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Volume 76 – Number 22

February 6-12, 2013

Emergency manager coming, but when?

By Bankole Thompson

Detroit City Council’s refusal to approve a State of Michigan proposal to lease Belle Isle and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing’s an- instead demand more answers from Gov. Rick Snyder, nouncement last week of presents a challenge for plans to close 50 parks in families in the city who the city instantly grabbed once looked to those attention in the New York parks for their recreTimes as well as other ational needs. It renational publications. At mains unclear whether the same time the revthe parks targeted for elation of shutting down closing are in highly 50 of the 107 recreation populated neighborparks also heightened Bankole hoods; the absence of the conversation around an emergency manager Thompson recreational facilities is a recipe for crime. for Detroit, underscoring the dire straits the city is in.

With the city’s ballooning The mayor’s announcement, deficit and cash flow issues, an apparent response to the some are contending that an CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

Jesse Jackson

Daniel Syme

Rev. Jackson, Rabbi Syme set for historic forum The Detroit College Promise and the Rainbow Push-Citizenship Education Fund will host a national forum on Feb.12, 6:30 p.m., at the Detroit Historical Museum with the theme “Re-Education of America in the Age of Obama,” a timely and historic conversation between Rabbi Daniel Syme and Rev. Jesse Jackson

Anthony Williams

emergency manager is the route to cure Detroit’s fiscal crisis in order for the city to avoid bankruptcy.

Under the new EM law, PA 436 of

WHAT’S INSIDE Loyola High School holds MLK Day of Service (Page A-2)

Debt ceiling games could end with court action (Page A-3) In the debate over whether the president should simply pay bills owed by the United States, missing is the key aspect of whether the courts would back him up.

Halting homicide (Page B-1) Stop the blame game.

That’s the message of Luther Keith, the executive director of ARISE Detroit! — a 400-member neighborhood advocacy organization.

Housing Development in Highland Park nears completion (Page C-1) Highland Park is currently undergoing its own Cinderella transformation. Benefitting from the Obama administration’s stimulus package, the city is wrapping up construction on its Neighborhood Stabilization Program II.

Remembering Marvin Gaye (Page D-1) One sure sign that a recording star is an icon is that their work is beyond time restrictions.

The music, like the overall impact of the artist, is forever. Such is the case with Marvin Gaye.

michiganchronicle.com

2012 becomes effective, March 27.

For

instance,

Rev.

Bertram

See manager page A-4

By Patrick Keating CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

THE ROSA PARKS stamp was officially unveiled by the U.S. Postal Service at The Henry Ford Museum on Monday. Leaders and members of the Michigan Congressional delegation, including Senator Carl Levin, Congressman John Conyers Jr. and Congressman Gary Peters were in attendance. — Henry Ford Museum photos

Detroit celebrates

Rosa Parks at 100

By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

Rosa Parks, the mother of the Civil Rights Movement, would have turned 100 on Feb 4.

The courageous woman’s refusal to give up her seat to a White man on a municipal bus led to the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott, which launched the Civil Rights Movement and placed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into the national spotlight.

SPECIAL BLACK HISTORY REPORT

others participated in wide ranging discussions about the impact Mrs. Parks had not only in this country, but around the world as well.

According to Andrew Arena, executive director of the Detroit Crime Commission (DCC), the mission of the DCC is to look at criminal enterprises that are flying under the radar, and which law enforcement can’t get to, as well as quality of life issues around the city.

Arena, former director of the Detroit FBI Office, said the DCC came up with two programs to address those. The first is criminal investigations.

Crime commissions are nothing new, Arena said. Chicago has had one for almost 100 years, New Orleans for almost 60. The Detroit Crime Commission got its start two years ago, when some local businessmen and attorneys who took a hard look at crime and quality of life issues in the city, asked various law enforcement agencies what they

President Barack Obama, in a proclamation to mark the day, applauded Park’s courage.

“Though Rosa Parks was not the first to confront the injustice of segregation laws, her courageous act of civil disobedience sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott — 381 days of peaceful protest when ordinary men, women, and children sent the extraordinary message that secondclass citizenship was unacceptable,” read the proclamation.

Mrs. Parks’ memory and indefatigable spirit were the focus of her birthday celebration at the Henry Ford Museum where the bus that symbolizes her resistance to racism is stationed as a histori- JULIAN BOND, deputy of the Civil Rights Movement and former chairman cal exhibit.

“Rather than ride in the back of buses, families and friends walked.

Neighborhoods and churches formed carpools. Their actions stirred the conscience of Americans of every background, and their resilience in the face of the board of the NAACP, speaks at of fierce violence and On Monday, civil rights leaders from the commemoration of Rosa Parks’ intimidation ultimately led to the desegregaaround the country 100th birthday. tion of public transporas well as observers tation systems across of America’s long battle for equality came to the Henry Ford to celebrate Mrs. Parks’ our country. legacy in the same year as the 50th anniver- “Rosa Parks’ story did not end with the boysary of the historic March on Washington. cott she inspired. A lifelong champion of civil Julian Bond, former chairman of the See ROSA PARKS page A-4 NAACP, historian Douglas Brinkley and

ANDREW ARENA (left), Detroit Crime Commission executive director and former FBI chief, talks with Ellis Stafford, operations director. – Andre Smith photos could do.

Arena, then special agent in charge of the Detroit division of the FBI, was one of the people they spoke to.

“I remember my advice to them was ‘we can use all the help we can get, if you guys are willing to fund something like this, as long as you define the mission and the goals and basically a lane within which this organization would work,’” he said.

He also recommended that they speak

See CRIME page A-4

Pact to pledge Michigan companies join initiative aimed at stemming rising obesity rates

By Jackie Berg SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

The average workplace isn’t what it used to be. It’s becoming a much “bigger” place, according to experts who agree that significant increases in the number of sedentary jobs is contributing to Michigan’s growing obesity pandemic.

“On average, Michigan workers sit an average of 9.3 hours per day,” said Tricia Keith, SVP, corporate secretary and services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

$1.00

Curtis Ivery

Former FBI chief, others wage battle on elusive crime

See FORUM page A-4

On Jan. 22, faculty, staff and students at Loyola High School fanned out across the city to soup kitchens, schools, homes for the elderly and Focus:HOPE, making an impact not only on the lives of young men, but on their families and people throughout the neighborhoods.

Charlie Beckham

Given recent research showing that sitting just 6 hours a day cuts five years off life expectancy, there’s

real cause for alarm. Add Michigan’s rising obesity rates to the mix and you have the makings of a healthcare crisis, according to a group of business leaders supporting MI Healthier Tomorrow, a campaign launched by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) to encourage overweight Michigan residents to shed 10 percent of their excess body weight.

Today, more than 30 percent of Michigan’s workforce is obese. Left unchecked, the statistics are projected to reach 50 percent by 2030.

Obesity-related costs in Michigan are staggering. In

See PLEDGE page A-4

MARK PETROFF (left), president and chief executive officer, Marketing Associates; Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp, senior vice president of community and diversity, Compuware Corporation; Stephanie Stevenson, AVP of compensation and benefits, Quicken Loans; Tricia Keith, SVP, corporate secretary and services, Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan; and Donna Rodman, 4 x 4 plan coordinator, Michigan Health & Wellness. — Paul Henning photo

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

February 6-12, 2013

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THE JUNIOR CLASS, with teacher John Buscemi (front row, left) and Michael Black (third row, left), director of admissions, at a Habitat facility.

Loyola High School students hold Martin Luther King, Jr. day of service On Tuesday, Jan. 22, faculty, staff and students of Loyola High School fanned out across the city to soup kitchens, schools, homes for the elderly, and Focus: HOPE, making an impact not only on the lives of our young men, but on their families and people throughout the neighborhoods doing a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This was a great opportunity for students to experience the importance of giving back and how they can make a difference in our city.

For the past 10 years, the entire Loyola High School community has participated in a wide array of service activities

in the Detroit community on the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Day. This event not only honors the legacy of Dr. King, but also gives our young men the opportunity to be “men for others,� an important component of our school culture.

Loyola High School, now in its 20th year, is an all-male Catholic high school in the Jesuit tradition, opened in 1993. Originally named Loyola Academy, the school began as a concerned response to a pressing need in Detroit and its surrounding communities where the dropout rates for male students was astonishingly high and continued to soar. Forty-three ninth

graders began classes in a small wing of the former St. Francis Home for Boys at Linwood and Fenkell.

One year later, Loyola relocated to its current location at 15325 Pinehurst St. Today, Loyola has 140 promising young men and over 400 alumni. Graduates attend four-year colleges such as Dartmouth and Wayne State University as well as enrolling in vocational schools and the police and fire academies.

To learn more about Loyola High School, visit www.loyolahsdetroit.org or join them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Nominate an aspiring youth for an APPRENTICESHIP EXPERIENCE with

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St. John Providence Partners in Care achieves ACO status

By Dr. P.A. Maryland

It has been just over Go to MCR.com/PayItForward a year since CMS finalized rules under the Afto learn more fordable Care Act to help physicians and health NO PURCH NEC. NOMINATORS/SWEEPS ENTRANTS MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF 50 US (DC), WHO ARE MCR MEMBERS, 16 YEARS OR OLDER. Nominees must systems better coordibe legal residents of 50 US (DC) and must be 16-21 as of 5/1/13 to be eligible for an Apprenticeship Experience. VOID WHERE PROHIB. Submit Nominations and nate care for Medicare enter Sweeps by 3/2/13. For Rules, odds, prizes, to nominate/enter sweeps, and for complete details, visit www.mcr.com/payitforward. Š 2013 THE COCA-COLA COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COCA-COLA IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF THE COCA-COLA COMPANY. patients through ACOs. A small group of 32 “pioneer� ACOs were named in January 2012, and ad- Black History Month Moms Ad - 5�w x 10.5�h ditional participants in Ad Code: KOLN3C0005 April and July. The list of participating ACOs (including ours) will be anJob No: cc15918a03 Line Screen: 85 cc15918a03_Coke_PlayItForward_5x10.5_MichiganChronicle.indd 1Bleed: nounced by CMS later and Client Name: Coca-Cola Trim: 5" x 10.5" Scale: will be the only group to Description: PAY IT FORWARD Live: Output: Today many are struggling to pay property taxes. State Publication: 5x10.5 be named this year.

In January, St. John Providence Partners in Care (PIC) was awarded the official designation as an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This makes SJP PIC one of a select group of provider organizations across the country chosen by CMS to manage the health care of a designated population via the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).

The three-year participant agreement commits SJP PIC to achieve highperformance standards in cost efficiency, quality and patient satisfaction, and propels us into the next generation of health care — moving from volume to value.

Approximately 88 physicians on staff at St. John Providence Health System hospitals will be the primary care network that is part of this initial MSSP agreement with CMS. These physicians are ones who have made changes in their practices that demonstrate readiness to achieve the goals of the MSSP program.

Approximately 11,000 people — called beneficiaries — are in the group that will be served by this ACO, the typical number

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Dr. Patricia A. Maryland in this CMS model. Participating in the MSSP builds on SJP PIC’s successful work with a number of other programs: Health Alliance Plan, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Group Incentive Program and the Michigan Primary Care Transformation program.

St. John Providence was required to complete a rigorous and lengthy application process to be accepted into the program.

The designation as an ACO signals that SJPHS is a leader in the region and country in transforming to Population Health Management, and is ready to deliver a coordinated patient care experience as envisioned in the era of health care reform.

The ACO is an exceptional achievement for St. John Providence Health System and The Physician Alliance, which formed Partners in Care just over a year ago to pursue these types of contracts and ventures in the changing health care marketplace.

This is a proud moment for our health system and physician partners. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to achieve this outstanding accomplishment.

St. John Providence Partners in Care can be reached at 586-753-0926.

Dr. Patricia A. Maryland is the president and CEO of St. John Providence Health System and the Michigan market leader for Ascension Health.

Carr Center King tribute “King: A Reflection on the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,� will be performed Sunday, Feb. 10, 4 p.m., at the Carr Center, 311 E Grand River, Paradise Valley/Harmonie Park.

It is a spoken word piece by playwright/librettist Sandra Seaton accompanied by spirituals performed by tenor George Shirley with accompanist Stanley Waldon.

It is a mixture of poetry and brief reflections, which remembers Rev. King as an individual with human limitations who nevertheless answered the call to leadership.

The work, divided into four sections, “Nobelman,� “Chicago,� “Bottles and Rocks,� and “Memphis 1968,� takes the audience on the journey of Rev. Dr. King as he struggled to bring civil rights to the United States.

There is a cost to attend.

Tickets are available at

Eventbrite.com or at the Carr Center.

For more information, please call (313) 9658430.

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law requires that delinquent taxes, fees, and interest be paid in full. Wayne County Treasurer Ray Wojtowicz has created programs to assist you in addressing delinquent property taxes and avoiding foreclosure.

The Treasurer offers two assistance programs allowing additional time to make payments. Those who own and live in a property as their primary residence may qualify for a one year Distressed Owner Occupant Extension. Apply by March 15. Property owners must provide copies of their recorded deed or land contract, utility bill sent to the address, state issued license or ID and income verification.

Also you may qualify for a program that would pay the delinquent taxes for you. Contact Step Forward Michigan at stepforwardmichigan.org.

The Stipulated Payment Agreement is available for all residential and commercial property. Taxes owed for 2010 and prior years are combined and divided into four payments at 20% each and a final payment for the remaining balance. Payments are due February 4, April 8, June 3, August 5 and October 7.

Money orders and certified checks made payable to the Wayne County Treasurer will be accepted for tax payment.

To better serve you, Wayne County Treasurer Ray Wojtowicz and Wayne County Community College District present Property Taxpayer Assistance Saturdays during the month of February at four WCCCD campus locations. The Wayne County Treasurer will have representatives onsite to collect taxes and explain assistance plan options. If you owe 2010 and prior year property taxes, visit a campus near you. Each session will be held from 10:00 am. to 2:00 pm.

For additional information, email taxinfo@co.wayne.mi.us, visit Treasurer.waynecounty.com or call 313.224-5990.

Help us help you avoid foreclosure.

Property Taxpayer Assistance Saturdays at WCCCD

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Mayor Dave Bing to keynote 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference CHRONICLE STAFF REPORT The Detroit Regional Chamber announced that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing will be the keynote speaker at its 2013 Detroit Policy Conference on Thursday, Feb. 28 at MotorCity Casino Hotel.

The event, which brings together senior level corporate leaders and community stakeholders is expected to deliver actionable urban strategies aimed at accelerating economic development and job growth.

The mayor will join an impressive lineup of national and local speakers including Matt Cullen, president and CEO, Rock Ventures, and author and well known “urbanist” Richard Florida as keynote speakers.

Detroit’s emerging food markets will be on the discussion table at this year’s conference headed by panelists Red Elk Banks, Whole Foods executive operations coordinator; Dan Carmody, president of the Eastern Market Corporation; and Ann Perrault, Avalon Bakery owner and community advocate, who will detail their thoughts regarding how to accelerate opportunities that exist in farming, production, distribution, wholesale and retail sectors.

Many of the conference sessions will center on the importance of small business development, which often takes a back seat to larger initiatives at other like-minded events.

Participants will discuss how to incubate more pop-up businesses, which help test market demand required to attract major investment capital, and how to encourage policies aimed at breaking down barriers that inhibit small business start-ups.

Politics will also be on the agenda

Mayor Bing

“Many of the

conference sessions will center on the importance of small business development, which often takes a back seat to larger initiatives at other likeminded events.

as media leaders lead discussions surrounding how the impending mayoral election and transitions to council by districts election system will be a game changer in Detroit.

For additional information or to register visit www.detroitchamber.com/dpc.

‘Debt ceiling games’ could end with court action

By Robert Weiner and Richard Mann In the debate over whether the President should simply pay bills owed by the United States, missing is the key aspect of whether the Courts would back him up. The bill passed in the House Wednesday, set for passage in the Senate, delays the debt ceiling for four months but ties the action to House and Senate salaries.

The courts, including the Supreme Court, would likely confirm the President’s Constitutional obligation to pay the US. debts and would declare unconstitutional the link to issuing congressional paychecks. The congressional leadership insisted on reading the full Constitution aloud at the beginning of the session. We do not believe they skipped the relevant sections.

Under contract law, entities must pay bills for expenses they obligate.

So must the U.S. government. The 14th Amendment Section 4 states, “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.” The “inclusion” is to emphasize those are a part of what must be paid, not the sole items.

The latest House bill “holding salaries of Members of Congress in escrow upon failure to agree to budget resolution” directly flies in the face of the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which states, “No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.”

A court ruling affirming Presidential power under Amendment XIV of the Constitution would remove congressional leverage for another “fiscal cliff” and end the now-regular Debt Ceiling Games. It would give teeth to President Obama’s statement that paying the country’s debt is “not a

ident should just use the Constitution.”

Bob Weiner bargaining chip” despite congressional demands that debt be used as leverage to make cuts in Social Security and Medicare.

Court approval would stop the congressional fiscal cliff insanity. The White House should institute or support this move.

One of every seven Michigan citizens — 1,364,431 people — are over 65 and would be directly impacted just by Social Security and Medicare cuts, millions more by other program cuts. Stopping the debt ceiling stranglehold will stop this blackmail against the New Deal, the Great Society, President Obama’s health law, and all safety net programs.

Rep. John Conyers (DMI), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee and the second longest serving Member of Congress, argued, “It’s my belief that the courts would support the President if he cited the 14th Amendment and instructed our executive agencies to pay the nation’s debts.”

He told us the new salary tie “is not constitutional” and “shows how superficial” the legislation is.

The Republican strategies are “a reflection of the same kind of politics of that 112th Congress, which reflected political gamesmanship rather than substantive policy,” Steny Hoyer, the House Democratic Whip, said. In four months, Republicans will continue to try to use the debt ceiling as leverage.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said that she would use the 14th amendment to pay US debt “in a second.”

House Democratic Assistant Leader Jim Clyburn (D-NC) told us, “The Pres-

Former president Bill Clinton, who Obama says should be “Secretary of Explaining Stuff,” stated he would use the 14th amendment “without hesitation.” Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) asserted the debt ceiling is “frankly a dead loser” because “the whole national financial system is going to say, ‘The entire economy of the world will collapse,’” and Congress “will cave.”

Top constitutional authorities Michael Dorf, former law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Kennedy and law professor at Cornell University, and Neil Buchanan, law professor at George Washington University, wrote in the Columbia Law Review in October, “Given the balance of constitutional, practical, and prudential considerations,” the most constitutional choice “would be for the president to continue to issue debt, in the amounts authorized by the duly enacted budget of the United States.”

February 6-12, 2013

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Detroit Regional Chamber’s Connection Point joins Pure Michigan Business Connect The Michigan Economic Development Cor­poration and the Detroit Regional Chamber have announced that the Chamber’s Connection Point program has officially joined the MEDC as part of the Pure Michigan Business Connect portfolio. The new agreement will bolster the state’s efforts to create opportunities and business growth by

with new customers, both within and outside of Michigan,” said Benjamin Erulkar, senior vice president of economic development at the Detroit Regional Chamber. “As the programs grew along parallel paths, it became clear to both organizations that a greater degree of collaboration could amplify their successes across the state and throughout the global economy.”

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Detroit Regional Chamber have announced that the Chamber’s Connection Point program has officially joined the MEDC as part of the Pure Michigan Business Connect portfolio. The new agreement will bolster the state’s efforts to create opportunities and business growth by connecting leadingedge Michigan companies to the global supply chain.

The new agreement ensures the work of Connection Point will now continue as part of the state’s economic development efforts through Pure Michigan Business Connect. Moving forward, the Chamber will continue to serve as a strategic partner with MEDC on Pure Michigan Business Connect and support Connection Point programming in Southeast Michigan.

“The Detroit Regional Chamber deserves our thanks for joining us in Pure Michigan Business Connect,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “This commitment will significantly add to the bid opportunities available to Michigan companies.”

Pure Michigan Business Connect is a more than $8 billion publicprivate initiative that provides Michigan businesses with new ways to buy and sell, raise capital and connect with each other through an alliance of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., state agencies and major Mich-

Mike Finney igan companies and organizations.

Connection Point, founded in 2009 with funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, has made more than $200 million in bid opportunities available to Michigan businesses across 24 industries. The program has facilitated millions of dollars in opportunities from companies headquartered outside Michigan including The Boeing Company, Deutz and ManTech International Corporation.

Since December 2011, MEDC and the Detroit Regional Chamber have collaborated through the two programs at various events, including the 2012 Mackinac Policy Conference.

“In less than two years, these programs have been extremely successful generating hundreds of millions of dollars in increased procurement opportunities and contracts for Michigan suppliers

The MEDC markets the state with a focus on business, talent, jobs, and helping to grow the economy. For more on MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage. org.

With over 20,000 members and affiliates, that employ over three quarters of a million workers, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the largest chambers of commerce in the country. The Chamber’s mission is carried out through business attraction efforts, advocacy, strategic partnerships and providing valuable benefits to members.

For more information, please visit detroitchamber.com.

Film on Whitney Young, Jr., civil rights activist, to debut Whitney Young, Jr., the civil rights champion who negotiated with top leaders of industry and government to create greater opportunities for minorities, is the subject of a new documentary, “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight For Civil Rights.”

The film debuts on “Independent Lens,” hosted by Stanley Tucci, on Monday, Feb. 18, at 10 p.m. Narrated by actress Alfre Woodard, “The Powerbroker” is executive produced by Young’s

niece, Emmy Award-winning journalist Bonnie Boswell, and produced by Boswell, her son, Taylor Hamilton, and Christine Khalafian.

Interviews with Dorothy Height, Ossie Davis, Howard Zinn, Donald Rumsfeld, Julian Bond, Vernon Jordan, John Lewis, Kenneth Chenault and others are feartured.

“Indpedent Lens” is an Emmy Awardwinning weekly series airing on PBS.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

President Obama has been reluctant so far to say he will invoke the 14th Amendment. The President is by experience a state and federal legislator who has worked by successful compromise and consensus. The White House may not realize the likely Court support for paying the nation’s bills.

We’ve cut all prices by 1

If President Obama wants his second term agenda not to be handcuffed by ongoing “debt ceiling games,” he could seek Court support against the constant threats to throw our economy under the bus.

/2

Thru 02/14/2013

Robert Weiner is a former White House spokesman in the Clinton Administration and a former spokesman for the House Government Operations Committee and for Reps. Conyers, Rangel, Pepper, and Ed Koch. Richard Mann is a senior policy analyst at Robert Weiner Associates.

(A version of this article first appeared in The Hill, and the authors edited it specially for the Michigan Chronicle).

Elected officials and political candidates can send information regarding issues to bthompson@michronicle.com Bloomfield Hills (248) 642-3003

Detroit (313) 873-8300

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Manager Marks, general counsel of the Detroit Council of Baptist Pastors and an advocate on issues in Detroit, penned a bold editorial recently calling for an emergency manager.

“We have no more room for philosophical and ideological debates about how we arrived here and whether it is offensive to our autonomy for the state to intervene. Our condition is analogous to what we see in the private sector. Companies make themselves vulnerable to hostile takeovers when they are saturated with inefficiencies, mismanagement, waste and loss of market share,” Marks wrote.

“The issue today is not whom we should blame, but rather who can fix these enormous problems. The morale of the citizens who feel virtually paralyzed by the numerous instances of violent crime, coupled with the frustration most Detroiters feel regarding city services, must be our highest priority and mandates immediate and precise action.”

He went to say, “Detroit needs a manager who will be free from the influence of private contractors seeking to serve their need for profit ahead of the needs of the people.

The contract provided to the emergency manager must include specific provisions that allow for his autonomy to work with the unions and the citizens to achieve the best possible results for the citizens of Detroit.

“We do not need another study, review, agreement or half-hearted attempt to blame union workers and simply slash their salaries and benefits as a means of fixing Detroit’s problems. What we need is emergency financial management.

Management requires innovative solutions beyond simply ‘cutting’ our way out of debt.”

But the question that has been haunting not only officials in the corridors of power in Detroit but also the powers that be in Lansing is who would that individual be if the governor decides to make an announcement in the next four weeks?

That individual, according to Marks and others, has to be not only free from the realm of politics, but also have a track record of turning municipal governments or institutions around and have a deep understanding of Detroit government, the city’s future and aspirations of everyone who is contributing to make a difference.

Some names are already floating around city hall, in the political chattering class as well as

From page A-1 among community leaders anxious to see who would be named an emergency manager if Detroit gets to that point.

Charlie Beckham, the man who almost singlehandedly orchestrated the Bing era, has come up many times as an ideal candidate for the job given his lengthy background in municipal government.

In the first editorial meeting I had with Bing (our first lengthy face-toface encounter) months before he announced his candidacy for mayor, it was Beckham who accompanied Bing to the meeting to make the case that, in fact, the former NBA star-turned-businessman could do the job, as the city was struggling to free itself from the shackles of the Kwame Kilpatrick scandals.

Beckham, a veteran of the Coleman Young era whose tenure with Bing ironically was shortlived right after Bing took office, and now has become a vocal critic of the mayor, has expressed interest in the position if given the opportunity.

Another name that has come up, surprisingly, is Dr. Curtis Ivery, chancellor of Wayne County Community College District and former commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Human Services under then-Gov. Bill Clinton, becoming the first African American cabinet member under Clinton and managing billions of dollars in annual budget for Arkansas’ mammoth state department.

Ivery, who has turned WCCCD, the state’s largest urban community college with over 70,000 students into a first rate educational institution since taking over in 1995, is viewed by many as a turnaround manager.

In fact, WCCCD last year received an A+ bond rating from Fitch, which cited “strong budgetary and fiscal management practices” despite the challenges facing the local economy.

Anthony Williams, the man who has largely been credited for turning around Washington, DC, as mayor and who was a featured speaker at the 2012 Mackinac Policy Conference, is also said to be under consideration. At the last business conference on Mackinac Island it was almost obvious that Williams was shopping for the job because he gave a prognostics of Detroit, and offered what he thinks ought to be done to bring the city back to solvency.

In fact, Williams is believed to be the frontrunner candidate, and if that is the case it creates both an opportunity as well as a difficult challenge for

the city.

Picking someone with no ties to the city or state creates a level of independence in doing the job.

But the issue is that the person would have no roots to the area, would not understand the political and social dynamics of the region in relation to the state, and the individual would literally have to be accompanied on an introductory handshake tour of the city, sometimes by opportunists looking to seize on the person’s lack of knowledge of the area.

No matter who emerges as an ideal candidate, one issue remains: Detroit is at a crossroads and the leadership of both the city and the state cannot abdicate themselves from righting the ship.

Foster, McCollum, White & Associates, a political consulting firm, conducted a fiscal analysis of Detroit’s financial state and concluded that, “Our assessment of the cash flow balancing is that a minimum of $94 million of the $202.4 million is unattainable and will not address the cash deficit in the General Fund. Our estimate is that the city’s General Fund will start with a $62.2 million deficit.”

Their estimate also said the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is “hemorrhaging money significantly and has equaled the type of cash burn at the Department of Transportation.

The Water and Sewerage Department lost $203, 500,000 during the 2012 fiscal year.”

And the rate increases according to the political firm are not stopping the cash burn, citing as an example the Water Fund’s operating net deficit at $113.6 million as of June of 2012 despite revenue from Detroit and suburban customers increasing by $18.2 million.

Bankole Thompson is editor of the Michigan Chronicle and the author of the forthcoming book “Rising From the Ashes: Engaging Detroit’s Future With Courage.” His book “Obama and Black Loyalty,” published in 2010, follows his recent book, “Obama and Christian Loyalty” with an epilogue

by Bob Weiner, former White House spokesman.

Thompson is a political news analyst at WDET101.9FM (NPR affiliate) and a member of the weekly “Obama Watch” Sunday evening roundtable on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut. E-mail bthompson@michronicle.com or visit his personal page at www.bankolethompson. com.

Rosa Parks rights, she continued to give voice to the poor and the marginalized among us until her passing on October 24, 2005.”

To recognize the day, President Obama said, “As heirs to the progress won by those who came before us, let us pledge not only to honor their legacy, but also to take up their cause of perfecting our Union.”

As part of a national recognition, the U.S

February 6-12, 2013 Page A-4

Postal Service honored Rosa Parks with a Forever stamp.

Many have been recalling the simple life Mrs. Parks lived and when she said, “I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.”

Congressman John Conyers, Jr., dean of the Congressional Black Caucus who gave Mrs. Parks a job in his office

From page A-1 to ensure that she would receive a retirement package, also praised her humility despite her larger than life role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Just 42 years old in 1955 when she moved from being a seamstress to a global icon for the stand she took that day in Montgomery, Rosa Parks’ impact continues to inspire generations.

E-mail bthompson@ michronicle.com.

DETROIT CRIME COMMISSION executives Andrew Arena.

Crime

to Michigan State Police Inspector Ellis Stafford and FBI agent Ron Reddy, who have both since retired from those organizations.

Arena described Reddy, now deputy director of the DCC, and Stafford, now operations director, as the “proud parents” of the organization.

He was subsequently asked to run the DCC, but wasn’t yet eligible to retire.

That changed last spring. And Arena decided to stay in Detroit, where he grew up, because he wanted his kids to grow up here, too.

He joined the DCC on July 2.

The DCC is licensed by the state as a private investigation organization.

Arena and his colleagues wondered how they would investigate criminal activity, given that they do not have subpoena or arrest powers. However, their reputations in the community has led people to bring things to them.

He said people seem more willing to talk to them because they’re not cops.

There’s also a trust factor.

“They will tell us things they probably wouldn’t have told us when we were with law enforcement,” he said.

Stafford said investigations often involve significant paperwork. In some insurance fraud cases, documentation comes in stacks of paper four feet high.

He said no department has the time and resources to analyze all that data.

By contrast, the DCC has hired analysts. And Stafford said the organization has a “marriage” with U of D Mercy with regard to interns who “know how to apply analytical tools to data.” Most police departments don’t have that.

Stafford also said most people who come to the DCC with boxes of materials have, more often than not, already approached overworked local law enforcement officials who don’t have the time to look at those materials.

“But we do,” he said.

DCC Director of Development Steffanie Samuels said the Commission has professional analysts as well as interns.

Arena noted that the DCC is actively looking at corruption cases and has referred more than 30 to law enforcement agencies. In some instances, the DCC has brought cases to fruition. Arena said it turned one over to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

The DCC has also given cases to the FBI, Secret Service, Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. However, the bulk of the work has gone to the Detroit Police Department.

The “coverage area” is tri-county, but Arena said it’s been difficult to get out of the city. The Commission is in discussion with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department about combating gang activity.

According to Stafford, the support the DCC enjoys from law enforcement and elected officials comes from the Commission being circumspect. He and Reddy spent two months on a “listening tour,” hearing from those individuals.

Arena added that they also spoke to various community groups.

Stafford said a UDM study found that quality of life issues were of primary importance. People were concerned about abandoned houses, open, dangerous and vacant properties, and barking dogs.

Violent crimes trended number seven.

Nuisance abatement is the second program. Arena said it feeds the DCC’s investigative aspect, especially given that a large number of burned houses in the city have the same owner. He said

From page A-1 the DCC will go after those owners civilly, but they will also investigate criminal activity.

The DCC also focuses on the largescale slum lords, those who own several hundred abandoned or blighted houses that become bastions of crime.

Arena said some slumlords are abating the nuisance after getting a letter telling them they have 30 days to do so.

“They don’t want the public embarrassment,” he said, adding that the DCC will happily reveal names.

“We’re not law enforcement anywhere,” he said. “We don’t care. We’ll come to the Michigan Chronicle and say ‘this guy’s a slumlord.’”

Arena said the DCC receives private donations of about $850,000 per year.

He added that Samuels’ job is to help the DCC receive more donations.

He also said the DCC received about $100,000 out of a $1 million grant from the U.S. Dept of justice to the Eastern District of Michigan.

The DCC also receives in-kind donations and services, such as interns and about nine pro-bono attorneys.

“To us, that’s just as good as money,” he said.

The DCC employs four investigators and two full-time analysts. It just hired an office manager.

There are also four interns. Two from UDM and two from the University of Detroit Law School.

The DCC’s initial focus expanded when Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy told them there’s no mechanism to protect witnesses in Wayne County.

Stafford set up a safeguard program through which the DCC pays others to take witnesses to some place safe until the trial or grand jury hearing. It’s been used in three cases so far.

Arena said the goal is for the DCC to still be here long after he’s gone, but it also has to be flexible in its mission.

“Our mission in five years may be totally different from what it is today,” he said.

For more information about the Detroit Crime Commission, call (313) ­ 394-1600 or visit www.Detroitcrimecommission.org.

Forum From page A-1

Sr, two of this century’s preeminent leaders.

Rabbi Syme, chief rabbi at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, the oldest Jewish congregation in Michigan, was recently inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. Lifestyle magazine called him one of 18 North American Jews “who will be most influential in shaping the future of the Jewish community in the ’90s and into the 21st century.”

Rev. Jackson has commanded the public stage for decades as America’s premier civil rights leader, second only to Dr. King. President Bill Clinton presented Jackson the President Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Called “the Conscience of the Nation” Jackson continues to challenge America to be inclusive and work towards a more perfect union.

Bankole Thompson, Michigan Chronicle senior editor, is the moderator of the forum.

For tickets, call (248) 646-3269, or write DetroitCollegePromise@gmail.com or lavoniaperryman@gmail.com.

Pledge 2008, Michigan spent an estimated $3.1 billion on obesity related medical costs. If current trends continue, it’s estimated that by 2018 Michigan will spend $12.5 billion on obesityrelated medical.

If you’re an employer, odds are that obesity is already costly.

Obesity-related absenteeism costs employers as much as $6.4 billion a year, health economists led by Eric Finkelstein of Duke University calculated.

Most obese women miss 9.4 more days of work annually due to obesity-related conditions.

Obese males miss 5.9 days a year, according to reports.

The indirect costs associated with obesity-related pain, shortness of breath and other obstacles or “presenteesim” are attributed with a 30-day loss in worker productivity, costing employers more than $3,000

From page A-1

D

per very obese anyone who sees etroit businesses, including BCBSM, Compuware Corpora- her with a French worker per year. tion, Marketing Associates and Quicken Loans, announced fry near her mouth The total cost of their support and partnership in the MI Healthier Tomorrow this year knock it presenteesim due to obesity is $30 campaign introduced by the Michigan Department of Community away.”

Health (MDCH) this month, which asks Michigan residents to pledge billion.

The results of to lose just 10 percent of their body weight. Employers are encourWhen Michijust a 10 percent gan’s employers aged to place embeddable links to the campaign’s Facebook page drop in weight calculate the total on their company websites. can make a big costs of obesity MI Healthier Tomorrow participants will receive: difference in parassociated with inticipants’ lives, creased absentee- • A free Getting Started Kit in the mail that will help guide them on according to their weight loss journey. ism and increased Stephanie Stevenhealthcare cov- •Healthy texts and/or e-mails. son, AVP of comerage costs, the pensation and numbers are stagbenefits at QuickCorporation and a MI Healthier gering.

Tomorrow workplace partner, en Loans and enthusiastic “More than 75 percent of which supports workplace well- workplace participant partner. chronic disease spending in ness with a full gym and inQuicken Loans is providing Michigan is now associated house cafeteria stocked with support services from onsite with obesity, according to the fresh foods and healthier menu health screenings to health MDCH. and wellness activities, aimed options.

“These kinds of statistics “A pledge to the MI Healthier at amping-up employee fitness demand involvement, accord- Tomorrow campaign is as much and wellness goals. ing to Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp, as a public pledge as a personal For partner BCBSM, the effort senior vice president communi- commitment,” noted the pledge is a part of the company’s DNA, ty and diversity at Compuware participant, who demands that according to Keith. BCBSM

infuses activity into its internal and externally-supported campaigns and is considered a model workplace among employers.

“Incremental change is an important part of any weight loss strategy,” said Keith. “That’s why we support MI Healthier Tomorrow, in addition to our own proprietary campaigns.

Many people are surprised to discover what big impact even small lifestyle changes can make on weight loss goals.

“Drinking a couple more glasses of water daily, taking the stairs and parking in the back of the employee lot are easy to incorporate into our daily routines.

“If you incorporate these small things with other dietary and fitness activities, you will be surprised how quickly you can drop 10 percent of your body weight.”

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013

Page A-5

How the recession has changed retirement planning

McDonald’s honors Black History Month with art contest for high school students Detroit-area McDonald’s restaurant owners are celebrating Black History Month with an art contest featuring a black history theme, and prizes including cash and a gallery exhibit, aimed at local high school students.

“McDonald’s Celebrates Black History Moments on Canvas” officially kicks off this week and asks metro Detroit high school students to submit original works of art that capture a significant moment, event or figure in African-American, African or African Diasporan history. A panel of judges, including art and history experts, will select 12 finalists who will win a two-week gallery exhibit to showcase the black history series at the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art in midtown Detroit. The winners will receive a total of nearly $5,000 in cash prizes. The first-place winner’s teacher also will receive a cash prize.

“Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month are a significant time of cultural celebra-

tion in the metro Detroit African-American community,” said McDonald’s restaurant owner Jon Campbell. “We want our customers and neighbors in the community to know that we recognize the hard work and accomplishments of people of African descent, and we’re doing it in a fun way for young people that uses art as a tool for expression and learning. We’re committed to providing opportunities that engage youth and promote the importance of education.”

High school students living in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb,Lapeer, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties are eligible to enter the contest and can pick up an entry form at participating Detroit-area McDonald’s restaurants and online at www.BlackMomentsOnCanvas.com. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Contestants must submit a photo of their artwork and an entry form by visiting the contest website or by mail for the first round of judging.

All entries must be uploaded to the website or postmarked by Feb. 14.

Fifty semifinalists will be chosen for the second round of judging and asked to deliver the actual works to the gallery by Feb. 20 for a chance to be picked as one of 12 finalists.

Winners will be announced at the gallery, 52 E. Forest Ave., during a special private event on Feb. 28 when the 12-artist exhibit will be unveiled and prizes awarded before a crowd of local business and community leaders.

“Art has always served as a representation of the history of its time, and it is an important aspect in a student’s development,” said gallery owner George N’Namdi. “The students in the McDonald’s series will be documenting today’s history by expressing their impressions of black history. McDonald’s art contest lends itself not only to enhance creative thinking, but is also a tool that can be used to view and access the world.”

The economy may be recovering, but some of the changes wrought by the Great Recession may be long-lasting. Anyone planning for retirement, no matter what their age, needs to take those changes into account, says financial advisor Philip Rousseaux, a member of the esteemed Million Dollar Round Table association’s exclusive Top of the Table forum for the world’s most successful financial services professionals.

Here are Rousseaux’s suggestions for ensuring you’re part of that 14 percent.

“People in their 40s and younger have some time to retool their plan, but Baby Boomers need to think with more urgency,” says Rousseaux, founder and president of Everest Wealth Management, Inc., www.everestwm.com.

• Seek any guidance from independent financial advisors. This has two benefits: Advisors who aren’t marketing their own products have no conflicts of interest.

“You wouldn’t go to a commissioned salesman for advice on buying a hightech product. Instead, you’d probably turn to a trusted friend or an independent expert source, like Consumer Reports.

Take the same care with something as important as your retirement.” The second benefit is that independent advisors can devise creative, innovative solutions to meet the needs of individual clients. Those working for companies like MetLife are not free to think outside the box. And that’s especially important In this new, post-recession economy.

“A lot of boomers had all of their retirement investments in the stock market and, if they didn’t lose their principal, it will take some time for them to recoup their gains.

Others moved their money to short-term savings, like CDs. But with interest rates so low, they’re actually losing money when you factor in inflation.”

Those are the two most common mistakes people make in retirement planning – having everything in either stocks or shortterm savings is a bad idea, he says.

“Space your investments so they’ll come due as they’re needed,” Rousseaux says. “Plan some that can be available in the short term, for emergencies, and others that will be available as you age.”

Only 14 percent of Americans are very confident they’ll have the money to live comfortably in retirement, according to a 2012 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

• Don’t take risks you can’t afford. This is another common mistake.

“Don’t put the bulk of your assets into anything that makes your principal vulnerable. Gambling that you’re going to win big on the market, or any other investment, means you also risk losing big.”

A portion of your investment should have a guaranteed return.

• Consider alternatives to the stock market. One of the effects of the recession is that the public realizes Wall Street is not a safe retirement plan. Even if it can get you there, it’s not necessarily going to keep you there.“There are a number of great, safer alternatives,” Rousseaux says. One of those is fixed, indexed annuities. “You loan an insurance company money and it guarantees you payments over

a specified length of time.

It’s a contract between you and the company,” he explains. Fixed-rate indexed annuities have a minimum and maximum interest payment that’s linked to a common index, such as the Dow. When the Dow goes up or down, so does the interest rate, but it never go below the guaranteed minimum or above the guaranteed maximum. “Your principal is safe and you can ride an up market without the risk,” he says.

With pension plans a luxury of the past and Social Security not a guarantee for the future, Rousseaux says whatever your age, it’s important to start planning now for retirement by creating your own private pension.

“The good news is, our life expectancy grows every year,” he notes. “It’s up to you to ensure that you have a great quality of life when you decide you no longer want to work.”

Philip Rousseaux is the founder and president of Everest Wealth Management and Everest Investment Advisors money management firm.

A staunch advocate of objectivity in investment advice, he’s a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the international association of independent advisors whose members are held to a rigid code of ethics. He is the co-author of “Climbing the Mountain to Financial Success.” Philip received his bachelor’s in economics from Towson University and completed the Wharton School of Business’s Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management Executive Education Program.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

!

T U L L I O H E C D

Detroit’s Winter Blast is on

Experience winter in Detroit like never before at Winter Blast. Produced by Jona Jonathan Witz & Associates, Winter Blast fea features hip and cool winter events centered around Campus Martius Park.

More than 75,000 visitors will chill in Detroit this weekend to the sounds of 50 live entertainment acts, snow shoe across our city streets, skate in Detroit’s premier Campus Martius lighted outdoor ice arena and race on dog sleds at this one-of-a-kind festival.

Others events include an impressive ice sculpture exhibit, marshmallow roasting, and a taste of Detroit. The Michigan Chronicle favorites include:

Get Fit! FRee SNOWSHOWiNG! As part of their “Get Fit” campaign at Motown Winter Blast, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan presents free snowshoeing! Snowshoes are available for free at Winter Blast in a variety of sizes for children and adults. Experience this fun, outdoor activity with the whole family!

SKAtiNG DeMONStRAtiONS Local professional and amateur figure skaters will be showcased as part of the Ice Skating Exhibitions, brought to you in 2013 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The De-troit Skating Club will once again dazzle the crowd in performances on Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 2pm and 4pm.

In 1949 the official “Detroit Skating Club, Inc.” was born out of a group of post-WW2 skating enthusiasts! DSC has become one of the premier skating centers in the world with many skaters, not only from the U.S. but from around the world, coming to their facility for choreography and year round training. They are the current home of three time National Champion and Olympic and World competitor, Jeremy Abbott.

FRee SKAtiNG / FRee SKAteS tO FiRSt 250 SKAteRS There’s only one weekend you can skate for free at Campus Martius Park- Winter Blast Weekend! Free Skating at the rink is once again sponsored in 2013 by Charter One Bank.

If you need to rent skates at the rink they are available for $3, but the first 250 renters will get their skates free courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan & Blue Care Network.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013

Page A-6

Effort to enforce HIV ‘health threat’ law raises questions

Michigan health officials are using HIV surveillance technologies to assist in enforcing a “health threat” law that makes it illegal for HIVpositive people to have sex without disclosing their status.

A new University of Michigan study reveals that health officials employ the state’s names reporting database, alongside partner services referrals, for law enforcement purposes. However, this is bad social policy for a variety of reasons, says Trevor Hoppe, the study’s author and a doctoral candidate in sociology and women’s studies.

When clients visit publicly funded health clinics in Michigan to be tested for HIV, they can expect more than just a finger prick or blood draw.

Counselors also ask clients extensive questions about their sexual practices and partners. If the client tests positive for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, the counselor will provide treatment referrals. They are also legally mandated to ask clients to report the names of sexual partners, which health officials attempt to contact to recommend that they be tested.

Hoppe found that some health officials also ask their clients if any of their partners reported to

Lowering Hypertension among AfricanAmericans African-Americans have the highest recorded rates of hypertension in both the United States and the world. Therefore, in order to address this critical health concern, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is launching “Get To Goal: The Detroit Hypertension Initiative” to assist in lowering hypertension among AfricanAmericans.

The “Get To Goal” program focuses on increasing physical activity, healthier eating and better management of high blood pressure through education, tracking and coaching. Teams of 15 people or more receive blood pressure screenings twice a month for four months and log their numbers online or via text message or phone. Special incentives such as cooking demos will be offered to help participants attain their health goal.

“Hypertension is known as the silent killer, so many people who have hypertension are unaware and are not being adequately treated,” said Kristian Hurley, regional director of Health Equity for the American Heart Association. “Dr. Clyde Yancy, former American Heart Association president, often reminds us you manage what you measure. Through ‘Get to Goal,’ we are providing powerful resources to allow people to measure, begin to manage, and ultimately lower their blood pressure numbers.”

Throughout the year, “Get to Goal” applicants have the opportunity to attend free workshops on nutrition, physical activity and health education to help achieve optimal health. For those who reach a healthy blood pressure level, resources and coaching will be provided to help them maintain their goals.

The Get to Goal program is launching in Detroit and other cities across the nation. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (248) 936-5828, e-mail amy.figot@heart.org or RSVP online at www.heart. org/SEMI.

February is National American Heart Month

them that they were HIVpositive. Officials then attempt to cross-reference the reported name against the state’s database of everyone in the state who has been diagnosed as HIV-positive. If an individual reported as a partner is identified by the state as HIV-positive and the client did not report that they disclosed, an investigation would be launched that could have legal ramifications.

At least 24 states have laws making it a misdemeanor or felony for HIV-

positive people to have sex without first disclosing their status. In Michigan, failing to disclose is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison— whether or not the person was ever at risk of contracting the disease from their partner.

“The evidence is mounting that these laws are bad public policy and certainly bad public health policy, yet Michigan health officials are helping to enforce them,” Hoppe said.

At the minimum, there

is little transparency in how health officials use epidemiological data for law enforcement purposes, he says.

“Health officials in some local jurisdictions are using data they collect for public health purposes to help enforce the law, but they’re not telling their clients how their personal information could be used,” Hoppe said.

From an ethical perspective, the question is whether it is reasonable for health officials to use

confidential medical information to enforce the law.

Hoppe interviewed 25 local health officials who manage “health threat” cases from 14 jurisdictions across Michigan.

His research also reveals that how local health officials interpret what qualifies as a “health threat” varies. In some cases, local officials suggested that an HIV-positive woman who became pregnant or contracted another STI might be labeled a “health threat.”

“These systems were not intended for legal surveillance, yet data collected by them are susceptible to being used for criminal proceedings,” Hoppe said.

Whether this practice should be continued must be discussed among policymakers, advocates and stakeholders, including those in the HIV-positive and –negative community, he said.

The findings appear in the February issue of the journal Social Problems.

Community Powered by Real Times Media

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Enough already!

The loss of a life to senseless acts of violence is hard to cope with, but it is exceptionally hard when we have to own up to our own culpability.

Black on Black violence has become our community’s ill-hidden dirty little secret.

Of the 386 criminal homicides in Detroit reported in 2012, 88 percent were committed within our own homes.

Our silence regarding Detroit’s ever-escalating homicide rate gives the appearance of a “what happens in our in neighborhoods stays in our neighborhoods”-type pact among city residents, the majority of whom are innocent law-abiding citizens.

There has to be a point where the Black community says enough is enough. We cannot continue to remain sedentary and silent as these horrific acts continue unabated.

michiganchronicle.com

g n i t l a H

e d i c i m H Luther Keith of ARISE Detroit! pledges to help uproot community violence

Bullets are becoming the most common and deadly form of conflict resolution in our homes, neighborhoods and schools. In order to stop the violence, we need to begin to engage in more open dialogue.

By C.L. Price

First, we have to understand the numbers:

“Despite the many marches, various protests and prayer vigils surrounding the issue of community homicide and violence — it persists, seemingly unabated by our actions,” says Keith.

Two-thirds of homicides in Detroit are drug-related. The majority of others result from conflicts between domestic partners, friends and acquaintances.

And, we need to reduce them — fast.

Nearly 50 percent of Detroit’s homicide cases remain unsolved due to community silence about the victimoffender relationship and other pertinent insights about the perpetrators, according to David Martin, director of the Urban Safety Program at Wayne State University in Detroit.

The Detroit Police Department needs us to immediately share information about criminal activity and

We cannot

continue to remain sedentary and silent as these horrific acts continue unabated.

February 6-12, 2013

Stop the blame game. That’s the message of Luther Keith, the executive director of ARISE Detroit, a 400-member neighborhood advocacy organization.

Luther Keith

“We’ve blamed everyone from gun makers and movie makers to city officials and law enforcement agencies, ” he states.

“The only finger that hasn’t been pointed yet is the one at our selves.”

“If we want to change the perception of Detroit as the wild, wild West, we need to encourage residents and move them toward a new frontier dominated by entire communities standing up to peaceably face down criminals,” he notes.

Yes, more police officers and curtailing ownership of illegal guns is needed, according to Keith, who supports Mayor Dave Bing’s call to reinforce the value of life and discourage behaviors that support violence and reckless use of firearms.

Keith advocates that the best anticrime programs are those that begin at home with the lessons of respect, honor and decency that demand we stop accepting violence as a way of life in our community.

“We have to stop making excuses for criminal activity and, more importantly, stop looking the other way when it occurs,” he states, even when the activity begins in our own homes, schools and neighborhoods.

All over Detroit, in groups of various kinds, people are beginning to make it clear that they are fed up with violence.

It is this kind of holistic community re-

See Halting Homicide Page B-2

Criminal Activities/Motive

Victim Perpetrator Relationship

– Stats provided by Detroit Police Department

will be making it easier for citizens to report crimes over their personal computers and smartphones with “Cop Logic,” to be introduced this month.

Even with this newest tool at our disposal, we need to recognize that they only work when we use them.

We’ve got to break our collective code of silence in order to break out of this urban genocide.

Finally, we need to immediately employ and support better conflict resolution methods.

As part of an ongoing effort to heighten awareness about the effects of murder in the Black community, the Michigan Chronicle will publish a list of homicides in the city each month. It is our hope that as the list of victims grows, so will a true understanding of how these lost lives affect the mental health, economic well-being and images of our neighborhoods. As important, we pledge additional support to Mayor Bing, the Detroit Police Department, other enforcement agencies, DPS Emergency Manager Roy Roberts and community-based conflict resolution groups and efforts in print and digital editions of the Michigan Chronicle.

The violence will end when we demand its end. Let’s begin now.

Hiram E. Jackson Publisher The Michigan Chronicle

Can healthy trees help cities fight crime?

By Patrica Hubbell Graceful elm trees once lined the streets of Detroit, forming vaulted tunnels of shade through most neighborhoods. But that all changed when the Dutch elm beetle arrived in the United States in 1930 and pretty much wiped out most of Detroit’s tree canopy by 1980.

The next major devastation to the city’s tree canopy occurred around 2002 when the Emerald Ash Borer beetle wreaked havoc on metro Detroit’s ash tree population, killing tens of millions of these trees.

In a city on the brink of financial disaster, there are few funds to reforest the streets. The consequences of this are significant because trees play such an important role in protecting the environment. They help clean the air, provide shade and cooling in the summer, reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change.

In addition, there is research indicating that neigh-

See Fight crime Page B-2

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013

Page B-2

Make Your Mark

AT&T 28 Days breathes new life into Black History Month

Rickey Smiley

By C.L. Price Be a part of it all. That’s the message from AT&T, which announced the return of its 28 Days campaign aimed at motivating consumers to take a forward look at Black History Month as they create their own history.

The campaign asks an important question: Why wait?

Returning for its fifth year, 28 Days encourages participants to act on their dreams today. The mutli-city event, which is supported by host Rickey Smiley and big name entertainers, attracts trendsetters and innovators worthy of their own pages in Black History’s annual.

Days because it gives me the opportunity to speak candidly about the importance of our history and share the stage with other individuals who are taking that forward look at making history,” said Smiley.

AT&T 28 Days will kick off in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 7. The keynote speaker for the event is hip-hop commentator, activist and author Kevin Powell. Other stops on the AT&T 28 Days speaker series and concert tour include: • Corvida Raven, tech guru, blogger and entrepreneur; Carolina Theatre; Wednesday, Feb. 13, in Durham, N.C.

And that, according to Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, Jennifer Jones AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, • MC Lyte, hip-hop icon and noted is exactly why the program was foundactress; Tabernacle Theater; ed.

Thursday, Feb. 21, in Atlanta, Ga. “We believe it’s what you do, with what we do, which is why 28 Days keeps coming back. AT&T 28 Days is five years strong because of the response and support we’ve received from our African American consumers,” stated Jones.

“Each year, we look at new ways to move people to act on their dreams today. By adding new speakers and musical performances to 28 Days, we hope the campaign remains fun and relevant.”

The 2013 campaign will showcase musical performances from R&B sensation Elle Varner and an additional performer to be announced at a later date.

• Jeff Johnson, social activist and political commentator; Millennium Centre; Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Detroit.

Editor’s Note: The speaker series events are free and open to the general public. Tickets are available at att.com/28days on a first come, first serves basis. A complete list of contest rules can be found at att.com/28days. Also on the site, consumers can check out the complete AT&T 28 Days speaker series tour schedule and register for the speaker series events.

“I feel honored to be involved with 28

Kick-starting the conversation Jeff Johnson, MSNBC contributor and executive editor of Politic365.com, will tee-up candid conversations on what’s happening in urban centers during AT&T’s 28 Days campaign. He is an award-winning investigative journalist, social activist, political commentator and author. From his celebrated conversations with world figures in the political, business Jeff Johnson and entertainment arenas to his grassroots trench work to inspire the next generation of leaders, Johnson continues to be a trailblazing social entrepreneur and voice for change.

Fight crime borhoods with healthy tree canopies have lower crime rates.

For example, a recent study by the U.S. Forest Service shows that trees might actually help reduce crime in big cities. The study was focused on certain districts in the city of Portland, Oregon, and examined the connection between neighborhoods with large tree canopies and crime. After two years of the study, researchers concluded that areas with more tree coverage had lower violent crime rates.

Along with Portland, many other cities around the nation have found a pattern that the more vegetation a neighborhood has, the lower the crime rate. According to urban forestry and urban greening research, “the presence of trees and well-maintained lower understory vegetation can transform barren spaces lands into pleasant, welcoming, well-used places.

Such common spaces serve to strengthen ties among residents, increase informal surveillance and deter crime, thereby creat-

Halting homicide

From page B-1 ing healthier, safer urban communities.

Perhaps Detroit and other high-crime cities need to add a reforestation component to their crime-fighting plans.

Safer streets may become an added benefit to the newly released Future Detroit plan.

Editor’s note: Patricia Hubbell is director of marketing for The Greening of Detroit. She previously was a communications planner for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

From page B-1

sponse the must be sustained and elevated according to Keith.

To truly solve the violence piece, we need a ‘community values’ transformation — which is easier said than done.

“We have to change the mindset of our young people,” noted community activist Yusef Shakur in an ARISE Detroit! interview earlier this year.

Shakur, who has seen life inside and outside the prison system, stresses the values of the people on the street are not like our values. “Violence and revenge are what they know,” he states.

Of course, teen violence is not the only problem in Detroit. Most of Detroit’s senseless killings are at the hands of adults, who have ‘beefs’ with others or

simply resort to violence as a means of addressing their own personal insecurities.

grams, and community economic development efforts to conflict resolution and reporting efforts.

There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in Detroit. Keith promises ARISE Detroit! will be at the helm of a soon to be announced effort to significantly reduce crime in Detroit through improved neighborhood watch programs, recreation pro-

“This is not a one man or one organization effort,” says Keith. Are you in?

Editor’s Note: To learn more about ARISE Detroit! visit: www.arisedetroit.org

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013

‘Heating for the Homeless’ Grace Centers of Hope, one of southeast Michigan’s oldest and largest homeless shelters, has launched “Heating for the Homeless.” The annual campaign is an effort to offset general operating costs while raising funds to provide a safe and warm sanctuary for the men, women and children who arrive at the nonprofit during the winter months.

“With heating costs on the rise nationwide and our own anticipated costs expected to near $80,000 in the winter alone, donations to ‘Heating for the Homeless’ can make a significant difference for Grace Centers of Hope,” said Pastor

Kent Clark, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope. “If 1,000 people donate $80 each, we could cover the heating cost for the entire winter allowing us to focus our resources on life-saving programs.”

Grace Centers of Hope provides a comprehensive range of programs and services to help individuals and families overcome issues of homelessness, addiction, neglect, physical abuse, poverty and spiritual emptiness. To achieve these outcomes, it incorporates personal accountability, life skills education, work-related programs and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

cepts no government funding with 100 percent of its revenues generated through private support, fundraising initiatives and its four thrift stores. Last year, Grace Centers of Hope provided more than 45,000 nights of stay for men, women and children who sought help from Grace Centers of Hope, including its Emergency Shelter, One-Year Life Skills and Aftercare Programs.

Donations for “Heating for the Homeless” can be made with a credit card online at www.gracecentersofhope.org, or by calling 1-855HELP-GCH.

The nonprofit organization ac-

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NKFM Diabetes and health education The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is recognizing African American History Month this February by spreading awareness about the increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, and the importance of health management to prevent these chronic health conditions.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, causing over 40 percent of all cases. For African

American adults with diabetes, it’s important to control your disease and take care of your health.

Despite the increased risk of kidney disease and diabetes in African Americans, type 2 diabetes can be both prevented/delayed and managed, which can reduce the chance of having other health issues down the road.

For more information please visit www.nkfm.org or call (800) 482-1455.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Macy’s Celebrates

MACY’S, THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION AND THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATE THE 1OOTH BIRTHDAY OF AMERICAN ICON, GORDON PARKS. MACY’S NORTHLAND CENTER, LEVEL 2 FEBRUARY 9TH, 2PM Celebrate the life of Gordon Parks by viewing iconic images in our photographic art installation featuring some of his most beloved works, such as American Gothic, Washington D.C. 1942 during the month of February!

Join us in “In Conversation” with actress Malinda Williams for a spirited discussion on Gordon Parks’s influence on film and the future of African-American cinema. Following the discussion, enjoy light refreshments. Plus, with any $5O or more purchase made during the event, receive a commemorative Gordon Parks journal.* Boogie on down as we pay homage to the soul/funk 7O’s era music featured in the movie Shaft, directed by Gordon Parks. Stop by our Soul Jam style dance party! Don’t forget to pack your platforms!

Plus, from February 1st through February 28th, visit macys.com/celebrate to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The American Black Film Festival in Miami, courtesy of American Airlines, a $1OOO Macy’s shopping spree and Gordon Parks: Collected Works, a five-volume set of his photography.** The Gordon Parks Foundation permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks, makes it available to the public and supports artistic and educational activities. The Foundation is a division of the Meserve-Kunhardt Foundation. For more information visit gordonparksfoundation.org.

Diversity. It’s not what you think.

At Macy’s, it’s part of everything we do.

Shown left: Kirk Buddy, Macy’s Advertising Photo of Gordon Parks courtesy of Adger Cowans.

Find us.

Follow us.

Events subject to change or cancellation. *While supplies last. **No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who are at least 18 years and older.

Employees of Macy’s, American Airlines and their immediate family members are not eligible. Sweepstakes void in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and where prohibited by law. For complete sweepstakes details and official rules visit macys.com/celebrate. ARV $4585.00

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1/18/13 10:04 AM

Hiram E. Jackson Publisher

A Real Times Newspaper 479 Ledyard – Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 Fax 963-8788 e-mail:chronicle4@aol.com February 6-12, 2013

JACKIE BERG Chief Marketing Officer BANKOLE THOMPSON Senior Editor cornelius a. fortune Managing Editor

SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011 JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

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Democrats should push for strengthening Michigan economy

By Harvey Santana The people of Michigan deserve a government that works for them and makes this state a better place to live. As elected officials, our highest duty is to serve the needs of those people who entrusted us with the power to represent them.

The governor wants to make jobs and improving Michigan’s economy his top priority. I agree. We need to adopt progrowth policies which help business expand and hire more workers. Our goal as state lawmakers must be to grow the economy. If that is truly our goal then I am excited to continue the work that the people of my district sent me to Lansing to accomplish.

The Lansing political environment has been poisoned by the events of The governor wants to increase aid the lame duck session. Some political strategists believe the Democrats for military veterans and I support that without reservation. As should adopt a “just say a veteran of the United no” strategy which is the States Navy, I have exsame tactic Republicans in perienced the problems Washington adopted four veterans feel when they years ago against Presiattempt to transition into dent Obama. The results civilian life. The governor of that was a “do-nothing has asked us to work with Congress” with historically him as he looks towards low public approval ratings. enhancing and expanding That strategy is designed to programs to help veterfail. My Democratic leaderans obtain education and ship has pledged to continjob training. Undoubtedly, ue to make serious efforts those are areas we should to work across the aisle act upon quickly. to create meaningful solutions. In order to move forWith the Sandy Hook ward, Democrats must be massacre behind us, allowed to move bills that many are now looking at will strengthen Michigan’s rebuilding our system of economy. In the past two public mental health. I Harvey Santana years, Democrats have been was encouraged to hear shut out of the process.

Gov. Snyder endorse more funds and We should begin the new session of more programs in this vital area for all of the Michigan Legislature by taking fast us. Let’s begin rebuilding a once strong action on the many items we can agree system and let’s do it in a true bi-partiupon. Among the items in Gov. Snyder’s san approach.

State of the State address that I can enSeveral Detroit legislators have thusiastically embrace are the followbacked a series of proposals known ing. as the Strengthening Neighborhoods The governor has proposed a $10 bil- and Communities acts. The governor lion infrastructure investment into our endorsed these in his speech and I am road system and transportation network. proud to stand shoulder to shoulder As a person who drives a car, I welcome with him in fighting the corrosive effects that proposal. In working towards this of slumlords and the destructive impact objective our challenge is to find a way they have, particularly in the city of Deto fund it fairly and spread the cost fairly troit. across the state. The state which gave us My commitment in this 97th legislathe automobile should not have some of ture is to work across the aisle with Rethe worst roads in the United States. publicans to find solutions to these imMichigan and Detroit have the unique portant issues. Entrenching ourselves advantage of being in a desirable geo- in deep ideological beliefs does not graphic position enabling us to become serve the citizens of Michigan. Working the hub of a transportation network in- together is what the people have sent us cluding air, land and water. We can bring to do in Lansing and I look forward to tens of thousands of jobs to the area and this legislative session. the impact of those jobs will help both State Rep. Harvey Santana reprebusiness and the employees who work sents the 9th House District in Detroit. for them. As Mayor Coleman A. Young Residents can contact Representative once observed, “There isn’t a problem in Santana at (517) 373-6990 or via e-mail Detroit that a good job with some ben- at HarveySantana@house.mi.gov. efits can’t solve.”

‘Django Unchained,’ Detroit in chains

By D. Alexander Bullock Quentin Tarantino’s latest movie, “Django Unchained” has come under fire from acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, who thinks the movie is disrespectful to African American history. It is set in the South two years before the Civil War. Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx plays Django, a freed slave who is intent on saving his wife.

corporate White interests and shared democratic aspirations. Their language is the language of accommodation and partnership. The nationalists believe in separation. According to them, there can be no true Black power without creating separate African American institutions.

Still, the dream of true accommodation and partnership has been deferred and the hope of self-sustaining institutions remains a hope. While we struggle to keep hope alive, the reality of no money, limited political power and a growing underclass that has no loyalty to party politics, middle class values or liberal arts education raises growing concerns about the future of a freed growing and vibrant Black Detroit.

“Django Unchained” may be disrespectful. I wonder if the same kind of artistic license could be taken with the story of the Jewish Holocaust under Hitler and Nazi Germany.

My suspicion is no. However, African Americans have long struggled with our own sense of self-worth partly because of our his- David A. Bullock

Beset with the probtory in America. lems of violence, financial “Django Unchained” rings true. Af- instability and poverty, Detroit is in rican Americans live in a context ulti- chains. mately framed by political, economic and For the many who thought Gov. social forces beyond our control. In the Snyder was going to be the savior of Demovie, Django’s freedom and his slavery troit, it has become apparent he has no (and that of his wife’s) are beyond his interest in saving the entire city of Decontrol. Also, both his antagonists and troit. He has chosen his urban policy appartner in the movie are Caucasians. proach: emergency management. While He cannot win his bride or save his life adopting the language of small governwithout them. ment, he has single-handedly engaged One hundred fifty years after the in a full scale attempt to take over public Emancipation Proclamation and 50 education in the state. Despite these reyears after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s alities, the deeper problem in Detroit is “I Have A Dream” speech, most African that a revival in Black Detroit without Americans live with the reality that we White corporate help seems impossible. operate in an economic and political Previously controlled African Americontext beyond our control. can cities and school districts are under Harold Cruse, in his book “The Crisis paternalist state management. Black of the Negro Intellectual,” charts the homeowners have been drowned by the response to the American experience floodwaters of foreclosure and Black

by African Americans in America and bodies bleed on dangerous Detroit their flaws. There have been two key ap- streets. In 2013, Black Detroit will have proaches to the American experience: to choose between independence and solidarity between sacrifice and survival assimilation and separation. in order to become Detroit unchained.

The integrationists believe in assimilation. They cannot understand the suc- David Alexander Bullock is senior cess of African Americans separate from pastor of the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church.

Our urban communities How did Ray Lewis get must share in the jobs away with murder?

By Thomas Stallworth

with numerous other urban centers facing similar challenges, a strategic The Michigan Legislative Black urban plan is required if Michigan is Caucus (MLBC) is ready to work with truly going to reinvent itself. The MLBC the Legislature and the governor to is pleased to hear that an emphasis will be placed on some neighensure that the issues of borhood initiatives, but the state’s urban commua comprehensive plan is nities, distressed commurequired, including capnities and communities of turing opportunities for color are addressed. Michlocal revenue generation, igan’s turnaround won’t business development and be complete unless urban cost savings, rather than communities share in the cost cutting that erodes jobs, infrastructure and edcritical services. The state ucation improvements that must assume accountabilthe governor talked about ity for contributing to local in his State of the State adfinancial issues through dress. policies such as cuts to The governor talked revenue sharing and eduabout working together to cation and failing to pass get things done, and my numerous “population” colleagues and I are willbills critical to Detroit’s ing to listen. But we need turnaround. We have, in to know that he is com- Thomas Stallworth effect, reduced the state’s mitted to the needs of our deficit and increased the communities, and that rebuilding infra- Rainy Day Fund on the backs of local structure includes a priority of creating communities and our citizens are sufjobs in distressed communities as well fering as a result. as elsewhere in Michigan.

Clearly, repairing Michigan’s roads In his State of the State address, should be a priority, and the governor Gov. Snyder presented a rosy picture did a good job of presenting his business for Michigan in reviewing his dashboard case. However, I am concerned about the and economic progress. His overview, call for ‘user fees’ to fund infrastructure however, masks the fact that much of improvements because any gas tax or Michigan is being left behind. For exam- auto registration fee increase is going to ple, African-American unemployment is be doubly hard on the people my MLBC double the state rate, more than 35% of colleagues and I represent. Our first Michigan families are living in poverty discussion, when he comes to us with and that urban students are more than his proposal, should be a business case twice as likely to attend high-poverty for closing social and economic racial failing schools. Effectively addressing disparities in ways that make supportthese issues to ensure equal rights and ing such fees palatable, treat our comaccess to a desirable quality of life for munities fairly, and deliver a maximum all of Michigan will require transforma- return on their quality of life. If we can tional leadership committed to address- justify raising $1 billion a year for roads, ing the issues of race and poverty with we should be able to justify investing in candor, transparency and courage. the future of communities of color.

Additionally, in laying out the state In the coming weeks, MLBC members of the state, the governor was strangely would address these and other commusilent on the need for Detroit to make nity issues while detailing its policy and a full and sustainable recovery. With budget priorities. the state’s largest city quickly moving Thomas Stallworth is a state senatoward an emergency manager, along tor from Detroit.

By Dion Rabouin First of two parts They say everything in sports is forgiven of winners, from Kobe Bryant and Ben Roethlisberger all the way back to Ty Cobb. But the story of the halo that has come to rest upon the head of Ray Lewis is more than that. The man defies explanation and logic.

In June 2000, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Alice D. Bonner approved a deal allowing Lewis to avoid murder charges and jail time by pleading guilty to misdemeanor obstruction of justice.

Lewis was sentenced to a 12 month probation, the maximum sentence for a first-time offender. As part of his sentence he agreed to testify against two codefendants who were eventually found not guilty of murder as well.

To this day, no one has served time for the stabbing deaths of 24-year-old Richard Lollar and 21-year-old Jacinth Baker.

When Lewis’ plea agreement was handed down, Sports Illustrated published a story that included a couple of interesting details.

“Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard refused to say how the plea agreement was brokered but said his office made the right decision to prosecute Lewis,” the article said. “‘A trial is an instrument to reach the truth, and I think that in many respects it has been shielded,’ Howard said. ‘We are continuing to try to bring the truth forward.’

Those words are telling.

More telling has been the reaction Lewis has received since the trial.

The story goes that in training camp the year after the trial, legendary tight end Shannon Sharpe, who was then playing for the Ravens, took Lewis aside and told him that the only way to redeem himself was to be spectacular on the field, to play so well that people

Ray Lewis might forgive and forget what happened months earlier.

And it worked.

Lewis went on to win Super Bowl XXXV MVP honors, Defensive Player of the Year, was a unanimous All-Pro selection at middle linebacker and was named a starter in the Pro Bowl.

His regular-season total of 136 tackles led the Ravens, and he added 31 tackles, two interceptions, nine pass deflections, one fumble recovery and a touchdown in the four-game playoff run.

As a team that season, the Ravens set single-season records for fewest points allowed, with 165, and fewest rushing yards allowed, with 970. They also produced four shutouts, one shy of the single-season record. The Ravens finished first league-wide in six key defensive categories.

Sure, after winning the Super Bowl the signature “I’m going to Disney World!” line was given to Trent Dilfer instead of Lewis, but nearly ubiquitous and almost immediate forgiveness was granted by a news media and public that are notoriously thirsty for a star to tear down.

To be continued...

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013

Page B-5

Greater New Mt. Moriah Men’s Day The Men of Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church recently announced its 8th Annual Men’s Day, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17, with two services at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The theme for this event is “Men with a Vision.” All services will be held at the Greater New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 586 Owen Ave. The church is under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth Flowers.

Pastor Kenneth Flowers

“A Taste of Moriah and Fashion Extravaganza” will be held as a preMen’s Day event on Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Greater New Mt. Moriah Banquet and Conference Center, featuring culinary arts skills from the men of the church. This event kicks off at 5 p.m. with door prizes, vendors and family fun for all.

To purchase tickets, call (313) 871-8025.

February is National American Heart Month

I don’t have a problem.

I can stop at any time.

I’m having some bad luck now, but things will change.

If I can just borrow 20 bucks I’ll be fine.

I can pay it back next week.

ATTENTION: WAYNE COUNTY RESIDENTS

How am I going to make my car payment?

Would you benefit from affordable, high quality rental housing?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), previously termed Section 8, administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), may be able to help. The HCV program is a federally funded rental subsidy program that assists persons with paying their rent.

What do you mean I’m going to lose my house?

MSHDA’s HCV Program is partnering with the Mack Ashland LDHA/ LP, Southwest Housing Solutions Corporation, Northeast Guidance Center and RPI Management, Inc. to make available supportive housing with rental subsidies for 39 apartments with 0 – 3 bedrooms – located in Detroit, MI.

How do I break this to my family?

The Project Based Voucher (PBV) waiting list for Mack Ashland Apartments will be opened by MSHDA beginning Wednesday, February 6, 2013 for all applicants who qualify. The waiting list for the PBV program will remain open until further notice.

You may qualify for residency at Mack Ashland if your income falls within the allowable limits (30% of area median income) for Wayne County and meet the following criteria.

• Homeless • Special Needs • Chronically Homeless Staff at the Southwest Housing Solutions Corporation (SHS) will be accepting applications beginning Wednesday, February 6, 2013.

Please contact SHS at 313.841.3727, Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to schedule an appointment to discuss your eligibility and complete the application process.

NOTE: Proof of legal identity (birth) and proof of a valid social security number will be required for all members of the household.

I need help.

Now that you’ve recognized you may have a gambling problem, the next step is to call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117 to speak with a counselor. It’s free and confidential.

Isn’t it time you started beating a gambling problem?

Rick Snyder, Governor James K. Haveman, Director

praiseconnectdetroit.com

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Clergy visit White House to discuss gun violence On Jan. 29, Bishop Edgar L. Vann Sr., senior pastor of Second Ebenezer Church, was among the clergy that gathered in Washington, DC, for the PICO’s Lifelines to Healing. The subject was the prevention of gun violence in this country.

The goal was to encourage faith-based leaders to come help and give hope to their communities. Also to speak with Congressional leaders regarding the need to address urban gun violence and to be trained by leading experts in the gun prevention field.

Rev. Michael McBride, head of the Lifelines to Healing campaign, stated that the PICO National Network is a network of faith congregations that bring common faiths together to organize around improving a situation that is plaguing the country.

THE CARAVANS, Delores Johnson, Dorothy Norwood and Shirley Caesar sang a Bishop Edgar L. Vann II, tribute to the late Inez Andrews. pastor of Second Ebenezer

Stellar Awards were magnificent

The 28th Annual Stellar Award Weekend was something to talk about.

The number one gospel music award show in the world, founded by Don Jackson, has captured the hearts of people from all over the country. This year’s show was hosted by “the dynamic duo,” Ericka and Tina Campbell, better known as Mary Mary, and superstar Kirk Franklin.

The show was held at the Grand Old Opry House in Nashville, Tenn., and was broadcast live for the first time. Multi-Stellar Award winner Ty Tribbett opened the show with an energetic performance of “If He Did it Before, He Will Do It Again” which brought the audience to its feet. Their were also performances by Tamela Mann, Dottie Peoples, Le’Andria Johnson, Mary Mary and a host of other important names in gospel music.

Amber Bullock, Anita Wilson, Y’anna Crawley and Detroit’s own Kierra Sheard, along with the surviving Caravans — Shirley Caesar Dorothy Norwood, and Delores Johnson — who blessed the crowed with a tribute to the late Inez Andrews who had been a member of the Caravans before embarking on a solo career.

Detroit made an impact at this year’s 28th Annual Stellar Awards, including Pastor Marvin L. Winans singing “Let the Church Say Amen,” written and recorded by Andraé Crouch.

Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole was the host for the 28th

“To put that in perspective, in the city of New York, which has 8 million residents, they had 414 murders. We had 411 with only 720,000 people. That lets you know how dire it is,” he said.

Under Bishop Vann’s leadership, the Kingdom Alliance Covenant has held press conferences and organized prayer walks and prayer rallies to encourage neighborhoods and citizens to come together to reduce crime.

Kierra Sheard

Pastor Marvin Winans

Larry Callahan and Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole.

Stellar Awards pre-show.

She sang her Stellar Award- nominating song “He Brought Me.” Larry Callahan & Selected of God sang at the Gospelfest hosted by Pastor Hezekiah Walker, and Kierra Sheard won the Albertina Walker Stellar Award for Best Female Vocalist of the Year.

The highlight of the

night was Bishop T.D. Jakes receiving the Chevrolet Thomas Dorsey Notable Achievement Award for his numerous humanitarian efforts.

The Stellar Awards will air in Detroit on Feb. 4 at 9 p.m. on FETV, on WXYZTV (Channel 7) on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. and March 9 on GMC TV at 7 p.m.

A shift in consciousness, our God in heaven

By Pastor PJ BanksAnderson D.Min, LCDR, CH, USN (RET) “If you talk in a language people understand, that goes to the head; If you talk to people in their language, that goes to the heart.” — Adapted from Nelson Mandela Progressive theology speaks more about social and inclusive justice, community outreach, and advocacy for the poor, marginalized, and disenfranchised more than about heaven and hell, prosperity, and salvation.

This notwithstanding, combining the two in the month of February gives us an opportunity to look at the role of progressive theology as we address Jeremiah A. Wright’s “Africans Who Shaped Our Faith.”

February is also the love month (Valentine’s Day) and, this year, the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday), during which time we hope to learn from the parables of Jesus in conjunction with the probable mean-

Church, said that for more than 20 years his home town has been known as the nation’s murder capital, and the causes go far beyond guns. Detroit had 411 murders in 2012, he noted.

ing of the Lord’s Prayer.

In this Sunday’s teaching text (Luke 16:18-25), we meet a rich man and a poor man. The latter was ignored by the first.

Does it sound familiar that the wealthy and would-be wealthy — who are more often poor in heart — would ignore, walk by, neglect, etc., the marginalized, least, disenfranchised, etc.? The teaching text relates to the “in heaven” portion of our God (our Father, our Mother, our Creator – or your choice of names for God.) That is to say, when the poor man dies, the angels carry him away to be with Abraham (who preceded him in death by centuries). The rich man also died, but found himself in a place of agony and torment.

A conversation takes place between the unnamed rich man who finds himself in hades, a spiritual place of misery, and Lazarus, the poor man who has been carried away to paradise, a spiritual place presumed to be in heaven’s vicinity.

It bears repeating that

progressive Christians are inspired by a “progressive Jesus” who teaches God’s limitless grace and love for everyone. They seek to build a community 1) That is inclusive — upholding the infinite value of each person; 2) Of equals — diversity is affirmed and there is no hierarchy of persons, gifts or talents; and 3) of encouragement — no blaming, no pointing fingers; advocating for each other’s spiritual lives.

When we pray Our God (Father, Mother, Creator…) in heaven, we are praying to a personal, eternal parent in a particular place, a spiritual place — of which we have perpetual access — and, even a physical place of incredible beauty where there is peace, love and those who have preceded us in death.

Please pray for the 6,663 American souls and the 8,061 coalition souls killed in action (as of 1-24-2013), their families, and especially their children.

Bishop Vann believes that with faith and works, we can prevent gun violence in Detroit.

• February 6-12, 2013

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praiseconnectdetroit.com

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

• February 6-12, 2013

Page B-7

‘Dreams’ premieres at AMC Star Southfield Actor-producer-singer Marvin L. Winans, Jr., appears on the big screen in the newly anticipated movie, “Dreams.”

The film premiered at the AMC Southfield Star Theater with a red carpet extravaganza bringing people together from all walks of life. Corporate and religious leaders came out to share in the uplifting, heart-stirring inspirational movie.

ing how to overcome their challenges to fulfill their dreams.

Winans is the son of Marvin L. Winans, pastor of Perfecting Church, and gospel singer Vickie Winans. “Dreams” centers on four characters dealing with everyday issues such as depression, guilt, molestation, abuse and homosexuality, learn-

Winans Jr. stated that his prayer that those who view the movie will take heed from it and push past those obstacles and live their dreams.

Vickie Winans appears in the movie as the mother who was abused. She loved sharing the big screen with her son. Other actors are Tommy Ford, Sysesha Mercado and Detroit’s own Loretta Mormon of Christian Tabernacle Church in Southfield.

The great deceiver

By Derek Smith

New Grace Missionary Baptist Church recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Pictured (from left) are O’ Neil D. Swanson Sr., president and CEO, Swanson And what are man’s Funeral Homes, Inc.; the Rev. Loyce D. Lester, pastor and honoree; and Linda costs for such faulty judg- Swanson, executive vice president, Swanson Funeral Homes, Inc.

“And cast him into the bottomless pit…that he should deceive the nations no more….” — Revelation 20:3.

What’s the difference between a physically blind person and one who’s spiritually blind?

The physically blind recognize their malady and seek whatever help available, while the spiritually blind live so far under Satan’s spell that they deny the very existence of a Savior who can heal.

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:3.

Because political correctness is now the filter through which every Christian doctrine is judged, those whom God has called to the forefront in the battle between good and evil are too often found sacrificing God’s truth for the illusion of religious harmony with folks who don’t believe in God in the first place. When it comes to mankind’s eternal salvation, his pursuit of harmony without godly truth provides the perfect platform for Satan.

“Ye shall not surely die.

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” — Genesis 3:45.

And how has Satan continued to so thoroughly deceive that folk don’t even know they’re being duped? By planting the same time tested suggestion that caused Eve to believe her individuality could supplant God’s sovereignty.

“Again there was a day when…Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.”

— Job 2:1.

If you look carefully, you’ll notice that the devil doesn’t even take his own advice. Though he works overtime to convince man that God’s authority is null and void, Satan has enough sense to acknowledge God’s authority for himself.

Sadly, God’s glory is not manifest throughout all of mankind. Many “enlightened” folk believe they have evolved beyond the need to worship Jesus Christ as Lord.

“Be sober, be vigilant; Because your adver-

Thirty-year celebration

form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.

From such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. —

Derek Smith sary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8.

Satan’s modes operandi is to trick man into focusing on the one bad thing God denies, instead of the many good things that He permits. Remember, Eve made her decision to turn from God based on the lone tree from which she couldn’t eat, never considering the many trees from which she could.

Focusing on that which God prevents for our protection prompts those particularly susceptible to Satan’s tricks to nullify God’s word in favor of their own pride and fleshly desires.

All they need is that suggestive little push from Satan, whose destructive efforts result in man’s mass confusion, his unnecessary suffering, and most importantly, his separation from God. “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” — 1 Corinthians 7:2.

Take sexual relations for instance. God sanctions this activity only within the confines of marriage.

Satan, however, deceives many into believing that sex can be had at any age by whomever, whenever, wherever, and with how many one chooses. Satan tricks man into aborting the beneficial guidance of a righteous God, and then abandons him to deal with the costly results of listening to his own flesh.

“This also know, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous…proud…unholy… without natural affection…despisers of those that are good…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a

ment? The erosion of the marriage sacrament and a godly family structure, an increase in babies born to incapable parents, a growing indifference towards promiscuity and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as wanton greed, increased violence, and rebellion against all forms of authority. Not a bad day’s work if one’s intent is to bring about the downfall of mankind.

When one opines that, “There are many paths to heaven” (“I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me” — John 14:6); that, “I don’t need Jesus as long as I’m a good person” (“…all our righteousness are as filthy rags…” — Isaiah 64:6); or that, “I’m spiritual but not religious” (“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is....”

— Hebrews 10:25; “For it is written, ‘As I live’, saith the Lord, ‘every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’” — Romans 14:11), you can rest assured that theirs is a soul so deceived by Satan that they fail to realize that by denying the power of God they form an unwitting allegiance with the devil who, by the way, is also, “spiritual, but not religious.”

Inaugural PaczKi Run Burn some calories before Fat Tuesday by participating in the inaugural PaczKi Run in Hamtramck on Saturday, Feb. 9. The 5K run begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Holbrook & Joseph Campau St. Each person finishing the race receives a paczek and a beer. The PaczKi Run is presented by Tour de Troit in partnership with the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority.

Vaughn is an awardwinning entrepreneur and co-author of the book

“Inspired Style.” This sought-after speaker is the founder and and CEO of Jackets for Jobs, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides employment etiquette, career building skills training and profes-

All proceeds will benefit Hamtramck’s Non-Motorized Plan.

The PaczKi Run will feature prizes awarded to the top male and female overall and top finisher in each of the seven age categories. Walkers and people with strollers and leashed dogs are encouraged to participate. Times will be available post-race at www.RunMichigan. com.

'&#36"3:

19801 Cherrylawn Detroit, Michigan 48221 (313) 341-8877 Fax (313) 341-0112 www.oakgroveame.org

Guest Preacher

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” — Deuteronomy 30:19.

Dr. Robert Brumfield, Pastor

S

ubscribe and receive one full year of the Michigan Chronicle to your home or office

God has given us the freedom to choose our individual destiny, and it’s certainly one’s right to decide whether to believe in the existence or non-existence of God. But when it comes to an eternal destiny that you will eventually have to confront, isn’t it wiser to be a faithful follower of Jesus and later discover it wasn’t necessary, than to shun the Lord only to learn that your pride, rebellion and disobedience have earned you an eternal place in hell?

www.michronicle.com VOLUME 74 – Number 26

March 9-15, 2011

479 Ledyard • Detroit MI 48201

edunomics: Read Less,

WHAT’S INSIDE sampson appointed (A-8) Mariners Inn recently announced the promotion of David Sampson to the position of chief executive officer. He has been with Mariners Inn since 2002 and held several positions.

Pay More

mubarak played religion card (A-2) Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak portrayed himself as a paradigm of stability in a country he once described as a “powder keg” of sectarian unrest. Yet far from promoting stability, his regime may have actually been the source of much of the religious strife.

Home repair Program (B-1): Rebuilding Together Detroit (RTD) is seeking applications from low-income homeowners in Southwest Detroit who are in need of minor home repair assistance.

Academic excellence honored (c-1): The Final Five Elite High School Football Players were recently lauded for their Athletic and Scholastic Excellence at the 20th Annual Franklin D. Watkins Awards held at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles.

new tax credits (c-6): A new 25 percent state Small Business Investment Tax Credit, designed to encourage investments in start-up and early-stage Michigan technology companies, is aiming to help Michigan entrepreneurs secure capital and reduce risks associated with a new business or novel technology.

The motortown Revue (d-1): The Motortown Revue, the legendary shows that toured the nation by bus for almost the entirety of the ’60s, is recalled by someone who never missed a revue and, like so many other Motown fans, cherishes the memory.

Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

The current state of the Detroit Public Schools is a mockery of Brown v Board of Education and it exposes the deep inequities in education.

Just because your child is not enrolled in the Detroit Public Schools does not mean you shouldn’t be concerned about the fate of the district before it heads toward implosion.

COMMENTARY

like Detroit where a national reading report card places the city at number 56 out of the 75 largest metropolitan cities in the U.S. surveyed. That means literacy is shamefully low in the city and we are doing little or nothing to change the deplorable situation.

The latest study conducted by Central Connecticut State University, according to Data Driven Detroit, ranks the “culture and resources for reading” and it examines not wheth-

Your ability to get the Bankole Thompson best education for your child should not be based on geography, income or ethnicity but, rather, on the simple principle that every child regardless of their background should have an empowering education that equips them for a brighter future. Each child should have access to a meaningful education that would not leave them trailing behind in the dust children in Japan, India, China and other countries move ahead.

But that is not the case in places

er people can read, but whether they actually do read.

313.963.5522

$1.00

Coming Soon White House XChange

Our readers take center stage on national issues Following his series of sit-down interviews with President Obama, and his successful 2010 interview-based book “Obama and Black Loyalty Vol. 1,” editor Bankole Thompson is upping the ante with the start of a new special report “White House XChange” March 30. The report will deal with issues tied to Detroit and Michigan that the Obama administration is tackling. It will introduce readers to issues raised in White House media conference calls. The report will invite our readers to weigh in on the debate about what the Obama administration is doing by having their opinions and views reflected in the report.

Detroit’s 56th place in the 2010 study is the same spot it occupied in a similar report in 2005. The highest rank the city got was 50th in 2007.

Washington, D.C., was rated the most well-read city in the nation and following that were Seattle, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, St. Paul, Denver, Portland, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Boston.

Its is also noteworthy that these cities are among the most admired places in the nation and they have, in fact, become meccas for those seeking greener pastures. When young people are making the exodus from the state, more than likely they are moving to one of the cities mentioned in this report.

Yes! I want to receive the Michigan Chronicle for 52 weeks Check if Renewal – Renewal Acct. #____________ for only $50.00

These cities are not only a paragon of a reading culture, they also offer other incentives that we are not offering in this city.

There is no possible way we can bank on attracting young families to the city if basic amenities like recreational centers are not available on a full scale.

When the educational system does not have the public confidence

See edunomics page A-4

Jim Murray

Accelerating the speed of business growth

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AT&T commits $19 billion to support area business growth

By C.L. Price

Derek Smith is a Christian freelance columnist and author. He may be reached at divine.connection@yahoo.com.

Area businesses sloshing through Michigan’s sluggish economic recovery will soon receive much-needed infrastructure support, thanks to global communications leader AT&T’s network improvement plans announced last week.

The improvements — to expand backhaul, enable 4G speeds, increase mobile broadband capacity and upgrade hundreds of cell sites — are predicted to accelerate the pace of area business growth.

Why invest now?

Gov. Snyder keynotes Pancakes & Politics Gov. Rick Snyder kicked off the Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics season at the Detroit Athletic Club on March 3 with a candid conversation built around reinventing Michigan. At left, Snyder chats with Curtis Ivery, Wayne County Community College Chancellor, Betty Brooks, community leader, and Shaun Wilson, Vice President, Director of Client and Community Relations, PNC Bank, and Ric DeVore, Regional President, PNC Bank. See page C-7 for photo highlights.

Daylight Saving BEGINS on

3UNDAY -ARCH¬ ¬¬

Set your clocks &/27!2$ one hour

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See AT&T page A-4

Curtis Ivery

Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is the largest urban community college in Michigan, with record enrollment numbers for the spring 2011 semester.

Nearly 32,000 students registered for credit classes at all five of the District locations and online. Additionally, the District expects more than 40,000 non-credit students to register as well for a total of nearly 72,000 served in all programs.

WCCCD, the multi-campus district serving 32 communities in Southeast Michigan, has seen exponential growth as degree and certificate programs have been expanded, infrastructure improved, and

investments in students, services and technologies increased.

“In this economy, post secondary education and training is the ticket to competing in today’s changing workforce.

Access to higher education-especially community colleges--is critical,” said Dr. Curtis Ivery, chancellor. “WCCCD is an integral economic and social catalyst to the health and welfare of this region and state.”

A recent economic impact study reported that WCCCD’s students generate more than $122 million in taxable income annually to the region and state. Every dollar that is invested in WCCCD returns

$22.80 in benefits to all Michigan residents.

Having been recognized as one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation and the largest urban community college in Michigan, WCCCD was forced to cap enrollment during the spring 2010 semester. This year, under the direction of Dr. Ivery, WCCCD lifted the enrollment cap to make certain that no student was turned away in spite of WCCCD’s funding challenges.

WCCCD gives students the opportunity to train in emerging technology and high demand fields, allowing them to become competent professionals helping to position the

state for vibrant growth and a strong economic future.

Community colleges across the nation face difficult decisions in a climate of limited resources. The commitment of WCCCD in assuring that the doors to educational opportunities remain open is a direct result of the determination of faculty, staff and administrators.

“Our students and all those we serve need us to work as hard as we can for them. If we can’t be the difference between success and a future of limited options, we are not living up to the mission and vision of this institution,” said Dr. Ivery.

MeMories of the service fade over tiMe, but special MoMents with your loved one are captured forever on dvd.

A memorial service is a day to reminisce and celebrate a life lived.

But sharing those memories doesn’t

Juanita Parnell is the chairperson of the 83rd annual African American History Program, assisted by co-chairs Zelma M. Hughes and Mattie Jones Johnson.

have to end at the service. With a DVD tribute you can share your lifelong memories at the service and keep them close to your heart forever.

Joyce Law serves as president of the Elliottorian Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

February is National American Heart Month

“We feel very confident about Detroit’s economic recovery,” stated Jim Murray, president of AT&T Michigan.

“As a consequence, we’re committed to making sizeable investments in this

WCCCD is largest urban community college, with record enrollment numbers

sional clothes to people with low-incomes. Since opening its doors in 2000, the organization has assisted more than 14,000 people with employment.

The organization has been supported and applauded by ABC’s “The View,” NBC’s “Today” and Oprah Winfrey’s O magazine.

Jackets for Jobs is proud to have a partnership with and be the charitable arm to TJ Maxx.

Allison Vaughn

will receive a T-shirt, and colors will correspond with Paczki flavors: blueberry, apricot, strawberry or chocolate.

OAK GROVE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

© adfinity

There will be entertainment by violinist Aleah Stallings, and the choral group from St. John’s Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Damon DeBose.

Advance packet pickup is available Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Talmer Bank, 9252 Joseph Campau St. Day-of packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. onsite.

Race-day registration is $35 (cash only). Runners

“We’re extremely pleased with the response so far, nearly 800 people have registered,” said Vit-

Jackets for Jobs founder Allison Vaughn to speak at 83rd annual African American History Program The Elliottorian Business and Professional Women’s Clubs will present its 83rd annual African American History Program on Suday, Feb. 24, at the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, 111 E. Kirby at John R. Starting time is 3 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Allison Vaughn, author, entrepreneur and activist.

The program is free and open to the public. Adults and youth are encouraged to attend.

toria Katanski, co-director of Tour de Troit. “It will be a great way for people to experience Hamtramck.

We’ve worked closely with the local business community to create incentives for the runners to so they stick around afterwards to enjoy the rest of the day.”

Two Locations to Service You: Stinson Chapel 16540 Meyers (313) 863-7300 Stinson-Diggs Chapel 1939 S. Fort St. (313) 386-8200 www.stinsonfuneralhomes.com

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013

Page B-8

Do you have a road map for your financial future?

By Teleese Nobles and Kenya Wells State FarmÂŽ agents

Many of our dreams are dependent upon the choices we make throughout our lives. That’s why planning carefully and making smart choices will help ensure you realize your financial dreams and goals.

Are you saving for a child’s college education or a new house? Dreaming about starting a new business or hoping to retire by age 55?

Whatever your financial goals and dreams may be, you need a road map — an action plan — to help reach your destination.

If you have a road map outlining how you’ll achieve your financial goals, how long has it been since you reviewed it? As your family circumstances and finances change, the plans you have in place may need

Kenya Wells

to be adjusted — to make sure you’re still headed in the right direction.

If you don’t have an action plan in place, you may be asking yourself, “Where do I start?�

Consider enlisting the help of your insurance agent or a qualified financial services specialist.

Today, several companies offer personalized servic-

Teleese Nobles es designed to help you come up with practical solutions for achieving your financial goals.

State of Insurance.

The important thing is to get started today. The sooner you clarify and prioritize your goals and create a road map for how you’ll get there, the greater success you’ll have at achieving what’s most important to you.

When it comes to health care, remember: ‘There is no place like home’

By Tom Watkins

If you ask anyone where they would want to be, it would be at home. Yet for far too many citizens of our state and nation, if you were born with a disability, have been in a serious accident, are growing old and need support, or are a disabled war vet, you might not be able to afford long-term care. Instead, the only options might be an expensive institution or a hospital or nursing facility far from the comforts of home.

There was a time in Michigan when if you were born with an intellectual or developmental disability, you were likely to be institutionalized for the rest of your life. Not only was this a life sentence, your freedom to live among family and friends, attend a neighborhood school or make decisions for yourself — with trusted assistance when needed — were rights that were stripped from you. It was a costly policy from both the human development and tax expenditure standpoint. The cost of “care� in a state institution and nursing facility far outstripped the life of opportunity that came from being able to participate in one’s community.

Today, Michigan directs 80% of its Medicaid Long Term Care funding to nursing homes and institutional care; just 20% to home and communitybased services primarily for seniors. Far too much veteran care is tied up in medical centers, not community-based care providing better outcomes at less cost to taxpayers.

It does not have to be so.

With community support, most if not all seniors, veterans with disabilities or people with developmental disabilities can remain in their own homes and communities.

Demographics, Destiny • 13% of the US population is age 65 or over; twothirds of these individuals have one or more chronic diseases requiring supportive care. • Every 68 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia in the US. It is the sixth leading cause of death in our country. • Health care needs of seniors and our returning — and aging — veterans is skyrocketing. • The average per-day cost of nursing home care is $172; the average cost of supporting seniors at home is $52.

Eligibility, access to and enrollment in publicly funded programs continues to be a challenge nationwide. People can be deemed ineligible for publicly-funded support when community support is in place. Often, family caregivers are still working and find themselves in a bind and unable to provide enough of the care and end up having to place their loved one in a nursing facility. The Accountable Care Act — aka

“ObamaCare� — w i l l demand greater efficiencies and outcomes in health c a r e .

Home and commuTom Watkins nity-based care is better for the individual and less costly to taxpayers.

Michigan Leads the Way Michigan has been a leader in the provision of high quality, communitybased care for persons with developmental disabilities. In fact, we are the largest state to close all of our state institutions for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This public policy — cutting across Republican and Democratic administrations — has proven to be less costly and, from a human perspective, far better.

There is much more we can and should be doing.

Michigan has a way to go in supporting home and community-based care, especially for senior citizens. With 80% of Michigan’s Medicaid long-term care dollars going to institutional care, there is room for vast improvement.

Contrast Michigan’s long-term care expenditures with Oregon and Washington where they invest more than half of their funding in home and community-based care, enabling them to serve more people while containing costs. Gov. Snyder and his new community health director, James Haveman, are working hard to improve in this area. Moving to a home and community-based service model is morally right and fiscally sound.

The lives of individuals able to remain in their communities and with their families have been enriched at less cost to taxpayers, a win-win for all.

Stop, Look and Listen I am proud to be part of a team that is presenting a half-hour documentary exploring the issues around “Support At Home.� This TV documentary is supported by Community Living Services, Inc. (CLS; www.comlivserv.com), a non-profit organization that provides home and community-based support and services to senior citizens, veterans, and people with developmental, physical and intellectual disabilities.

The CLS management team — led by its Board of Directors and President/CEO James Dehem — could never do this important work without the support of its multiple funders.

CLS works in collaboration with Futures HealthCore and developed “Support At Home� with a twofold goal:

• Provide the public with an educational overview of home and communitybased services to help them plan for — and keep — their loved ones’ home, and‌ • Demonstrate that home support is a more desirable and less costly alternative services model.

The video documentary “Support At Home� focuses on three segments of the population with chronic health conditions requiring long-term care:

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• Persons with disabilities • Seniors • Veterans with disabilities The needs of each of these populations are very similar and the numbers of individuals needing care is growing. You will hear an elderly couple, a war veteran and a person with developmental disabilities discuss how their lives have been enriched by being engaged in their communities and living at home.

Policymakers appearing in the documentary include U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Gov. Rick Snyder, State Community Health Director James Haveman, and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “At CLS we are assisting people to maintain authority over their own lives,� said Dehem. “As an organization we have concluded that people should not have to give up their freedom and life because they happen to need support to stay in their own homes. Our job is to build the supports it takes to make this happen for everyone.�

This TV documentary will address the common desire of most people to remain living in their own homes and communities when a disability or health change requires ongoing support. “Support At Home� provides solutions for making staying at home possible.

Download and watch “Support At Home� today to learn from policymakers and people living with long-term care conditions and hear how they experience full and enriched lives using support provided by community organizations that work together with families to support individuals in their homes. You will learn that there truly is “no place like home.�

John Cash 19203 Grand River Ave Detroit, MI 48223 Bus: 313-537-1200

John Little 23221 Plymouth Rd Detroit, MI 48239 Bus: 313-535-1100

Teleese O Nobles 19145 Beech Daly Rd. Redford, MI 48240 Bus: 313-948-3900

Kenya Wells ( -HÇĽHUVRQ Detroit, MI 48215 Bus: 313-822-KW4U

Jackie Davis 6069 Rawsonville Rd Belleville, MI 48111 Bus: 734-480-7348

Patricia Ouellette 3564 W Vernor Hwy Detroit, MI 48216 Bus: 313-554-1500

Ivy Fields-Releford 2925 Walton Blvd Rochester Hills, MI 48309 Bus: 248-375-0510

Eugene Hawkins II 577 E. Walton Blvd Pontiac, MI 48340 Bus: 248-377-1776

Daryl L Gilliam 29500 Telegraph Road 6RXWKĂ€HOG 0, Bus: 248-213-0091

Dwight E V Jones 29706 Grand River Ave Farmington Hills, MI 48336 Bus: 248-476-0030

Angela Hughes 14511 W McNichols Road Detroit, MI 48235 Bus: 313-862-7800

Angie Mapp 417 E 4th St Royal Oak, MI 48067 Bus: 248-398-2222

Colleen Ann Kerner Beverly Lochard Glenda McGuire Ins Agcy Inc 5005 E 14 Mile Rd, Ste 100 18601 15 Mile Rd. Glenda McGuire Sterling Heights, MI 48310 Clinton Township, MI 48035 26600 Gratiot Ave. Bus: 586-979-3600 Bus: 586-296-1616 Roseville, MI 48066 Bus: 586-771-4050

9HURQLFD 5 0XUÇĽ 24360 Novi Rd Novi, MI 48375 Bus: 248-380-6446

Vev Tripp Ins and Fin Svcs Inc Vev Tripp 24530 Gratiot Ave Eastpointe, MI 48021 Bus: 586-772-7474

A free copy of the “Support At Home� DVD can be downloaded at www.comlivserv.com. We encourage the wide distribution of this educational documentary that impacts all of our families.

Tom Watkins served the citizens of Michigan as state mental health director and state superintendent of schools and is the executive producer of “Support At Home.� He can be reached at:tdwatkins88@gmail.com

(ULF ' +XÇĽPDQ ,QV $JF\ ,QF C Knight Insurance Agcy Inc (ULF ' +XÇĽPDQ Charlotte Knight 3031 W. Grand Blvd.

7100 W Seven Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48202 Detroit, MI 48221 Bus: 313-875-3172 Bus: 313-340-9000

Shirley Redrick ChFC CLU CPCU Lisa L Rich 2140 Washtenaw Rd 4319 Metropolitan Pkwy Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Sterling Heights, MI 48310 Bus: 734-482-6570 Bus: 586-979-9700

Tony Massey 15 E Kirby St Detroit, MI 48202 Bus: 313-873-3334

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 1101259.1 Bloomington, IL

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section C

Michigan Chronicle introduces new business section

By Hiram E. Jackson CHRONICLE PUBLISHER

No one makes it on their own.

And the many great leaders, who walked the halls of the Michigan Chronicle before me, left a lasting mark on this organization and the community we serve. I am honored to have the opportunity to add to the legacy of this great institution.

Black businesses benefit from

Energy efficiency movement

By Zack Burgess CHRONICLE EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Life is a succession of fortunate circumstances. And when former Governor Jennifer Granholm issued an executive order, just before the 2006 campaign, calling for the creation of a “21st Century Energy Plan for Michigan” — the mission being to find alternative energy sources and greater energy efficiency — Louis E. James knew he had to get involved.

The Chronicle has always been known for its support of positive social change.

As a result, we have become smarter, wiser and better for it. I have learned that individuals with great ideas Hiram E. Jackson can often accomplish what government or large organizations cannot.

He knew there was an entire community of people he could give back to, people just like him.

That is why I decided that it was time for us to have a section dedicated to business. A section focused on the key innovation that underlies much of the gains that have been made by the African American business community in Detroit and the many companies that have partnered with them in order to make our city great again.

“Initially, the key for me was diversifying outside of the automobile industry,” said James. “I knew that energy efficiency would be a reality. And while there are people who look at solar, and they look at turbine and all the other things, energy efficiency is the greatest economic development tool and affordable for solving certain problems. I was moved by what we are trying to do as a country right now, and that’s conserve energy.”

It’s important that we recognize the role played by entrepreneurs in advancing positive social changes. I don’t mean businesspeople solving social ills, but people spreading new approaches — through nonprofits and businesses, or within government — to address problems more successfully than in the past.

I know that at times, it can be hard to believe that progress is happening, but it is. Unfortunately, most of our news focuses on problems, not creative responses to them.

One of the most interesting stories in the business community in Detroit today is how much creative problem solving is being done by citizens who are taking it upon themselves to fix things and who, in many cases, are outperforming traditional organizations or making systems work better.

Is this something new? No.

February 6-12, 2013

As the markets changed and after years of running several businesses, James knew that he too had to change.

In the end, electricity and gas is something people were going to always need.

Consequently, in 2009 James founded a company, Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL). By June, he had landed a huge customer, DTE Energy.

Together they would make wonderful music, as they worked to implement DTE Energy’s efficiency program for electric and natural gas customers in multi-family and commercial properties — an ambitious but doable pilot program.

Ask anyone who knows James and they will tell you he is a man who has built a career on an ability to be a inscrutable, smart and witty, a gentleman who will always grace you with a smile.

“It’s not only an education piece to what we do, it’s also a job creator,” said James. “The biggest thing that happened with SEEL was that it created over 125 jobs in the community. We used community leaders and churches and made them aware of how important energy efficiency is and how simple it is. It has been very rewarding for us who live in the community and work in the community. We have people working for us from 19 to 69. I like to say we have turned people from blue collar to green collar.”

And while DTE Energy had been involved with minority-based programs for 31 years now, receiving many awards for its minority supplier development efforts along the way, they felt the need to continue to improve minority procurement efforts and get minorities even more involved on the supply chain side of their business.

There have always been people who built organizations that demonstrated new possibilities and sparked change. In business, they were given the name “entrepreneurs.” As their role came to be understood, societies instituted a wide array of supports to help them.

Louis E. James The proof was in the numbers. Not only did African Americans make up 82.7 percent of the city’s population, but they had been awarded minority owned contracts well over $114,000,000, another $106,000,000 to women, which accounted for well over $220,000,000. It made sense for DTE Energy to get even more involved with the African American business community.

The multi-family program and pilots grew to the landing of the Neighborhood Energy Savings Outreach (NESO) and the goal was to target customer areas that were in need of being educated about the need for using lower energy and how it could save them money. The reality is this: the African American community was in desperate need of being taught the value of how to save energy, because low and middle income households were getting hit hard.

Furthermore, through the prism of the Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative that was started by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in 2011, DTE Energy has spent more than $1.4 billion with Michigan-based suppliers like SEEL, who have also benefited by the program’s support in gaining access to new capital, its business to business services and assistance in leveraging

new procurement opportunities.

“It has been a tremendously rewarding experience working with DTE,” said James. “The key is that they have been extremely supportive, every step of the way. And we have performed every step of the way. We were given an opportunity and we have performed at the highest level and they have rewarded us for that.

It has been a great marriage between the two companies.”

After seeing the figures, there were households where sometimes half their monthly income was going to utility bills. Therefore, SEEL concentrated on community outreach and the need for highly trained installation crews, who would interact on a regular basis with people throughout the community.

Thus, James hired and trained over 100 full-time staff to conduct audits and installation, which was required by DTE Energy.

“SEEL has shown an entrepreneurial spirit and call to action that has propelled them towards important business awards,” said Tony Tomczak, DTE Energy’s director of Supply Chain Management. “SEEL has exemplified what DTE is looking for when new business development is needed. I would like to

See energy efficiency Page C-4

We will do our best to identify leaders in our communities whose main mission is to employ and help Detroiters, not only get back to work, but find careers vs. jobs.

What I want to do is give young African Americans a view of what can be done if they come up with a plan and work that plan to live their dreams.And while a degree certainly provides graduates with an edge in the job market, unemployment statistics have repeatedly shown that one’s race plays a role in securing employment.

Fortunately, we seem to be doing something about it. A recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed that Black self-employment has been on the rise. The number of self-employed Blacks grew by 5.7 percent from 2007 through 2009, in contrast to the 3.4 decrease experienced by self-employed Whites.

It is our job to show our readers that it can be done. I like to believe that African Americans are a group of people who embody the American promise of success driven by will and resolve.

Furthermore, it’s important that we remain transparent as a business community. Our goal is to help people change habits that can hopefully motivate them to pursue greater opportunities.

In the end, strategic decisions matter. By turning our attention to habits — those decisions that have profound impact — we know we can change people’s lives.

Keeping Connected AT&T $14 billion investment expected to yield big dividends in urban areas

By Jackie Berg Once rejected, now connected, Detroit is making a unique footprint on defining urban culture. With the announcement of the M-1 rail system, the city of Detroit is not only on the edge of becoming the business address of 25,000 new downtown residents, 200 new storefront businesses along Woodward Avenue and 20,000 new workers, but of developing the kind of street life that demands sister cities take notice.

Detroit

needs the kind of instant access that the upgrades will bring.

Greg Clark, AT&T regional vice president. serve growing customer demand for highspeed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud services could not be better timed.

A shadow city no more, Detroit’s reemergence demands Detroit needs the kind of instant access immediate 21st century technology up- that the upgrades will bring. grades in order to keep pace with devel“We’re only scratching the surface of opment needs. what we can do,” said Greg Clark, AT&T reAT&T’s announcement of its $14 bil- gional vice president. “We plan to wire up to lion investment nationwide to signifi- one million new locations, including many cantly expand and enhance its wireless of Detroit’s new small business locations and wireline IP broadband networks to with the kind of fiber optics the market-

place demands.”

With 11 planned stops along Woodward corridor, M-1 commuters will have the opportunity to experience an eclectic array of new shops and restaurants and still arrive to work on time.

And AT&T’s technology infrastructure investments will make it easier to keep everyone connected along the way, according to Clark, who is helping lead conversations

See connected Page C-4

business

February 6-12, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page C-2

“You should be reproducing yourself in someone else,” he said. “Mentorship is the epitome of who I am.”

Who’s Who In Black Detroit

Michael Burton

TERRENCE WILLIS (left) and Dwayne Carson, IC Datacom owners.

Black-owned IC Datacom receives $50,000 loan from First Step Fund Amber L. Bogins Let it be known that there is opportunity for the entrepreneurial spirit in Detroit. Black-owned IT firm IC Datacom recently secured a $50,000 small business loan from the First Step Fund. IC Datacom, which houses its office inside of Tech Town, Wayne State University’s business accelerator, is a full service IT company that markets and distributes leading edge technology, software, hardware and services throughout the United States and the world for K-12 schools, non-profit organizations, small businesses and other entities.

Owners Dwayne Carson and Terrence Willis have been operating out of Tech Town since 2005, making them one of the first companies to call Tech Town home.

IC Datacom has had many opportunities operating out of Tech Town. It acquired Tech Town as a client as well as the neighboring Next Energy Corporation and various other companies within the Tech Town facility. In addition to networking possibilities, Tech Town disseminates key information for small businesses through multiple programs. It is through these programs that Carson and Willis heard about the First Step Fund. It is an early stage invest-

ment fund in partnership with the Invest Detroit Foundation, Tech Town, Bizdom, Ann Arbor SPARK and Automation Alley.

It services emerging and newly-formed high growth businesses in Southeast Michigan, giving preference to women and minority business owners. Carson can attest to First Step Fund and Invest Detroit’s willingness to help minority entrepreneurs as this is the second loan that IC Datacom has been awarded.

Carson said that IC Datacom plans to use the money to take advantage of the new technology on the market to provide better services to their clients as well as expand their staff.

“The best part about being an entrepreneur is providing services to others and developing talent. The hard part is managing the day-to-day responsibilities. It’s the gift and curse of being an entrepreneur.”

Burton Shepherds Global Design for Buick Interiors

By Drew Philp Michael Burton learned the alphabet by repeating the letters stamped on the back of the automobiles he saw driving down street in his native Lansing, Michigan.

“B-U-I-C-K” “F-O-R-D”

company. After school he was hired at Ford and worked for two and a half years before he was laid off due to restructuring.

Sensing a need for change, he then moved to Tulsa, Oaklahoma, where he “busted some suds,” went to Bible college and became an ordained minister And then a friend called.

“Where have you been,” he asked.

“Everyone has been wondering where you are.”

“O-L-D-S-M-O-B-I-L-E” “C-H-E-V-R-O-L-E-T” Both his parents worked bluecollar jobs at Oldsmobile, his father in the forge. Michael Burton was born, raised and bleeds cars, but he wanted to be in art.

At age 10, he won an art competition and an interest was peaked.

“I won a G.I. Joe doll,” he said.

“One of the good ones, the big ones, not those puny little things they have now.”

At 13, he wrote to the Human Resources department at General Motors with some sketches. To his surprise, they wrote back. They liked his sketches and suggested classes, things to read, and a course of study that might one day get him a job at General Motors.

While $50,000 is not the end all be all for the IC Datacom and its operations, it will go a long way to helping the company grow as a leading IT firm, capable of not only delivery exceptional service and products to its clientele, but also stimulating the economy with job creation.

He still has the letter. It sits in his office at GM where he is the global director of interior design for Buick, worldwide.

For more information about IC Datacom, please visit http://icdatacom.com/ services.html.

That’s an understatement. In highschool Burton received a four-year scholarship to the Center for Creative Studies sponsored by Ford Motor

“Artistic talent and passion for cars make me very focused,” he said.

Burton was soon back on a plane to Detroit and after interviewing with all of the Big Three, he took a job with Chrysler, becoming their first African American designer.

He moved to General Motors in 1999 and has been with them ever since. He has served as a lead exterior designer for the Cadillac SRX and SST, and other Cadillac vehicles and as a design manager for GM’s prestige and performance platforms as well as director of Extended Range Electric Vehicle Interior Design.

“My God given gift is a sense of aesthetics,” he said.

But his passion? His reward? Mentorship.

“My greatest reward is from African American mothers who call me and ask, ‘Can you talk to him?’” he said.

“When we see ourselves it encourages us to inspire to another level.”

As a hometown success story, Michael Burton’s work reaches wide outside the design studio. As a minister, a musician and maybe most importantly a mentor, he is not only improving the look of automobiles, but improving today’s youth as well.

MEDC spurs Chugga’s Bakery expansion

By George Strand and Robin Kinnie

Demand for Bell’s monkey bread earned Chugga’s Bakery coveted shelf space at FoodRuth Bell’s story began when a retired land Stores, and a spot among the signature schoolteacher taught her how to bake as a baked goods served the Fort Shelby Doubletree Hotel and the Garden Inn in child. What started as a casual side business has grown into a Chugga’s Main Street downtown Detroit. full-time commitment to keep Eastern Market fans can find Bakery, LLC up with demand at Chugga’s Chugga’s Bakery items in Shed 5 4145 Haverhill Street Main Street Bakery, which she Detroit, MI 48224-3515 every Saturday. has owned and operated for Although she’s best known 313.974.8999 more than 10 years. for her monkey bread, Bell’s Customers line up early to most popular baked good items also include grab Chugga’s homemade rolls and jalepeno homemade rolls and jalapeno cheddar corn cheddar corn bread, but it’s the monkey bread bread. that brings them back again and again, accordATTRACTING INTEREST ing to Herman Wright, a longtime customer.

“Her monkey bread is like a little slice of heaven,” said Wright. “Even though my wife’s an excellent cook, she can’t throw down bread like Ruth Bell can.”

The market-tested entrepreneur landed a spot in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s commercial kitchen pilot program in 2012 and credits the program for her tremendous growth.

Chugga’s Main Street Bakery owner Ruth Bell (center) and family.

People On The Move

Elois Thomas

Khary K. Turner

Marsha Jackson

Rosland Edward

Sandra O. Kent

Jonathan Quarles

Elois Thomas was recently promoted to senior program manager at SEEL, LLC, Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics. In her new position, Thomas is responsible for providing executive level oversight of the company’s residential, multi-family and home energy consultation programs. As a senior program manager, she is also responsible for spearheading all pilot programs for the company. Thomas joined SEEL in 2011 as a program manager. Prior to joining SEEL, she worked for its parent company, Motor City International (MCI) for 11 years. There, she held several management positions, including controller and vice president of finance.

Khary K. Turner has been named the new executive director of the Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF).

In this capacity Turner will oversee all operations of the organization. She succeeds Dr. Claudette Y. Smith, who has retired after 11 years as executive director of the foundation. CAYF awards scholarships valued at $20,000 to deserving Detroit high school graduates with $5,000 awarded each year to help them attend either a four-year accredited Michigan college or university. To maintain their $20,000 scholarship over the four years, recipients must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and have regular contact with a mentor assigned to them through CAYF.

Marsha Jackson was recently named manager, Customer Outreach, at DTE Energy. In this new position Jackson will manage the company’s customer outreach initiatives that include company events, and outreach operations such as I Can Help, the Customer Assistance Days and other projects planned that support the company’s aspiration to be a force for growth and prosperity in the communities where we live and serve. She will also provide support to the DTE Energy Foundation as it relates to strategy, process and infrastructure.

Rosland Edward recently joined Real Times Media in Detroit. Edward, or “Roz,” is RTM’s director of national content and will be primarily responsible for developing and promoting the company’s online presence at all of its digital dailies around the country. Edward, a native Detroiter, comes to RTM from rollingout.com in Atlanta. She will oversee content for all RTM websites including content creation and thorough utilization of Search Engine Optimization techniques with an objective toward producing dynamic and compelling website content that is engaging and regularly delivers fresh content to online viewers.

Sandra O. Kent is the new national president of Carats Inc., founded in 1973.

The social organization is comprised of professional women of 15 states. The national president has the responsibility for maintaining policy, planning, and community relationships through the Board of Directors. Carats’ pledge is to be charming individuals who are dedicated to active involvement in their community organizations.

Carats are known to have grand social events and support a sisterhood of lasting and enduring friendships.

Jonathan Quarles recently accepted a new position as the director of business development and government affairs with Covisint, LLC. Quarles will be in charge of providing strategic advice and counsel to leverage business sales with government influence. In addition, he will advocate for and manage external relationships in the state, federal and international political, legislative and regulatory arenas.

Quarles was previously the public policy manager at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013 Page C-3

New $6 million housing development in Highland Park nears completion Amber L. Bogins Highland Park is currently undergoing its own Cinderella transformation. Benefitting from the Obama administration’s stimulus package, Highland Park is wrapping up construction on its Neighbor­ hood Stabilization Program II. The $6 million hous­ ing development project is a partnership between the City of Highland Park, MSHDA and HUD. Bank Trivium Partner signed on as the developers for the community rebuilding project.

The housing development project has a multifold approach to rebuilding Highland Park. NSP II has helped to employ people in that city and the surround­ ing area, remove blight, build new construction and rehab homes. ”We are improv­ ing a whole city block instead of new house here and a burnt house next door,” said Paul Hubbard of Triv­ ium Partners.

The NSP II project includes 25 homes locat­ ed on Midland between Second and Woodward Ave. The homes come in two styles, each with 1,500 square feet, and include a detached garage, full basement, complete appliances, air conditioning, granite kitchen counter tops, Five Star energy rating and many more features.

The project is working closely with First Indepen­ dence Bank to keep these homes affordable. They were built for $220,000 yet are on the market for just under $50,000, making these homes not only beauti­ ful but affordable for low to middle income families.

There are already six new homeowners residing in the newly constructed homes.

From the onset, it has been clearly emphasized that the Neighborhood Stabilization Program is not a low-income program. It is designed for working class families, for homeowners who can contribute to Highland Park’s economy, take pride in and main­ tain the beautiful properties and revitalize the city. It will stand as a testament of the fruits of cooperation, planning and dedication.

“Development projects can be done in these times, in an urban community,” said Highland Park Mayor DeAndre Windham. “People are excited. There hasn’t been a ground up-home built in about 10-20 years.

People were skeptical, but they saw quality homes being built and they’re impressed,” Indeed, it is exciting and inspiring to see this magnitude of cooperation in the Metro Detroit area.

Highland Park’s future will continue to brighten as long as programs such as the Neighborhood Stabili­ zation Program II are on the table, are being executed and citizens are interested and will be able to benefit from them. If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing one of the beautiful homes, call the Highland Park City Hall or go online to http://www. highlandparkcity.us/images/NSPHP.pdf.

TONY STOVALL (left), Beverly Smith, Roy Roberts and Alan Young.

A night with Roy Roberts and the Black Chamber of Commerce

By Zack Burgess

CHRONICLE EDITOR AT LARGE

Apparently, when Gov. Rick Snyder appointed Roy Roberts under Public Act 4, the state law that allows the governor to appoint emergency managers with nearly unlimited power to run struggling cities and school districts, he knew what he was doing.

Roberts came before the Black Chamber of Commerce last month at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to not only show his support for the cham­ ber and their efforts to advocate for Black business, but also to further explain his passion for the job he has before him — saving the Detroit Public Schools.

It was obvious from the passion in his voice that Roberts desper­ ately wants to save the children for whom he fights for every day.

It started with a phone call while at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Retirement had set in and Roberts was enjoying his wife and family.

“The governor called me and said if I can’t revive Detroit, then I can’t reinvent Michigan,” Roberts said.

“He said the single biggest prob­ lem I have in Detroit is the Detroit public school system. The kids are not being educated. He said I need your help. I went home and talked to my wife. a nurse and educator.

It was not a long conversation. She said if we can help, we should help.

We shut down the home in Scotts­ dale, came back home here and I got involved.”

Change is never easy, so when Roberts, who is a former General Motors executive, came in and started to use many of experience to change a culture, there was an enormous amount of discomfort.

So far during his tenure, Rob­ erts has implemented a “zero base” budgeting system for DPS that re­ quires every expense to be justi­ fied. He managed to lower the DPS deficit to around $83 million from a peak of nearly $327 million under Robert C. Bobb.

“When I came on board there were 37 people reporting to me, most of them contractors. I got all of the contractors out of here. I can­ celled every contract that we had in the Detroit Public Schools. Not because the contractors were bad, but because the contracts were er­ roneously written,” Roberts said.

“I redid them and saved 44 million dollars. That’s using a little busi­ ness strategy to get the job done.”

Roberts also consolidated every­ one into one building, spent $1.7 million to upgrade all of the facili­ ties and therefore saved 2.2 million dollars in perpetuity.

“That’s called business,” he

said.

Chamber members were not only there to hear Roberts talk about his DPS accomplishments, but to ask questions about potential opportu­ nities with DPS. And while no promises were made, Chamber President Tony Stovall, said he would do every­ thing he could to make sure that whoever came before Roberts did so in the right the manner, where it would not only benefit them, but more importantly, the nearly 66,000 kids who are attend Detroit Public Schools.

“It’s called relationships,” Stovall said. “I think we need to be a little more prudent before we start casting out all these opinions on someone we haven’t met. When I sat down and met with Mr. Rob­ erts (I knew) this was a gentleman we can trust.

“As a chamber we are here to ad­ vocate for Black businesses. We are here to help Black business owners do business in Detroit. We cannot give you a contract, but what we will do as your Black Chamber, we will advocate for Black business.

It’s necessary for Black business owners to gain access to main­ stream economics.”

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Connected

From page C-1

about the importance of incorporating social media, digital coupons and other media platforms into business development plans.

pared to meet consumer demands for ‘one touch’ transactions. Our Mobile Wallet, currently undergoing final market trials, will do just that.”

“Investments in the next generation of technology are critically important to Detroit, its residents and our local economy,” Rep. Thomas Stallworth (D-Detroit) said.

“As innovation changes the way we communicate, I am grateful that industry leaders like AT&T continue to bring the latest services and advances to the businesses and residents in our community. It is an important part of our efforts to bring Detroit back.”

Urban dwellers’ desire to off-load to home-based networks will be met by AT&T’s Digital Life ser- Detroit is not only on the vices which will edge of becoming the busiprovide nationwide IP-based ness address of 25,000 new home security downtown residents, but of and automa- developing the kind of street tion services designed to allow life that demands sister cities consumers to take notice. manage their homes from virtually any AT&T already has deals device — smartphone, with leading manufacturtablet or PC. ers including Ford, Nissan And for those resi- and BMW, according to a dents who commute by company spokesperson. car, connections will be Keeping pace with aceasier than ever, accord- celerated demand is a ing to Clark, who cites critical component of that more than half of new Detroit’s resurgence, and vehicles are expected to AT&T’s Detroit-based be wirelessly connected Michigan operation is by 2016. firmly rooted in the center “AT&T is positioned to of it all.

Thomas Stallworth

Urban centers are leading the charge for change, demanding instant access and improved speed and

capacity.

“Our lifestyles are driving dramatic change in the way we live, work and play,” said Clark. “Techsavvy customer wallets are quickly being replaced by the smart phone. Businesses need to be pre-

lead the industry as the company’s capabilities expand from vehicle diagnostics and real time traffic updates to consumerfacing applications that tie into retail wireless subscriber data plans,” said Clark.

Energy Efficiency From page C-1

Photo courtesy of Around the Way.

App interest grows New apps like Around the Way, which locates Blackowned businesses within a shopper’s vicinity, are quickly becoming the consumer marketing engine of choice among local minority-owned businesses.

While the app does not currently list all of the Black-owned businesses in Detroit, it is gaining new business registrations daily. (Owners, take note, there’s a spot on the app’s website where you can easily add your business.)

TECH TALK

With Black spending power expected to increase a whopping $1.1 trillion by 2015 and more African Americans tweeting and using other digital media, it’s becoming increasingly important to integrate new technologies into consumer attraction efforts.

There is much to like about this new app. Tell us know what you think at www.michignchronicle.com Editor’s Note: For more information about Around the Way, visit www.aroundthewayapp.com.

Back in

see more companies work new opportunities in the same way SEEL has.”

The results have been outstanding. To date the program has impacted more than 225,000 single family homes and apartment units. They have entered over 300 small businesses as well.

SEEL’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. In 2011, they were honored with the Andromeda Star of Energy Efficiency Award in Washington, D.C., as the largest community energy savings program in the country for its design and implementation of the most effective energy savings program that focuses on reaching lower and middle income neighborhoods.

There are also audit, weatherization and retro-fit programs, wholehome energy evaluation, heating CARLA WALKER-MILLER and cooling equip- is the president and CEO of ment replacement Walker-Miller Energy Servicand residential lighting programs es, LLC. — all there to benefit the African American community as well as others in need throughout the city, which James says makes him feel proud every day as he gets up to go to work — knowing that he is a vital part of giving back to Detroiters in need of a service.

James has not been the only minority business owner to benefit from a partnership, with DTE Energy, Carla Walker-Miller and her company, Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC, have as well.

Walker-Miller said she has made it a goal to help people, who were not aware, understand that there are realistic options for alternative and sustainable energy solutions. She said she and her team are committed to helping those in need throughout the community drive down costs and financial burdens that may come from not knowing the proper way to use energy.

“I really want people to understand that it’s really not that hard to spend wisely,” said WalkerMiller. “We like to ignore the fact that our behavior could decrease our energy bills from 20-60 percent, which would create a very strong return on our investment. In some cases, there are people out there who are spending 50 percent of their household income on electric, water and gas and it is our job to help them. It is our job to educate them.”

Black

The Z10 is supposed to change the way consumers perceive the BlackBerry brand, but will it?

It was once the king of the smartphone…then an android and an apple walked into a bar and the joke was on BlackBerry. Subsequently, the game changed, and it was bad news for the once ubiquitous BlackBerry brand.

Chances are you might have had a BlackBerry at one time, or perhaps still own one. We’re so enamored by our iPhones and Galaxy S IIIs and Notes that there really doesn’t seem to be room for one more.

What you should know about the BlackBerry Z10: 6GB Internal storage 4.2” Touch display 8MP Rear camera 4GLTE Ready 1280 x 768 resolution, 356ppi Up to 10 hours* talk time (3G) Up to 13 days* standby time 1080p HD video recording MicroSD memory card

There’s going to be a market for this phone, but will it be significant enough to sway the masses? And will the average business professional trade in their iPhone 5s for a BlackBerry Z10? We all love comeback stories.

Maybe BlackBerry Z10 will be the one we talk about in 2013.

– Cornelius A. Fortune, managing editor

The Blackberry Z10

February 6-12, 2013

Page C-4

Detroit: The mecca of Black business

By Ken L. Harris President/CEO Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

During the presidency of Barack Hussein Obama, the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and U.S. Census Bureau released new data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 Survey of Business Owners showing that the number of African American-owned firms in Detroit grew to more than 32,000. In the entire United States, the number increased by 60.5 percent between 2002 and 2007, to 1.9 million firms.

African American-owned businesses also drove job creation over the five-year period, with employment growing 22 percent, which exceeds that of non-minority-owned businesses.

“We are encouraged by the overall growth of the minority business community, including African Americanowned businesses, but we still have a lot of work to do,” said MBDA National Director David A. Hinson.

“Creating new businesses and new jobs on a path to entrepreneurial parity in size, scope and capacity is our primary goal.”

With more than 32,000 Black-owned firms, Detroit is ranked 4th in the country, behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Detroit is also among the top cities for producing Black womenowned businesses. Ken L. Harris Catherine Clifford of CNN Money reports that among large cities, New York City had the most Black-owned businesses (154,929, or 8.1% of the total); however, Detroit had a higher percentage of firms that are Black-owned (64%).

As part of any economic plan for the city of Detroit, Black-owned businesses are an untapped economy ready to explode. If programs, resources and capital would be directed to these firms, Detroit’s revitalization would not be far behind. Small businesses are job creators, and entrepreneurs refurbish desolate environments. It is surprising that economists, economic development agencies, philanthropic foundations and private corporations that believe in corporate responsibility haven’t noticed the low-hanging fruit right in the city’s backyard. If the 32,000 Black-owned firms were to hire just two additional people per enterprise, 62,000 jobs would be created in Detroit.

Although Detroit’s key stakeholders and leadership lack the focus to develop under-served urban economic centers, entrepreneurs find a way to — or make one. Black-owned firms grew faster, both in number and sales, than U.S. firms did as a whole over a five-year period, according to the latest data available from the Census Bureau.

“Black-owned businesses continued to be one of the fastest-growing segments of our economy,” said Thomas Mesenbourg, deputy director of the Census Bureau, in a written statement.

Michigan’s recession had a tremendous impact on Detroit’s economy and its private sector. Many corporations began to see demand sink and sales plummet. This was a wake up call for Black folks in Detroit, which has the largest density of Black people outside of the continent of Africa in the U.S., with a Black population of more than 500,000. The unrestrained corporate downfall in Michigan forced layoffs and shortened hours, work and pay, which has inspired many African Americans to go back to their post-slavery roots — entrepreneurship.

“At the same time, layoffs have inspired many African Americans to leave the corporate world to start businesses,” said Alan Hughes, editorial director of business at Black Enterprise magazine.

Because of these competing trends, “it is tough to say at this point whether you see a net gain, loss or a wash” in Black-owned businesses since 2007.

This was a time when African Americans — who are usually the first to fire and last to hire — sought refuge in small business ownership, which allows for more flexibility in controlling their own financial destinies.

What is alarming about the tremendous growth of Black businesses in Detroit is the fact that African Americans start businesses but don’t have the necessary resources, capital or networks to stay in business. Out of the 32,000 Black-owned businesses in Detroit, 90% of them have between one and four employees. Thus, capacity is an issue, as is growth.

Black businesses were hit extremely hard during the recent recession. In particular, credit dried up.

This hit Black-owned businesses especially hard, said Lucy Reuben, a professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. “There is no lack of ideas and talent,” said Reuben. However, “lack of capital continues to be a very, very difficult challenge for Black business growth.”

Detroit’s economy is on the cusp of innovation, an entrepreneurial revolution, and diversification of its economic future. Detroit’s future can thrive by developing and assisting its entrepreneurial communities. We can’t ignore a city that is majority African American, nor can we disregard the communities that make Detroit great. Black businesses have a future, but will the powers that be nurture its potential or just follow history’s course of doing nothing? Entrepreneurs create green, no matter if White, Black, Brown or Yellow produced it. Detroit is the Black Mecca.

Ken L. Harris is president/CEO of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce and former Detroit Charter Revision commissioner. He was appointed to the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. He serves as the Midwest regional director over 12 states and is a Ph.D. student at Michigan State University in African American and African Studies, specializing in entrepreneurship within the Eli Broad School of Business. To contact him, visit www.MichiganBlackchamber. com or call (313) 309-3316.

February 6-12, 2013 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page C-5

Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • February 6-12, 2013

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section D

February 6-12, 2013

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

Mind made up In a recent interview, the omnipresent Rihanna once again made it clear that she still loves the hot-tempered Chris Brown, despite being badly roughed up by him a few years ago.

“He’s not the monster everyone thinks he is,” she said. “He’s a good person. He has a fantastic heart. He’s fun to be around.

He made a mistake and he’s paid his dues. It makes me feel great to know that people care.

There’s nothing I could say to convince people right now, but we’re in a great Rihanna and Chris Brown. place. I guess it’s just something that will have to show in time.”

Rihanna says if anything happened like that again, she would “just walk away.”

That’s all sounds good and I am glad that Chris Brown has gotten on with his life and career, but he clearly has anger control issues.

Recently he got into a physical altercation with new singer Frank Ocean and before that, with rap star/actor Drake. And let’s not forget the time he threw a chair through a window at the studios of ABC because he didn’t like a question he was asked during an interview on “Good Morning America.”

Best of luck to Rihanna and Chris. Seems they will need it, but I once heard a song that said, “Love is stronger far than we.”

MOST PEOPLE assume that “At Last,” the classic love ballad that instantly became the signature song of the late, great Etta James when she had a huge hit with it in early 1961.

However, “At Last” actually dates all the way back to 1941 when it was recorded by the Glenn Miller orchestra with vocals Etta James

by Pat Friday and Ray Eberle for a movie titled “Orchestra Wives.”

Rap star/actor Common (real name: Lonnie Rashied Lynn) is among those who believe that people are wrong to set entertainers up as “role models.” I tend to agree.

He said, “I encourage people (in show business) to be who they are where they are. You can’t put up a false image for other people.”

Kudos to Jet magazine for stylishly reinventing itself, but recently it featured a story about players in the NFL using Viagra, Common supposedly to enhance performance on the field. The headline was “Go Hard.” That was in very poor taste, and I am sure that Johnson Publications founder John H. Johnson would not have approved.

SEVERAL years ago, a friend of the Houston family and Whitney Houston’s first cousin, Dionne Warwick, told me that “Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston’s mother) “would rather have a root canal” than even speak to Bobby Brown.”

That seems to be verified by Cissy Houston in her new memoir, “Remembering Whitney.”

In addition to confirming that she has no Cissy Houston and contact whatsoever with Whitney Houston.

Brown, she says that while Bobby did not get her daughter hooked on cocaine, he was a factor in the duration of that addiction.

Were it not for being with Brown she believes, “It would have been easier for her to get sober and stay sober. He never seemed to be a help to her in the way she needed.”

She is probably right about that.

But Houston also said, “Everybody is responsible for their actions, up to a point.”

I have issues with the “up to a point” part. I think people are completely responsible for their actions, and believe that Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were two like-minded people who found each other.

Tina Turner Erwin Bach

and TINA TURNER,

who has been living in Zurich, Switzerland with her longtime partner, German-born

See Reflections Page D-2

Remembering

Marvin Gaye

By Steve Holsey

Lou Rawls after the latter had been announced as the winner of the Grammy that Gaye thought should have been his.

One sure sign that a recording star is an icon is that their work is beyond time restrictions. The music, like the overall impact of the artist, is forever.

That competitive streak is also why Motown never released anything on J.J. Barnes, who sounded enough like Marvin to prompt Gaye to go ballistic on more than one occasion.

So it is with Marvin Gaye, a giant among giants, and one of the most important artists in the history of music and certainly of Motown.

But he was also a “trouble man” and a “stubborn kind of fellow,” to borrow from two of his dozens of major hits. He was torn between his spiritual side and his sensual side. The title of David Ritz’s landmark biography, “Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye,” is perfect.

Gaye was also a “jealous kind of fellow” and once said only halfjokingly that he wanted to “tackle”

The book remains the ultimate source of information for those who want “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” regarding the man born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. on April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. Hard to believe that had he not abruptly departed this life on April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye would be 73 years old.

It was Ritz, who was very close to Gaye, who, noting the singer’s sex and God conflict, said what he needed was “sexual healing.”

That statement prompted Gaye to write a song, “Sexual Healing,” that was to become one of his biggest and most enduring hits.

IT WAS NO. 1 on the national charts for an amazing 10 weeks and earned him the Grammy Award he had desired for so long.

What Going On”

“

was remarkable and unprecedented in every sense.

Some even believe it to be the greatest album of all time.

He also had no intentions of competing with his younger brother, Frankie. He, too, could sing but Marvin insisted that he not go into the music business. But, alas, after Marvin Gaye passed, Frankie Gaye

See Marvin Gaye Page D-2

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

February 6-12, 2013 Page D-2

Mary Wilson, original Supreme, to perform at WCCCD, Downriver

On Friday, Feb. 8, the Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center, 21000 Northline, in Taylor, will be the site for the presentation of James Gavin’s “Stormy Weather,” starring Mary Wilson. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Currently on a national tour, “Stormy Weather” has been described as “a living, breathing biography,” combining story, song and visual images, including rare film footage, to give the audience a defining portrait of the legendary singeractress Lena Horne.

The show is narrated by James Gavin, reading selections from the book as Wilson performs new arrangements of classic songs associated with Lena Horne, including “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Stormy Weather” and “Yesterday When I Was Young.” The new arrangements are by Emmy Award winner Mike Renzi.

Larry Dunlap is music director.

To purchase tickets or to acquire additional information, call the box office at (734) 374.3200 or visit www.wcccd. edu.

Mary

Wilson

Mary Wilson was a part of the Supremes from the famed trio’s start in the early 1960s until the group’s final performance in 1977. She sang on such classic Supremes hits as “Baby Love,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “Come See About Me,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “I Hear a Symphony,” “Love Is Here And Now You’re Gone,” “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Where Did Our Love Go?” Since that time she has worked as a solo act, performing all over the world.

Marvin Gaye

BUT DAVID RITZ’S 1985 biography is not the only credible book written about Marvin Gaye. There is also the more recent “My Brother, Marvin: A Memoir” written by his sister, Zeola Gaye, and published in 2011.

It is this book, in fact, that the play, “My Brother Marvin,” is based on. The musical drama will be presented at the Fisher Theatre Feb. 12-17. In the lead role is Detroit’s own Keith Washington, along with Clifton Powell, Lynn Whitfield and others. Tickets are being sold at the Fisher box office and all Ticketmaster locations. (To charge tickets by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.)

Frankie Gaye wrote a book.

also

ONE OF THE most unusual transitions Marvin Gaye made — after wresting control of his career from Motown — was making the spiritually and socially conscious “What Going On” album in 1971. It was remarkable and unprecedented in every sense. Some even believe it to be the greatest album of all time.

Songs like “Save the Children,” “Wholy Holy,” “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “What’s Going On,” “What’s Happening Brother?” and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” still resonate.

At the time Gaye said God wrote the songs

through him.

BUT BY 1973, there was a completely different mindset. You could even say that his libido took over from where his “God rep” phase left off.

Now, instead of “What’s Going On” it was “Let’s Get It On,” one of the best and most direct sex songs of all time.

“You don’t have to worry that it’s wrong,” sang a fully charged Marvin Gaye. “If the spirit moves you, let me groove you, let your love come down!”

He also said, “Giving yourself to me can never be wrong, if the love is true.” And in case the lady was shy or naive, Marvin said, “You know what I’m talkin’ ’bout!”

Equally sexually direct was the third single from the “Let’s Get It On” album, “You Sure Love to Ball” — and no, he was not talking about partying! “Oh baby, turn yourself around,” intoned Gaye, “so I can love you, girl.”

JUST AS UNEXPECTED, though in a completely different way, was a Marvin Gaye album titled “Here, My Dear” that was released in late 1978.

With complete candor, the album detailed the start of Gaye’s relationship with Anna Gordy, the sister of Motown president Berry Gordy, their marriage, and the bitter ending of that marriage.

Since at the time Gaye was not able to make alimony and child support payments (they had an adopted son), due to unwise spending, his attorney came up with the idea of giving Anna Gordy

Gaye half of the proceeds from his next album.

He did just that, but he also came down really hard on his ex-wife, and many people were surprised that Berry Gordy would allow an album with such explosive content that was damaging to his sister to be released

by Motown.

As Ritz pointed out, Marvin was an honest man.

“I’m very happy in Switzerland and I feel at home here,” said the legendary star. “I cannot imagine a better place to live.”

Good for her. People should do as they please, and that includes where they reside. Among others who moved to other countries are Nina Simone, Jimmy Ruffin and Detroit’s own Harvey Thompson. Harvey, the great jazz singer, is doing great, professionally and personally, in Japan.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW...that Lola Falana,

the sexy dancer, singer and actress who was at her peak in the 1960s and 1970s, is completely out of show business.

Her time is occupied with The Lambs of God Ministry, a Catholic apostolate she founded. (Her real name, by the way, is Loletha.)

MEMORIES: “When Will I See You Again?” (the Three Degrees), “Runaway Love” (Linda Clifford), “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)?” (the Delfonics), “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” (Patti Austin and James Ingram), “Cool” (the Time), “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” (Roy Ayers), “Fight the Power” (the Isley Brothers), “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” (Barbra Streisand and

SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND LA-LA LAND RECORDS

© 2012 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 5.3 in.

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

“MARVIN GAYE hated hypocrisy,” wrote Ritz in his book. “In spite of a vicious streak of self-destructiveness which, I believe, led to his demise, he was a man — an enormously complicated man — who reveled in candor.

“He pleased himself and those who were curious about him with outrageous disclosures.

He loved to surprise and shock.

Above all, he strove to tell the truth about the conflicts between his body and his soul.”

But nothing overshadows Marvin Gaye’s music, and he gave us some of the greatest songs ever, including “Got to Give It Up,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Ain’t That Peculiar,” “I Want You,” “Chained,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Pride and Joy,” “Try It Baby,” “I’ll Be Doggone,” “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” “You,” “Come Get to This,” “Distant Lover” and “Can I Get a Witness?” — in addition to all of the songs previously mentioned in this story.

Again using words from one of his hits, Marvin Gaye was “a wonderful one.”

Reflections record executive Erwin Bach, since 1986 has decided to become a citizen of that country. Her petition was approved, and she passed the civics test and the interview.

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did indeed begin singing professionally, including with one of Marvin’s numerous partners, Kim Weston. (The others were Mary Wells, Diana Ross and, of course, Tammi Terrell.)

From page D-1

From page D-1 Donna Summer), “Turn Your Love Around” (George Benson), “Mr. Melody” (Natalie Cole).

BLESSINGS to Willie Williams (thanks for the great letter!), Derek Devine, Karen Dumas, Claudette Robinson, Earline Franklin, Michael J. Powell, Galen Pauling, Frances Nero, Derek Dirckson and Valerie Lockhart.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Free Spirits United: “If it involves learning or developing your mind and spirit, or experiencing something new, no decision should be based on age.”

Let the music play!

Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol. com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

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community ARIES

STAR CHART characters.

Eternal optimist, eternity is now.

Get in touch with your hopefulness and be a beacon to others. Try not to be taken in by promises made by others or promises you’ve made to yourself. Concerning your own affairs, avoid contemplating lofty subjects and seeking long-ranged solutions.

Soul Affirmation: Time is the greatest peacemaker of them all.

Lucky Numbers: 14, 28, 39

Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 25

LEO

Your self-discipline helps you to do more this week. People will be watching as you zip around with style and grace. Broaden your cultural horizons by trying new foods and meeting new people. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Soul Affirmation: I am patient with all that comes my way this week.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 14

TAURUS

Some say optimism is fantasy.

Suppose the good thing you’re optimistic about never comes. This week you’ll know that the joy of anticipating it is joy enough. Just the certainty of coming goodness is present goodness. The joy of tomorrow is available this week.

Soul Affirmation: This week is the week the Lord has made. I rejoice in it.

VIRGO

The urge to chase off on a tangent may be strong this week. Take a few minutes to study the big picture and make sure any whims serve the bigger purpose. It’s a good week to do what needs to be done.

but when you defeat it, you’ll take big steps toward a goal. Weigh in and give it your best. Your energy is high. The task looks larger before you start. Compromise with a partner. The immediate future promises love.

Soul Affirmation: I enjoy the spirits of people whose spirits are akin to mine this week Lucky Numbers: 33, 34, 52

CAPRICORN

Yield to the harmony that lies below the surface of any seeming disagreement. Serenity is more important than your sense of righteousness. Questioning the motives of others will make your mind too suspicious to benefit from the unclear way in which love will present itself this week.

Soul Affirmation: Luck is my best friend this week.

Soul Affirmation: Freedom of mind is the greatest gift for me this week.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 10, 15

Lucky Numbers: 12, 53, 54

LIBRA

Lucky Numbers: 22, 36, 38

GEMINI

You might be looking into the buying or selling of a piece of property, and this week seems to be a favorable week for this type of negotiation. Be careful with the intricacies of the matter. Pay attention to details or it could cost you a great deal later.

Soul Affirmation: I care deeply about the feelings of others.

Lucky Numbers: 11, 21, 35

Always remember that loved ones make the world a wonderful habitat. Otherwise, it is an empty place and no amount of material gain can give it the excitement you want and deserve.

Soul Affirmation: Light from my soul shines in many directions.

Lucky Numbers: 16, 23, 46

Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 9

What a blessed week this will be.

Spend it meditating on all that God has given you. This week think hard about some form of worship.

Curtis Mayfield wrote a song called ‘’Who Do You Love?’’ Someone should write one called ‘’How Do You Love?’’ For your love lesson, the second song would be the one you should sing.

Soul Affirmation: New intuitions create new plans and a new cast of

This week let your gentle spirit shine through. Your rough and tumble side is not appropriate for the relationships that you’ll encounter. Someone will need your understanding and sympathy.

Soul Affirmation: My life itself is my greatest creation.

Lucky Numbers: 30, 37, 44

SAGITTARIUS

Soul Affirmation: I let my luck work for me.

PISCES

Do not travel in the company of those who work against you. Move towards people with words of encouragement and an extended hand.

Release the grudge that you have for someone who betrayed you. You will find liberation and lightheartedness in forgiving. Follow your heart when it comes to a love interest.

Soul Affirmation: Intelligent information does not have to come from intelligent sources Lucky Numbers: 4, 29, 41

You’re faced with a formidable task

Ted Talbert and Taron Murphy, each a tragic loss Telford’s Telescope

The first was on Jan. 25 when I spoke in my capacity as interim superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools at the service for King High School football star Taron Murphy, Jr., who had collapsed and died outside the school of unknown but apparently natural causes.

I have always felt a special affinity for King, since I did a brief stint as a department head and track coach there in 1969.

Taron was a tough linebacker on the team that defeated soon-to-be state champion Cass Tech and then beat Finney High to win the city title. The many other teen funerals I have attended in recent years involved youth whose personal lives hadn’t been exactly exemplary.

This was far from the case with Taron, who by all accounts was an admirable young man in all ways. His death at the tender age of seventeen is a tragic loss to his family, his teammates, his schoolmates, his teachers, the King staff, and to all of the DPS community.

The wonderful King band played in Taron’s memory.

Some superb King singers sang. Taron’s champion teammates all wore their football uniforms at the truly magnificent and memorable ceremony.

John Telford This retort bruised my ego a bit (although it was true), but then he said, “You’re getting it for more important things — your civil rights activism, your crusading book, and your columns in the Chronicle.�

That made me feel better, and I felt better yet when my good friend, Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum, was tapped to be my presenter. While I have served pro bono as superintendent for the past eight months, Stuart served pro bono as boxing commissioner for much longer — 11 years. During that period, he almost singlehandedly reformed the sport of boxing in the state, and also during that period (1981-92), he and Ted became as close as brothers.

Stuart spoke at Ted’s funeral. So did Counciwoman JoAnn Watson, TV news anchor Devin Scillian, Ted’s brother-in-

law, James Bell, who was his pace-car driver when he set a Guiness world record by actually walking backwards from Detroit to Lansing! Ted was truly an original. Who else would dream up a scheme to make jewelry out of chicken bones, or write a book titled “Everything You Wanted To Know About Chitterlings, But Were Afraid To Ask�?

Mayor Bing was in attendance, as were Ted’s close friend, Michael “Tiger�

Price and Chuck Stokes.

Old WSU track and basketball star Freddie Prime was there. So were Judge

Wendy Baxter and former County Commissioner Keith Williams. Although we were all are sad to lose him, we gave Ted a rousing sendoff. We will not see his like again.

Interim Superintendent John Telford currently shares leadership of the Detroit Public Schools with Emergency Financial Manager Roy Roberts. Get his crusading books at www.AlifeontheRUN.com, hear him Sundays at 4:30 on Newstalk1200, and write him at drjohntelford@ mi.rr.com.

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Then this morning (Jan. 28) I spoke at the funeral of Theodore (Ted) Talbert, Jr. My initial contact with Ted had come as a total surprise when in the spring of 2011 he wrote me a letter informing me that I had been chosen to receive the Spirit of the Champ Award from the Joe Louis Memorial Foundation of which he was the director.

In the follow-up phone call, he told me that as a senior at Northern High he had been present the night I defeated Jamaica’s George Rhoden, the Olympic 400-meter recordholder, and Loyola’s Ernie Billups to win the state AAU 600-yard title in Ann Arbor. The year was 1960, and Rhoden and I were making comebacks, I at 24, he at 28. When I asked Ted if I was getting the award because of track, he said, “No, John, it’s not for that. There are Detroit sprinters who ran faster than you.�

Week’s Best

LOTTERY

Page D-3

P I CK S

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AQUARIUS

You’ll be full of good ideas this week, so make sure you write down the ones you don’t have time to put into action. You’ll want to share your thoughts on a grand scale, and your mind will seem truly universal to you. Try to be patient with those who are “staggered by your brilliance.�

SCORPIO

CANCER

Tonight as I write this column, my heart is heavy, having attended two funerals in three days.

February 6-12, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

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Michigan’s top two youth volunteers selected in 18th Annual National Awards Program

K e e g a n Scholte, 18, of Gobles and Catherine Sesi, 12, of Ann Arbor today were named Michigan’s top two youth volunteers of 2013 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Keegan was nominated by Gobles Public Schools in Gobles, and Catherine was nominated by Detroit Country Day Middle School in Beverly Hills. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, now in its 18th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

“When you consider the collective impact of each of these individual acts, it’s clear that young people can be a major force for good.”

Keegan, a senior at Gobles High School, wore no shoes for a whole year in order to raise money to buy 250 pairs of new shoes for kids in Uganda.

“Throughout my freshman and sophomore year, I realized two things: that I loved to help people, and that I hated wearing shoes.” One day after church, in a conversation with his youth pastor, he hit upon a way to combine these two feelings: he would go shoeless for a year and ask for monetary donations to purchase shoes for poor children in Africa.

“Shoelessness can cause a lot of diseases and health issues,” explained Keegan, “and is a very easily fixed issue which many people take for granted.”

Catherine, a seventh-grader at Detroit Country Day School, has donated more than $21,000 to a program for kids with cancer at the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital, which she raised by playing her violin at a local art fair and collecting returnable cans and bottles.

Catherine says her parents are both very service-minded, and have encouraged her to help others as they do. When she was 6, her mother challenged her to play her violin at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

NOTICE OF HEARINGS REGARDING MATTERS TO COME before the City Council of Detroit. Advertisements for bids and contracts for purchases by the City of Detroit appear daily in the Detroit Legal News.

Copies are available at the City County Bldg. and at 2001 W. Lafayette, Detroit.

and donate whatever tips she received to charity. So, beginning in 2007, Catherine has performed every year on the street in front of a clothing boutique during the fair’s four days in July, with a sign stating that all donations will go to the children’s hospital. Her busking proceeds reached $10,000 last summer.

As State Honorees, Keegan

and Catherine each will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expensepaid trip in early May to Washington, D.C., where they will join the top two honorees from each of the other states and the District of Columbia for four days of national recognition events.

During the trip, 10 students will be named America’s top youth volunteers of 2013.

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February 6-12, 2013 announcements

Page D-4

announcements

PUBLIC NOTICE DETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION

A Michigan Works! Agency, in cooperation with the DETROIT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

JANITORIAL SERVICES announcements

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) is inviting responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Applied Behavior Analysis, Diagnostic Evaluation, Cognitive Testing, Speech & Language, and/or Occupational Therapy to Early Childhood population with Autism Diagnosis.

The successful bidder(s) must be ready to contract with MCCMH for service any time on or after April 1, 2013. RFP can be found on the web at www.mccmh. net under “provider links” or contacting the Provider Network Management at (586) 469-6472 (phone) or (586) 469announcements 4136(fax).

Proposals are due by February 28th at 12:00pm. A mandatory bidders meeting will be held on February 19th at 1:30pm at: First Resources and Treatment North, 43740 North Groesbeck Highway, Clinton Township, MI 48036.

THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT

Effective July 1, 2012, the Chief Elected Official, the Detroit Workforce Development Board, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) became parties to a Governance Agreement dated June 28, 2012 pursuant to which DESC became the depository and primary administrative and fiscal agent for workforce development funds available to the Board for use and disbursement in the local workforce development area.

DESC is issuing a Request for Quotes (RFQ) to solicit bids from qualified vendors to provide Janitorial Services, including all necessary cleaning supplies and equipment for DESC’s OneStop Service Center located at 707 W. Milwaukee Street, Detroit MI 48202.

This contract is for a one (1) year period, which will begin on April 1, 2013 and end on March 30, 2014. Based on service performance, contracts may be extended for up to two (2) one-year periods.

The RFQ will be available via email only on February 1, 2013 and thereafter. The RFQ will not be available for hard copy pickup and will not be mailed.

DETROIT HOUSING COMMISSION

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMOLISH PROPERTY February 1, 2013 City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department 2 Woodward Ave., Suite 401 Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 471-5108 These Notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Detroit Housing Commission.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) E 1527-05, and Historical Preservation Survey and Environmental Assessment Checklist in accordance with USHUD 24 CFR Part 58 were performed on the Frederick Douglass Homes property located at 2700 St. Antoine Street, Detroit, Michigan. The City of Detroit Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department has determined that the projects will have no significant impact on human health and the environment.

Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of Detroit Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 401, Detroit, Michigan 48226, and may be examined or copied weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS AND DEMOLITION OF PROPERTY On or about February 22, 2013, the Detroit Housing Commission will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the HUD CFRE grant and Capital Fund Program grant (MI28P00150111; MI28P001501-12 and MI128E001501-12) to undertake a project known as Frederick Douglass Demolition. The project activities consist of the demolition of the building structures on the Frederick Douglass Home property located at 2700 St. Antoine Street, Detroit, Michigan. The goal of demolition is to level the property for future development. Demolition will include removal of all structures, foundations, roads, flatwork and underground utilities not required to maintain proper site drainage.

All asbestos and other hazardous materials will be addressed prior to demolition. The debris and other materials will be removed from the property and disposed of at appropriate facilities based on the characterizations of removed materials in accordance with Federal, State and Local law and regulations. The excavations will be backfilled with clean material.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the City of Detroit Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. All comments received by February 22, 2013 will be considered by the City of Detroit Building, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department prior to release of funds and property demolition. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

OBJECTIONS TO DEMOLITION OF PROPERTY HUD will accept objections to its demolition of on-site structures for the future development and to the City of Detroit Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if it is on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Detroit; (b) the City of Detroit has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; or (c) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality.

Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Detroit Area Office, Director of Public Housing, McNamara Federal Building, 477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226, to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Nathan Ford, Director City of Detroit Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department

Requests for the RFQ package may be emailed to Robert Shimkoski, Jr., Manager – Planning Unit at rshimkoski@ detempsol.org. In order to receive an RFQ package, qualified vendors must submit the following information via email: company name, address, office phone number, fax number, contact person’s name, and valid email address.

Sealed bids must be received at the DESC’s Planning Unit, 707 W. Milwaukee – Second Floor, Detroit, Michigan 48202, no later than February 22, 2013, 12:00 p.m. Each vendor is responsible for ensuring that its bid is received by DESC on a timely basis.

Late bids will not be accepted.

A Bidders’ Conference will be held on February 14, 2013, beginning promptly at 10:30 a.m. in the first floor lobby of the building located at 707 W. Milwaukee, Detroit Michigan 48202.

DESC shall not extend the due date for bids on the basis that the U. S. Postal Service or another mail courier has lost or failed to deliver the bid. DESC is not responsible for bids delivered to the wrong location. Faxed bids will not be accepted. Bids received late will be returned unopened.

DESC reserves the right to waive any irregularities in any bid or to reject any or all bids, should it be deemed in its best interest.

DESC, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, arrest without conviction, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in any federally assisted program or activity.

Auxiliary aids and services will be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities (TTY Number: 1-800-649-3777).

Information contained in this document will be made available in alternative format upon written request to DESC. Questions regarding this RFQ may be directed to Robert Shimkoski at rshimkoski@detempsol.org.

DAVE BING, MAYOR DAVID BAKER LEWIS, ESQ., DWDB CHAIRMAN CALVIN SHARP, DESC BOARD CHAIRMAN PAMELA J. MOORE, DESC PRESIDENT/CEO JOSE REYES, DESC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM FUNDED BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, STATE OF MICHIGAN AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (TTY NUMBER: 1-800-649-3777)

it pays to advertise Michigan Chronicle

313-963-5522

Classified Classified

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Classified

February 6-12, 2013 Page D-5 THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

announcements

announcements

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announcements

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

DETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION

DETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION A Michigan Works! Agency, in cooperation with the DETROIT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

A Michigan Works! Agency, in cooperation with the DETROIT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

REQUEST FOR QUOTES

LEASED COPIERS AND COPIER SERVICES THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT

Effective July 1, 2012, the Chief Elected Official, the Detroit Workforce Development Board, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) became parties to a Governance Agreement dated June 28, 2012 pursuant to which DESC became the depository and primary administrative and fiscal agent for workforce development funds available to the Board for use and disbursement in the local workforce development area.

The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation seeks a qualified vendor to provide Leased Copiers and Copier Services at each of the following DESC One-Stop Service Center locations: • • •

707 W. Milwaukee, Detroit, MI 48202; 455 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226; and 5555 Conner, Detroit, MI 48213.

This contract is for a one (1) year period, which will begin on March 1, 2013 and end on February 28, 2014. Based on service performance, contracts may be extended for two (2) one- year periods.

The RFQ will be available via email only on February 1, 2013 and thereafter. The RFQ will not be available for hard copy pickup and will not be mailed.

Requests for the RFQ package may be emailed to Robert Shimkoski, Jr., Manager – Planning Unit at rshimkoski@ detempsol.org. In order to receive an RFQ package, qualified vendors must submit the following information via email: company name, address, office phone number, fax number, contact person’s name, and valid email address.

Sealed bids must be received at the DESC’s Planning Unit, 707 W. Milwaukee – Second Floor, Detroit, Michigan 48202, no later than February 15, 2013, 4:00 p.m. Each vendor is responsible for ensuring that its bid is received by DESC on a timely basis. Late bids will not be accepted.

DESC shall not extend the due date for bids on the basis that the U. S. Postal Service or another mail courier has lost or failed to deliver the bid. DESC is not responsible for bids delivered to the wrong location. Faxed bids will not be accepted. Bids received late will be returned unopened.

DESC reserves the right to waive any irregularities in any bid or to reject any or all bids, should it be deemed in its best interest.

DESC, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, arrest without conviction, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in any federally assisted program or activity.

Auxiliary aids and services will be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities (TTY Number: 1-800-649-3777).

Information contained in this document will be made available in alternative format upon written request to DESC. There will be no Bidders’ Conference for this RFQ. Questions regarding this RFQ may be directed to Robert Shimkoski at rshimkoski@detempsol.org.

DAVE BING, MAYOR DAVID BAKER LEWIS, ESQ., DWDB CHAIRMAN CALVIN SHARP, DESC BOARD CHAIRMAN PAMELA J. MOORE, DESC PRESIDENT/CEO JOSE REYES, DESC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM FUNDED BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, STATE OF MICHIGAN AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (TTY NUMBER: 1-800-649-3777)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS DATA CIRCUITS, INTERNET ACCESS, AND VOICE SERVICES THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT Effective July 1, 2012, the Chief Elected Official, the Detroit Workforce Development Board, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) became parties to a Governance Agreement dated June 28, 2012 pursuant to which DESC became the depository and primary administrative and fiscal agent for workforce development funds available to the Board for use and disbursement in the local workforce development area.

DESC is seeking one or more qualified vendor(s) to provide a managed solution for data, circuits, voice system, and Internet access for DESC and its contractors. DESC seeks a robust and redundant data/voice/internet solution for its three One-Stop Service Centers located at: • • •

707 W. Milwaukee, Detroit MI 48202; 455 W. Fort Street, Detroit MI 48226; and 5555 Conner, Detroit MI 48213

Proposals should include one or more of the following areas of work: Area 1 – Data Circuits Area 2 – Internet Access Area 3 – Voice Services Bidders may submit proposals for any or all of the above-mentioned areas of work.

The goal of the Request for Proposals (RFP) is to achieve “seamless”, efficient, scalable, centrally-managed (WAN/voice) and reliable data circuits, internet access, and voice service solutions for DESC and its contractors.

The contracts for Data Circuits, Internet Access and Voice Services are for a one (1) year period, which begins on March 1, 2013 and ends on February 28, 2014. Based on service performance, contracts may be extended for up to two (2) one-year periods.

A Bidders’ Conference is scheduled for February 8, 2013, 9:00 a.m. at: Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, 455 W. Fort Street First Floor Lobby Detroit, Michigan 48226 The Bidders’ Conference includes a continuous tour of each DESC’s one-stop locations: 455 W. Fort Street, 707 W. Milwaukee, and 5555 Conner.

ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. DESC will not provide transportation to each location. Bidders must attend the tour for each location. All questions regarding this RFP will be answered at the Bidders’ Conference.

All Bid Packages for DESC will be sent via email only. Bid packages will not be available for hardcopy pickup and will not be mailed by U.S. mail.

Requests for the RFP package may be emailed to Robert Shimkoski, Jr., Manager – Planning Unit at rshimkoski@detempsol.org. In order to receive an RFP package, qualified vendors must submit the following information via email: company name, address, office phone number, fax number, contact person’s name, and valid email address.

Sealed bids must be received at the DESC’s Planning Unit, 707 W. Milwaukee – Second Floor, Detroit, Michigan 48202, no later than February 15, 2013, 4:00 p.m. Each vendor is responsible for ensuring that its bid is received by DESC on a timely basis. Late bids will not be accepted.

DESC shall not extend the due date for bids on the basis that the U. S. Postal Service or another mail courier has lost or failed to deliver the bid. DESC is not responsible for bids delivered to the wrong location. Faxed bids will not be accepted. Bids received late will be returned unopened.

DESC reserves the right to waive any irregularities in any bid or to reject any or all bids, should it be deemed in its best interest.

DESC, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, arrest without conviction, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in any federally assisted program or activity.

Auxiliary aids and services will be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities (TTY Number: 1-800-649-3777). Information contained in this document will be made available in alternative format upon written request to DESC. Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to Robert Shimkoski at rshimkoski@ detempsol.org.

DAVE BING, MAYOR DAVID BAKER LEWIS, ESQ., DWDB CHAIRMAN CALVIN SHARP, DESC BOARD CHAIRMAN PAMELA J. MOORE, DESC PRESIDENT/CEO JOSE REYES, DESC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM FUNDED BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, STATE OF MICHIGAN AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (TTY NUMBER: 1-800-649-3777)

LOOKING TO ADVERTISE IN THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE CALL NOW (313) 963-5522

classified

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE help wanted

help wanted FUN LOVING, HAPPILY MARRIED professional couple will share lifetime of love, security and happiness with your newborn.

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Call Kim and Hugh 1-888331-9844.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE FROM HOME. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance.

Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

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Call 877-8951828 www.CenturaOnline.com

BUDGET ANALYST

for Non-Profit Institution Job duties and responsibilities include: • Operation Budget Development and Preparation • Capital Budget Development and Preparation • Actual Reporting, Weekly and Monthly Analysis • Performa Reporting • Committee Support, Finance, Investment and Facilities • Investment Analysis • Bank Reconciliations • Preparation of Presentations as required Required skills include computer software.

Please mail your resume to: Box 717 The Michigan Chronicle 479 Ledyard St. Detroit, MI 48201

Southfield Public Schools Request for Proposal

Custodial and General Maintenance Services

Southfield Public Schools seeks to obtain proposals for custodial and general maintenance services to begin July 1, 2013.

All Proposals to be delivered the lobby of the J.W. E. Administration Building, Southfield Public Schools, 24661 Lahser, Southfield, MI 48033 attn: Martha Ritchie, Purchasing Manager. Proposals are to be in a sealed envelope clearly marked: “Custodial RFP” and returned no later than 2:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at which time bids will be opened and public read. Proposals must be submitted on the official form. The form can be found on the district website, www.southfield. k12.mi.us. The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Late bids will not be accepted. A 5% bid security bond will be required.

Pre-bid Meeting A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. local time in the Southfield Public Schools Administration Building, 24661 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI 48033 for discussion of vendor questions regarding this Request For Proposal (RFP) and dissemination of specific information relevant to this project. Address all questions regarding this meeting to the office of Ms. Martha Ritchie, Purchasing Manager, ritchieml@ southfield.k12.mi.us. A tour of schools/buildings will be conducted on the same date, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 immediately after the meeting.

Fuel economy now at all-time high

Fuel economy of new vehicles sold in the United States reached a record-high 24.5 mpg last month, say researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Average fuel e c o n o m y (window-sticker values) of cars, light trucks, minivans and SUVs purchased in January is up 1 mpg from a year ago, 2 mpg from two years ago and 4 mpg from five years ago. The recordtying mark is a 22 percent increase from October 2007, the first month of monitoring by UMTRI researchers Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle.

“The recent improvement reflects the improved fuel economy of the 2013 model year vehicles,” Sivak said.

Eco-Driving Index calculations, along with a graph and table of current and recent values: http:// www.umich. edu/~umtriswt/ EDI_values.html

DRIVER FLAT BED WRECKER

Must have: some exp. (include resume); DOT medical card, chauffeur’s license; clean driving record and be willing to drive numerous hours (5 or 6 days)

(313) 742-8230 bet. 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Project Engineer

General Motors Co. seeks Project EngineerMilford, MI, responsible for analysis, definition of requirements, definition of design, implementation of design, and testing of advanced transmission controls engineering projects; development of virtual transmission co-simulation methods to enable software-inthe-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) studies with tools such as Matlab/Simulink, LMS AMESim, ETAS INCA, dSpace ControlDesk, etc.; among other duties. Min. Ph.D. & 2 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #3942113, 300 Renaissance Center, M/C 482-C32-D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000.

Greater Media Detroit is seeking an Accounts Payable/HR Manager to join our Accounting Department. This position will handle all HR duties from new hires, benefits, to ADP payroll input, all functions of accounts payable from coding and entering payables to running weekly check runs. Other duties can include assist with collections, Sales and Use Tax preparation and reporting, and administrative duties. If you fit this description and would like to be part of the Greater Media Detroit team, please send your résumé to: Leslie Ishbia, Market Controller, Greater Media Detroit, One Radio Plaza, Detroit, Michigan 48220 or to lishbia@greatermediadetroit.com Greater Media Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Seeking

CUSTODIAN AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Campus Cleaning Department

Minimum Qualifications: Will perform cleaning activities and maintain assigned areas in various campus classroom and office buildings and on an emergency basis, perform Grounds related tasks. High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ability to use and/or mix various cleaning chemicals, perform physically active work, requires frequent lifting of up to 60 lbs., may work in various weather conditions with extremes heat & cold, also may require a MI driver’s license acceptable to the University’s insurance carrier. Salary is $9.75 per hour. This is a full time position – Monday-Thursday: 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. See online posting for additional position requirements. Must apply on line to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

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help wanted

help wanted

FIREFIGHTER

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/ PAYROLL/BOOKKEEPER

Charter Township of Waterford is taking applications for the position of entry level Firefighter. Min. qualifications listed on our website. Apply at 5200 Civic Center Dr. Waterford, MI., or visit our website at www.twp. waterford.mi.us closing date is 4:00 p.m. 02/15/13. EOE

Advertise 313-963-5522

Looking for an Exciting, Full-time/ Part Time opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment!!!! Look No Further! Summit Tools Limited is hiring a Bookkeeper, Payroll and Pay Receiver. Contact: summittoolslltd@gmail.com for more info.

Seeking Senior Global Forecast Integration Analyst General Motors Co. seeks Senior Global Forecast Integration Analyst-Warren, MI, responsible for coordination of & participation in development of analysis, interpretation, approval & communication of vehicle sales forecasts for designated functions; assist with coordinating annual budget & business plan process; provide long term vehicle sales forecasts at program development gates to program teams, manufacturing planning & finance for business case generation; among other duties. Min. MS & 2 yrs. exp.

Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #3915876, 300 Renaissance Center, M/C 482-C32-D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000.

Advertise today!

313-963-5522 Seeking

PAYROLL ANALYST AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Payroll Department

Support the Payroll Manager in the control and coordination of the university payroll and benefits records and processes. Responsible for the reconciliation of all payroll and benefit accounts as they pertain to university payroll records, university finance fund ledger totals and vendor statements. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Minimum three years’ experience in payroll processing. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. Salary is up to the low $50’s annually. See on line positing for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply

by February 15, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Seeking

MEDICAL ASSISTANT II AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Graham Health Center Part-Time

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ HR MANAGER

February 6-12, 2013

Minimum Qualifications: High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years experience as a medical assistant or directly related field.

Experience in venipuncture, obtaining basic patient information to include blood pressure, electrocardiograph measurements and urine specimens.

Ability to implement medical insurance billing procedures. Light typing. Ability to effectively interact with the public, students, faculty, and staff. Salary is $34,815.00 annually.

See on line posting for additional position requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 13, 2013.Please refer to http:// jobs.oakland.edu to apply for this position online.

Seeking

INTERACTIVE MEDIA SPECIALIST AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Communications & Marketing

This position will manage all aspects of the consumer experience both inside and outside of the organization’s website. Will develop the website into an interactive tool which allows the consumer to quickly obtain information bites. Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor’s with concentration in journalism or writing, marketing, and video production. Information technology savvy with an emphasis on interactive media. Salary up to the low $40s annually. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements.

First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 13, 2013. Must apply online for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

SR. FINANCIAL AID OFFICER AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Financial Aid Department

Schedule and manage financial services activities and processing which includes all student financial assistance, financial aid processing, financial planning and literacy, student account billing inquiries, payment plans, and student employment employment through various communication systems. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Superior customer service skills.

Minimum five years’ experience in higher education financial aid advising and processing. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. Salary is up to the mid $40’s annually. See on line positing for additional position requirements.First consideration will be given to those who apply

by February 13, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

SALES MANAGER – 105.1 Do you have a history of consistently hitting your budget?

Are you passionate about leading people and creating a winning environment?

Can you develop and implement a successful sales strategy? Are you competitive, creative, innovative, and customer focused? Do you have the ability to generate concept-driven revenue and sell beyond CPP’s? If you answer yes to these questions, we have a fantastic opportunity for you!

Greater Media is looking for a Sales Manager to help lead the Today’s 105.1 sales staff. Five years major market sales management experience and history of successful team building preferred. Passion and the desire to hit an exceed revenue goals is a requirement.

Send your résumé and reasons why you should be considered for this position to jobs@ greatermediadetroit.com.

No telephone calls please.

Seeking

COORDINATOR – DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Disability Support Services

This position will coordinate appropriate academic adjustments, reasonable accommodations and other services for students with disabilities. Minimum qualifications require a Masters degree – preferred counseling degree or closely related field – and a minimum of two years related work experience. Knowledge of American’s with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. Salary up to $40,000.00, commensurate with education and experience. First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 11, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland. edu.

notice

APPLICATION FOR FIREFIGHTER The CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON ACT 78 POLICE & FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION will be testing for the position of FIREFIGHTER to create an Eligibility List for future employment opportunities beginning FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012.

To apply and schedule a test for this position, go to the website https:// www.empco.net and follow the instructions. There is a fee to take the examination, but results of this one test will be accepted by all participating fire departments in Michigan.

You must apply and pass test by 4:00 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013.

Detailed qualifications are available on our website at www.clintontownship-mi.gov Excellent working conditions, fringe benefits, opportunity for advancement.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP FIRE AND POLICE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION John Russi, Chairman Raymond Glime, Commissioner David Meldrum, Commissioner Kim Meltzer, Secretary AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Greater Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Seeking

DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM DATA MANAGEMENT AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY School of Medicine

Takes a leadership role in the design and implementation of a program for mapping the content of the undergraduate medical education at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in medical education, educational psychology, instructional design, adult learning, or higher education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum of 2 years work in a higher education organization as an evaluator, instructional designer, educational researcher using quantitative and qualitative approaches, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. Salary is up to the mid $70’s annually. See on line positing for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by February 14, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs. oakland.edu

Wanted: AUDIO SYSTEMS ENGINEER Greater Media Detroit, home of WRIF, WMGC and WCSX is looking for an experienced Audio Systems Engineer. This position will work closely with the Chief Engineer to identify, recommend, develop, implement and support technology for all aspects of the stations and cluster. The Audio Systems Engineer supports mission critical broadcast IT systems including providing technical support for configuring hardware, performing hardware/software installations, troubleshooting and resolving day-today technical problems. This position is also responsible for performing system monitoring and response to performance and capacity related issues. Must be able to handle a variety of IT projects with varying complexity, while performing system monitoring and responding to any performance and capacity related issues.

The successful applicant will have experience working in a broadcast engineering environment and be detail oriented. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Strong interpersonal communication skills are essential. Qualifications include training in Information Management Systems or a related field. MCE, MCSE and CNE desired. Interested candidates please send your cover letter and résumé to: Michael Kernen, CE, Greater Media Detroit, 1 Radio Plaza Street, Detroit, MI 48220. Please no telephone calls.

Greater Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer

community

February 6-12, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Health clinic, Underground Railroad experience Consistent with its commitment to physical health and social unity, Wayne State University’s School of Social Work (SSW) is inviting the campus community to attend a wellness clinic and an excursion celebrating civil rights in America.

To keep flu season at bay, the school will host a mobile flu clinic for students on Feb. 14 in Thompson Home Room 150 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Shots are free for students, however students are encouraged to bring any proof of insurance they may have so the Center can defray the costs of the shots. While it is not required, individuals wishing to

attend the clinic are encouraged to RSVP with the SSW Office of Admissions and Student Services at 313-577-4409. Those wishing to obtain a flu shot can save time by arriving with completed Campus Health Center patient enrollment and consent forms, which can be obtained at health. wayne.edu under “Flu Shots Now Available, View Schedule.”

Finally, to celebrate Black History Month and the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the school is hosting a trip to the Underground Railroad Reenactment Tour at First Congregational Church of Detroit, located one block east

of the WSU camps at 33 Forest Avenue. The tour, which lasts approximately one hour, will be held on Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. and feature a short educational video followed by a live interactive reenactment with actors. Participants will be guided along the escape route to freedom.

“The reenactment tour is a riveting experience that helps individuals of all ages and ethnicities appreciate the courage of the slaves who escaped to freedom and the men and women who put themselves in great danger to help them,” said Janet Joiner, assistant dean for student affairs at the School of Social Work.

“This tour is a celebration of human unity and selflessness – two values we can cultivate to make today’s society better.”

There is a cost to attend. Individuals wishing to attend must RSVP with the SSW Office of Admissions and Student Services at (313) 577-4409.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.

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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Macy’s Celebrates

MACY’S, THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION AND THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATE THE 1OOTH BIRTHDAY OF AMERICAN ICON, GORDON PARKS. Hired in 1948 by LIFE magazine as their first African-American staff photographer, Gordon Parks was a modern day Renaissance man who also found success as a film director, author and composer.

Join us at select Macy’s locations as we pay tribute to Gordon Parks with exciting and inspiring events that showcase his influence on photography, film and literature.

Plus, from February 1st through February 28th, visit macys.com/celebrate to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The American Black Film Festival in Miami, courtesy of American Airlines, a $1OOO Macy’s shopping spree and Gordon Parks: Collected Works, a five-volume set of his photography.* The Gordon Parks Foundation permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks, makes it available to the public and supports artistic and educational activities. The Foundation is a division of the Meserve-Kunhardt Foundation. For more information visit gordonparksfoundation.org Diversity. It’s not what you think.

At Macy’s, it’s part of everything we do.

Shown left: Kirk Buddy, Macy’s Advertising Photo of Gordon Parks courtesy of Adger Cowans.

Find us.

Follow us.

Events subject to change or cancellation. *No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who are at least 18 years and older. Employees of Macy’s, American Airlines and their immediate family members are not eligible. Sweepstakes void in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and where prohibited by law. For complete sweepstakes details and official rules visit macys.com/ celebrate. ARV $4585.00 46575_N3010204B.indd 1

1/23/13 12:41 PM

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February 6-12, 2013

Baltimore blackouts San Francisco Ravens withstand 49ers rally and power outage, surge to championship

By Leland Stein III NEW ORLEANS — I knew this already, but this weekend reaffirmed the fact that the gladiator game of American football, and its signature event, the Super Bowl. is an unquestionable American iconic yearly event.

COMMENTARY

Major League Baseball, NBA, and the National Hockey League all have to take a back seat to the Super Bowl that has become America’s once-a-year national corporate playground.

With this fact securely a reality, Super Bowl XLVII actually lived up to the enormous hype machine, as the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens engaged in a thrilling contest full of twist and turns. However, when the smoke cleared the Ravens were hoisting the valued Vince Lombardi trophy after a hard fought 34-31 victory.

Sure, The Big Easy is legendary for partying and food, but now we can add blackouts. For over 35 minutes XLVII was shutdown when the lights went out in the stadium. The power outage put the nation’s biggest sporting event on hold, interrupting an otherwise electric, back-and-forth game.

When the lights finally came back on the hot Ravens had cooled off and momentum appeared to have swung over to the 49ers. When the lights dissipated, the Ravens were holding a commanding 28-6 lead with a little over 13 minutes left in the third quarter.

However, when the mechanical problems were finally arrested, a previously sleepwalking 49es team suddenly came alive and as quick as one could say “Super Bowl,” the Niners had trimmed the Ravens lead to 28-23 with three min-

ED REED and Ray Lewis celebrate. – Gary Montgomery photos utes left in the third quarter.

But Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco took put his team on his shoulders and made every play he had to make to hold off a fast charging 49ers team. Flacco, voted the MVP, threw three first-half touchdown passes to cap an 11-TD, zero-interception postseason.

“I just made my reads and took what the 49ers gave me,” said a calm Flacco.

“This has not sunk in yet, but I’m sure when I get time to reflect it will take on even greater meaning. Right now this is what we all work and train for and we made it happen.”

Next, Jacoby Jones returned the second-half kickoff 108 yards, a Super Bowl record, to give Baltimore a 286 lead. Jones became just the second player in NFL history to score via a kick return and reception in playoff history.

“I just saw a seam and got up in there and it opened up,” explained Jones.

“This is what every kid dreams about doing while playing Madden or playing in the streets.”

RAY RICE sneaks though 49ers defense.

Being down 28-6 at one point, I had written San Francisco off, but the team by the Bay had other plans. The Niners made a noteworthy run at overcoming the biggest deficit a team has ever had to surmount. The record for a comeback win in a Super Bowl is 10 points, and there were moments when it appeared

San Francisco had a chance to better that mark. Instead, the 49ers lost for the first time in six trips to the Super Bowl.

The AFC champion Ravens (14-6), a franchise that moved from Cleveland to Baltimore 17 years ago, improved to 2-0 in the big game. They also won the championship in 2001, when linebacker Ray Lewis was voted the game’s MVP. Lewis was not a major factor this time, but he was a center of attention, playing in the final game of his 17-year career before retiring.

The 49ers struggled early in the first Super Bowl coaching matchup between brothers — Baltimore’s John Harbaugh is 15 months older than San Francisco’s Jim Harbaugh.

San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick did all he could to get his team a victory. Kaepernick and the 49ers scored 17 consecutive points, getting as close as 31-29 in the third quarter.

“We started slow and that hurt us as a team,” Kaepernick said. “But this is a never-say-die group. We came back and made a run at it. We had four shots at the end zone, so we cannot blame anyone or look for any excuses.”

This was the 10th time New Orleans hosted the big game — tying Miami for most in a city — and first since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Big Easy in August 2005.

Super Bowl storylines fascinate Baltimore’s Joe Flacco showed all that he is the real deal. The first half was all about Flacco. He went 13 for 20 for 192 yards and the three scores over the opening two quarters, becoming only the sixth quarterback in 47 Super Bowls to throw for that many TDs by halftime.

NEW ORLEANS — Not only did Super Bowl XLVII produce an all-time great contest, it had more storylines than a Stephen King novel or a Quentin Tarantino motion picture.

Questions, questions!

Which quarterback will come through with the key play? Can the Ray Lewis and the Ravens’ defense keep the electric 49ers’ pistol offense misfiring? Could Joe Flacco’s big arm bring some excitement to Super Bowl XLVII? Which Harbaugh brother would hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy?

Would the New Orleans Saints’ loyal fandome accost NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell after

In the Game

By Leland Stein III the failed “bounty-gate” scandal? Could second-year Niner quarterback Colin Kaepernick keep the magic going? Would the Super Bowl commercials be the most memorable aspect of the broadcast?

All these and more were an-

Flacco finished 22 of 33 for 287 yards in winning Super Bowl XLVII MVP. Keeping up with his noteworthy playoff run, he crushed the Niners’ defense. To get to the Super Bowl, he led the Ravens past Denver’s Peyton Manning and New England’s Tom Brady for two of his league-record six career postseason road victories by a quarterback.

COLIN KAEPERNICK came just short of joining Doug Williams in Super Bowl lore. – Gary Montgomery photo swered at the conclusion of the NFL’s 2013 Super Bowl XLVII. As I perused New Orleans beyond the City Center, the damage done by Hurricane Katrina was still evident.

First, Super Bowl XLVII was a storybook ending for future NFL Hall of Fame middle linebacker Ray Lewis. After suffering a possible season ending arm injury, he came back just in time for the Ravens’ playoff push.

How important is Lewis to

Baltimore? The Ravens were 51 to start the season and after he went out they went 5-5. After his return the team went 4-0.

What more needs to be said?

Lewis has the ability to galvanize a collective like no athlete ever. The Ravens would not have won this title without Lewis, plain and simple.

Lewis joins Jerome Bettis and John Elway, just to mention two, who announced their impending retirements and won a NFL title after it.

Then there was Jacoby Jones seemingly breaking the game wide open with a Super Bowl record 108-yard sprint with the second-half opening kickoff. That came after Jones latched onto a thrilling 56-yard catch-and-run touchdown from Flacco.

A New Orleans native, Jones, one of the heroes in a double-overtime playoff win at Denver, could have been or should have been the MVP. Next, John Harbaugh beat his younger brother, Jim, to claim the title, Super Bowl winning coach. In the 47-year history of America’s game, there have never been two brothers oppose each other in a Super Bowl. Hey, there have never been two brothers even coaching in the NFL, let along challenging each other in the big game.

Baltimore’s John Harbaugh is 15 months older than San Francisco’s Jim Harbaugh.

San Francisco second year quarterback Colin Kaepernick fell inches short of joining Doug Williams as the only African-American quarterback to lead a team to Super Bowl glory. Instead, he joined Donovan McNabb and Steve McNair as African-American signal callers who led their teams to the Super Bowl but fell just short of the big prize.

Kaepernick couldn’t get the Ravens into the end zone on the final three plays. There was contact on Crabtree on the final pass that appeared incidental, and Jim Harbaugh insisted it was pass interference.

Before the game began, with 100 million or so Americans expected to tune in on TV, a chorus of 26 children from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. — where 20 students and six adults were killed in a shooting rampage in December — sang “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by “American Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson.

My personal highlight was Grammy winner Alicia Keys performing the National Anthem.

She joined Marvin Gaye and José Feliciano with iconic renditions of America’s anthem.

Beyoncé rocked the Super Bowl 2013 halftime show. At one point she brought out her partners from Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Leland Stein can be reached at lelstein3@aol.com.