved.

African Americans, in particular, are disproportionately imprisoned across the country. I personally know what it is like to be unjustly imprisoned and the difficulties of trying to overcome the aftermath of counterproductive stigmas and unfair stereotypes with respect to the lingering unjustified cloud over former prison inmates.

But as a practical matter, common-sense measures that would bolster support for individuals reentering society sometimes meet sharp resistance — even now, as the nation engages in an emotional and painful debate over whether America has lived up to its promise of social justice, equity, and a fair penal system.

That tension between theory and policy is, sadly, beginning to emerge yet again in Washington, DC, where some community advocates have raised objections to plans for a new residential re-entry center that would provide temporary housing, job and skills training, substance-abuse counseling and other critical support for inmates returning home after serving time.

Many residents in DC share the conviction that we must do far more to lend a hand to the thousands of individuals — disproportionately black men aged 21 to 30 — who return to the District each year after periods of incarceration. But right now, DC is without a single re-entry center that is equipped to provide such support.

In a move that would fill that void, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) earlier this month awarded a contract for a new re-entry center in Ward 7. BOP tapped CORE DC for the project, a social service provider that operates a homeless shelter and a home confinement program in DC and is a subsidiary of a non-profit organization that manages homeless shelters and re-entry centers throughout New York City.

The effort to establish a functional re-entry center in Washington, DC, has been a difficult and complicated one, partly because of the troubled history of Hope Village, a social service provider that closed its doors earlier this year, ending its 42-year run as the District’s only option for returning citizens.

Consider the recent comments made by Tyrell Holcomb, the Commission Chair of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in Ward 7. Holcomb indicated his opposition to a new re-entry center in his community, saying that “using Ward 7 as a dumping ground to place the least attractive facilities has gone on far too long.”

It’s time to move past this kind of destructive rhetoric and ugly thinking, which has the pernicious effect of dehumanizing the men for whom such a facility could provide a second chance and be a source of positive transformation.

NIMBY opposition — which so often amplifies stereotypes and falsehoods in order to drum up fear — has long been an obstacle to building support facilities and programs for the most vulnerable, whether such protests have been in response to proposed group homes, drug treatment clinics or homeless shelters.

Many of the fears are simply without basis. Researchers have been studying myths about home values in communities that accommodate re-entry centers for decades, to take one example. One DC-focused study conducted by The George Washington University, Center for Excellence in Municipal Management and the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, found that housing values on streets with halfway houses continued to increase over a period of five years.

If there is any hope to make this a more just society, we have to shed our fears, and open ourselves to new ideas, new insights, and even, as is the case now in DC, new neighbors who are committed to being a part of the solution. We have to break old patterns of thinking that stifle progress and aid and abet the status quo.

We must remember that the men and women returning to DC after terms of imprisonment are not strangers.

They are members of our community looking for a second chance to rebuild their lives after paying their debt to society. This is also a national issue. I am hoping that Washington, DC will lead the rest of the nation in welcoming our brothers and sisters back home from the nation’s prisons.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.

A Healthy Mind Counseling Helps in Adapting to a New Norm

By Dr. Stacia’ Alexander Texas Metro News, iMessenger Media

The sudden call to think extremely out of the norm took nearly the entire population of the world out of their comfort zone. Many took the stance of a sincere awareness, but some were so distanced from it that there was little change in pattern. They checked in occasionally via the common news cycle and casually mentioned it during the water cooler talk. When another person commented on how much more serious this monster was to the very commonalities of our lives, they were dismissed as being an extremist.

Now that the United States is fully immersed into this crisis state-of-life, the full impact of COVID-19 has crossed the minds of millions. Even the most casual of conversations has at least one person who is warning the others to take it seriously. And while the news cycles are focusing on simply protecting and sustaining life, there are also millions of people quarantined who are suffering silently trying to cooperate just Dr. Stacia’ Alexander to stay alive. Through this cooperation, the very strings which hold them together are slowly being severed without anyone realizing how long the after effect of this trauma will last.

People who were struggling with depression preCOVID-19 or now battling with depression to maintain composure in the home. The anxiety levels that were creating waves from people who were already overthinking every aspect of their lives, now has a big bad monster to fold into every layer of their anxiety that is shattering their learned coping skills. There are so many variables of mental health that are juggled each and every day by millions and all of this is further magnified by the constantly changing unknowns we are harnessed with daily.

The reality is, many need, and will need for years following, mental health treatment to overcome the threats and dangers experienced during the first quarter of 2020.

A year that promised so much for so many. A new decade touting hopes of financial security, achieved goals, hearty relationships, and monumental gains. A year that showed us in a span of less than 90 days that we can control very little outside of our response to experiences. That response is what dictates how people move through challenging and critical times. Positive responses are full of optimism and hope with an understanding that challenges are but a bar to jump over even if it is incrementally raised to challenge us.

Other people have negative responses which cast a shadow even when every effort is made to forge ahead and not fall short. And just like there are three sides to every story: person one, person two, and the truth, so it is with perspectives on experiences. Some people will have a combination of positive and negative responses to situ-

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

America Should Embrace Prison Returnees to Our Communities

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

ations over the cycle of the experience. The call to action of mental health professionals all over the world is being sorely highlighted even though they are ready to answer the call of duty. And the most amazing aspect of their willingness to answer this call, is the safety at which they can provide the services.

Virtual counseling has been on a steady rise for the last five years but actually started in the late 80’s. And here we are, 180 days into 2020, and the data streams are bursting at the seams because nearly every sector of business is operating virtually; entire school systems, media (journalists are broadcasting from their homes), banking, and even mental health services. And clinicians all over the world are working diligently to help people adjust to talking about their most intimate thoughts and feelings via a video camera to a person they may or may not have met before COVID-19 set into the fabric of the psyches of millions.

There are three factors to consider when scheduling counseling services: Convenience, Accessibility, and Professionalism. It is likely, after the stay in place is fully lifted, thousands of more people will remain in the virtual counseling realm once they realize how accessible, convenient, and professional it is. The convenience factor is a given without any detailed explanation. Being able to go into a private room and talk with your counselor with little effort is one of the most favorable aspects of virtual counseling.

The primary factor to consider is that the room is private. While it is not required that you have a perfect space for the session, it does need to be private. The next factor to consider is accessibility. You can get on most virtual platforms for counseling via your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop. If you can video communicate with friends, family, and coworkers via facetime, messenger, duo or other video platforms, you can log into a secure platform with a licensed counselor to participate in a counseling session.

The final factor is to ensure you are scheduled with a licensed clinician. Just as with other industries, there are people who will work without the proper training. There are those in the counseling field who love to help people, yet they do not have the formal training and formal oversight to conduct professional counseling and therapy sessions. Do your research and ask questions to ensure you are working with a licensed or provisionally licensed (in training) clinician. There are daily mental health challenges even without the presence of such a formidable virus that people encounter.

Embrace the resources available to you through tele mental health counseling just as you have embraced it in other industries. More people are shopping online. More people are purchasing their groceries online. More people are using delivery services. More people are using drive through banking. More people are watching concerts online. More, more, more. Professional counseling is more available to you now, as well. Embrace and watch how much of a positive.

Dr. Stacia’ Alexander, LPC-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Counseling Supervisor and Clinic Director

8 minutes and 46 seconds May we never witness this again

By Ray Curry Secretary-Treasurer, UAW

Over the past weeks across the nation, united demonstrations have made the message clear: People have had enough of the ongoing struggle for equality and equity, of the battle against systemic injustice, and the fear of being a person of color in America.

The catalyst for the latest demonstrations was the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd on May 25 at the hands of four police officers in Minneapolis, Minn. Floyd’s death, those horrific eight minutes and 46 seconds as this American was begging for his life on an American street, was one of the most violent events witnessed through global media outlets.

Like all tipping points, this was nothing new. It was just too much. The weight of this horror became too heavy for our nation to bear.

Over years … decades ... generations …

The situation is simply all too familiar. Black, brown and white, we cannot pick it up anymore and just carry on. I believe we are all too tired and we are all too weary of this. Too much pain, too much loss and too much grief.

IT MUST STOP. NOW. So, how do we proceed from here to heal this nation and finally institute meaningful change to make tragedies like George Floyd’s death a thing of the past?

Here is my answer. WE VOTE. What is necessary to make the real systemic change needed in this country is to not only to make our voices heard in peaceful demonstration but to make our voices heard at the polls as well. One will not work without the other.

We must unite and come together to elect leaders who are committed to reform, committed to real change and committed to the wellbeing of all of us.

Now, as we know, voting has roadblocks, too. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly called into question why should we stand in long lines at the polls, running the risk of spreading the virus? The good news is, we don’t need to take those risks. We have a system for absentee and mail-in voting, and we know it works.

A new look at voting In our current environment, mail-in voting should be a viable and easy-to-access alternative to standing in long lines and exposing one another to the virus. The good news is, in more and more states like Michigan, Texas, Arizona and Virginia, it is easier than ever to vote absentee.

And contrary to the claims of opponents of mail-in voting who say it is not secure or does not work, there is no data to support this.

Voter fraud — and especially fraudulent use of absentee ballots — is very rare. According to an article in The Hill “Over the past 20 years, about 250 million votes have been cast by a mail ballot nationally. The Heritage Foundation maintains an online database of election fraud cases in the United States and reports that there have been just over 1,200 cases of vote fraud of all forms, resulting in 1,100 criminal convictions, over the past 20 years.

Of these, 204 involved the fraudulent use of absentee ballots.”

Considering that in the last midterm election 120 million voters turned out — in one election not 20 — that’s a miniscule percentage.

Let’s reach our goal So, we have two things on our plate right now: Ensuring that Americans, ALL AMERICANS, have the ability to vote and vote safely.

And then making sure we do vote.

Choosing elected representatives, at the local, state and national level is imperative to combatting the injustices people of color face every day in this nation. We must support legislators who will work for us in enacting laws and policies that keep everyone safe from the type of actions that took the life of George Floyd, and so many others.

The Justice in Policing Act of 2020, currently being considered, would ban chokeholds, establish a national database to track police misconduct and prohibit certain no-knock warrants, among other initiatives. The bill, which has 230 co-sponsors as of this writing, contains several provisions that would make it easier to hold officers accountable for misconduct in civil and criminal court and includes law enforcement training provisions.

To get measures like this one passed, we need the right people in elected office. That is the only way we will see real, systematic change.

As Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said during a recent Capitol Hill news conference, “Never again should the world be subjected to witnessing what we saw on the streets in Minneapolis: the slow murder of an individual by a uniformed police officer.”

To ensure this happens we must choose leadership that represents all of us. This November we can collectively get our arms under this awful burden and lift as one, lift as we say, in SOLIDARITY, to throw this terrible obstruction into the ditch where it forever belongs.

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com •

July 1-7, 2020

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City. Life. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | July 1-7, 2020

michiganchronicle.com

5 Skills You Should Never Stop Developing No matter how successful you are or how old you are, your learning and development should never stop.

There will always be areas for you to improve on or expand, not to mention the benefits of keeping your mind stimulated, so make learning a habit!

SavvyWise Group are experts in training, learning and development with an aim of improving social mobility through quality teaching and innovative delivery models. Here, they share 5 skills that you should never stop developing.

Curiosity – curiosity is the

fire that will power your learning journey. You can cultivate it by keeping your mind open to new ideas and always following your interests.

successfully is when you refuse to learn from what you’ve done wrong. Learn resilience and constantly exercise this skill to keep it strong.

Communication – communication is the key to success and better relationships. The better that you’re able to interact with the people in your life, personally or professionally, the better and more fruitful your life will be. Never stop improving this skill!

The ability to say no – successful people are great at setting boundaries and putting their priorities in order. Learn how to focus your energy by developing your ability to say no.

Failure – there’s a right way to fail and a wrong way to fail. Failing successfully means accepting the defeat and adapting your strategy so you can try again. Failing un-

Reflection – knowing how to honestly and usefully reflect on your progress is absolutely integral on moving forward, from a position of strength. Use the skill of reflection to spur on your growth.

By Megan Kirk

D

etroit native Toni Jones uses her personal story and love of wellness to heal women across the world. Jones, who began working in the fashion industry, moved to New York to pursue her dreams of modeling. After spending five years in the industry, Jones began to realize she was not true to her authentic self.

“I worked in the fashion industry, where I first experienced racism. I realized I was fulfilling a talent and not a dream,” Jones says.

During her time in The Big Apple, Jones survived homelessness and divorce after being married for eight years. She decided to move back to Michigan to begin her process of healing.

Jones, a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a degree in Psychology, decided she wanted to use her educational background and her own story to help women discover their path to well-being.

“Unpacking your thoughts is a practice of well-being. I wanted to show women there is a higher way to woman. I was still on a learning curve on how to not burn myself out while helping others,” she explains.

Through her work, Toni Jones encourages women to feel empowered to be mentally and emotionally sound. She uses coaching, online programs, and music to spread her message of “conscious well-being.”

“Conscious well-being is taking the time to be still so you can hear what is good for you. It is taking your time with how you think and what you feel. It is being present for what is true to you,” Jones explains.

Through music, the universal language, Toni Jones, was able to spread her message of positivity and self-awareness.

“Affirmations for the Grown-Ass Woman,” a nine-track E.P. and “Affirmations and Chill,” a three-track compilation, serve as a tool for women to be inspired and practice well-being on the go.

“I didn’t realize it would be something I’d be doing until I did it,” Jones says of her albums. “The inspiration was a few things; first, I wanted to figure out a way to combine the virtual world with well-being.

I wanted to be able to make it accessible.

The other piece was making money. I wanted to create something once and get paid for it continuously, without burning myself out.”

In addition to her music, Jones’ brand “Wife Your Life” stands to show women they have complete control over every aspect of life, including their work life. W.I.F.E., an acronym for Womanhood in Full Empowerment, works to tear down the traditional “workaholic” mind frame and create

See TONI JONES Page B-2

Dovingall Music — More Than Just a Motown Melody

By Darlene White Their vision is to carry on the legacy of Motown.

Now through Music, they are helping America through the coronavirus pandemic.

Dovingall Music, a Michigan owned and operated music production company, co-founded by Alonzo Dover and Mike Mindingall recently announced the release of their upcoming single featuring soul singer-songwriter Beth Griffith-Manley called, “You’ve Already Won.” With our new song, we want to offer hope and optimism to our country, says Griffith-Manley.

Since the United States is now seeing unprecedented levels of hunger caused by the pandemic, Dovingall Music is donating a portion of the proceeds from their new song to benefit Feeding America and Detroit Rescue Mission.

Mike Mindingall and Alonzo Dover

“Giving back is so important,” says

­ riffith-Manley. “Due to COVID, many people are out of G work compounding the already major hunger problem we have in America, so we decided to donate to Feeding America because they do amazing work and stocking food panties across the US. The Detroit Rescue Mission feeds thousands every day in addition to programs that help men and women get back on their feet to re-enter the workforce.”

It is essential to give back, as God has blessed us, and we must pay it forward, she added.

“Dovingall Music takes great pride and passion in every project we are part of, but this one was extra special partnering with Beth, a fellow Detroiter, and having the opportunity to share a portion of the proceeds with Feeding America and Detroit Rescue Mission, both great charities that are in need at this time,” stated Michael Mindingall, Co-Founder of Dovingall Music.

Dovingall productions hope that people are inspired and encouraged after listening to their latest songs.

“We want people to be inspired and encouraged,” ex-

See DOVINGALL MUSIC Page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • July 1-7, 2020

“

Conscious well-being is taking the time to be still so you can hear what is good for you.

It is taking your time with how you think and what you feel. It is being present for what is true to you.”

The Stott Affordable Housing Lottery Bedrock is committed to providing affordable housing in downtown Detroit. As part of our on-going effort, we are hosting a housing Lottery to provide eight one-bedroom units and two two-bedroom units in our newly renovated Stott Residences.

The Lottery will be accepting applications from July 1st through July 31st, 2020. There will not be a fee for Lottery applications. However, if you are one of the 10 Lottery winners, you will be responsible for paying a $35 application fee. For information, visit TheStottDetroit.com/HousingLottery, email HousingLottery@TheStottDetroit.com, call (833) 223-5909 or visit 1150 Griswold St. Detroit, MI 48226 to learn more.

AVAILABLE UNITS

UNIT REQUIREMENTS

Bedrooms

# Of Units Available

Rent

1 bedroom

8

$1,178

Household Size*

Minimum Income

Maximum Income**

1 person

$28,272

$44,000

2 people

$50,240

2 people

Toni Jones

not operate and be grounded,” Jones believes.

As a result, Jones stumbled upon a new venture. She created an outlet to have difficult conversations about the state of the world, free from judgment. In conjunction with colleague Jasmine Durhal, “Chit Chat” was born.

“Chit Chat was created as a way to create a safe space to show two Black women who think without conforming,” Jones says. The Instagram Live show features the two women in a forum setting discussing hot topics openly.

“Affirmations for The Grown-Ass Woman” and “Affirmations and Chill” are available on all major streaming platforms. Tune into “Chit Chat” Sunday at 9 p.m. E.S.T. on Instagram Live.

From page B-1 boundaries to prevent overworking.

“Every woman that I know who is working towards living their dreams is burnt out,” Jones says.

With the stresses of everyday life, the novel Coronavirus, and mounting racial tensions, Jones believes it is more important than ever to protect your mental health.

“I think it’s the basics. The absolute basics. Keep it simple. Drink your water, get outside, deep breathing, being intentional about play and pleasure, and fun. The cause needs your well-being. If your body is not functioning at its full potential, it can-

Dovingall Music From page B-1

pressed Griffith-Manley. “Music can enter the soul and affect how you feel. At some time in all of our lives, we need encouragement. You’ve already won is a declaration for feelings of losing and/ or downtimes. You have to look beyond and know that attitude determines your altitude.

You won, no matter what it looks like.

You can find good in every situation and set your course.”

There will be no summer concert for

the summer due to Covid-19 for Dovingall Music, but there will be virtual events planned for the fall.

Dovingall Music latest single, “You’ve Already Won”, is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. Also, the song is available to purchase on iTunes and Amazon Music for $1.29.

Dovingall Music is open for business to provide music production for performing artists, commercial jingles, personalized songs for weddings, birthdays and special occasions, TV and movie soundtracks.

For more information on Dovingall Music, visit www.dovingallmusic.com.

2 bedroom

2

$1,414

$33,936

$50,240

3 people

$56,560

4 people

$62,800

*Household size includes everyone who will be residing in the unit. Subject to occupancy criteria. **Household earnings including salary, hourly wages, tips, overtime, bonuses, commissions, Social Security, child support, and other income guidelines subject to change.

Who should apply? Individuals or households who fall between the minimum and maximum income requirements listed in the table above may apply. Please note: Submitting this Lottery application does not replace third-party verification of eligibility criteria. Selected Lottery applicants will undergo additional assessments, including, but not limited to: credit screening, income and asset verification, and criminal background checks in order to determine eligibility.

How do I apply? Lottery applications are available online only and can be submitted at TheStottDetroit.com/ HousingLottery. No paper applications will be distributed or accepted. You may apply for the Lottery at any time between July 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020. If you require assistance completing the Lottery application due to a disability, or an accommodation is needed for any other reason, please call our office at (833) 223-5905.

As a result of COVID-19 and current social distancing guidelines set forth by our state, we will not host an open house, but we will schedule appointments for assistance as necessary.

When is the application deadline? Lottery applications must be completed and submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on July 31, 2020.

What happens after you submit the Lottery application? You will receive an email with your unique confirmation number. On August 3, 2020, 8 one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom Lottery applications will be randomly generated via Lottery along with a number of additional Lottery applications in case any of the original 10 selected Lottery applications fail to respond, do not meet all eligibility requirements, or do not occupy the unit.

What do I need to do If I am a Lottery winner? If your Lottery application is selected, you will be notified via phone, email and priority mail, and have your unique confirmation number listed on TheStottDetroit.com/ HousingLottery. You will have 10 calendar days to respond to this notification and schedule an eligibility appointment with a Bedrock Leasing Agent. If you do not respond within 10 days, your Lottery application will be canceled, and the next Lottery applicant will be taken from the initial waiting list. During eligibility appointments, the randomly selected Lottery applicants will complete a full application, pay a $35 application fee and must provide proof of indicated household size, proof of identity for all members of the household, and income and asset verification and, once determined eligible, undergo a credit check. After all approvals are completed, a criminal background check will occur prior to taking possession of the unit. If a selected Lottery applicant fails to meet all eligibility requirements, the next Lottery applicant will be taken from the initial waiting list. This process will repeat until we have 10 fully eligible and approved applicants. Due to the varying eligibility timeline and the unknown number of Lottery applicants, there is no exact move-in date scheduled at this time.

What happens to my application after all 10 units are occupied? Once there are 10 fully eligible and approved applicants, the remaining selected Lottery applicants will be placed on an on-going waiting list for future vacancies. All other applications who were not selected in the Lottery will be discarded. At that time a new, on-going waiting list application will be available online at TheStottDetroit.com.

Will the Lottery application be available in languages other than English? Yes. If you need assistance in completing the Lottery application due to language barriers, please contact our office at (833) 223-5909 and accommodations can be made.

What if I have more questions? Please visit TheStottDetroit.com/HousingLottery and look at our FAQ page, email HousingLottery@TheStottDetroit.com, or call (833)223-5909 and leave a message.

200617_StottAffordableLottery_MichiganChronicle_5x10_5.indd 1

6/17/20 4:23 PM

FANNIE LOU HAMER POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE PRIMARY ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony Founder

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

Brenda Jones Brenda Lawrence*

U.S. Representative 13th District

U.S. Representative 14th District

Eric Sabree* Benny Napoleon* Wayne County Treasurer

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS - 13TH DISTRICT

BENNY NAPOLEON* WAYNE COUNTY PROSECUTOR

KYM WORTHY* WAYNE COUNTY TREASURER

ERIC SABREE*

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT

3 4 5 6

MARTHA SCOTT* LISA CARTER IRMA CLARK COLEMAN* MONIQUE BAKER-MCCORMICK* STATE REPRESENTATIVE

DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT

3 4 7 8 10

* Denotes Incumbent

CHINA COCHRAN FRAZIER KIMPSON HELENA SCOTT STEPHANIE YOUNG KEVIN HARRIS

Wayne County Prosecutor

JUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT (3RD CIRCUIT)

(Non-Incumbent Position) CHAUNDRA BAKER SHAKIRA LYNN HAWKINS

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS - 14TH DISTRICT

WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF

Kym Worthy*

Wayne County Sheriff

BRENDA JONES BRENDA LAWRENCE*

Yvette McElroy Anderson Field Director

– Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977)

45TH DISTRICT COURT - OAK PARK

GIL WHITNEY McRIPLEY

DPS School Millage Renewal

This is a proposal to Renew the authorization last approved by voters in 2012 to levy for general operating purposes on non-homestead property, in the amount of 18.00 mills ($18.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), which would allow the School District to continue to retire its operating debt obligations.

VOTE YES

X

ABOUT FANNIE LOU HAMER

Fannie Lou Hamer 1917-1977

Fannie Lou Hamer worked tirelessly and yielded up her life to support social, economic and political issues that impacted African Americans from Mississippi to Michigan. This Political Action Committee maintains that same tradition of activism and dedication. We are committed to supporting candidates for federal, state and local offices who have evidenced a constructive progressive position on key issues. These issues impact our community without regard to race, religion, sex or creed.

Remember to just fill in the ovals on the ballot.

Paid for by the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee • P.O. Box 21940 • Detroit, MI 48221-0940 • www.flhpac.org

•

?

Barry Brown, Treasurer • Yvette McElroy Anderson, Field Director.

July 1-7, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page B-3

It’s A Vibe: Detroit Native Portia Powell Opens “Good Vibes Lounge” Promoting Black Ownership

By Ashley Stevenson Black Excellence continues re-invigorating Detroit, and Black Banker/ Financial Literacy Coach Portia Powell intends to lead by example by opening a fully Black-Owned Bar “Good Vibes Lounge” on Detroit’s Eastside.

“I feel like when we want to go out and have a good time, we have to go downtown or to the suburbs, we should have a place for us to hang out. in our own neighborhood.” Powell said.

A native Detroiter, Portia, explained her frustration at the lack of financial investment in certain areas of Detroit, leaving certain areas struggling to make a comeback while others are thriving.”

I went to King, and I lived in the projects. I’m from here— I just didn’t want to throw anything together and do the bare minimum” The beautifully designed bar took over a year to build and was originally set to open one week before the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Entrepreneurship does not necessarily mean ownership…” – Portia Powell Portia estimates that less than 10% of Minority women own a Liquor License in Michigan but hold a high percentage of liquor consumption. “We deserve to have something for us, by us,” said Powell.

Stating that there is a large amount of people who are entrepreneurs that do not necessarily own their business and are instead renting spaces. Inspired by her mother, who overcame being labeled a statistic after having Portia at 15, this is Portia’s first brick-andmortar purchase, having owned only residential real estate in the past. Opening Good Vibes Lounge means more to her than just having a place to hang-out.

“My main goal is to help other people achieve the goals that they want to achieve.” The staff of Good Vibes Lounge is all Black and are originally from the area where the bar is located. “One of my employees owned a catering company and now is working directly under our head chef to gain experience to run the restaurant and eventually get her own.”

They are drawing attention to the importance of sharing knowledge and providing opportunities for others to succeed in their

Portia Powell journeys to ownership.

The cooks and chefs of Good Vibes Lounge have worked together with Portia to provide a modern spin on traditional bar food.

“It’s bar food, but good bar food,” expressed Powell. The menu offers items like Buffalo Cauliflower, Hennessey Wings, and Portia’s personal favor-

ite, “The Lobster Burger” – a fresh take on an American favorite. Cocktails are made with fresh ingredients and crafted by an all-Black bartending Staff. “It’s our music, our food, its truly for us…I wanted it to be a good vibe.”

Good Vibes Lounge located 16801 Harper in Detroit. Hours are Wednesday-Thursday, 3 PM -12 AM and Friday-Saturday, 3 PM-2 AM.

ARTicle Creatives Teens Exemplify Gen-Z Leadership Amid Social Unrest

By Jordan Woods The behaviors and life priorities of Generation Z is often the target of heavy criticism from older generations. However, in the midst of the heightened awareness of how Black lives are targeted every day by systemic racism, Generation Z has led the way in showing how to engage in powerful, effective activism through self-expression.

A perfect example of this is the recent project by a nonprofit known as ARTicle Creatives.

The organization, founded

by Dennis Belton Jr. and Paris Dean, recently put together a powerful collection of images for a demonstration called

‘Project Come Together’. The project brings together creatives and activists from diverse backgrounds to create images that shed light on issues that have plagued our world for centuries, which hopefully motivates every individual to do their part to create a more equal, inclusive tomorrow. One of the most inspiring details is that the entire shoot and concept was produced and directed by 16 year old ARTicle Creatives member Eirene Miranda.

Furthermore, Eirene’s sister, Alicia, teamed up with Belton Jr. to take the photographs for the demonstration. Among the participants was 16 year old Stefan Perez, the viral activist

who has made local and national news for the leadership he has shown in helping lead peaceful, coordinated protests across the city of Detroit. The results speak for themselves: Gen Z is leading the way.

“Together we show unity and love. The Article team is a family, and that was shown during the making of these photos and film,“ Eirene said.

“The goal was to show diversity and support to the Black Lives Matter movement, and to also promote its message in a positive light. We captured powerful images, recreating scenes from protests, and using real emotions to come together to make something beautiful. Together we exude love and show that race, age, gender don’t matter and that we are one.”

The demonstration is just the latest example of how ARTicle Creatives is helping to lead the way in inspiring the future thought leaders and artists of our younger generations.

Through training and projects in areas such as photography, graphic design, and videography ( to name a few), the founders of ARTicle Creatives have made it a priority to equip young people with the skills,

Dennis Belton, Jr. tools, and mindset they need in order to affect positive change on the world.

“I think it’s very important for adults to create a ‘safe space’ for young people to respectfully voice their opinions on important issues,” Belton Jr. said.

“One, because it instills a sense of confidence in them, and two, adults aren’t always the most informed and have

generational biases that block them from seeing the world as it is. Besides, those adults won’t be around forever and young people will inherit the earth when adults are gone, so they should have a say so in conversations that lead to changes they’ll have to live with in the future.”

For more information and to view the Black Lives Matter project, please visit www.ArticleCreatives.org.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • July 1-7, 2020

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Ola Mae Walker Spinks was gifted treasure most people can hardly imagine: 106 years of life.

And Ola used each of her days and her years with joy and purpose. She explored all 50 of the United States and every continent except Antarctica. She continued to drive until age 102.

She taught school for more than 30 years, traced her family’s U.S. history to 1795, and even helped to organize the historic “Slave Narratives” in the U.S. Library of Congress.

Ola made her peaceful transition on June 16, 2020, at her home in Southfield, Michigan.

She was born on May 15, 1914, in Mansfield, Louisiana.

In Detroit, she lived as a proud and longtime resident of Detroit’s historic Boston-Edison neighborhood.

The youngest of four children born to Willie Walker and Lula B. Cato Walker, Ola was christened in Shady Grove Methodist Church. In 1922, the family moved from Louisiana to Vernon, Oklahoma, where Ola completed her elementary education. In the fall of 1930, she entered Manual Training High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and graduated in 1934. Upon graduation, she entered Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, graduating in 1938 with a bachelor of science degree in Home Economics.

Ola began her teaching career in Augusta, Arkansas, where she met and married William C. Spinks. After two years of teaching in Arkansas, they moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma. From this union, two children were born, William Claybourne Spinks Jr. and Adrian Brent Spinks. In 1954, after the dissolution of her marriage, she and her two sons moved to Detroit.

She then joined the Pontiac Board of Education and taught first grade for many years before qualifying for the Board of Education Library Program. She continued her quest for higher education and, in 1959, enrolled at Wayne State University; Ola graduated in 1961 with a master’s degree in Library Science Education. Her teaching career lasted more than three decades, ending with her retirement in 1976.

Ola loved helping others and was a member of People’s Community Church, where she served as chaplain of the May Birthday Club. She also found pleasure in her many activities. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the American Bridge Association, the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society, a life member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, a life member of the Michigan Association of Retired Teachers and she volunteered to sort and file the official, original Slave Narratives for the U.S. Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. For her years of service, she received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Federation of Teachers, Outstanding Leadership Award from the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and many others.

Ola made her transition to join her mother, Lula B. Cato Walker; sisters: Inez Walker Fields; Willie Mae Walker Robbins and brother, Armstead Cato Walker. Along with her sons, William (Anita) and Adrian, Ola leaves to cherish her loving memory: nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of special, wonderful friends.

Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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July 1-7, 2020 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

INKSTER HOUSING COMMISSION NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

Public Budget Hearing

RFP No. P20002 (Revised)

Legal Services (National/Local/Evictions/RAD/Mixed Finance/Section 18) Paul Bollinger, Executive Director Telephone: (313)561-2892 E-Mail: bollingerp@inksterhousing.org TDD/TTY: (800)545-1833

AGENCY CONTACT PERSON

1. A ccess ha.internationaleprocurement.com (no “www”).

HOW TO OBTAIN THE RFP DOCUMENTS ON THE EPROCUREMENT MARKETPLACE

2. Click on the “Login” button in the upper left side.

3. Follow the listed directions.

4. If you have any problems in accessing or registering on the Marketplace, please call customer support at (866)526-9266.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ for Microsoft volume licensing No. 20-3214 RFQ forms may be obtained beginning July 1, 2020 from http://www.mitn.info. RFQ is due by 3:00 PM ET, July 16, 2020.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS COMPENSATION STUDY

MacDowell Preparatory Academy will hold its proposed budget hearing for the 2020-2021 school year on June 29, 2020 online beginning at 6PM; details can be found at www.macdowellprep.com.

The budget is available for public inspection online at www.macdowellprep.com/ budgets-and-compliance.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) has issued a Request for Proposals for a compensation study.

Details for this RFP are available at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/ mitn/southeastmichigancouncilofgovernments. SEMCOG adheres to all DBE guidelines.

Please visit our website for more

classified ads.

www.michiganchronicle.com

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

NONE SCHEDULED

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS

Monday, July 20, 2020, 3:00 PM ET

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN

Attn: Paul Bollinger, Executive Director Administrative Office 4500 Inkster Road, Inkster, MI 48141

River Rouge Housing Commission

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 3:00 PM ET

River Rouge, MI 48218

ANNOUNCEMENTS

[Section 3, Minority- and/or women-owned businesses are encouraged to respond]

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Senior Embedded Software Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, debug, test, integrate, validate &deliver OTA update packages for psgr vehicle embedded telematics &infotainment ECUs incldg In Vehicle Infotainment, Communication Gateway/Center Stack Modules, using C/C++11 programming language, in Android, Linux &QNX multi-threaded RTOS, in Agile methodology, for future vehicle programs &global markets (N.A, Europe, China, &RoW). Execute source control, issue tracking &static anlys using Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, IBM DOORS/Synergy/RTC/ Rhapsody, Parasoft, CANalyzer, CANoe, CAPL scripts, &VSpy tools.

Use State Machine, Threads, Socket programming, Mutex, Semaphore &message queues for SW dvlpmt. Master, Electrical Engrg, Computer Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, designing &integrating control SW for embedded ECUs for psgr vehicle or off road machine control using C/C++ programming language, in Linux &multi-threaded RTOS, in Agile methodology, for U.S. &global markets, or related. Mail resume to Ref#49581, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Validation Engineer Over The Air (OTA) Software Warren, MI, General Motors. Develop, create, &execute test plans &validate &improve Remote Reflash Master (RRM) in Central Gateway Module to identify, track &verify fixes for OTA malfunctions, crashes, &poor performance, for future psgr infotainment &telematics systems features, using CANoe, CANalyzer, IBM RTC, VSpy, RAD-Galaxy, RAD-Star, ATT, &RAD-Moon tools, &NeoVI FIRE &Vector tools HW, in vehicle &on test bench. Develop &maintain test procedure up to date based on the latest OTA functional &ISO 14229-1 UDS requirements for validation on subsyst, sys. &vehicle level.

Validate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, phone projection, &OnStar telematics connectivity, &improve HMI, in Android OS during OTA programming. Master, Electrical Engrg, or related.

12 mos exp as Engineer, developing &executing test plans &validate &improve RRM in Vehicle Communication Platform or Telematics Connectivity Platform modules, to identify &verify fixes for OTA malfunctions or poor performance, for psgr vehicle infotainment &telematics syss features, in vehicle &on test bench, or related.

Mail resume to Ref#5087-08, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

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PUBLIC HOUSING HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER 180 Visger Rd. 180 Visger Rd Office (313) 382-1414 Office (313) 382-1276 Fax (313) 382-0228 Fax (313) 382-1384

Design Release Engineer Power Converters Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, engr, dvlp &release BEV high voltage power converters &technologies including On Board Charge Module to charge RESS, Accessory Power Module to provide current to vehicle syss, &Integrated Power Electronics, power inverters & AC/DC electric motors incldg rotors, rotor lamination, stators, stator lamination, conversion to low power, &assure high volume power converter production at mfg plants, using NX, Teamcenter, Vismockup, &E2 tools. Engineer &dvlp Cmpnt &Subsyss Tech Specs. Define ICD reqmts for power converter syss, subsyss, &cmpnt interfaces, analyzing &resolving packaging &clearance issues w/ engrs responsible for related engine &powertrain syss, subsystems &cmpnts. Use DFM/A, DFSS, DFMEA &DRBFM to design &validate cmpnts.

Master, Electrical, Automotive, Mfg, or Mechanical Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer or Design Engineer, designing &engrg AC electric motors for psgr vehicle or industrial applications, incldg rotors, rotor lamination, &stator lamination, or related. Mail resume to Ref#1635-303, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

JOB POSTING

Title: Office Manager Reports To: CFP Coordinator

Employment Type: Regular, Full-Time; Initial 120 Day Probationary Period SUMMARY OF POSITION The primary function of this position is to assist in daily operational needs of the River Rouge Housing Commission including but not limited to greeting and assisting office visitors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Answer phone calls and forward messages as needed; • Greet visitors to office and provide as much assistance as possible or forward visitor to the

appropriate person;COMMENT PERIOD and PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE of AIR POLLUTION • Open and sort mail;

• Receipt rent monies; The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is holding • Inventory and order needed office supplies; comment period from July 1, 2020 until August 14, 2020, and a virtual public hearing, if req • And other related clerical duties. on August 4, 2020, for a proposed air permit for AmeriTi Manufacturing Company. The c QUALIFICATIONS submitted Permit to Install (PTI) Application No. 549-97B, to include existing processes • High school diploma or GED from an accredited high school or adult training program; titanium processing and preference manufacturing facility in a permit, and for a proposed addition may be provided with additional formal training from an accredited college or trade school; existing powders manufacturing process.

is oflocated Get your The weekly facility home delivery the

• Two to three years of full-time office clerical experience requiring extensive public contact; preference will be given if any experience with HUD related programs;

at•19300 Avenue in and Detroit, Michigan. The public comment per Able to lift Filer a minimum of 20 pounds; if ichigan requested, virtual public to allow interested parties the opportunity to co • Ablehearing to sit or standare for extended periodsall of time. on the proposed conditional approval of a PTI. It has been preliminarily determined SUBMISSION hronicleas restricted equipment, by the proposed permit conditions, will not violate any of EGLE Please submit resume detailing experience and education to the enugin@riverrougehousing.com Subscribe Today! nor the National Ambient Standards. no laterAir than Quality Thursday, July 9, 2020 by 4:00 p.m..

M C

Call (313) 963-5522



Copies of EGLE’s Technical Fact Sheet, Proposed Project Summary, and proposed NOTICE of AIR for POLLUTION COMMENT and PUBLIC conditions are available review at the followingPERIOD locations, or you may HEARING request a copy be The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes,PTI andApplication Energy (EGLE)Number is holding 549-97B. a public to you by calling 517-284-6793.

Please reference

comment period from July 1, 2020 until August 14, 2020, and a virtual public hearing, if requested, on August 4, 2020, for a proposed air permit for AmeriTi Manufacturing Company. The company AIR QUALITY (AQD) Pageto- https://www.michigan.gov/air submittedDIVISION Permit to Install (PTI) Internet ApplicationHome No. 549-97B, include existing processes at their titanium processing and manufacturing facility in a permit, and for a proposed addition to their On Thursday, June 18, 2020 Larrestine Amanda existing powders manufacturing process.

EGLE, AQD, Cadillac Place, Suite 2-300, 3058 West Grand Boulevard, Detro ­McKanders-Trimm of Youngtown, Arizona was calledDETROIT: home The facility is located at 19300 Filer Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. The public comment period and, to be with our Lord and Savior.

48202-6058 (Phone: 313-456-2761) if requested, virtual public hearing are to allow all interested parties the opportunity to comment on Larrestine was born on DETROIT: City Hall, Coleman A. ofYoung Building, 2 Woodward Avenue the proposed conditional approval a PTI. It Municipal has been preliminarily determined that the equipment, June 15, 1943 in Jackson, as restricted by the proposed permit conditions, will not violate any of EGLE’s rules nor the National Mississippi to Addye Nell (Phone: 313-224-3400) (Norwood) McKanders Ambient Air Quality Standards.

LANSING: EGLE, AQD, Constitution Hall, 525 West Allegan Street, 2-South and Julius Aaron of EGLE’s Technical Fact Sheet, Proposed Project Summary, and proposed permit conditions McKanders. Larrestine (Phone:Copies 517-284-6793) are available for review at the following locations, or you may request a copy be mailed to you by calling confessed to Christ at 517-284-6793.

Please reference PTI Application Number 549-97B. an early age at Second

Baptist Church in The public is encouraged present comments on the proposed permit action.

AIR QUALITY DIVISION to (AQD) Internetwritten Home Page - https://www.michigan.gov/air Inkster, Michigan. comments or a hearing request should be sent to Ms. Annette Switzer, Permit Section M Larrestine grad­ DETROIT: EGLE, AQD, Cadillac Place, Suite 2-300, 3058 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI uated from Inkster High EGLE, AQD, P.O.(Phone: Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7760. Comments may also be su 48202-6058 313-456-2761) School and was awarded a from theDETROIT: webpage (click onAvenue “Submit Comment” un Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Cityhttps://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/cwerp.shtml Hall, Coleman A. Young Municipal Building, 2 Woodward from Michigan State University AmeriTi (Phone: Manufacturing 313-224-3400)Company, PTI Application No. 549-97B listing). In addition, (MSU). While attending MSU she comments are being over the byAllegan calling 517-284-0900.

All statements r became a member and President of the MSU Chapter of LANSING: EGLE,accepted AQD, Constitution Hall,phone, 525 West Street, 2-South Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. After graduating from college,

by August 14, 2020 will be considered by the decision-maker prior to final permit action.

(Phone: 517-284-6793) Larrestine worked for the State of Michigan for over 25 years.

During her career and after retirement she independently The public is encouraged to present written comments on the proposed permit action. Written published articles in magazines and other publications. comments or in a hearing should sent to a Ms.virtual Annetteinformational Switzer, Permit Section Manager, Only if requested writingrequest

by July 31,be2020, session and public Larrestine was married to Lawrence N. Trimm from 1971 EGLE, AQD, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7760. Comments may also be submitted from on August 4, 2020, starting at 6:00 p.m.,(click at which timeComment” AQD staff to 1984. Three children were born to this union: will Davidbe held the webpage https://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/cwerp.shtml on “Submit underwill the be ava Lawrence, Ian Christiann and Justin Larren. Larrestineanswer loved questions.

The virtual public hearing will begin listing). at 7:00 p.m. The sole purpose of th AmeriTi Manufacturing Company, PTI Application No. 549-97B In addition, formal comments her children and family. are being accepted over the phone, by calling 517-284-0900.

All statements received by August hearing will be to take formal testimony on the record. If a hearing is requested, 14, more info A celebration of Larrestine’s life will be held at a later date.

2020 will be considered by the decisionmaker prior to final permit action.

The family is grateful for your understanding. We appreciate and the link to the virtual informational session and public hearing will be made availabl your prayers and messages of sympathy. In lieu of flowers the if requested in writing by July 31, 2020, a virtual informational session and public hearing will link to Only register to attend posted at: https://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/downloads/ family asks that a donation be made in memory of Larrestine be held on August 4, 2020, starting at 6:00 p.m., at which time AQD staff will be available to answer McKanders-Trimm to the American Heart Association: PubNotice/NSR_PTIs_Open_for_Comment.pdf. questions. The virtual public hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. The sole purpose of the public hearing www.heart.org

will be to take formal testimony on the record. If a hearing is requested, more information and the link

to the virtual informational session and public hearing will be made available with a link to register The Michigan Chronicle Individuals needing accommodations for effective participationPubNotice/NSR_PTIs_ at the hearing should to attend posted at: https://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/downloads/permits/ recognizes our

Klaver at 517-284-6793 one week in advance to request mobility, visual, h Open_for_Comment.pdf.

Frontline andMs. Christine or other Individuals assistance. needing accommodations for effective participation at the hearing should contact Essential Workers!

From our heart to yours

Ms. Christine Klaver at 517-284-6793 one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY

We could not make it through this Pandemic without you!

Ms. Annette Switzer, Permit Section Manager

Ms. Annette Switzer, Permit Section Manager

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• michiganchronicle.com • July 1-7, 2020

Keeping You Informed Away or at Home.

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