Michigan Chronicle Digital Edition 1.19.21

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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 84 – No. 20 | January 20-26, 2021

Real Times Media Unveils All-New Multimedia Studio Inside Detroit Headquarters Named Studio 1452 to reflect the HQ’s address, the new studio will enable RTM to produce and distribute original digital content daily Real Times Media (RTM) unveiled its all-new multimedia broadcast studio named Studio 1452. The new facility features broadcast-production-quality cameras and livestream and podcast capabilities giving the company and its subsidiaries, most notably its co-located Michigan Chronicle nameplate, the tools to create a variety of high-end media projects in-house. Studio 1452 is on the ground level of the Real Times Media Headquarters building located at 1452 Randolph Street in the heart of the Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District.

The opening of Studio 1452 is a part of RTM’s ongoing mission to create multimedia-rich, on-demand content tailor-made for its various audiences. The company’s ongoing digital capability expansion efforts continue to defy the misperception that small black-owned, local media organizations are declining in impact and lack the ability to create innovative solutions that not only address changing media consumption habits but advertisers’ need to engage consumers in dynamic ways.

“To say we are excited about the launch of Studio 1452 is an understatement. At a time when many of our media contemporaries are struggling to maintain, we are proud to be pivoting our business and finding a way to thrive,” said Hiram E. Jackson, chief executive officer of Real Times Media and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. “With the opening of Studio 1452, we have truly become a creative content platform able to generate programming that excites audiences and advertisers alike.”

Studio 1452 features state-ofthe-art technology and a dynamic interior design courtesy of Detroit-based design firm Walls of Virtue. For the buildout, RTM forged a unique partnership with AVL Creative, a custom creative design company specializing in audio, video, lighting, and production solutions, which lent its expertise on overall system design, including equipment and final installation of the equipment.”

“Of all the tough things that have come from 2020, there has certainly been a bright side in new

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STUDIO page A6

WHAT’S INSIDE UpNext:

Pierre Batton:

Green-lighting Financial Mobility in the Motor City

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The Invisible Ones: Black Homelessness in Detroit During a Pandemic

By Sherri Kolade Allah Young, 69 of Detroit, slept in his own bed for the first time in over three years last fall.

On October 9, Young stepped over his new apartment door threshold at 3364 Mack Ave. (near Gratiot in Detroit’s McDougall-Hunt neighborhood) and entered into his new life at Clay Apartments. The permanent supportive housing facility is a two-story, 42-unit housing complex for individuals who experienced homelessness.

Young said that as a Black man who was homeless, drifting in and out of shelters, and living on the street or sleeping in vacant homes, life was rough. To add a pandemic on top of that, it was at times unbearable. He used to wonder why homeless people loitered around liquor stores; he found out afterward that they give shelter to the homeless along with drug houses.

“I had property in Detroit; lost [the] house I had and went to shelters,” he said adding that he has been to nearly every shelter in the city of Detroit. Young, who had gainful employment for a number of years stopped working because he got involved in “negativity” he said.

“One thing led to the next way,” he said, adding that the only way to come up out of it was going to shelter. “Part of the negativity was substance abuse. In situations like that, I would go cold turkey. … I got to a shelter during the process.”

Young added that his father and brother were in the political realm and his

father, a state representative, advocated for mental health reform in the 1980s, which Young needed help with throughout his life.

Young said that his time spent on the streets gave him an understanding that no other experience could and he is empathetic of those who are still out there.

“When you are in a shelter you have to leave the shelter every day at 5 a.m. [and you can be back by the evening],” he said.

“It is difficult to wake up in the morning and be put out of a facility and have no destination. That puts you in an environment of negativity. … [It is a] no-win situation for people out on the street.”

Young said that he gives Clay Apartments, operated under the Neighborhood Service Organization, credit for the kind people who help make him feel at home.

“I felt that my [homeless] journey had ended,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be here and a privilege to pay your rent; to keep your place clean, keep yourself clean and resolve to live well -- that has to be the end game.”

Katrina McCree, chief community impact officer at NSO, said that homelessness is still very prevalent in the Detroit region and continues to “plague our community.”

According to the Detroit Continuum of Care’s annual report on their State of Homelessness, overall homelessness in 2019 was 10,006 -- a decline from 2018 figures.

“Despite overall homelessness being on the decline, there was an increase in

chronic homelessness and still a large number of unaccompanied youth homeless,” she told the Michigan Chronicle, adding that a majority of those experiencing homelessness are males. “The shift to a housing first model has made a big impact and I must say we are making an intentional and concerted effort to work together collectively across the state to end homelessness.”

McCree added that those suffering from homelessness are typically victims of other issues including chronic health conditions, mental illness, drug addiction, violence and abuse.

She said that approximately 60 percent of chronically homeless individuals in Detroit have underlying issues of mental illness and/or substance abuse.

“Homeless individuals are four times more likely to present in the emergency department and five times more likely to be hospitalized than the general population,” she said. “Homelessness, poverty and physical and mental health conditions are complex issues with impacts that can be dangerously cyclical and require multi-faceted solutions. In addition. persons who are homeless have difficulty getting rest, maintaining their medications, eating a healthy diet and staying clean and warm, all of which negatively impact their overall health.”

As many know, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the Black population. The pandemic has also shown the “deep inequities in access to healthcare and housing” she said.

See BLACK

HOMELESSNESS page A2

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Set to Take Office

By Megan Kirk The country is broken. Riddled with political and social unrest, the fabric of America has begun to unravel showing breaks in a system that does not guarantee justice for all.

Amid intense political scrutiny and high racial tension, two extremely different POTUS administrations must exchange power and set the tone for the next four years.

As the nation prepares for the inauguration, President elect Joe Biden has already begun making history and welcoming a new wave of diversity to Pennsylvania Avenue. For the first time in history, a woman will sit in the second most powerful seat.

Vice President elect Kamala Harris also makes history as the first Black female and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the position.

Helping to secure the presidential win, Black communities in America are now

ready to see their ballots at work. Often a pivotal political demographic, the voices and votes of African Americans helped tip the scales in an historic election laced with unsubstantiated accusations of voter fraud. Now, how can the Biden/Harris administration protect the interests and address the concerns of Black America?

Racial discrimination has

long since been a pain point in the advancement of Black and Brown communities. Steven Chisolm, Council Member for the City of Inkster, hopes President elect Biden will begin to tackle racism while in office.

“One of the things he can do is what the president wouldn’t do during the debate; he can denounce white supremacy,” Chisolm says. “He

can get on tv, he can get on social media and denounce all of that stuff immediately and let them know where he is and where he stands on it, what his beliefs are and how we’re going to move forward through this.”

An uprising of white privilege and supremacy led to an insurrection at the nation’s capitol in early January. With

See WHITEHOUSE page A2

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Clay Apartments opened up in November under the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO). NSO’s Clay Apartment Permanent Supportive Housing program provides residents with support through coordination of intensive wraparound services needed to remain housing secure. Clay Apartments helps reduce the continuation of homelessness. – Photos by Neighborhood Service Organization

Black Homelessness From page A-1

Sheilah Clay, formerly president and CEO of NSO, said that the homeless community has been especially susceptible to the pandemic.

“It resulted in decreased shelter space due to the need to social distance in a system that pre-pandemic had insufficient emergency or temporary housing to support people on the road to permanent housing,” she said.

The Clay Apartments moved 42 homeless men and women out of homelessness and ended their lives of housing insecurity which provides more protection from COVID19.

“They have access to personal protection equipment, can safely social distance and can address the unattended health conditions that could make them a higher risk for the virus,” she said. “The Clay Apartments is located on the future campus where NSO is developing Detroit Healthy Housing Center, a holistic and innovative approach to ending chronic homelessness where health is a priority.”

According to the 2019 State of Homelessness Annual Report, Black families in Detroit represented 97 percent experiencing homelessness even though they represent only 79 percent of the households living in poverty.

“These racial disparities also exist across the country,” McCree said. “African Americans are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Poverty is a major predictor of homelessness. Black Americans are overrepresented in poverty relative to the overall general population. These inequities are the result of decades of systematic and structural racism.”

NSO has addressed homelessness and helped vulnerable populations for over 60 years.

“We are bridging the gap between health, housing and well-being,” she said. “The Clay Apartments was a response to a great need in the Detroit Community.”

From the 42 units, 13 units have been set aside for those meeting Michigan State Housing Develop-

ment Authority criteria of Frequent Emergency Department Users with Care Needs [FUSE].

Applicants for the Clay Apartments are referred through the Coordinated Access Model (CAM) process. Anyone in need of housing can contact the CAM at 313305-0311.

For more information visit www. nso-mi.org.

Cynthia M. Adams, associate executive director of Covenant House Michigan, said that Covenant House Michigan operates a homeless shelter for youth and young adults 18 to 24 years old. For 22 years, it has helped participants with returning to school, finding livable wage employment, engaging in needed life skills planning and more. Covenant House Michigan also helps youth find safe and affordable stable living arrangements when they leave the program.

“Like many other metropolitan areas in the country, Detroit, too, struggles with the number of people who are without shelter on a daily basis.”

Adams said that the Continuum of Care and the Homeless Action Network of Detroit partners with the city of Detroit and homeless shelters, including Covenant House Michigan, to provide appropriate shelter placements while developing resources to get them stable and permanently housed.

“Continued resources are needed especially in the area of affordable housing so that the homeless are able to live a productive and meaningful life while staying safely housed,” Adams said, adding that the reason some young people are homeless is because they may be victims of human trafficking, aged out of the foster care system, returning from jail, or from loss of a family member who was previously providing care.

She also said that contributing factors to homelessness for some in the Black community, like other communities, might have resulted from job loss, lack of needed resources, unemployment, and now COVID-19.

For more information visit https://covenanthousemi.org/.

White House From page A-1

many political leaders blaming the racist rhetoric and instigation by President Donald Trump as a catalyst for the rebellion, what started as a Pro-Trump rally, quickly turned into a violent mob where insurgents stormed the capitol stealing federal property, taking pictures with police and pausing the official vote to certify President elect Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States.

More than 200 years ago during the War of 1812, the last siege against the U.S. capital was led by the British.

Across the country the outcry is real to put action behind words. In Detroit, community organizations like Detroit Action are leading the charge to secure political power for people of color. Policies and the enforcement of those laws need to be embraced at the local, state and federal levels in order to effect real change.

“It’s a step in the right direction in terms of defeating Trumpism and defeating white supremacy,” Branden Snyder, executive director of the organization says. “I think that the Biden/Harris administration is a step in the right direction. But when we talk about policy and politics, it’s up to communities like us to hold them accountable,” he added.

To help hold the administration accountable is the council of advisors to the 46th president. As diverse as the country it serves, Biden’s cabinet selections showcase a class of minorities and

Jamie Winkler, executive director of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Harbor Light System, said that many Detroiters who experience homelessness use The Salvation Army Detroit Harbor Light program which offers inpatient residential rehabilitation and a wide range of supportive services for those in the early stages of recovery.

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The Salvation Army Detroit Harbor Light, located at 3737 Lawton St. in Detroit, is part of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Harbor Light System. Detroit Harbor Light and The Salvation Army Bed & Bread Club provided nearly 111,000 nights of shelter last year. That equates to more than 300 nights of shelter daily, she added.

“The Salvation Army Detroit Harbor Light is also home to The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s William Booth Legal Aid Clinic which accepts anyone in the community, including people experiencing homelessness, who need legal advice,” Winkler said. “A majority of these cases involve landlord-tenant, debt, or family-law related issues. The clinic takes pride in its determination to help everyone living in poverty who walks through its doors seeking help.”

The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic helps resolve nearly 1,800 legal cases yearly, per The Salvation Army.

The Clinic is also in partnership with the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit and offers defendants pro bono legal aid services.

For more information visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy. org/emi/.

Homelessness can happen to anyone, but everyone is deserving of housing, McCree said of Clay Apartments’ housing-first philosophy.

“This philosophy recognizes the basic right for every one human being to be housed without having to prove something to earn a roof over their head,” she said. “I have looked into many eyes and seen the joy, gratitude, and hope as men and women have moved from homelessness to housing. … They are all worthy and deserve all the efforts we can provide to make them successful.”

women who will have a seat at the decision-making table.

“Minorites doesn’t just include Black people,” Chisolm explains. “It includes white women, and Mexicans, and whoever starts to fall in that group because they’re the minority and not the majority.”

Among cabinet picks is Symone Sanders, an instrumental advisor during the Biden campaign, who will now serve as the chief spokesperson for Vice President elect Kamala Harris. Another notable name is Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin, who, upon confirmation, will serve as the first Black male Secretary of Defense.

“We see Black folks in defense. We see Black folks in HUD. We see the first Native American ever leading the Interior,” Snyder says. “We need to make sure we aren’t just placing Black folk in those token spaces.”

Vice President elect Harris also reflects the extended diversity under Biden’s presidency. Hoping the former California Senator can serve as a catalyst for sparking meaningful change and a pipeline for new leaders, communities of color will be looking to the VP to set the stage with her political prowess.

“She has some experiences that we should lean on,” Snyder says. “We want her to be able to be a bridge to the future for elected officials.”

The power of the Black vote has proved to be a mighty tool since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. According to exit polls in key battleground states of

New Studio From page A-1

partnerships. The staff at Real Time’s Media was a natural fit to work alongside my team here at AVL, said Mike McConnell, president, AVL Creative.

“Our collaboration has been proven by the successes of last year’s pivot to virtual with the Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes and Politics and Season of Praise Virtual Gospel Concert. Studio 1452 will be no exception to these continued achievements.

Collaborating on the studio buildout is a natural evolution and only the tip of the iceberg for future opportunity.”

In addition to a significant investment by the company, Studio 1452 was made possible in part by proceeds from a grant from the Facebook Journalism Project COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund, which sought to help news publishers maintain during the pandemic crisis while creating a pathway to long-term sustainability with new

Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan for the 2020 election, Black voters rallied in numbers rivaling the Black voter outcome of the 2008 presidential race that led to a triumph for President Barack Obama. In a state with a 14 percent Black population, Michigan’s Democratic votes counted for 20 percent of total votes.

Georgia, traditionally a red Republican state, has been flipped to Democratic blue on two occasions this political season. Winning the state with just 12,000 more votes than his opponent, according to Pew Research, Joe Biden was able to seize the traditionally red state in a political upset. Georgia’s Black voters also played a pivotal role in securing a Democratic stronghold for the Senate.

“We just poured blood, sweat and tears from the left to move and win those two Senate seats in Georgia and there were hundreds of bills that were passed in the last Congress that sat in the Senate waiting to die by Mitch McConnell,” Snyder says. “That’s some of the things that can be moved and be done to benefit our community.”

Black Georgia voters turned out on behalf of former minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, Stacey Abrams. Leading the charge to register and rally Black voters after a narrow loss in the race to become the state’s governor, Abrams has been able to shift the political dynamic for African American communities across the country. Now, with a 50/50 split vote in the Senate, Vice President and Demo-

journalism products and services.

“The news industry is working under extraordinary conditions to keep people informed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jason White, director of news partnerships at Facebook. “At a time when local journalism is needed more than ever, we’re thrilled FJP has enabled Studio 1452 and the critical work of RTM to create a platform that meets the needs of their audience.”

“Like no other time, our audience is depending on us to keep them connected and informed,” says Jackson. “We’ve got so many great stories to tell, and Studio 1452 is another tool in our arsenal to making sure they are heard. Coupling this new capability with our existing toolkit of online newsletters and virtual events will drive a new age of growth for our business.”

RTM will host an official virtual grand opening of Studio 1452 in February 2021.

crat Kamala Harris holds the tie-breaking vote.

“Democrats have a 50 plus one majority in the Senate and that’s only for 18 months. Time is of the essence If they want to pass any of their legislation,” Snyder shares.

In his victory speech during his win over Donald Trump, Biden thanked the Black community and declared now it is his turn to return the favor.

“And especially those moments when this campaign was at its lowest ebb, the African American community stood up again for me. You’ve always had my back, and I’ll have yours,” he said.

For leaders, it is time for Biden to make good on his promises.

“When he says we’ve always had his back and it’s time for him to have our back, show it,” Chisolm says. “Hop on Air Force One, that first 100 days, and come right to Ground Zero like Flint where you have the water crisis that’s been going on for forever and change it.

You can do it just like that with the flip of a switch.”

It is with no doubt the Biden/Harris administration is inheriting a country saddled with racial disorder, rogue police, a national health crisis and economic devastation. The first 100 days will be crucial to the President’s overall recovery plan for America and execution of a campaign full of promises to the Black community.

With the world watching Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be inaugurated January 20.

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michiganchronicle.com

Comerica Bank Southeast Michigan External Affairs Manager Linda Nosegbe (left) and Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III (center), among several volunteers, help give ­children new coats as part of the Master’s Commission at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.

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Comerica Bank and Comerica Charitable Foundation Donate Nearly $240,000 to Michigan Community Initiatives

In Dec. 2020, Comerica Bank and Comerica Charitable Foundation donated nearly $240,000 to 11 nonprofit organizations to support food security, education initiatives, health and human services, and COVID-19 relief outreach in Michigan.

These latest contributions bring total 2020 funding, contributions and community investments in Michigan to $4.3 million specifically for community and small business recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Comerica recognizes the impact the pandemic has had on our communities – from food security to education,” said Mike Ritchie, Comerica Bank Michigan market president. “Our support aims to aid in Michigan’s recovery by supporting essential resource programs right here in our neighborhoods. The stability of our communities is vital as we look towards the future, and Comerica will continue its state-wide support until recovery is achieved.”

This funding was directly provided to

nine in-state community partners and two national philanthropic organizations impacting individuals in Michigan, including: All Saints Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, Alternatives for Girls, Beyond Basics, Citadel Community Development Corporation, Cass Community Social Services, Covenant House, Kids’ Food Basket (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Pope Francis Center , The Master’s Commission (Greater Grace Temple), National College Resource Foundation and National CARES Mentoring Movement.

“Investing in our community partners by supporting such efforts as COVID relief, education, food security and health and human services is crucial as our communities continue to struggle,” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Southeast Michigan External Affairs Manager. “These partnerships become vital in sustaining programs and outreach efforts that positively impact the lives of individuals and families.”

COVID RELIEF ASSISTANCE Comerica Charitable Foundation con-

tributed $40,000 to The Master’s Commission, a nonprofit initiative of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, to aid in COVID relief efforts as well as helping deliver resources to numerous Detroit shelters to assist with food insecurity.The partnership assisted in providing nearly 1,000 winter coats distributed at Greater Grace Temple and helped deliver food to nearly 16 shelters around the city.

Alternative For Girls, an organization that assists homeless and high-risk young girls and women through resource programs, received funding to help the organization meet the intensified basic needs of girls and young women experiencing homelessness and pregnant and parenting youth. This includes minor children who are in the care of their young mothers as a result from the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

Comerica’s partnership assisted in Citadel Community Development Corporation drive-up distribution of COVID-19

See DONATIONS page A-4

THE MASTER’S COMMISSION

“Greater Grace Temple (The City of David) has enjoyed a very amicable relationship over the years with Comerica Bank that has extended far beyond a financial partnership. For over a decade Comerica’s funding support of our church’s outreach arm (The Master’s Commission) has enabled us to provide schooling, housing, life skills and other beneficial programs to a vast impoverished community. This year, Comerica’s COVID-19 funding assistance aided our Master’s Commission to provide winter coats to hundreds of school aged children as well as food and essential household goods to their families.” -- Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, senior pastor of Greater Grace Temple and president of The Master’s Commission.

Pictured: Tracey D. Ellis, Corporate Controller of Greater Grace Temple (left), Ellis (center), and Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Southeast Michigan External Affairs Manager (right).

Comerica’s 171-year commitment to Michigan communities remains paramount

Comerica Bank, in partnership with Triumph Church held a COVID-19 Relief Community drive thru event providing essential COVID-19 relief items and food. Left to Right - Linda Nosegbe and LaShawn Jimenez, Sept. 25th at Triumph Church located at 2760 E Grand Blvd in Detroit.

From conducting Business $ense Bootcamps and Money $ense financial education programs to teaching school kids how to open savings accounts, Comerica Bank’s external affairs efforts took on a new urgency during an unprecedented year.

“Making sure we were meeting the critical needs of the community during a global pandemic was top of mind for the bank,” said Vanessa T. Reed, Comerica National External Affairs manager.

Reed, who celebrated her 21st year with Comerica on Jan. Michael DeMartelaere, 7, explained the company’s focus centered on food insecurities, as Vanessa T. Reed, Comer- Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Co­ merica Bank Outstate well as assisting small businesses, ica Bank National External Bank Southeast Michigan Michigan External Affairs senior citizens and students in Affairs manager Manager External Affairs manager kindergarten through 12th grade.

Michael DeMartelaere, a transplant from “2020 has been literally working with our The Michigan External Affairs team was Minnesota, came to Comerica Bank in 1999 nonprofit partners affected by the pandemintegral to Comerica’s ability to quickly acfrom the retail world and for the past three tivate the bank’s COVID 19 Relief efforts to ic,” said Nosegbe.

She is proud to execute Comerica Exter- years has served as an External Affairs manaddress the far-reaching impact of the global nal Affairs programs in the Detroit area that ager based in Lansing, covering mainly the pandemic. west side of the state.

Linda Nosegbe, Southeast Michigan included supporting Invest Detroit and MichDeMartelaere ran down a long list of igan Women Forward, along with the Detroit External Affairs manager, quickly connected with community stakeholders to get Lions First Down Program, where nonprofits programs spearheaded by Comerica Extermuch-needed resources to partner organiza- benefitted from every first down gained by nal Affairs that included working with a rethe Detroit Lions at Ford Field. tions in Southeast Michigan.

See COMMITMENT page A-4

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • January 20-26, 2021

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Index Inched Higher

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index increased in October to a level of 106.2. October’s reading was 22 percent higher than the historical low. The index averaged 117.9 points for all of 2019, 0.6 points below the index average for 2018. September’s index reading was 105.6.

Commitment From page A-3

tail banker to provide Holton Middle School students the chance to open new bank accounts, as well as conducting Comerica Money $ense financial education workshops for students on how to save and be successful.

Comerica partnered with Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) to offer Comerica Business $ense Bootcamps for the women entrepreneurs, as well as conducting Comerica Money $ense financial education sessions for the Young Kings and Queens group. DeMartelaere also takes pride in Comerica’s support of the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA), providing free tax assistance in Lansing Michigan.

It all comes down to creating strong partnerships, said DeMartelaere, explaining, “strategic partnerships are important, both with our nonprofits as well as internal colleagues who serve as volunteers and subject matter experts, helping us to effectively deliver on our promise to raise expectations in the markets we serve. It’s not just me making it work, it’s everybody as a team.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic still very much with us, Comerica’s External Affairs 2021 priorities will remain very-much focused on supporting individuals and businesses affected by it, said Vanessa T. Reed.

Comerica will continue to conduct Business $ense Bootcamps for small business owners, as well as support Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs), said Reed, who explained, “when we partner with CDFI’s and MDIs, we get money out the door so it can be quickly deployed in the community where it’s most needed.”

This year, Comerica External Affairs will also have a newly heightened focus on helping diverse communities. “We’re coining 2021 the “Year of the Woman, Girl and Seniors,” said Linda Nosegbe. Part of that is continuing to coach entrants in the Michigan Women Forward Pitch Competition - a sort of Shark Tank contest. According to Michael DeMartelaere, out of 30 finalists, eight have Comerica Bank managers as coaches.

Another goal for 2021 is expanding Comerica Business and Money $ense programs with GROW and other nonprofit organizations to reach more individuals and families whose financial security has been adversely impacted by COVID-19 due to reduced work hours and government-imposed work from home recommendations.

Why is it so important for Comerica to reach beyond its walls out to the communities it serves?

“Comerica is a bank focused on helping people to be successful,” said DeMartelaere. “Comerica External Affairs provides both human and financial capital to help small businesses to grow and individuals to achieve their financial goals. This positions the bank as a trusted advisor in the industry and an institution that has the best interests of its customer base in mind. The best return on investment is when a business or individual return and asks for help with other financial goals or refers us to someone they know.”

“We’re raising expectations in the community, and this past year our External Affairs programs, human and financial capital were committed to meeting the needs of the people of Detroit and surrounding areas,” adds Nosegbe.

In the end, it’s all about strategic partnerships and relationships, said Vanessa T. Reed. “It’s important for us to be engaged and help to strengthen our communities because they’re our customer base so when they thrive, we thrive.”

Donations From page A-3

Relief Care Packages on Dec. 22 that included cleaning supplies, face masks and more to assist Detroit residents during the holidays.

FOOD SECURITY Comerica Bank donated $40,000 to food pantries and homeless shelters in Detroit, as well as over $7,000 in Grand Rapids. With a target to further impact food security, especially during this great time of need, Comerica contributions are assisting a variety of community partners, including: All Saints Soup Kitchen, Cass Community Social Services, Covenant House, Pope Francis Center, Kid’s Food Basket (Grand Rapids, Mich.)

Gift bags that included winter coats were distributed by the Master’s Commission

organization’s initiatives, including its Family Literacy Program and Beyond Basics’ food insecurity assistance. Funds will help reinforce literacy with both child and parent while conRecipient of the Comerica Detroit Lions UNI_CB-275108_1 MI Chronicle Ad _MM.pdf 1 6/25/20 9:00 AM First Down Program grant in 2018, Beyond tributing to narrow the food security gap for Basics will receive $25,000 to aid two of the program recipients.

EDUCATION AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SUPPORT

National College Resource Foundation: NCRF creates programs and initiatives to provide guidance, resources, information and pipelines to empower students toward positive post-secondary pursuits.

Comerica Charitable Foundation’s contributions will assist college students supported

by NCRF who face homelessness and food insecurity in addition to those students’ struggles they face to earn degrees or certificates.

National CARES Mentoring Movement: The community-galvanizing movement, which enhances and protect the health and well-being of low- and moderate-income individuals and families, is dedicated to alleviating intergenerational poverty among African Americans.

The movement offers children in low-income families and unstable communities the social, emotional and academic support they need to unleash their potential and graduate from high school prepared to succeed in college or vocational-training programs and 21st-century careers.

Robert A. Dye

Our Michigan economic activity index increased for the fourth consecutive month in October, reflecting improving economic conditions prior to the current surge in coronavirus cases.

Ominously, the rate of improvement in the Michigan Index has declined for each of the last three months. We expect to see our state indexes cooling more in late 2020 and early 2021 as states and cities respond to critically limited hospital capacity by tightening and extending social mitigation policies.

In October, we saw mixed results for Michigan. Four out of nine index components were positive including nonfarm employment, unemployment insurance claims (inverted), housing starts and house prices. The five negative components were industrial electricity demand, light vehicle production, total state trade, hotel occupancy, and sales tax revenue.

While overall manufacturing conditions are improving globally, in the U.S. and in Michigan, the critical auto industry looks vulnerable to weaker sales this winter. Light vehicle production increased in November to an 11.0 million unit annual rate as sales slipped to a 15.9 million unit rate nationwide, down from 16.3 million in September and October.

Surging coronavirus cases, combined with declining consumer confidence in December, may result in weaker auto sales and production this winter. Further drag may come from weaker U.S. personal income in December.

The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of nine variables, as follows: nonfarm payroll employment, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, house price index, industrial electricity sales, auto assemblies, total trade, hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue. All data are seasonally adjusted. Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values. Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages.

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

ComericaEcon@comerica.com.

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

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Business recovery begins at Comerica.

At Comerica, we know the challenges facing businesses like yours, and we’re dedicated to helping our community get back on its feet. Whether you need capital to support your operations, expense reduction from a great rate on commercial mortgage refinancing or anything in between, our experienced business financial advisors stand ready to help you achieve your goals.

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| January 20-26, 2021

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Our Community, Our Voice:

Detroiters Input In Neighborhood Developments; City Council Discusses

By Sherri Kolade The law that determine Detroiters voices having an impact in the development of their neighborhood was the topic of discussion in a recent meeting with Detroit City Council.

The Community Benefits Ordinance [CBO] is a sometimes contentious topic that many in the Detroit community want to know, how will potential new changes to CBO impact them?

From a Black developer to a resident near an up and coming development, what’s to be gained from it all? The CBO and it’s potential updates were discussed during a Detroit City Council for a Virtual Committee of the Whole Discussion on January 12.

CBO in Detroit is a law that requires developers to be at the forefront and engage with local residents to see community benefits and address potential negative impacts of certain development projects. The ordinance was approved

by Detroit voters in 2016.

Since its passage, City Council instructed Legislative Policy Division [LPD] staff to conduct a series of legislative staff work group meetings to provide a recommendation on 62 recommended revisions previously submitted to City Council last fall, City Council President Brenda Jones said in an online post. They discussed 17 revisions and voting on them at the meeting.

When projects involve the CBO process, a Neighborhood Advisory Council [NAC] is established, with nine representatives from the project’s impact area to work closely with the developer and establish community benefits, which are included in the final development agreement approved by the Detroit City Council, per the city website.

The over an hour-long Tuesday meet were to discuss the CBO recommendations including: A Tier 1 Development Project in the city that is expected to incur the investment of $50 million or more during the construction of facilities, or to begin or expand operations or renovate structures.

Tier 2 Development Project means a development project in the City that does not qualify as a Tier 1 Project and is expected to incur the investment of $300,000 or more, during the construction of facilities, or to begin or expand operations or renovate structures.

All residents over the age of 18 that reside in the Impact Area are eligible for nomination. Any person who is an agent, employee, or official of the developer must disclose their relationship to the developer before selection to the NAC. If the NAC receives less than nine nominations, the City Council Member in whose district contains the largest portion of the Impact Area may seek out individuals that live

See DEVELOPMENT page A6

Help Is On The Way:

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Seeks Approval on COVID-19 Funding for Businesses

By Megan Kirk

ally select those who will be awarded funds.”

strate an income loss as a result of the order,” Hundt says.

The Michigan Strategic Fund voted to enact two programs aimed at providing economic relief to small businesses and live event venues across the state.

Introduced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the initiatives serve as a response to the Gatherings and Face Masks Order implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services in early December and the economic impact of COVID-19 to these businesses.

With power going to the EDO’s to distribute grants to eligible small businesses, they will also determine grant amounts to meet demand. Each award amount cannot exceed $20,000 for small businesses that have been closed due to the pandemic or $15,000 for businesses that have been partially closed due to the Gatherings and Face Masks order.

The Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association will lead the charge in accepting, reviewing and approving grant applications. Upon approval, the MSF will distribute funds to each venue. The entertainment grant payments will not exceed $40,000 for each awarded venue.

While the recent national health crisis continues to negatively impact small business owners across the state, causing many to close permanently, several programs have been offered with the help of the MSF and MEDC to give owners some financial assistance.

Under the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Fund, as provided by the Michigan Legislature, $55 million will be awarded to 15 local economic development organizations across the state. The local EDO’s will then provide grants to community small businesses who have suffered financial impacts due to COVID-19.

“With these, the process allows for an application window of roughly threeand-a-half business days. At which point, the application statewide will be separated and delivered, electronically of course, to the 15 EDO’s that have the statewide coverage,” says Mark Burton, president and CEO of MEDC. “At that level, they will take in the applications that come from their region and they will review and process and eventu-

“The local economic development organizations do have the option to provide grants below those maximums so they can be spread out across additional small businesses,” Josh Hundt, executive vice president and chief business development officer for MEDC, says.

As a result of social distancing orders and mask ordinances, the state’s entertainment industry has been greatly impacted. The State of Michigan has provided $3.5 million towards the launch of the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program. With this program, live music and entertainment venues are eligible to receive one-time grants to help curb the financial effects of the pandemic. Venues must use the funds towards business costs “We look at the basic components that have to be a business between one and 100 employees, be an industry that has demonstrated being affected by the current order and importantly, a business that needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utility payments or other similar expenses and can also demon-

“This is a separate and distinct program from any of the previous programing that we have utilized, and the statute does allow for companies under the program to utilize this funding even if they have received prior funding under tools such as the Michigan Small Business Relief Program or the Michigan Small Business Restart Program,” Hundt says.

With the help of the MEDC, these newest program initiatives represent the 22nd and 23rd COVID relief programs initiated by the organization, helping to generate about $240 billion dollars to small business across the state.

Applications for the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant will be available from January 19 until January 22 while applications for the Michigan Stages Survival grant are open from January 21 through January 28. Previous financial awards from the Michigan Small Business Relief Program or the Michigan Small Business Restart Program will not impact eligibility.

To apply, visit the Michigan Business webpage www.michiganbusiness.org/ stages and www.michiganbusiness.org/ survival.

UpNext:

Pierre Batton: Green-lighting Financial Mobility in the Motor City UpNext is an editorial series highlighting eight burgeoning business and real estate developers in the city. Presented by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the series highlights Detroit professionals who are leaders, innovators, and influencers in their industry and community. This week’s UpNext professional is Pierre Batton.

Pierre Batton is an adopted son of Detroit. Originally from the West coast, Batton moved to the motor city in 2010.

“Detroit being a majority Black city just had this real pull to me and allure. Add to the fact that my parents decided to retire in the metro Detroit area, it was already a no-brainer slam dunk,” said Batton. “It was the right move at the right time for all the right reasons.

Pierre Batton

He’s been interested in bettering municipal economies, particularly Black-owned businesses, dating back to his senior undergraduate thesis focusing on economic development in the Black community. Batton now serves as the vice president of small business services for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC).

“We are about a 20 person staff, charged with covering the entire city. There’s a total of 62,000 businesses in the city of Detroit; a little over 54,000 of which, are micro-businesses that have less than 10 employees,” said Batton. “Ultimately, the role of me and my team is to make sure that small businesses across Detroit have what they need to execute their vision for the future to be able to scale up, grow, and expand.”

Batton acknowledges challenges for Black residents, especially to own, operate, start, or expand a business in Detroit.

“We know that systemic racism is real, and businesses in Detroit are overwhelmingly minority-owned.

We know that resources do not always trickle down in the way they need to, so from a resource standpoint, we are always here to make sure that information is getting out.”

The pandemic created yet another obstacle for Detroit’s development as many Black businesses missed out on the initial Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans. Batton and his team are currently working to

See PIERRE

BATTON page A6

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • January 20-26, 2021

Development

Pierre Batton

From page A-5

From page A-5

outside the Impact Area but within the City Council District or Districts where the Tier 1 Project is located.

ensure business owners have the information and resources for the new round of PPP, which opened this month.

According to the city’s website, since voters approved the CBO, residents have been positively impacted by developers for their communities. Key benefits for the community include:

Batton says it will take more than just one organization for Motown to continue to prosper.

Having $2.5 million to build 60 outdoor basketball courts in parks across the city from the Pistons Practice Facility CBO process.

“We are seeing investment move out further and deeper into the neighborhoods of Detroit. We still have work to do, but Kevin Johnson, CEO of DEGC, says, ‘economic development is a team sport.’”

The restoration of an abandoned school field for sports and recreation use, including a skate park and free programming for local youth from the Herman Kiefer CBO process.

Local leaders are one component of that team. Last year, Batton and DEGC partnered with government officials to provide over 11 million dollars in cash grants to Detroit small businesses.

A commitment to providing more affordable rentals for low-income residents from the Wigle: Midtown West CBO Process.

Some residents and developers say that what is not working with the potential CBO changes include lowering the $75 million figure to $50 million because that could decrease the types of developments that come to the city.

Roderick Hardamon, CEO of Detroit-based URGE Development, a real estate development and business innovation firm, told the Michigan Chronicle that he would hope that CBO would facilitate and empower and increase economic activity and development not only in downtown Detroit but neighborhoods themselves.

“Changes to the CBO that disincentivize investments from large and small community developers ultimately negatively impacts every resident in the city of Detroit,” Hardamon said of the proposed amendment Tier One reduction to $50 million; the initial figure is at $75 million. “The $75 million talks about total development size and total project size. Reducing the number from $75 million to $50 million could have a negative impact because [for] one [it] signals to the world what Detroit considers to be a large development.”

Others echoed Hardamon’s thoughts during the public comment section of the meeting.

Some in the city also feel that the potential changes could impact how Black and brown developers are able to do business in the city with the ever-growing red tape surrounding CBO amendments that could push some away.

Detroit business owner Alisha Moss said during the meeting that she “supports Black and brown neighborhoods” and said that some of the CBO recommendations could be adding “yet another insurmountable hurdle to Black

and brown developers.”

“If we’re not adding resources …. we’re adding hurdles that cannot be overcome,” she said.

Others said that because COVID-19 has impacted the economy, people should be careful “how we generate more revenue in our general fund.”

Commenter Linda Campbell, of the Detroit People’s Platform, said that she and others in the organization believe in a more diverse NAC that is “representative of the voice of Detroiters.”

Campbell also agreed with the recommendation to lower Tier 1 from $75 million to $50 million.

Another commenter asked the City Council to hear what the people are saying regarding the CBO amendments.

“Take into agreement what the city of Detroit is asking of you to put into this agreement,” the speaker said.

Several other commenters agreed with the $50 million figure instead of the $75 million and asked that the City Council make sure that the NAC is representative of Detroiters. Some said that “developers get all the breaks and residents live with the ill effects” after a development comes to the city. Others said that the City Council should ensure that there is no conflict of interest in future business deals for those involved in the NAC and developers.

City Councilman Scott Benson told the Michigan Chronicle that he and several other colleagues helped author Proposal B, which resulted in the ordinance.

“I am supportive of the current version and just concerned about any future changes based on how they might hurt the general fund,” he said. “I’m just concerned and watchful for any proposed changes.”

“Developments are the lifeblood of

the city of Detroit and if you continue to change the rules of the game you are going to have a negative impact on our ability to attract development, create, jobs feed our people,” he said.

He added that there have been misconceptions on the proposed changes, too, including that the city is “giving money away” to developers, which is not the case.

Benson added that the city grows its general fund in four ways: utility tax, property tax, income tax, and corporate tax, and new developments typically hit all four of those categories.

“That is how we grow our general fund and the more obstacles you place in front of development [developers], they have choices; they don’t have to come to Detroit,” he said, adding that Black and brown female developers’ concerns were heard loud and clear tonight about wanting to be able to come to the city and set up shop.

During the meeting, the City Council voted to bring back the ordinance amendments to the table in four months. Also, they want to hear responses from the city’s new chief financial officer and Legislative Policy Division on the amendments.

Jones said that by then, she is looking forward to progress being made on discussing the amendments.

“For the record hopefully we can vote on something in four months,” she said.

“I am really looking forward to making sure whatever changes we make don’t make a negative impact on our general fund,” Benson said, adding that Detroit is the only city in the country with that ordinance. “We cannot put obstacles in the way of our ability to generate revenue.”

For more information or to view the video visit http://video.detroitmi.gov/CablecastPublicSite/watch/6?channel=1.

Batton says neighborhoods also play a pivotal role in successful economic developments. In 2018, DEGC conducted a study that found that Detroit residents spend 2.6 billion dollars a year on goods and services outside the city.

This unmet demand is a significant reason Batton considers listening to residents essential for sustained development.

“The community in Detroit always has a strong sense of what it desires and will continue to relay that information. They will let us know when we have it right, and when things need to be tweaked. We serve on behalf of Detroit residents, and ultimately, Detroit residents will continue to guide the revitalization and rebirth,” said Batton.

As a Detroit resident himself for more than a decade, Batton now considers himself a Detroiter and takes pride in how his career correlates to his way of life.

“It makes the difference for my family to live in Detroit. I am wearing both hats. We live, work, and play here just like the community we serve and so that helps us better understand the importance of what we are doing.”

For Batton, a successful Detroit boils down to increased economic mobility. He aims to look back one day and say he was a part of the journey of businesses that have sustained for decades.

He is quick to point out that while entrepreneurship is not the answer for all, he is committed to working towards economic advancement.

“Small business ownership is a great answer for some, while for others it’s upskilling to advance in the labor market. The real goal regardless of the path someone takes is economic mobility.

We can all get on board with increased economic mobility for Detroiters, for households of color, and Black households across the city. To be able to impact that would be an honor.”

LET’S KEEP GOING WE’LL BE THE DIFFERENCE TOGETHER. Your water and sewer bill payments enable us to deliver clean water, improve our water and sewer systems, clean catch basins to reduce street flooding and perform upgrades to our 100-year-old system.

Over the past few years, we have been working to improve service delivery to you and your neighbors by replacing several miles

of water mains and lining pipes for sewer collection. Additionally, we have reduced street flooding in Detroit neighborhoods by cleaning 30,000 catch basins.

Together, we can make a difference when you pay your monthly bill. Please continue to do so. Your payments help maintain this important work for you and your neighbors.

EASY WAYS TO PAY ONLINE detroitmi.gov/paymywaterbill

PHONE 313-267-8000

KIOSK 50+ locations around the city (7 days a week).

Find one near you at detroitmi.gov/DWSDkiosk

MAIL Board of Water Commissioners City of Detroit P.O. Box 32711 Detroit, MI 48232-0711 Make checks or money orders payable to the Board of Water Commissioners (do not send cash)

Viewpoint Michigan Chronicle

A Real Times Media Newspaper

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher SAMUEL LOGAN Publisher 1933-2011

How to Heal our Divided Society

By Keith Magee

How very easily he and his fellow extremists had strolled, virtually unchallenged by police, through the halls of power. How comfortably he committed the crime of sedition, disgracing our country while the whole world watched on in amazement. How warmly he was praised for his thuggery by a president who called him ‘a very special person’ and a ‘patriot’.

I wept for our national humiliation and for the vioKeith Magee lation of our precious, fragile democracy. I wept for all the Black protesters who just six months previously had knelt on the hard, hot streets outside that very building to peacefully proclaim that their lives matter and who had been beaten, pepper sprayed, and arrested for their pains.

Many of the rioters who stormed the Capitol in the dying days of Donald Trump’s nightmarish presidency had tattoos linking them to White supremacist groups with their roots in some of the darkest – or perhaps whitest – chapters of U.S. history. Racism and its dreadful consequences are deeply engrained in our past and have never been fully resolved. Our present is tainted by the ongoing devaluing of those with Black and Brown bodies – we can still hear their blood crying from the ground.

I truly believe that the struggle for justice for all will one day succeed, but not before we, as a nation, own the sin of racism. Its horrors cannot be negated – they must be examined honestly and repented, and the pernicious myth of race dismantled for good.

But rather than seek retaliation against those who are taken in by racist lies and madcap conspiracy theories we should reach out to them. We should strive for reconciliation, for with God’s blessings of forgiveness and grace, even the worst of us can be turned away from evil in repentance and redirected towards good. And if it proves beyond us to change these people’s minds, then we must hope to teach their children the true values of our democracy. We must show them how to also love those who don’t look or sound like their parents, so that this hatred does not poison the hearts of any more generations of Americans.

Sadly, the divisions we face today are open wounds that go well beyond a few extremist groups – they permeate throughout our society. President-Elect Biden is now fighting to mend the soul of America. He cannot do it alone or quickly – a cure will take decades – but he can lead us all in bold, strategic steps towards healing.

Wounds must be allowed to breathe: first, we must talk openly to one another about our discontent and our anger, our fears and our hopes. And we must listen. This will require love, civility, and courage, but we should not rest until we find common ground. We may be surprised by how much unites us. We all have a soul. We all dream of a better future. We are all American patriots. We all long for justice.

We are all God’s children.

Having revealed our shared humanity, the next step will be to repair our broken nation. Politicians, faith and community leaders, and educators will all have their roles to play, but each of us has the capacity to offer our own unique solution – look into your heart and ask yourself, what can I do to make the world better? How can I overcome my distrust of the ‘other’ and truly attempt to engage with, understand, and even love someone whose ideologies are utterly different to my own? How can I redirect both our energies towards the common good?

If I could, I would like to sit down in a brave space somewhere with that man who put his feet up in Nancy Pelosi’s office. I would ask him what he was hoping to achieve that day, what he was so angry about and why. I would try to really listen to his answers, however abhorrent I found his beliefs. I suspect he would tell me that he thought he was fighting to save democracy, because he saw it as the very soul of America, the source of all hope. Now that, surely, is one thing that we would be able to agree on. And perhaps that would be a start …

Opportunities & Challenges:

Minority Lending

By Anthony O. Kellum As the Biden/Harris Administration takes office, they face many crisis’ and challenges – including bridging the partisan divide, ramping up vaccines to end the COVID-19 crisis, jump starting the economy, and facing huge budget deficits at a time many believe we need to spend more to help the economy.

From my perspective, the Administration should not ignore another important priority – maintaining access to mortgage credit, particularly for minority, low-income, and underserved homebuyers and homeowners.

Minorities and non-minorities have much more in common than not and one of our commonalities is obtaining the good old “American-Dream…” homeownership.

Property ownership is much more than a personal accomplishment, it also benefits society at large by influencing stable neighborhoods, good citizens, strong communities and wealth building. The idea of living in a single-family home that is owner occupied is central in the concept of a secure and successful life. There are countless reports and statistics indicating that most Americans would rather own their home opposed to renting. The desire to own a home is not exclusive to non-minorities however it has Anthony O. Kellum been more elusive for minorities to achieve the funding necessary for purchasing property and more specifically a home which in-turn creates a bigger divide in the ability to purchase a home even when the minority has the required down payment and credit score.

According to the National Association of Realtors, “the ownership rate for non-Hispanic white Americans has been consistently above 71% from 2016 to 2019.” However, during that same timeframe the homeownership rate for African Americans is 41% and for Hispanic Americans has held above 45% and for Asian Americans it has been above 53%. As we can see there are many disparities. The housing discrepancies minorities encounter in today’s society is America’s problem it is not just the problem of black and brown people.

Part of the problem is lenders are reluctant to provide loans in smaller amounts and in many urban areas that are largely populated by black and brown people the loan amounts may range from $40,000 to $100,000 and in-spite of what many mainstream lenders say, they frown upon providing these smaller loan amounts. In fact, many consider these “car loans” and not worthy of the time or effort it takes to close. However, these same lenders indicate they want to get more involved and they want to be a part of the solution, but when it comes actually putting the money where it needs to go in order to make an actual difference, competitive loan rates are not offered leaving potential homebuyers in a perpetual renting cycle.

If lenders are truly serious about providing equality in the housing market then it’s time to start actually providing the necessary loans, hiring people who understand this particular market, appropriately advertise and provide marketing. Also put forth the effort to improve the relationships with minority communities and the people who reside there.

According to Kimber White, President of National Association Mortgage Brokers, “…in light of last year’s social-justice battles, the (Biden) administration should focus on affordable housing and minority homeownership by adding more housing stock and crafting creative solutions to increase homeownership within communities of color.” This would be a great start!

There are additional opportunities to really make a difference such as: opening branches in predominately minority communities as a tes-

For Heaven’s sake, K-12 instructional learning is suffering!

By Tiah E. McKinney, Ph.D. As the second wave of COVID-19 rages, it has revealed the lack of critical infrastructure that has rendered public schools in the poorest communities the most vulnerable. Since March – 10 months ago – we’ve all seen that threats to personal health can and will shut down schools, as well as paralyze neighborhoods and local economies. And because of the social determinants of health, poor communities of color have been hit hardest in this new normal!

LONGWORTH M. QUINN Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989

Property is Power

A White man strolled into an office, settled down in a leather chair, and casually put his dirty boots on the desk in front of him. I saw this and I wept.

For this was not his office, but that of Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. She had been evacuated by armed police for her own protection and the man, Richard Barnett, was part of a pro-Trump mob of domestic terrorists who had smashed their way into the U.S. Capitol building. It had been a long and traumatic day at the end of a long and traumatic four years, and this is what reduced me to tears – a photograph of a White man with his feet up.

JOHN H. SENGSTACKE Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997

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

January 20-26, 2021 | Page A-7

Make America Whole:

AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

if they are to reopen for in-person learning. So, the integration of healthcare and education is already past due.

A global pandemic has drawn our attention to the problems that must be solved at home, and across the country, now. In Michigan, this health crisis has disrupted academic learning for tens of thousands of school-age youth and no real solutions are being implemented.

How will this learning loss be made up for the vulnerable? Even worse are the long-term effects impacting matters of national security and creFor schools, the novating a dilemma for our el coronavirus moved workforce pipeline. the importance of health It bares mentioning from the back seat to the that not all homes are front overnight. It creatconducive to online ed an immediate urgen- Tiah E. McKinney teaching and learning, cy to protect health. But so safeguarding health for returnwe also see in real time just how ing children and teachers must be interconnected our health is to the priority one for schools, and too proper functioning of our schools, many do not have the capacity to do neighborhoods, and the economy. this for their students and school We all hear the alarms. community.

Public schools need the requiEverything we want to stabilize site capacity and capabilities to starts with shoring up our public mitigate emerging health threats

schools. This is simply not optional. Schools provide that multiplier effect.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is just one example of the complexities that come with the 21st century. We need to act! To see how, read the proposed policy recommendations and strategy for schools to open and remain open safely. Reference “It’s Time: 21st Century Critical Infrastructure for the U.S. Education System (McKinney, 2020).”

COVID-19 is not dissimilar to the adverse health disparities caused by the social determinants of health. Both pose grave threats to the educational goals set forth by schools and worse to the life trajectory of low-income students and their families. A key distinction is the negative outcomes of the virus are more immediate compared with the latter which occurs more slowly over time.

About the Author: Tiah E. McKinney, Ph.D. obtained her doctorate degree with a specialization in Education Policy, a secondary concentration and certification in Nonprofit Management from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

tament to change and equality, offering fair interest rates and not shunning lower loan amounts. Another great way to support homeownership and communities is to create a footprint by helping minorities leave a legacy by building sustainable wealth through homeownership. Lenders can also provide help and advance communities by providing homeownership and financial literacy education. Building a team that is passionate about serving underserved communities and delivering high-quality and competitive loan products.

Should be a minimum at best for lenders.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it faced” –­ James Baldwin Anthony O. Kellum - President of Kellum Mortgage, LLC. Connect with me on Facebook at: www.facebook. com/propertyispower

STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION **** NOTICE OF HEARING FOR THE GAS CUSTOMERS OF DTE GAS COMPANY CASE NO. U-20816 • DTE Gas Company requests Michigan Public Service Commission’s approval of a Gas Cost Recovery Plan, 5-year Forecast and Monthly GCR Factor for the 12 months ending March 31, 2022.

• The information below describes how a person may participate in this case.

• You may call or write DTE Gas Company, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226, (800) 477-4747, for a free copy of its application. Any person may review the documents at the offices of DTE Gas Company.

• A pre-hearing will be held:

DATE/TIME:

Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 9:00 AM

BEFORE:

Administrative Law Judge Kandra Robbins

LOCATION:

Video/Teleconferencing

PARTICIPATION: Any interested person may participate. Persons needing any assistance to participate should contact the Commission’s Executive Secretary at (517) 2848090, or by email at mpscedockets@michigan.gov in advance of the hearing.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (Commission) will hold a pre-hearing to consider DTE Gas Company’s (DTE Gas) December 18, 2020 application requesting the Commission to: 1) approve DTE Gas to implement a Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) plan and a maximum base GCR factor of $2.53 per Mcf that can be adjusted to a new maximum GCR rate by the monthly NYMEX based contingency factor matrix, to be reflected in DTE Gas’s monthly gas customer billings beginning April 1, 2021, and continuing through March 31, 2022; 2) approve a Supplier of Last Resort Reservation (SOLR) Charge of an additional $0.42 per Mcf that is billed to GCR customers while the Reservation Charge billed to GCC customers will be $0.28 per Mcf; 3) Review DTE Gas’s five-year (April 2021-March 2026) forecast of gas requirements, supplies and costs, and gas supply plan, approve the five-year forecast and indicate any cost items in the five-year forecast that cannot be recovered from DTE Gas customers in rates, rate schedules, or gas cost recovery factors established in the future; and 4) grant DTE Gas other and further relief.

All documents filed in this case shall be submitted electronically through the Commission’s E-Dockets website at: michigan.gov/mpscedockets.

Requirements and instructions for filing can be found in the User Manual on the E-Dockets help page. Documents may also be submitted, in Word or PDF format, as an attachment to an email sent to: mpscedockets@ michigan.gov. If you require assistance prior to e-filing, contact Commission staff at (517) 284-8090 or by email at: mpscedockets@ michigan.gov.

Any person wishing to intervene and become a party to the case shall electronically file a petition to intervene with this Commission

by February 4, 2021. (Interested persons may elect to file using the traditional paper format.) The proof of service shall indicate service upon DTE Gas Company’s attorney, Andrea E. Hayden, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226.

The prehearing is scheduled to be held remotely by video conference or teleconference. Persons filing a petition to intervene will be advised of the process to participate in the hearing.

Any person wishing to participate without intervention under Mich Admin Code, R 792.10413 (Rule 413), or file a public comment, may do so by filing a written statement in this docket. The written statement may be mailed or emailed and should reference Case No. U-20816. Statements may be emailed to: mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Statements may be mailed to: Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, 7109 West Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917. All information submitted to the Commission in this matter becomes public information, thus available on the Michigan Public Service Commission’s website, and subject to disclosure. Please do not include information you wish to remain private.

For more information on how to participate in a case, you may contact the Commission at the above address or by telephone at (517) 284-8090.

Requests for adjournment must be made pursuant to Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules R 792.10422 and R 792.10432.

Requests for further information on adjournment should be directed to (517) 284-8130.

A copy of DTE Gas Company’s application may be reviewed on the Commission’s website at: michigan.gov/mpscedockets, and at the office of DTE Gas Company. For more information on how to participate in a case, you may contact the Commission at the above address or by telephone at (517) 284-8090.

The Utility Consumer Representation Fund has been created for the purpose of aiding in the representation of residential utility customers in various Commission proceedings. Contact the Chairperson, Utility Consumer Participation Board, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 30004, Lansing, Michigan 48909, for more information.

Jurisdiction is pursuant to 1909 PA 300, as amended, MCL 462.2 et seq.; 1919 PA 419, as amended, MCL 460.54 et seq.; 1939 PA 3, as amended, MCL 460.1 et seq.; 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL 24.201 et seq.; 1982 PA 304, as amended, MCL 460.6h et seq.; and Parts 1 & 4 of the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules, Mich. Admin Code, R 792.10106 and R 792.10401 through R 792.10448.

DTE1468 | 2021 Print Ad Customization/NOHs/NOH U-20816

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • January 20-26, 2021

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

Comerica Cares volunteers packaging food for families in southwest Detroit.

Michigan Hispanic BRG Supports Mike Ritchie, Comerica Bank Michigan market president, alongside other Comerica volunteers, loaded nearly 200 meals during the Capuchin Soup Kitchen December drive-through holiday food drive.

Latino Press Comerica Bank Colleagues Volunteer Holiday Food Box Project at Capuchin Soup Kitchen

During the Holidays

This past holiday season Comerica stepped up and volunteered in the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, whose mission is to support and feed those most in need within the Detroit community, during its December food drive. Comerica volunteers, which included Comerica Bank Michigan Market President Mike Ritchie participated and loaded nearly 200 meals for metro Detroiters.

“The inspirational efforts of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen over 90 years exemplifies its selfless commitment to others, and we are always honored to volunteer alongside their incredible staff,” said Ritchie.

In November of last year, Comerica Bank announced a $100,000 donation to Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The funds supported Capuchin Soup Kitchen during the busy holiday season and provided meals to over 1,300 metro Detroit families in total.

Comerica’s partnership will continue making an impact for Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s programs into 2021 via Operational Support (Funding will supplement operational expenses, vital to supporting and sustaining the organization) and 2021 SOCK Fundraiser (Part of the funding will support the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser).

Members of Comerica’s Michigan Hispanic Business Resource Group (BRG) recently volunteered at the Latino Press’ annual Holiday Food Box Project.

The volunteers prepared hundreds of boxes containing donated food items that were distributed to families in need.

Volunteering for this activity has become a tradition during the holiday season for many of the members of Comerica’s Hispanic BRG. Nearly 150 families received their food boxes during a socially distanced drive thru event that took place on Dec. 12.

Not only did Comerica volunteers help box donated food items, but Comerica also served as one of the event sponsors. The Latino Press Food Box Project has provided food to families in southwest Detroit and Pontiac during the holidays for 14 years.

Latino Press is celebrating its 25th year of delivering engaging and energetic news to Michigan’s growing Hispanic population. Headquartered in Southwest Detroit, Latino Press is a certified Detroit-based and Hispanic-owned business, offering award-winning international, national, state and local community news.

Comerica Bank partnered with Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Food Drive at CSK’s facility ­located at 6333 Medbury Street in Detroit.

Food boxes, packaged and ready for distribution, with the help of Comerica Cares volunteers.

Comerica Bank Honors Fallen Military Veterans

Comerica Bank partnered with the Romulus Public Safety Foundation to remember and honor fallen U.S. veterans as part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America.

On December 18, Comerica colleagues assisted Romulus Veterans Outreach Committee to place wreaths at Romulus Memorial Cemetery for veterans from all service branches. As they laid wreaths, volunteers called out the name of each fallen veteran in honor of their service and to keep their memories alive.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, led by the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach, is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all Kevin Krause, Director of Fire Services & Emergency Management, led the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Romulus Memorial Cementery.

50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

Denene Smith, Comerica Retail District Manager, lays wreath at the grave of a fallen military veteran at the Romulus Memorial Cemetery.

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

B1 | January 20-26, 2021

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

Make a Statement: 3 Comfortable Yet Stylish Shoe Trends to Try in 2021 (StatePoint) While comfort will continue to reign supreme for clothing and accessories in 2021, when it comes to footwear, there are a variety of fun fashion trends that make a statement. The good news is that there’s no need to overhaul your entire closet. And it’s easier than ever to incorporate on-trend pieces into a comfortable and casual outfit.

According to Alyson Stanley, buyer for national retailer Rack Room Shoes, simple clothing choices paired with shoes featuring leopard print detailing, pops of pastel, or silver accents make getting dressed easy and fun. Whether walking around the neighborhood, enjoying a socially-distanced event, or leading a Zoom meeting, here are some tips on how to stay cozy and on-trend this year.

Engaged couple Dan Green and Jennifer Onwenu are all smiles with their daughter, Claire. – Photo provided by Jennifer Onwenu

Try on-trend looks like the Nike Court Vision in metallic accents and fun colors.

Animal Prints: In the past, mixing patterns was taboo, but according to Stanley, it’s now encouraged. Sneakers, clogs, and casual shoes with animal print accents serve as a neutral accessory that can be mixed and paired with any item in the closet. Nike’s Court Vision Low Sneaker puts a fun twist on cheetah print accents, while the adidas Puremotion Adapt is a stylish slip-on sneaker with a crisscross leopard print pattern.

Metallic Accents: Athletic shoes featuring a hint of shine or iridescent details provide a versatile option for those getting their steps in or committing to fitness goals. Because metallics such as rose gold, silver, and gold can mesh with a broad range of color palettes and design styles, they are “the new neutral.” For those on-thego, athletic shoes such as the Nike Swift 2 and the Nike Court Vision are selections that offer a touch of silver, gold, or platinum detailing.

Joyful Pastels and Playful Patterns: This season’s footwear features a palette of cotton candy-inspired shades (think lavender, mint green, and bubblegum pink). The possibilities to incorporate these colors into this season’s outfits are limitless. While you may know Crocs’ classic clogs are surprisingly comfortable and functional, you may not be aware that they now come in many pastel-colored options such as mint, lilac, and a pattern featuring a baby blue shade swirled with cloud forms.

For all your family’s footwear needs, visit rackroomshoes.com for online shopping or curbside pickup options.

“Though many of us are still spending the majority of the day working, exercising, and taking classes online from home, clothing and accessories still afford us the opportunity to express our unique style,” says Stanley.

“The patterns and color trends for shoes in 2021 can bring joy to everyday outfits for the entire family.”

By Sherri Kolade

they can’t be divided even if they disagree on certain issues.

Black love.

Think Michelle and Barack. Darius and Nina. Gina and Martin. Queen and Slim -- if you know, you know. And so many others.

The celebrated sometimes complicated, kinda elegant love that wraps you up in a deep, soulful embrace and holds you down through it all. It’s that classy (and if the mood strikes ratchet) love where home is wherever your lady or man is at when the world becomes too much. Since 2020 it’s been just that: too much.

So, what happens when that melanin-dripping otherworldly love is at a crossroads with the monotony and restrictions of quarantine and COVID-19 that’s got some side-eyeing their partners and wondering who they really are behind the mask?

Don’t worry. A local love expert and two couples (one millennial and one seasoned) have your back and delve into what’s really good with Black love (at least from their perspective) and how to keep love alive quarantined and all.

Pastor Tenisia Evans and her husband Bishop J. Richard Evans Sr. of Macomb County, (pastors at Divine Restoration Ministries in Detroit) are celebrating nearly 30 years of Black love after meeting in music history class at Kettering High School when 14 years old.

The duo has five children and they are grandparents to seven.

In a phone interview, Evans recalls how her classmate and would-be future husband wore an Adidas velour tracksuit, white Air Force ones, and carried

Pastor Couple: Bishop J. Richard ­Evans Sr. and his wife, Pastor Tenisia Evans, believe that Black love has an undeniable spark to it that helps them keep going with God’s help. – Photo provided by Tenisia Evans a brown briefcase to school, and don’t forget the jheri curl. He told her back then that another boy was interested in her -- the new girl.

“Me being who I am I said, ‘I don’t want your boy’s number I want your number,’” she said to him.

Nearly three decades later, Bishop Evans said that his better half makes things worth it all and his definition of Black love is: understanding, compromise and commitment.

He successfully navigates ups and downs with her by first knowing that

“Second, we communicate clearly concerning the issue. Third, we work together to resolve the issue,” Bishop Evans said.

Evans said that she and her husband are known for their marriage YouTube channel, Restoration Today, where they discuss restoration tips for people including restoring their mind, relationships, wealth and health.

“We love to empower entrepreneurs: we believe in empowering people in their marriage and helping them. My motto has always been, ‘A good marriage is something you work hard at,’” Evans said. “Even in the pandemic it’s been so awesome that we’ve been able to communicate more -- learn more about each other.”

Through ups and downs, health issues, (she overcame an autoimmune disease) and growing financially (they are savvy entrepreneurs with stores in Detroit and at Partridge Creek Mall, Macomb Mall and Lakeside Mall) the couple keep God and their family first -- even a pandemic can’t stop love like that.

“What we learned about each other was that we were determined to survive COVID-19 in every way possible,” Bishop Evans said. “We were going to strengthen our friendship and our marriage. We realized that we enjoyed each other’s company. Our family is stronger and our commitment to God and community is greater. Adversity brought us closer together in every way possible.

Love makes the sacrifice.”

“Black love is kind of magical,” Evans said.

See BLACK LOVE Page B-2

Get Out Alive Musical to Broadcast Virtually

By Megan Kirk A recently sold-out musical is making its way to the city of Detroit -- virtually.

Written and directed by independent musician Nikki Lynette, “Get Out Alive” tells the story of survival, and overcoming abuse and depression.

With a rich background in music and songs featured on Netflix, Hulu, MTV and FOX, the recording artist and mental health advocate is taking the stage to shine a light on mental health. The autobiographical musical showcases a personal account of the artist’s journey with mental illness. Using music, technology and art, the show presents a real-world approach to coping while breaking stereotypes of music for healing.

“Music that deals with mental health doesn’t have to be sad or corny. If these are issues we navigate every day, then it should be the soundtrack to

See GET OUT ALIVE Page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • January 20-26, 2021

Black Love From page B-1

She also quoted parts of the Bible and said to be “the one who endures to the end.”

“Have some enduring power,” she said. “You don’t just want to finish; you want to finish to win.”

The couple also has an interactive relationship counseling-based ministry on Facebook. Find them at Heart 2 Heart Global Ministries.

Robert Warmack, Detroit-based counselor at L.E.C. Counseling (Love, Empathy & Compassion) said that the Black family has been bearing the brunt of COVID-19 from all sides.

“Even prior to the pandemics there were some of our families and in our community having challenges with housing, employment and healthcare … going into the pandemic those things were exacerbated,” Warmack said, adding that some economic challenges leading to job loss and other aspects could impact relationships.

Warmack also said that children being at home learning remotely could add strains too.

“All those things contribute to marriage and relationships,” he said.

He added that Black couples also encounter separately, or together, systemic racism on and off the job -- another hurdle they get through and handle by encouraging each other.

“When you come home with all of the things you are dealing with, I am here to support you and love you because I know what you are dealing with,” he said. That is what Black couples want to hear from their partners, adding that being open with each other and vulnerable is important, too.

For more information go to www.leccounseling.org.

Jennifer Onwenu and her fiancé, Dan Green, both 28-year-old Detroit natives are currently living in Ann Arbor with their 2-year-old daughter. They have been in a relationship for five years and met through mutual friends while following each other on social media.

They became engaged in 2019 and experienced their first year engaged in 2020 primarily quarantined.

Green said that they had so many goals and plans for dates and travel last year that they had to cancel because of the pandemic.

“Jennifer planned a trip to Mexico that had to be canceled. Also, we knew when we were engaged, we were getting married in 2021, but now that the pandemic is still ongoing that’s uncertain as well. Just no correct response in sight,” he said.

Green, who contracted COVID-19 last year, said that Onwenu was there through it all with him. “I am happy to have Jennifer because it was very tough to deal with amongst feeling strapped by work, moving and caring for our daughter Claire. That moment put a lot on her.

It helped me realize the other ways in which I can step up mentally in supporting our family,” he said.

Green added that he was pretty burnt out from work during that time.

“Contracting COVID really took a lot out of me. It caused us to be truly

Get Out Alive From page B-1

people’s real lives,” Lynette said. “When I went into the psyche ward after a suicide attempt, I met all these people with the same issues as me, and they felt alone, too. I told them when I got out, I would use my platform to tell our stories — and I’m keeping my word.”

Taking the form of a hip-hop concert, the stage play turned 90-minute musical adaptation, features original songs first performed during an opening act show for a punk rock group in 2018. With no prior experience in musical theater, storytelling through music was no foreign concept.

“I began writing the play in 2018. It took just over a year to complete. It was a process because I’ve never wrote a play before,” Lynette shares. “I was encouraged to write it by my mentor.”

Songs, as well as the full piece from the stage play were also a part of a developmental reading with the American Music Theater Project at Northwestern University in 2019. This accomplishment made Lynette the first Black women to have her work developed and produced by the American Music Theater Project.

The stage show, originally appearing as a part of the 2020 Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Lookout Series, has been readapted for film and reimagined for the internet. Adapting to film began in the summer of the same year.

“We started adapting to film this

Jennifer Onwenu and her fiancé, Dan Green, celebrate Black love through good times and unexpected ones. Photo provided by Jennifer Onwenu vulnerable and understand how we can move forward to best support one another,” he said.

They both said that they are grateful today to be healthy and working.

Raising their daughter during a pandemic put the three of them at home together after she was pulled out of daycare in March.

“We have a very busy girl on our hands,” they said. “It was her mommy and daddy all day. So, we had to readjust and create fun and meaningful activities for her.”

Before the pandemic, the couple liked to host guests and have parties ranging from game night to national margarita day.

“You could count on us for fun -COVID stopped all of that,” they said, adding that reimagined date night and get-togethers now involve lots of movie nights and fancy dinners in the home.

“We both enjoy cooking and are decent cooks. So, switching things up and making a fancy meal on a Tuesday is a fun way to break up the monotony during the week. We also start and complete new TV series together which is a nice way to connect with one another that’s less of a fuss.”

They said that spending so much time together at home has been fine overall.

“We know how to be alone together which we think is very important when living together. We also enjoy similar movies and TV shows so that helps when it comes to figure out what we want to binge next,” the couple said.

“It is important to be friends with your partner and that has made it a bit easier to spend so much time together.”

They make each other a priority despite circumstances and make dating and learning more about one another a key part of their relationship.

“Doing something you both can interact with and learn new things about each other is a great way to provide a new spark,” Onwenu said.

They both added that regardless of the circumstances that have been handed to us generationally, Black love wins, and that is why they celebrate it in their own relationship.

“We have been able to find ways to amplify and celebrate the love we have for one another. When all else fails, or even a pandemic occurs, love prevails.

It gives us promise, provides hope and fulfills dreams,” they said.

summer during the pandemic. When we decided to turn the musical into a film, we didn’t do it to keep the play alive. We did it because we were in the middle of a pandemic and people want to feel good,” Lynette says. “We can reach people at a time when they want to be reached.”

Now adding playwright and filmmaker to the list of accomplishments, the artist takes clips from documentary footage, visual media and will feature new content filmed during the summer in Chicago. Lynette and her team completed the project with no additional funding.

“We’re completely independent,” Lynette says. “We’re just doing this by ourselves. Its supporting independent theater when you buy a ticket.”

With the goal of bringing awareness to the serious topic, Lynette wants to encourage and educate the community on mental illness and advocate for those who still struggle with the effects of mental health. An ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lynette wants to give a voice to those who may feel lost.

“I live with mental illness everyday without medication. It will be okay. You are not crazy. It means nothing about your character,” Lynette says. “There are numbers you can call. You don’t have to wait until you’re suicidal or things get worse.”

The show is set to debut virtually across the country on January 30 and is set to feature four episodes as a part of the full series. Tickets are available online.

Girls’ nights IN are gonna take COVID-19 OUT We don’t get enough laughs these days. But, wherever they are, our friends are as close as a click. Vaccines are coming. But until enough of us are vaccinated, we still need to slow the spread. We can watch our distance, and not let COVID-19 keep us apart.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

January 20-26, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page B-3

Native Detroiter Phoebe Scott is the CEO and founder of FaceFX

by Phoebe Scott – Photo provided by Phoebe Scott

‘Detroit is Real, Detroit is You:’ Face FX Founder Believes in a Beautiful City, its People, One Makeup Palette at a Time

By Sherri Kolade Detroit resident Phoebe Scott, 27, relishes in all things beautiful.

As the founder and owner of Detroit-based FaceFX by Phoebe Scott, she is all in when it comes to making others look beautiful, and she’s bringing her city with her every step of the way.

Her company [established in 2015] and launched last year, is cosmetic service and product-based and provides makeup services, enhancement conferences, and one on one sessions, according to her website. The company’s mission is to provide high quality, superior, timeless, and innovative cosmetic products and services for everyone, according to FaceFX’s website https://www. thefacefx.com.

“I wanted my clients to know beauty within themselves,” Scott told the Michigan Chronicle, adding that she wears multiple hats with her company including web designer, social media manager, quality assurance manager, creative content director, and more.

And though she is living in her passion right now of being in the business of beauty, her journey [navigating during the pandemic nonetheless] was an uphill one this year.

Due to the pandemic, she

FaceFX’s DETROIT Palette was developed in March and inspired by the resilience and strength of Detroiters, the city, and its neighborhoods. – Photo provided by Phoebe Scott lost her high-level executive assistant job in March and Scott was going to call it quits to her beauty company.

“I never lost my job before,” Scott said, adding that she was a little down when she spoke to her friend about selling her company or putting a pause on it. That is when her friend

told her that she shouldn’t, but rather pivot with it. “He said, ‘You need to start producing more product; you need to get on it.’”

Scott added that she was reluctant at first but she listened and sat down and started writing things about Michigan, being raised in Detroit, and the

like.

“Growing up in Detroit they always say there is something in the water,” Scott said laughing. “There is a bold resilience we have and carry … I can accomplish whatever -- I am from Detroit.”

Scott said that because of that grit and tenacity, she was inspired to launch a DETROIT Palette through her company.

“I grew up on the westside of Detroit,” she said, adding that the palette was inspired by her knowing the city’s neighborhoods, the people, and all of the ever-evolving city. “And not just the good parts people talk about. That is what the palette is about.”

She added that the palette exemplifies that “we’re all in the same boat” and anything can be done despite challenges.

“We’re strengthened by that; we are Detroit, you are Detroit,” she said adding that there is beauty in the struggle and not knowing. “But being certain that I am going to make it through.”

Scott, who also does weekly makeup tutorials on Facebook, appreciates her customers [those who live in Detroit and beyond], especially her early customer and childhood friend, Hollywood starlet, Jude Demorest.

“I’ve known Phoebe since we were kids,” Demorest said.

“We grew up in church [Perfecting Church] together, in school together. Fashion and beauty were always her passion … I always expected this from her. [It is] amazing to see her grow into her purpose; she stayed close to God and trusted her plan in her life.”

Demorest, an actress, is well known for her roles in Dallas and Star, said that she supports Scott by wearing her products, and telling other makeup artists about Scott’s beauty line.

“Every product she’s put out is amazing and it is easy for me to support it and encourage other people to support the product,” Demorest said. “Supporting Black-owned businesses has always been important to me. Growing up in Detroit that was just a common thing we did. If we knew that somebody in our church opened up a … business we made sure to go out of our way to support our community.

Demorest added that she loves “seeing her win.

“Because I know the challenges [for her]. She’s not just a woman business owner but a Black businesswoman from Detroit -- three things she’s had to navigate … I’m blown away,” Demorest said.

For more information go to https://www.thefacefx.com/ and find “Thefacefx” on Facebook.

Pucker Up Detroit: New Lipstick Collection To Celebrate Women’s Empowerment Two Detroit entrepreneurs teamed up just in time to color our holiday season in festive shades that go way beyond red, gold or green.

and always bet on themselves.

Advocate: This nude pink is the perfect pick when heading into an afternoon meeting or just a meet-up with friends. Advocate was inspired by those women who lift one another up and are always working hard behind-the-scenes to make it all happen.

Pheobe Scott - the namesake founder of FACEFX by Pheobe Scott ™ - and Jennyfer Crawford, of Ask Jennyfer, joined forces to develop a new lipstick palette that celebrates and signifies empowering women. From flattering pink to bold burgundy and daring turquoise, the striking shades are the basis of the FACEFX by Pheobe Scott ™ presents the Ask Jennifer Collection. This collection is sure to inspire during the holiday season.

Influencer: This bold, bright turquoise blue stands out in any crowd. Influencer is ideal for the woman who embraces her power to make a difference.

Wear it day or night and get ready to get noticed.

The FACEFX by Pheobe Scott ™ presents the Ask Jennifer Collection is a celebration of women’s empowerment.

It arrived just in time to make it an ideal holiday gift.

“We believe that there is nothing women working together can’t accomplish,” said Scott. “Through this partnership our goal is to ensure each woman who wears any of these four lipstick colors will feel inspired, enlightened, unafraid and pushed to be her greatest self.”

Scott founded her brand, FACEFX by Pheobe Scott ™ in May 2019 after working in the beauty industry for five years as a makeup artist. She creates affordable, user-friendly, high-pigmented and cruelty-free products with a message.

The concept immediately resonated with Crawford, who founded her company, Ask Jennyfer, in 2012 with a focus on event curation, event planning and small business consulting. She is the force behind All Things Detroit – a highly-successful small business showcase and has created several platforms aimed at helping small business owners succeed.

“I loved the quality of the brand, shades of lipstick and also what FACEFX

Give a locally-made gift “We are living in uncertain times and, right now, it’s important for everyone to feel beautiful, inspired and special,” said Crawford. “That is what this collection represents.”

Jennyfer Crawford represents - a local Detroit cosmetic line that makes women feel beautiful and empowered,” Crawford said.

FACEFX by Pheobe Scott ™ presents the Ask Jennifer Collection features the following shades:

Both women understand what it’s like to be black, female entrepreneurs working hard to succeed today. They began this collaboration in March 2020 amid the challenges of the pandemic.

It’s something they feel is needed now.

Jennyfer-It: A bold burgundy for the woman who is taking care of business, this rich shade was inspired by women who close the deal. Named after Crawford’s passion, Jennyfer-It defines all those who are innovating, advocating and creating within the small business community.

“I hope that this collection makes women feel empowered,” added Crawford, who named each shade after the qualities that strong women all possess.

The Collection

Not Afraid: This copper nude works well for a day or night – from a business meeting and beyond. It was made for women who are willing to take chances -

The FACEFX by Pheobe Scott ™ presents the Ask Jennifer Collection is available online now at thefacefx.com.

Purchase the entire collection for $80 or opt for individual lipsticks for $20 each.

For each full collection purchased, buyers will receive a limited edition FACEFX

by Pheobe Scott ™ presents the Ask Jennifer Collection makeup bag – no gift wrap necessary.

“No matter if you are working in the office, working from home, a stay-athome mom, getting ready for a date or just looking to try something you’ve never done before, this collection is for you,” said Scott.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • January 20-26, 2021

Veggie Sammies with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce

Prep time: 30 minutes Servings: 2

4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons water

4 teaspoons hoisin sauce

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons sriracha

2 French baguette rolls (6 inches each) 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced 1/2 cup white onion, sliced into thin strips 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips 1/2 cup purple cabbage 1/2 cup fresh cilantro In small bowl, combine peanut butter, lime juice, water, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sriracha; mix well.

Spread sauce on both sides of each roll then layer with cucumber, onion and bell pepper. Top with cabbage and cilantro.

S

Veggie Sammies with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce

FAMILY FEATURES

tarting fresh with a new year is a chance to hit the reset button for many people, and your family can use this opportunity to rethink homemade meals while striving for nutritious (and still delicious) dishes. From snacks to the main course each evening, the options are nearly endless for planning a revamped menu with healthier ingredients.

Dinnertime can be a cinch with Peanut Butter Chicken, a simple dish that takes less than 20 minutes to make when busy evenings call for a quick solution. If a veggie-based option aligns better with your family’s desires, try Veggie Sammies with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce or go full-on comfort food with Very Vegan Peanut Butter Jackfruit Chili. Snacking doesn’t have to mean forgoing your dedication to nutritious choices either – these Peanut Granola Bars can be your made-at-home masterpiece for adults and children to enjoy.

These recipes from the Georgia Peanut Com­mission are powered by peanuts, a nutrient-rich superfood that delivers 19 vitamins and 7 grams of protein per serving for a health benefit punch in each bite.

Discover more nutritious recipe ideas at gapeanuts.com.

Very Vegan Peanut Butter Jackfruit Chili

Very Vegan Peanut Butter Jackfruit Chili

Peanut Granola Bars

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 6 minutes, plus 30-45 minutes cooling time Servings: 12-14 1/2 cup honey

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups rolled oats (quick or regular)

1 cup bran flakes

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

1 cup dried fruit (raisins, blueberries or cranberries)

1 cup roasted peanuts, chopped In large, shallow, microwavable dish, combine honey, butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla and salt. Microwave at 50% power 2 minutes then whisk to combine and microwave at 50% power 2 minutes.

Add oats, bran flakes, coconut flakes, dried fruit and peanuts; stir to combine. Microwave on high 1 minute. Stir and microwave 30 seconds.

Press mixture into 13-by-9-inch baking dish lined with parchment or wax paper with some extra hanging over edges to easily lift bars out.

Use bottom of glass wrapped with plastic wrap to press granola mixture firmly into pan. Allow to cool completely 30-45 minutes. Cut into 12-14 bars.

Peanut Granola Bars

Recipe courtesy of the National Peanut Board Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Servings: 8

2 teaspoons oil 1/2 large white onion, chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 can whole tomatoes

2 cups water

1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can green jackfruit, drained and chopped 1/4 cup peanut butter cornbread (optional) tortilla chips (optional) cinnamon rolls (optional) Heat large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add oil, onion and peppers; cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder and tomato paste, stirring to coat.

Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, then stir in crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, water, kidney beans and jackfruit; bring to boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 25-30 minutes.

Stir in peanut butter and simmer 5 minutes.

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips or cinnamon rolls, if desired.

Peanut Butter Chicken

Peanut Butter Chicken

Recipe courtesy of “Unsophisticook” Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Yield: 6 cups Peanut Sauce: 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter

3 tablespoons sweet red chili sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey 1/8-1/4 cup hot water (optional) chopped unsalted roasted peanuts (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon soy sauce 3/4 cup peanut sauce cooked brown rice assorted bell peppers, sliced chopped unsalted roasted peanuts (optional) To make peanut sauce: In small glass bowl, whisk peanut butter, sweet red chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce and honey until blended smoothly.

Thin sauce with hot water to desired consistency. Garnish with chopped unsalted roasted peanuts, if desired.

To make chicken: In large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle oil. Add diced chicken then pour soy sauce over top. Saute about 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Serve with peanut sauce, brown rice and colorful sliced veggies. Garnish with chopped unsalted roasted peanuts, if desired.

Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS

APPLICATIONS Jalen Rose Leadership ­Academy, 15000 Trojan Detroit, Michigan 48235, 313-397-3333. ­ Applications for the 2021-22 school year for grades 9th-12th are being accepted from ­February 1 thru March 31, 2021.

Should applications exceed available space a random selection drawing will be held on April 7, 2021 at the school. Applications are available online at www.jrladetroit.com.

DATE: December 18, 2020 PROJECT: Detroit Leadership Academy Annex Building Water Main and Fire Suppression. OWNER: Detroit Leadership Academy; 13550 Virgil St. Detroit, MI 48223. ARCHITECT: TMP Architecture, Inc.; 1191 West Square Lake Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.

BIDS RECEIVED: Bid Proposals will be received until the time and place, as follows, where and when the opening of bid proposals will be conducted by the Owner in public: January 25, 2021. TIME: 10:30 a.m. Sealed Bids will be received at the following LOCATION: Detroit Leadership Academy 13600 Virgil St. Detroit, MI 48223. Attn: Kerri Smith, Chief ­Executive Officer, ­Equity Education.

HELP WANTED Animal Control Officer CITY OF EASTPOINTE $41,147 - $50,490 Plus Benefits Package Please visit our online application system to review the job description and minimum qualifications at https://www.governmentjobs. com/career s/eastpointemi/.

Those who are interested in this position must file an application online by 4:30 p.m. on February 7, 2021.

January 20-26, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

5 Ways to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly

(Family Features) An earth-friendly approach to your home isn’t just good for the environment.

Making minor adjustments with sustainability in mind can enhance your enjoyment and comfort while reducing expenses related to energy consumption.

Harness the sun’s rays. There’s a reason bright rooms with plenty of natural light tend to be warmer: that light carries heat. Although the effect is less in the winter than in the summer months due to the sun’s position in relation to the earth, those rays can help warm a room. Throw back the curtains and let the light stream in. Not only will you capture some natural warmth, a bright, airy room requires less electric light, so you’ll save on electricity, too.

Swap out cleaning products. While daily cleaners are often top of mind when considering your health and the environment, don’t overlook other types of cleaners, such as your laundry detergent. An option like

all Free Clear Pure Liquid Detergent is 99% bio-based and provides a

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plant-based clean. It’s hypo-allergenic, which makes it a good option for sensitive skin, and is from the makers of the No. 1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin.

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Get smart about technology. Not only do smart devices add convenience to your home, they can be highly effective tools for helping manage energy usage. Programmable thermostats are especially useful because you can set them to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away from home, but other devices like smart lights can also be programmed to recognize motion or adjust at certain times of day to reduce energy consumption in unused spaces.

Manage water usage. Many people don’t realize how much water they’re wasting at home. Consider that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates about 30% of each household’s

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Photos courtesy of Getty Images water goes to the toilet and chances are good you’re literally flushing away that natural resource. Manage your water usage by only running full loads of dishes and laundry, eliminating leaks, reducing shower times and switching to a low-flow or other eco-friendly toilet.

Improve air quality. It may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to clean air, but your flooring plays an important role in your home’s air quality. In addition to improving ventilation and opening windows

for natural air circulation, you can take other steps to naturally boost your air quality without relying on energy-dependent filtration systems. The carpet in your home can contribute to poor air quality, so be sure to vacuum frequently to minimize dust, dander and other allergens.

Simple adjustments can make a big impact on the earth and your monthly energy expenses. Start with an audit of your home so you can begin taking steps toward an eco-friendly environment.

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• michiganchronicle.com • January 20-26, 2021

The Michigan Chronicle recognizes our Frontline and Essential Workers!

From our heart to yours

We could not make it through this Pandemic without you!