Mc edition 5 18 16

Monica Briggins

Detroit Bail Bonds:

Serious legal setbacks, but careers resume

Making strides in a male dominated industry See page C-1

See page D-1

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michiganchronicle.com

Volume 79 – Number 36

May 18-24 2016

Joy and pain in Detroit Mental health care treatment gets a boost

John Hope Bryant – Monica Morgan photos

John Hope Bryant sets tone for Men and Women of Excellence celebration

By Keith A. Owens Senior Editor

“It’s not white excellence. It’s not Latino excellence. It’s not Asian excellence. It’s just excellence. Nobody can afford to be black for a living anymore. We have to be good at what we do, and proud to be black,” said John Hope Bryant, president and CEO of Operation Hope, who served as an inspiring keynote speaker for the Michigan Chronicle’s Men and Women of Excellence celebration. The event was held on Friday evening at Cobo Hall, honoring some of the city’s best and brightest.

By Roz Edward Managing Editor

On Dec. 29, 2015, Mary Kelly, 54, a single mother of two, was shot and killed by her 27-year-old son on Manor Street in Detroit. Kelly, a beloved member of the community, was the sole caregiver for her son Jason who had been diagnosed as a teen with schizophrenia.

In recognition of its 80th anniversary, the Chronicle hosted the Awards Ceremony and Alumni Reunion, recognizing nearly 100 honorees, the first time that women and men were honored at the same ceremony. Additionally, past Honorees of Excellence were invited to attend this year’s gala event.

On Dec. 21, 2015, a 35-year-old wife and mother was shot to death by her husband on Bentler Street in Detroit. The couple, both of whom battled mental illness, allegedly got into a heated argument, which culminated in the shooting death of Kai’ya Rivers at the hands of her mentally ill husband, Jamal Rivers.

On Dec. 3, 2015, Larry Darnell Shaw, who’d battled with mental illness since early adulthood, was killed in a violent exchange with neighbors after a simple misunderstanding turned into an altercation gone awry.

And new chapters like those above are regularly added to the volume of stories of preventable tragedies involving Detroiters with mental health disorders who find themselves in dangerous situations, placing themselves and others in jeopardy.

Now in a move to emphasize the importance of diagnosis and treat-

WHAT’S INSIDE

Michael K. Garrett, president and CEO of Community Network Services – Andre Smith photos ment for mental health illness and disorders, local medical experts are embracing a relatively new school of thought in the mental health community — mental parity.

“If you’ve been to your primary healthcare physician in the past couple of years, you’ll notice that as part of the examination your doctor may ask you three to five questions about your mental health care state, like ‘have you been depressed lately,

have you had suicidal thoughts, are there any particular stressors going on in your life and do you have the ability to feel joy and happiness?’ explains Michael K. Garrett, president and CEO of Community Network Services, a premier mental healthcare provider for metropolitan Detroit. “This is a prescreening tool that came about as part of the Affordable Care Act, and depending

See MENTAL

HEALTH page A-4

For the past eight years, the Michigan Chronicle has annually selected some of metro Detroit’s most interesting and remarkable people as Men of Excellence and Women of Excellence. These honorees have demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership, commitment, strength, passion, and the ability to affect positive change in and beyond their respective fields/careers. Honorees chosen by the Chronicle represent a cross-section of individuals in the community, civic circles, business, faith-based entities, media, entertainment, hospitality, education, automotive industry and many other sectors of society in greater Detroit. Many of the past honorees have excelled in philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors.

“The whole world is looking at Detroit,” said Bryant. “Your story in Detroit is wrapped up in the American story, that America needs this city to win more than it needs any city to win, because America’s story is wrapped up in the Detroit story.

The American middle class came from Detroit.

Literally. The middle class in America, which is now the largest economy in the world, came from Detroit, Michigan. And Detroit used to be the richest city in the world. Richer than Paris, richer than London, richer than New York. The richest city on the planet.”

See EXCELLENCE page A-4

Nominee for Teacher of the Year explains DPS teacher frustrations

By Keith A. Owens

Reynolds, who teaches dance at Cass Tech and also serves as an assistant pastor at Fellowship Chapel, made an analogy: “We say, ‘Here, hold this for me. Like if I get paid $1,000, so I keep $500 and give you the other $500.

That’s what we’ve been doing. So to us that was an absurdity (not getting paid). So we responded by going to the Fisher Building where the person was who sent the email. We went to Rhodes’ office. We didn’t go to Lansing.

And I think he was trying to manipulate us, honestly. He was trying to manipulate the teachers to fight for the legislation, but the reality is the teachers were so angry because either that money is missing, and it’s been stolen, or someone’s not telling the truth.

Senior Editor

The amazing journey of Shawn Blanchard. 40 Under 40 honoree will keynote inaugural S.W.A.G. Awards See page B-1

$1.00

When Mayowa Reynolds was chosen earlier this month as a nominee for Teacher of the Year, an exceptional honor that earned her a trip to the White House along with three other Michigan nominees, she thought it was nice and was glad she had been chosen. Still, Reynolds couldn’t help but think about all the turmoil back home in Detroit where she and her fellow teachers were engaged in a bitter protest against Detroit Public Schools that had resulted in the widely reported “sickout” that closed down 94 of 97 DPS schools for several days.

“The action was sparked by an emailed communication sent to DPS teachers from the office of DPS emergency manager Judge Steven Rhodes saying that they should not expect to be paid beyond June. The payment issue has since been resolved, but the anger of the teachers — and of

Mayowa Reynolds many students and parents who side with them — has not.

“Speaking as an educator and as a parent, on the Saturday before the lockout, we received an email indicating that the district would run out of money in

June and that we would not be paid after June. … But the money we were supposed to get paid is money we’ve loaned the district,” said Reynolds.

To further explain the issue from the teachers’ point of view,

“For him to send us that letter, and for us not to respond, didn’t even make sense.”

It has been this willingness on the part of so many Detroit teachers and their supporters to

See REYNOLDS page A-4

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18 -24, 2016

Page A-2

Mackinac preview: Dr. Mona Hanna Attisha, Flint lifesaver The Flint water crisis is a tragedy that demands unprecedented action and attention. It has short-term needs that cannot be met soon enough, and longterm challenges that will require action and attention for decades.

Getting education right, particularly in our cities, will be essential for our region and state to prosper economically.

Flint is a part of our region, a very significant part.

Sandy Baruah says the majority of the narrative from Michigan is positive,

Mona Hanna Attisha will be featured during one of the Mackinac events to share her perspective on the Flint water crisis. She will speak on the main stage.

“As Michiganders, we have a lot to be excited about and proud about in terms of the progress that we have made in the state,” Baruah said. “When you look at where our unemployment rate is, when you look at how our businesses are doing, when you look at the reputation of the state, it is largely positive. The Flint issue serves as a glaring exception to that narrative. What we need to be able to do is talk about Flint in a way that is productive and forward-looking. We’re not going to be able to add much to the failures that happened in Flint. What we can do, however, is provide a policy and business platform for the state to come together to work on solving the issues of Flint that involve public infrastructure, that involve fundraising around today’s and tomorrow’s needs for Flint.”

There will be a roundtable discussion on issues ranging from aging infrastructure to urban policy. Flint will figure heavily in that discussion.

This year’s conference focuses on three pillars: entrepreneurship, urban education and investing in our future.

Today’s schools, especially in urban cities, are being challenged to do more with substantially less. The education crisis in Detroit underscores one of the biggest issues we’re facing. How to sustainably fund and provide our students with a quality education.

There will be a formal session hosted

by The Skillman Foundation focused on DPS and Detroit education.

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Penguin mania ensues at ‘Sunset in the Zoo’ The Detroit Zoological Society’s annual “Sunset at the Zoo” fundraiser, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, is the hottest ticket in town for the coolest event of the summer. Themed “Penguin Palooza” in celebration of the Detroit Zoo’s new Polk Penguin Conservation Center, “Sunset” takes place Friday, June 10, 7-11:30 p.m.

The 21-and-older event is held rain or shine and the zoo closes at 1 p.m. that day in preparation for the festivities.

“Sunset at the Zoo” offers a strolling supper with tastes of signature dishes from 40 of the area’s finest restaurants as well as desserts and zoothemed specialty drinks.

The event also features live music by the Simone Vitale Band, dancing under the stars, live and silent auctions, and access to many of the zoo’s award-winning animal habitats as the sun goes down. Attire is “summer chic” and guests are encouraged to dress in

black and white in celebration of penguins and the new penguin center.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.detroitzoo.org/sunset. Supporter tickets are $175; patron tickets are $300 and include a VIP reception on June 10, 5:307 p.m., just prior to the main event.

Supporter and patron tickets may be purchased at the gate the day of the event for $200 and $325, respectively.

The 33,000-squarefoot Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which opened April 18, is the largest facility for penguins in the world. It fea-

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tures a 326,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep aquatic area where visitors can watch more than 80 penguins explore their habitat. An underwater gallery and two acrylic underwater tunnels provide breathtaking views of the birds as they swim above, around and below.

“Sunset at the Zoo” is also supported by the Cotton Family, DeMaria, IBEW Local 58, Integrity Building Group, ITC Holdings, Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, Quicken Loans and Title Source, Service Systems Associates, and Vivacqua Law.

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news

May 18-24, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page A-3

Flint, DPS to cast long shadow over Mackinac

By Keith Owens

It will be hard to find a discussion on Mackinac Island during this year's Mackinac Policy Conference that won’t in some way, large or small, find itself related to either the Flint water crisis or the crisis that is Detroit Public Schools.

Although the purpose of the annual forum is to highlight the wide variety of policy issues affecting the entire state, it’s not hard to determine where the centers of gravity will be located.

Recognizing the potential for either — or both — of these issues to overshadow the conference to an exaggerated extent, both Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, and Dennis Archer Jr., this year's Mackinac Policy

Conference chair and president of both Archer Corporate Services and Ignition Media Group, are sensitive to the need to balance the oversized importance and urgency of Flint and DPS, while at the same time trying to prevent so much baggage from weighting down the entire Mackinac experience.

in a way that is productive and forward-looking. …We’re not going to be able to add much to the failures that happened in Flint. What we can do, however, is provide a policy and business platform for the state to come together to work on solving the issues of Flint that involve public infrastructure, that involve fundraising around today’s and tomorrow’s needs for Flint.”

It will not be an easy job, not unlike tap dancing through a minefield.

During comments made during a Thursday morning press conference announcing the agenda of this year’s event, both Baruah and Archer carefully framed their comments to reflect their hopes for a productive conference that will ignite the sort of discussions and networking that could lead to some very necessary solutions.

Dennis Archer Jr. and Sandy Baruah “As Michiganders, we have a lot to be excited about and proud about in terms of the progress that we have made in the state. When you look at where our unemployment rate is, when you look at how our

businesses are doing, when you look at the reputation of the state, it is largely positive,” said Baruah. “The Flint issue serves as a glaring exception to that narrative. What we need to be able to do is talk about Flint

Added Archer, “Today’s schools, especially in urban cities, are being challenged to do more with substantially less.

The education crisis in Detroit underscores one of the biggest issues we’re facing. How to sustainably fund, and provide our students with a quality education. ... Getting education right, particularly in our cities, will be essential for our region and state to prosper economically."

Conyers urges Congress to support Fair Play Fair Pay Act House Judiciary Committee ranking member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) joined U.S. Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Darrell Issa (RCA) as well as legendary Four Tops founding member, Duke Fakir, T Bone Burnett, Roseanne Cash, and more than three dozen artists and musicians at a press conference in support of H.R. 1733, the Fair Play John Conyers Fair Pay Act. The legislation would harmonize and modernize the outdated rules that currently govern music licensing for digital and terrestrial radio broadcasts.

“Detroit has many legacy artists who have never received fair compensation for their groundbreaking contributions to the music industry,” said Conyers. “Failing to adequately pay artists and musicians, undermines their potential to create music. The Fair Play Fair Pay Act would provide long-overdue fairness for artists regardless of when their music was recorded or where it is played.”

Key components of the Fair Play Fair Pay Act: • Creates a terrestrial performance right so that AM/FM radio competes on equal footing with its Internet and satellite competitors who already pay performance royalties.

This would resolve the decades old struggle for performance rights and ensure that — for the first time — music creators would have the right to fair pay when their performances are broadcast on AM/FM radio.

• Brings true platform parity to radio, so that all forms of radio, regardless of the technology they use, pay fair market value for music performances. This levels the playing field and ends the unfair and illogical distortions caused by the different royalty standards that exist today.

Professor Emeritus Edward J. Littlejohn (left) greets Judge Damon J. Keith at The Journal of Law in Society ­Symposium at Wayne State University Law School. For more photos, visit law.wayne.edu/journalsymposium2016.

Wayne Law symposium addresses racism and law

The Journal of Law in Society at Wayne State University Law School recently presented its 2016 symposium, “A Tribute to Professor Emeritus Edward J. Littlejohn and His Work with Race, Racism, and the Law.”

The symposium paid tribute to Littlejohn’s scholarship, work in the city of Detroit and time on the law school faculty. Littlejohn, one of the leading experts on African American legal history, played an instrumental role in the implementation of the Detroit Police Commission and served on the law school faculty during tumultuous times in the 1970s. Littlejohn gave the keynote address.

Those offering remarks included Wayne Law Dean Jocelyn Benson; Professor Peter J. Hammer, director of Wayne Law’s Damon J. Keith Cen-

ter for Civil Rights; Judge Damon J. Keith, who serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and earned his master of laws degree from Wayne Law in 1956; third-year student Rachel Myung, journal editor-in-chief; and third-year student Sean Riddell, symposium director.

Panel discussion topics and panelists were: • “The Past, Present, and Future of Michigan’s Black Lawyers and Judges” with Hon. Dennis Archer, chairman emeritus of Dickinson Wright PLLC; Hon. Dalton Roberson, retired Wayne County Circuit Court judge; Hon. Denise Page Hood, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan; and moderator Blanche Cook, Wayne Law assistant professor.

• “The Struggle for Racial Diversity in Legal Education” with Carl Edwards, Wayne Law class of 1974, partner with Edwards & Jennings PC; Ericka Jackson, class of 1997, WSU director of undergraduate admissions and former Wayne Law assistant dean of admissions and student affairs; Michael Steinberg, class of 1989, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan; and moderator Robert Sedler, Wayne Law distinguished professor.

• “Citizens’ Efforts to Hold Police Accountable for Misconduct” with Julie Hurwitz, partner with Goodman & Hurwitz PC; Barbara McQuade, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan; Yusef “Bunchy” Shakur, owner of Urban Network; and moderator Eric Williams, Wayne Law assistant (clinical) professor.

• Ensures terrestrial royalties are affordable capping royalties for stations with less than $1 million in annual revenue at $500 per year (and at $100 a year for non-commercial stations), while protecting religious and incidental uses of music from having to pay any royalties at all.

• Makes a clear statement that pre-1972 recordings have value and those who are profiting from them must pay appropriate royalties for their use, while we closely monitor the litigation developments on this issue.

• Protects songwriters and publishers by clearly stating that nothing in this bill can be used to lower songwriting royalties.

• Codifies industry practices streamlining the allocation of royalty payments to music producers.

• Ensures artists receive their fair share from direct licensing of all performances eligible for the statutory license.

First-year Wayne Law student Rachel McDuffie asks a question at the symposium.

Symposium director Sean Riddell, a third-year Wayne Law student, closes the 2016 symposium.

46th Judicial District Court announces amnesty program Michigan Chronicle Reports

The 46th District Court in Southfield will conduct an amnesty program May23- June 20, 2016. This will be the first amnesty program in the recent history of the court. The 46th District Court will waive late fees on eligible traffic tickets and parking violations as well as late fees and warrant fees on eligible traffic misdemeanors (those not requiring a court appearance).

Unpaid tickets negatively impact an individual’s life, as late fees and warrant fees evolve into drivers’ license suspensions and the possibility of arrest. As a result, citizens live in fear and have an impaired ability to travel to work or school. The amnesty program will provide individuals with the opportunity to clear up their tickets and warrants without fear of arrest or additional financial penalties, paving the way to obtaining valid drivers’ licenses. Those interested in participating in the 46th Dis-

trict Court Amnesty Program should note the following:

■A ll payments must be made in person at

46th Judicial District Court, 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield.

■T he program is only available May 23-

June 20, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

■ Only cash, credit or certified funds will be accepted for payment (no payment plans)

■ The ticket must be paid in its entirety ■ Handicap tickets and felony violations are not eligible for amnesty

The court is committed to collecting all outstanding fines, fees and costs. The court hopes this program will provide citizens with the opportunity to free themselves from the burden of unpaid tickets.

For more information call 248-796-5860 or 5880 or go to www.46thdistrictcourt. com.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18-17, 2016

Page A-4

Reynolds From page A-1 protest what is going on at DPS that has attracted the attention of teachers around the nation, said Reynolds.

“Everyone was focused on Detroit. They understood the impact of how Detroit will affect them. Many of the other teachers there are also working in states with Republican governors and can see the effects of more testing over classroom teaching. … I kept texting that back to the teachers here, because sometimes you can be fighting so hard that you don’t realize you have other folks rooting for you. …It made me understand the scope of the fight for quality public education.”

Reynolds emphasized that, in contrast to what critics have said who accuse the teachers of depriving DPS students of an education during their protest action, both the students and the parents are well aware of why the teachers are protesting.

Excellence

“The kids are outraged because the kids know that the closest thing to me and my success is my parent and this teacher. They know teachers sacrifice their own money.

They know what the teachers do. They know this. So the kids are out there, the parents are out there. We’re not doing this because we don’t have anything else to do. We would much rather be in the classroom.”

From page A-1

Bryant reminded the crowd that it was automotive pioneer Henry Ford who came up with the idea to pay his autoworkers enough so that they could afford to purchase the cars they were building. Paying his workers an actual living wage is how the middle class was born.

Today, the middle class is disappearing rapidly into the rear view mirror, struggling to stay two steps ahead of poverty. Which means that for the black middle class, the struggle is noticeably more pronounced.

Earlier this year, in January, Cass Tech students walked out of school in support of their teachers who were on sickout, protesting DPS conditions.

“There’s nothing wrong with us. We’re not dumb and we’re not stupid. It’s what we don’t know that we don’t know that’s killing us. We didn’t get the memo. There’s a memo on economics, and money and free enterprise and capitalism. …Andrew Young said, to live in a system of free enterprise, and to not understand the rules of free enterprise, must be the very definition of slavery. We’re living in slavery today. Seventy percent of this country is living paycheck to paycheck.”

“It was because we’d done everything. We loaned the district $10,000. We have taken 10 percent pay cuts more than once, we’ve done so many things that wouldn’t be asked of anybody else that has to continually pay for their education to keep a job.

It was almost like we had no other recourse,” she said.

This kind of stress is being felt across racial lines, said Bryant.

“Whether you’re red, white, black, green or yellow, you wanna see some more green.”

In addition to her frustrations as a teacher, Reynolds, like other teachers, has a child who attends public school in Detroit. Her daughter attends Renaissance and has had four history teachers in one year. This kind of instability is all too common.

Reynolds recounted another situation at Renaissance where an advanced placement science teacher simply couldn’t take the instability of DPS anymore and quit before the school year ended, leaving students in the lurch.

Then a retired science teacher found out about what happened and re-entered the school system specifically so the kids in that abandoned science class would not be left hanging and could complete their science studies.

Donald James contributed to this report.

“And that’s the real Detroit. That’s who we are,” she said.

Mental health on your answers to those questions your physician can route you to behavioral healthcare services that he or she needs.”

Garrett, a proponent of integrated healthcare, advocates that legislators and medical experts as well as families and individuals place the same measure of importance on mental healthcare as on physical health care.

“Mental healthcare parity is something that I have been involved with and working on ever since 2002, so that physical healthcare and behavioral healthcare are seen as equally important to overall well-being. Before that, mental healthcare, especially in the African American community, was largely ignored.”

With the advent of the Affordable Health Care Act are act now more people and particularly people on the lower income end of the spectrum have access to insurance. Medicare and Medicaid will cover the costs for 20 out-patient visits a year counseling and psychiatric services.

“There are two places that black people usually go when they are feeling they have an issue,” says Garrett, adding, “it’s either their primary care physician or the church.

From page A-1

Prayer is good, but there are some things you can’t pray away. ” Under his administration, CNS and Triumph Church established a partnership to provide a year-long series of integrated workshops to address mental health issues.

holds with a person or persons suffering from mental illnesses, to the debilitating effects of upclose-and-personal experiences with violence and the consequences of post traumatic stress disorder in urban communities.

The National Centers for Health Statistics reports that suicides rates have increased by a soaring 25 percent — the largest increase in 30 years — with most of those being among women and young people.

CNS treats more than 5,000 patients annually.

“I have to say that 95 percent of the people that we see now actually do have insurance … before that number was closer to 70 percent.” adds Garrett.

Lack of insurance is also not a hindrance for those seeking assistance with mental health issues.

The Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority, the state's largest agency providing supportive services and treatment to adults and children with mental and emotional concerns, offers a number of options for care.

“I encourage people, even if you don’t feel necessarily that you need to see a therapist, it can’t hurt. It’s already part of your insurance. And now with Obamacare and so many more people having health care insurance, use it.” advises the well-respected health care expert. “It is no different than getting a checkup or having a physical heathcare checkup.

But the first step is to admit there is a problem.

“The bottom line is that if you’re black it is more of a shame to say that you have a mental health issue, than if you were part of another ethnic group.” Recognizing that the stigma of mental illness precludes members of several ethnic segments from seeking help, CNS is committed to eliminating barriers to service.

One in five adults in

Detroit, a predominantly black urban community, experiences mental illness in a given year. One in four young people, or 25 percent of the city’s youth population — a statistic demographic experts contend is significantly lower than the actual number — suffers from a mental illness.

Many of the disorders Garrett and his team of CNS care providers are seeing stem from environmental factors, including living in house-

“Most African Americans are surprised to learn that mental health orders are not a lifetime sentence, and mild to even more severe conditions are readily treatable with therapy and medication. Most people react with horror when they receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, he explains.

“The fact is that some problems are almost as simple as treating as a cold. … If you had cancer or diabetes you would seek treatment. Depression, anxiety and other mental issues are just as treatable, if not more so.

It’s just that simple.”

Community Network Services, a private, non-profit human services agency accredited

by CARF with locations in Farmington Hills, Ponti-

ac, Southfield, Waterford, Dearborn and Lincoln Park. CNS is a mental health care provider that identifies, supports and promotes opportunities for eligible people in Wayne and Oakland counties with mental illness, including substance use disorders. CNS employs 265 professionals, paraprofessionals and support staff who deliver services to 5,000-plus customers, annually.

Services include assessment, case management, psychiatric, therapy and recovery services.

“I don’t know that we are seeing an increase in mental health disorders, so much as we are seeing an increase in the number of people that are diagnosed. If you look at the specifics for the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is the number one most undiagnosed condition in this country. More than cancer, more than heart disease, more than diabetes, more than anything.

There’s a lot we can do about that,” concludes Garrett.

For more information on Community Network Services or to register for upcoming Mental Health First Aid classes, please call 800-615-0411 or visit www.cnsimi.org.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18-24, 2016

Page A-5

APHA honors Vernice Davis Anthony, a veteran in the health world Vernice Davis Anthony was honored as the 2016 National Public Health Week Michigan Pillar of Public Health by the APHA/Black Caucus of Health workers at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. In this respect, being honored for her distinguished career in public health and unwavering dedication in creating a healthier Detroit as well as a healthier state of Michigan.

Unwed dads fight for fathers’ rights

By Grant Clark Urban News Service

U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Carlton is passionate about two areas of service in his life: his country and his family.

But when the soldier shipped out for a tour of duty in the Middle East in early 2010, he had no idea his toughest — and most traumatic — battle would play out after he returned from the war.

For the past six years, the 33-year-old veteran from Williamsport, Pennsylvania has been fighting what feels like a losing battle for a father’s rights to his biological child, who was given up for adoption without his knowledge or consent.

Today, because of adoption policies that often value the rights of birth mothers above those of unwed fathers, Carlton is left financially and emotionally exhausted, and no closer to learning any details about his daughter, let alone being a part of her life.

“It’s just devastating,” Carlton said of the legal ordeal. “I’m extremely stressed, I’ve probably aged myself eight to 10 years over this.”

For the war vet surviving on disability benefits, the salt in the wound is the fact that it began with a painful lie: his former girlfriend told him the baby had died while she secretly arranged for the infant to be adopted in Utah. Carlton and his girlfriend were living together in Williamsport when she told him she was expecting his baby in September 2009.

He said he intended to raise the child with her.

The couple split up a few months later, but Carlton said he continued to support her with cash gifts and other help, such as shoveling snow for her.

“Eight months into her pregnancy, she just up and disappeared,” Carlton said. “I was calling her like crazy. I thought she was missing.”

She showed up at his door just six weeks later with news that sickened him: the baby had died. A full year passed before Carlton discovered, during a court hearing, that his child was alive and living with adoptive parents, following legal proceedings in Utah.

A ruling in the Utah Supreme Court case of Carlton v. Brown, filed in 2014, confirmed that Carlton’s then-girlfriend, unbeknownst to him, traveled to Utah and gave birth. She initially told him the baby was a boy.

She later admitted in a hearing, ac-

cording to court records, that the baby boy was, in fact, a live girl, whom she had given up for adoption.

But despite the evidence that he was misled, a judge denied his petition contesting the adoption.

Utah’s adoption policy is that a child is better off with an unfamiliar married couple than with a single biological parent. And a “fraud immunity” statute in state adoption law means that if someone is found guilty of lying during an adoption, it still cannot be overturned.

State adoption authorities say they have no position on this provision, other than to obey the law.

In Utah, mothers unilaterally can offer babies for adoption if their fathers fail to meet a series of criteria within 20 days of an adoption notice.

The Utah Supreme Court ruling confirms Carlton’s statement that he was not approached for his consent to the adoption because he failed to take a little-known legal step: signing a father’s registry that ensures his right to be notified of any legal proceedings involving the child.

Carlton is far from alone: many unwed fathers across America fight for their rights in states where policies are skewed against them.

Carlton was one of a group of 12 fathers who launched a 2014 class action federal lawsuit demanding $130 million in damages and challenging the constitutionality of Utah’s adoption statute.

All the plaintiffs, like Carlton, had said under oath that they had seen babies, whom they wanted to help raise, offered for adoption without their permission.

The suit was dismissed last fall, but the fathers’ individual battles continue.

Rob Manzares, a contractor with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, also has spent six years — and some $330,000 in legal costs — fighting for custody of a daughter who secretly was offered for adoption.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is leading a celebration of four Bioretention Gardens utilizing vacant land following demolition of houses in Detroit’s Cody Rouge neighborhood by the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA). The Bioretention Gardens are designed to capture and soak up stormwater while beautifying the neighborhood. A brief ceremony led by Detroit Councilman Gabe Leland will occur this Wednesday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at 8287 Evergreen Road.

University of Michigan (U of M) faculty, supported by an Erb Family Foundation grant to the U of M Water Center, conceptualized the project and worked with DLBA, the Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance, and Warrendale Community Organization to survey residents about the garden concepts. DWSD led the project implementation, funding the costs of design and construction.

As DWSD’s Green Infrastructure Program consultant, Tetra Tech oversaw the technical design and implementation of the Bioretention Gardens. Detroit-based Tooles Contracting Group, LLC spearheaded the garden construction.

Each garden is expected to achieve an average annual stormwater volume reduction of 300,000 gallons and should help reduce street flooding during big storms. The pilot project shows how vacant properties can become green infrastructure that enhances neighborhood quality of life while improving water quality in the Rouge River and the Great Lakes.

“DWSD is committed to reducing the flow of stormwater in our combined sewer system and decreasing the volume of untreated combined sewage discharged into the Rouge River,” said Palencia Mobley, DWSD deputy director and chief engineer. “The four Bioretention Gardens on Detroit Land Bank Author-

As director of the Michigan Department of Public Health, she was appointed by Governor John Englor to head an agency with a budget of over $600 million and staff of 1400 employees. As a result of her leadership, disease was prevented, life prolonged,health promoted through organized community programs for sanitation, the environment protected, the education of individuals on behavior conductive to better health, and much more.

Vernice Davis Anthony her leadership, she restored this entity as a department within Detroit which included the progression of public health programs budgeted at $21 million, including state and federal dollars.

Anthony was presented with numerous certificates, documents and awards durng the NPHW event for her excellence and service rendered in the state of Michigan including honor from Apryl Brown, congratulatory certificates from US Senator Debbie Stabenow and from the Office of the Detroit Mayor presented by the Detroit Health

Through the tutelage of Anthony, involving infant mortality programs, there was the lowest infant mortality rate in Michigan history. Anthony also served as the senior vice president of corporate affairs and community health at St John System and president and CEO of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council. She then became the director and public health officer of the City of Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion.Through

Next, Anthony was interviewed by her daughter, Dana Harvey, a communications specialist with career experience as a TV reporter. In this Anthony revealed her passion and essentially journey that lead her to strengthening the welfare of communities through the field of public health. Poster presentations were presented by Wayne County Community College Distric (WCCCD) highlighting public health topics of concern to them, through the use of scientific concepts. The event was one to remember, as guests enjoyed and learned of the story of Vernice Davis Anthony.

THE POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN ENVISIONED BY DR. M.L. KING has been re-launched. That effort, designed to draw attention to the millions who were living below the poverty level, has come back.

The POVERTY TOUR is traveling the country searching and recording the stories of low-income people. They are coming to the

Detroit/Highland Park/Hamtramck area Saturday, May 21st to hear OUR words. If you can share a story, leave your name & contact number on the hotline so we can

call you back with details: 844-768-9808.

“I’m not going to give up,” Manzares said. “If I have to go to the U.S. Supreme Court, I will.”

Manzares, however, has seen some success.

After taking his fight to the Utah Supreme Court, he was awarded visitation rights to his child.

Carlton, on the other hand, knows virtually nothing about his daughter — where she is, with whom, how she looks, or even what her name is.

DWSD and the U of M Water Center to celebrate new Bioretention Gardens on city’s west side Michigan Chronicle Reports

Once a health officer for the Assistant County Executive, Health and Community Services she helped save Wayne County millions of dollars annually through the restructuring of indigent care funding in Wayne County with state and local legislative laws being changed and a hospital being replaced by a locally managed capitated system.

Department Executive Director & Health Officer (for being the 2016 NPHW Michigan Pillar of Public Health), a letter from the American Public Health Assoiciation (APHA), also a plaque and letter from APHA Black Caucus of Health Workers, and the Dean of the University of the Michigan School of Public Health (alma mater of. Anthony).

ity property provide this impact while adding value to the neighborhood. We are grateful to our partners for their involvement in this collaborative process.

We look forward to creating additional green infrastructure projects in our city with community partners.”

U of M developed school curriculum that helps to explain DWSD’s engineering of the Bioretention Gardens to students. Teachers and students at Dixon Educational Learning Academy, mere blocks from the Bioretention Gardens, are the first to utilize the new curriculum. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, Dixon students will complete a hands-on activity at the gardens.

Confirmed speakers include: • Gabe Leland, councilman, Detroit City Council; • Palencia Mobley, deputy director and chief engineer, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department; and • Joan Nassauer, professor of landscape architecture, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan.

• Other participating project partners include: • Kenyetta Campbell, executive director, Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance; • Barb Matney, president, Warrendale Community Organization; • Jodee Raines, vice president of programs, Erb Family Foundation; • Kellie DuBay and Carol Hufnagel, DWSD Green Infrastructure Program consultants, Tetra Tech; and • Detroit Land Bank Authority.

The Bioretention Gardens celebration will take place at 8287 Evergreen Road on Wednesday, May 18, 10-11 a.m.

Attendees should park on Constance Street.

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Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • May 18-24, 2016

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SECTION B

COMMUNITY Powered by Real Times Media

michiganchronicle.com

May 18-24, 2016

The amazing journey of

Shawn Blanchard:

40 under 40 honoree to keynote inaugural S.W.A.G. Awards

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

B

y most accounts, Shawn Blanchard is not supposed to be where he is today; not even close. Born a “crack baby” in the inner city sector of Detroit’s west side in 1982, Blanchard almost became an “all-out victim” to the youth reality associated with a mother on crack, father who died when he (Shawn) was young, brothers who were in and out of prison, gangs, perception of drug sales as a glorified measure of success, and much more.

Today, Blanchard, 33, serves in the office of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan as the liaison for President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative. The national program provides support to help inner city boys and young men of color stay on track by creating and maintaining a system to assist them in developing decision-making skills associated with success.

Prior to his current role, Blanchard served two years in the mayor’s cabinet as director of youth services for the City of Detroit. He recently wrote his autobiography, “How ‘Bout That For a ‘Crack Baby’: Keys to Mentorship and Success.” The book chronicles Blanchard’s life that started with crack in his system, to his navigations through the trials and tribulations of inner city living involving shady peers, the streets, and many other inner-city-life situations.

On Wednesday, May 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Blanchard will be the keynote speaker for the first-ever S.W.A.G. (Students Wired

for Achievement & Greatness) Awards. Co-title sponsored and co-presented by the Michigan Chronicle and Talmer Bank, the event will celebrate Detroit high school seniors as they prepare for college or trade school. S.W.A.G. Award recipients will receive scholarship grants to help defray post high school educational costs this fall.

“Many scholarship programs are awarded based solely on academic performance. However, the S.W.A.G. Awards were specifically created to ensure that more Detroit students that demonstrate leadership in multiple areas, other than grades, have access to scholarships,” said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle.

Blanchard is looking forward to speaking at the S.W.A.G. Awards program.

“I love the Michigan Chronicle and apparently the Chronicle loves me,” said Blanchard, a past honoree of the Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 Award.

“I look forward to delivering the keynote speech that I hope will impact people, especially young people, to make better decisions about their future, regardless of their past or current circumstances.”

Blanchard hopes that the documented turnaround of his life can be a blueprint for success for young people to follow.

“I was born with drugs in my system, which says a lot about my early circumstances,” Blanchard said. “My parents gave me to my grandparents to raise me. Grandma Juanita instilled in me that I was very smart. Whatever she said about me was so positive, and I believed her.

She died when I was 12.”

“I was no angel,” admitted Blanchard. “I did all kinds of crazy stuff, but ultimately, I would remember what my grandmother had taught and instilled in me as far as values, principles and direction. The beautiful thing was when I would go too far down the wrong road, someone would be there to remind me that I was smart, like my grandmother said I was.”

One person who filled the void left by the death of Blanchard’s grandmother was a counselor at Mackenzie High School, who saw a tremendous upside for the teenager with extraordinary strength and skills in math.

“My counselor graduated from the University of Michigan and told me that’s where I should go because I was smart enough,” Blanchard recalled. “She said if I went and graduated, I would have many great opportunities in life.”

After graduating from Mackenzie, Blanchard attended the University of Michigan where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economical mathematics. He subsequently was accepted into the prestigious New York City Teaching Fellows Program and taught math in an underserved community in the Bronx. He soon earned a master’s degree in secondary math education from City College of New York.

For five years, Blanchard led the math department at Holcombe L. Rucker High School, where he elevated the department to the top-five percent of New York schools. He also co-founded Men of Majesty, a mentoring program that gave guidance to fatherless young men.

Realizing that his hometown of Detroit was

See SHAWN BLANCHARD page B-2

Future DOCs program visits St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Warren From St. John Providence

ipants engage in leadership development activities, cultivate their study skills and most importantly, network with osteopathic medical school students and physicians who mentor them as they explore academic and career possibilities.

In coordination with the Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital’s Warren campus hosted 30 high school students participating in the MSUCOM Future DOcs program on Saturday, April 23.

Students learned a variety of medical activities designed to showcase the challenge, thrill and importance of what health care professionals do on a daily basis.

“St. John Providence is excited about participating in this program as it gives us an opportunity to showcase our very strong Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education program here at the hospital,” said Dr. Rafael Barretto, DO, Director of Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital. “Many of our residents are sought after because of the reputation of our program. We are proud to say that many stay right within the St. John Providence family.”

Saroj Misra, DO, Associate Program Director of Family Medicine at St. John Providence’s Osteopathic Division and Director of Clinical Clerkship Curriculum at Michigan State University, has been a

The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to excellence in osteopathic education, research and service through the Statewide Campus System. The college fully prepares osteopathic physicians to respond to public need in a dynamic health care environment.

St. John Macomb-Oakland Chief of Urology Dr. Scott Sircus demonstrates urologic surgical procedures to students participating in the Future DOcs program. huge proponent of the Future DOcs program.

being a physician within our communities.”

“The Future DOcs program has been a major initiative by MSUCOM to take local area students and not only introduce them to the field of medicine, but do so within the context of local hospital systems such as St. John Providence,” said Dr. Misra. “By participating, we hope to not only stimulate interest in being a physician, but

Local students will attend from the following high schools: Dakota, Ferndale, Regina, University of Detroit, Grosse Pointe South, De LaSalle, Cranbrook, Lutheran High North, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Eisenhower, Imlay City, and Northville. Urologists, Dr. Scott Sircus and Dr. Todd Campbell, will lead the Saturday sessions focusing on the complexities

and challenges of urologic robotic surgery. Students will have an opportunity to interact with the DaVinci Robotic Simulator.

Future DOcs is a robust program that combines leadership and study skills development with interactive and experiential learning workshops. This hands-on program gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to grow academically and professionally. Partic-

St. John Providence has Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education programs at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Providence-Providence Park Hospital and St. John Hospital and Medical Center, with the primary purpose to provide high quality learner centered competency based education in a hospital atmosphere conducive to learning. As part of Ascension Health, the focus is teaching future physicians, dentists and podiatrists to be compassionate care-givers recognizing the importance of the mind, body, spirit in recovery with an emphasis on quality measurements to insure proper patient care. For more info, visit stjohnprovidence.org.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18 -24, 2016

Page B-2

The possibilities are endless at the Children Center Children are the most resilient being living among us. They absorb knowledge at an astounding rate. Storing experiences through schema and accommodations to help develop their outlook on life for years to come.

“I want people to know and understand that your origin doesn’t dictate your destination”

Shawn Blanchard

From page B-1

undergoing a serious transformation, Blanchard felt it was time to return to the Motor City and become a change agent. Upon his return, he co-founded Networkingout, LLC, which produced a large group of professionals committed to fitness activities like, “Run This Town.”

making a social impact through sharing powerful stories and antidotes for empowerment. The organization is also home to Blanchard’s mentorship endeavors, where he teaches people how to become effective mentors. SBP is the publishing arm for Blanchard’s new book.

During the summer months, Blanchard taught math classes for the University of Michigan’s Summer Bridge Program. Last year he received U of M’s Emerging Leader Award.

Blanchard reflected on his vision for the book.

Several years ago, Blanchard met then-Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan.

Blanchard subsequently worked on Duggan’s campaign. The victorious Mayor Duggan offered him a cabinet position, which involved overseeing youth initiatives under the auspices of the City of Detroit.

“What Shawn accomplished in less than two years is truly remarkable,” said Duggan. “Thanks to his leadership, more than 5,000 young people got to experience the pride of having a job and got a glimpse of what their future might look like. I wish him the best of success with his new book and his continued service to Detroit.”

Recently, Blanchard started Shawn Blanchard Productions (SBP). The organization’s mission is committed to

“I want people to know and understand that your origin doesn’t dictate your destination,” Blanchard said.

“There’s a journey where people can fall from many things in life, such as being a crack baby or experiencing any other difficulties in life. However, they can still see their way through difficulties.

I also want readers to understand the systematic approach to how I leveraged mentorship to be where I am today.”

In an effort to build a stronger community the Children’s Center has made it their top priority to help heal children who have been victims of child abuse and families of children who have mental disabilities.

Thursday, May 12, the Children Center held it’s ninth annual Power of Possibilities Breakfast. Since 2004, the event has raised more than $3 million in unrestricted contributions to help assist children who have fallen victim to unimaginable abuse and families who desperately need support raising a child with special needs.

Recently I took a tour at the Children’s Center and was brought to tears several times. The odds stacked against the children are unreal, from being chained and locked in basements to closets, to family molestation and children addicted to drugs from birth.

Although these stories begin heartbreaking, once the child enters the doors of the Children Center the transformation begins turning trauma into triumph. While providing many services, the center is full of colorful art, paintings and a giraffeahorse, a mixture between a giraffe and horse - hot orange in color and bedazzled.

Some of the programs offered include Head Start, Crisis Care Center and developmental disability and behavioral health services. Programs, such as, the

Crisis Center, provide an immediate walk- in alternative to the hospital emergency room for non- medically related crisis affecting the mental health of children between the ages of 4-17 years old and saves the family the out of pocket expenses of an emergency room visit.

The process of healing a child is one of a delicate nature. These programs help uplift children and their families by encouraging a positive outlook on life and their future.

For more information on the Children Center, please visit www.thechildrenscenter.com.

For more information on attending the S.W.A.G. Awards on Wednesday, May 25, call 313.963.5522.

This event is free and open to the public but you must R.S.V.P. to ohill@realtimesmedia.com For more information on how to obtain Blanchard’s new book, “How ’Bout That For A ‘Crack Baby’: Keys to Mentorship and Success,” log on to www.iamshawnblanchard.com.

William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center Michigan Chroncile Staff Reports

On Wednesday, May 18, Grace Centers of Hope opened its new William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center. The center represents the culmination of the nonprofit organization’s commitment to address the increasing and alarming number of homeless women and children in southeast Michigan. According to the National Coalition Against Homelessness, women and children make up the fastest growing segment of the US homeless population.

The William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center is located at 210 N. Perry St. in Pontiac. It was posthumously named through a memorial gift made by the family of William A. Davis in recognition of Davis’ longtime commitment to GCH. Once completed, the center will allow GCH to expand its current program capacity by 200 percent, making it one of the largest providers for homeless women and children in Michigan.

The three-level, 22,000 square foot facility will feature: • 106 transitional beds in 25 semi-private rooms • Seven restrooms, including 10 private individual showers and three bathtubs for children • Laundry facilities with 12 washers and 12 dryers • Makeup counter with built-in hair dryers • Family room and play areas for children • Exercise room • Library and quiet space • Dining room and commercial kitchen • Boutique where women can pick out gently-used clothing and accessories • Snack room with three refrigerators, two microwave ovens and five coffeepots • 10 offices for in-take, counselors, case managers and resident assistants • A small group classroom and a large group learning center • State of the art heating and air condition systems with fresh air ventilation Employment opportunities that will be created as a result of the new center include: • Emergency Shelter - 5 Case Managers and 2 Resident Assistants • Life Skills Women and Children’s Shelter- 4 Case Managers and 2-4 Resident Assistants • Hands of Hope Childcare Center- 3 full time Teachers, 4 full time Teacher Assistants, 1 part time driver, 1 Kitchen Staff, 4 security staff, 1 kitchen staff The William A. Davis Women and

Children’s Center is part of the Little Grace Village neighborhood revitalization effort spearheaded by GCH, which provides safe and affordable housing to graduates of the One Year Life-Skills Program. Little Grace Village consists of 60 properties which includes 45 singleand multi-family homes in the downtown Pontiac area. It also includes the Grace Park and Playground, making the new Center a convenient and ideal setting for homeless mothers and children.

GCH provides a comprehensive range of programs and services to help homeless men, women and children overcome issues of homelessness, addiction, neglect, physical abuse, poverty and spiritual emptiness. The Christ-centered programs include the following: • Emergency Shelter – This program provides immediate assistance, including food, shelter and other living necessities. Residents may use the shelter to obtain referrals for housing options, job assistance or other shelter and treatment facilities. Residents are encouraged to enter the GCH One Year Life-Skills Program.

• One Year One Year homeless transition ployment.

Life-Skills Program – The Life-Skills program helps men, women and families to stable housing and em-

• Two Year After-Care Program – The TwoYear After-Care program is designed for Life-Skills program graduates and allows individuals to remain with GCH by living in a healthy and supportive community. Participants engage in weekly support groups, home ownership workshops and financial counseling.

• Home Ownership Program - Upon successful completion of the Life-Skills and After-Care Programs, graduates may purchase a rebuilt home as part of the “Homelessness to Home Ownership” program.

• Hands of Hope Childcare Center – This safe and nurturing environment is for children whose families are in GCH’s Life-Skills and After-Care programs.

• Career and Education Center – A stateof-the-art career and education center that enables GCH residents to learn to read, write and become competent in basic math. They also improve their skills to pass GED tests, build a resume, apply for jobs, and explore higher education opportunities.

• Little Grace Village – GCH has pioneered a fresh approach to ending and preventing homeless by weaving together supportive services, safe and affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization efforts in a transformed neighborhood.

For more information, go to www. gracecentersofhope.org.

A Celebration of our Future Stars

STUDENTS WIRED FOR ACHIEVEMENT AND GREATNESS

How to Select the Best Gifts for Grads (StatePoint) Graduation celebrates one of life’s major accomplishments. It also celebrates independence, which is often eagerly anticipated -- albeit a bit scary. As a result, most people are tempted to give gift cards to recent graduates to alleviate fears over upcoming expenses both after high school and college. But there are many practical and meaningful gifts you can get your grads that they’ll both appreciate and remember for years to come.

“For many people, graduating will be an accomplishment they’ll reference as one of their greatest achievements,” says Christopher Warnack, vice president of marketing and visual at Things Remembered, a leading retailer of personalized gifts. “Take the time to hand-pick a gift that says how proud you are.”

These ideas can help you make meaningful selections:

High School Graduates They’re college-bound and they need great items to outfit their new dorm room.

Consider gifts for high school graduates that are functional, decorative and let them put their personal flair on their new space. For example, a sweatshirt blanket in their new school’s color, customized with collegiate letters, is both practical and a great way to show college pride, and colorful monogrammed wall art makes for great dorm room decor.

College Graduates The right gifts for college graduates will start them off in style, and help them survive the sometimes intimidating world of “adulting.”

“It’s a sad reality in today’s workplace,” says Warnack, “but some of your colleagues can’t be trusted with your stapler or your lunch bag.” Anyone who’s seen the classic comedy “Office Space” can relate.

For parents, encourage them to come home once in a while with a monogrammed duffle bag, perfect for a weekend trip back to the homestead to get a great meal and some clean clothes.

Embroidered lunch totes, personalized portfolios and monogrammed desk accessories will help new college grads navigate the corporate world in style, while maintaining dibs on their stuff.

Don’t forget friends. Whether separated by campuses or majors, reminders of friendship like specially created playlists or framed pictures of the two of you will remind them of good times with good friends.

If their future professional life involves a lot of travel, consider sophisticated gifts like personalized luggage tags and passport covers.

Customized subscription boxes can help you create fun, monthly care packages of beauty supplies, candy, snacks or books.

Both practical and eagerly anticipated, monthly subscriptions make truly thoughtful gifts for students on a budget.

A host of gift-giving ideas that mark the importance of graduation can be found at ThingsRemembered.com.

Remember, a new graduate deserves both sentiment and support when moving on to the next big thing. With a little thought, your gift can offer both.

Content sponsored by Michigan Chronicle S.W.A.G. Awards

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18-24, 2016

Page B-3

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announces GM River Days

By AJ Williams The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is proud to announce the return of Detroit’s unofficial kickoff to summer, the 10th Annual GM River Days presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, happening June 24-26. The inaugural festival began in 2007 to celebrate and showcase the newly renovated Detroit Riverfront and bring Detroit’s community together to enjoy one-of-a-kind activities along the backdrop of the Detroit River. This year’s GM River Days will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a star-studded lineup of national music acts and the return of entertainment on land, water and sky high.

“The Conservancy had to find a grand way to introduce the new worldclass Detroit Riverfront to the people of Detroit in the summer of 2007 and the River Days festival was the perfect coming out party,” said Will Smith, CFO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

“For a decade now, GM River Days has brought millions of people down to a riverfront everyone can now be proud of and enjoy in so many ways.”

“The Conservancy has done tremendous work over the past 10 years and GM is proud to have supported their mission since the beginning,” said John Blanchard, director of local government relations, GM. “GM River Days is truly for the community and a great way for our region to kick-off

the Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan Science Center, Arts & Scraps and more. Children and families will experience an entertaining lineup on the Meijer Kids Stage.

Rivard Plaza will also be the site of a 50-ton sand sculpture presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and designed by Team Sandtastic.

The Old Newsboys’ Goodfellow Fund of Detroit is accepting nominations for its seventh annual Goodfellow Teacher of the Year contest. Detroit Goodfellows sponsors the contest to show its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Detroit Public School administrators, teachers and support staff who, each year, work so diligently to identify students in need of its holiday gift packages.

The 102-year-old charity’s mission is to ensure there is “No Kiddie Without a Christmas.”

Students in grades 3 through 8 at a Detroit Public School can nominate their favorite teacher for the Goodfellow Teacher of the Year recognition by answering the question: “Why is your teacher so special?” in 50 words or less.

The winning “Favorite Teacher” will receive a $200 gift card to purchase supplies for his or her classroom and a commemorative plaque.

The winning teacher will also be acknowledged at the Detroit Goodfellows Annual Tribute Breakfast

For a full lineup of events, visit RiverDays. com

Return of Festival Favorites

summer together.”

in the coming weeks.

River Bucks Each)

Headlining Music Acts

National

10 Years and Counting…

(10) Carnival Vouchers

This year’s festival will have music’s biggest names hitting the Quicken Loans National Stage including The B-52’s, the iconic 70’s new wave band on Friday night and two-time Grammy winner and Queen of Pies, Patti LaBelle on Saturday evening with special guest 90’s girl group, SWV. R&B powerhouses Mint Condition and Jeffrey Osborne will close out the weekend long celebration on Sunday. VIP premier seats are available for purchase during the headlining concerts. Tickets cost $35 and include admission to the festival. Tickets can be purchased online through RiverDays. com. A full music lineup of more than 40 music acts across four different stages will be announced

This year marks the 10th anniversary of GM River Days and to help celebrate, Flagstar Bank is sponsoring the 10th Anniversary GM River Days Giveaways. The public can enter to win one of many prizes for a true VIP festival experience by visiting RiverDays. com. Winners will be notified on Thursday, June 23rd. The list of prizes includes:

(10) Hats/Apparel from Detroit RiverFront Conservancy

(10) Free Admission Passes (10) Zip Passes

Line

Ride

(10) VIP Passes for Friday night’s show featuring the B-52’s (10) Diamond Jack Boat Tour Vouchers (10) GM River Days Meals (Packets of $10 in

Students have the opportunity to nominate their favorite teacher by May 27 Michigan Chronicle Reports

3 p.m.) to help underwrite programming and operational costs for the festival. Admission to the festival is free before 5 p.m. on Friday, June 24.

this fall. Additionally, the winning student will receive a Barnes and Noble gift card, a plaque, and special candy treat for his or her classroom courtesy of the Detroit Goodfellows.

Nomination forms are now available online at the Detroit Goodfellows web site, www.detroitgoodfellows.org. Entries may be returned to this website or may be returned by mail to the Detroit Goodfellows PO Box 44444, Detroit, MI 48244.

All nominations must be received no later than May 27, 2016.

ning nomination came from 9-year-old fifth-grader, Malijah Strong.

Founded in 1914, the Detroit Goodfellows is the original and oldest Goodfellow organization and is not affiliated with any other Goodfellow group.

For more information about the Goodfellow Teacher of the Year contest or the Detroit Goodfellow organization, please contact Sari Klok-Schneider at (586) 775-6139 or via email at sarigoodfellows@gmail.

Band

In addition, The Flagstar Bank Kids Zone in Rivard Plaza will keep kids entertained and help celebrate GM River Day’s 10th anniversary with birthday party-themed activities. Parents just need to pick up a free sticker from the Flagstar Bank booth at the festival.

Produced by The Parade Company, the Kids Zone will feature story time, magic and puppet shows, as well as activities with

Last year, fearless festival goers enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the Detroit River from high in the sky while riding on Oakland County Park’s Zip Lines. This year, thrill seekers will get to soar directly above all the action.

The 300-foot long zip line will send two people at a time straight through the festival. Tickets will cost $15 for one ride or two for $25.

The 2016 GM River Days presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort kicks off Friday, June 24 at 11 a.m. and spans from the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor to the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Terminal & Dock, just past the Renaissance Center. Festival hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Conservancy will charge a $3 admission fee (and $5 after

Book on Former Mayor Coleman Young due May 24 Coleman A. Young, Detroit's first African American mayor, would have turned 98 years old on Monday, May 24. Detroit-based author and historian Ken Coleman, announces that he is carrying out an important three-part project.

First, he is releasing his fourth book, Forever Young: The Coleman Reader. Second, Ken Coleman will launch this summer, an oral history project to record people who knew and worked with Coleman Young. Third, Ken Coleman is identifying curriculum professionals who will assist him in creating lesson plans for elementary and middle school students. Forever Young: The Coleman Reader will be released as an eBook on May 24 and as a limited edition traditional book on June 4.

It will be sold at Eric’s I’ve Been Framed, located at 16527 Livernois in Detroit. Call the store at 313-861-9263, or Ken Coleman at 313-551-1304.

JUST ASK

JAYE!

Your real estate expert

My name is Jaye Sanders and I’m excited about answering your real estate questions. I’m a third generation Detroiter, a proud Spartan and real estate expert with over $10 million in real estate sales. I welcome your questions.

Contact me at: JustAskJaye@gmail.com

or call (248) 298-5000.

Memories vs Money Pit Dear Ms. Stuck; I understand that your childhood home represents your past and a great accomplishment of your parents and grandparents. You walk through the door and can almost smell the collard greens and ham hocks simmering in the crock pot. You tried renting the home but tenants almost destroyed it. You own your home so moving back is not an option. So should you keep a vacant home that continues to be vandalized? If you sell are you betraying your parents and grandparents? The answer is no. I suggest taking pictures of your childhood home and make a scrap book. Allow the home to be a blessing to another family rather than a vacant eyesore and money pit. Letting go of a home that no longer serves your needs will release you from the stress of maintenance while blessing another family with a place to make new memories. Thank you for your question. Send your real estate question to justaskjaye@gmail. com. Jaye Sanders is a real estate expert and managing broker of Nextpointe Real Estate.

Jaye Sanders, Broker, HGTV real estate

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The Goodfellows Board of Directors will review all nominations and will select a winning teacher by June 1, 2016. The winner and nominating student will receive “surprise notification” at a school assembly in early June.

Last year’s winner of the sixth annual Goodfellow Teacher of the Year contest was Tracey Diebel, a fifth grade math teacher at Detroit International Academy for Young Women, in Detroit. Diebel had been at the school for five years and a teacher for 24 years. The win-

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The power of the black press

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist

Whenever there is a steady series of public questions being raised about the “power” of black Americans, you should always first consider the motive and purpose of the questions.

Such was the case when Richard Prince wrote a column, which was posted on The Root, titled, “Is the Black Press Still Powerful?”

Of course, the answer is “yes,” What was the underlying motive for this question being asked?

Benjamin Chavis

There is a larger contextual reality that also needs to be considered. The truth is that during past year, there has been a consistent series of so-called “mainstream” news articles, editorials, and blogs that have questioned the relevance, power and legitimacy of black-owned businesses and institutions.

In addition, during this same time period, the effectiveness and contemporary purpose of our traditional civil rights organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) have been called into question.

A few months ago the New York Times published a story that questioned whether Howard University and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were still relevant and worthy of continued existence. It is not a mere coincidence that some of these news articles and blogs are being written again by supposedly “well-intentioned” African Americans. We certainly support and defend the right to freedom of the press and the right of all people to express themselves. Of course, the press has the right to be wrong. With that right, however, goes a responsibility not to distort the truth.

This is not about neither freedom of the press nor freedom of speech. This is about the issue of racism and its proclivity to define and question reality. This is about the fact that we still live in a society that continues to be undergirded by the ideology of white supremacy that presupposes the false notion of black inferiority. And as long as that is the case, there will be a need for powerful black institutions.

The black church is powerful. The black press is powerful. HBCUs are powerful. The NAACP and SCLC are still needed. While we have made considerable progress in the last 50 years, we still have not overcome racism and its negative impact on black America.

And that fact is sometimes conveniently overlooked by black journalists who work for such White-owned outlets such as the Washington Post and The Root.

For me and my codefendants in the civil rights case known worldwide as the Wilmington Ten, this is a personal matter when someone takes issue with the present-day “power” of the black press.

In 1972, the Wilmington Ten were unjustly sentenced to a combined total of 282 years in prison in the state of North Carolina. We were falsely accused and wrongly convicted of arson and conspiracy to assault charges doing a 1971 racial riot over public school desegregation in Wilmington.

A little more than a year ago, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the Black Press USA, launched an effective national campaign to get an official “Pardon of Innocence” for the Wilmington Ten. For more than 40 years, many in the established media in the U.S. had published articles about the alleged “guilt” of the Wilmington Ten. In fact, the New York Times published a story in the late 1970s under the headline: “The Case Against the Wilmington Ten.” By the end of 2012, however, North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue agreed with the NNPA-led effort as she issued an unprecedented Pardon of Innocence to each member of the Wilmington Ten. Gov. Perdue courageously stated, “This was a case of naked racism.” We are very grateful to all of the black newspaper publishers and writers throughout the United States.

Let’s us never underestimate the enduring value and respect of all our blackowned businesses and institutions. Of course, we always open to constructive criticism and recommendations concerning how to strengthen the economic status of the businesses that are vital to our forward progress. However, it would be a tragic error to assume that because we now have a black American as president of the United States, there is no longer a need to sustain the very institutions, organizations and businesses that have contributed so much to our progress.

We all should be more supportive of the black press, black church, HBCUs, Editor’s Note: This editorial is being repeated due to its ongoing relevance.

A city desperate for action

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Chicago, America’s third largest city, is plagued by violence and poverty, made worse by racial and class divisions. A poll just released by the Kaiser Foundation and the New York Times depicts a city that is losing faith in its basic public institutions from the police to the mayor’s office.

The vast majority think the city is on the wrong track, Jesse Jackson with the greatest unity found in their unfavorable opinion about the job Mayor Rahm Emanuel is doing.

Chicago has nearly equal numbers of black, Hispanic and white residents, but they live largely in separate sides of town and in separate realities.

African Americans and Latinos are far unhappier with basic aspects of their neighborhoods, from parks to public schools. Crime and violence is the biggest issue for all Chicagoans, but while 41 percent of blacks think their neighborhoods are not safe or not too safe, only 17 percent of whites share their fears.

In the wake of the Laquan McDonald shooting — where a teenager was shot 16 times and killed by a white Chicago policeman, Chicagoans believe the police are biased, unaccountable and badly in need of reform.

On the poverty-ridden south and west sides of town, parents fear for the young.

Among African-Americans, overwhelming majorities worry that it is likely or very likely that a young person in their neighborhood will end up in a gang (75 percent), abuse alcohol or drugs (83 percent), got to jail (81 percent) or be a victim of violence (86 percent). These are measures of despair.

The Kaiser/NYT poll only documents what we already knew. It details the “whereas.” Any statement of action begins with the whereas — whereas this is true, and this is true — detailing the

conditions that demand action.

What is missing in Chicago isn’t evidence of the whereas, it is the plan for the “therefore.” Whereas these conditions are unjust and unsustainable, therefore we will take the following actions. On police reform, Chicago is beginning to see the first stirrings of reform, although nothing close to the comprehensive reforms demanded by the mayor’s own independent commission.

But on violence, crime, jobs, housing, public schools, parks, trash removal, violence and drugs, there is no plan for action, no “therefore” to address the wretched whereas. In Chicago, 60 percent of whites think their neighborhood is a good or excellent place to raise children. Seventy percent of blacks think their neighborhood is only fair or poor (nearly half — 44 percent — say poor).

More than two-thirds would rather live somewhere else.

Blacks and Latinos in Chicago believe that the mayor does not care about people like them. While a majority of whites believe he cares, nearly twothirds of black think he does not. The lack of action is assumed to express a lack of concern.

Look across the country at our major cities: Chicago is not alone. The problems of racial isolation, entrenched poverty, bad schools and lousy services, dangerous streets, guns and drugs plague many of our cities. The “therefore” ought to be a national initiative, driving state and local activity, on jobs and urban development.

But Washington is dysfunctional, with even minor reforms held hostage by the obstructionist Congress. President Obama has chosen not to put this high on his priorities. And the rich and entrenched interests that dominate our politics continue to ignore the misery.

But a whereas without a therefore isn’t a stable reality. Trapped people with no hope are like dry kindling, susceptible to any spark. If the powerful don’t leave people with hope, people will express their despair. Real action — a serious plan for reform with the resources needed to provide it — is long past due.

- Susan L. Taylor American editor, writer, and journalist

Drug abuse policy is personal

By Debbie Dingell U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) about her family’s experience with addiction and efforts to address the current opioid epidemic.

The impact of prescription drugs on families and young people is something I have been aware of all my life.

As a child, I didn’t realize I was an enabler for my father, when several times a week I would head to the neighborhood drugstore to pick up “his medicine.”

We never understood what all the pills were, but we knew some were speed and others were opioids.

Years later, when my parents ultimately di- Raynard Jackson vorced, he ended up in a drug treatment center. I never really spoke to my father again after the divorce until the weekend he died. Too much damage had been done, and it’s only decades later that life gives you the strength of experience to comprehend what happened.

I had a baby sister too. My siblings and I loved her. There are so many Mary Grace stories — ones that make us laugh and find comfort in our hearts.

And there are the nightmares — not knowing where she was. Was she dead or alive? We did everything we could to save her but the little girl we loved died at 40 of a drug overdose.

We’ll soon see bipartisan support in the House of Representatives for a package of bills aimed at preventing and

treating opioid addiction. I am passionate about the subject because it has influenced my life so deeply, but I also recognize that how we regulate opioids and the discussion we have about their use matters. All drugs are not evil. We must ensure the pendulum does not swing too far in one direction, and that we don’t stigmatize those with very real medical needs.

Consider my husband of 35 years who suffers from intense debilitating pain. He is as sharp as ever, yet cannot get out of bed some days. Opioids are the only answer for his pain, but he is afraid of becoming addicted. Much of that fear is from the national conversation we are having right now.

There is no question we must address this issue in the public policy arena, but we must do so in a measured way that ensures medical professionals are empowered to treat patients. Studies have shown opioids to be safe when they are used correctly. We need to ensure doctors have a full picture of their patients’ history with addiction, that treatments are available to reverse drug overdoses, and get treatment for those who have become addicted at young ages.

But we must also ensure that those with legitimate needs and real and constant pain have access to the treatment and relief they need. We cannot add one more level of stress to already difficult and, what too many feel, are hopeless situations.

So as we look for answers and develop policies that address this issue we need to be very careful of the words we use and the messages we send so we do not create or make worse the stigma associated with using pain killers and that we create a climate for patients and families to seek help and get answers.

Malia Obama got into Harvard and Fox News fans called her ‘a little monkey’

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA News Wire Columnist

Malia Obama deserves congratulations. Admitted to Harvard University, she has decided to take a gap year, a mature choice that many students make when they want a break between intense and competitive studies and college.

This is a great time for her to take a gap year.

After these eight years in the White House as a “first daughter,” she now has a chance to enjoy life and pursue some of her non-academic interests. She speaks fluent Spanish, so perJulianne Malveaux haps she’ll take some time to travel to Mexico, Cuba, or Spain. She is interested in television and film, so perhaps she’ll work as a production assistant (or even a commentator) on a television program.

She may be interested enough in politics to volunteer for some down-ticket candidate. Imagine the boost she could give to California Attorney General Kamala Harris in her Senate race this fall!

It is going to be interesting to see how this young woman’s life unfolds.

In reaction to Malia’s good news, the racists are out in full force. According to the website AddictingInfo.org, the Fox crew was so vitriolic that Fox had to close down a page due to the volume and negative comments regarding her announcement. The content of the messages hardly deserves reprint, but it is no surprise that the beautiful young lady was called a “monkey,” not to mention the “N-word” and worse. She was admitted because of affirmative action, several wrote. Every stereotype one can imagine was heaped on this young woman.

Come on, people! Malia Obama won’t be 18 until July 4. She’s a kid. Dislike President Obama and his wife, Michelle, if you want to. Call them names. I am sure that by now, ugly name-calling affects them as much as water rolling off a duck’s back. But it is especially vile for racist haters to direct such ire to a young woman, who is really just a girl.

Perhaps some feel she has no right to innocence because she lives in the White House. But it’s heartbreaking to bear witness to the venom this young lady has attracted.

While it is heartbreaking it is hardly surprising. Hatred seems to be the winning ticket in our nation. That Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee for president is frightening. He won by dominating a large and crowded field, winning primaries and delegates when some thought he had little chance and even less organization.

He’s thrown more than $30 million of his own money into this race, so far, and is likely to spend millions more even as he begins to stump for contributions.

His winning platform has been to insult any and everyone, from Mexicans (“rapists”), Muslims (moratorium on entering the country), his opponents (Lying’ Ted, Little Marco, and more), Hillary Clinton (Crooked Hillary, “screeching” Hillary, playing the “woman card”), to all the women he has insulted (taking swipes on everything from their looks to their bodily functions).

The “Stop Trump” movement was too little, too late. Apparently, the plurality (not majority) of primary voters want a blustering, bullying, braggart to lead our nation. And judging from the abhorrent comments Malia Obama’s success has garnered, there are many who would emulate Mr. Trump with his vile meanness.

How has meanness and racial resentment become the order of the day?

Whatever happened to civility? What happened to the adage that if you have nothing kind to say, say nothing? What happened with being glad for a young person who has been admitted to college? W Republicans don’t own a monopoly on meanness. I was appalled that Secretary Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders went after each other like mortal enemies, shouting over each other, bandying hostile accusation, and generally behaving as if they were auditioning to lead the Republican Party in style, if not content, when they last debated.

They’ve both calmed down, perhaps realizing that they have much more in common than not. Indeed, Hillary Clinton owes Bernie Sanders a “thank you.”

His candidacy has appropriately pushed her to the left, especially on issues of economic justice, and made her a much better candidate.

I don’t ever want to hear the word “post-racial” again. Comments directed toward Malia Obama suggest that our nation is pre-civilized, not post anything. The hate directed at a young woman, and the hateful rhetoric that has characterized the Trump campaign are two sides of the same coin.

community

William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center

On Wednesday, May 18, Grace Centers of Hope opened its new William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center. The center represents the culmination of the nonprofit organization’s commitment to address the increasing and alarming number of homeless women and children in southeast Michigan. According to the National Coalition Against Homelessness, women and children make up the fastest growing segment of the US homeless population.

The William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center is located at 210 N. Perry St. in Pontiac.

It was posthumously named through a memorial gift made by the family of William A. Davis in recognition of Davis’ longtime commitment to GCH. Once completed, the center will allow GCH to expand its current program capacity by 200 percent, making it one of the largest providers for homeless women and children in Michigan.

Employment opportunities that will be created as a result of the new center include: Emergency Shelter - 5 Case Managers and 2 Resident Assistants Life Skills Women and Children’s Shelter - 4 Case Managers and 2-4 Resident Assistants Hands of Hope Childcare Center - 3 full time Teachers, 4 full time Teacher Assistants, 1 part time driver, 1 Kitchen Staff, 4 security staff, 1 kitchen staff The William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center is part of the Lit-

tle Grace Village neighborhood revitalization effort spearheaded by GCH, which provides safe and affordable housing to graduates of the One Year Life-Skills Program. Little Grace Village consists of 60 properties which includes 45 single- and multi-family homes in the downtown Pontiac area.

It also includes the Grace Park and Playground, making the new Center a convenient and ideal setting for homeless mothers and children.

GCH provides a comprehensive range of programs and services to help homeless men, women and children overcome issues of homelessness, addiction, neglect, physical abuse, poverty and spiritual emptiness. The Christ-centered programs include the following: Emergency Shelter – This program provides immediate assistance, including food, shelter and other living necessities.

Residents may use the shelter to obtain referrals for housing options, job assistance or other shelter and treatment facilities.

One Year Life-Skills Program – The One Year Life-Skills program helps homeless men, women and families transition to stable housing and employment.

Two Year After-Care Program – The Two-Year After-Care program is designed for Life-Skills program graduates and allows individuals to remain with GCH by living in a healthy and supportive community.

Home Ownership Program - Upon successful

May 18-24, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

completion of the LifeSkills and After-Care Programs, graduates may purchase a rebuilt home as part of the “Homelessness to Home Ownership” program.

Hands of Hope Childcare Center – This safe and nurturing environment is for children whose families are in GCH’s LifeSkills and After-Care programs.

Career and Education Center – A state-of-theart career and education center that enables GCH residents to learn to read, write and become competent in basic math. They also improve their skills to pass GED tests, build a resume, apply for jobs, and explore higher education opportunities.

Little Grace Village – GCH has pioneered a fresh approach to ending and preventing homeless by weaving together supportive services, safe and affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization efforts in a transformed neighborhood.

One hundred percent of the nonprofit’s revenues are generated through private support, fundraising initiatives and its four thrift stores.

The organization’s budget is solely maintained through corporate and private donors and is exclusive of any government assistance. In 2015, GCH provided more than 45,000 nights of stay and more than 100,000 meals for homeless men, women and children who sought help from the nonprofit organization.

For more information, go to www.gracecentersofhope.org.

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You have our undivided attention.

Gordon Follmer, Partner gfollmer@uhy-us.com 248 204 9328 An independent member of UHY International

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Diverse organizations call for ban on electroshocking children Anticipation mounted as hundreds of activists, clergy, civil rights advocates and supporters lined up to march in protest of electroshock on children during the annual convention of the American Psychiatric Association. But no one could foresee what would happen next.

One would expect the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, the international mental health watchdog, to take a stand against electroshocking of children. But when CCHR takes that message to the heart of Atlanta during the annual convention of the American Psychiatric Association (APA)—and is joined by representatives of the NAACP, the Nation of Islam, 10,000 Fearless Men, Black Lives Matter and Concerned Black Clergy—one has to look deeper.

“Electroconvulsive Therapy,” otherwise known as “ECT” or electroshock treatment, is a controversial and “archaic technique invented in the 1930s, [which] sends jolts of electricity into the brain, inducing a seizure. It’s associated with numerous side-effects, including short and longterm memory loss, cognitive problems, unwanted personality changes, manic symptoms, prolonged seizures, heart problems and death,” reports Natural News.

Participants in the protest reported that bystanders were “shocked” to learn this practice is still common, stunned to learn that the APA is currently pressuring the Food and Drug Administration to expand its use against children.

“You mean they still do that?” responded one of the march viewers, a security guard on the property where the APA event took place. “I thought that went out in the ‘40s!”

Not so, says Mental Health America, reporting that “ECT is administered to an estimated 100,000 people a year, primarily in general hospital psychiatric units and in psychiatric hospitals.” And this while FDA agencies

are already aware it is a dangerous procedure. In fact, the FDA’s Office of Device Evaluation, a part of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, issued a draft guidance in early 2016 recommending a “prominently placed” warning on ECT devices to include “The long-term safety and effectiveness of ECT treatment has not been demonstrated.”

The same report lists effects known to be associated with ECT, ranging from long-term problems with “autobiographical memory” (knowledge about one’s own life), to pain and skin burns, to “insufficient, or lack of breathing” and heart attack, stroke and death.

So as the march led to a panel discussion on ECT, and the panel discussion into a symposium the following day, attendees asked, “Why on Earth would anyone in their right mind push to use this against children?” Especially when one speaker, an ECT survivor who received “30 rounds of electroshock” in one year, at age 21, described how he had not one memory from his high school years, and broke into tears while recounting “sitting there, and my father having to teach me how to tie my shoes again.”

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One participant seemed to have the answer.

“This is unconscionable to even consider doing this to a child,” said Dr. Linda Lagemann, a clinical psychologist who retired after 23 years in practice. “Someone’s getting rich and someone’s getting hurt. This really must be stopped.”

Long-term Georgia State Senator Donzella James, speaking during the panel, called for state legislation to ban the use of ECT on children. She said Georgia’s provisions to protect children and others from ECT were grossly insufficient and cited a World Health Organization recommendation to governments that: “There are no indications for the use of ECT on minors, and hence this should be prohibited through legislation.”

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May 18-24, 2016

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Black men returned to the job market in April

By Freddie Allen (NNPA News Wire

The black unemployment rate ticked down from 8.9 percent in March to 8.8 percent in April and black men showed gains in the labor market, according to the latest jobs report from the Labor Department.

The national unemployment rate was stagnant at 5 percent and the jobless rate for white workers hasn’t changed since December 2015 and was 4.3 percent again in April.

William Spriggs, chief economist for the AFL-CIO, an organization that represent 56 unions represents 12.5 million workers in the United States, tweeted that April was “another month blacks with associate’s degrees have lower unemployment rate than whites who are high school dropouts, but higher than HS grads.”

Even though the unemployment rate for black men increased in April, more black men found jobs or were actively looking for one.

Spriggs also noted that the loss of jobs in the federal government and local public education were “big drags” on the labor market.

The unemployment rate for black men over 20 years old rose from 8.7 percent in March to 9.5 percent in April. The jobless rate for white men ticked up slightly from 3.9 percent in March to 4 percent last month.

The unemployment rate for black women over 20 years old was 8 percent in March and 6.9 percent in April. The unemployment rate for white women increased from 3.9 percent in March to 4 percent in April.

In a blog for the Economic Policy Institute’s (EPI) website, Elise Gould, a senior economist for EPI, wrote that, “Even with the downward revisions to March, job growth looks slower than first quarter of this year (averaging 203,000) or last quarter of 2015 (averaging 282,000).”

Gould continued, “While it is true that as the economy reaches full employment, job growth would be expected to slow, we are not nearly close enough to full employment to view this slow down as a positive move.”

While other adult worker groups declined in some key economic indicators in April, Black men returned to the labor market last month. The labor force participation rate (LFPR), which is the share of workers who are employed or currently looking for jobs, rose slightly for black men over 20 years-old from 67.2 percent in March to 68.1 percent in April. The employment-population ratio (E-POP), which is the share of the population that is employed, increased for black men from 61.4 percent in March to 61.6 percent in April.

See BLACK MEN Page C-4

Kenneth Woods and Monica Briggins, co-owners of Detroit Bail Bonds and Surety.

Monica Briggins, Detroit Bail Bonds:

Making strides in a male dominated industry

By Donald James Special to the Chronicle

When Monica Briggins became a bail bond agent for Detroit Bail Bonds and Surety in 2012, she knew success would be a challenge. The bail bond industry was, and still is, dominated by white males, with white women now representing a sizable percentage. Nationwide, African American males represent a growing number of bail bond owners. Yet, for African American women, like Briggins, ownerships of bail bond companies in Michigan and around the nation are not so substantial.

“It’s a very small number of African American women who are actually in the bail bond industry as agents,” said Briggins. “It’s an even smaller number of black women who are actual owners.

In Michigan, there may be three black women owners. It’s really a ‘good ol’ boy’ network, and it has always been that way.”

In 2015, Briggins became co-owner of Detroit Bail Bonds and Surety along with Kenneth Woods. The company has flourished beyond expectations, while serving individuals throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

Detroit Bail Bonds and Surety specializes in court ordered bonds. “We believe that people have the right to be out on bail while awaiting their day in court,”

Briggins said. “So we help people get out of jail in the fastest and most efficient manner possible.”

While Briggins and her company render much of the same types of services as similar businesses, Briggins said there are differences. “With many bail bond companies, the owners are not concerned with what happens to clients after the fact. The client is just someone who got in trouble and that’s it,” said Briggins. “With us, we try to find ways for the people that we serve to create better situations for themselves. We become family with them. We make it personal. We build relationships. For me, when people go through that process of bail, and tell me ‘thank you’ and I know that they truly mean it, it gives me the biggest joy of appreciation for what I do.”

Briggins admitted that the job can be challenging, such as being available to serve clients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays. She added that being available means that she, Woods, and/or the 10 company agents must be ready to leave their homes and families at a moment’s notice to bail clients from regional jails. Yet, Briggins said, she has no regrets about her field of choice.

“I really love what I do,” Briggins said with conviction. “I wouldn’t change what I do, and when I do it, for anything in the world. There are other things that I could be doing as an entrepreneur, but there

isn’t anything else that I want to do.”

A native of Port Huron, Mich., Briggins, as a youth, had aspirations of pursuing something in the field of law; perhaps becoming an attorney. However, in her early 20s shbegan working at a Port Huron factory, until an aunt convinced her to aspire higher. Briggins went on to work at Semco Energy, where she held such positions as call center representative, dispatch operator, and marketing specialist. She subsequently worked in the St. Clair County court system, where a co-worker continuously talked to her about opportunities as a bail bond agent.

“At first I laughed,” Briggins recalled.

“In my mind I thought the bail bond business was completely different than what it actually was. After six months of thinking about it, I thought I would give it a try.”

As a result, Briggins moved to the Motor City, where she worked for a bail bond company. There, she learned the intricacies of the industry, obtained needed training and licensing to work as bail bond agent, and ultimately teamed with Woods to create a formidable ownership unit.

“Ken and I wanted to establish our own business in Detroit, because there was a huge entrepreneur spirit going on in this city,” said Briggins, the mother of

See MONICA BRIGGINS Page C-2

Real Times Media and Prudential present Titans of Industry tour

By Terry Shropshire An illustrious body of business connoisseurs conveyed the paramount importance of financial self-sufficiency, inter-generational wealth creation and legacy building to urban sophisticates during Real Times Media’s celebrated “Titans of Industry” six-city tour that stopped in the Capital of the New South. But the raison d’etre for the tour may have been most succinctly crystallized by the powerful and poignant personal testimony of Dorinda Walker that startled the crowd at the W Midtown Hotel. Walker, the current director of consumer strategy and key initiatives, multicultural marketing, for Prudential U.S Businesses, gave this emotionally-penetrating description of her once-precarious living conditions: Walker’s great-grandfather was the quintessential embodiment of the American Dream, an immigrant from St. Kitt (a Caribbean nation) and business savant who owned businesses, a mansion and acquired properties in The Hamptons in the early 20th Century — at a time when such things seemed almost nearly unfathomable and unattainable for most blacks. However, after his death in the 1940s, the family experienced a precipitous

See TITANS OF INDUSTRY TOUR Page C-2

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18-24, 2016

Titans of Industry fall from financial grace.

“By the time my mother was born in 1953, there was no evidence of my great-grandfather’s legacy,” she said as the stunned audience let out a collective groan. “And his great-granddaughter – me – ended up living in the projects as a teenager.

“So it’s really important to me that we have these discussions because we know how to generate wealth” Walker continued. “We know that we should be saving more, spending less, investing and giving back to others. But for some reason, when it comes to inter-generational wealth, we fall short.”

This is the reason for the Titans of Industry colloquium – orchestrated by Real Times Media CEO Hiram Jackson and hosted by esteemed journalist and TV personality Ed Gordon – which is a national tour that seeks to inculcate invaluable financial tools to African American businessmen and women so that we can begin to leverage the trillion-dollar-plus gross national income into viable and sustainable wealth.

Gordon, most famous

for his tenure as host of news and political shows at BET, asked the following questions during the seminar: How does a family like Walkers descend from near aristocracy to abject impoverishment? Why is it that most blacks never develop inter-generational wealth at all? And how do blacks close the financial chasm existing between their white counterparts?

Gordon broached the topic of the average gross wealth of blacks vs. their white counterparts, sharing the grotesque statistic from the 2015 African American Financial Experience Prudential that says the average income for the white family is $74,000. “The highest earning black family (on average) is worth only $18,000,” Gordon shared.

Esteemed TV personality Ed Gordon, host of Titans of Industry, with “Black Enterprise” SVP Derek Dingle.

Esteemed TV personality Ed Gordon, the host of Titans of Industry Tour, with “Black Enterprise” SVP Derek Dingle.

“Education is probably one of the great equalizers of our day,” said

From page C-1

Ed Gordon with Derek Dingle, senior vice president, Black Enterprise magazine.

Dr. William Pickard, the Chairman and CEO of Global Automotive Alliance, LLC. “If we can just get that degree, we have a reasonable chance of getting on that train. We must – we must – have more discipline in our community about ‘fake it until you make it.’ We cannot have all of our assets on our a**.

Prickard ended his thought with a profound pontification, which most

Grow Detroit’s Young Talent summer jobs program gets $2 million grant from Obama administration Michigan Chronicle Reports Mayor Mike Duggan’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program will receive a $2 million federal grant awarded over two years, enabling the city to provide another 1,000 young people with summer employment opportunities.

The $2 million represents Detroit’s share of $21 million in funding announced Monday by the Department of Labor and the Obama administration that are aimed at connecting disadvantaged young people with jobs this summer and year-round.

“Access to a job in the summer and beyond can make all the difference to a young person – especially those who don’t have access to many resources and opportunities,” President Barack Obama said.

The federal money will boost Detroit’s already successful youth summer jobs program, now in its second year.

“I’d like to thank President Obama and Secretary Perez for their support of youth in our community,” Mayor Mike Duggan said. “This is about giving young people an opportunity to develop the skills that will put them on the path to bright futures and careers.

“Summer jobs are such an important part of a young person’s life, and we need to make sure that as many young people in Detroit as possible have that opportunity.”

Last month, Deputy U.S. Labor Secretary Christopher Lu and Mayor Duggan met with business leaders to tout the importance of youth summer job opportunities and to recruit Detroit employers, at an event hosted by the Michigan Chronicle and its publisher, Hiram Jackson.

Last year, the City of Detroit provided jobs to 5,600 youths, and this year, Mayor Duggan set the goal of expanding that opportunity to 8,000. More than 11,000 youth applied for GDYT in five weeks this year, and more than 200 employers have signed on to participate so far, nearly twice the number last year.

Businesses can still join by registering at www.gdyt.org.

If a business can’t afford to pay the $1,700 to hire a youth, they can pay half.

Black men Meanwhile the LFPR for White men ticked down from 72.3 percent in March to 72.1 percent in April. The E-POP for White men decreased from 69.4 percent in March to 69.2 percent in April.

The LFPR for black women over 20 years-old fell more than a percentage point from 61.5 percent in March to 60.2 percent in April and the LFPR for white women slipped from 58 percent in March to 57.8 percent last month.

Gould also noted that the labor force participation rate for “prime-age workers” (25-54 years-old) also fell in April and the number of missing workers increased to 2.5 million.

“If the unemployment rate included these (missing) workers, who would be employed or looking for work if the labor market were stronger, it would be 6.5 percent, as opposed to the official rate of 5 percent,” said Gould. “In general, labor force participation has been on the rise (and the number of missing workers has been falling) so hopefully this is just a one-month blip in the data and next month we will continue will the more promising trends.”

Gould suggested that the economy needed steady gains in the labor force participation rate and stronger wage growth for a sustained period of time be-

Page C-2

The goal is to get as many businesses involved as possible so the City can offer opportunities to as many young people as possible.

The youth start work July 6. Teens 14 to 18 years of age are paid $8 an hour, and those 18-24 receive $9.50 an hour.

Most participants work 20 hours a week for six weeks. They will also receive 12 hours of work readiness training and another 24 hours of training, such as financial literacy education.

The federal funding will help GDYT create work experiences for 1,000 youth.

The grant will be administered by the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation.

people never give thought to: “The rich teach their children to acquire.

Middle class people teach their kids to sell. Poor people teach their kids to consume. And that is the endless spiral that you see generation after generation. So I say education and then being reasonable and then practical about our wants and our needs.”

Rodney Branch, senior vice president of product and marketing for Prudential Annuities, shared Prickard’s sentiments when he pontificated that “if your income is less than your outcome, then your upkeep will be your downfall every time,” he said, speaking of the backward mentality of many low income and disenfranchised individuals.

“If you make a million dollars a year but spend

Briggins one son. “We felt that we wanted to control our own future and dynasty and create something that we could pass down to our children. Like many other companies, we wanted to build a legacy for children. A lot of times in the black community, we don’t do that.”

“This grant will let us offer more employment opportunities and training to more Detroiters,” said Jose Reyes, interim CEO of the DESC. “We appreciate that the Obama administration sees the difference that we are making in Detroit In addition to her and are allowing us to expand our ef- co-ownership responsibilforts.” ities, Briggins has found ways to empower women The DESC project will: in the community. One Create a one-stop re-engagement of the initiatives that she center for youth that will provide case created is the Pearls and management, career planning and refer- Pumps Brunch, an annual ral services. pre-Mother’s Day affair, Offer work experiences in high-de- held this year at The Whitmand industry sectors using a co-op tier. model for in-school youth and a work ex“There are so many perience model for out-of-school youth. women in Detroit who

Pilot the use of digital badges as have influence and knowlonline credential to verify skills and edge to be mentors to work readiness. other women,” said BrigSo the purpose Launch a smartphone app that con- gins. nects youth to a wide range of programs and support services.

Provide training and summer jobs programs.

additional

Three-hundred-fifty participants will be placed in unsubsidized employment, 350 will be placed in post-secondary education or training, 40 will be placed in work skills training, and a minimum of 75 will be referred to a GED or high school completion program.

More help from the White House is on the way.

Businesses interested in participating or donating to the program are asked to go to www.gdyt.org

From page C-1 fore economists can say that the U.S. job market is nearing full employment and a healthy economy.

two million, then you have a problem. The reality is that you are not going to close that gap as fast individually as you can collectively.”

Precious Anderson, founder of the Anderson Firm, LLC, says while she agrees with Pickard that traditional education is important — she graduated from Harvard — she believes that blacks need to take education to another level.

“While I respect education, the landscape has changed dramatically. It is not just about traditional education anymore,” she says. “It’s not about how a professor goes on and on and on. It’s about how do you do it? How do you start a business?

Here’s the script. Here’s how you go to the Secretary of State and file your documents. Here’s how you identify what your real claim is. Here’s how you create strategic relationships. Here’s how you work and groove. These are the things that are going to help us. These are the things that helped me, a country girl from a town of mostly dirt roads get to the top echelon in education and business.

Mary Parker, the president and CEO of All (n) 1 Security Services, Inc., concurred with Anderson, but added the importance of “transferring the knowledge.” She conveyed that it is vitally important that successful entrepreneurs share the “pitfalls” that they have been through and “give them the lesson that we’ve been through, so that they can pick up

the lessons and move forward.”

It is monumentally important that you have a plan to execute your financial vision, so says Steven A. Davis, former Chairman and CEO of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. “Everything starts with a plan,” he said. “What do they say, ‘if you have a plan but you don’t have an execution behind it, it’s a hope and a wish. You have to get beyond that. Just like when you have mentors in business and your profession; you need to have mentors in financial planning.

“Don’t be afraid to have conversations with people about money,” he added.

Which is, by the way, how Real Times Media CEO Hiram Jackson opened the symposium.

Having substantive and concrete conversations about money, being proud of making money, and then developing strategies into growing wealth and transferring it to the next generation.

For more information about the “Titans of Industry,” please log onto http://www.realtimesmedia.com/index.php/ contact-us/item/19-legacy-in-motion.

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From page C-1 of this event is to bring women together to help, encourage, and motivate each other to be the very best person that they can be.”

Briggins reflects on how far she has come to be the best in a male dominated industry. “In the beginning, I found myself in an industry that I didn’t know anything about,” she said. “But, with hard work, determination and an open mind, I’ve been able to accomplish some wonderful things in this industry as an entrepreneur to help people during some tough times in their lives.”

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In a statement about the most recent jobs report, Representative Bobby Scott (D-Va.) said that under President Obama and his administration, we continue to recover from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Scott blamed the Republican majorities in the United States House of Representatives and Senate for blocking a number of bold initiatives and policies crafted by the Labor Department that would “help protect retirees’ savings, workers on the job, and workers’ right to organize.”

Scott continued, “These attacks are a waste of the taxpayers’ time and money, and would be harmful to working families if they ever succeeded.”

Scott called for U.S. lawmakers to refocus their priorities and to support labor market reforms.

“Together, we can work on bipartisan solutions to boost wages, help workers balance work and family life, and level the playing field for American workers,” said Scott. “We owe it to working people to build on the economic progress we have seen these past 74 months.”

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE business AEO releases recommendations to assist businesses in low-wealth communities

May 18-24, 2016

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With microbusinesses making up almost 90 percent of the nation's businesses and even more of the businesses in low-wealth communities, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) issued a report of the “trusted guidance” that is available to help these Main Street and neighborhood businesses realize their potential as “engines for wealth-creation and employment growth.”

Page C-3

The report, generously supported by Capital One, included findings from interviews with non-profit organizations involved in the microbusiness industry and a meeting of more than 80 non-profit lenders and service providers.

“The passion among Main Street and neighborhood business owners in lowwealth communities is electric,” said Connie Evans, AEO's president and CEO. “However, when it comes to being able to access the resources available to assist microbusinesses, the knowledge and information about these resources too frequently doesn't reach entrepreneurs in underserved communities. We want to change that with our new strategy and approach that will lift barriers to services in low-wealth communities and allow business owners to achieve their dreams, contribute to the economy and create jobs.”

As the report notes, trusted guidance is the leveraging of local, tailored, community-level support, including an expanding marketplace of products, services, counselling and access to credit, to address the essential needs of small business owners, especially those operating in low-wealth communities.

“What these business owners need is wise counsel and access to solutions to meet their needs delivered by someone or a process that has earned credibility as a trusted authority through shared experience and empathy,” said Tammy A. Halevy AEO’s senior vice president of new initiatives. “Organizations — nonprofit, for-profit and government — must design and deliver support to meet the needs of the business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in low-wealth communities."

Halevy warned that this process is not about designing a single training course or tool. “It’s about bringing to bear available products, services and resources while creating social networks and new market opportunities to solve for access,” she said. “Achieving these objectives requires a new model. We're calling this new model trusted guidance.”

AEO is releasing its report on this assistance in conjunction with EconoCon25, AEO's national conference and

Connie Evans, AEO’s president and CEO. 25th anniversary celebration, running May 18, to May 20, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill.

The conference includes a discussion of how to improve services to business in low-wealth communities.

“These hardworking businesses include barbers, chefs, shop-keepers and many others on Main Street and crossstreets across the country,“ the report says. “Their potential for impact as engines of both wealth-creation and employment-growth is undeniable: These businesses could grow to employ far more than the 26 million people across the United States that they presently employ. Microbusinesses grow and hire when they get the right mix of capital and support.”

To provide that "right mix of capital and support," AEO recommends: • Expanding existing national programs, designed to support business building, into low-wealth communities • Lifting barriers that currently hinder the reach of local programs and initiatives to entrepreneurs in low-wealth communities

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• Developing the flow of new technology services to low-wealth communities, where it seems adoption is "slower or less intense than in wealthier communities.

“Too many small business owners toil away for years without building a durable operation that can be transferred or sold,” the report says. “Effectively unlocking a system of trusted guidance would enable business owners to build durable businesses that match their aspirations, whether that is to sustain a family or grow into a much larger operation.”

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Page C-4 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • May 18-24, 2016

May 18-24, 2016 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page C-5

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18-25, 2016

Page C-6

Google bans payday and other predatory lending ads

By Charlene Crowell NNPA News Wire

For more than a decade, broad-based coalitions at both the state and federal levels have united consumer advocates, labor, clergy, civil rights champions and others in calling for an end to predatory lending. Although 16 states and the District of Columbia effectively ban payday lending, the majority of the nation is still subject to triple-digit interest rates applied to debt trap lending.

Even in states that have interest rate caps on payday loans, the small-dollar loan industry has tried a series of legislative maneuvers, or even attempts at voter updates

through ballot initiatives to overturn laws. In other cases, lenders have moved to longer-term versions of the typical twoweek payday loan as yet another financial vulture preying upon working class citizens.

This week a global corporate giant took decisive action against payday lenders and others that charge triple-digit interest rates.

Google, the Internet’s leading search engine, announced that effective July 1 it will ban ads for payday loans and other loan products that require full repayment within 60 days. In the United States, Google will also ban ads for loans with an annual percentage rate of

36 percent or higher.

“This change is designed to protect our users from deceptive or harmful financial products,” noted Google in its corporate blog.

David Graff, Google’s Director of Global Prod-

uct Policy went a step further adding, “We have an extensive set of policies to keep bad ads out of our systems and we take these policies very seriously. In particular, financial services is an areas we look at very closely

DTW seeking airport ambassadors AJ Williams Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is looking for a few good men, women and teens to serve as customer service ambassadors.

DTW will host a fair to attract volunteers for the airport and more than 30 local organizations.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, May 20, interested individuals can meet with representatives

from several community groups at Wayne County Community College District’s Downriver Campus – Performing Arts Center, 21000 Northline Road, Taylor, Michigan.

the airport. We’d like to expand our team to continue enhancing the service we provide to our customers. By holding this event for a second year, everyone benefits.”

“The recruitment fair is a winwin,” said Thomas Naughton, Airport Authority CEO. “Our region has a lot of caring people. We want to connect them with community groups that need their help. Also, we have great volunteers here at

Each participating organization will have a table and representatives on hand to answer questions from potential volunteers. AttendB:10” ees will have the chance to learn T:10” more about the organizations and find out how to get involved.

S:10”

because we want to protect users from deceptive or harmful products.”

What Google termed a ‘policy change’ triggered a jubilant refrain from academicians, civil rights and consumer advocates.

From their collective views, the decision was a pivotal breakthrough in the fight for financial justice for all.

“Banning predatory payday loan ads shows that Google is willing to put people before profits,” said Wade Henderson, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “This new policy addresses many of the long-standing concerns shared by the entire civil rights community about predatory payday lending… This ban puts payday loans in their rightful place alongside explosives and tobacco as dangerous products that deserve the highest level of scrutiny from regulators and businesses alike.”

“Unscrupulous payday lenders prey on the most vulnerable, including millions in communities of color in neighborhoods across America,” noted Janet Murguia, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza. “This is a terrific example of how civil rights organizations and tech companies can come together to help protect the rights of all Americans online.”

“The Internet should not be a place that profits from your weaknesses,” said Alvaro Bedoya, Executive Director of the Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law. “If you’re broke and search the Internet for help, you should not be hit with ads for payday lenders charging 1,000 percent interest... For payday lenders, targeting the vulnerable is not an accident – it’s a business strategy. Today, the world’s most valuable company is saying: ‘We want no part in this’.”

Each year, over $3.4 billion in excessive fees are drained from the pockets of payday borrowers, according to the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). Over 75 percent of these fees are generated by borrowers trapped in 10 or more loans a year.

Other CRL research findings show that: • Nearly one in four payday borrowers rely on retirement or public assistance as a means of income; • The national average APR for payday loans is 364 percent, and often rates are much higher; and • Payday borrowers are more likely to become delinquent on other bills, delay medical care, and, in the worst scenarios, file for bankruptcy.

“I think this action is as unprecedented as it is significant,” said Keith Corbett, a CRL Executive Vice President. “By removing ads that lure financially-strapped consumers into unaffordable, long-term and costly debt traps, Google is displaying what corporate citizenship looks like. CRL’s hope is that others will soon follow suit.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending.

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May 18-24, 2016

Page C-7

New Detroit’s Closing the Gap names 2016 honorees

By AJ Williams New Detroit, Inc. honored Henry Ford Health System, Black Family Development, Inc., a non-profit which has improved social cohesion and established over 400 block clubs in both the Osborn and Cody Rouge communities, a highly respected Detroit civic leader and a young leader who is making an impact on race relations in the a non-profit organization that region at its “Closing the Gap” awards dinner Monday, May 16.

All of these individuals and organizations have positively impacted issues and policies to ensure economic and social equity in Southeast Michigan.

The Closing the Gap award ceremony and dinner took place on Monday, May 16 at 5: at Cobo Hall. Honorees included: • Business Award: Henry Ford Health System • Social Impact Sector Award: Black Family Development, Inc. • Young Leader in Action Award: Hanan Yahya • John Rakolta, Jr. Leadership in Race Relations Award: Frank Venegas, Jr. “The Closing the Gap awards highlight individuals and organizations who, in their everyday activities advance race relations in a variety of ways, said New Detroit President and CEO Shirley Stancato. “This year’s honorees represent a broad cross section of the community and each, in their own way, has moved racial affairs in our region forward in a significant manner.

Each in their own way has advanced New Detroit’s goal of closing the gap between the races.”

Byna Eliiot is the chair of the dinner committee and David F. Girodat, president and CEO, Fifth Third Bank - Eastern Michigan, is the dinner chair. Awards will be presented by Shirley R. Stancato, New Detroit President and CEO, and William S. Taubman, New Detroit Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Taubman Centers, Inc. Henry Ford Health Systems is comprised of hospitals, medical centers and one of the nation’s largest group practices, the Henry Ford Medical Group, which includes more than 1,200 physicians practicing in over 40 specialties. With a commitment to diversity and more than 23,000 employees, Henry Ford Health System has won numerous awards, including being named one of Diversity Inc.’s Top 10 Hospital Systems and the American Hospital Associations’ Equity of Care Award. The system has an Institute on Multicultural Health, with the vision to improve the health and quality-of-life for underrepresented racial and ethnic populations and to eliminate healthcare-related disparities, as well as a Multicultural Dermatology Clinic, one of only a few in the United States, which specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, tissue, and hair conditions unique to women and men of ethnic heritage.

In 2009, Henry Ford Health System began its Healthcare Equity Campaign, with the goal to increase knowledge, awareness and opportunities to ensure healthcare equity was understood and practiced by Henry Ford Health System providers, as well as the community-at-large. In 2015, Henry Ford Health System was ranked first in the country among health care systems and hospitals for diversity by Diversity, Inc. The system also partners with many community organizations to help promote diversity, such as ACCESS, Focus Hope, NAACP, North American Indian Association, SER Metro, Wayne County Community College and many others.

communal space that provides a sense of community.

Venegas contributed 62 iPads to predominately Hispanic Cristo Rey High School to overcome a shortage of computers for the students and faculty. In addition, each year, the company affords

Shirley Stancato, New Detroit President and CEO Since its founding in 1978, Black Family Development, Inc. has established over 400 block clubs in both Osborn and Cody Rouge communities and has improved social cohesion. BFDI engages the community to be active participants in creating a community environment that supports parents and children residing in Detroit through the Promise Neighborhoods program.

Since 2003, BFDI has implemented programs that set the “best practices” standard for youth at risk of delinquent behavior. The organization is committed to helping youth discover their talents and gifts, learn new skills, and experience success that will prepare them for adulthood.

In addition to these programs, BFDI serves as a Care Management Organization with the Wayne County Department of Children and Family Services providing juvenile justice services, ensuring that youth and families receive the services they need to be successfully released from the juvenile justice system. They also provide mental health, substance abuse, prevention and support services, to help make sure the communities they serve have residents that are successful, in turn making the places they live thrive.

Hanan Yahya is a young leader in Southeast Michigan who is making an impact on improving race relations. Yahya is a 2016 graduate from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, where she studied Social Theory and Practice with a concentration in Urban Studies with minors in Entrepreneurship and Community Action and Social Change. Her progressive leadership in race relations as a community

internship opportunities to Cristo Rey High School students. He received the Mexican government’s highest honor for a civilian living outside of Mexico who has “devoted his or her life to forging a new path abroad for Mexican citizens.”

Individual tickets are

Tickets are $200, $140 of which is tax-deductible and a range of sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, contact Joe Ann Walker at 313-664-2042, jwalker@newdetroit.org or visit www.newdetroit.org.

William Taubmann New Detroit COO advocate in Detroit and surrounding communities has been interwoven throughout her undergraduate career. Yahya has demonstrated her leadership ability as an instructor for two years with the Digital Connectors program at ACCESS (Arab Community Center of Economic and Social Services) where she empowered over 50 students from at-risk communities to be the next first generation digital leaders and social change agents for their communities.

Yahya advocates for higher education in the Yemeni-American communities in Southwest Detroit, Hamtramck, Dearborn, Melvindale, and Coldwater. She served as a facilitator for the Summer Youth Dialogues on Race and Ethnicity Program in the School of Social Work and Institute on Intergroup Relations at the University of Michigan. This program brings together youth from across Metro-Detroit to engage in dialogues on the state of race relations in our communities.

Frank Venegas’ career as an entrepreneur and dedication to community service has earned him wide recognition and respect as a business leader who is devoted to neighborhood revitalization and youth development in underrepresented areas.

Through his leadership as chairman and CEO of The Ideal Group, Venegas and The Ideal Group are known for their community outreach and development activities focused on education and family, sustaining employment opportunities and clean neighborhoods.

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Page C-8 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • May 18-24, 2016

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Reflections

By Steve Holsey

It was better then, says reggae heir In one of his numerous classic hits, rock legend Bob Seger said, “Today’s music ain’t got the same soul.”

Ziggy Marley (real name: David Nesta Marley), son of the iconic Bob Marley, who will always be the king of reggae, is inclined to agree.

“Today, music is great for entertainment, but it is lacking soul, it’s lacking substance and it’s difficult to find good Ziggy Marley stuff,” he said.

“Old music used to mean something. There is none of that today. There are too many corporate interests. It’s not about the actual music, it’s about the corporations.

Music has just become part of a package.”

Now there’s a man who speaks his mind.

CRUSHES, apparently, have no age limits. Just ask rap superstar Drake. He has had a crush on Pam Grier since he was a boy, and now he is 29 and she turns 66 this month.

Mike Tyson

Serious legal setbacks Sometimes jail, but careers resume

By Steve Holsey

Drake

Pam Grier

“I love Pam Grier,” he said. “I still lust after her to this day. I tried to find her, tried following her on Twitter and Instagram, but I don’t think it’s the real Pam Grier. She shaped my idea of a woman as far as curves, shape and body.”

Jody Watley is popular today just as she has always been, as a member of Shalamar and as a highly successful solo artist. Today, she heads a new Shalamar group; one half her show is Shalamar hits, the second half her own.

But there have always been detrac- Jody Watley tors, dating back to when she and Jeffrey Daniel were one of the most popular couples on “Soul Train” and both were chosen to be in Shalamar.

Watley refers to these mean-spirited people as “trolls” and addresses them in her scathing new single, “O.R.I.G.in.A.L.” Among other things she says, “People are always talking s---, always got something to say.”

IT SURE took Tito Jackson a long time to do a solo project!

Why not until now?

He’s 61 years old! The album is titled “Tito’s Time” and includes the just-released single “Get it Baby,” featurTito Jackson ing ’80s-’90s rap hitmaker Big Daddy Kane.

If you happen to be looking for a mansion in Englewood, New Jersey, Alicia Keys and her husband, hip-hop artist Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) have put theirs up for sale because they are building a larger new one, from scratch.

The asking price is $14.9 million.

The Alicia Keys and Swizz m a n s i o n Beatz used to belong to Eddie Murphy.

gest reasons for celebrities finding themselves behind bars — and why they let these situations develop remains a mystery.

There was a time when committing a crime, and being incarcerated for it, or being compelled to accept a plea deal, or perform community service, was sure to badly damage a show business career, if not destroy it. Not so today.

And in some sectors of the hiphop world, crime and retribution almost seems like a rite of passage.

Names like Lil Wayne, DMX, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, Lil’ Kim, TI, Foxy Brown, Da Brat and Snoop Dogg come to mind, all of whom have served time.

In 2008, Wesley Snipes was sentenced to three years in prison for failure to file federal income tax returns.

He had developed a history of such actions, and the whole matter gets very complicated. In any event, Snipes reported to federal prison in late 2010 and was released in early 2013. He has made two movies since then.

NOT LONG before Snipes’ sentence, Ronald Isley was convicted of tax evasion and given a three-year sentence. After that, he was ordered to a federal halfway house. When he became a free man, his fans were ready to welcome him with open arms.

Chris Brown

The public has never been more forgiving, or at least ready to let it go and move on, just as the celebrities do. The exceptions — of course — are when lives have been taken, which is why actor Robert Blake and record producer Phil Spector deserved stiff jail sentences. So did O.J. Simpson, for what he was orginally charged with.

But outside of severe cases such as those, incarceration is not a dead end for a career. The media is always ready to move on to “the next big story,” and as long-time syndicated columnist Liz Smith put it, “People today have the attention span of a fruit fly.”

Lauryn Hill, who was so great singing Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” on David Letterman’s show not long ago, is another one who for whatever reason did not pay the government its requiired share. For her negligence, Hill was sentenced to three months in prison — it could have been 36 months — and a year of supervised probation.

Naomi Campbell

IN 2009, when the disturbingly hot-tempered Chris Brown severely beat up his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, so much so that hospitalization was required, many thought his career would come to complete halt. Granted, it was the low point in his life and career — public opinion was low, women were infuriated, some radio stations pulled his music, etc.

But since that time Brown has won a Grammy Award, several BET Awards, sold a lot of albums and worked consistently. “The incident” is slowly on its way to becoming an afterthought, and Rihanna doesn’t seem to be holding any grudges.

IT WAS hard to keep track of Robert Downey, Jr.’s drug arrests and relapses. He ended up in California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. Very popular, likable and with a legion of well-wishers, Downey is today more popular than ever before, including the wildly successful “Iron Man” movies.

Martha Stewart, the megastar businesswoman, television personality, writer and master of all things food and home, lied to federal investigators regarding a stock sale and received a five-month prison sentence. But it proved to be not a whole lot more than a major embarrassment. She picked right up where she left off, as cool, calm and collected as ever.

Wesley Snipes

SPEAKING of tempers, Naomi Campbell seems to be unable to control hers or believes that her status as a supermodel gives her the right to violent outbursts. She has been accused of committing acts of violence on 11 occasions and was convicted on four of them. She even attacked two police officers! At one point she was ordered to go through an anger management program and, even tougher, perform five days of community service in the New York City sanitation department.

Not paying taxes is one of the big-

Lucky for him, Chris Tucker didn’t have to go to jail. He worked out some sort of payback deal with the Internal Revenue Service. He had managed to rack up a $14 million tax bill over a period of seven years. He laid the blame at the feet of “bad management.”

Robert Downey, Jr.

Mike Tyson was on top of the boxing world, but came crashing down when a woman named Desiree Washington said Tyson took her to his hotel room and raped her. He was sentenced to six years in prison, but served less than three. One has to wonder why Washington accepted an invitation from Tyson to a party at 1:36 in the morning.

Two of the biggest Prince fans happen to be superstar TV producer-writer Shonda Rhimes and songstress Stephanie Mills. Mills, who says she loved Prince’s very essence, had a big

See Reflections Page D-2

Ronald Isley

Martha Stewart

Chris Tucker

Lauryn Hill

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

ANDERSON PAAK & the Free Nationals, St. Andrew’s Hall, June 12. For tickets, visit saintandrewsdetroit.com

TONY BENNETT, Fox Theatre, Aug. 12.

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

BEYONCE, Ford Field, May 29. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

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

BOYZ II MEN, En Vogue, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Aug. 7. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

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

CHENE PARK Amphitheatre: Robert Glasper and Damien Escobar, June1; Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, June 8; Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, June 11; Brand New Heavies, June 15; Dramatics with L.J. Reynolds, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Millie Jackson, June 17; Ramsey Lewis, Terence Blanchard, June 22; Kem, Lalah Hathaway, June 24; Maysa, Michael Phillips, June 29; Nelly, Keyshia Cole, July 1; Ready for the World, Surface, July 6; Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, July 10; Patrice Rushen, Yancey, July 13; New Edition, July 15; Spyro Gyra, July 20; Sheila E, Tower of Power, July 22; Eric Benét, July 27; Diana Ross, July 30; S.O.S. Band, Brothers Johnson, Aug. 3; Regina Belle, Gary Taylor, Aug. 10; Will Downing, Lynn Marie, Aug. 17; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Aug. 27. For more information, visit cheneparkdetroit.com.

R. Kelly

Millie Jackson

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

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

FISHBONE, St. Andrew’s Hall, June 3. For tickets, visit saintandrewsdetroit.com.

R. KELLY, Joe Louis Arena, June 24.

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

STEPHEN “RAGGA” MARLEY, St. Andrew’s Hall, June 25. For tickets, visit saintandrewsdetroit.com.

MIX 92.3 and FM98 WJLB Hip Hop Smackdown, Fox Theatre, May 28, featuring Lil Kim, Luke, Juvenile, Trina, E-40, the Lox, Too Short and Scarface. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

PITBULL, Prince Royce, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Aug. 9. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

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

Seal

1.800.745.3000.

CECILE McLORIN SALVANT, Aaron Dihel Trio, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, June 9. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

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

PAUL SIMON, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, June 19. For more information, call 248.377.0100.

MUSIQ SOULCHILD, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, Friday, May 20. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

STEELY DAN, Steve Winwood, DTE Energy Music Theatre, June 8. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

According to Gabrielle Union, things are better for black actresses and actors, but the situation is still bad. “Half the time we don’t get the opportunity to even try,” she said, adding, “Blacks can’t even get in the door.” And she says that also goes for Latinos, Asians, Middle Easterners, etc.

4.94 in.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that Sly & the Family Stone was origi-

37

PICKS 508 641 226 832 417 WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

326 763 560 916 712 742 444 7683 8160 936 23 24 30 38 52 19 YOUR AD

LOOKS

GOOD IN PRINT Place your classified or display ad in the

THE WAILERS, St. Andrew’s Hall, May 29. For tickets, visit saintandrewsdetroit. com.

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

Reflections hit with his “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?” in 1983. And as much as I loved Prince’s original, I like Mills’ version even more.

May 18-24, 2016 Page D-2

Call (313) 963-5522

From page D-1 nally known as Sly & the Family Stoners. (Good thing they changed that.)

MEMORIES: “Kissing You” (Keith Washington), “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” (War), “Rescue Me” (Fontella Bass), “Women’s Love Rights” (Laura Lee), “(Just Like) Romeo & Juliet” (the Reflections), “Broken-Hearted Melody” (Sarah Vaughan), “Master Blaster” (Jammin’)” (Stevie Wonder), “Mr. Big Stuff” (Jean Knight), “I Just Wanna Stop” (Gino Vannelli).

BLESSINGS to Barrett Strong,

Carol Smith Dixon, Joan Crawford, Karen Dumas, Delores Wyatt, Alexis Williams, Freddy Anderson, Bettye LaVette, William Staiger, Derek Dirckson and Horace Boyington.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Muhammad Ali: “Repetition of affirmations leads to beliefs, and once a belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.”

Let the music play!

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

e l p r he Pu

e c n e i xper May 26

10.5 in.

T

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH PERFECT WORLD PICTURES A POINT GREY/GOOD UNIVERSE PRODUCTION A NICHOLAS STOLLER FILM SETH ROGEN ZAC EFRON ROSE BYRNE : SORORITY RISING” CHLOË GRACE MORETZ DAVE FRANCO IKE BARINHOLTZ MUSICBY MICHAEL ANDREWS “NEIGHBORS 2 DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDON TROST PRODUCERS NATHAN KAHANE JOE DRAKE TED GIDLOW ANDREW JAY COHEN BRENDAN O’BRIEN PRODUCED BASED ON CHARACTERS

BY SETH ROGEN p.g.a. EVAN GOLDBERG p.g.a. JAMES WEAVER p.g.a.

CREATED BY ANDREW JAY COHEN & BRENDAN O’BRIEN WRITTEN

BY ANDREW JAY COHEN & BRENDAN O’BRIEN & NICHOLAS STOLLER & EVAN GOLDBERG & SETH ROGEN DIRECTED A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

BY NICHOLAS STOLLER

SOUNDBOARDDETROIT.COM

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

MotorCity Casino Hotel and MotorCity Casino Hotel design are trademarks of Detroit Entertainment, L.L.C. ©2016 Detroit Entertainment, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR AND SHOWTIMES STARTS FRIDAY, MAY 20 THEATERS

Classified PERSONAL SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BORN GIFTED READER

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQs for Waste Oil Pickup, Control No. 16-2138. RFQ forms may be obtained beginning on May 10, 2016 from www.mitn.info.

RFQs are due by 3:00 PM ET, June 08, 2016.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Weston Preparatory Academy, a TuitionFree Public School Academy, will hold its 2016-2017 Budget Hearing on June 16, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at 22930 Chippewa Street, Detroit, MI 48219, (313) 387-6038 to review the proposed 2016-2017 operating budget. A copy of the proposed budget is avail-able for public inspection at the above address.

W-3 Construction is seeking qualified contractors to submit a lump sum bid for Williams Recreation Center Renovations for the following bid packs: 1A General Trades; Roofing; Aluminum Windows; Heating Ventilation & Cooling and Electrical. A Mandatory PreBid Conference and Walk-through will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday May 26, at Williams Recreation Center 8431 Rosa Park Boulevard (main lobby) Detroit Michigan 48206. Bids will be due on June 15, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. Documents available at Engineering Reproduction, Inc. (313 366 3390) for additional information, contact Wendel Martin at W-3 Construction (313 875 8000 ext. 224) Contractors desiring to bid shall demonstrate and comply with the following; at least 5 years’ experience; bondable (bonds may be required); licensed as required by the State and/or local jurisdiction; City of Detroit Executive Order 2014; Federal Labor Standards Provisions (HUD 4010) ; Federal E.O. 11246; Section 3 Clause and Prevailing Wage.

Notice of Public Hearing The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA), in coordination with the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transit (SMART), will be implementing express bus services along the Woodward Avenue and Gratiot Avenue corridors.

RFQ’s are due Thursday, June 16, 2016 by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS WEATHERIZATION CONTRACTORS For Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency Weatherization Program Serving Wayne County Prospective contractors may request a bid package be mailed to them from Aloha Bellfi at 313-202-0316 or may pick up a package at 138 Cortland, Highland Park, MI 48203 or may access the bid package online at www.waynemetro.org.

An optional Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Wayne Metro CAA, 138 Cortland, Highland Park, MI 48203 on May 23, 2016 at 10 a.m.

Bid packages due: June 1, 2016 by 4:30 p.m. Deliver or mail sealed bids to: Wayne Metro CAA, 138 Cortland, Highland Park, MI 48203. Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS CITY OF DETROIT Housing and Revitalization Department Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave, Suite 908 Detroit, Michigan 48226 Telephone: 313.224.6519 TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS Pursuant to 24 CFR 58.70, this notice shall satisfy procedural requirements for activities undertaken by the City of Detroit.

On or after May 27, 2016, and in accordance with 24 CFR 58.71, the City of Detroit will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Detroit Field Office for the release of Economic Development Initiative-Special Projects funds provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117). Once provided the appropriate authorization, the City of Detroit may commit these funds to the following project: Infrastructure Improvement Project Economic Development Initiative Grant (EDI) No. B-10-SP-MI-0089 $400,000.00

The public is invited to attend one of two public hearings that have been scheduled for awareness and to allow for public comment.

The hearing time and locations are as follows:

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM St. James Church 241 Pearson St. Ferndale, MI 48220 Wednesday, May 25, 2016 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Eastern Market Shed 5 2934 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207

REQUEST FOR QUOTE The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFQ’s for Welding Gases and Supplies, Control No. 16-2139. RFQ packages will be available after May 16, 2016, at www.mitn.info.

Page D-3

ATTENTION QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS

MRS. LINN

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

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

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

May 18-24, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Requests for special accommodations must be made 72 hours in advance of the public hearing dates. Arrangements can be made by emailing Virginia Lickliter at vlickliter@rtamichigan.org or by calling (313) 402-1020.

Legal Notice

George Washington Carver Academy Attention: Lighting Upgrade The George Washington Carver Academy is requesting proposals to upgrade lighting fixtures to LED, energy efficient lighting.

Vendors and/or their representatives may submit proposals to:

Provision

17368 W. 12 Mile Road Suite 200 Southfield, MI 48076 The George Washington Carver Academy Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or to accept the proposal that is in the best interest of the school district.

All proposals must be submitted no later than 10:00 a.m. on June 1, 2016. All proposals should be delivered in a sealed envelope and addressed to Provision and be clearly marked: Lighting Upgrade Proposal.

Potential vendors are advised that proposals will be unsealed in the following manner: George Washington Carver Academy 14510 Second Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 Thursday, June 2, 2016 @ 10:00 a.m.

Opening of Proposals: At the specified location and Due Date stated above, all Proposals timely submitted will be publicly opened and dated. Any interested parties may attend. No immediate decision will be rendered.

Easy Grilling Ideas for Summer

(StatePoint) Summer was made for entertaining -- from casual dinner parties to impromptu gettogethers. And what’s better than centering the entertainment on the grill? Beyond the standard burgers and hot dogs, there are an array of appetizers, main courses and even desserts that are all grill-friendly and easy to make.

“Summer cooking is all about great, fresh flavors and keeping things simple and unfussy,” says Erin Madsen, executive editor of BettyCrocker.com, an entertaining resource that offers recipes, how-tos, and test-kitchen tips.

This summer, the experts at Betty Crocker are focused on quick dinners on the grill that require very little cleanup. You can cut down on mess, they say, with foil pack recipes that use an indirectheating method to cook the food.

For instance, this flavorful recipe for Green Chile Cheddar Burgers, brings together classic cheeseburgers, a zip of green chiles and craveable corn salsa.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb extra-lean (at least 90 percent) ground beef • 2 cans (4.5 oz each) Old El Paso chopped green chiles • 2 teaspoons chili powder • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese • 1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel sweet corn, thawed • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro • 4 lime wedges Directions: • Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cut 4 (18x12-inch) sheets of heavy duty foil. Spray with cooking spray.

• In medium bowl, mix beef, 1 can green chiles, chili powder, 1 teaspoon of the cumin, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1 cup of the cheese

PROJECT SCOPE As permitted under 24 CFR 570.201(c), the City of Detroit shall commit Federal funds to reimburse eligible costs associated with improvements to the area bounded by E. Ferry, I-75 Freeway, E. Kirby, and St. Antoine. Improvements will consist of a new sewer main in the alley as well as new curbs and sidewalks around the perimeter of the block to help support the new housing being developed on that block.

The Housing and Revitalization Department will serve as the primary sponsor of this project.

The offices of the Housing and Revitalization Department are located at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave., Suite 908, Detroit, MI 48226.

DETERMINATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This project is Categorically Excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), per 24 CFR 58.35(a)(1), and the preparation of an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement is not required at this time.

However, this project is subject to the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department has prepared the Environmental Review for this project, and the Environmental Review finds that this project complies with the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

In accordance with 24 CFR 58.38, the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department prepared an Environmental Review Record that documents the environmental review process of the above-named project. The Environmental Review Record is on file with the Housing and Revitalization Department at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (CAYMC), 2 Woodward Ave, Suite 908, Detroit, Michigan, 48226. The record is available for public examination and copying, upon request, on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS AND CERTIFICATION Through the Requests for Release of Funds and Certification (form HUD 7015.15), the City of Detroit certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that the City of Detroit has fulfilled its responsibilities for environmental review, decision making and action.

Furthermore, the City of Detroit and Mayor Michael E. Duggan, or other official approved by HUD, consent to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities for environmental review, decision making, and action. Upon approval of the request for release of funds and certification, the City of Detroit may commit the Community Development Block Grant funds, and HUD will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities.

PUBLIC COMMENTS The City of Detroit invites all interested agencies, groups and persons to submit written comments concerning the above-named project for consideration. The Housing and Revitalization Department should receive such comments at the address listed at the top of this notice on or before May 26, 2016. The City of Detroit will consider all such comments so received, and the City of Detroit will not request the release of Federal funds on the abovenamed project prior to May 27, 2016.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS For a fifteen (15) day period following receipt of all required documentation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will accept an objection to its approval of the release of funds and certification only if the objection is based upon one of the following claims identified in 24 CFR 58.75: (a) That the certification was not in fact executed by the Chief Executive Officer or other officer of the applicant approved by HUD; (b) That the applicant’s environmental review record for the project indicates omission of a required decision, finding, or step applicable to the program in the environmental review process; (c) That the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) That another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. HUD will not consider objections to the release of funds and certification on a basis other than those stated.

All interested agencies, groups or persons must prepare and submit objections in accordance with the required procedures outlined in 24 CFR 58.76. Potential objectors must address their objections to: Ms. Kathy Bagley, CPD Representative Detroit Field Office U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 477 Michigan Avenue, 16th Floor Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Potential objectors should contact Ms. Kathy Bagley at 313.226.7900 to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, handicap, national origin, race, sex or sexual orientation. Persons or groups with discrimination complaints may file those complaints with the City of Detroit Human Rights Department, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1026, Detroit, Michigan, 48226.

The applicant for this project is:

until blended. Form into four patties about 1/2-inch thick. In small bowl, mix corn, remaining can of green chiles, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

• Place beef patty on center of each sheet of foil.

Scoop about 1/3 cup of corn mixture on top of each patty.

• Bring up two sides of foil so edges meet.

Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal.

• Place packs on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook eight minutes. Rotate packs 1/2 turn; cook seven to nine minutes longer or until patties are no longer pink in center

and meat thermometer inserted in center

of patties reads 160 degrees. Remove packs from grill. Cut large X across top of each pack.

Carefully fold back foil. Top each patty with 2 tablespoons cheese; garnish with cilantro and a lime wedge.

More great summer recipes and tips can be found at BettyCrocker.com/SummerGrilling.

This summer, go above and beyond by seeking out recipes for the grill that are easy to execute, but full on flavor.

CITY OF DETROIT Michael E. Duggan, Mayor Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1126 Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Notice Date: May 18, 2016

Published Every Wednesday

size: 2 (2.16”) x 3” issue: 05-16

Classified

size: 2 (2.16”) x 3” issue: 05-16

May 18-24, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM

Page D-4

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Michigan State University Infrastructure Planning and Facilities is hiring for the following position:

Michigan State University Infrastructure Planning and Facilities is hiring for the following position:

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

Locksmith I Posting #3318

View complete job description and apply online at www.jobs.msu.edu.

Refer to the posting number. The closing date for this position is Tuesday, May 31st, 2016.

Engineer/Architect III/S Posting #3307

View the complete job description and apply online at www.jobs.msu. edu. Refer to the posting number.

The closing date for this position is Tuesday, May 24th, 2016.

Located in Detroit, the employee performs administrative support services for the Deputy Court Administrator and Clerk’s Office professional staff.

EOE ! !

Detroit woma showers De n infants with troit love See page B-1 POWERED

Volume 79

– Number

WHAT’S INSI DE

L.A. Reid

Famed prod ucer-writer tells all See page

BY REAL

michiganc

hronicle.co

m March 23-29 , 2016

U.S. Confere of Mayors stance nds with Flint Mayor Weave r

Michigan citizens are surprisingly of using statesupportive resources to support Detroit Schools. Democ Public rats tend to be more supportive that Repub licans — which is not surpris ing.

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

MSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

MSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Michigan Chronicle Reports

Wayne Health Cente r (Page B-1)

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans partners with health care providers to open new Wayne Health Center

D-1

TIMES MEDIA

28

Assisting urban scho ols (Page A-3)

Small busine big clout in ss equals Detroit

By Keith A.

Senior Editor

Owens

U.S. Confer ence of and Execut Mayors CEO and formerive Director Tom Cochran Atlanta Franklin stood in Mayor Shirley Flint Mayor solidar Karen Weave ity with a recent r during press confer City Hall ence at where she al and state called for Flint the Confer assistance. As federence’s support, part of also release Cochran to Congre d a new bipartisan from more ss and the White letter House than 150 mayor the countr s around y urging Flint in the afterm resources for crisis. ath of the water As the democratical mayor of Flint, Karen ly elected the full faith and confid Weaver has colleagues ence try. On theirfrom around the of her counsecond visit Cochran, to Flint, Franklin, perts are providing and a team of exsupport to Mayor

10,000 black The narrati in the dining businesses,” ve for comes to room of one he said, while local Detroit is quite some time sitting of many to be had, that there when it tively establishments, of his and that are very that are few jobs and new black-ownedThe Crab House favorite truly succesthe majority of , a relaEvergreen restaurant businesses are not that opened near 7 Mile those ownedsful in this city in 2009.

And when right now Indeed,

by African Americans. nearly two a Huffington Post concerning you look at the dominant years is overwh Detroit’s revital headlines the same thing, ago in July of story published elmingly ization, 2014 said focusing tually what’s wonde the on Detroi much rful in Midtow t’s downtownfocus ering black businesses on the fact that it is exactly the revital is in Detroi and n — neithe recognized t that are acization a more than r of which know it by as the most of the , even though you’d powrestaurants, 80 percent black blackest parts news covera never of “Storie town. the ge. s that hottest nights to be concen The latest ing, Flint Mayor revitalizing claim entrepreneur trated pots, graphical and even s are – Andre SmithKaren Weaver area. Blackin one relatively all seem primarily on cally sidelin small white profes saving Detroi buildphoto folks t focus ed in a rigged are being systemgeo- er and new sionals, Black design Weaver as guys get often ati- thats palpab transplants to game while to to recove she implements the city, youngsigned by play first string fashion from er reinvents le and frustra her plan r Flint’s on an openthe white journalists them for frames to ting for locals.a trend public health and reader them. infrast fur. field de- leaving That’s s criticiz When , and econom ructure, blacks ed the paper’s public out of its y.

City Councthe more popula The Flint Corktown Times for r editor addres versity in top priorit water crisis has story, the ingberry, il President Pro narrative, anywa y. sed a been a however, Tem of Mayors y for The U.S. Confer not that begs to differ. George Cush- regretted not follow-up, and the the lack of dithere aren’t since the ence including writer said Strong (A more January businesses enough a black-o she recent Times Winter MeetinConference’s in Detroi successful ly. It’s ing wned ington seems to busine view.) t, but rather story takes g in black , DC, care. a wider-r ss. that nobod Flint Mayor where newly Washang“It’s not y “Conservative Karen Weave elected about the difficult ly in Detroi owner to r spoke challen to find ges in her speak with, a black t we have city. business Immediately though over than 32,000 in the This year’s city, accord . There are more Winter Meetin following the first Pancak ing to U.S. g in Januar USCM ference & Politics See SMALL Census of y, Conforum quicklyes BUSINESS page Baltimore Mayors Presid evolved into ent and A-4 ings-Blake Mayor Stephanie and honest a direct asked Rawlthat ta Mayor of what is assessment Shirley Franklformer Atlanprecisely the al expert in, a problem with USCM CEOon water investm nationen, and Public Schoo Detroit Tom Cochraand Executive Director can and must ls and what Flint in early n co-led a missio be done n to February. about it.

The Confer ence of supported Mayor WeaveMayors also tified before r Congress, as she tesWeaver and Mayor recent Winter Leader ly attended ship Meetin USCM’s nearly 45 g where mayors stood of her efforts in suppor to solve t health crisis a seriou He is one that s of term and has both stars of rap, the greatest Flint residenlong-term impactshortbut has since s for ts. become The U.S. From left: is the officialConference of better Crab Mayors nonpa zation of and V. Lonnie House co-own known as cities with rtisan organiers Eric and Peek.

30,000 or populations Damon Englis a highly of 1400 such more. There are h, Chronicle nearly skilled Senior Editor today, and cities in the countr each city Keith Owens actor y in the Confer is repres , ented ence by and a ed official , the mayor its chief electpolished, .

ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. Grangston Bullard (Page C-1)

LL Cool J raps again (Page D-1)

NORTHERN

$1.00

HIGH SCHOO L STUDENT Historic even REVOLT TUR t led to seism ic change atNS 50 DPS

By Ken Colem an

As resolu te as he Charles Coldin was in his Medica g leans forwar 50 springs ago, l Center-area d from the couch me in the apartment, eyes and declares: stares “We had fascist on to get rid of Art he had no wheels. He was a Carty. He was a nasty person was our firstrespect for the and students. objective, we did get So rid of him.” to get rid of him that — and His hair is bounti eyes are ful with gray shielded strand by has aged and he's bifocal lenses. His s. His presents somewhat body a stack of weary. that are as Coldin daily newsp aper clippin g with great thick as the Holy gs that touchedetail his herois Bible and recalls m, a set of events helped to d off a student walkout. marshal One administrativ in drama tic academ that e change district, ic and at the one of the largest in 295,000-school the nation “It was pretty . bad,” Coldin See DPS page g recalled in a

A-4

Charles Coldin g

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

at the former

CITY OF DETROIT Housing and Revitalization Department Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave, Suite 908 Detroit, Michigan 48226 Telephone: 313.224.6519

Northern High Schoo l in Detroit .

TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS Pursuant to 24 CFR 58.70, this notice shall satisfy procedural requirements for activities undertaken by the City of Detroit.

On or after May 27, 2016, and in accordance with 24 CFR 58.71, the City of Detroit will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Detroit Field Office for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93383). Once provided the appropriate authorization, the City of Detroit may commit these funds to the following project: Cass Corridor Commons Community Center Public Facility Rehabilitation Project Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), 2015 $100,000.00 PROJECT SCOPE As permitted under 24 CFR 570.201(c), the City of Detroit shall commit Federal funds to reimburse the East Michigan Environmental Action Council for eligible costs associated with improvements to the Cass Corridor Commons Community Center. The building is located at 4605 Cass Ave. and the project will bring this building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. The improvements to this facility will include the following: • Demolition of non-compliant stairways • ADA entrance ramp (poured concrete) • New flooring and floor reconstruction in kitchen • Entrance stairs reconstruction (poured concrete) The East Michigan Environmental Action Council will serve as the primary sponsor of this project. The offices of the East Michigan Environmental Action Council are located at 4605 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201.

DETERMINATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This project is Categorically Excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), per 24 CFR 58.35(a)(2), and the preparation of an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement is not required at this time. However, this project is subject to the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department has prepared the Environmental Review for this project, and the Environmental Review finds that this project complies with the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

In accordance with 24 CFR 58.38, the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department prepared an Environmental Review Record that documents the environmental review process of the above-named project. The Environmental Review Record is on file with the Housing and Revitalization Department at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (CAYMC), 2 Woodward Ave, Suite 908, Detroit, Michigan, 48226. The record is available for public examination and copying, upon request, on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS AND CERTIFICATION Through the Requests for Release of Funds and Certification (form HUD 7015.15), the City of Detroit certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that the City of Detroit has fulfilled its responsibilities for environmental review, decision making and action. Furthermore, the City of Detroit and Mayor Michael E. Duggan, or other official approved by HUD, consent to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities for environmental review, decision making, and action. Upon approval of the request for release of funds and certification, the City of Detroit may commit the Community Development Block Grant funds, and HUD will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities.

PUBLIC COMMENTS The City of Detroit invites all interested agencies, groups and persons to submit written comments concerning the above-named project for consideration. The Housing and Revitalization Department should receive such comments at the address listed at the top of this notice on or before May 26, 2016. The City of Detroit will consider all such comments so received, and the City of Detroit will not request the release of Federal funds on the above-named project prior to May 27, 2016.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS For a fifteen (15) day period following receipt of all required documentation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will accept an objection to its approval of the release of funds and certification only if the objection is based upon one of the following claims identified in 24 CFR 58.75: (a) That the certification was not in fact executed by the Chief Executive Officer or other officer of the applicant approved by HUD; (b) That the applicant’s environmental review record for the project indicates omission of a required decision, finding, or step applicable to the program in the environmental review process; (c) That the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) That another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. HUD will not consider objections to the release of funds and certification on a basis other than those stated.

All interested agencies, groups or persons must prepare and submit objections in accordance with the required procedures outlined in 24 CFR 58.76. Potential objectors must address their objections to: Ms. Kathy Bagley, CPD Representative Detroit Field Office U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 477 Michigan Avenue, 16th Floor Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Potential objectors should contact Ms. Kathy Bagley at 313.226.7900 to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, handicap, national origin, race, sex or sexual orientation. Persons or groups with discrimination complaints may file those complaints with the City of Detroit Human Rights Department, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1026, Detroit, Michigan, 48226.

The applicant for this project is:

Notice Date: May 18, 2016

!

!

Pancakes & Politics straight talk (Page C-6)

genial awards shows host of . Can LL Cool J find renewed acceptance He believe as a rapper? s at age 48, he can and, is new album. working on a

Software)Engineer,) Design)Champion) Visteon!Corporation!seeks!a!Software!

Engineer,!Design!Champion!in!Van!Buren!

Twp.,!MI,!to!perform!software!design!and! development,!design!oversight!of!team! members,!support!estimation!and!scheduling,! change!management!and!issue!resolution,! among!other!duties.!Min.!bachelor’s!degree!in! electrical,!electronics,!or!computer! engineering!or!computer!science,!and!five!yrs.! of!exp.!in!the!job!offered!or!related! occupation.!!For!confidential!consideration,! please!apply!online!at! www.visteon.com/careers/.!Please!respond!to!

Job!Requisition!Number!16O0040.!EOE.) )

CITY OF DETROIT Michael E. Duggan, Mayor Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1126 Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Researcher,) Manufacturing)Flexibility)

General!Motors!Company,!Warren,!MI.!

Conduct!scientific!research!in!flexible!mfg! systems!for!high!volume!automot! production,!incldg!robotics,!artificial! intelligence,!&machine!learning.!Research! &dvlp!autonomous!motion!planning! algorithms!for!mfg!using!flexible!robots! such!as!continuum!robots!&hyper@ redundant!manipulators.!!Use!C++,!

MATLAB,!&tools!such!as!OPENGL,!

OPENCV!&Computational!Geometry!

Algorithm!Library!(CGAL).!Ph.D.,!

Computer!Science!or!Engineering.!6!mos! exp!as!Researcher!or!Graduate!Research!

Asst!researching!&developing!autonomous! motion!planning!algorithms!for!mfg!using! flexible!robots!such!as!continuum!robots! &hyper@redundant!manipulators.!Mail! resume!to!Alicia!Scott@Wears,!GM!Global!

Mobility,!300!Renaissance!Center,!Mail!

Code!482@C32@D44,!Detroit,!MI!48265,!

Ref#2436.)

Seeking

ASSISTANT MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Athletics Administration

Assist the Head Coach with recruiting, coaching, scheduling, conditioning, NCAA compliance and other duties as assigned by the head coach. Will perform all duties in a manner consistent with NCAA, conference and University rules, regulations, ordinances, policies, procedures and guidelines. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience coordinating academics and mentoring students. This is a full time, individual contract position, with evenings and weekends required. Salary commensurate with experience. See online posting for additional position requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by May 27, 2106.

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

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COMPLIANCE & FISCAL PERFORMANCE, PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMIES

)

Seeking

LAMP SPECIALIST AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Facilities Management

Replace lamp outages in buildings (classrooms, offices, hallways, restrooms, etc.), exterior lighting outages, cleaning of ceiling lighting diffusers and changing of lighting ballasts.

Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Performs physically active work requiring frequent standing, reaching, walking, bending, pull and pushing. Ability to lift 70 lbs.

Six months to 2 years’ experience working with a multi-meter and live voltage under a Master Electrician. Six months to 2 years at an electrical Trade School or Community College.

Requires a valid Michigan drivers’ license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier.

See online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by May 31, 2016.

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

General!Motors!Company,!Warren,!MI.!

Formulate,!dvlp,!implement!&test!algorithms!in!

C++!&Python!to!determine!maneuverable!space! for!autonomous/selfBdriving!vehicles!by!fusing!info! from!map!data,!visual!odometry,!lane!info,!GPS! localization!&lane!level!path!plan.!Validate! algorithms!according!to!internal!active!collision! safety!standards!&reqmts.!Dvlp!multiBmodal!Deep!

Learning!systems!for!the!Artificial!Intelligence!of! autonomous!vehicles.!Master,!Robotics!or!

Robotics!Systems!Development.!3!mos!exp!as!

Teaching!Asst!or!Researcher!developing,!testing! &validating!algorithms!in!C++!&Python!to! determine!maneuverable!space!for!autonomous! vehicles!or!autonomous!mobile!robots!by!fusing! info!from!map!data,!visual!odometry,!localization! &implement!algorithms!in!computer!hardware! according!to!internal!active!collision!safety! standards!&reqmts!&developing!&implementing! multiBmodal!Deep!Learning!systems!for!artificial! intelligence!of!autonomous/selfBdriving!vehicles.!

Mail!resume!to!Alicia!ScottBWears,!GM!Global!

Mobility,!300!Renaissance!Center,!Mail!Code!

482BC32BD44,!Detroit,!MI!48265,!Ref#8240.!

!

!

Senior'Safety'Performance'Engineer''

Charter Schools

!

General!Motors!Company,!Detroit,!MI.!

Assure!that!passenger!vehicles!meet&/or! exceed!FMVSS.!201U!Occupant!

Protection!in!Interior!Impact!H!Upper!

Portion!standards!incldg,!but!not!ltd!to,! reqmts!for!vehicle!upper!interior! components,!incldg,!but!not!ltd!to,!pillars,! side!rails,!roof!headers!&the!roof,!&upper! interior!head!protection!criteria.!Use!LSH Dyna,!Primer!&Animator!to!perform,! evaluate!&assure!strict!compliance!with!

201U!in!prototype!&production!vehicles!in! lab,!identifying!target!points!(AP1,!URBP,!

URFC),!setting!location!of!free!motion! head,!&launch!test!&measure! accelerations,!calculate!“head!injury! criteria”!(HICd),!change!vehicle!design! &content!to!assure!proper! countermeasures!are!added!(such!as! energy!absorbing!materials),!optimize! vehicle!content!based!on!CAE!models! &devlpmt!tests,!&create/sign!off!on!NHSTA! Safety!Compliance!Reports.!Master,!

Mechanical!Engineering.!1!yr!exp!as!

Safety!Performance!Engineer!in!job! offered.!Mail!resume!to!Alicia!ScottHWears,!

GM!Global!Mobility,!300!Renaissance!

Center,!Mail!Code!482HC32HD44,!!

Detroit,!MI!48265,!Ref#20864.'

Provide collaborative and business management direction and oversight in all fiscal matters pertaining to budgetary control, accounting policies and procedures, forecasting and billing and special projects for the operation of the Office of Public School Academies/Urban Partnerships directly, as well as each of its K-12 schools.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with concentration in accounting. A minimum of 3 years accounting experience, budget preparation and control, analysis. Familiarity with federal and state regulations related to K-12 educational funding.

Salary is up to mid $60s, commensurate with experience.

Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by May 31, 2016.

Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu WWW.MICHIGANCHRONICLE.COM Pharmacist: Detroit, Michigan: Responsibilities include: Prepare medications; Measure, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medicine; Review prescriptions to assure accuracy, to ascertain the needed ingredients, and to evaluate their suitability; Provide information and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage and proper medication storage; Assess the identity, strength and purity of medications; Maintain records, such as pharmacy files, patient profiles, charge system files, inventories, control records for radioactive nuclei, and registries of poisons, narcotics, and controlled drugs; Compound and dispense medications as prescribed by doctors, dentists or other authorized medical practitioners, by calculating, weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients, or oversee these activities; Plan, implement, and maintain procedures for mixing, packaging, and labeling pharmaceuticals, according to policy and legal requirements, to ensure quality, security, and proper disposal; Advise customers on the selection of medication brands, medical equipment and health-care supplies; Provide specialized services to help patients manage conditions such as diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, or high blood pressure, and collaborate with other health care professionals to plan, monitor, review, and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of drugs and drug regimens, providing advice on drug applications and characteristics.

Requirements include: Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy; 2 months training as a Pharmacist; 12 months employment experience as a Pharmacist; and Must have a valid and current Michigan Pharmacist License.

Send 2 resumes and cover letters by mail (no calls) to Mahmoud Rifai. ATTN: Mahmoud Rifai 8656 Wyoming Avenue, Detroit, MI 48204.

Perception!Systems!Engineer! !

!

' !

Chassis&Structures& Engineering&Group&Manager& &

General!Motors!Company,!Warren,!MI.!

Assure!on!time!execution,!testing,! &validation!of!prototype/production!reqmt! tests/schedules!of!welded,!cast/stamped! steel/aluminum!chassis!structures,! suspension!systems,!tires,!&!wheels,! leading!team!up!to!11!Validation!Engrs.!

Evaluate!component!supplier! testing/production!capabilities! &repeatability,!incldg!high!pressure!die! cast!machines,!semiFpermanent!mold! casting!tables,!low!pressure!casting!cells,! lost!foam!casting!machines,!4Fstage!heat! treat!systems,!steel!metal!stamping,! welding!&inspection!machines!such!as!XF Ray,!Quasar,!ultrasonic!testing,!&microF structure!testing.!Lead!engrg/validation!of! safety!critical!components!such!as!yokes,! knuckles,!passive!dampers,!isolators,! springs,!control!arms,!stabilizer!bars,! &aluminum!&steel!stamped!cradles,! frames,!twist!beam!axles!&trailer!hitches.!!

Bachelor,!Mechanical!Engineering!or!

Mechanical!Engineering!Technology.!1!yr! exp!as!Advanced!Manufacturing!Engr!or!

Senior!Manufacturing!Engr,!incldg! evaluation!of!supplier!high!pressure!die! cast!machines,!semiFpermanent!mold! casting!tables,!low!pressure!casting!cells,! lost!foam!casting!machines,!4Fstage!heat! treat!systems,!steel!stamping,!welding! &inspection!machines!such!as!XFRay,!

Quasar,!ultrasonic!testing,!&metal!microF structure!testing.!Mail!resume!to!Alicia!

ScottFWears,!GM!Global!Mobility,!

300!Renaissance!Center,!Mail!Code!!

482FC32FD44,!Detroit,!MI!48265,!Ref#413.& &

praise connection

May 18-4, 2016

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page D-5

Nathan Lavelle Warren

Bishop John R. Bryant

Mayor Karen Weaver

Historic Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church celebrating 145 years of God’s grace The year 2016 is an exciting year in the life of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The A.M.E. Church is 200 years old this year and Ebenezer A.M.E. Church is celebrating 145 years of Christian service in Detroit.

Ebenezer will mark the occasion with an anniversary banquet at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 27, at the St. Regis Hotel, located at 3071 West Grand Blvd.

The speaker will be the Dr. Karen Weaver, mayor of Flint. For ticket information, please call Andrea Williams at (313) 933.6943.

On Sunday, May 29, the guest speaker will be John Richard Bryant, senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, preaching the 10:30 a.m. morning sermon at Ebenezer, located at 5151 W. Chicago Blvd.

The current pastor is Rev. Dr. Mickarl D. Thomas, Sr. Friends, family and community leaders are invited to join in this service. Help celebrate 145 years of God’s grace. All are welcome. The first phase of this special celebration will culminate on Father’s Day with the first annual Clark Terry Jazz Buffet and Concert.

Pastor Willie Smith honored at New Mt. Pleasant MBC New Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church recently celebrated Pastor Willie Smith for 45 years of service with distinction at church and in community.

Pictured above: Linda E. Swanson, vice president/executive director, Swanson Funeral Homes,

Inc., congratulating Rev. Smith, along with her father, O’Neil D Swanson, president/CEO, Swanson Funeral Homes, Inc. New Mt. Pleasant MBC is located at 4914 Lovett in Detroit.

Rev. Smith is also on the staff of Swanson Funeral Home.

Proverbs 22:7: The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender’

By Dr. Claybrooks

The net worth of the average African American ($11,000) is in stark contrast to the GDP or gross domestic product for that same group ($1.3 trillion).

To be fair, comparing GDP to net worth is comparing apples and oranges, but I believe that it is fair to expect that a group that spends $1.4 trillion per year would have more personal assets per person.

Seeds that are planted into fertile ground will produce trees that will then produce fruit and more seeds from that fruit that can again be planted to invigorate this cycle of life.

of shoes or do you want a new pair of shoes? Do you need that expensive cable sports package or do you want that expensive cable sports package?

Seeds by themselves are useless unless planted in the proper environment for growth. Are you planting seeds or are you planting needs?

Planting seeds can create wealth. Planting needs creates debt which can lead to poverty. As long as you are in debt you are in bondage to another man. I haven’t met any wealthy slaves.

Seeds, money, planted in any area (field) other than a field equipped for growth will be a need that must be addressed and cause a drag on your bottom line. If I throw apple seeds onto the concrete you understand that an apple tree will never sprout. Those seeds are wasted.

Do you need a new pair

Irean Greene Services for Irean Greene were held on Friday, April 15, at New Providence Baptist Church with Dr. Everett N. Jennings, Sr. officiating. Mrs. Greene passed away on April 11, 2016.

Irean Greene was born in Autaugaville, Alabama on Jan. 19, 1927 to Ezra and Jeanette Goodson. Later the family moved to Detroit where she graduated from Northwestern High School.

She continued her education and became a nurse. Her last employment was with Plymouth State Home and Training School, in Plymouth, Michigan, and Lafayette Clinic, in Detroit, from which she retired.

Mrs. Greene enjoyed playing cards, chess, Scrabble, Monopoly, dominoes, and listening to gospel music.

Left behind to cherish the memory of Irean Greene are a host of relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens.

Spring revival The United Christian Church of Detroit Disciples of Christ Spring Revival will take place May 18-20, nightly at 7 pm at the United Christian Church Detroit Disciples of Christ, located at 19510 W. Chicago Blvd.. The theme for this year’s spring revival is “Still Moving Up to the Next Level” from Nehimiah 4:6, Phillipians 3:14. The guest speakers will be Rev. Dr. William Crowder and Rev. Dr. Stephanie Crowder of Chicago. For more information, please call (313) 2733200.

Needs on the other hand would be the equivalent of planting weeds.

Weeds will choke out any seeds and potential fruit that would have sprung from the act of sowing.

Our dollars, seeds, should be planted in areas of growth and not fields of weeds. Assets such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real-estate are examples of fields where your financial seed can be planted with the expectation of growth.

These aforementioned items are not flashy or sexy but they can grow and increase your net worth or total wealth that you own.

Services for Nathan Lavelle Warren were held on Saturday, April 16, at Spiritual Israel Church & Its Army with Bishop Marvin Dancey officiating. Mr. Warren passed away on April 10, 2016.

Nathan Lavelle Warren was born in Detroit on July 6, 1952, to Joyce Stevens and Leroy Warren.

He attended Kettering High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Upon his return to civilian life, he attended Wayne County Community College.

Warren’s employment included Dodge Main and Washington Disposal, as well as a garment factory in Brooklyn, New York. He enjoyed singing, sports and working in his church.

In 1990, he married Theresa and they were married for 25 years.

The memory of Nathan Lavelle Warren is being cherished by his wife, Theresa, and their children; Phillip, Tamica, Nathan II, Sean, Duane and Orin; siblings, Lawrence, Ralph, De’Borah, Kaseem, Yuanettia, Patricia, Carol, Maurice and Thomas; and many other relatives and friends.

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Oneida W. Jackson Services for Oneida W. Jackson were held on Wednesday, April 20, at Gesthsemane Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. John E. Duckworth officiating.

Mrs. Jackson passed away on April 11, 2016.

Oneida W. Jackson was born on Aug. 7, 1915 to James and Dinah Stewart Odom in Bamberg County, South Carolina. The family relocated to Florida where Oneida graduated from high school. She then graduated from what is now Florida Memorial University in St. Augustine.

Upon graduation, she married childhood friend Jessie Jackson. They moved to Detroit seeking better job opportunities.

The memory of Oneida W. Jackson is being cherished by her daughter, Priscilla, and many other relatives and friends.

Dr. Tellis J. Chapman accepted congratulations from Nicole Black, Michigan Chronicle sales representative.

The Michigan Chronicle celebrates Dr. Tellis J. Chapman

By Nicole Black The Michigan Chronicle celebrated its 80th birthday this past Friday with one of its signature events, Men and Women of Excellence. Dr. Tellis J. Chapman was honored as a 2016 Man of Excellence for all of his hard work and dedication to the Galilee Baptist Church, to the community, and to our city. The Michigan Chronicle celebrated and congratulated Dr. Chapman for his most recent accomplishment in spearheading Chapel Vision Community Development. The development center was created with the objective of fostering positive alterna-

PRAISE CONNECT PRAISE CONNECT

Are you hosting a concert or faithfriendly event?

Are you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

PROMOTE IT HERE!

you hosting a concert or faithfriendly Contact event? us at: nblack@realtimesmedia.com

you celebrating an anniversary or special occasion?

Swanson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

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th

tive outlets for local youth by increasing literacy and reducing the achievement gap, creating a positive culture for youth as well as improving health and physical activity.

On Sunday, Dr. Chapman was presented with his Men of Excellence Award as well as his award on behalf of the Baptist Ministers and Education for doing such a remarkable job and being so influential in bringing the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education to Detroit.

The Galilee Baptist Church also celebrated Dr. Chapman on his 30th pastoral anniversary.

1919-2015

Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • May 18-24, 2016