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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 84 – No. 42 |

June 23-29, 2021

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For the People:

Will Black Communities receive Slavery Reparations?

By Megan Kirk In 1865, the institution of slavery was outlawed with the ending of the Civil War. Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing slaves from confederate states, it was not until two years later that the last slaves in Texas would be granted freedom. Since that time, African descendants continually have paid the price of a business practice that was legally banned over 150 years ago.

An evolution of laws and orders have kept Black communities disenfranchised and fighting for equality.

The push for reparations is beginning to heat up again and African Americans are questioning if an atrocity that lasted generations Mark Fancher, Racial will be financially Justice Project Staff righted and Attorney for ACLU if states will issue reparations to the descendants of slaves.

Recently, America recognized the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre. In February, just one month after winning a historical election with the help of votes from the Black community, President Biden came out and publicly endorsed the study of reparations for the descendants of slavery. In the months following, there has not been any official measures taken.

In April, a House committee voted to approve legislation that would create a 15-person commission to study the effects of slavery and determine an amount, or the proper remedy for reparations.

The bill, H.R. 40, takes its name from the Government’s promise of 40 acres and a mule after the Civil War, which enslaved Blacks never received. Although the bill has been introduced before, recent attacks against African Americans have created a space to revisit the dialogue.

“Reparations, unquestionably, is an issue whose time has come,” says Nkechi Taifa, prominent Civil Rights Attorney and a National African-American Reparations Commission Commissioner. “I have waited 50 years for this day, and 32 years since H.R. 40 was first introduced.

I’m no longer a teenager, but an elder. It’s time for an official reckoning of the past and the healing that can come from a reparations settlement — distinct from and not to be confused with ordinary public policy, to be fashioned in as many ways as necessary to equitably ad-

See REPARATIONS page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Daryl Carter left, and Ron McDonald in front of Cameron Court in Detroit. Photo by Sherri Kolade

Native Detroit Developers Set Sights on Apartments in North End

By Sherri Kolade Two Black developers with Detroit roots are bringing things back to the city, particularly in the North End of Detroit.

Daryl J. Carter, 65, leading Avanath Capital Management, LLC, and Ron McDonald, RMC Development managing principal, are joining forces to develop a market rate, affordable, senior housing unit -- North End Landing.

The 180-rental-unit structure would be housed on Smith Street/Delores Bennet Park area of the North End and is proposed as a mixed-income project located in a federally designated opportunity zone.

The project would be anchored by two senior housing buildings that will be constructed at John R and Smith with a combination of market-rate and affordable units, according to a press release.

Carter is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Avanath Capital Management, LLC, a California-based investment firm that acquires, renovates and operates apartment properties, with an emphasis on affordable and workforce communities. Carter directs the overall strategy and operations of the Company. Since its formation in 2008, Avanath has acquired $2.5 billion of properties in 13 states in the U.S., comprising 12,000 apartment units.

Carter said that he started looking at

Shaida Mausi Roots. A3

“I said, ‘Wow, this looks interesting,’” said Carter, who has 40 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry.

Irvine California-based Avanath is a minority-owned national investment firm that currently operates over 10,000 units. As the largest minority-owned apartment owner and manager in the country, the company has the distinction of being founded by a Cass Tech graduate.

During an interview with The Michigan Chronicle, Carter, who lives in California, said that creating housing opportunities for residents who look like him is important.

“I grew up on the westside -- youngest of three,” Carter said, adding that his parents, both from Mississippi, brought his family to be raised in Detroit. “That was at a time in the ‘60s and ‘70s things started declining.”

Carter said, however, that there were neighborhoods that were vibrant in the city.

“Full of people -- that is what I remember growing up,” he said, adding that neighborhoods were full of “people walking around.”

Carter, who has other properties in the city’s north end like Cameron Court,

hopes to bring that era of bustling neighborhoods back to the city.

McDonald, 58, who lives in the greater Washington, DC/Baltimore region, agrees.

“We have for years been looking for ... an opportunity to come here,” he said.

Carter, who was born and raised on Fenkell and Wyoming, said that an opportunity hadn’t really presented itself as it has now to build back up a city he calls home.

The duo has a collective commercial real estate experience of nearly 70 years that they are using to give back to the next generation of Black developers.

“Even with the number of decades there [Carter] he’s been a mentor for not just for me but a lot of African Americans in our industry,” McDonald said.

McDonald said coming back to Detroit is a two-fold opportunity to build in more ways than one through real estate and people.

“There is an opportunity to mentor some of the younger developers trying to do some of the things here in the city,” he said. “It is only a handful of people in the commercial real estate industry who look like us.”

“The North End Landing will be built via modular construction which will allow the return of several vacant parcels to useful life without disturbing the existing homes,” according to the company.

The Skillman Foundation Welcomes Angelique Power as New President & CEO

The Skillman Foundation is delighted to announce that Angelique Power will lead the organization as president & CEO, beginning on September 13th. Power is an accomplished champion for racial Maintaining Your justice who comes to Emotional Well-being the Foundation after Amidst A Pandemic serving as president of the Field Foundation in Chicago.

Special Supplement “Selecting AngelInside this week’s edition ique Power was a Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre CEO unanimous decision by the search committee and board.

She has a storied Talks Running a Family Entertainment track record of buildAngelique Business Amidst A Pandemic ing across constituencies locally, regionally, and nationally to achieve massive, community-led change. Her experience and skills will build on The Skillman Foundation’s 60 years of impact, furthering racial equity and helping Detroit children be the authors $1.00 Michigan Chronicle

this project during the summer of 2018 when Pam Martin Turner, CEO of Vanguard, asked him to look into it and give his thoughts.

of their own future,” said Suzanne Shank, president and CEO of Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC. and vice-chair for The Skillman Foundation who led the search committee.

Also on the search committee were Skillman Foundation trustees Bill Emerson, vice-chairman of Rock Holdings, Inc.; Ron Hall Jr., president and CEO of Bridgewater Interiors; Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and president Power of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC; Solomon Kinloch Jr., lead pastor at Triumph Church in Detroit; Mary Kramer, Skillman Foundation board chair and director, Detroit Homecoming, at Crain Communications; and one recently retired trustee, Dr. Herman Gray, chair of the

Wayne State University Department of Pediatrics. The search was supported by the executive search firm Korn Ferry.

Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Jr., lead pastor at Triumph Church and Skillman Foundation board member notes the appointment is an important step. ““The appointment of Angelique Power is another important step in continuing the prodigious mission of ensuring Detroit youth achieve their highest aspirations in life.

Angelique has a proven track record of leading with integrity, compassion, and a laser focus on building a better tomorrow – where people from all walks of life thrive.”

Born and raised on the southside of Chicago by a white, Jewish mother who was a Chicago Public School teacher and an African American father who rose to be Sergeant in the Chicago Police force, Power has an intense passion for catalyzing

new ways of thinking about racial equity and social justice.

“The past year has transformed us and the year ahead is even more important. This is a moment to rise up, link arms, and pursue massive change. I am excited to work alongside so many thoughtful folks in Detroit who’ve long been rethinking systems to ensure they work for everyone,” said Angelique Power, incoming president for The Skillman Foundation.

As Detroit and Michigan grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial inequities that stifle opportunity and prosperity for Detroit youth, Power will continue the Foundation’s work to advance an Opportunity Agenda for Detroit Children, retooling systems to center child well-being, youth voice and leadership, and skills that align to the future of work.

See ANGELIQUE POWER page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com • June 23-29, 2021

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Angelique Power From page A-1 “This moment demands a reset. As Detroit comes out of the pandemic, there’s a great need and opportunity to take new approaches to support children and help them lead a lifetime of success. Angelique Power comes to Detroit as a seasoned leader with fresh eyes. She is not dug in to approaches or affiliations, only what’s best for Detroit youth,” said Mary Kramer, vice president and director of special projects for Crain Communications and board chair for The Skillman Foundation.

“As we turn the page on the past year, it’s vital that the young people at the heart of so many movements are supported and empowered to catalyze and sustain change,” said Darren Walker, Ford Foundation president. “Angelique Power is recognized nationally as a uniquely talented CEO with an impeccable record of transformative leadership in philanthropy. She will elevate and extend The Skillman Foundation’s inspired legacy of championing Detroit’s young and emerging leaders to meet this moment.”

Congrats are definitely in the theme according to a recent statement by Melanca Clark, president and CEO of Hudson-Webber Foundation.

“I want to congratulate The Skillman Foundation on the choice of Angelique Powers as its next president. I’ve seen Angelique have extraordinary impact as a foundation leader in her hometown of Chicago where she has been an enduring champion for racial equity, bringing resources to bear in service of systems change and justice for communities

Reparations From page A-1

dress the era of enslavement and its lingering injustices that manifest today.”

First introduced by Congressman John Conyers, the bill came as a result of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 granting reparations to Japanese Americans for being jailed or relocated due to World War II. As history repeats itself more than 30 years later, Asian populations across the states have received yet another advancement in racial protection. The Anti-Asian Hate Bill has been signed and African Americans are left wondering when correction and protections will come for them.

“It’s not, in my view, a question of pragmatism or how realistic it is, it’s a question of what must be,” says Mark Fancher, staff attorney for the Racial Justice Project of the ACLU of Michigan.

“The country continues to experience tremendous racial tension that is moving quickly towards racial warfare because there has never been a reckoning with the fundamental injustices that are at the very foundation of this country.”

Although reparations are largely viewed and rewarded through financial gain, it can also come in

of color. Angelique is a truth teller, careful listener, and bridge builder. She will bring a fresh perspective on how to advance opportunity and prosperity for our young people in Detroit. She will also bring a deep humility and respect for the rich insights and history of Detroiters. She is truly an inspired choice.”

Power started her career in philanthropy with the Dayton Hudson Corporation, where she learned about corporate social responsibility and what effective civic engagement looks like in areas across the Midwest, including in Detroit. She went on to lead community relations giving at Target Corporation. In addition, she has served as director of community engagement and communications at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and as program director at the Joyce Foundation where her regional focus included funding in Detroit.

As president of the Field Foundation, Power doubled the grantmaking and staff size through strategic partnerships locally and nationally.

Additionally, under her leadership, a socially responsible and racially equitable focus was added to the endowment, new funding paradigms were created, and the foundation’s impact measurement was re-thought.

Power’s collaborative nature led her to co-found Enrich Chicago, a nonprofit focused on anti-racism organizing. She is also a co-founder of Just Action, a group of 200 individuals and institutions focused on helping organizations make their racial equity statements from 2020 real. She has also led an interactive mapping project with 30 institutions focused on a number of other forms.

The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 provided a land trust for Native Hawaiians allowing those with at least half ancestry by blood, to lease homes from the federal government for a term of 99 years at just $1.

“The word ‘reparations’ is arguably a derivative of the word ‘repair.’

When you are seeking to repair something, you have to make an accurate diagnosis of where the damage is,” says Fancher.

As America rights its wrongs, Black communities continue to stand in the throes of brutality, discrimination and injustice. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre resulted in more than 300 Black lives lost. One lone survivor, 106-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle, together with descendants of the massacre, signed a lawsuit in 2020. With no specified amount named in the suit, Tulsa victims are seeking justice for the atrocities of the past.

For African Americans, the continual fight for equality and justice is evident with today’s racial tensions. The push for reparations will continue.

“This is an outstanding challenge for the country that it can either embrace or ignore. The consequences of ignoring it are tremendous,” says Fancher.

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an equitable post-COVID recovery.

Power chairs the boards of 6018North and Enrich Chicago and serves on the board of Forefront Illinois and the Julian Grace Foundation.

Power has an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan.

Power, her husband Sean, and their 11-yearold daughter Sadie Louisiane will relocate to Detroit in late summer.

The Skillman Foundation recently celebrated 60 years of service to children in December of 2020. Across its six decades, the organization has been led by bold leaders who have leveraged the Foundation’s assets (currently approximately $550M) as well as its human and reputational capital to help provide

Detroit youth with opportunities to learn and to lead. The Foundation focuses on Detroit K-12 education, afterschool and summer programming, and pathways to college and career. It has co-led efforts to boost the city’s high school graduation rate; advocate for state funding to protect the Detroit Public Schools district from bankruptcy and reinstate local control after decades of state emergency management; grow youth employment, including seeding and supporting Grow Detroit’s Young Talent which provides more than 8,000 paid work experiences during the summer; strengthen the network of providers offering afterschool and summer programming; and more.

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Roots.

| June 23-29, 2021

Black Man, Who Hurt You?

michiganchronicle.com

By Sherri Kolade

“You don’t have to apologize for being human, brother.”

Robert Warmack, a Detroit-based counselor at L.E.C. Counseling (Love, Empathy & Compassion), said those words to a fellow brother – one of his patients who broke down crying due to some pains he had worked through during a recent therapy session.

“He was crying based off some personal things he had been dealing with,” Warmack told The Michigan Chronicle.

Warmack said that as a Black man and a counselor, he sees often how the lack of emotion from some Black men is impacting them and their families.

“The lack of emotion creates a non-caring, disconnected effect toward your family,” he said, adding that men’s significant others tend to not feel “safe enough” to share and communicate their own emotions. “As that continues to take place your significant other begins to seek safety and refuge outside of the home.”

Warmack said that he does therapy with couples who face this very issue and he sees the negative impact that lack of emotions from Black men can create on the nuclear level that reverberates into Black communities.

Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre CEO

Author and Black male mentor Baron Warren encourages young people, especially Black boys, to stop expressing themselves through violence. Photo courtesy of Baron Warren He quoted Aryah Baker, author of article “Unharm Our Sons: Black Father, Masculinity, and Mental Health,” who wrote: “Historically, Black men have opted into toxic masculinity to preserve their sanity and to protect and provide for their families. Beginning with slavery, America’s sociopolitical structures and institutions have upheld a racially stratified, patriarchal class system that, to varying degrees, has oppressed everyone except wealthy white men. This reality, coupled with a desperation to escape racialized poverty, left Black men with no other choice but to attempt assimilating into the dominant culture.”

Warmack said that historically, Black men (even pre-slavery) knew their roles, as did women.

Men hunted, women gathered and men were looked upon to be the ones who cared for the family and were required to “show strength.”

“We associate that with … not showing emotions or, unfortunately, not showing weakness,” he said, adding that as slavery and racism came into the picture, again, Black men were looked upon as not showing emotions, lest they be considered aggressive or “over the top”.

Those perceived negative emotions of the Black man could trigger “negative responses” from the dominant culture, Warmack

See BLACK MAN page A-4

Shahida Mausi

Talks Running a Family Entertainment Business Amidst A Pandemic

P

resident and CEO of The Right Productions Shahida Mausi runs a family business that is iconic to the city of Detroit, Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. In running the 6,000-seat entertainment venue Mausi is responsible for setting policy, creating the entertainment lineup and a staff of nearly 300 people. It’s the only amphitheatre that size run by a Black company and a woman.

The unique Amphitheatre has a visual look and presence that rivals others around the world. The Detroit River is the backdrop to the theatre that overlooks Canada. Boats light up the scene when they pull up to the waterway to enjoy music that radiates from performers at the venue.

Mausi recalls the history behind the theatre and former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young’s progressive push toward making what is now known as Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre a premier entertainment venue.

“He succeeded in creating this wonderful, beautiful place, I mean, it’s something that doesn’t exist elsewhere in the country. We’re on an in-

ternational border with this beautiful stage. I had the privilege of being here when it was first built 30 some odd years ago, said Mausi.

Changes to the venue’s name took place August 31, 2018, when Mayor Mike Duggan announced during Franklin’s funeral service that the venue, previously named Chene Park, would now be renamed to honor the late great Detroit native Aretha Franklin.

“I’m told that Chene park was one of her favorite places and it was certainly the scene of a magnificent performance she did there. I remember when she played on that stage.

It might’ve been one o’clock in the morning when she finished. She just went with the river. It was just a magnificent night. So, when the mayor decided to announce at her homegoing service, that the name of the venue would be changed to the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, it was emotional, it floored me. It really took me to my knees.”

Mausi doesn’t take the renaming of the venue lightly. She feels the added

pressure that comes with anything attached to the late diva’s name.

“To have that name as something that you have to live up to is a challenge. I mean, that’s serious business in the entertainment industry. She wasn’t just R & B. She was gospel, she was classical, she was a concert, an actress. She was a consummate artist in so many ways. And that’s a standard that I feel a tremendous amount of responsibility to live up to with what we do there,” said Mausi.

Mausi runs the family business with her four sons and is determined to leave the legacy her grandmother started more than 100 years ago to her grandchildren.

“I want people to know that we came here as a family a hundred years ago, and it was my great grandmother that brought our family to Detroit. It’s now our turn to stake a direction for the next hundred years. That’s what I want to do with my sons Dorian, Sulay, Rasheed and Malique, and my grandchildren. We could not be standing here in 2021. So, pull your family

See SHAIDA MAUSI page A-4

Judge Greg Mathis To Develop New Affordable Housing in Detroit

By Sherri Kolade

and honoring those who came before him.

A new affordable housing complex and new community center are coming to the City of Detroit in the near future, with a big name attached to the project located in District 6.

“I want to announce ... we are going to continue contributing to our community now in the inner city, doing new development here. We are going to replace the Mathis Community Center and create housing,” Mathis said, adding that the current property “goes all the way back” to the next street the Community Center sits on. “We are going to make some other adjustments and purchases on these lots from others. That is going to allow us to have an expansive development.”

Philanthropist and celebrity Judge Greg Mathis, a Detroit native, came to his old stomping grounds on Wednesday, June 16 at the Mathis Community Center, 19300 Greenfield Road, (the location of the new project). Mathis dressed casual yet sharp, was all smiles surrounded by local and area officials and dignitaries, friends, family, community members, and members of the press.

Mathis spoke at length to a quick-witted audience who gave back as much as he dished out in his sharp-tongued speech full of love and jokes -- part of his “insult humor” personality well known on his eponymous reality-based court show.

The current Mathis Community Center site is home to a bevy of community activities and programs that bring people from all over together to cultivate the character of today’s youth and help them reach their full potential, accord-

Celebrity Judge Greg Mathis returns to his hometown of Detroit, surrounded by local politicians and dignitaries, Wednesday, June 16 to announce his new housing complex and community center at the current Mathis Community Center.

Photo by Sherri Kolade ing to Mathis’ website. Now, there will be an even bigger opportunity for greater impact in the community with this upcoming project.

The apartment complex (with no opening date as of press time) will include 58 units of affordable housing and

a new community center. The new facility will be renamed The Mathis Residences and Community Center.

Mathis told the crowd how “Detroit elected me” and he feels a strong obligation to reach back and help those who are coming after him while respecting

Minnie Davis, executive director and founder of the Young Men-N-Motion program (a non-profit that builds up young men’s character) at the Mathis Community Center, said during the event that programming is vital to the young residents who live there.

“Thank you for allowing us to run our programs here,” Davis said to Mathis, adding that eight young men graduated from the program this year. “We keep ourselves small; we are self-funded and thankful for the support we get at the center. Every year we graduate our young men and keep it moving. ... All

See NEW HOUSING page A-4

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com •

June 23-29, 2021

From page A-3

Black Man

of them graduated with a plan... we make sure they get what they need.”

Mathis said that the event (filled with camaraderie, lively music, and delicious food) was to celebrate the burgeoning development in District 6 with community leaders, special friends and family, and others who live nearby.

Mathis named many who helped carry him along the way and out of difficult situations during his youth (he was jailed at 17) to where he is today.

Mathis, who called Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones his “favorite elected city official in the city of Detroit” said that she has been the “biggest supporter of any of our elected officials.”

“She has held other elected officials and our executive officers accountable all the way throughout her term,” he said. “So grateful for her and the work she’ll continue to do.”

Jones remarked that even after her upcoming retirement she will continue to hold people’s feet to the fire and said that she is looking forward to what’s to come with this project.

“I am so excited to see the things that are going to happen right here in this time,” she said.

“The judge cares so much about the city of Detroit, the people in the city of Detroit ...he continues to move forward in the things he does.”

said, adding that this has been the case generationally. “We began to allow that to seep into how we carry ourselves as men.”

He added that crying is proven to be healthy and beneficial as it helps people sleep, fight bacteria, improve vision and more.

“It is okay for you to cry,” he said, adding that crying every day might be indicative of other problems, but now and then it is therapeutic.

Warmack added that since the pandemic he’s gained a lot of Black male clients looking for answers.

“I have received more calls and inquiries from Black men,” he said adding that the pandemic caused everyone to slow down and look at themselves and confront issues head-on. “Now I’m in the home and have to spend more time with my wife and children -- girlfriend, fiancé. And then there is a mirror I am able to see daily [about] … the lack thereof of my emotional connectivity with my loved ones.”

Marie Ganaway, life and spiritual coach at Detroit-based Autumn Experience Life & Spiritual Coaching, said that she counsels a lot of Black men, and she has found that a lot of them seem to need “validation outside of themselves” instead of being validated

by God and themselves alone.

“That is where the problem lies -- the feeling of needing to be accepted. That is where this masculinity comes in and the ego is created allowing them not to get in touch with their feminine side,” she said, adding that people have two sides. “I teach them in our sessions you have to balance the emotions and understand what you are feeling and express it.”

Ganaway added that not expressing oneself properly shows up and can reflect negatively in their work and productivity, relationships and more.

She said the key is to become “unbothered” and focus on yourself and move past “low vibrational” people who try to bring others down.

New Housing

From page A-3

Ganaway said that this lack of emotion at times from Black men can stem from their inner child carrying unhealed wounds from their past.

“Any insecurities -- anything that made you feel scared or any situation that made you feel like something bad happened, you carry it with you,” she said, adding that it is about forgiving yourself for holding on to these wounds for so long. “And release yourself from this person [who inflicted harm].”

She added that people can find out what their purpose is once they learn to love themselves.

“You will bring in this abundance,” she said. “This does not have to do necessarily with monetary gain but your peace.”

She added that one thing she tells her clients is to have a journal and write down whatever comes to mind.

“Once you start to express that you will open yourself up,” she said, reiterating validation comes from God and within. “When you allow yourself to be validated by somebody outside of you, you are giving them the power over you.”

Baron Warren, a national speaker, life coach and author, is also a mentor helping males become men.

Warren said that these unexpressed emotions can prove to be dangerous when encountering police and life in general. Often, he said, children leave the home unprepared, now having the proper life skills that will allow you to be successful in society.

He added that when it comes to exhibiting unhealthy forms of expression many young people he has worked with have shared stories on experiencing violence in their community.

“Too many more negative things to [count],” he said of drugs, gangs and the like. “It has become clear to me that young people need to have an outlet. A way to escape life’s problems.”

Warren said that he is on a mission to remind every young man to “tap into his potential” and his emotions to succeed. “[And] be a pillar to his society; when a dangerous situation arises, use sound judgment and wisdom,” he said. “To make it home safely and always strive for excellence every day.”

Shahida Mausi

running a family business in Detroit that produces nearly 30 concerts per season.

While this is good news, Mausi still faces staffing challenges for this season’s upcoming shows.

From page A-3

With the coronavirus pandemic halting entertainment venues across the world, Mausi had a tough year to get through. Now that the coronavirus numbers have lessened throughout Michigan and pandemic restrictions have eased, Mausi is ready to provide Detroiters with top-notch entertainment set to start July 7, with headliner Sheila E.

“God knows COVID has created some truly tough times. Without family, we wouldn’t be here. We’ve got people coming in from other states to help because we can’t get enough people to come work.

We need people to come work. So please go to the thearetha.com.

Watch “The Show Goes On,” and you’ll see some fun and why you should join us.”

together, let’s get it done as a team, a family, a community, and as a city,” Mausi said.

For anyone interested in a sneak peak of the day-to-day operations of Mausi’s family business, you can watch “The Show Goes On” at thearetha.com. It’s a reality web series of the drama that goes into

Keeping You Informed at All Times of the Day. michiganchronicle.com

Frankie Darcell’s Weekly Affirmation The Extraordinary is possible

You have to believe that everything is possible, that any and all things you’ve dreamed of and wanted for your life is attainable and within reach; that a full life of love, happiness, professional fulfillment and development is within reach.

That it’s up to you to do the work to achieve it, or lose the opportunity to have it. You have the ability to change your circumstances; commit to taking control of your destiny today.

Make a promise to yourself that today is the day that you will fully embrace the gift of life that God has given you without fear of failure. You will succeed with faith. This is your moment to soar. It’s your destiny. You’ve got to believe this when others doubt you and your vision. Remember Jennifer Hudson didn’t win American Idol however she would later win an Oscar. Don’t give up or give in go for it.

Everyday is

Father's Day One of Detroit's Finest Fathers,

Kevin G. Irwin II

@kevknows Same 24.

Dad, I love you! Love, Josiah, your Yosh and The Biggest in the Game!

We all love you Kevin!

Gods unconditional love, Family, friends, Co workers and Church family.

Romans 8:18

A5

Money.

| June 23-29, 2021

michiganchronicle.com

Mentally Struggling Back at Work?

Use These Tips

By Sherri Kolade

Extroverts, office life has returned! Trips to the coffee pot, lunch breaks and office jockeying are back in full gear.

For introverts, it’s a different ball game and we feel for you, especially those who want to stay home and WFH. Some who have a return-to-work date (or already have been back) might be overwhelmed at the thought of interacting with coworkers you are so used to seeing online in a small, square box while staying safe.

Susan Albers, PsyD, said that going back to work doesn’t have to be stressful. Find out some of the psychological impacts behind this and prepare your mind while heading in.

Why Are You Stressed?

Returning to work can be a lot, everyone agrees especially as the pandemic nears to a close, but dangers can still lurk and cause apprehension in some. According to Dr. Albers it’s normal because people have been safe and at home in their “pods” and are now coming out. What people are feeling is called “reentry anxiety” and there are different elements to it.

“The first form concerns safety. People are anxious that when they leave their house, they may unknowingly contract COVID-19 or possibly spread it. The second type is around social interactions. Over the past year, we have been social distancing and lost practice of how to meet with people in person, look them in the eyes and engage in everyday chitchat.”

Photo credit: DTE Energy

DTE’s Jerry Norcia Talks Being a ‘Force for Good’ in Detroit

By Sherri Kolade

is involved with national policy initiatives.

DTE Energy President and CEO Jerry Norcia can’t help but see the City of Detroit, and its people, through the lens of the mammoth energy company’s mission – and he likes the vision unfolding before him.

David E. Meador, DTE’s vice chairman and chief administrative officer, works with Norcia directly.

Norcia sat down with Dennis Archer, Jr. in early June at the Real Times Media’s Studio 1452 (inside the Michigan Chronicle office) and they spoke on a variety of topics, including how he views the bustling city (which DTE is headquartered in) as a place ripe for viable economic opportunities that the company wants to help create.

Albers added that anxiety can be good for some moments, but it can be bad when there is too much anxiety.

“A little bit of anxiety is okay. It helps motivate you. For example, if you’re going to take a test, having a little bit of anxiety is helpful because it motivates you to study.

Too much anxiety shuts you down and you become isolated. Sometimes, you can’t even function.”

Mentally prep for in-person work Dr. Albers suggests walking through scenarios that people might go through at work to help them feel calmer.

“Imagery is powerful in helping people to cope with anxiety-filled situations. When you do this, it’ll help you gear up emotionally.”

She added that if you are not back to work yet but coming in soon, plan the return date carefully.

“Don’t jump right in. Put your toe in the water. Go back to your office before your official start date. Look around. Sit in your chair. Remember that a lot has changed in a year, so expect that things are not going to look or feel like they did a year ago.”

Spruce up Once inside the building, clean up the office space.

See BACK

TO WORK page A6

Norcia explained to Archer, a wellknown local businessman, that to him, a large company like DTE makes its footprint in Detroit (and throughout Michigan) by evolving and becoming a “force for good” in the community and a change agent in the economic landscape for residents and customers in more ways than one.

“That is an aspiration at DTE Energy,” Norcia said of his company that employs over 10,000.

Archer asked Norcia about the kind of person he is “behind the corporate persona.”

“Tell us one thing you love about the City of Detroit,” Archer asked him.

“I love its people …. that’s what really attracted me to DTE Energy and the work of DTE Energy,” Norcia said, adding that the people of Detroit, and a great amount of work that DTE has done in the City of Detroit, to advance the interests of our community here.

And also of course advance the interest of the company; so, it has been a great place to work.”

“He drives force for good initiatives in the community,” Norcia said of Meador. “You’ve seen him involved in the Detroit Means Business initiative to really help small businesses in Detroit... to help those businesses open safely for themselves, their employees and their customers is a big deal for us and the city of Detroit, Dave led all of that.”

cia said, adding that there are about 3,000 miles of cast iron pipe that were put in in the early 1900s through the mid-1950s.

“We got a lot of use out of that pipe but it’s old and it is starting to leak,” he said, adding that the company is replacing about 200 miles a year of the pipe. “In order to do that we need some slight price increases to make that happen to make that system safe, but that pipe will be good for another 100 years once we put that in the ground.”

“The three of you do a great job,” Archer remarked.

Norcia added that Nessel “has a job to do” and their interest is to look after the interest of the consumer.

Archer also discussed how DTE sets rates and some of the news that surrounded the energy company’s request for a rate increase to accommodate infrastructure and investment.

“Ultimately, what we found is ...we are able to compromise and find a good solution that works for our customers and that works for the company,” Norcia said.

“The attorney general stepped in and suggested maybe initially the increase was too much,” Archer said to Norcia. “Any comment on that? But really as a byproduct of that could you explain how that process works?”

Norcia also discussed job creation and the company’s need for tree trimmers (through the launch of DTE’s Tree Trim Academy recently), while Detroiters need jobs. It was important to address both needs in the form of creating a couple of hundred jobs, Norcia added.

An article from the Detroit News reported that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called on the Michigan Public Service Commission to reduce a rate increase for DTE Energy Co. gas customers, describing it as “excessive and unreasonable.”

Archer also asked how does Norcia share responsibilities with other leaders in the company.

DTE Gas Co. requested a $195 million increase primarily for infrastructure investments for its 1.3 million customers across Michigan, according to the article. That would have equated to an 11 percent price hike for residential customers, Nessel said in a statement. Her office suggested a $19 million increase — a modest rate increase of 2 percent — to keep natural gas prices affordable, per a testimony filed recently with the commission.

Norcia, who runs the company, said Gerry Anderson (the prior CEO) is now the executive chairman who “runs the business of the board” and

“Essentially, what we’re doing is renewing the infrastructure in the City of Detroit and many parts of Michigan where we have older pipelines,” Nor-

“That will be a great outcome for the city of Detroit … a powerful synergy,” Norcia said.

Archer asked Norcia if he could speak about the company’s commitment to economic equality and social justice.

“You take a look at your board seats, you have a diverse board of people of color, women -- is that something that is that a recent development? Has it been representative in that fashion? Are you satisfied; do you want to do more?”

Norcia said that ever since he’s worked for DTE the company’s board has been diverse and they are taking even more steps to make diversity-based initiatives a plausible reality.

See JERRY

NORCIA page A6

Michigan Chronicle Pays Tribute to Remarkable Women of Excellence

By Sherri Kolade It was lit and live at the Music Hall Outdoor Amphitheater on Thursday, June 17, and with good reason – to honor the Women of Excellence Classes of 2020 and 2021.

These classes of women were honored by the Michigan Chronicle for their high-ranking achievements and work in Detroit and beyond. For the past 14 years, the Michigan Chronicle has recognized these Black women -- influential women celebrated during a virtual induction ceremony on Thursday, May 27, and with a previous in-person mixer.

The all-white event had live music, strolling appetizers, and more as the honorees were recognized throughout the bubbly evening. The crowd, in a buoyant mood, celebrated the winners and deserved recognition.

Hiram E. Jackson, the publisher of Michigan Chronicle and chief executive officer of Real Times Media (RTM), said that RTM has properties all over

Women of Exellence Class 2020-2021 the country (including Chicago, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh) where Women of Excellence are honored, too.

Jackson, who helped hype the crowd up, said that the women are role models and deserve praise during the live event Thursday in Detroit.

“What up, Detroit? We outside y’all. Everybody stand up and give praise to the Black women,” Jackson said. “I’m just so happy to be here tonight. … We have this deep, fundamental belief that what you see on the six o’clock news doesn’t represent us.”

Jackson added that not every Black person is on drugs.

“That is not us, most of us catch the early bus to work, work two jobs, take care of our families,” Jackson said.

“Still, some of us don’t get recognized, that is because we’re looking for outside validation

but tonight … this is Detroit y’all. This is Detroit this is who we are: Hardworking people that care about our community, that educate our community, that give a damn.”

Dr. Geneva Jones Williams, who emceed the event and a

See EXCELLENCE page A6

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • June 23-29, 2021

Excellence

Jerry Norcia

former Woman of Excellence honoree, quoted educator Mary McLeod Bethune as saying people are “indebted to women after God” first, for making life possible and second, “making life worth living.”

“I am so glad to be with these women here tonight who are making life worth living,” she said, adding that the tradition of “extraordinary excellence” continues.

“You can look around and see it right in front of you,” she said.

Tanisha Leonard, president, RTM 360 of Real Times Media, remarked how the public hadn’t been outside in a year, and the moment was one to remember.

“We need to enjoy tonight … it’s been a tough year,” she said. “These women worked hard and we don’t want that to go unnoticed … keep shining ladies … welcome to the family.”

AJ Williams, the managing editor of the Michigan Chronicle, added that Leonard “works so hard” to pull events like that one together.

“We couldn’t do this without her,” she said, also thanking the honorees. “It is a pleasure to be the platform to share your amazing accomplishments and stories,

From page A-5

From page A-5

‘It’s been something we aspire to have on our board,” he said.

From the company’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council (created after the death of George Floyd) to increasing their spending (by 400 percent over the last five years) on diverse suppliers, DTE is striving to go beyond quotas in favor of something tangible and real.

thank you.”

Trina Scott, chief diversity officer, Rocket Companies, and fellow honoree, said that celebrating Black women is what everything is all about.

“The Chronicle (is) committed to recognizing Black women for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to

the community while balancing (family roles),” Scott said during the event.

“We do so much ...it is truly an honor to serve as the Class of 2021. So… to my fellow honorees let’s continue to uplift each other; draw from the strength of the women who have trailblazed before us.”

Congrats 2020-2021 Honorees

BuyDetroit Set to Host First Ever In-person Meet the Buyer Event Detroit’s support system for small businesses just got even larger thanks to two local solution-based organizations.

Earlier this year, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Detroit Means Business partnered together to create BuyDetroit, a procurement portal program designed to connect local supply chain companies with Detroit-based suppliers.

BuyDetroit has successfully provided necessary aid to over 200 Detroit-based businesses since its debut in April and is now hosting its first in-person networking event connecting Detroit small and midsized businesses with major buyers.

“The main impetus for this program is to help [Detroit-based small businesses] obtain some sort of structured sustainability,” said Keyra Cokely, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Procurement & Technical Assistance Manager. ““Having everything centralized in one place and having all of these different opportunities, is going to be key to their success.”

Designed like a trade show, the “Meet the Buyer” event will connect buyers with vendors who are promoting goods and services that can meet the specific needs of potential investors. Exclusive in nature, a select 75 small-owned businesses in the city of Detroit will be chosen to participate.

The competitive essence of the application process is a direct result of strict

requirements passed down from larger businesses.

“These companies have so many requirements and in order to make it so that these businesses garner those contracts, we have to make sure that those businesses meet those requirements by infusing lots of technical assistance and support,” said Cokely.

Cokely encourages all potential participants to keep hope alive no matter the outcome of their application.

“Even though there is a limit to how many businesses we can select, there are still a number of opportunities available to those who don’t make it to the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event to participate in and attend other networks that will help build them up,” said Cokely.

Interested businesses will be required to meeting the following benchmarks: - Apply at degc.org/BuyDetroit before the application deadline on June 30 - Be registered in the BuyDetroit Portal - Be an existing Detroit-based business - Be in business for a minimum two years - Have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) - Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number - Be in good standing with the state - Have a manufacturing facility (not

home-based) - Have licensed trades (if applicable) - Provide references Buyers are also being asked to meet certain criteria including being a valid company for at least five years and being headquartered in the United States. Buyers who need professional, janitorial, construction, IT, manufacturing, and food, product, and produce services are encouraged to attend.

After the event, eligible companies will be selected to move forward to attend a “Pitch the Buyer” event where networking opportunities will also be available.

Cokely says the support provided to select businesses doesn’t stop after the BuyDetroit-hosted events.

“All of the businesses who are offered an opportunity to move forward to the ‘Pitch the Buyer’ event will receive free technical assistance and if they don’t meet the necessary financial requirements based on the buyer who selected them, we will get them pre-approved for lending with the help of our local CDI’s, and we will also help them identify services they may need to improve upon,” said Cokely.

To access the procurement portal, along with training videos, eligibility requirements, registration details and other information visit https:// www.degc.org/ buydetroit/.

Norcia added that the company has 20 percent of African American and Hispanic employees, or people of color. He said when it comes to being involved in the social justice movements stemming from the death of Floyd, he knew DTE had to be involved when he saw the “deep hurt” internally and externally.

“You always lead with what’s right, what’s good,” he said, adding that the company stands up for what is right and continuing on that road of progress. “There’s more work to be done; always.

This is a journey that never ends.”

Back to Work From page A-5

“If your office has been vacant for a year, it may need some refreshing or cleaning. When you do your dry run, take some cleaning products with you and spend some time getting your space ready. Add some new pictures and make it look nice and pleasant. A pleasing, clean and organized environment is good for your mental health. Being in one can also help reduce your stress level, particularly your cortisol hormone level (the stress hormone).”

Dr. Albers added that bringing a plant to work can “help reduce stress levels at the office and increase productivity by 15 percent.”

Dress For the Job You Have When people look good, they feel good. Drop the sweatshirts and leggings and feel more confident in an outfit during work hours and look sharp while doing so.

“The right wardrobe can help you transition back into your role.

Consider buying a new outfit or refreshing your wardrobe a little by adding pieces that make you feel comfortable.”

THERE IS A TREATMENT FOR COVID-19 AND IT’S AVAILABLE IN DETROIT. If you recently tested positive, call now to see if you’re eligible. The one-time treatment can prevent symptoms from getting worse and keep you out of the hospital.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

(313) 874-7575

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

The Fight for Voting Rights is Not Over, Pass the For The People Act

By Senator Adam Hollier Michigan has long been challenged with civil rights issues. And the truth is, civil rights challenges are once again knocking at our door. Voting rights for people of color are under attack in 47 states across the country, including right here in Michigan.

This session, my Republican colleagues in Lansing proposed 39 election bills that could disenfranchise many voters Adam Hollier by adding voter ID requirements, ballot drop-box restrictions, and absentee ballot limitations.

Unfortunately, these measures functionally restrict the Black and minority vote. Because Michigan’s most vulnerable communities have less flexible schedules, lack transportation, and are less likely to have child care, many benefit from flexible voting procedures like vote-by-mail and early voting.

And these voting options are often the only way they are able to cast their ballots and lend their voices to the democratic process. We cannot and should not stand for Republican attempts to implement modern-day Jim Crow-style laws—especially because they stem from illegitimate claims of voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election.

Alongside many of my colleagues, I am passionate and fighting hard to expand voting rights for all Michiganders.

But we cannot do it alone. Although our state Republican lawmakers do not have enough votes to override a gubernatorial veto on voting restrictions, they will stop at nothing to enact the restrictive policies that they think might help them reach a majority.

It seems counter to our democratic

values to approach voting rights based on what party will benefit. In a democracy, true power must lie with the people, regardless of their political inclinations.

And to ensure that our elections are safeguarded against not only discrimination but dark money, foreign interests, and other bad actors, our representatives in Washington have the opportunity to pass historic federal legislation.

The For The People Act, or S1, which is currently moving toward a full floor vote in the US Senate, seeks to fix what is broken within American democracy. It would benefit all voters by ending partisan gerrymandering by both Democrats and Republicans and establishing independent redistricting commissions nationwide, like the ones we already have here in Michigan.

Importantly, the bill would also guarantee commonsense voting protections like absentee and early voting, as well as eliminate voter purging. All of these policies move to benefit people of color and increase their access to the vote.

But that’s not all the bill would do. It would also keep our government officials accountable, banning dark, untraceable money in our political system. Especially over the last several years, dark money has been used to allow foreign agents and shady actors to drown out the voices of the everyday Michiganders. And the bill would allow the Federal Elections Commission to hold violators of these reforms responsible.

We cannot continue down this path of denying people of color their constitutional right to vote. We must see federal action. And the For The People Act is the legislation we need to restore the strength of our American democracy. I hope that Michigan’s Senators Peters and Stabenow will continue their fullfledged support of the For the People Act. Editor’s Note: Senator Adam Hollier represents Michigan’s second district in the Michigan State Senate.

Juneteenth: “I should be happy today but I’m not”

By Chief Ralph L. Godbee, Jr. (retired) Juneteenth is a sober reminder of the history of the United States of America and is a stark reminder that amongst its original sins are first the genocide perpetrated on indigenous peoples native to this continent that we call North America and secondly, the active and government sanctioned enslavement of West-Africans as the Americas were participants in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade; that over the course of nearly four centuries saw 10-12 million Africans bought and sold as chattel in one of world history’s most egregious atrocities.

My reflections come on the heels of an overwhelming bi-partisan and bi- Ralph L. Godbee cameral approved bill awaiting the signature of President Joseph R. Biden to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized federal holiday. I should be happy that the country is creating a line of demarcation in the sands of time that recognizes the last vestiges of government ordained enslavement of black Americans codifying in fact that African Americans are no longer legally deemed to be the property of slave owners being denied their God-given humanity that should be the minimum expectation afforded to every person on this planet regardless of race, religious beliefs, gender, gender preference or color. I should be happy as a black man that a national holiday which causes the nation to pause from its normal day to day routine and acknowledge that on June 19, 1865, more than two years post the Emancipation Proclamation Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to apprise the residents that slavery had been abolished.

As the history is told there were celebrations, prayers, exhortations in song and dance, feasting and the like to celebrate the answered prayers of the enslaved to finally be “free”. I want to feel hopeful and optimistic at the news of Juneteenth, a national holiday as recognized by the government of the United States of America, my country; finally addressing forthrightly its sin that in one of eternities greatest ironies defied the very aspirational values the framers of the United States Constitution codified yet did so with the implicit belief that the country’s guiding principles did not apply to persons of African descent; yet when the words of this document were married to the deeds of moral men and women; these words became the very words that affirm my existence as an American citizen. The words that

read in part taken from the Declaration of Independence that were not written explicitly for me but reaffirm me as a United States citizen read as such, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

I should be happy today, but the nightmarish reality is I am not as a matter of fact I am disgusted today. Disgusted not necessarily that Juneteenth is now a federally recognized national holiday; no, my disgust is shrouded in the visible regression we as a country have made in creating an equitable society wherein the level of melanin in one’s skin and the zip code where one lives is not predeterminate of one’s ability to thrive in what is espoused to be the greatest democratic experiment in world history. I am disgusted to get the consolation prize of a day off work before I can receive a day off work to exercise my constitutional right to vote in a free and fair election. I am disgusted to know that there is federal legislation that is not moving and arguably will languish in the abyss that could reaffirm these rights under the weight of states like Texas, Florida, Arizona and the like doing everything in their power to recreate Jim Crow voting conditions. As a country we are artfully skilled wording away from poll taxes and guessing the number of gumballs in a gumball dispenser.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act languishes. House resolution 1 (HR1), “The for the people act” that would thwart the regressive efforts of those that would attempt to suppress the black vote and that would take the dark money out of the equation that funds these efforts is no more than a glorified paper weight.

Yet, I have an extra day off to “celebrate” perceived freedom.

State legislatures outlaw critical race theory curriculums across the country, which ironically would not allow a teacher to teach about Juneteenth. We watch in utter disbelief as right-wing extremists and white supremacists deny that there was an attempted coup on the United States government on January 6, 2021, one we literally witnessed happen on live television; yet the only consensus our legislators can reach from a prioritization standpoint is an additional day off. I am disgusted to know that after watching George Floyd murdered on tape in the most horrific nine minutes and thirty seconds, I have seen in a 35year career in law enforcement; we are no closer to substantive police reform than we were when he was murdered by Derek Chauvin. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act has yet to be passed.

I should be happy today, but I am not. No more platitudes from congress we need results. Oh yeah, Happy Juneteenth!

Is it Time to Reduce Eviction Rate Numbers Permanently in Michigan?

A new report on lowering the Michigan eviction rate reveals good news: people are staying in their homes longer.

This new research from the University of Michigan (U-M) offers ideas into how Michigan can maintain the low eviction rates achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Michigan Eviction Project, led

by U-M faculty and housing attorneys, found that in total the number of eviction cases filed between April and December 2020 represented a 65 percent decrease from the number of cases filed during those months in 2019.

The percentage of cases resulting in eviction orders also dropped during the pandemic, and Michigan’s statewide Eviction Diversion Program dramatically increased the number of tenants receiving legal assistance in eviction cases. However, these trends could change as pandemic-era policies and programs wind down.

The findings—from the new report “Reducing Michigan Evictions: The Pandemic and Beyond”—follow the Michigan Eviction Project’s comprehensive review of evictions in Michigan, released in 2020. That report found that the state’s eviction filing rate was 17 percent in 2018, the equivalent of one eviction filing for every six occupied rental units in Michigan and more than twice the estimated national filing rate.

“The drastic decrease in evictions during the pandemic was the result of action taken by federal, state and local governments, the state court system and tenant activists. Some of the emergency supports put in place are set to expire, and stakeholders should act now to permanently reduce eviction rates and the negative outcomes associated with housing instability,” said Margaret Dewar, professor emerita at U-M’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Dewar co-authored “Reducing Michigan Evictions: The Pandemic and Beyond” with Elizabeth Benton, staff attorney at Legal Services of South Central Michigan; Robert Goodspeed, assistant professor of urban planning at U-M’s Taubman College; and Robert Gillett, attorney and chair of the Housing Committee of the Michigan State Planning Body, a forum for planning and coordinating the delivery of civil and criminal legal services to people with low incomes. The research is supported by Poverty Solutions at U-M. Ongoing analysis by the Michigan Eviction Project shows that before the pandemic—in 2019 and the first two months of 2020—Michigan landlords filed 12,000 to 18,000 eviction cases every month. From mid-March through July 2020—while courts were closed and with eviction moratoriums in place—eviction filings fell to nearly zero. From August 2020 through January 2021, landlords filed 8,000 to 10,000 cases each month.

The percentage of cases resulting in evictions also fell during the pandemic.

From April through December 2019, 29 percent of cases resulted in eviction orders, which allow a court officer, bailiff, sheriff, deputy sheriff or police officer to remove the tenant and the tenant’s personal belongings from the property.

During the same period in 2020, only 10 percent of cases resulted in eviction orders. However, the eviction rate increased at the end of 2020 and early

in 2021, with 11 percent of cases filed in November 2020, 17 percent of cases filed in December 2020, and 20 percent of cases filed in April 2021 resulting in evictions.

Based on the eviction rate derived from courts providing detailed data to the State Court Administrative Office, researchers estimate all courts statewide likely entered eviction orders in as many as 9,979 cases during the pandemic, from April 2020 through April 2021.

“The pandemic made evictions a major housing policy focus at the state and federal level,” Benton said. “Prior research shows evictions are both a result and a cause of poverty, with implications for job stability, educational achievement for kids and health outcomes.”

The Michigan Eviction Project’s previous report recommended many of the interventions adopted in 2020, including emergency rental assistance funding, expanding eviction diversion programs statewide and changing court procedures to allow tenants to connect with legal services and protect their rights.

Michigan’s statewide Eviction Diversion Program, which operated from July to December 2020, dramatically increased the number of tenants receiving legal assistance and representation in eviction cases. EDP-funded legal aid staff provided some level of assistance to tenants in 15,234 eviction cases—32 percent of the eviction cases filed during the program. In the cases where legal aid provided extensive services, 97 percent of tenants avoided eviction.

Before the pandemic, an attorney represented less than 5 percent of tenants in eviction cases from 2014 to 2018, compared to 83 percent of landlords.

“The temporary Eviction Diversion Program provided valuable lessons,” Goodspeed said. “The eviction data show the difference that legal representation makes in allowing people to stay in their homes. Legal services directors said they need a long-term funding commitment [to] hire the housing attorneys needed to provide legal services to all tenants facing eviction and people facing foreclosure, which can then lead to eviction.”

To maintain Michigan’s lower eviction filing rates, researchers offered recommendations related to moratoriums, emergency rental assistance, eviction diversion programs and right to counsel, eviction procedure changes, eviction data, tenant organizing and housing affordability.

Especially urgent is the need to plan for the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s moratorium on evictions which is in place until June 30. Recent court decisions have already challenged the CDC’s authority to enact the moratorium. While it remains in effect in Michigan, it could end any time through judicial action.

“The state’s executive branch and the State Court Administrative Office need to proactively prepare for the end of the eviction moratorium to prevent a sudden surge in evictions,” Gillett said.

“They can outline a process to address pending and new evictions, and ensure tenants have adequate time to access COVID Emergency Rental Assistance funds intended to help prevent evictions.

“We need to start now to engage all the stakeholders invested in maintaining a stable rental market in Michigan.”

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Twitter Sensation Twitter Sensation Zola Set to Hit Theaters

By Sherri Kolade In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have had a lot to ponder over this past year – including what they look like on Zoom, Teams or other video-based systems. Maybe we’ve had a little too much time to think about our looks when cracking open the computer to get to work.

But when you look back at the little box with your image do you like what you see?

For some women, they don’t because they are getting what plastic surgeons are calling “Zoom face” in droves. Let’s find some little enhancements to boost our appearance, so we all show up more youthful and fresher on Zoom.

Nothing is wrong with wanting to show up looking your best self, especially when you have to look at your image multiple times a day online.

According to womenhealthmag.com, getting Zoom face is impacting one in 10 women who saw more flaws in their appearance while being on the video calls, and 62 percent of those already had non-surgical cosmetic treatments, or ‘tweakments,’ according to the website.

Dr Asher Siddiqi, medical aesthetic expert, noticed the phenomenon.

Before the pandemic though, people felt self-conscious, regardless. According to a 2016 survey conducted by video call network Highfive, 35 percent of workers said they felt less attractive on video calls than in person, while 59 percent said they feel more self-conscious in front of the lens than in real life.

Set to Hit Theaters

By Megan Kirk “Y’all wanna hear a story about why me and this b***h here fell out? It’s kind of long but full of suspense,” the tweets begin. Zola caught the attention of tweeters worldwide when a series of posts led readers on a wild ride that would last just a weekend, but impact a culture for years to come. A story of sex, exotic dancing and mishaps follow two women to

Actresses Riley Keough and Taylour Paige portray Stephani and Zola.

ing a story that was too hot for tv. What seemed like true fiction took over newsfeeds and dominated conversations across the Twitterverse. A true story based out of Detroit, exotic dancer A’Ziah King, known as Zola, recounts how one customer changed the course of her life while working as a waitress.

Played by actress Taylour Paige, Zola

Florida on a mission of “hoeism” and adventure.

In October 2015, a user lit the app on fire with a thread of 148 tweets tell-

grabs the attention of viewers from the opening credits, similar to the tweets the movie depicts.

“It’s totally that first line. The first line of the Twitter is ‘do y’all wanna hear a story about why me and this b***h here fell out?’ To me, that’s just a great opening. It’s like cannon-grade. It’s the opening of Lolita. It’s like that level,” says writer and director Janicza Bravo.

Their first encounter was a meeting during King’s shift at a Detroit Hooters restaurant. The

See ZOLA Page B-2

“We can definitely see the increased demand for cosmetic procedures since the start of the pandemic,” explains Dr Lisa Creaven. “Whether it’s people seeking straighter teeth or a brighter smile, there’s been a real ‘zoom boom’ throughout dentistry.”

If women want to have surgery, so be it.

But how can people, especially women, be happier with their looks and downplay their flaws? Like for the women who might be suffering from just a low bout of confidence? Here are some tips below to have an even better body/face image. Especially for people who already feel “uneasy about their appearance, it’s a breeding ground for anxiety” according to womenhealthmag.com.

If there are three extra minutes you could spare in the day, visit the Project Body Love podcast – a 30-day course of evidence-based tools and techniques to reorient the way one feels about how they look.

Also, dwell on what you do correctly on and off the job and focus less on the outward appearance.

What’s also helpful? Looking at yourself in the mirror and describing what you simply see – in a non-critical way. For example: “I have two eyes,” “My eyes help me to see.”

Also, experts recommend viewing your thoughts as “clouds passing in the sky” where you notice them before letting them roll by, especially if you feel an anxious thought coming on. Acknowledge it and let it go.

Lastly, begin to start to appreciate your body and how it has helped you over the years. Before you start to talk negatively, think about the body parts that served you well and grow from there.

A’Ziah King, the real Zola. (photo credit Devin McAllister)

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Comes to Detroit

By Megan Kirk Detroit is welcoming a new artistic experience and exposing the city to works created more than 100 years ago. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience presents over 300 paintings from Vincent Van Gogh rallying fanatics, old and new, to take a fresh look at the troubled artist and his incomparable work.

ativity is we wanted to steer away from the museum experience since we don’t have the painting and part of the museum experience, especially with the great masters, is seeing the actual painting,” says Mathieu St-Arnaurd, the show’s creator and creative director. “We began brainstorming ideas and we started talking about going beyond the myth of Van Gogh to meet Vincent, the man, the vision.”

Some of Van Gogh’s A Dutch post-imbest-known works inpressionist painter, Van clude The Starry Night, Gogh became famous Sunflowers and Cafe Terfor paintings depicting race at Night, which the landscapes, still life, porcurators of the immersive traits and self-portraits. experience reimagined by Creating more than 2,100 using movement to creworks of art, including ate a three-dimensional 860 oil paintings, the maexhibit that thrills the jority of which came from senses and brings a new the final years of his life, the artist left a legacy that Creative Director Mathieu St-Arnaurd. appreciation for the art.

The masterpieces will apcan be shared for generations to come. Now, a team of world-renowned pear and disappear, float across multi-surfacaudiovisual designers using cutting-edge pro- es all while dazzling onlookers. jection technology bring his work to life cre“Instead of being very frontal and looking ating an engaging journey for viewers to fully at the painting, I can actually look all around dive into. and look inside and be a character of the “The way we tried to approach the creSee BEYOND VAN GOGH Page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • June 23-29, 2021

Detroit Artists Create, Captivate Despite COVID

By Sherri Kolade When COVID-19 came with a vengeance last year, everyone, and everything, was upended, including artists who felt the immediate sting from loss of revenue, lack of artistic spaces to occupy and even having their creativity threatened.

The pandemic was a lived experience for all as lockdowns closed businesses, schools and public spaces. Due to this rapid shift, the Detroit program ProjectArt, a national organization bringing free arts education to youth in partnership with resident artists and local libraries, was also impacted and lost access to spaces at the core of their program.

Keough and Paige in a movie scene.

Zola

From page B-1 two become fast friends and embarked on a journey both would remember for a lifetime. Zola goes on a road trip with new friend Stephani, played by actress Riley Keough, who talks the exotic dancer into making some quick cash on a weekend getaway. Remembering everything that glitters is not gold, Zola finds herself involved with an unidentifiable pimp, Stephani’s ill-guided boyfriend and thugs looking to bring a permanent end to the stressfilled weekend.

Taking the tweets, digging into the emotion and grit of the story and turning them into a real-life cinematic production took time to develop. The movie, while based on true events, shows a story of womanhood, dominance and grit. It’s also a story of friendship with two women who are starkly different, but similar. Zola brings an authentic air to the screen and does not attempt to capture the same energy evoked October 2015, but allows the content to relay the message.

“The thing we discussed a lot is how do we replicate the electric nature of what happened on Twitter, and the thing is we couldn’t. We were never going to do that,” says Bravo. “Her story is just so purposive and inherently has this vibe that the whole thing is just jumping at you and demanding of you and asking you to engage.”

In an effort to present her character fully, Paige immersed herself into the storyline.

A classically trained dancer, one concern was appearing too technical on screen.

Getting a job in a Los Angeles strip club and studying the dancers, Paige worked in the club for a month under a pseudonym to understand the dance life.

“Riley and Taylour are phenomenal. Taylour was the first person cast and I loved

But not one to quit despite the challenges, ProjectArt and its resident artists moved to working virtually and held weekly art classes via Zoom for students ages four to 18.

working with her so much because she wanted to bring this authenticity and it was an authenticity I hadn’t fully thought out,” says Bravo.

As the movie is set to hit screens, fans will not have to wonder where Zola, Stephani and the others involved in that weekend trip to Tampa, are today. Currently, the real Zola, A’Ziah King, is living in Atlanta and is a mother to two girls. She released an album in 2021 entitled “Zola” as reported

by PopSugar. Stephani, real name Jessica, was last reported in Detroit living as a mother.

Before the film debuts in theaters, the writer and star of the film are giving fans a more in-depth look into Zola. A new book, “The Story,” features a foreword by Roxane Gay and an afterword by Janicza Bravo, and gives readers an in-hand copy of the tweets that defined a moment in Twitter history.

“Zola,” the film, hits theaters June 30.

Original Twitter thread: https://m.imgur.com/a/WDwyW

ObservaMé Athleisure Apparel Line Wants You to Look Back at It

By Sherri Kolade

Karen D. Fultz-Robinson is a woman who makes things happen in her own time.

When using her watch under her workout clothes while exercising impeded her routine, she didn’t just look for another solution, but she created it through her new workout and casual wear line ObservaMé, which means watch me in Spanish.

Fultz-Robinson is a woman on the move who made her apparel line after a year of diligent research and development. What makes her success all the sweeter is that the Detroit-born and -raised Cass Technical High School graduate is inspiring others along the way through her work that is not even her full-time career.

Fultz-Robinson, an attorney and former Thomas M. Cooley law school assistant dean now fashion designer, earned her bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Michigan State University and Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Fultz-Robinson is now a part-time resident of Detroit.

es directly through the sleeve. Recently, Fultz-Robinson also learned that there was a need for the patent design to allow access to watches in the medical field, which led to the development of the ObservaMé compression sleeves.

As a marathon runner, Fultz-Robinson knows that training happens under many weather conditions (especially fall and winter temperatures in Michigan) and access to fitness tracking devices should not be a distraction. The ObservaMé design concept was born during a 15-mile run. Fultz-Robinson developed sketches and assembled a team to help her put together the mockups and final patterns.

Laura Lynn Taylor, an acquaintance of Fultz-Robinson, is a Cass English teacher and ultra-runner and tri-athlete. She wears the ObservaMé when working out and said the line is “the best.”

ObservaMé apparel meets the demands of active individuals who want to keep closer track of their fitness and training progress. Photo provided by ObservaMé

The ObservaMé brand was developed to meet the demands of those who are leading very active lifestyles while addressing the concerns of using personal fitness trackers and watches while training.

Fultz-Robinson told The Michigan Chronicle that when she worked out it was hard for her to keep track of her heartbeat and pay attention to it because her watch was under her long-sleeved shirt. Wearing her watch over her shirt wasn’t helpful either.

“As an athlete, regardless of weather, I wanted to track my progress – pace, heart rate and distance, and sometimes you just want to know what time it is,” said Fultz-Robinson. “Why should something seemingly so simple be difficult to access? Athletes or anyone living an active lifestyle shouldn’t have to struggle to view their devices.”

All activewear shirts include a provisionally patented design that allows for easy viewing and access to fitness devic-

“It is aesthetically pleasing. I am a little older -- I have curves, it just fits really, really well,” she said, adding that the material is “butter-soft” and with Michigan’s ever-changing weather she has a mix of light and heavier materials from the collection.

The product line has expanded to include signature shirts along with vests and performance pants and a variety of accessories. ObservaMé’s brand name was also chosen by Fultz-Robinson to explain the company’s purpose for its customers.

The ObservaMé apparel line for men includes half-zip and crewneck shirts, hoodies, vests, full-zip jackets with hoods and performance pants. Women’s wear includes half-zip and V-neck shirts, full-zip jackets with hoods (with a high/ low option), vests, hoodies and long and capris style pants. All apparel is available for purchase at www.observame.net and the line previously appeared at the Detroit Marathon Expo.

“We help the consumer watch their performance and provide a stylish look that draws others to watch them as they compete or overcome performance barriers,” said Fultz-Robinson. “It references the clocks on our wrists but also encourages accountability, which helps us strive to maintain our fitness goals.”

The results of this working together resulted in a virtual exhibition, Resilience, running now through Tuesday, August 31, featuring the work of ProjectArt’s resident Detroit artists: • Multi-media artist and educator Maya Davis • Multi-media artist and educator Sicily Amaris McRaven • Artist, writer and curator Nick Pizana • Interdisciplinary artist and educator Alex Youkanna “Every year, ProjectArt’s resident artists’ program culminates in a professionally curated group exhibition for our artists, and we weren’t going to let the pandemic change that. They deserve recognition not only for their art practice but for the vital work they do as teachers, mentors and community builders,” says Joanna Anderson, ProjectArt’s Detroit director.

“It’s exciting to see how creativity and resilience have reshaped how art is created and presented, capturing the interest of our diverse audiences across the country while maintaining the safety of participants in our program.”

With the theme of Resilience, and the multifaceted problems faced last year, McRaven, of Detroit, told The Michigan Chronicle that she created a piece of art, Tree Dress, for the exhibition, that was 10 years in the making.

“I would like to think that inside all of us we can hold the same strength of every tree, and can weath-

Tree Dress creator and wearer, multi-media artist and educator Sicily Amaris McRaven said her work showcases that trees grow wherever they are rooted and that is resilience. Her work is featured in an online exhibition through ProjectArt. er through great storms and difficulty, growing resiliently wherever we are rooted.”

McRaven, Davis, Pizana, and Youkanna will also exhibit their work with some of their students’ work in a satellite exhibition through Detroit’s Art Mile, which runs June 14–July 11.

Anderson told The Michigan Chronicle that ProjectArt Detroit recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and there are new things on tap this year, especially after last year being hard on everyone.

“We followed a national study that said 60 percent of artists were out of work,” she said, adding that their organization took it upon themselves to bridge the gap and pay even more money for the artists and their services during the pandemic. “It was of the utmost importance to raise our pay for resident artists. We thought that was important most [for] resident African Americans.”

She said that the work of artists like McRaven tells stories about their own experiences with being resilient and creative during a pandemic, which she described as “powerful.”

McRaven said that when she was younger, she

Beyond Van Gogh From page B-1

painting,” says St-Arnaurd.

Also utilizing the power of music, the production is set to a symphonic soundtrack to help further enhance the display. Taking viewers on a journey through the works, guests will see the increasing intensity and color vibrancy the artist used in his work.

“When we look at his body of work you see in the beginning a stern, no color, very dark, but it’s very luminous in a strange way,” says St-Arnaurd. “Then, the more you look at it, you see the colors appear and more and more color.

When you juxtapose his mental state with his art, when life was throwing him a curveball, he responded with a painting.”

Guests of Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will also get an inside look into the artist’s thoughts, dreams and ideas to help stage the narrative for the one-hour exhibit. Using cutting-edge projection technology, visionaries were able to bring to life the works of Van Gogh and create an engaging journey for viewers.

“What we want people to take away from [this] is really that it’s a very personal journey, Van Gogh painted emotions before anything else and we want people to go in there and feel what the [artist felt] and embrace it for what it is and how it makes them feel,” says St-Arnaurd.

Emotion and art go hand-in-hand and creators of the show wanted to ensure there would be a unique experience. Unable to bring this many works in a traditional museum tour, curators opted to

didn’t have art classes taught in her school, but her mother took her to art programming which changed her.

“I think my mom taking me to art programs was definitely a big way that I was able to be in touch with my artistic practice at a young age -- I think it’s really cool to see being an artist is part of who they are even young,” McRaven, who teaches young children art, said.

She added that as a mixed artist who is also Black, what makes the residents of Detroit resilient is because they can take experiences and turn them into art.

“I think it’s definitely part of our resilience that we can make beautiful things even when we are not having a beautiful experience,” she said. “But also, I think there is an expectation of artists of color and Black artists especially, to take our trauma and turn it into art. I think that that is a beautiful thing that we can do, but also feel like that shouldn’t be an expectation.”

For more information visit www.projectart.org.

To view the online exhibit, visit https://artspaces. kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/5791222/resilience.

envelop viewers with each work of art.

“Art is all about emotion so when you go to a museum or gallery or an experience like this, it’s all about feeling. For me, it’s something collective but at the same time very personal” says St-Arnaurd.

Known in the European countries, immersive art exhibits are starting to make their way to American stages.

“There was for sure an opportunity, there was a demand. People have seen images like this and want to experience something like this. But also, wanted to create something different and offer a new perspective on Van Gogh and the type of experiences,” says St-Arnaurd.

The Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience opens June 25 at the TCF Center and will run through mid-August.

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June 23-29, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •

Page B-3

Making a lasting impact in Detroit At Bank of America, we have long been committed to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities where we work and live. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, we’ve expanded our longstanding efforts to drive progress by committing an additional $1.25 billion over five years to create opportunity for people and communities of color.

By partnering with organizations here in Detroit, we’re continuing to align our resources to help drive sustainable progress locally. Our investments and partnerships will help address critical issues and long-term gaps including:

Working together We’re collaborating with a variety of organizations to help our community move forward. They include: Detroit Future City Greening of Detroit

• connecting workers to new skills and enhanced job readiness • expanding affordable housing options for more people • ramping up lending and support to local small businesses • increasing access to healthcare and addressing food insecurity

SER Metro Southwest Detroit Business Association

We know there’s so much more work to be done. My teammates and I remain committed to the job ahead. Together with our local partners, we can make a real difference. What would you like the power to do?®

Matt Elliott President, Bank of America Detroit

Go to bankofamerica.com/community to learn more about the work we are doing with our incredible partners.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

© 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com • June 23-29, 2021

The Black Girl’s Guide to Gorgeous, Glowing Skin

By Sherri Kolade Summer’s here, let’s get your glow-up ready this warm season. Kat Leverette, a licensed esthetician, ethnic skincare expert and owner of Clinically Clear Skin Rehab Center, has some advice on getting a gorgeous even-toned and glowing complexion.

Wash Your Face Before Bedtime Don’t go to bed without washing your face – yes, we’re looking at you heavy makeup wearers. It is an important part of one’s bedtime routine.

Opening up pores from the day’s oil and dirt is vital for keeping healthy, vibrant skin.

Use a Low-Lathering, Sulfate-Free Facial Cleanser A cleanser takes away makeup and excess oil without killing the skin. If your skin is tight and dry after washing, then you are using something too strong, according to https://www.thefashionspot.com/. Choose a creamy face wash.

Take It Easy on the Face “Cleanse with your fingertips and rinse by splashing water on your face.

Pat dry. Don’t roughly rub your skin dry with a towel.

The pressure of a washcloth or towel and friction from sonic brushing may feel good and appeal to your desire to be squeaky clean, but can cause darker, uneven skin tone and aggravate acne. Instead, dry skin with small, gentle pats or let it air dry,” Leverette said.

Exfoliate Your Skin “Over-scrubbing is like giving yourself a rope burn — causing irritation and a darker, uneven skin tone. Avoid using washcloths, spa gloves, buffing pads, sonic scrubbers or coarse scrubs. Choose a fine-grain scrub made with jojoba beads or other environment-friendly beads instead,” says Leverette on the website. “And don’t rub hard — use light pressure in a gentle circular motion.”

Opt for an Alcohol-Free Toner Mist Lightly spritz your face with a refreshing facial spray to refresh and hydrate the skin and set the makeup for the day. On very hot days, mist throughout the day to rehydrate skin.

Hydrate From Inside No matter how often a face is externally pampered if the body is parched and dehydrated the path toward refreshed skin is going to be an uphill battle. Drinking half of one’s body weight in ounces is key and drinking herbal tea for a “healthy flush” is also mentioned on the website.

Slow Down on the Oil “Resist the urge to slather your skin and scalp with heavy oils. If you’re acne-prone, you’ll pay the price with clogged pores, blackheads and pimples,” says Leverette. “Opt for fragrance-free sunflower oil for the same effect and clearer skin.”

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize Leverette says to use lotions and moisturizers that contain ceramides.

“Ceramides are a major component of our skin’s surface that protects against moisture loss to keep your skin youthful, supple, moist and glowing.”

Remove the Unevenness Dark spots and patchy skin can mess up a gorgeous complexion. Look up products that have skin-brightening ingredients to clear up the skin, like licorice, mulberry, bearberry and kojic acid. These ingredients can remove, eventually, hyperpigmentation.

Work Out Exercising gives people extra beauty benefits with working out 30 minutes a day to keep the heart pumping, which increases circulation and brings oxygen into the bloodstream for that extra youthful, energetic look.

Content provided by https://www. thefashionspot.com/.

Black Fathers

By Sherri Kolade

“Black fatherhood is an incomparable gift to Black men that truly comprehend what it means to be called dad, daddy, father or pops. What a privilege it is to raise a child with patience, understanding, communication, support, encouragement, friendship, guidance and unconditional love. It is an absolute honor,” author Stephanie Lahart said.

The Black father.

They are the men destined to protect, nurture and provide. Wipe the tears away and give love. But what happens when Father’s Day celebrations are likely to not be thought of due to fathers who might not be in their children’s lives? Or what about the ones who are in their sons and daughters’ lives but are still being told that they don’t do enough to support them?

According to the https://krfoundation.

Owner Jamel Randall hits yoga pose.

Trap Yoga and Massage Studio Opens in Downtown Detroit

By Megan Kirk

What do you get when you combine Detroit, rap beats and yogi poses? The Trap Yoga & Massage Studio, will soon be moving to Detroit, and bringing health to the inner city with the help of trap music.

As an increasing number of millennials are learning and practicing the ancient art of yoga, studios are appearing across the city. Combining the love of music and the desire to lead the Black community on a healthy journey, The Trap Yoga & Massage Studio will soon open its doors in the city, and is welcoming the community to come support and learn more about the studio.

Currently located in Southfield, The Trap Yoga & Massage Studio was launched in October 2016 by owner Jamel Randall with the goal of practicing and teaching yoga with his individual style. From humble beginnings with just a few clients, the owner began practicing the skill with a personal soundtrack, later proving to be the foundation of a growing brand.

“It started with me just wanting to play the music that I enjoy with my personal practice and the few massage clients that I had. Eventually, more and more people wanted to join in the class and so a friend of mine said ‘man, you already play the music, you might as well call it The Trap’ but I didn’t want to tie it down to trap yoga,” says Randall.

One year after starting business, the owner would come across a student who would become a teacher, business partner and trainer in the studio. During a special event, the first Trap Sundays, another growing moment for the studio presented itself.

“This was a pop up. This was an opportunity to reach more people than I could at the small space I had. The first event brought on 50 people. That was the largest class I had taught at that time,” says Randall. “Lisa reached out and asked if I needed helped with anything and from there, it was a match made in heaven. We took off from there. She added the feminine vibe to the studio and we began to get more eccentric with the sage and different vibes like soulful flow and different vibrations instead of the hardcore trap.”

Bringing a feminine touch to the studio, Lisa Hillary Johnson, known as the Jack of All Trades, underwent yoga teacher trainings twice. In 2012, the first set of 200-hour training courses commenced. Going back for a second time org/, it’s too common that stereotypes of Black fathers are used to hearing instead of the facts, which promote more bias over the truth.

Studies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that fathers matter to society “because they matter to the well-being of their children.”

Even more research indicates that their offspring do better across all aspects of their lives when their fathers are active, loving and supportive of them -- even if they do not live in the same household.

On the flip side, though, when fathers fail to show up for their children or are spotty in their presence with their children, the child’s well-being suffers.

Census reports state that in 1968, 85 percent of children under 18 lived with two parents, regardless of marital status; by 2020, 70 percent did.

When it’s broken down even further, those figures reveal that about 50 percent of African American boys under age 17 live with a mother only, compared with 16 percent of their white counterparts.

Business Manager Lisa Hillary Johnson poses. in 2014 for an additional 200 hours, the studio’s manager balanced her love of yoga with raising a family.

“We had three months and honestly it was hard because I’m a mom and I was raising five kids at the time,” says Hillary Johnson. “I just did it. I found the time. I knew it was something I really, really wanted to do. It was determination.”

Now, the duo is taking over downtown Detroit. Finding a location through personal connections, the pair is looking to plant its roots in the city and bring its residents in on the action.

“If you really want to reach people, you have to come out of the suburbs and into the city,” says Randall. “You have to be in the city because it connects with people in a way saying we’re in Detroit and we really care and we’re really about what we’re teaching.”

COVID has been a factor for many businesses, with the Trap Yoga & Massage Studio no different. However, with the help of the pandemic, the owners were able to center their focus and look towards Detroit for inspiration.

“We were able to reset and look at it. I knew going back to the old way wouldn’t be an option. I knew we were going to take our chance and go into the city and

a space became available and we jumped on it. Ready or not.”

The partners also hope to show the city’s residents the importance of breath work. With the effects of COVID impacting the respiratory systems, yoga is a way to strengthen the lungs and practice breathing.

“Yoga is a breathing practice first.

With many of us, our breathing is what hinders us. Especially coming out of COVID, your breath is the thing that’s going to be important. Our lungs are going to be affected for generations.”

Launching the downtown location on Juneteenth 2021 shows the intentionality of helping the Black community.

Offering three live classes for new members, the opening will give Detroiters a first-hand view of what they can look forward to. There will also be overviews of class training.

“The grand opening will have three classes and give a taste of each style of class and we’re going to make it into an event-style vibration. It won’t be serious, just giving people a taste of what we have to offer,” says Randall.

The Trap Yoga & Massage Studio will officially open June 19 from 9am until 4pm at 3179 Franklin.

While experts note that having a father in the household, or in a child’s life, is vital to the growth and support of a child, when that is not the case, it is important for children to have even greater community support.

And while experts also agreed that extracurricular activities like sports or arts programs where boys are connected with a positive male figure are important, sometimes that is not always a reality.

Some people might not be aware of these opportunities and sometimes transportation hurdles are present.

University of North Carolina associate professor Wizdom Powell said there is a major need for a “community of male social fathers.”

“This is village work — father, mother, brother, sister, aunt — we need everybody, all hands-on deck, to raise healthy successful boys,” Powell said.

For those who are on the right track raising their sons and daughters, or getting back on the right path, continue the good work.

Father Eric Stewart and daughter Iris

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Pathways Academy Charter School will be holding its re-scheduled Annual Budget Hearing on Wednesday June 30, 2021 at 9:45 AM to review and comment on the 2021-2022 school year budget. This will be a teleconferenced hearing and will be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. The budget will be made available for public inspection on Pathways Academy’s website.

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Public Budget Hearing Barber Preparatory Academy will hold its proposed budget hearing for the 2021-2022 school Seeking Assistant II Seeking Seeking Assistant II Seeking Seeking Medical year on June 22, 2021, via Zoom Seeking Medical OFFICE ASSISTANT III III OFFICE ASSISTANT III ACCOUNTING CLERK HOUSEKEEPER at 5:30PM. Details regarding the at Oakland University at Oakland University AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY atGraham Oakland University meeting are located at at Oakland University Health Center Graham Health Center School of Medicine of & Medicine Advancement www.barberprep.com.

HistoricSchool Home Event Facilityin a Coordinate the clinical Services processing in a Coordinate the clinical processing The budget is available for Perform clerical accounting duties in medical clinic by performing a variety To provide specialized office assistance,Tomedical Provide clinic general asbyhousekeeping performing aand variety provide specialized office assistance, public inspection online at large and/or complexaccording administrative ofamulti-step processes withprocedural events, including prep and ofsistance multi-step processes according to a or coordinating procedural businessto a orcoordinating business unit. Minimum Qualifications: High clean up.framework Provides access to house and for www.barberprep.com specified framework procedures and specified procedures service activities for aof program service activities and for facilities aof complex program school graduation or complex an informationequivalent maintenance personnel. regulations, to serve as an regulations, to serve as an informationarea involving of processing, implementing, involving processing, education experi- areaReports issuesimplementing, superal combination source within the clinic and in addition al source maintenance within the clinic intoaddition PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED ence.

Three years clerical accounting/ advising on, and reporting specialized visor.

Supports general housekeeping on, and reporting specialized to maintaining the role as a medical advising to maintaining the role as a medical bookkeeping experience. Ability to opdutiesmatter. on a consistent basis.Qualifications: Minimum subject matter.

Qualifications: assistant in the Minimum clinic. Minimum Qual- subject Global Commodity Manager assistant in the Minimum clinic. Minimum Qualerate standard office equipment. Type Qualifications: High School graduation ifications: High School graduation or High school graduation or an equivalent BorgWarner PDS (USA) seeks a Global ifications: High School graduation or school graduation or an equivalent minimum 30 wpm. Ability to effectively High or equivalent combination of education Commodity Manager in Auburn Hills, MI to aninteract equivalent combination educaanand equivalent combination ofexperience. educacombination of the education and ofexperience. with public, students, faculcombination of education and experience.

Perform physically acoversee the strategies for forgings & bearings, tion and andstaff. experience.

Three years’ extion and experience.

Three years’ exSalary is $42,123.00 annuprogressively responsible office tive workprogressively including vacuuming, dusting, Four years responsible office that entails developing a bidlis and leveraging Fourty,years perience a medical will assistant ortoin perience as& ageneral medical assistant or in ally. Firstas consideration be given sourcing opportunities, among other duties. mopping cleaning of event experience, including direct experience in experience, includingfield direct experience in a those directly related with Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain who apply field

by July 6, experience 2021. See a spaces, directly offices, related rooms with and experience restrooms. office coordination, i.e., prioritizing workoffice coordination, i.e., prioritizing work Management, Business, Mechanical inonline medical officefor clerical functions.

Exposting additional position inMust medical office clerical functions. be able to lift up to 40 pounds. ExA Engineering, or Industrial Manufacturing and assignments, maintaining workand flowline toto: meetassignments, requirements.

Must apply on maintaining work flow to meet perience in venipuncture obtainperience in venipuncture and obtainphysical will be required to verify the five years of experience in the job offered or https://jobs.oakland.edu deadlines. is a full time, clerical-technical ing basicThis patient information including deadlines. applicant’s ability totime, perform the duties is a full clerical-technical ing basicThis patient information including related. Domestic and international travel required as needed, up to 10%. To apply, blood Salary pressure, electrocardiograph of theSalary position.

Must be able to pass blood pressure, electrocardiograph position. is $43,718.00 annually. position. is $43,718.00 annually. please mail resumes to: Ms. Catherine Wood, a criminal background check.

This is measurements and urine specimens. measurements and urine specimens.

See online posting for additional positionSee online posting for additional position Resume Processing / JO# 11722177, Published Every Wednesday part-time position – no benefits assoThis is a part-time clerical-technical poThis is a part-time clerical-technical poBorgWarner, 3800 Automation Ave., Auburn requirements. First consideration will berequirements.

First consideration will ciated with this position.

The salary is be sition, working Monday-Friday, 10:00 sition, working Monday-Friday, 10:00 Hills, MI 48326. given thosep.m., who30apply March $22.00 per hour.

Must apply online to: to those who apply by March a.m. to – 5:00 hoursbyper week.23,given a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 30 hours per week.23, https://jobs.oakland.edu 2020.

Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See 2020.

Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See michiganchronicle.com | DQE Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional posi- Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional posi-

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

313 963-5522

tion requirements. Must apply online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Fun Summer Toys and Games for Kids!

(StatePoint) In the warm weather months, you can keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged with these great learning toys and games perfect for the season: • Chalk it Up: With just a colorful set of washable, toddler-safe chalk, your child can create their own artwork on any sidewalk or patio. Or, draw a hopscotch or four square court for active playtime that builds coordination.

• Travel Inspiration: Inspire kids who are ready to go places with LeapFrog’s 100 Words About Places I Go bilingual learning book. Featuring age-appropriate words, this interactive book teaches about people and objects in 12 unique places in both English and Spanish. Go to the beach in any season and discover words in two languages about things to bring and surprises to find. The school, the park, the farm, the amusement park and more locations can light up your child’s world and spur their imagination.

• Obstacle Course: Transform the backyard into an amazing obstacle course. Toys you have on hand such as hula hoops, Frisbees and bean bags can be used to create different components of the course.

2col. x 4.75

2col. x 4.75

Karen married Keith McCord in 1989 and became Mrs. Karen Diane Byrd-McCord at The New Calvary Baptist Church under Charles William Butler, Pastor. During her marriage, she was a devoted member of both New Calvary and Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit where she served faithfully in music ministry performing her all-time favorite gospel songs such as “Without God, I Can Do Nothing.” In addition, she was active in several community outreach social groups within the church. She also received her Honorary Doctorate Degree from The Urban Bible Institute. She became a counselor at Christian Guidance Center where she assisted former institutionalized clients. Later, she attended Middleton School of Real Estate where she would receive her real estate license and go on to work for Jack Christenson Realtor Company.

Karen leaves cherished memories to her loving husband of thirty-one years, Keith McCord, her daughter Alicia Byrd, two siblings (John Christopher and Adria), Musa (Zedia), Kenneth (deceased), Lamont (Paulette), Gail (Ray), Raymond, Vaughn, Kevin, Michelle (Oscar), Ray (deceased), Ralph, Brian (deceased), Karen (Geno), and Sharon. In addition, Karen leaves to cherish George Jr. (deceased) (Roxanne), Gabrielle, Joshia, Art, Johnae (who affectionately called her Nana), Josiah, and a host of other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Keith was incredibly happy when he met Karen while she attended Wayne State University studying Music and Secondary Education. Keith was her voice coach and they worked together well.

Karen went on to become an on-air personality in television, radio, and print. She was a publicist for Metropolitan Magazine, National Entertainment Plus Magazine, and Ain’t That The Truth Magazine with over 50,000 magazines in print per month. She was also known as Karen Byrd “The Songbird” and she sang with the Bob Hopkins Jazz and Blues 16-piece orchestra as the lead singer. She was an accomplished show person who performed songs such as “My Funny Valentine”, “Who Can I Turn To” and many other famous jazz songs. She performed throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area including The Fox Theatre and The Music Hall.

But Karen didn’t stop there. Karen and Keith worked together on the renowned Bob-Lo Boats. They put on their captain’s hats, greeted guests, and took pictures. In addition, Karen and Keith committed time to The Sacred Heart Church on W. Chicago in Detroit and Saint Pat’s on Parsons in Detroit where they were involved in food and social activities for seniors. Eventually, Karen (along with her husband Keith) went on to work at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit where they took on several tasks together, including volunteering. Having lived an exciting and fulfilling life with her husband Keith by her side, Karen moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she would eventually make her final transition on February 8, 2021.

“From captain to captain, honey bunch to honey bunch may God bless you in Heaven” Your Husband, Keith McCord

Is Your Roof Strong Enough to Endure Wicked Summer Weather?

(StatePoint) The summer months are often accompanied by rough weather that can do a number on a roof if it’s not designed to withstand the elements. Experts say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

“Having a roof that exceeds code and is made from strong, high-quality products can make all the difference when a big summer storm blows through,” says Scott Lowe, sales manager, ProVia. “You are always better off taking preemptive steps to protect your home and family than making repairs and upgrades in the aftermath of a storm.”

Here are a few key things to look out for in a roof:

• Ice Cream Fun: By pretending to run their own ice cream cart, kids can create a variety of imaginative and tasty-looking ice cream combinations. And the Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart helps them build memory and sequencing skills, as it comes with six cute animal order cards that encourage little ones to follow the instructions. The cart also features playful phrases to introduce colors, numbers and flavors, and plays upbeat songs and music when pushed.

• Pretend Picnic: Make learning a picnic with the Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket. Kids can lift the lid to hear cheerful phrases and unpack the colorful plates, forks, cups and food. The interactive shape sorter on the lid recognizes the food pieces and says the shape and color of each one, encouraging kids to drop the correct food in the basket for rewarding responses.

Whether your family is at home or on the go, great games and toys help link learning with fun.

tion requirements. Must apply online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

A legend in her own time, Karen Diane Byrd was born November 8, 1947 to the late George Washington and Shirly Jean Harris in Detroit, Michigan. She was the first born from the union. Karen attended and graduated from the Detroit Public School system. Shortly after graduation, she attended Tennessee State University and Wayne State University where she studied Music and Secondary ­Education.

• Weather Performance: Your roof should meet or exceed third-party testing so you never have to worry about the next bad storm. This includes defense against wind uplift and a barrier system to protect against hail and sheeting rain.

• Durability: The right roof will retain its structural integrity and appearance for years to come with little maintenance. To that end, be sure your new roof offers UV protection against chalking and weathering, as well as resistance to corrosion, mildew, algae and black streaks.

• Cost Benefits: While a new roof might seem like a big investment, the right choice can actually help you save money over the long run, with some models offering substantial energy savings and reduced insurance premiums.

• Beauty: A roof makes up 50-60 percent of a home’s appearance,

so while performance is essential, don’t compromise on aesthetics.

Updating a roof can add instant and dramatic curb appeal.

• Resale Potential: If you intend to relocate at any point, think about how your roof may factor into a home sale. A beautiful, well-manufactured roof with a transferrable lifetime warranty can be a major selling point.

• Materials: While traditional materials like asphalt, wood shakes and slate can present various issues like shorter life spans, damage concerns, maintenance issues and disposal problems, metal roofing can overcome these obstacles and provide significant advantages. Check out ProVia’s distinctive metal shake and slate roofing panels, which are manufactured with 10 percent more galvanized steel than industry standards, yet are up to three times lighter than asphalt shingles. Available in wood shake and slate styles, the manufacturer’s embossed metal roofing provides distinctive style and natural-looking details in a durable finish. Finally, ProVia metal roof systems are designed to ensure easy installation, and installers are trained and certified to ensure workmanship and maximum roof performance. To learn more, visit provia.com.

The decision to reroof your home is a big one. For easier maintenance and long-term performance through summer storms and all other kinds of extreme weather, be sure you understand all the aspects of the investment.

Voice of the Community at your fingertips.

Voice of the Community at your fingertips michiganchronicle.com

michiganchronicle.com DQE

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• michiganchronicle.com • June 23-29, 2021

SAVE BIG! Offers End Soon For all Toyota offers

CAMRY

any new 2021 CAMRY excludes TRD INCLUDES HYBRID & AWD

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36 Mos. | $2999 Due at Signing $

229

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any new 2021 AVALON includes TRD & AWD

AVALON

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Any Certified Camry, RAV4 or Corolla Family

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Every New Toyota Comes With ToyotaCare

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VISIT YOUR LOCAL MICHIGAN TOYOTA DEALER TODAY! FOR ALL TOYOTA OFFERS AND TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU 1. Toyota vehicles and components are built using U.S. and globally sourced parts. 2. Customer Cash direct from Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 3. New 2021 Camry (including hybrid), and new 2021 Corolla (includes hybrid) 1.9% APR for 60 Months with $17.48 per $1,000 borrowed.* 4. New 2021 Camry LE 2532. Lease based on net cap cost of $21,943. $500 TFS Lease Subvention Cash included in lease deal. Lease end purchase option $13,899.** 5. New 2021 Avalon (excludes hybrid) and new 2021 Corolla Hatchback 0.9% APR Financing for 60 Months with $17.05 per $1,000 borrowed.* 6. $1,000 Bonus Cash on new 2021 Avalon AWD Models Only. Bonus Cash can be combined with Customer Cash or TFS Subvened APR or TFS Subvened Lease incentives (already calculated into the 2021 Avalon AWD $3000 TOTAL Customer Cash above: $2,000 Customer Cash + $1,000 AWD Bonus Cash & the Lease Offer noted below). 7. New 2021 Avalon Hybrid 0% APR Financing for 60 Months with $16.67 per $1,000 borrowed.* 8. New 2021 Avalon XLE AWD Model 3555. Lease based on net cap cost of $31,222.** $1,000 Toyota Bonus Cash included in lease deal. Lease end purchase option $18,936. 9. New 2021 Highlander (includes hybrid). 2.9% APR for 60 Months with $17.92 per $1,000 borrowed.* 10. You must take retail delivery from TCUV models listed that are current year used vehicles through 6-year-old with 85,000 miles or less between 6/2/21 and 8/2/21. 60-month financing with $17.74 per $1,000 borrowed. Subject to approved credit thru TFS. Tier 1+ & 1 only. Corolla family includes Corolla Gas/Hybrid, Hatchback, iM, & MY16 Scion iM. See participating dealer for details. Visit toyotacertified.com for additional information.* 11. Qualified military personnel and household members of eligible qualifying military personal are eligible for rebates in addition to all other incentives, depending on model, through Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., when leased or financed through Toyota Financial Services. Must take retail delivery from select new dealer stock. The Toyota Military Rebate Program is not compatible with the Toyota College Rebate Program. See participating dealer or visit buyatoyota.com for complete details. 12. The Toyota College Rebate Program is not compatible with the Military Rebate Program. See participating dealer or visit buyatoyota.com for complete details. 13. ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Certain models require a different maintenance schedule as described in their Maintenance Guide. 24-hour roadside assistance is also included for two years and unlimited mileage. Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids, except emergency fuel delivery. See Toyota dealers for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. * For 3, 5, 7 & 9 – Subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services Tier 1+ & 1 only. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate – see dealer for terms and conditions. ** For 4 & 8 – NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. Subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. Not all customers will qualify – Tier I PLUS customers ONLY. Excludes state and local taxes, tags, registration and title, and insurance. License and applicable fees are extra. Other options and dealer charges extra. Your payment may vary depending on final price. Lessee may be charged for excessive wear based on Toyota Financial Services standards for normal use and for mileage in excess of 30,000 miles at the rate of $0.15 per mile (10K low mileage leases). $350 Disposition Fee is due at lease termination. For 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 – Must take retail delivery from new 2021 dealer stock between 6/2/21 and 7/6/21, with the exception of #10 valid between 6/2/21 and 8/2/21. APR, Customer Cash & Lease offers may not be combined. See participating dealer for complete details. Individual dealer prices and document fees may vary. VEHICLE IMAGES USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. Expiration for these offers is 7/6/21.