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Volume 76 – Number 25

WHAT’S INSIDE Touching Communities, Touching Lives A PUBLICATION OF MGM GRAND DETROIT

February 2013

A commitment to service

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Inside this edition of Touching Communities, Touching Lives, MGM Grand Detroit demonstrates their commitment to service through volunteerism.

Emergency manager and the deafening silence of civic leadership

By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

Detroit is going through a historical shift both in terms of governance and quality of life, regardless of how that movement is viewed by the many different voices within and outside of the city.

The Detroit that once was and is glorified by those who saw the city evolve in many phases before and after the 1967 rebellion, is not the Detroit that is

High school jobs: Impact differs for Whites and minorities (Page A-2)

Addressing the violence by addressing the pain (Page B-1)

Two companies win award for building Detroit high school (Page C-1) The Michigan Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) awarded Tooles Contracting and Clark Construction a 2013 Build Michigan Award for the construction of New East English Village Preparatory Academy.

$1.00

michiganchronicle.com

advanced urban center where city services are delivered in a timely fashion with the requisite leadership. What has changed recently, as a pattern in the course of the big debate that is being held Things are changing, about an emergency manbut what hasn’t changed Bankole ager and where Detroit is the spirit of Detroit and the resilience that Thompson is headed in the future, is the silence of the men has kept many Detroiters and women we often refer to as loyal to their city, steadfastly bethe civic leaders of this city. Inlieving that it can return either to the golden age or become a more dividuals who brand themselves

City is running out of options

Andre Smith photos

Gov. Rick Snyder

By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

A

ccording to the Detroit Financial Review Team, Detroit’s financial situation is so grave that there is an expected cumulative deficit in excess of $100 million by June if no financial countermeasures are adopted to stop the depletion of cash.

The anticipated unanimous report from the six-member review board created under Public Act 72 of 1990 (Local Government Fiscal Respon-

sibility Act) is widely seen as the final act before Gov. Rick Snyder appoints an emergency manager for Detroit. “While the mayor and city council deserve credit for considering and, in some instances, adopting difficult financial reforms, those reforms are too heavily weighted toward onetime savings and apply only to non-union employees who represent only a small portion of the city’s overall wage and benefit burden,� the report said.

State Treasurer Andy Dillon said, “This review team spent two months pouring over the

city’s finances, taking careful consideration of both long and short-term issues, including recent actions by the administration and city council. While we appreciate the steps the city has taken over the past number of weeks, key reform measures have not occurred quickly enough, if at all. The team collectively believes the city needs assistance in making the difficult decisions necessary to achieve the significant reforms that are so crucial to the city’s long-term viability.�

as gatekeepers and who are often quick to put anyone in check who takes Detroit for granted seem to be missing in action.

I haven’t heard any word from these individuals sometimes defined as the conscience of the community about what they think should be done in the context of the financial crisis that has this city’s future held hostage as well as the services that should be delivered to residents

See LEADERSHIP page A-4

Detroit Branch NAACP, UAW plan ‘March Down Woodward’

By Britney Spear “We must protect the dream so that it does not become a nightmare.�

It’s a striking statement, and one that revisits a civil rights ideal that carries just as much relevance today and it did 50 years ago.

On Monday, Feb. 25, several of this area’s community and religious leaders convened at Detroit’s King High School to kick off plans for this summer’s March Down Woodward. The event, to take place on Saturday, June 22, will commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the historic civil rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A series of workshops addressing community-related issues will be held one night before, on June 21.

Detroit will be first in 2013 just as it was first in 1963. A fact rarely recognized by many is that Dr. King gave his iconic “I Have a Dream� speech first in the city, just two months before his national address during the March on Washington.

Though nearly a half-century has passed since the original march, people of color continue to be afflicted by many of the same problems leaders of the struggle worked tirelessly to obli­ terate during the 1960s.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing fired back at the review report saying his administration has a plan. “Certainly I am not surprised by the findings of the state’s financial review team.

My administration has been saying for the past four years that the city is under financial stress,� Bing said. “If the governor decides to appoint an emergency manager, he or she, like my administration, is going to need resources, particularly in the form of cash and additional staff. As I have said before, my administration will stay focused on the initiatives that most directly impact the citizens of Detroit: public safety, public lighting, transportation, recreation and neighborhood blight removal.�

Spotlight: Don Cheadle (Page D-1) When you see Don Cheadle on the screen, or when his name is brought up in conversation, certain words might come to mind.

They include “talented,� “convincing,� “versatile� and “consistent.� He was recently featured in the Academy Award-nominated “Flight� starring Denzel Washington and will soon be seen in the highly anticipated “Iron Man 3.�

evolving before our eyes now because the present political and economic dispensation offers a different climate that is now forcing city hall to change the way it does business.

Detroit’s Cash Crisis

African-American and Hispanic students are less likely than Whites to work part-time in high school, according to a University of Michigan study. But those who do hold jobs tend to work longer hours, and are less likely to suffer negative consequences.

It happens all the time: Conversation turns into confrontation. Anger explodes into violence.

Uncontrollable anger is one element in the rising tide of homicide in Detroit and other cities. But there is a way to deal with the delorable situation.

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013

michiganchronicle.com

Gov. Snyder, instead, of-

GOV. RICK SNYDER with a chart showing members of the fered a broader response to media the structural crisis Detroit has, marked by population the city’s fiscal crisis, citing decline in addition to the growing fiscal crisis.

See CASH CRISIS page A-4

From left are Jimmy Settles, vice president, UAW; Donnell White, executive director, Detroit Branch NAACP; and Wendell Anthony, president, Detroit Branch NAACP. — Andre Smith photo Current events such as the Tonya Battle case against Hurley Medical in Flint remind us that the fight to preserve equal rights still stands as one of society’s most critical matters.

The March Down Woodward seeks to place those concerns at the forefront of the nation’s conscience. “We shall not default on our freedom,� said Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit Branch NAACP. Beginning the press conference with prayer, Anthony urged all members of the community to join in the cause.

UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles reiterated what Anthony had said, encour-

See NAACP page A-4

State Board President Austin calls for commitment to education

By Patrick Keating CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

John Austin, president of the Michigan State Board of Education, advocates changes to the education system.

Austin said his dream education system — which he believes is consistent with the agenda of most education reform efforts in last 25 years — calls for expectations of high learning standards for all kids; that there’s one unified education system that expects all students to master basic competencies, then learn how to apply them in a broad array of specialized areas that prepare them well for any possible next step.

“We need to have young people.� a robust commitHe said the old ment to restructure model of a profeshow we deliver edusional track for colcation,� Austin said lege prep, a vocationin an exclusive inal track for others, terview. “All sorts of and a general educanew models for high tion track for those schools in particular. we just try to keep in Integrated learning, school is a no-no. project-based learn“It needs to be ing, rigorous career abandoned,� he said. technical paths, avail“We need a much able theme schools, more robust support smaller high schools, and commitment to early colleges, middle teacher quality.� colleges, blended instructions that links John Austin He added that to post-secondary learning. And teachers are the most profound all sorts of new structures for factor in increasing achievement, delivering education that excite and in helping young people learning in different ways for all

— particularly kids of color and poor kids — move rapidly to learn skills and better graduate and have better outcomes. To that end, he advocates for better teacher preparation; better mentoring and support for new teachers; better teacher professional development and coaching and training throughout their careers; better pay; more career paths that reward teachers and support them and pay them to become master teachers.

He also said we need things like a national board certification where a teacher is elevated to be a master teacher through rigorous training, is rewarded and has

See austin page A-4

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Is Google+ better for business than Facebook or Twitter?

In the world of social networks, innovation can quickly change the field of frontrunners -- remember LiveJournal?

We just saw it again as Google+ overtook Twitter to claim the No. 2 spot behind Facebook. And the new kid is already better than Mark Zuckerberg’s baby for small businesses, professional firms and entrepreneurs, says Alex Hinojosa, vice president of media operations for EMSI (www.emsipublicrelations.com).

“I knew Google+ would attract a big following because it really lends itself to business uses and SEO,” says Hinojosa, who has witnessed the value of Google+ grow exponentially in the daily operations of his PR firm.

A new Global Web Index study show Google+ grew to 343 million users globally in December, or about 25 percent of global internet users. Facebook still accounts for 50 percent of the pie.

“Facebook continues to go through self-imposed changes that are seeing mixed responses from longtime users,” Hinojosa says. “The new No. 2 has much, much more to offer than simply being an alternative to the big dog.”

Hinojosa reviews the merits of Google+ as a business tool, and why he believes the social network will continue its meteoric rise: • Power: Google+ may be the new kid when it comes to social media – it’s not even 2 years old yet -- but Google has become synonymous with anything online. The “new kid” offers something that no other social media platform can: Google power.

• Overwhelming advantage: “Google loves its newest offspring and it favors any post, article, picture and link posted on Google+,” Hinojosa says. “If

you post a link on your Google+ about asthma remedies, and one of your connections is logged in to Google+ and searches for asthma remedies, your post will show up high in his Google search results.”

• In action: Let’s say you own an art gallery full of nature photos. Your website for promoting the gallery highlights “mountain photos,” “wildlife photos,” and “waterfall photos” and you’ve created matching URLs for each page, such as bobsnaturephotos. com/waterfallphotos. Now you head over to post your newest update on Google+. You post a message about the waterfall, then you add the link to your waterfall page, bobsnaturephotos. com/waterfallphotos.

Now, whenever one of your connections types “waterfall photos” into a Google search, whether it’s days, weeks or months later, there you are on page 1 of the results. Your post shows up, your profile picture shows up, and your link shows up.

“Once upon a time MySpace was king, but over a period of about a year the world made a seamless transition onto Facebook, which may very well see a mass exodus of users,” Hinojosa says.

“If your business or employer is not already on Google+, it’s time to make the move.”

Alex Hinojosa is the Vice President of Media Operations at EMSI Public Relations, where he oversees the creative process and execution of print (traditional & online), radio, TV and social media campaigns. He has an extensive background in radio, working as a national talk-show host and executive producer for CBS Radio, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment and ESPN in major markets. Alex is also a (social) media coach and fill-in talk show host for Genesis Communications Florida.

High school jobs: Impact differs for Whites and minorities African-American and Hispanic students are less likely than Whites to work part-time in high school, according to a University of Michigan study. But those who do hold jobs tend to work longer hours, and are less likely to suffer negative consequences.

Those are among the findings of a new analysis of data on nearly 600,000 10th- and 12th-grade students, collected between 1991 and 2010 as part of the Monitoring the Future Study conducted by the U-M Institute for Social Research. The analysis was published online in Developmental Psychology, a journal of the American Psychological Association. Monitoring the Future is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health.

“Working more than 15 hours a week is associated with problems for most students,” said ISR researcher Jerald Bachman, the study’s lead author. “These include lower grades and higher use of cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs. But this pattern does not hold true among some minority students, especially those from less advantaged backgrounds.”

Overall, white students were more likely than minority students to report working during the school year, the study found.

Among 10th graders, 43 percent of White students worked, compared with 29 percent of African-Americans, 31 percent of Hispanics and 26 percent of Asian-Americans. Among 12th graders, 72 percent of White students worked, compared with 57 percent of African-Americans, 59 percent of Hispanics and 53 percent of Asian-Americans.

But African-American and Hispanic students who held jobs were more likely than whites or Asian-Americans to report working more than 25 hours a week, the analysis showed. Among 12th graders who worked, for example, 18 percent of Asian-Americans, 22 percent of whites, 31 percent of African-Americans and 32 percent of Hispanics reported working more than 25 hours a week.

Average grade point averages among White and Asian-American students dropped dramatically as the number of hours they worked increased, but the GPAs of Hispanics and African-Americans showed less connection with the hours they worked, according to the report.

“Arguably, affluent kids

have the least need to work during their student days,” Bachman said. “When they do work, they seem to suffer more in terms of grades and substance use.

At least this is true for white and Asian-American students, whereas spending long hours on the job appears to be less harmful for African-American and Hispanic students.”

The reasons for this divergent impact remain unclear, but one reason may be that African-American and Hispanic teens, especially those who live in poor urban neighborhoods, have a harder time finding work, Bachman suggests.

“When they are able to land jobs, those jobs may require them to work longer hours,” he said.

The study does not prove a direct causal link between working longer hours and poor grades or substance use problems, Bachman says.

“Many kids who wind up working long hours already show evidence of some problems before they start working,” he said. “But this certainly doesn’t rule out the possibility that long hours of work can add to the problems.”

HOW TO CONTACT US:

So what should parents and students do?

“First, the large bulk of research in this area suggests that students should avoid long hours of work in part-time jobs during the school year,” Bachman said. “Ideally, they should work 15 hours a week or less. Secondly, those who do work should try to build credentials as bright, courteous and motivated workers.

“As soon as they start new jobs, students should tell employers and supervisors that they hope to earn a good letter of recommendation. Saying that right at the outset will help everyone see the job as an important opportunity for growth and ‘real world’ education.”

Bachman’s co-authors are Jeremy Staff of Pennsylvania State University and Patrick O’Malley and Peter Freedman-Doan of U-M. Monitoring the Future Study: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org.

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State tourism plan now promotes Detroit’s Jazz Festival

By Jeff Alexander and C.L. Price The widely praised Pure Michigan advertising campaign has been credited with resurrecting the state’s tourism industry, putting Michigan on the national travel map and giving Michigan residents something to crow about.

Now in its seventh year, Pure Michigan has even been called one of the best tourism promotion campaigns of all time.

What could managers of the campaign possibly do for an encore?

The short answer: Super-size Pure Michigan.

Michigan’s new five-year Tourism Strategic Plan calls for doubling state spending on Pure Michigan promotions (to $50 million) by 2017, expanding the campaign in Canada and making inroads in Europe and Asia.

JAZZING IT UP Detroit’s Jazz Festival, which attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually, is expected to double its attendance with Pure Michigan’s advertising support.

“We have always been closely aligned with the mission of the Pure Michigan campaign to promote our great state,” stated Gretchen Valade, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, Detroit Jazz Festival, who is appreciative of Pure Michigan’s endorsement and encouragement.

The preeminent and unique festival, has garnered international recognition

among artists and loyal fans, who return year after year to stand among jazz legends.

The Detroit Jazz Festival seeks to enrich the culture in our region, state and across the nation,” said Valade. “We are working to provide music lovers and jazz enthusiasts with one-of-a-kind experiences, right in the heart of Detroit, while positively impacting the local economy and tourism.

A NEW BLUEPRINT “There is still a lot of room for growth with Pure Michigan. It’s not about improving the campaign, it’s about increasing awareness of the campaign,” said Sarah Nicholls, a tourism expert and associate professor at Michigan State University. She wrote the new strategic plan for the Michigan Tourism Commission.

The plan is a blueprint for how industry and state officials aim to bolster tourism over the next five years. It will be formally unveiled in mid-April, at Gov. Rick Snyder’s tourism conference in Detroit.

“We’ve got a good plan and if we follow it I think we’re going to have great success, even greater than we’re seeing now,” said Judy Zehnder Keller, vice chair of the Michigan Travel Commission and president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. “I see great things happening. I’m very excited about the future of tourism in Michigan.”

Since its launch in 2006, the Pure Michigan campaign has generated 10.4 million trips to Michigan, $2.9 billion in

new visitor spending and $208 million in state tax revenue.

Increased funding for Pure Michigan, expanding the advertising campaign and improving the promotion of Michigan as a four-season recreational haven would ultimately create jobs and generate more tax revenue, Zehnder Keller said.

“As more visitors come to Michigan, all of these companies (that serve tourists) will have to add more jobs to take care of the influx of people,” she said.

The Tourism Strategic Plan called for promoting Michigan as “one of America’s favorite four seasons travel experiences.” Specific goals in the plan include: • Increase state funding for Pure Michigan from the current $25 million amount to $50 million by 2017.

• Increasing visitor spending in Michigan 17 percent, to $21.5 billion, by 2017. Travelers spent $17.7 billion here in 2011.

• Increase the return on investment for each dollar spent on the Pure Michigan campaign from the 2011 level of $4.90 to $6 by 2017.

• Improve Michigan’s desirability as a place to visit (in Portrait of the American Traveler Report rankings) from 28th in 2010 to at least 15th by 2017.

• Launch Pure Michigan in Toronto and increase the number of Canadian tourists visiting Michigan by 40 percent, from 1.54 million in 2011 to 2.15 million by 2017.

• Create foreign language versions of the Pure Michigan/Travel Michigan Web site to attract international visitors, particularly from Germany, Portugal, Japan, China and Korea.

• Develop national advertising campaigns for all four seasons, highlighting Michigan’s unique strengths.

• Secure long-term funding for the Pure Michigan campaign. Gov. Snyder has pledged support for the program through 2014, but future funding is subject to the political whims of future state lawmakers and governors.

Michael O’Callahan, chief operating officer for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Michigan’s abundance of water gives it an edge over many other states when it comes to promoting tourism.

But he said Michigan has its own challenges, like geography and fickle weather.

“Michigan is a beautiful state and the Pure Michigan campaign has brought it to the attention to people in other parts of the country,” O’Callahan said. “But because Michigan’s a peninsula, not a drive-through state, you really have to want to come here to end up here.”

Editor’s Note: Jeff Alexander is a contributor to Bridge magazine, an editorial partner of the Michigan Chronicle. Alexander, a Muskegon Chronicle writer, now operates his own firm, J. Alexander Communications LLC. C.L. Price contributed to this feature.

Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act enhances democracy

By Sandhya Bathija On Feb. 27, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case Shelby County v. Holder, a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This landmark law outlawed discriminatory voting practices by ending the disfranchisement of minority voters and preventing vote dilution through racial gerrymandering and other techniques that negate the minority vote when the white majority votes as a block.

Section 5 furthers these goals by requiring nine full states and parts of seven other states with a history of racial discrimination in voting to ask either the Department of Justice or a three-judge court in Washington, D.C., for approval before making any changes to voting laws.

This is a process known as preclearance.

Congress determined the jurisdictions originally covered under Section 5 by using a plan laid out in the Voting Rights Act and also created a scheme for states to “bail out” of coverage if they have complied with the Voting Rights Act for 10 years.

Here are five reasons why Section 5, by protecting the right to vote, actually enhances our democracy and is good for all Americans.

1. Section 5 blocks discriminatory voting practices Section 5 has blocked discriminatory state laws that would have disenfranchised or diluted the minority vote. Without Section 5: • Texas would have passed the strictest voter ID law in the nation in 2011, placing unforgiving burdens on minority voters.

The law would have allowed concealed handgun licenses to serve as a form of valid identification to vote, but would have rejected the use of a college ID or a state employee ID. Luckily, Section 5 blocked the law and saved African American and Latino voters from being disenfranchised in the 2012 election.

• Mississippi would have required people to register to vote twice: once for federal elections and once for state and local elections.

Knowing that it is more difficult for minorities to overcome administrative barriers, this tactic would have resulted in diluting the minority vote in state and local elections. The

Department of Justice, using Section 5, blocked the law in 1997.

• Georgia would have continued to use a voter verification program to check the citizenship status of every person seeking to register to vote.

Because Georgia failed to receive Section 5 preclearance before implementing the law, evidence was obtained that made it clear that minority voters were being flagged at higher rates, requiring time-consuming additional steps to be taken to prove their citizenship.

The Department of Justice denied preclearance for this law in 2009.

• Arizona would have implemented a redistricting plan that would have divided certain election districts so Latinos would no longer be the majority in those districts and would no longer be able to elect candidates of their choice to represent them.

The Department of Justice denied preclearance for this law in 2002.

2. Section 5 safeguards local elections The elimination of Section 5 may have the most devastating consequences in small cities and communities where individuals are less likely to litigate discriminatory changes.

Section 5 requires covered jurisdictions to submit requests for even minor changes at the local level and protects against discriminatory practices that would otherwise go unnoticed.

• In 2011 the Pitt County School District in North Carolina decided to reduce the number of school board members from 12 to 7 and shorten their terms in office.

Section 5 blocked the change from going into effect after the Department of Justice determined that such a change would decrease representation of minority-preferred candidates on the school board.

• In Clinton, Mississippi, where 34 percent of the population is African American, the city proposed to its six-member council a redistricting plan that did not include a single ward where African American voters had the power to elect candidates of their choice.

Racially polarized voting is still a problem in Mississippi, and the redistricting plan ensured there was no longer a majority African American ward.

The Department of Justice found reliable evidence that the city had acted with a racially discriminatory purpose and

blocked the change from going into effect in 2011.

3. Section 5 prevents discrimination where race is still a barrier Under the Voting Rights Act, jurisdictions that must seek preclearance have a history of racial discrimination in voting practices, and there is still evidence that racial discrimination is prevalent in Section 5covered jurisdictions.

Most of the states fully covered under Section 5 have the highest African American populations in the country, which should mean that African Americans are strongly represented in the government. But that is unfortunately not the case.

African Americans are still significantly underrepresented in state legislatures, in Congress, and in statewide offices such as governor and U.S. Senate positions.

Where African Americans do serve in public office, they are elected in districts that are majority minority voters. Racially polarized voting such as this indicates that race is still a factor in how people vote. (see Figure 2 on following page) • Mississippi, which is nearly 40 percent African American — the highest population of African Americans in any state in the country — has never elected an African American governor. There is one African American currently in Congress who represents Jackson, Mississippi, which is more than 60 percent African American.

• Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina lead the country in being the most underrepresented when it comes to African Americans in the state legislature.

In addition, federal observers are frequently sent to Section 5-covered states on Election Day. The U.S. attorney general is permitted to send federal observers to certain Section 5-covered jurisdictions if there is reason to believe that voting rights will not be protected.

Between 1966 and 2004, the attorney general sent a total of 1,142 federal observers to different states to monitor voting practices during elections. Most of these observers are sent into counties that are more than 40 percent nonwhite. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina accounted for 66 percent of all federal observer coverages between 1982 and 2004.

When federal observ-

ers are sent to a jurisdiction, it is referred to as an “observer coverage.” (see Figure 3) In the 2012 presidential election, the Department of Justice sent observers into counties in all of the fully covered Section 5 states except Virginia.

4. Section 5 is a necessary alternative to costly, time-intensive litigation Congress passed the Voting Rights Act because case-by-case litigation was not working to protect the right to vote in states where racial and ethnic discrimination mostly occurred. It was slow, difficult, and costly to challenge every type of voter suppression tactic used in counties and states around the country.

This would not be any different today.

•Proof-of-citizenship laws: Alabama, Arizona and Georgia • Voter ID laws: Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas—in fact, because of Section 5,

South Carolina watered down its original version of the law before seeking approval from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

African American elected officials—the number of which has increased from just 300 nationwide in 1964 to more than 9,100 today

• Limits to early voting: Georgia

• The highest-ever percentage of African Americans in Mississippi’s state legislature — 27 percent — since the first African American to Mississippi’s state legislature was elected in 1967, following the passage of the Voting Rights Act

• Instead, Section 5 required the Justice Department or the D.C. Circuit Court to approve the laws before they disenfranchised minority voters.

5. Section 5 has moved our country forward Thanks to the Voting Rights Act and Section 5, the United States has made immense progress in protecting and expanding the right to vote.

In Section 5-covered jurisdictions, change is happening, although slowly, but it may not have happened at all if it were not for the Voting Rights Act and Section 5.

The changes we see include: • The election of the first African American president

• A more diverse electorate Racial discrimination continues to be a problem in our country, particularly in Section 5-covered states.

Section 5 serves as a shield to protect minority voters in jurisdictions where progress has come slowly and continues to be a necessary remedy to disenfranchisement.

Without it, minority voters would be in jeopardy — and so too would our democracy.

• A higher percentage of

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION AND PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ROUTING DESIGNATIONS FOR ROUTES IN WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is extending the public comment period through May 27, 2013, for proposed changes to the non-radioactive hazardous materials (NHRM) routing designations for four routes located in Wayne County, Michigan. MDOT will conduct a public hearing on this matter on April 25, 2013 at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall at 1358 Abbott St., Detroit, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with formal presentations at 4:30 and 6:00. The public may attend the hearing anytime to meet with MDOT staff, view the synopsis report and displays, and provide oral and/or written comments. The extended comment period and hearing will provide the public further opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes set forth in 49 CFR 397.71.

MDOT is the authorized agency responsible for all NHRM routing designations and restrictions or requirements in the State of Michigan. MDOT reviewed the four existing hazardous materials routes in Wayne County: 1. Ambassador Bridge [Detroit] from Porter Street to Canada [Windsor] 2. Windsor Tunnel [Detroit] from Jefferson Avenue to Canada [Windsor] 3. State Road M-10 [Detroit] from Howard Street to Woodward Avenue under Cobo Hall (approximately 1 mile)] 4. State Route M-10 [Detroit] from 8 Mile Road south to Wyoming Road MDOT commissioned a study on these routes, reviewed the findings, conferred with industry experts and other stakeholders, and developed a synopsis report. The synopsis report, Hazardous Materials Routing Synopsis Report-Wayne County, provides an overview of the process and information relating to the proposed changes, and sets forth recommendations for proposed changes to NHRM routing designation. The report acknowledges risks of hazardous materials transport to the motoring public, property owners, the environment, critical infrastructure, local communities, and the citizens of the State of Michigan and Canada. The transportation of non-radioactive hazardous materials, however, is essential to daily life and the economic vitality of Wayne County and the State of Michigan. The proposed recommendations address public safety while seeking to ensure continuity of movement as not to impede or unnecessarily delay the transportation of hazardous materials.

MDOT encourages public involvement and participation on the proposed recommendations.

The synopsis report is available for public review online at www.michigan.gov/mdotstudies and at designated locations in Wayne County, including the Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Ave., and its 22 branch locations found at www.detroit.lib.mi.us/branch-locator or call 313-481-1300; and at MDOT’s Transportation Service Centers, 6510 Telegraph Rd., Taylor, and 1060 W. Fort St., Detroit. It may be viewed at the MDOT Metropolitan Region Office, 18101 W. Nine Mile Rd., Southfield; and the MDOT Public Involvement and Hearings Office, Bureau of Highway Development, 425 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. English and Spanish copies of the synopsis report will be available at the hearing or by calling 517-373-9534. With seven days advance notice, the synopsis report may be available in alternate formats, including large print, audio tape and other languages. Call 517-373-9534 to request accommodation.

The public is encouraged to furnish comments to MDOT summarizing the specific substantive and factual basis for such support or opposition. For consideration in the final determination, comments must be received on or before May 27, 2013 to: parsonsb@michigan.gov or Robert H. Parsons, Public Involvement and Hearings Officer, Bureau of Highway Development, Michigan Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, MI 48909. MDOT has 18 months from December 20, 2012, the date of the initial public notification of the proposed recommendations, to issue a final decision.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Leadership and businesses invested in the city.

The deafening silence is even more notable in the clergy, which traditionally has been outspoken on the issues that impact this community.

Recently, at the Philadelphia Airport while heading to Washington, DC, I met one of our local area ministers who is deeply involved in the political process. He expressd his view about the silence of our ministers and he basically agreed that the silence is notable given the past advocacy of religious leaders who have demanded political accountability in the city.

But now that the city is going through a new phase of governance structure and a financial malaise, all of which will affect the people of Detroit, it makes you wonder why those who are supposed to be speaking out are keeping quiet.

Why is this a concern? Because in the past we’ve seen what happens when civic leaders galvanize around an issue and stake a position on the most important matters of great significance to the city.

I don’t want to buy into the idea that some have already aligned themselves with certain forces of power and thus cannot speak their conscience about what they see inherently troubling about Detroit’s political leadership. I don’t want to buy into the idea that those who have for so long been at the forefront of issues that this city has been grappling with all of a sudden have abdicated the role that has made them voices in the city.

Perhaps one of the few ministers who has tried to stir a healthy debate and take a position on the financial crisis facing Detroit has been the Rev. Bertram Marks of First Community Baptist Church. The minister and trained lawyer has not only been speaking out on how he strongly feels about an emergency manager for Detroit and the Belle Isle proposal question, among other issues, but has also been writing guest editorials in newspapers to circulate his thoughts.

Marks understands that his obligation is not only to the duties confined within the four

walls of First Community Baptist, but also to the larger community and for posterity.

We must have a healthy debate about where Detroit needs to be at this point and examine the current options on the table. The lack thereof is part of the reason the city is in this crisis. Leadership is not and should not be defined by titles, but by the positions that are taken in the public space and how those positions impact the quality of life here.

In the last couple of weeks I have been invited to many meetings and the one thing that keeps coming up is, where is Detroit’s civic leadership?

If you support an emergency manager for Detroit, say it loud and clear. If you don’t support an emergency manager coming to the city, your voice should also be heard. But to remain mute on the question and avoid the very issue that could be a seismic shift for the city is troubling. Silence can be betrayal.

Certainly, Detroit is not monolithic in thought as Rev. Marks has shown in some of his guest editorials. But the essence of different voices speaking to this issue shows an active leadership in play in the city, and sends a message that there is leadership that is both actively and publicly concerned about the future of the city and is doing something about it.

Beyond the Nicodemus-type meetings that are being held to discuss the next chapter of leadership in Detroit lies a deeper responsibility to let the public know about the positions of our many civic leaders. Beyond the secret meetings is an obligation to inform the public about the stance that Detroit’s civic leadership is taking and it shouldn’t just come from one individual.

Detroit has a treasured history, and there are many voices from many different backgrounds and with many experiences that should be contributing to the dialogue. This has never more important than now. So we need to hear from the mosaic of leadership. If not now, when?

The late Whitney Young, the respected leader of the National

NAACP aging attendees to support the effort.

“We should have at least a million people out there,” said Settles. “And I want you there.”

Rrepresentatives seek to inspire as many individuals as possible to become involved with the planning process.

The 2013 March Down Woodward will undoubtedly reflect key features from the original event.

UAW leader Walter Reuther played a major role in organizing the 1963 event. The current one will involve a strong trade union presence.

Perhaps the most novel aspect of this year’s march will be its heavy focus on youth involvement.

Representatives could not have chosen a better venue to unveil plans for their commemorative march. Speaking to a crowd of about 200 highschool students, they urged young people to accept the call to action.

The future generation must remain an active part of the initiative.

Getting them on board to recognize our community’s most pertinent challenges and work toward solutions is the key to preserving the dream that Dr. King envisioned during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

It is a challenging task that local leaders say they are committed to addressing.

Encouraging young people to invest in what will be the preservation of their future is an integral part of the fight. Issues such a high crime rate and a struggling economy continue to plague inner cities.

“We still need jobs, justice and peace,” said

From page A-1 Urban League, was one of the voices that had a strong influence on President Lyndon Johnson and his administration’s ideas about the Great Society.

Young pushed the administration through one-onone discussions with the president and his insightful writings, including his book “To Be Equal,” to address the growing urban crisis facing Black America at that time. In fact, Johnson’s famous Howard University commencement speech was largely influenced by the writings of Young who spoke so eloquently about the urban crisis.

In our current situation we need more voices like Young, who are genuinely concerned and influencing privately and publicly the right policies to move Detroit forward, not just contentedly sitting around the negotiating table in the corridors of power without offering any constructive dialogue or lasting solution to the compounding financial crisis the city is facing, among other issues.

History will judge this era and those in leadership regarding what they have done to move Detroit to a place where everyone can be proud, and where civic leaders are committed to doing what is expedient, not for themselves but for the people and the communities. And that they can meaningfully enhance quality of life by proposing concrete measures, not just shotgun/ press release approaches, in a city where many of our children are dying before their time.

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

by Bob Weiner, former White House spokesman.

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

From page A-1

GOV. RICK SNYDER, speaks to Bankole Thompson, editor of the Michigan last week. – Andre Smith photo

Cash crisis the many structural issues Detroit is facing, such as population decline over the decades. Many moved out for lack of quality services.

The governor also mentioned how the city is behind in its technology infrastructure, which also affects how the financial apparatus of the city operates.

During an exclusive interview Snyder said the city should find a system that works instead of the current ailing system that is part of the overall structural problem Detroit has.

“Instead of saying we are going to modify this (system), stop and bring in something brand new. And they may ask people to change how they’ve been doing things for 20 or 30 years, but we know what works, because it’s working in other communities,” Snyder said.

The governor noted that instead of operating as a city with a million people, Detroit should make decisions as reflected in the latest census report which showed the city’s population dwindle to around 700,000.

Snyder still maintained that even though some are expecting him to make a decision in a week about Detroit’s fiscal crisis, he has 30 days to make that decision.

Austin

more time and money to teach other teachers.

He said states like North Carolina have done this.

“They’ve invested in master teachers,” Austin said. “They have 18,000 national board-certified teachers. We only have 300 in Michigan, and we invented the program.”

Another major element for an ideal system for education would involve “rebooting” schools that aren’t working or where we’re not seeing achievement, so they’ll be successful.

“Or we create new good choices to replace them,” Austin said.

“That’s where I see the role of charters and new schools. Mostly to create a new, better opportunity, so no kid is trapped in a failing school, despite our best efforts.”

Asked what roadblocks we face — either as a state or as a country — in making these goals a reality, Austin said one is inertia, or business as usual.

“Any big organization is hard to change to create new learning cultures in schools, to create new school models and bring them to bear,” he said.

“But we also have serious financial obstacles.”

the Rev. Anthony.

We may have come far but we still have a distance to travel. Current committee members for the March Down Woodward say they hope the event will embody our community’s united awareness and acceptance of the challenges at hand.

Our current social climate is one that is essentially made up of a marriage among various ethnicities.

Rev. Anthony expressed that the NAACP hopes to reflect that melting pot in its upcoming initiative.

The 2013 march will involve all members of the community, careful not exclude anyone of the basis of race, color or creed.

“One of the goals of the march is to demonstrate

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013 Page A-4

the power of inclusion”, said Donnell White, executive director of the Detroit Branch NAACP. Those who are interested in participating in the planning of the March on Woodward have an opportunity to get started early.

The Detroit Branch NAACP invites individuals, organizations and corporations to attend the general membership meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28. The meeting will present a chance to begin working on the planning committee.

The Detroit Branch NAACP office is located at 8220 Second Avenue, in Detroit.

For more information on the Detroit Branch NAACP, please call (313) 871-2087 or visit www.

DetroitNAACP.org.

He stated that this kind of support and investment in early childhood and in teacher quality and teacher support costs money, and that we need to be willing to invest more and have the best teachers be supported, to be where we need them the most.

Austin also advocates that students have a well-rounded education, so they’ll be proficient in math, writing, history and science, and will know how to apply what they learn in those disciplines.

“We want to be familiar with and exposed to arts, music and creative arts as ways of expressing yourself and ways of communicating and producing interesting things for other people,” he said, adding that it’s also important that students are acquainted with other cultures and languages.

From page A-1

According to the Review Team’s report The City’s General Fund has not experienced a positive year-end fund balance since fiscal year 2004.

Since that time, the General Fund has had cumulative deficits ranging from $155.4 million in fiscal year 2005, to $331.9 million in fiscal year 2009. The General Fund deficit was $326.6 million in fiscal year 2012. The primary methods by which city officials have sought to address these deficits has been by issuing long-term debt. While such an approach reduces the deficit in the year in which the debt is issued, it also reduces fund balance over time as debt service payments increase. Had city officials not issued debt, the city’s accumulated General Fund deficit would have been $936.8 million in fiscal year 2012.

Long-Term Liabilities. As of June 30, 2012, the city’s long-term liabilities, including unfunded actuarial accrued pension liabilities and other post-employment benefits, exceeded $14 billion.

City officials have projected that over the next five years, the expenditures needed to fund certain longterm liabilities will total approximately $1.9 billion.

However, city officials have not yet devised a satisfactory plan to address the long-term liability issue.

Bureaucratic Structure. The City Charter contains numerous restrictions and structural details which make it extremely difficult for city officials to restructure the city’s operations in any meaningful and timely manner. These restrictions include numerous steps and time periods which must be observed before certain proposed changes may be implemented and provisions which make it all but impossible to restructure municipal services.

From page A-1 He said everybody needs a high level of skill and education today to make their way in this economy.

“There aren’t good jobs for people with no skills anymore,” he noted.

Austin also said parents who are active in their kids’ lives are helpful.

As to those kids who don’t have active parents, Austin said there’s still a lot the schools can do to engage them in learning.

“That’s where having great teachers who are positively supported and feeling good about what they’re doing and feel like their getting some help is so important,” he said.

Austin has only taught one university-level class in economic development, but that reinforced for him that teaching is hard and great teachers are highly skilled.

He comes at education from the perspective of what matters to the economy and what kinds of policies we can provide support for that help improve learning.

Austin has been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate next year. Asked what one education issue he’d emphasize the most if he were to run and get elected (or if he had the ear of whoever is elected), he said we have to have meaningful support for great teachers.

“Again, teacher quality, excellent teaching moves the needle of achievement gains for poor and minority students more than anything,” he said. “I beat on two governors already that we need to have a meaningful teacher quality support offensive, which has a bunch of different components.”

He said the most powerful investment we can make, if we care about educational outcomes, is to provide better preparation, support, rewards and ongoing help for teachers.

He also said the public knows that teachers matter the most.

“The Center for Michigan did this set of research community conversa-

tions, 10,000 people,” he said. “What’s at the top of the list of what people want to do better? They want to support better teaching and they want to help teachers more.”

As to whether he’s going to run for governor, Austin said he’s still thinking about it.

In addition to his position on the State Board of Education, Austin is director of the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas Foundation, which recently released the initial results of its “Michigan Dream Restored Project.”

He said the most encouraging result to come from the report is that the public “definitely” feels that the most important foundations for creating good jobs and a healthy economy are these important public investments that we make together that provide great education and good roads and communities that are attractive places to live and work.

He said 64 percent of the 1,000 people surveyed said the government should do better to support education and basic services and give attention to maintenance of our parks, libraries and roads.

“Those are the things that matter most to create conditions for economic growth,” Austin said.

“Only 29 percent said cutting taxes on businesses and individuals creates jobs.”

Austin believes the best investment we could make would be to pay for higher education for everybody, because it helps them have a better life and it helps the economy grow. He said the best educated states are the most prosperous, and that things like the GI Bill, which essentially provided returning veterans with a free education, paid tremendous dividends to society.

He said if Michigan makes higher education affordable for everyone, it will mark us as “the higher education state, and as the place to live.”

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Feb. 27-March 5, 2013 Page A-5 news Lead exposure negatively American International Auimpacts MEAP scores of tomobile Dealers announce Ross as 2013 Chairwoman Detroit schoolchildren

Lead exposure in early childhood has been linked to lower performance on state achievement tests for many Detroit Public School students in several grades, researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and colleagues report.

The American International Automobile Dealers Association today announced Centerville, Ohio, dealer Jenell Ross as its 2013 chairwoman.

Ross took over the position during AIADA’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Luncheon, held today in Orlando, Fla.

The researchers also found lower scores for children who had been exposed to lead at levels below the federal threshold.

“Our brands, more than ever before, are America’s brands – and I’m going to tell that story,” said Ross during the meeting. “In 2013, we are no longer bogged down by the natural Jenell Ross and economic disasters that hobbled us for the past five years. Now is the time to surge forward and grow our businesses, claim new market share, and ensure our continued strength and sustainability.”

In a paper to be published in the March issue of the American Journal of Public Health, the researchers found a strong relationship between lowered math, science and reading scores on the Michigan Education Assessment Program tests and elevated blood lead levels. High blood lead levels before age 6 were associated with poor academic achievement in elementary and junior high students.

Further, the researchers found that the higher the blood lead levels, the lower the scores, said lead author Nanhua Zhang, who currently is at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of South Florida, but who conducted the research as a doctoral candidate at the U-M School of Public Health.

“We can clearly see a dose-response relationship. The higher the lead level in the blood, the lower the academic scores,” said Zhang, who conducted the research as a member of STATCOM (Statistics in the Community), a student-led organization that provides pro-bono statistical consulting for governmental and nonprofit organizations.

“Even when factoring in grade level, gender, race, language, maternal education and socioeconomic status, we still found a significant impact of the blood lead level on the probability of scoring low on the tests.”

Further, the team found a lower blood lead level than what is considered to be the level of concern was associated with lower performance. In May 2012, the Centers for Disease Control changed the acceptable level from 10 micrograms per deciliter to 5 mcg/dL. “In reality, there is no well-documented threshold for acceptable levels of

lead in the body, and our research shows that in amounts as small as 2-5 micrograms per deciliter, children had significant cognitive impairment,” said Michael Elliott, professor of biostatistics at the School of Public Health and a research professor at the Institute for Social Research.

“Our publication really is a document that shows the degree to which childhood lead exposure impacts cognitive function.

It’s a real-world issue.

These lowered test scores impact students’ ability to move forward in the educational system and on to higher education.”

The study linked lead testing surveillance records to MEAP data for 21,281 children who had a blood test prior to age 6 during the time period of 1990-2008. MEAP scores from 2008-10 were used for the study.

While some other studies have shown the effects of lead exposure on cognitive ability in young children, this one shows the impact on students in grades 3, 5 and 8.

The collaborative research team involved a number of Detroit leaders, including a member of the Detroit Public Schools administration and the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion.

Harolyn Baker, who represented the health department but now is director of the department of epidemiology and evaluation at Michigan’s Quality Improvement Organization, said that

even though campaigns to raise awareness of lead dangers and abatement programs to reduce the threat of contamination have been successful in some areas, more work needs to be done.

Baker said continued investments in primary prevention such as lead testing, remediation and abatement to sustain success toward the elimination of childhood lead poisoning are needed.

Further, investments in research and educational interventions for children who already have been exposed are needed to help them regain cognitive ground lost by lead exposure.

“What happens to the children who get exposed? This has been the missing component of the discussion—once a child has been exposed, what do you do to help him or her overcome?” Baker said. “Lead poisoning is preventable. It’s an area in public health that provides a clear pathway to solve the issue. It’s essential that we keep this issue on the education, public health, policy and community agendas.”

Other authors included: Hamisu Salihu, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Florida; Margaret Tufts, Office of Health Information, Planning, Policy, Evaluation and Research, Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, Detroit; and Randall Raymond, Detroit Public Schools, Office of Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Accountability.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s Mercy Dental Center receives $100,000 grant St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO)’s Mercy Dental Center has received a $100,000 grant from The Jewish Fund to provide dental services to uninsured individuals and people with physical and developmental disabilities and an opportunity for dental graduates to receive training in hospital-based dental care.

The Mercy Dental Center was opened in July 2011, when SJMO re-established its General Practice Residency in Dentistry. The Jewish Fund was established in 1997 from proceeds of the sale of Sinai Hospital to the Detroit Medical Center.

Nisha K. Yusaf, DDS, is the dental center director and associate program director of the residency program. Craig C. Spangler, DDS, is program director of the residency program and co-chair of the Division of Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at SJMO. His background includes treating adults with mental and physical impairments in his private practice and in the operating room. Two residents are currently in the residency program.

According to Spangler, the dental residents learn how to provide greater numbers and more complex services than they experienced in dental school. For example, they learn how to treat patients with mental and physi-

cal impairments, how to manage medically compromised patients and “the special needs of a hospital population—only things they can learn in a hospital setting,” he explained.

He added that the dental residents also interact with SJMO physicians.

“The dental residents are available for consultation regarding patients who have dental issues affecting their medical status,” he said.

Dental residents from all over the U.S. are welcome to apply for the residency. The first group of residents came from University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan and Ohio State University.

In its first six months of operation, the dental center: • Screened tients

1,045

pa-

• Provided cleanings and preventative care for 200 patients • Extracted 300 teeth • Provided 114 fillings From July 1 to Dec. 31, 2012, the dental center treated 200 patients with cleanings or other preventive care, provided 175 fillings or other restorations and extracted 130 teeth.

One of the dental center’s first patients was a special needs individual

who lived in a group home.

His sister was his guardian. The patient’s physician was going to put him on medication for behavior issues, but his sister wondered if his teeth might be bothering him.

Learning about the dental center from a friend, the patient’s sister brought him in for an evaluation.

An exam proved the patient had an infected tooth that was not only painful, but also could have been life-threatening. The dental residents and staff dentists operated on the patient and treated his other dental needs. He did not need the medication for behavior issues and his teeth and gums are now healthy.

Response from the community has been “overwhelming,” said Dr. Yusaf. Most of the patients come from Oakland County. “We’re the only program in Metropolitan Detroit that provides dental treatment for adults with special needs under general anesthesia in a safe hospital environment.”

Spangler added that The Jewish Fund grant also will allow the residency program to expand to include a third resident.

For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, please visit stjoeshealth.org.

Norma Ross, who died from breast cancer. Her community involvement includes the Diversity Council for the Centerville-Washington Township, the Miami School Alumni Council, and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce’s Minority Business Partnership.

Ross is the president of Bob Ross Automotive, which operates Buick, GMC, Fiat, and Mercedes-Benz franchises in the Dayton, Ohio, area. She inherited the role from her father and mother who founded the dealership group in 1974.

Mercedes-Benz of Centerville was the first Mercedes-Benz dealership to be owned by an African American and is currently the only one owned by an African American woman.

Ross has been a member of AIADA’s board of directors since 2000 and is an active member of the auto retail industry, as well as her community. In 2012, she created the “Pink Ribbon Driven” campaign on behalf of her mother,

Also during the meeting, AIADA recognized Cincinnati dealer Mike Dever with its 2013 David F. Mungenast Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is named after the late AIADA chairman who was known throughout the auto retail industry for his commitment to his community and the industry. Dever is a 45year veteran of the auto retail industry and operates nine dealerships in Ohio, Kentucky, and Utah.

“Mike embodies the very best of America’s international nameplate dealer community. Much like Dave Mungenast himself, Mike’s success as a dealer is only surpassed by his reputation as someone who has invested his time and resources into improving his community,” said AIADA President Cody Lusk.

“I can think of no one better to honor with this year’s award.”

AIADA’s 2013 officers of the board of directors are: Jenell Ross, chairwoman (Centerville, Ohio); Ray Mungenast, immediate past chairman (St. Louis, Mo.); Larry Kull, chairman-elect (Marlton, N.J.); and Greg Kaminsky, secretary/ treasurer (El Cajon, Calif.).

St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center ends 2012 with high marks The secret is getting out. One of Detroit’s leading nonprofit education programs -- St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center -- saw double-digit enrollment increases in both its adult and children’s classes in 2012. Participants, volunteers and staff members call the growth part of the community’s renewed commitment to learning.

“The Education Experience at St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center has been one of the city’s best kept secrets, but hopefully no more,” said Diane Renaud, Executive Director/CEO, at the Center.

“The Center is dedicated to helping our community through education and literacy skills. We are honored to collaborate with some exceptional partners to provide free adult education at four campuses and after-school and summer programs for first through third graders at our main campus, with the view that is helping to make our city better.”

In November 2012, the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center launched a new partnership with the Skillman Branch of the Detroit Public Library, bringing to four the number of sites offering free, individualized GED tutoring for adults 18 years and older.

In addition to the new campus, 2012 saw growth

throughout St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher’s Education Experience: • The enrollment at The Education Experience was up 86 percent year-over-year in 2012, for an average enrollment of 300 students. More than 250 adult GED students and 40 children participated in the program.

• Volunteer enrollment was up one-third over 2011. More than 5,300 tutor hours were donated in 2012.

• GED graduation-rates doubled. This increase was evenly spread among the four campuses.

• GED first-time pass rates for St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher students increased to 90 percent for all five segments of the test. The area average for students not enrolled in the GED course is 25 percent.

• 100 percent of graduating adults were provided with resources for either higher education tuition assistance or vocational training. Many of the graduates were given training on interviewing and job application skills, such as resume building.

• Children participating in the after-school Education Experience demonstrated a one full-grade improvement in abilities within a six month period (summer program and

St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher: GED Tutoring Locations Main Campus, N.W. Detroit: Corner of Grand River & Burt Road 20900 Grand River Ave., Detroit, 48219 Orientation: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

East Side Campus: N.S.O. Harper-Gratiot Service Center 9641 Harper Ave., Detroit, 48213 Orientation: Mondays 9:00 a.m.

either a winter/spring or fall semester combined).

The average dropout rate for Detroit Public Schools is between 8,000 and 10,000 students annually. It is estimated that more than 200,000 adults in Detroit have neither a diploma nor GED, making employment opportunities scarce.

“The work being done by our volunteers and the students themselves is nothing short of transformative,” said Renaud.

“Many of our GED students are going on to community college, university, vocational school or finding work immediately. They are changing their lives.”

Renaud says that by assisting adults in completing their education and thus improving their family’s financial stability, the value of education is better understood and taught to the next generation.

“We have to fight the generational resistance to education,” Renaud said.

“People can no longer survive being functionally illiterate. Those types of job no longer exist. Our aim is to assist the City of Detroit in its revitalization efforts, by making its residents fully employable.”

For more information, call (313) 535-9200 or visit http://www.svsfcenter.org/

Central Campus: Oakman & Linwood at Focus: HOPE 1200 Oakman Boulevard, CAT Building, Detroit, 48238 Orientation: Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Campus: The Skillman Branch, The Detroit Public Library 121 Gratiot, at Woodward & Grand River Orientation: Mondays 1:30 p.m.

WSU School of Social Work alumni honor crusaders against homelessness A veteran Detroitarea social worker and a Grammy-nominated R&B artist will be honored next month by the Wayne State University School of Social Work alumni organization for their tireless efforts on behalf of the city’s homeless population.

At a March 29 luncheon at Wayne State’s McGregor Memorial Conference Center, the school’s alumni association will bestow its annual awards honoring individuals who are improving conditions for Southeast Michigan residents. Alumnus of the Year will go to licensed social worker Risarg

(Reggie) Huff),director of homeless services for Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), while Citizen of the Year will go to KEM, a Motown Records artist who openly shares his personal story of rising to stardom from homelessness and addiction.

Retail therapy helps beat the blues Retail therapy is often lamented as wasteful and irresponsible, but new research from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business indicates that it can help alleviate certain negative emotions. No prior research has experimentally examined whether retail therapy can bring emotional benefits.

Research from marketing professors Scott Rick and Katherine Burson and doctoral candidate Beatriz Pereira suggests that one component of retail thera-

py—making buying decisions—can help to restore a sense of control and reduce sadness.

In one study of 45 female undergraduates, 44 percent chose to buy a snack after viewing a movie clip that portrays a bullying incident. Participants rated their emotions at the beginning and end of the experiment. At the end of the study, the sadness scores of buyers were significantly lower than those of nonbuyers.

Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013

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Restoring relationships How restorative practices are improving relationships and reducing conflict in Detroit

By Melinda Clynes Can using restorative practices with students be the key to building community in Detroit? We think the idea has merit.

According to Henry McClendon, program officer at The Skillman Foundation, Detroit doesn’t have a crime problem; we have a relationship problem.

He believes that crime is the symptom, while broken relationships are the problem.

When crime happens, we treat the symptom. We ask what law was broken, who broke it, and what kind of punishment it deserves. It keeps victim and offender apart.

The same thing happens in schools. Students get in trouble, and they’re suspended or expelled.

Once back at school, the perpetrator is still angry, the victim is still angry — or afraid. And the suspended student’s chance of graduating on time begins to buckle.

But what happens if, instead of using an adversarial approach, we deal with conflict using a restorative approach that McClendon believes is more solution focused — one that treats the problem?

The restorative process brings victim and offender together to acknowledge the harm that occurred, study its impact, and think through what needs to happen to make things right. This restores balance and justice and prevents harm from happening again.

Anger : t n e m Manage

Addressing the violence by addressing the pain

By Jackie Berg

Two students console each other during a restorative practice session. — Marvin Shaouni photo “I’m not saying we don’t have any jails, and we don’t have any police officers,” says McClendon. But, “if all we do is come up with stricter laws — you know get tough on crime, zero tolerance — you can’t hire enough police and you can’t build enough jails to solve that problem.”

McClendon is an expert on restorative practices, which in its simplest form is a process that builds community and social coherence. He has regionally represented the International Institute for Restorative Practices and trained many local people on its merits

It happens all the time: Conversation turns into confrontation.

Anger explodes. Punches are thrown … or worse, guns are fired. A violent crime is committed and the lives of victims, perpetrators, and of families and friends, are changed forever.

Uncontrolled anger is Chuck one element fueling the rising tide of homicide gripping Detroit and other cities. Experts say that understanding and dealing

with anger can help individuals, their families, and ultimately entire communities make better decisions that can help stop violence and reduce crime.

“In order to address anger and the resulting crime, you have to examine – what leads us to Jackson become angry…. what causes us to choose anger over another option,” says Chuck Jackson. He is executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Starr Commonwealth in Albion, Mich., and CEO of Starr Vista in Detroit. Both orga-

Getting help with anger management can have many positive impacts for individuals, their families and entire communities.

Aim High

By Jackie Berg

Aim high. That’s the advice that AT&T Regional Vice President Greg Clark gives to students whenever and wherever he gets the opportunity.

Clark, who is responsible for AT&T government relations and community affairs initiatives statewide, is among 260,000 employees echoing the message nationwide as a part of AT&T’s ASPIRE campaign.

“The main objective of our ASPIRE program is simple,” says Clark. “We want to help more students graduate from high school ready for careers and college and, as important, ensure U.S. workers are better prepared to meet global competition.”

urban environments. If we lose someone, we feel pain. Where does that pain go?

Uncontrolled anger in adolescents and adults often stems from unmet needs earlier in life, he continued. “Part of what we are missing as a society is that often we are not meeting the basic developmental needs of our children. They have to feel confident that they

“As a society we don’t do a good enough job of dealing with this,” said Jackson. “Part of where we all struggle, particularly as African Americans, is that we are not quick to go to therapy, either because we lack the resources, or because we just don’t think we need it. Then the sources of our anger

Gwen, a parent of a Starr Commonwealth participant can master challenges, have a place to belong, feel safe and secure, can give back to others and know that there are people who love and care about them.

When this happens they have a better self-concept, are more grounded and anger becomes less of an option for them. They are better equipped to deal with all kinds of life situations.”

Anger can also come from experiencing trauma at any age.

Many people have witnessed violence, seen people they love hurt, or been hurt themselves, especially in

Preventing, intercepting problems

See Relationships page B-2

nizations provide services to families and children.

“Going through the program closed a gap for us and helped us establish a real line of communication.”

He is on a personal mission to see Detroit become the first large, urban restorative city in the country.

One obvious place for that change to start is in schools.

At Plymouth Educational Center in Detroit, a charter school district made up of a K-8 school, a 9th grade academy, and a 10th to 12th grade high school, restorative practices

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013

are not being addressed.

Couple that with the reality that we live in a society that is still oppressive and for many offers few options. All of this can lead to making poor choices from maladaptive behaviors such as resorting to violence, and to self-medication with drugs and alcohol. If you don’t have a strong self-concept, these can begin, consciously or subconsciously, to look like tangible options for easing your pain.”

So what are the alternatives for helping adolescents and adults address their anger and walk away from conflict? The answer

See Anger Management page B-2

AT&T campaign aims to help elevate student aspirations

No one can deliver that message better than the employees of the global communications giant, who are accustomed to exceeding consumer demands 24/7.

Employees like Clark agree to provide unfiltered, real life advice and mentorship to high school students who job shadow mentors in order to better prepare them to compete for jobs in today’s competitive workplace that demands job candidates arrive “work ready.”

“They get to see our day-to-day demands firsthand,” says Clark. “We talk to the students at their level, but definitely don’t sugarcoat the realities of the rewards and risks of the working world and what it takes to not

only survive, but thrive.

The experience definitely drives home the understanding that education matters.”

A lot of participants come in with pretty unrealistic expectations, according to Clark, whose

primary goal is to make sure students leave not only better informed, but inspired to stay in school.

The emphasis pays enormous dividends.

the course of his or her lifetime compared with a high school graduate and 57 percent less than a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

On average, a high school dropout earns 25 percent less during

“You can’t help but develop close personal relationships with these

kids and to do all you can to support their personal and economic success,” Clark continues. “I have to say that while we know that thousands of students have benefited from ASPIRE, the benefits have

See Aim High page B-2

community

Feb. 20 - March 5, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Relationships are being fully implemented to help students and teachers get along, set boundaries and find support.

According to the center’s interim superintendent, Dr. Christopher Plum, opening “circles” start the morning. These circles give students a platform to check in with their classmates and teachers, talk about what’s on their minds, and share how they are feeling. The small amount of time spent on creating tighter relationships has benefits; students not only celebrate personal achievements with their peers, but also talk openly about struggles at home or elsewhere with support from their classmates and teacher.

The idea is this: with distractions aired and out of the way, students can better focus on learning.

Teachers know what’s going on with their students, and that alone can lead to a different outcome for troubled students.

When conflicts do arise, they are treated in a restorative way so they become teachable moments that improve the culture of the classroom and the school, rather than diminishing it.

Since implementing the system three years ago, students at Plymouth have become more proactive, rather than reactive, with problems that arise.

Before, notes Plum, “The

From page B-1

“Detroit doesn’t have a crime problem; we have a relationship problem.”

for some can be found by learning techniques to control or manage their anger. Anger management teaches that while you cannot avoid stressful life events, you can learn how to feel about them and what to do about them.

Research suggests that managing anger not only benefits the participant, but the entire family — and ultimately communities. But part of the challenge is recognizing when help is needed. According to experts at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minn., in an article on their website, you should consider seeking help for anger issues: • If you or a loved one’s anger seems out of control • If it causes you to do things you regret • If it hurts those around you • If it is taking a toll on your personal relationships.

Eighteen-year-old Emmanuel attends school and works with other young people in his community, but that was not always so.

After acting out as a young teen, he was remanded to the juvenile justice system and received residential treatment at Starr Commonwealth’s Albion campus.

“Emmanuel was angry about a lot of things,” said his mother, Gwen.

She cited the death of his father when he was a baby.

He was forced to compete for Gwen’s attention because of her at- home daycare business.

“He deeply resented the daycare because I had 15 to 30 kids that I took care of every day so he didn’t always get all the time and attention that he wanted,” said Gwen.

“I had to explain that this was something that I had to do to provide for us.”

She says zero tolerance has, inadvertently, beefed up the juvenile justice population in Michigan and Detroit: “It’s not by intention, but if a kid is 15 and out of school, what is he going to do?”

program officer at The Skillman Foundation

dean of students wouldn’t know there was a problem until somebody’s nose got broken. This way, students are empowered to stay ahead of that stuff.”

McClendon shares the story of a Highland Park teacher who was trained in restorative practices.

She had a class that was quickly spiraling out of control, so she created a circle and shared how the students’ behavior made her feel. She asked the students to answer a series of restorative questions, the last being what needed to happen to make things better.

The students came up with their own classroom guidelines. By using a fair process and engaging students in the decisions, discipline issues diminished.

Detroit’s

Osborn

Anger Management From page B-1

another Michigan-funded school for another 180 days.”

— Henry McClendon,

At

“[My son] was angry about a lot of thing, but he never really could talk about what was bothering him.”

Emmanuel turned his anger around with the help of the anger management program that was part of his treatment at Starr Commonwealth.

In the program, healthy behavior is modeled by adults who can support the young adult by, among other things, encouraging and reinforcing appropriate behaviors.

Founded in Albion in 1913 and a national model for trauma response, Starr Commonwealth works toward creating a brighter future for Detroit’s young people and their families through early intervention programs and residential and private treatment programs. In 2012 it served over 600 young people in its anger management workshops.

Gwen saw firsthand the results for Emmanuel. He learned healthy ways to manage anger, triggers and decision making, and is moving forward with his life in positive, healthy ways.

“The counselor would keep me informed on how he was progressing,” says Gwen. “He did well in school, he was a leader.

He started doing well at all the things that I saw in him and knew that he could do.”

“When he returned [from the program], we could talk about a lot of the things that were bothering him. Going through the program closed a gap for us and helped us establish a real line of communications.”

Taking action to learn how to control anger can have major impacts on individuals, their families and the entire community. Below is a list of agencies and resources that may be helpful:

Health Services resource list from University of Michigan - Dearborn Website: http://www.saveourchildrencoalition.org/wayne-county/ health-mental-health/

Wayne County Department of Community Mental Health: http://www.waynecounty.com/hhs_mh.htm

Oakland County Department of Community Mental Health: www.occmha.org

Washtenaw County Department of Community Mental Health: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/ community_mental_health/mh_csts_wcho.html

John Dingel VA Medical Center, Detroit: http://www.detroit.va.gov/services/mentalhealth.asp

Academy, a teacher trained in restorative practices used the methodology to foster higher expectations.

When grades came out, she called a circle and asked students what happened, how they felt about their grades, who was impacted by the grades, and how and what needed to be done to improve their grades by the end of the next semester.

The students answered the questions and then created their own individual plans for improvement. She went from chasing kids down to complete their work to students chasing her down for extra work.

Keeping kids in school At the simplest level, restorative practices help more kids stay in school, keeping them off the street and out of the juvenile justice system and increasing the likelihood of graduating on time.

Research shows that if a child misses five to nine days of school, his or her chance of graduating on track drops to 63 percent; and that drops down to 41 percent at the 10-day mark. Since the purpose of school is to graduate kids on track and on time, suspension seriously blocks a child’s chance for academic success.

“If you’re kicking kids out, you are not helping them to graduate on time,” says McClendon.

“You’re actually working against the very thing that you say you’re there to do.”

Monica Evans, a police

She says that because of zero tolerance policies, it’s been difficult getting administrators to buy into restorative practices. Yet, when they do, the results are astounding.

Evans worked with Osborn Schools and saw its suspensions drop from 340 to 14 in one school year using restorative practices. The school’s crime stats also decreased during the same period.

Keeping kids in school is a significant reason to use restorative practices.

With no place to go, out-ofschool youth may commit crimes or become victims of crime. Police officers’ hands are somewhat tied as there is no truancy offense when youth are legally out of school.

That spells nothing but trouble.

Alice Thompson, CEO of Black Family Development, Inc. in Detroit, another proponent of restorative practices, says that zero tolerance has been abused, being applied to kids for minor offenses.

“You could have flipped off the principal, and so the response has been the kid is expelled from school, and when you’re expelled from school it means you may not attend

“These same kids that stopped the harassment would have been the instigators,” says Evans. “Now, they were saying to their peers that the teacher was being positive, and they needed to listen.”

Evans calls her restorative practices circles the Invested Youth Society of Dividends because she doesn’t like negative terms like “at-risk.” Also, “a lot of our most risky investments give us the best returns,” says Evans.

Restorative practices is a way to encourage those healthy returns while slowing the dropout-toprison pipeline.

As progress, Thompson points to the Michigan Board of Education’s resolution last summer asking schools to review their zero tolerance policies and to consider restorative practices, positive behavior support, and peer mediation as alternatives to suspension and expulsion.

“And so we’re making some very, very small gains,” says Thompson.

“But it always takes time to be able to change a system of behavior, like zero tolerance.”

Reaching the entire community McClendon and Thomp­ son are working with others to influence larger

employee volunteers have contributed 5,500 hours to ASPIRE creating outstanding outcomes,” she says.

While AT&T has contributed more than $100 million in the four years since the program was launched in 2008 and pledged an additional $250 million in an announcement in early 2012, it’s the firsthand support of AT&T employees and social engagement models that really seem to impact the students most.

AT&T supported interactive learning models, like Quicken Loans JA Finance Park, have helped 8,000 middle and high school students yearly learn about personal financial responsibility through computer based budgeting simulations that help students understand why mom and dad’s pocketbook is not open 24/7.

CHANGE AHEAD

systems — schools, the police department, the juvenile justice system — to adopt the restorative practices culture, taking a robust approach with the idea of turning Detroit into a restorative practice community.

“We’re doing some heavy lifting, trying to bring restorative practices to scale as a way to communicate, to problem solve, to go through the process of correcting harm, or acknowledging harm and restoring that,” says Thompson, who has 70 staff members trained in restorative practices.

She also employs a restorative practices manager to provide inexpensive training to schools and community groups.

She wants to see restorative practices training be accessible to any group that’s interested.

A local restorative practices steering committee of executives from Black Family Development, The Skillman Foundation, YouthVille Detroit, Detroit Parent Network, Cody Rouge Community Alliance, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Detroit Police Department, the YMCA, and many more are working toward some lofty goals.

The committee wants to guide the implementation of a restorative practices city, develop a strategic plan to infuse restorative practices into the six Skillman Foundation Good Neighborhoods, and review ongoing data on high crime and conflict areas to put strategy to the geographic areas most in need.

As more leaders espouse the benefits of restorative practices to create a more cohesive culture, help rebuild and repair Detroit, and put the city on a path toward a more peaceful future, it makes sense for the process to start with our kids.

Editor’s Note: If you are interested in learning more about Restorative Practices, contact mboyce@blackfamilydevelopment.org. This story was originally published in the February 2013 issue of Michigan Night Light.

From page B-1

been mutually reciprocal.

I don’t know of anyone at AT&T who has walked away from this initiative unchanged.”

A GAME -CHANGING “The work climate is APPROACH changing in this global What happens when economy and preparing you gather a roomful of our students today for toteachers, students and morrow’s success by edusoftware developers and cating them is one of the give them 24 hours to greatest responsibilities build a mobile we have,” says app that will help State Representaimprove high tive Rudy Hobbs school success?

(D-Southfield).

They come “However, before up with fresh, we can focus on market-ready advanced skills tools that may be that come with the next gameeducation beyond changer in educahigh school, we tion, according to first must help AT&T’s Clark. students successfully graduate That’s why from high school. Rudy Hobbs next generation Programs like AT&T’s ASPIRE programs inASPIRE utilize technol- clude opportunities for ogy to mentor high school students to get in on the students and teach them development of interachow to build strong per- tive electronic games that sonal relationships which foster learning, handsare essential to their suc- on educational programs cess, improving their lives that enable students to do and improving Michigan’s things like clean up simucompetitiveness.” lated oil spills or extract DNA from bananas, and A FOCUS ON THE sponsorship of “hackFUTURE athons” designed to deThe proof is in the velop new tools to help numbers according to support education initiaKaren Kosniewski, the tives. president and CEO of Junior Achievement (JA). MAKING A PLAY With gaming now a top “Locally, more than 1,800 students and 700 AT&T national pastime, it only

makes sense to integrate it into learning models.

And that’s exactly the aim of partners GameDesk and AT&T, who hope to provide free online access to create an innovative “living laboratory” designed to promote interactive learning.

This game-changing approach to teaching kids

critical skills and concepts through high quality gaming and digital simulations is truly driving innovation in education,” Clark says. “We need unique approaches to teaching and learning in order to bring about change in U.S. and Michigan graduation rates and make sure students graduate ready to hit the ground running.”

AT&T has announced investments of more than $350 million to ASPIRE, an initiative aimed at helping students graduate from high school ready for careers and college.

The campaign, which has impacted more than one million U.S. high school students nationwide, utilizes an innovative approach which: • Uses technology to connect with students in new and more effective ways, including interactive gamification and Web-based content and social media • Takes a “socially innovative” approach to tackle high school success and college/career readiness for students at-risk of dropping out of high school • Taps into the innovation engine of its AT&T Foundry to look for fresh or atypical approaches to educational obstacles. The “Foundry” brings together participants in an open, fast-paced, collaborative environment that inspires innovation. Sessions focus on bringing ideas from concept to commercialization • Capitalizes on the power of personal connections in the form of mentoring, internships and other voluntary efforts that involve many of AT&T’s approximately 260,000 employees and by engaging our customers in the issue.

“I don’t know of anyone at AT&T who has walked away from this initiative unchanged.”

www.starr.org www.starvista.org

officer with the Detroit Police Department, works to prevent youth violence and is a strong believer in restorative practices. She works with the hard-knocks students: gang members and students with destructive behaviors who have been identified as most likely to be expelled.

Alternatively, changes can be dramatic when restorative practices are used. Evans tells the story of an elderly substitute teacher being subjected to harsh and disrespectful behavior. The students who had been doing restorative practices stopped the tyranny in the classroom and asked the other students to consider if the sub was hurting them. The rudeness stopped and the students completed their poetry assignment — and enjoyed it.

Aim High

Starr Commonwealth: Starr Vista:

Page B-2

— Greg Clark, AT&T Regional Vice President

Community

Feb. 28

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 9

Feb. 27- March 3, 2013

National Association of Women Business Owners-Greater Detroit 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

University of Prep Schools presents the “Three Degrees of Preparation Series”

Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s 45th Annual Classical Roots Celebration

5 p.m.- 7 p.m.

8 p.m.

Roostertail 100 Marquette Dr.

Michigan Science Center 5020 John R St.

Max M. Fisher Music Center 3711 Woodward Ave.

Come and celebrate Michigan’s Top 10 business women as they are honored for their success.

Session one on this three-part series will focus on how parents and children can take the proper steps towards college readiness. Keynote speaker for this event will be president of Howard University Dr. Sidney Ribeau.

The DSO will perform the world premiere of James Lee III’s “Sukkot Through Orion’s Nebula.” This much anticipated black tie celebration raises awareness about the contributions of African Americans to Classical music.

For more information, visit www.nawbogdc.org.

For more information, call (313) 874- 4340

For ticket information, please call (313) 576-5111.

ReverbNation and knowthebiz.com present “Independence Day for Music”

March 1

March 10

Top Steps Towards Publishing Your Own Book

Charter One Free Family Second Sunday

5 p.m.- 7 p.m.

1 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Truth Bookstore Northland Mall, Southfield

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren

This workshop will give business savy ideas on how to get your book published.

For more information, call (248)557-4824.

Free and open to the public

For more information, call (313) 494-5800.

March 2 Roz on the Rocks will host the “Detroit Shake Show” 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

UDetroit Café 1427 Randolph St. (in Detroit’s Harmonie Park)

Bring the whole family to rejoice, relive and reconnect at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History with free admission every second Sunday of the month, courtesy of Charter One Bank.

March 11 Adult Well-Being Services Parent Support & Advocacy Program: “We Care About Caregivers”

ROZ

ON THE ROCKS

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Guests are invited to join Roz’s Rockstars to party and dance Motown’s version of the ‘Shake’ dance craze. Also enjoy live entertainment and free hors d’oeuvres from 9 p.m. until midnight.

2155 W. McNichols Come learn and discuss topics such as bereavement, the importance of a caregivers role and what questions to ask the doctor.

For more information, contact UDetroit (313) 962-0660

For more information, call (313) 825-2470.

Email Your Upcoming Events to events@michronicle.com

March 13

10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Join Michigan’s finest music talents for a day packed with education, fun and music. All genres of music are welcome.

For more information, visit www.ID313MUSIC.com or call (313) 687-4243.

March 14 The Gift of Life Mottep & the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Free Health Screening 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Chass Center, Inc. 5635 W. Fort St. Medical professionals will be present to administer high blood pressure, diabetes and chronicle kidney disease screenings.

For more information, call (313) 259-1575.

March 19 Wayne County Community College District-Wide Book Club 2 p.m. Northwest Campus 8200 W. Outer Dr.

Page B-3

Featured book, “Act of Grace,” in which the main character embarks on the unlikeliest of journeys and into the magical world of the African-American traditions used by her ancestors to fight slavery and oppression. She undergoes a spiritual transformation that leads to the true nature of her calling.

For more information, call (313) 496-2600.

March 21 Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan Celebrate the 34th Annual Salute to Distinguished Warriors Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Center Dr. The annual dinner will recognize individuals for their significant human and civil rights contributions to our community.

For more information, call (313) 832-4600.

April 19 Marygrove College Proudly presents the Bauder Contemporary American Authors Lecture Reading and Book Signing for author Terrance Hayes 8 p.m.

Marygrove College Madame Cadillac Building 8425 West McNichols For its 25th anniversary celebration, Marygrove College welcomes National Book Award-winning poet Terrance Hayes, author of the four collections of poetry, “Musical Music,” “Hip Logic,” “Wind in a Box,” and “Lighthead.”

For more information, call (313)927-1383.

Free and open to the public

Hiram E. Jackson Publisher

A Real Times Newspaper 479 Ledyard – Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 Fax 963-8788 e-mail:chronicle4@aol.com

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

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

Feb. 27-March 5, 2013

Page B-4

Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act enhances democracy

By Sandhya Bathija On Feb. 27, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case Shelby County v. Holder, a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This landmark law outlawed discriminatory voting practices by ending the disfranchisement of minority voters and preventing vote dilution through racial gerrymandering and other techniques that negate the minority vote when the white majority votes as a block.

Section 5 furthers these goals by requiring nine full states and parts of seven other states with a history of racial discrimination in voting to ask either the Department of Justice or a three-judge court in Washington, D.C., for approval before making any changes to voting laws—a process known as preclearance. Congress determined the jurisdictions originally covered under Section 5 by using a plan laid out in the Voting Rights Act and also created a scheme for states to “bail out” of coverage if they have complied with the Voting Rights Act for 10 years.

Here are five reasons why Section 5, by protecting the right to vote, actually enhances our democracy and is good for all Americans.

1. Section 5 blocks discriminatory voting practices Section 5 has blocked discriminatory state laws that would have disenfranchised or diluted the minority vote.

Without Section 5: • Texas would have passed the strictest voter ID law in the nation in 2011, placing unforgiving burdens on minority voters. The law would have allowed concealed handgun licenses to serve as a form of valid identification to vote, but would have rejected the use of a college ID or a state employee ID. Luckily, Section 5 blocked the law and saved African American and Latino voters from being disenfranchised in the 2012 election.

• Mississippi would have required people to register to vote twice: once for federal elections and once for state and local elections. Knowing that it is more difficult for minorities to overcome administrative barriers, this tactic would have resulted in diluting the minority vote in state and local elections. The Department of Justice, using Section 5, blocked the law in 1997.

• Georgia would have continued to use a voter verification program to check the citizenship status of every person seeking to register to vote. Because Georgia failed to receive Section 5 preclearance before implementing the law, evidence was obtained that made it clear that minority voters were being flagged at higher rates, requiring time-consuming additional steps to be taken to prove their citizenship. The Department of Justice denied preclearance for this law in 2009.

• Arizona would have implemented a redistricting plan that would have divided certain election districts so Latinos would no longer be the majority in those districts and would no longer be able to elect candidates of their choice to represent them. The Department of Justice denied preclearance for this law in 2002.

2. Section 5 safeguards local elections The elimination of Section 5 may have the most devastating consequences in small cities and communities where individuals are less likely to litigate discriminatory changes. Section 5 requires covered jurisdictions to submit requests for even minor changes at the local level and protects against discriminatory practices that would otherwise go unnoticed.

• In 2011 the Pitt County School District in North Carolina decided to reduce the number of school board members from 12 to 7 and shorten their terms in office. Section 5 blocked the change from going into effect after the Department of Justice determined that such a change would decrease representation of minority-preferred candidates on the school board.

• In Clinton, Mississippi, where 34 percent of the population is African American, the city proposed to its six-member council a redistricting plan that did not include a single ward where African American voters had the power to elect candidates of their choice. Racially polarized voting is still a problem in Mississippi, and the redistricting plan ensured there was no longer a majority African American ward. The Department of Justice found reliable evidence that the city had acted with a racially discriminatory purpose and blocked the change from going into effect in 2011.

3. Section 5 prevents discrimination where race is still a barrier Under the Voting Rights Act, jurisdictions that must seek preclearance have a

history of racial discrimination in voting practices, and there is still evidence that racial discrimination is prevalent in Section 5-covered jurisdictions. Most of the states fully covered under Section 5 have the highest African American populations in the country, which should mean that African Americans are strongly represented in the government.

But that is unfortunately not the case.

African Americans are still significantly underrepresented in state legislatures, in Congress, and in statewide offices such as governor and U.S. Senate positions. Where African Americans do serve in public office, they are elected in districts that are majority minority voters. Racially polarized voting such as this indicates that race is still a factor in how people vote. (see Figure 2 on following page) • Mississippi, which is nearly 40 percent African American—the highest population of African Americans in any state in the country—has never elected an African American governor. There is one African American currently in Congress who represents Jackson, Mississippi, which is more than 60 percent African American.

• Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina lead the country in being the most underrepresented when it comes to African Americans in the state legislature.

In addition, federal observers are frequently sent to Section 5-covered states on Election Day. The U.S. attorney general is permitted to send federal observers to certain Section 5-covered jurisdictions if there is reason to believe that voting rights will not be protected. Between 1966 and 2004, the attorney general sent a total of 1,142 federal observers to different states to monitor voting practices during elections. Most of these observers are sent into counties that are more than 40 percent nonwhite. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina accounted for 66 percent of all federal observer coverages between 1982 and 2004. When federal observers are sent to a jurisdiction, it is referred to as an “observer coverage.” (see Figure 3) In the 2012 presidential election, the Department of Justice sent observers into counties in all of the fully covered Section 5 states except Virginia.

4. Section 5 is a necessary alternative to costly, time-intensive litigation Congress passed the Voting Rights Act because case-by-case litigation was not working to protect the right to vote in states where racial and ethnic discrimination mostly occurred. It was slow, difficult, and costly to challenge every type of voter suppression tactic used in counties and states around the country.

This would not be any different today.

• Proof-of-citizenship laws: Alabama, Arizona and Georgia • Voter ID laws: Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas—in fact, because of Section 5, South Carolina watered down its original version of the law before seeking approval from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia • Limits to early voting: Georgia • Instead, Section 5 required the Justice Department or the D.C. Circuit Court to approve the laws before they disenfranchised minority voters.

5. Section 5 has moved our country forward Thanks to the Voting Rights Act and Section 5, the United States has made immense progress in protecting and expanding the right to vote. In Section 5-covered jurisdictions, change is happening, although slowly, but it may not have happened at all if it were not for the Voting Rights Act and Section 5. The changes we see include: • The election of the first African American president • A higher percentage of African American elected officials—the number of which has increased from just 300 nationwide in 1964 to more than 9,100 today • The highest-ever percentage of African Americans in Mississippi’s state legislature — 27 percent — since the first African American to Mississippi’s state legislature was elected in 1967, following the passage of the Voting Rights Act • A more diverse electorate Racial discrimination continues to be a problem in our country, particularly in Section 5-covered states. Section 5 serves as a shield to protect minority voters in jurisdictions where progress has come slowly and continues to be a necessary remedy to disenfranchisement. Without it, minority voters would be in jeopardy — and so too would our democracy.

The wisdom of Detroiter Ben Carson

By Armstrong Williams

Dr. Ben Carson, Presidential Medal of Freedom winner and legendary neurosurgeon, is now in the spotlight for his keynote address to the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 7 Most notable was his criticism of Obamacare, one of the worst federal laws in decades, and one which, before its complete implementation, is already destroying our economy on a massive scale.

Armstrong Williams

Dr. Carson, relying on decades of medical experience, proposed health savings accounts for every American, which would fix two enormous problems in our system today: (1) regressive intergenerational transfers of wealth, and (2) half of our country not having a skin in the game, not having invested in their own futures. HSAs would incentivize efficiency, which is completely lacking in today’s broken health care system. Our country is being bankrupted by the health care industry, and Dr. Carson has a solution that needs to be taken seriously.

Dr. Carson came under fire for these remarks; people called them political, or partisan. What is wrong with a physician sharing his perspective on health policy? Is it partisan just because this is President Barack Obama we’re dealing with, whom the media has seemingly vowed to protect at any cost? Dr. Carson’s wisdom should be heeded by policymakers in Washington on both sides of the aisle.

Rush Limbaugh, in his typically bombastic style, warned afterward, as interest grew in Dr. Carson’s ideas,that “The Obama campaign team is gonna get into gear if this guy keeps talking, and they’re gonna try to find ways to smear him and ruin his life and do to him what they did to Romney. That’s all they can do. They can’t beat him in the arena of ideas and superior intellect.”

It is a shame that Dr. Carson’s speech was considered only for its public policy content. The speech is full of wisdom on other topics, such as education, speech codes,and the importance of tithing.

I was intrigued by his discussion of tithing, and its relation to our 70,000-page tax code. Tithing is such a fair way to tax people is because it’s proportional. As soon as you move away from proportional taxing, ideology takes over. As a result, ideology is arbitrary and depends upon the latest trendy or fashionable prejudices. A growing number of people seriously think that the rich should pay more, while some feel they should pay less. One could legitimately make the argument that if the top one percent pay 37% of the income taxes and the top 5% pay 59%, this clearly demonstrates their tax base should

Ben Carson

be lower. The top 5% don’t make 59% of the income and yet they pay 59% of the taxes. Therefore, it is simple and fair to make the argument that they are being over taxed. Simplification is the only true and fair solution.

If you pay God 10% of your wealth, why should you pay the government more than that? Unlike our tax code, tithing is simple, and it is fair.

Tithing represents 10% of one’s increase. A proportional tax system does not have to reside at 10%. It can be higher or lower depending on the needs of the government. Because it would be applied proportionally to the entire population, the government would be unlikely to raise taxes to a very high level, for it would effect everyone and not just a small group of voters. This is a clear advantage of a proportional tax rate, that everyone participates. A country where half of the population pay no income taxes, but are allowed to vote to make the other people pay more taxes, makes absolutely no sense.

When everybody has skin in the game, then everyone will be responsible: imagine if when you ate ice cream, somebody else got fat! That’s how our tax and spend government works: 51% of the people vote for spending paid for by the other 49%.

Dr. Carson says that he has not ruled out a run for office “if the Lord grabbed him by the collar and made him do it.”

Whether or not he does, I think that our leaders in Washington need to listen to this man, and at least take half an hour to listen to his National Prayer Breakfast speech. It is a large dose of common sense, something that has been lacking in Washington for many years.

I am proud to call Dr. Carson my friend, and, like just about everyone else, I hope to hear more such speeches from him in the future. I also strongly encourage you to read more about Dr. Ben Carson, especially his latest New York Times bestselling book, “America the Beautiful,” which he wrote with his wife, Candy, and which details the scholarship program that they have been running for 15 years.

I’m hoping that we’ll get a sequel sometime soon.

Overcoming crisis: Uniting in Prayer for Progress

By Benny Napoleon

pose, One City.”

WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF

This event will take place on Thursday, Feb, 28, 6 p.m., at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 3600 Van Dyke on the city’s east side.

These are trying times in Detroit. A general mood of hopelessness and helplessness has slowly given way to a sense of distress and despair.

Reports of unprecedented levels of crime have left Detroiters on edge, some afraid to venture into their own community, others afraid even behind their own closed doors.

Every morning, our day begins with countless stories of violence being reported on the news. By the time we make it home, the morning’s stories have changed into new violent encounters the stations can’t wait to share with us.

And as if the countless stories of violence were not enough, the pundits have come to the unanimous decision that the city’s financial crisis is ready to deliver a final knockout blow to Detroit and its people.

While we refuse to ignore the reality of our challenges, we also refuse to give up. Detroiters are not in need of constant reminders of those challenges. We are in need of a reminder that all is not lost.

That is why I am convening a gathering of the area’s community, labor and religious leaders, and their congregations, who will come together to rededicate ourselves to “One Prayer, One Pur-

our

Though communities have long been beset by challenges of all types, they have always found Benny strength in the guidance and support of Napoleon the church. These institutions, as well as their clergy and leaders, have often proven themselves to be valuable beacons of reason in a dark world that sometimes makes little sense.

As the son of a Baptist preacher, I believe church leaders are anointed to help guide the city of Detroit and it’s people to prosperity once again. I also join them in prayer on behalf of our most vulnerable citizens — our children and the elderly — who suffer the most from these distressing circumstances.

In the coming days, I will convene dozens of these church leaders to unite Detroit in prayer, as we pray for our elected leaders, our citizens, and for the strength to once again make Detroit the city it is meant to be.

praiseconnectdetroit.com

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Pastor Solomon Kinloch, a minister on the move

By Nicole Black Pastor Solomon Kinloch, of Triumph Church, is among Detroit’s best known ministers, and Triumph is among the city’s most well attended.

It holds 10 weekly services on five campuses on Sunday mornings, titled “The Spiritual Beltway.�

Triumph Church has grown over the years and now has a membership of 15,000, making it the larg-

Pastor Solomon Kinloch

Special celebration

est church in the Detroit area. In 2008, Outreach, a Christian magazine, named it the fastest growing church in the United States.

A love appreciation honoring Joella Likely Kinard, hostess and announcer of Power Gospel Hour, was recently held at New Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church. Pictured Kinloch, who has pas(from left) are Gloria Parker; O’ Neil D. Swanson Sr., president and CEO, Swanson tored Triumph Church for Funeral Homes Inc.; and Joella Likely Kinard.

15 years, has overcome

Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University holding benefit concert New Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church would love for you to join them in featuring the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University at the Third Annual Benefit Concert live in Detroit. The concert will feature local gospel artists LaToya M. Turrentine and Derrick Milan & the Krew. This year’s host will be Coco,

from FM98 WJLB. The annual benefit concert will be held on Friday, March 15, 7 p.m., at Leland Baptist Church, 22420 Fenkell. Tickets can be purchased at God’s World and New Hermon Baptist Church.

For more information, please call (313) 928-2828 or (202) 758-5193.

many obstacles in his 39 years. He is recognized as a man with integrity, a good role model for young men and a pastor who is reaching people by the thousands.

Five years ago, Pastor Kinloch launched citywide worship services for women exclusively.

Titled “Dawn Seekers,� those services take place quarterly, 6 a.m., at Cass Technical High School. It is known to be the largest women’s worship service in the city.

Starting out with 12 women, Dawn Seekers now has 5,000 participants and has outgrown its original meeting location. The rapid growth resulted in a move to Cobo Convention Center.

The success of Dawn Seekers inspired Pastor Kinloch to create “Morning Manna,� a new formen-only ministry that has grown quickly in the year it has existed. The quarterly meetings are held at Triumph Church’s East Campus, 2760 E. Grand Blvd.

The Howard Gospel Choir

Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey holding a civic birthday celebration Join Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey as she presents her Civic Birthday Celebration titled “Standing on the Promises.� The celebration will be held at Roberts Riverwalk Hotel on Saturday, March

20, at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Monique Marks at (313) 363-1707 or Michael VanTull at (313) 283-2572.

ATTY. WILLIAM GIOVAN (standing, from left); Judge Kelly Ramsey; 36th District Chief Judge Kenneth J. King; and Judge David S. Robinson. Seated: Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey.

STANDING (from left): Rev. Willie Downer, Atty. William Giovan, Bonnie Bizzell, Harriet Cosby, Michael VanTull, Chief Judge Kenneth King, Cookie Neal and Judge David Robinson. Seated (from left): Judge Kelly Ramsey, Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey and Monique D. Marks. Not Pictured: Hon. Teola Hunter, Hon. Kevin Robbins (vice chair), Fred Elloit Hall, Mark Smith and Atty. Clifford Paskel

Pastor Solomon Kinloch believes what it says in Job 23:10: “But He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come forth pure as gold.�

Feb. 27-March 5, 2013

Page B-5

Installation service New Anderson Temple Baptist Church cordially invites the public to share in the installation of their new pastor, Elder John Middleton. The service will take place March 10, 4 p.m., at Mt. Zion New Covenant Baptist Church, 8231 Second Ave., where Elder Middleton’s father, Bishop Charles L. Middleton, serves as senior pastor. For more information, call (313) 729-4592.

Elder John Middleton

34th Annual Urban League salute dinner The 34th annual Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan’s Salute to Distinguished Warriors Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 21, at the Detroit Marriott Hotel (RenCen). The following people will be honored: Grace Lee Boggs, the Hon. John Dingell, Barbara Mahone, Howard Sims and Sam Logan (posthumous).

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013 Page B-6

Study: Many students diet, few seek treatment for eating disorders A University of Michigan campus survey on attitudes and behaviors around eating found that students diet regularly, dislike their bodies, fear gaining weight and seldom seek help for eating disorders.

Researchers also found that six out of 10 U-M undergraduates had become more concerned about their bodies after starting school, and that 10 percent were purging in some way — vomiting and/or using laxatives, diuretics or diet pills.

The online survey, U-SHAPE: University Study of Habits, Attitudes and Perceptions around Eating, is believed to be the first comprehensive research of its kind.

A multidisciplinary team of faculty, researchers and counselors from the U-M School of Public Health, School of Education, Medical School, University Health Service (UHS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Ann Arbor’s Center for Eating Disorders surveyed 10,000 undergraduates and graduate students in October 2012. The findings from 3,088 responses can be generalized to the full student body and have important implications for policy and practice, the researchers said.

“Having a representative campuswide sample like that obtained through U-SHAPE means we can, for the first time, begin to understand what is going with the larger, more diverse student body on campus,” said Sarah Ketchen Lipson, a dual-degree doctoral student in public health and education.

Previous studies on eating dis-

orders have focused on specific groups: athletes, sorority members or students in courses such as psychology, nutrition and nursing.

“U-SHAPE findings allow for greater differentiation between individual students based on specific characteristics as well as greater generalization to other populations,” said Dr. Suzanne Dooley-Hash, assistant professor of emergency medicine at the U-M Health System.

“In addition, U-SHAPE includes more aspects of eating and body image than have ever been included in a single study of college students in the past. This will allow for more in-depth analyses of the interactions between the different related factors.”

Specific findings: • 27.8 percent of female undergraduates, 11.8 percent of male undergraduates, 21.5 percent of female graduate students, and 10.3 percent of male graduate students on campus screen positive for an eating disorder.

• 20 percent of U-M women feel that thoughts and fears about food and weight dominate their lives.

• 82 percent of women and 96 percent of men who screen positive for an eating disorder have not received treatment in the past year.

• Among women who screen positive for an eating disorder, a quarter also screen positive for depression, and almost half for anxiety.

• 40 percent of students have increased their restrictive eating since coming to college, with 30 percent reporting dieting for more than 180 days in the past year.

• 90 percent of first-year female undergraduates and more than half of first-year male undergraduates feared gaining the storied “freshman 15,” which is the 15 pounds said to be a common amoun t of increase when someone goes to college.

• More than 60 percent of students believe peers would think less of someone with an eating disorder, while more than 30 percent said they would think less of a person with an eating disorder.

The latter finding surprised Dr. Diane Mickley, co-founder and chair of the grants committee for the Global Foundation for Eating Disorders (GFED) that funds USHAPE. “Stigma was much higher than I expected. Increase in restrictive eating and preoccupation with weight after arrival at college was worse than I expected. I actually imagined it might improve for some compared to high school,” she said. “The trivial number of eating-disordered students getting treatment was far below what I hoped and imagined.”

GFED is a nonprofit founded

by Mickley, Rebecca Parekh and Leah Komar Harris. Its mission is to eliminate eating disorders by advancing the development and dissemination of effective treatments. U-SHAPE was the organization’s inaugural grant.

The researchers say the stigma problem may have to do with student uncertainty about identity, social relationships or academic challenges.

“People tend not to share with others when they are struggling, especially in our perfectionistic,

high-achieving university community where there may be greater stigma for mental health concerns, or they may worry that they are not naturally good enough to make it in the competitive environment, said Andrea Lawson, clinical social worker for U-M Counseling and Psychological Services.

One result that also caught the researchers’ attention was student attitude toward binge eating.

“When binge eating becomes a chronic behavior it is as deadly as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and shares the same degree of burden of illness. Unfortunately, conventional wisdom points to dieting as the answer to binge eating or out-of-control eating,” said Judith Banker, founder and executive director of the Center for Eating Disorders in Ann Arbor.

“Dieting is a key factor in the pathogenesis of all the eating disorders including Binge Eating Disorder, so you can see the vicious circle that quickly develops. So the data on binge eating gathered

by U-SHAPE has great value.”

Campus leaders say the information provided through the study will be valuable in helping further shape programming around disordered eating and body image.

Ketchen Lipson said that with continued support from GFED, the researchers plan to expand nationally and internationally.

hap.org/medicare

Never launch a new endeavor without first taking a lesson.

You wouldn’t dream of walking onto a golf course without some sort of preparation. Nor should you take a swing at Medicare without understanding all of your options. That’s why we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming workshops. We’ll discuss Medicare HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, Medicare Rx and Medicare Supplement plans. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions of our experts in order to select the type of plan that’s right for you. The time you spend with us will be well worth the drive.

Southfield Thur., Mar. 7

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Call toll-free at (800) 449-1515 or TTY/TDD (800) 649-3777 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call (800) 449-1515 or TTY/TDD (800) 649-3777. Workshops discuss plans for Medicare-eligible individuals who purchase their own health care coverage.

Health Alliance Plan and Alliance Health & Life Insurance Company are health plans with a Medicare contract.

Alliance Medicare Rx (pdp) is a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Alliance Medicare Supplement plan is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Neither Alliance Medicare Supplement nor its agents are connected with Medicare.

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Renée T. Walker

Business leaders must ‘think different’ to inspire their teams

By Renée T. Walker Business leaders must consistently up their game just to remain competitive in today’s increasingly demanding and global marketplace.

There are many leadership challenges — from a multigenerational workplace to a rapidly evolving “on demand” competitive environment — that require different leadership and specific communication skills to optimize our teams, to continually meet market demand and exceed customer expectations.

As chief executives officers and organizational leaders, we provide our customers, leadership teams and employees with sound strategies and guidance to continuously enhance their productivity and actively contribute to the company’s success.

Certainly, effective communication is an important and necessary cornerstone of great leaders and progressive organizations.

The key driver of an organization’s growth and success is, and will remain, leaders who inspire, engage and empower their teams.

These leaders understand the importance of embracing and championing change.

Engaging and empowering an organization’s most valuable assets — its people — enables the organization to innovate, differentiate and excel. Tremendous opportunities abound for leaders who are willing to invest in the development of their teams, pay it forward and inspire their high-potential talent.

Every leader is routinely faced with the choice of playing it safe or daring to challenge the status quo. To achieve greatness and peak performance, companies must break with tradition.

One company that embraces and epitomizes a culture of challenging the status quo is Apple. In 1997 Apple launched its “Think Different” campaign that began with these words: “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits.

The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things.”

Game changers move companies forward.

In a recent Forbes article, Mike Myatt observed, “Game changers refuse to allow their organizations to adopt conventional orthodoxy and bureaucracy — they challenge norms, break conventions, and they encourage diversity of thought. The message here is a simple one: don’t copy, create. Where you can’t create, improve on, and innovate around best practices to find next practices.”

One area that clearly deserves greater attention is the impact of women in top leadership positions. The commonly held perception that women leaders’ best value is in the softer skills such as personal relationships and communication, continues to hinder their ability to fully contribute to their organizations and ascend to the highest leadership levels.

In their 2011 Study in Leadership, Zenger Folkman, a leadership development and corporate training firm based in Orem, Utah, found that men dominate the executive and senior management ranks with 78 percent in the highest level, 67 percent at the next level down and 60 percent in the middlemanagement level.

The study also found that women surpass men in the majority of top leadership competencies, such as taking initiative, driving for results, and inspiring and motivating others. Men in the study slightly outscored women by 2 percentage points in developing strategic perspectives.

“It is a well-known fact that women are underrepresented at senior levels of management,” says Jack Zenger, CEO and co-founder of Zenger Folkman. “Yet data suggests that by adding more women, the overall effectiveness of the leadership team would go up.”

Creating a team environment that embraces and fully engages all team members is a key differentiator for our companies and can lead to game-changing opportunities.

As leaders, enabling our teams to perform at their highest level must be our first priority.

Renée T. Walker, APR is an accomplished strategist, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur and accredited public relations executive. As president of Renée Walker & Associates LLC, a certified Minority Business Enterprise and a Women’s Business Enterprise, she assists growth-stage startups to global organizations harness their brand power, optimize their competitive positioning and drive their business growth.

Email: renee@reneetwalker.com.

DEGC helps minority developers participate in revitalization of Detroit

By Cathy Nedd

Participating as developers, or construction partners and bringing more than $1.2 billion in potential new investments and jobs to the city, minorityowned businesses have been an important part of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation’s (DEGC) success over the last two years.

Marvin Beatty and James Jenkins are both involved in the largest retail development in Detroit in more than 40 years. Beatty as one of the development partners and Jenkins as a construction contractor on the Gateway Marketplace at Woodward Avenue and Eight Mile Road. With Meijer and Marshalls as anchor tenants, Gateway Marketplace is the first major retail development and national grocer within Detroit in more than two decades DEGC had a critical role in the project, facilitating brownfield credits and setting up a local economic development authority to generate tax-increment financing to support the development. Beatty has also partnered with former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson in a bid to redevelop the Michigan State Fairgrounds, which is next to Gateway Marketplace.

George Jackson ment comprising the entire block.

Stewart says that he was drawn to the Garden Theater, which was designed by the same architect, C. Howard Crane, who designed the Fox Theatre.

“The Garden Theater had a lot of history to it,” said Stewart.

“Where others saw blight, we saw opportunity.”

The project took 10 years because when the duo acquired the theater, they determined that the best way to proceed was to gain control of the entire block. DEGC helped in guiding the project through the complications of acquiring the additional properties. Further complicating the process, Stewart says that the financial collapse of 2008 hurt the project. They initially counted on National City Bank as an anchor tenant, but late PNC Bank participated providing much needed new market tax credits.

DEGC also contributed the knowledge and management coordination to allow the group to obtain $1 million in loans from the Michigan Strategic Fund and Detroit Casino Loan Fund, as well as brownfield incentives, a SmartBuildings grant for energy conservation and a Creative Corridor grant.

So far, the Blue Moon

building has been restored, storefronts have been demolished and a 23,772 sq. ft. retail/commercial building has been built. Renovation of the theater, named the Woodward Garden Theater, is now in its final phase. The residential portion of the development is also being completed and is expected to open this fall.

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a private non-profit organization that has been dedicated since 1978 to helping businesses create new jobs and leverage private investment in the city of Detroit by providing technical, financial and development assistance to the city and the business community, from the start-up entrepreneur to the multinational corporation.

By combining public sector policy and direction with private sector leadership, DEGC is able to actively strengthen Detroit’s economic base.

Jenkins Construction is a $30 million-per-year operation that is also working on the Cobo Center renovation and a medical office building in Detroit that received brownfield help facilitated by DEGC. One of its latest projects is the renovation of a building in the Paradise Valley District, which will be the new home of the Michigan Chronicle. Jenkins says, “Detroit is a city of hardworking people and that is what I believe in. If you work hard, success will come your way.”

George Stewart is managing partner of Woodward SA-PK, LLC and other partnerships that are developing what’s known as the Woodward Garden block — a mixture of new construction and historic renovation that includes retail space, residential units and a restored entertainment venue. The development is on Woodward between Selden and Alexandrine streets in Midtown. Ten years ago, Stewart and another African-American partner, Michael Byrd, started with an idea of restoring a historic entertainment venue. The project has grown the project to include a mixed-use develop-

In partnership with city government, the DEGC serves as the lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development initiatives in the city of Detroit.

Tooles Contracting wins Build Michigan Award for construction of new Detroit high school

By Ross Woodstock, ACC Special to the Chronicle

The Michigan Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) awarded Tooles Contracting and Clark Construction a 2013 Build Michigan Award for the construction of New East English Village Preparatory Academy in Detroit. The award was presented on Friday, Feb. 22, at the Firekeepers Casino & Hotel in Battle Creek.

“To be recognized by the AGC for a Build Michigan Award is an exceptional accomplishment, and we are honored,” said Damon Toole, president of Tooles Contracting Group. “We’re especially proud to be a part of the team that developed a LEED Gold building that will set sustainability standards for future city projects in Michigan.”

“We were thrilled to be involved with a project in Detroit,” said Clark

Construction President Sam Clark. “I am proud that our company had a hand in rebuilding the Detroit Public Schools system, especially for Detroit’s youth who truly deserve constructive learning environments Damon Toole and enhanced opportunities for future success.”

The New East English Village Preparatory Academy has transformed two schools into one academic setting, creating a permanent home and a safe, modern learning environment that strengthens the school commu-

nity and the city of Detroit.

The building is a 221,000-squarefoot high school that accommodates up to 1,200 students. The school features four wings, with eight science laboratories, a high-tech media center, and an athletic area with a community health clinic. A performing arts section includes an 800-seat auditorium, small black box theater with a scene shop and dressing rooms, a 2,400 square-foot band room and a 1,900square foot choir room.

A cafeteria commons anchors the four wings and serves as an assembly area. The school also features an indoor athletic wing containing a gymnasium with bleacher seats for 1,300 spectators, an eight-lane competition pool and diving well with balcony seating for 230. Outside facilities include a football and track-and-field complex with stadium seating for 1,100.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013

Page C-2

Who’s Who In Black Detroit

Erika Boyd and Kirsten Ussery, owners of Detroit Vegan Soul.

Pop-up businesses change Detroit’s economic landscape

By Amber L. Bogins Detroit is reinventing itself and the way businesses operate in the city.

A new business model in Detroit appears to be pop-up businesses which are springing up in key areas, including Midtown, Corktown and the Villages. The emergence and success of pop-ups will be discussed Thursday, Feb. 28, during the Detroit Policy Conference hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The panel discussion will be moderated

by Claire Nelson, publisher for Model D Media.

The panelists include Jordi Carbonell, owner of Café Con Leche del Easte; Brian Ellison, business advocate for the city of Detroit; Bryan Lively, vice president of retail for Moosejaw Mountaineering; and Rachel Lutz, owner of The Peacock Room and Emerald Gift Shop. Café Con Leche, Moosejaw Mountaineering and the Emerald Gift Shop have opened pop-up shops in Detroit successfully. The panelist will dis-

cuss the lessons they’ve learned and policies that would make pop-up businesses a permanent fixture in Detroit’s growing small business environment.

“Pop-up businesses are growing in popularity not only in Detroit, but nationwide. People want to expand, but want to ensure that they are not taking on long-term debt.

Detroit is an ideal market for pop-ups. Many parts of the city have been without a retail centers for a significant amount of time,” and Sandy Baruah, CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Pop-up shops give entrepreneurs a chance to test drive a market lacking in solid retail presence.

Pop-up retail shops are trending throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom with companies temporarily opening a storefront anywhere from one day to six months as the Emerald Gift Shop did. They are not uncommon, but are most recognizable as seasonal shops, like Halloween costume shops or the Somerset Collection

on Woodward.

The reimagining and utilization of this business model presents Detroit business owners with a unique opportunity to test the market in a given area without being locked into a long-term lease. It’s also a great tool for generating buzz about the company and its product. If consumers know that they can only get specific goods for a short time, it can increase traffic and support an everchanging landscape.

As a part of the REVOLVE project, a partnership between the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and The Villages Community Development Corporation, Detroit Ve­gan Soul, a catering company, will open its first storefront, a popup café, this spring in the West Village. Detroit Vegan Soul has a specialized niche in soul food, and it is that type of diversity that lends itself well to the emerging pop-up business culture that is blossoming downtown migrating towards West Village.

Jerome Harvey

Harvey Industries CEO has always been ‘entrepreneurially driven’

By Damon Autry That Jerome Harvey has been a successful entrepreneur for more than three decades should come as no surprise to those that know him. Harvey grew up an only child in Albion, Michigan, a small town nestled between Jackson and Battle Creek, where he developed the self-reliance that has aided in his achievements as a businessman. His parents were caring and nurturing, yet demanding of young Jerome.

“I stand on the shoulders of my parents, there’re no two ways about that,” he says. “They were big believers in education, having a good work ethic and learning how to do things.”

And growing up in a town that at the time had less than 5,000 people also proved beneficial. “We were encouraged by our neighbors to do well,” he says of those growing up in Albion. “It was expected of us.”

Harvey left Albion to attend Eastern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. It was during his sophomore year, however, that his future began to come into focus.

That’s when he decided that one day he would be an entrepreneur. “I was pretty clear on what I wanted to do. I felt I was going to be an entrepreneur.

I’ve always been entrepreneurially driven.” Harvey landed a job at General Motors after college. His career at the automotive giant included engineering, purchasing and serving as a Launch Team Leader.

He spent eight years at GM, calling it the greatest education he has ever had from a manufacturing perspective.

“GM was a good career step for me. It was a great opportunity to learn and understand the corporate culture,” he

said. “And there were also many opportunities to learn new things and take on new challenges. I always tried to be the first to raise my hand and say I’ll take on a new assignment. It was just a great learning experience.”

Harvey left GM in 1981 to launch Harvey Industries. Initially focused on machine tooling operations, the company quickly grew in scope to become a major supplier to the original equipment manufacturers. And while leading the efforts to provide top quality components, Harvey Industries was recognized with Ford Motor Company’s Silver World Excellence Award.

Headquartered in Livonia, Harvey Industries has grown to include plants in Westland, Michigan; Wabash, Indiana; Aiken, South Carolina; and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The primary product mix includes aluminum and iron casting, machining and plastic molding for key engine components.

The diverse business offerings allow Harvey Industries to become a one-stop shop for its customers. Specifically, it allows Harvey to control the quality of his products and gives him an advantage in delivery speed.

“We’re able to respond quickly to customer needs, and that has been a substantial part of our growth,” he says.

Harvey is a graduate of Dartmouth College’s Tuck Executive Program. He has also served as a member of the Eastern Michigan College of Business Development Board, the National Association of Black Suppliers (NABS), the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), the North Ohio Minority Business Council, the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, and the Detroit-Windsor Chapter of the American Foundry Society.

Detroit Vegan Soul Cafe coming soon.

People On The Move

David G. Watkins

Sandra Peppers

Richard A. Walker

Ken L. Harris

Eric Hardy

David G. Watkins, a freelance photojournalist and CEO of Oxygen Photography LLC, recently accepted a position with Northeast Guidance Center (NEGC) as the new manager of development and marketing. Watkins will be responsible for developing, planning and implementing fundraising, in addition to promoting the agency’s 50-year history as a leader in the field of mental health and wellness.

As a seasoned professional, Watkins’ leadership exemplifies a wealth of knowledge and experience related directly to effective grant writing, social media engagement, and the implementation of multidimensional marketing strategies.

Sandra Peppers recently received the Anthony C. Wayne Award for her leadership skills and outstanding service to Wayne County. In her role as the deputy director of Health and Human Services, she created the Wayne County Healthy New Me initiative, which has drawn statewide awareness to rising obesity rates. Healthy Me informs citizens about healthy living, creates awareness among business and community leaders, and offers people ways to monitor their individual weight management program. Peppers also helped to secure a $2.3 million federal grant which was used to expand the county’s Head Start program to the city of Detroit’s underserved population.

Attorney Richard A. Walker joins 1-800-LAW-FIRM as chief marketing officer and business law attorney. Walker, who received his undergraduate degree from Edinboro University and his MBA from Wayne State University, is a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law. He has also done considerable work with the NBA and NFL. Walker, who resides in Canton, is married and has two children. Last year, the firm relocated and expanded its Southfield headquarters to better accommodate its growing practice and team of 40-plus attorneys and staff members.

Ken L. Harris, president/CEO, Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc., was recently selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s “40 Under 40” awards, the first-ever awards program recognizing young talent in the economic development profession nationally. A five-member selection committee chose the winners from a pool of more than 150 candidates based on their exceptional contributions to the economic development industry across the country. The awards program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing globally. Harris serves as the president/CEO of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce .

The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) named Eric Hardy as the new chairman of the Board of Directors of the organization. He succeeds outgoing chairman Charles Beckham, who accepts the title of chairman emeritus, joining founding chairman Bill Brooks as senior advisors to the organization.

Hardy is the president and CEO of w3r Consulting, overseeing daily operations of the information technology consulting firm headquartered in Southfield, Mich. W3r delivers technology solutions to a client roster that includes several Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries. He has been a board member of MBCC since its inception in 2010.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE me explain. Not creepy crawlers, but rather the ones that sort through search engines, reading thousands of online “help wanted” ads. This system of checking jobs in real time gives students an edge because they know what to expect before entering the real world.

It’s a faster alternative compared to the two-year delay on the federal government’s tracking of labor trends.

More and more colleges and universities are using this technology to update their catalogs to better reflect the current job market. They are just as quickly cutting out programs that do not serve the best interest of students.

Colleges use

new technology to get grads jobs

By Britney Spear

G

etting a college degree is a great accomplishment. But, what’s mainly on most graduate’s minds is what lies in store for them once they’ve walked across the stage.

For colleges across the country, the gap between their graduates and the workers that employers are looking for has steadily widened. Yet, a few schools might be on track to change that trend.

One possible solution: spiders.

Before you jump out of your seat in urgency, let

The mounting debt of a college education can leave graduates penniless.

It’s much worse when you’re without a job, or one that pays well.

Higher education plays a key role in economic recovery. When schools prepare students for employment after graduation, more graduates get jobs.

The rising cost of college makes it even more imperative that institutions prove the relevancy of a degree.

For years, colleges have relied on out of date data to track federal labor. Institutions must update their practices.

Too many students are graduating college and either struggling to find work or taking up jobs far below their level.

One cause for this dilemma is that companies can’t find people who are skilled in the areas they are looking for.

Students are not alone on the chopping block. Schools are being held to a new standard. If they fail to prepare graduates, institutions could lose out on their reputation and future enrollment.

Read any college’s or university’s mission statement, and in one shape or another, it alludes to getting students ready for real life outside the classroom. It is refreshing to find that some are taking the words of their vision and turning them into a reality.

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013

Page C-3

An app worth having…

Nook Cost: free It’s worth noting that the need to purchase a dedicated e-reader isn’t what it used to be. Moreover, the need for a separate music player for accessing your music library is also debatable when so many people are using the all-in-one method with their mobile devices. With Barnes & Noble’s Nook app there’s no need to purchase a Nook HD, Nook Tablet HD, or Nook Simple Touch because you can have pretty much the same reading experience through the convenience of your phone or tablet.

Nook is available on Windows 8 phones as well as the iPhone and Android devices, and a new Nook Video app is being developed to support viewing TV shows, movies and more. Looking to catch up on your reading? The Nook app is a library in your pocket, and if you’re one of those people who lament not having enough time in your busy schedule to read, with the Nook app you’ll find time while waiting in line, or those idle moments of scrolling through your apps looking for entertainment. – Cornelius A. Fortune, managing editor

Scroogled E-mail users find Gmail isn’t really free after all

By Stefan Weitz Senior Director of Online Services, Microsoft

Think of the most personal e-mail you sent this week. Now imagine d eciding to bcc: the folks at Gmail, because in a world as complicated and open as ours, there really is no longer any need for privacy.

Of course that is not true, and none of us would really do that. But the fact of the matter is, for those who have a Gmail account, or for others who exchange emails with Gmail users, they virtually copy Google and their advertisers with every click of the send button.

You may have heard of “Scroogled,” or the campaign designed to expose Gmail’s snoopy tactic to boost advertising revenue. In short, they read your email, pick up on themes and direct targeted ads to you as a result. Ever wonder if it was a coincidence that you emailed your best friend about mice in your basement and the very next day saw an ad about pest control? Not a coincidence at all actually.

Of course most people who know about Gmail’s ad policy are not a fan. Upwards of 90 percent of Americans disapprove of providers scanning emails to target ads to users, according to a GfK Roper poll.

More troubling than the “just for you” ads users receive are the implications of privacy and the internet. For those of you who send an email and picture it landing securely in the in box of the intended recipient, this finding is especially troubling.

Now that the cat is out of the

bag, lawsuits are popping up across the country and more than 100,000 have signed an online petition asking Google to change its ways. You really can’t blame former Gmail enthusiasts for feeling exposed.

But not all providers are so sneaky. Outlook and others prioritize privacy, which means they don’t read your emails to decide where to send ads. While Gmail is busy combing through the content of your messages, Outlook is scanning text simply to protect your privacy, much the same way the postal service scans packages for explosives. While those obvious spam words may trigger the red flag for Outlook, you won’t be

targeted with party rental ads simply because you mentioned a surprise party for your soonto-be over-the-hill husband.

The Scroogled campaign brings to light the importance of knowing what is really going after you hit send. The same GfK study reports that 70 percent of Americans have no idea that any major email service scans message content to target ads. Now that a growing percentage is seeing the underbelly of Gmail, more and more are looking for a safer, more secure alternative. E-mail can still be private, depending on the service you use. Although Gmail is free, the price you pay is in the privacy lost.

Celebrating how far we’ve come and how far we’ll go This Black History Month, learn how technology can inspire new possibilities.

Attend the AT&T 28 Days Speaker Series, hosted by Rickey Smiley, on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at the Millennium Centre.

Bring your family and friends to see our special guest speaker, Jeff Johnson.

Get free tickets for the AT&T 28 Days Speaker Series. Only at att.com/28days.

This is a free event. However, seating is limited at venue to first come, first served. Downloading a ticket does not guarantee entry into the venue. ©2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. Screen images simulated.

Insertion Date:

Client:

AT&T

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business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013 Page C-4

Good People Popcorn delivers delicious community conscious treats

By Amber L. Bogins Hometown favorite Good People Popcorn is enjoying nearly four years of success in Detroit’s Bricktown area.

Located at 633 Beaubien, the family business owned by sisters Sarida Scott Montgomery and Crystal Mott along with cousin Kimberli Heard is a labor a love and a testament to turning your passions into something profitable and sustainable. After being frustrated by having to order gourmet

sugar in their recipes. Their mission “is to use good business practices that respect and contribute to the community and our environment. This commitment includes such things as working with local and independent suppliers; operating in an environmentally conscious manner; and giving back to the community.” The popcorn bags are made from renewable wood pulp, making them compostable and recyclable and they also recycle any unused popcorn.

Local inventor rolls out product on national TV Local inventor Lawrence Hardge launched a national campaign to roll out his newest product, KnockOut 360. More than 15 years in the making, KnockOut 360 is an advanced fire extinguisher made of environmentally safe chemicals. According to Hardge, the product terminates fires instantaneously without leaving residue like traditional extinguishers. KnockOut 360 was picked up by Harvest Growth, the national infomercial company that created the well known OxiClean, Kaboom and Snuggie campaigns. Infomercials have begun airing around the country. The product is expected to be sold in stores later this year.

With a background in chemistry and engineering, Hardge developed the concept for the product after the 1996 crash of a ValueJet airplane in Florida, which was due to a fire in the cargo compartment. A combustible combination of oxygen and heat led Hardge to create a fire extinguisher that removes heat from fire but not the oxygen.

“I have a passion for creating products that will benefit mankind,” said Hardge.

“I have always been intrigued by how things function and how to make them better. As long as I can remember, I have always broken things down and rebuilt them adding my own twist.”

Hardge is also the inventor of other innovative products, including the DoggoneIT collar clip which alerts owners, via remote alarm, if their dog is exposed

to dangerous temperatures; BabysitIT, an invention designed to alert parents and guardians when their children are separated from them by a predetermined distance; and the EZStrollIT, which is a versatile seat that converts from a safety-approved child car seat into a stroller.

Traditional fire extinguishers can cost upwards of $50. The cost of KnockOut 360 is $15 which makes the product perfect for usage in urban centers where delayed responses from fire departments could potentially lead to fatalities.

By lending his experience and expertise to novice inventors, Hardge also plans to open the doors of opportunity for other minority inventors.

“Detroit has some very talented inventors — a new generation of George Washington Carvers — but their voices are not heard,” says Hardge. “It is difficult for a minority to get their product out into the marketplace unless he or she is validated by a major company. I want to use my knowledge to help them bring their products to market.”

With offices in Detroit and a warehouse in Wixom, Michigan, Hardge seeks to provide jobs for Detroiters and establish partnerships with businesses that will provide distribution sites for his products.

For more information hardgeinvestments.com.

visit

www.

Sarida Scott Montgomery, Kimberli Heard and Crystal Mott, owners of Good People Popcorn. popcorn from Chicago, these women decided to create their own popcorn company in Detroit.

The company will celebrate its four-year anniversary in July. In addition to maintaining a storefront downtown, Good People Popcorn is also sold in several stores across metro Detroit, including Holiday Market in Royal Oak, Pure Detroit and Frank’s Deli to name a few. The popcorn treats have been rceiving rave reviews. Due to a wide variety of sweet and savory popcorn flavors, there is something for everyone. Flavors include Bacon Cheddar, Caramel Apple Pie, Chocolate Drizzle and Garlic Herb and Cheese.

Good People Popcorn supports other local businesses by using Michigan butter and

In addition to operating as a “good corporate citizen” for the environment, Good People Popcorn offers fundraising opportunities. Unlike other fundraisers, the organization or individual(s) does not have to purchase the product upfront.

Although that means that the fundraiser does not have product to sell on demand, it does provide the security of not being financially responsible to the company for any unsold product. Good People Popcorn donates 40 to 50 percent of the profits sold to the fundraising group.

Good People Popcorn is a part of a growing trend of local business owners who operate not only for self-prosperity, but for the prosperity of the city and its people.

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page C-5

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SPOTLIGHT Reflections

By Steve Holsey

DON CHEADLE

Motown on Broadway Marvin Gaye once recorded a great song (the “B” side of “I’ll Be Doggone”) titled “You’ve Been a Long Time Coming.” Well, a stage musical about Motown Record Corporation has also been a long time coming.

“Motown: The Musical” is scheduled to open for previews on March 11 and then officially open on April 14 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. Berry Gordy is involved in the production. Among the key players are Brandon Victor Dixon as Gordy and Valisia LeKae as Brandon Victor Dixon, Diana Ross. Each who will portray Berry has impressive creGordy. dentials.

By S.V. Holsey

W Valisia LeKae (right) and two other cast members as the Supremes.

Hopefully the show is first rate and will be a major success, but it might be unwise to go straight to Broadway and New York City rather than have test runs in smaller cities, thus allowing the kinks to be ironed out before presentation on the Broadway stage.

And since Motown started in Detroit, and will be forever associated with the Motor City, one of those test-run cities should have been Detroit.

But even so, the thought of the Motown sound being heard on Broadway is exciting.

D’ANGELO, whose last album, believe it or not, was released over 12 years ago, is reported to be “almost finished” with his new album.

Wow, that sure is a long delay!

Hopefully, his fans will still be there en masse, ready to listen and purchase.

By the way, D’Angelo’s name is actually Michael Archer.

D’Angelo

hen you see Don Cheadle on the screen, or when his name is brought up in conversation, certain words might come to mind.

They include “talented,” “convincing,” “versatile,” “consistent” and you could add “highly visible” — in the Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman sense.

You might have seen him recently in “Flight,” the riveting hit thriller starring Denzel Washington. This spring, if sci-fi is one of your preferences, you will see Cheadle in “Iron Man 3” with Robert Downey Jr., reprising the role he had in “Iron Man 2.”

How good is Don Cheadle?

Consider this: an Academy Award nomination, nearly a dozen NAACP Image Award nominations, two Gold­ en Globe awards, three Emmy nominations and a half-dozen Screen Actors Guild nominations (including a win). And that is just a small part of the story.

We mentioned “versatile” at the outset of this story. Well, Cheadle had something interesting to say about that: “If you were to look at my résumé in total, you would see a lot of things that are kind of all over the map.”

“I know because I saw a little bit of everything when I was on the road all those years.

Not that I was a goody-two-shoes, because I wasn’t, but I tried to keep things under control which was sometimes easier said than done.”

THERE HAVE been a lot of hits and misses when it comes to singing the National Anthem at sports events and elsewhere. But John Legend is sure he knows what the problem is in many cases.

John Legend

“‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is not an easy song to sing,” he said. “You should start low enough because you have to take it high by the end. If you start right in the heart of your range, it gets too high at the end.”

I missed seeing “Flight,” the Denzel Washington thriller, in the theater but I rented it from iTunes on my laptop. Now that is what I call an outstanding movie. Superb acting (as is always the case with Washington), a great story line and an unexpected ending.

Harry Wayne Casey, better known as KC, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of KC & the Sunshine Band. The party band from Florida made the national charts for the first time in 1973. And KC, at age 62, is still going strong with the latest version of the Sunshine Band.

Songs like “Get Down Tonight” and “That’s

See Reflections Page D-2

Among Cheadle’s earliest work (1984-1992) were the films “3 Days,” “Hamburger Hill,” “Colors” and “The Meteor Man,” and the television shows “L.A. Law,” “Night Court,” “Fame” and “Hill Street Blues.”

HIS FACE was becoming increasingly familiar, though not necessarily his name, but that would soon change, despite the shortage of opportunities for Black actors and actresses, and others of color.

In her very interesting memoir, “Remembering Whitney,” famed gospel/R&B songstress Cissy Houston offered, among many other things, insight on another side of show business.

“Being a performer on the road is not easy,” she said. “A lot of people get lost in the whirlwind and get wrapped up in people who aren’t good for them. You have to carefully choose the kind of company you keep because it can Cissy Houston get wild out there, and it’s easy to get caught up in it.

1964 in Kansas City, Mo. His family (parents and three children) moved around a lot. They were living in Denver, Colo., when he graduated from high school in 1982. He knew early on that acting would be his profession. After high school, he enrolled at the California Institute of the Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting.

“We’re always trailing, as far as the amount of roles that are written for us and the films that are being made that have Black characters in them,” he said.

“I also believe that you are what you have to defend, and if you’re a Black man that’s always going to be the bar against which you are judged.”

But even so, he is sure that there are better days ahead.

THE MOVIES Don Cheadle has been featured in from 1996 to the present is impressive. Among them: • “Rosewood” • “Boogie Nights” Bruce Greenwood (left), Don Cheadle and Denzel Washington in a • “The Rat Pack” (TV movie) scene from “Flight.”

• “Bulworth” • “Traffic” THIS IS an actor who will not allow himself to be • “Rush Hour 2” bored.

• “Swordfish” “I’ve been doing this since • “Oceans Eleven” I was 10 years old, inhabiting • “Hotel Rwanda” different people and playing different roles,” he said. “All • “Crash” these years later (he is now • “Iron Man 2” 48), there’s still the same sort of excitement I get from • “The Guard” it. It’s fun to inhabit different • “Flight” characters and play different

... and more. roles. It’s all in that panoply of acting.”

Cheadle’s television credits include “ER,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The He continued, “For me, it’s Bernie Mac Show,” “Picket Fences,” always just been about find“House of Lies” and “CSI: Crime Scene Ining material that I think is vestigation.” creative, interesting and fun, something that can expand One long-discussed film project that Don me and I can do something Cheadle would like to see come to fruition with.” in the story of jazz icon Miles Davis (with One thing the public is not aware of is how Cheadle in the lead role). many bad scripts are written and out there in cir“Now is a good time,” he said. “Ten years ago would have culation at any given time. been a good time. And 10 years from now, it will still be a good CHEADLE put it bluntly: “Most scripts are time to see a dynamic, entertaining movie that’s wall-to-wall terrible. Most projects are bad. That’s the way it Miles Davis, where the music will hopefully spark a desire to know more about the man.” is.”

The “actor for all seasons” has had the good fortune to be hired for an array of quality roles; moreover, he has never made a movie that would give him anything to be ashamed of.

Donald Frank Cheadle, Jr. was born Nov. 29,

In a way, the title of one of Miles Davis’ most famous albums is applicable to the emergence of Don Cheadle in the early 1980s, and to his personality: “Birth of the Cool.”

(Jason Donovan compiled most of the information for this story.)

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013 Page D-2

5.3 in.

MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar

GEORGE CLINTON, P-Funk All Stars, Fox Theatre, April 27, . Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

NATALIE COLE, the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, April 26. For ticket information, visit www.caesarswindsor.com or call 800.991.8888.

EASTER JAZZ Spectacular, featuring Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Najee, Boney James and Incognito with Maysa, Fox Theatre, March 30. Tickets sold at all Ticketmas- Maysa ter locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

RACHELLE FERRELL, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, April 4. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

BUDDY GUY, Jonny Lang, Fox Theatre, Wednesday, Feb. 27. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

Buddy Guy “HAIR,” Fox Theatre, Saturday-Sunday, March 2-3. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

Leggett Chapel AME Church. For more information, call 313.921.9577.

ALICIA KEYS, Miguel, Joe Louis Arena, April 17. Tickets to be sold at the Joe Louis Arena and Ticketmaster locations. You will be able to charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

DIANA KRALL, the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, Saturday, March 2. For ticket information, visit www.caesarswindsor.com or call 800.991.8888.

10.5 in.

ERYKAH BADU, Abi Wright, Masonic Temple, Feb. 16. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

“THE LION KING,” Fisher Theatre, Feb. 27-March 10. Tickets available at Ticketmastere locations and the Fisher box office.

MORRIS DAY & THE TIME, Sound Board at Motor City Casino, April 18. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino.com.

RACH E L L E F E R R E L L APRIL 4

“OLDIES AND MORE” BYOB parties for older adults, St. George Cathedral Cultural Center, 18405 W. Nine Mile Road, Monday, March 8, April 26, May 10, May 24, June 14 and June 28.

Call Bobby Green at 313.530.2933 for more information.

RIHANNA, Joe Louis Arena, March 21. Tickets sold via Ticketmaster locations and the Joe Louis box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

ROYAL COMEDY, featuring Mark Curry, Gary Owen, Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Masonic Temple, March 9. Tickets sold via Ticketmaster locations.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

CHRIS TUCKER, Fox Theatre, March 9. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

KIMMIE HORNE, Dirty Dog Jazz Café, Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 27March 2.

“JOY OF GOSPEL MUSIC” concerts, presented by Dr. Michael Walker, March 17, Puritan Kimmie Horne Avenue Baptist Church; April 21, St. Peter AME Zion Church; May 19, Warren Avenue Baptist Church; and June 9,

K E YS H IA COLE with CHRISETTE MICHELE

MIKE TYSON, “Undisputed Truth,” Fox Chris Tucker Theatre, April 6. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office. To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

APRIL 11 So u n d B o a r d D e t r o i t . c o m

Grant Lyle brings beauty to the blues

MotorCity Casino Hotel and MotorCity Casino Hotel design are trademarks of Detroit Entertainment, L.L.C. ©2013 Detroit Entertainment, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

By Cornelius A. Fortune MANAGING EDITOR

The blues is about feeling. It’s about locale. A state of mind. But mostly, it’s about digging in, expressing pain, celebrating the sensual, mapping out life in a 12-bar structure. Grant Lyle might be playing the blues, but there’s a progressive spirit that elevates his latest album, “So There,” to much higher ground. While far from perfect, “So There” radiates – and often pops – with invention, soul and deep introspection.

Linda Burgess at The World of Travel

Presents Motorcoach to Chicago for the 5.3 Keylines_Studio/Motor City Casino Hotel_MF 10.5 13MFQ0004 MC 124248 Michigan Chronicle/MI Front Page New Black Women’s Expo

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Canada is home to some of the best music being recorded today, and Lyle is clearly a musician/songwriter on the rise. “So There” opens with a song titled “Impression,” and yes, it definitely leaves one. It’s awash in suspended guitar chords, an undulating dance that promises an open door if you’re willing to walk through it.

“Impression” is one of those pieces Hendrix would call “getting your N/Amind together.” It just kind of hangs there and waits for you to acknowledge it, till it swallows you whole.

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D. Usteski

“Trouble Blues” is that gritty makes-yourface-squint jam that simply invites a relaxed setting, and a good drink in hand. Plus, it’s as down-home blues as you’re going to get on this set. “Librium’s” got some nice chord changes and a driving exuberance that’ll make you rock your head. “Levee Moan,” drops the mournful down a bucket and sends it slowly down into the abyss. And as the jaunty “You’ve Got Love” more than expresses, the blues doesn’t always have to be sad; it can be uplifting.

The 12-track journey takes you from the rural county all the way to the city limits, and heavily populated sidewalks. Like Hendrix and many guitarists before him, his real voice is in the wail, the grunt, bend, and convexity of his guitar phrasing. It’s not a slam to say that Lyle should have made an instrumental album. When a song can express all that ever needs to be said without the utterance of a voice on the track, that truly is an accomplishment, and “So There” covers a lot of ground.

Most refreshing of all?

You won’t mistake Lyle for anyone else, not if you listen closely. Sure, you hear some Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Duane Allman, and the usual suspects behind him, in the same way that nearly every jazz musician’s got a trace of Charlie Parker in their DNA, but unlike today’s pop music where everyone sounds pretty much like everyone else, Lyle’s got his own style, and music that might move you.

“So There” will be released on CD in April, but is now available for digital download. Find it at CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, or visit his website at http://grantlyle.com/.

Reflections the Way (I Like It)” are still popular, and fun.

though the Andantes did all of the singing.

Quincy Jones, always an innovator, is introducing a new music app called Playground Sessions which teaches people how to play piano and read music. “The concept is brand new and I’m blown away by it,” said Jones.

MEMORIES: “Love and Happiness” (Al Green), “Rockit” (Herbie Hancock), “I Need Your Lovin’” (Teena Marie), “Boogie Wonderland” (Earth, Wind & Fire with the Emotions), “I Don’t Want to Cry” (Chuck Jackson), “Annie Mae” (Natalie Cole), “Just Because” (Anita Baker), “Are You That Somebody?” (Aaliyah), “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” (Freddie Jackson), “I’m Stone in Love With You” (the Stylistics).

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW...that Motown once released a single titled “Too Hurt to Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye” as a “Marvelettes” record even

From page D-1 BLESSINGS to Genevieve Johnson, Lynn Marie Smith, Delores Wyatt, Danton Wilson, Donald Phillips, Alisa Giddens, Martaez Cyars, Rosalind Ashford Holmes, Annette Beard Helton, Edward Phillips and Jay Butler.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Jesse Jackson: “If you fall behind, run faster.”

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community ARIES

STAR CHART LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Enjoy the great insights you have in the area of career objectives.

Take a look at what’s out there. An unanticipated financial matter may arise, find the good in it. Somebody loves you and you know who. Make the call.

Review your “to do” list again. You may need to slow down to discover something that you didn’t realize while you were in the flow of events.

Your lover is going to be a little difficult to understand. Back off if an argument arises.

Cooperation is key this week in your relationship with your partner.

Even if you know you’re right, let your partner have his or her way in the early going. Your staying power will give you influence or control in the late rounds.

Soul Affirmation: A cheerful soul should be wrapped in a cheerful package.

Soul Affirmation: Two hats fit well on my head.

Soul Affirmation: I let go and let the spirit run my life this week.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 20, 32

Lucky Numbers: 11, 39, 41

Lucky Numbers: 15, 23, 35

VIRGO

TAURUS

CAPRICORN

Be cautious and conservative with money. You are witty this week.

Allow others to enjoy your good humor. Your leadership skills are very high and others will follow. Be the leader of the pack.

Make a special effort to spend all week with your lover, husband or wife. Your sense of the importance of relationships is keen and this is a good time to strengthen your passionate partnership. Take your lover to a party. Devote attention.

At home, projects flourish as family cooperates. They do love you and they are tired of being difficult.

However, time spent by yourself leads to important insights. It’s a favorable time for research and study.

Soul Affirmation: Luck is my best friend this week.

Soul Affirmation: Change is my middle name.

Soul Affirmation: I let my luck work for me.

Lucky Numbers: 14, 20, 44

Lucky Numbers: 12, 51, 52

Lucky Numbers: 4, 24, 45

GEMINI

LIBRA

This is a good time for you to seek agreement on a plan that involves a relative. Take the time to remind your lover how much you care. Get a little sentimental if you feel it.

Don’t be too critical of that softer side of your personality.

The flock will come to you for direction. Give it gracefully. Know that your insights will help a lot if you deliver them in the right way.

If you are a mother, guidance will be the best gift you can give others this week.

Soul Affirmation: Self-confidence is the key to my success this week.

Soul Affirmation: Knowing I can do it is the biggest preparation for getting it done.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 9, 19

Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 22

CANCER

Push! Now is a good time to push.

Your energy is higher than ever.

Someone might get offended, but you can’t please everyone. Hire a pro for something that you planned to do yourself, especially if expertise is involved.

Soul Affirmation: Success is mine because I feel successful.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 12

Soul Affirmation: My spirit gives me limitless possibilities.

Lucky Numbers: 9, 17, 52

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has appointed Stephanie M. Allard, Ph.D., as Director of Animal Welfare. She is responsible for leading the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare (CZAW), founded by the DZS in 2009 to improve zoo animal welfare through research, workshops, forums and awards.

“We’re excited that Stephanie has joined us to lead the work of the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare. Her experience working with and studying animals in zoos and her passion for improving the wellbeing of zoo animals will help us advance the important work of the Center,” said DZS Chief Life Sciences Officer Scott Carter.

Allard joins the DZS from Flor-

ida’s Palm Beach Zoo, where she most recently served as Director of Research and Animal Welfare.

Prior to that, she worked at Zoo Atlanta.

Allard earned her doctoral degree in experimental psychology with an emphasis on animal behavior and a Master of Science in psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. She received a Bachelor of Science from Atlanta’s Emory University.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a nonprofit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic habitats, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward

Soul Affirmation: I find joy in facing responsibility this week.

Lucky Numbers: 10, 34, 37

PISCES

It wouldn’t hurt to be a little less independent. Declare a truce. Decide that you are not right. Elevate a friend’s opinion to your guiding principle for this week. Compromise. Be a team player and watch the reward unfold.

Soul Affirmation: I calm my emotions by forgetting about the past.

Lucky Numbers: 24, 26, 54

Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak, Mich. The Detroit Zoo is open 362 days a year, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through Labor Day and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day after Labor Day through October. Admission is $14 for adults 15 to 61, $12 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $9 for children 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free).

The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free. For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.

Oscar Olejniczak returns to alma mater to lead U of D Jesuit football program

Olejniczak (pronounced O-le-kneecheck) packs an impressive resume of success at both the high school and college level. Since 2007, he coached on the staff of Campbell University, a Football Championship Subdivision school located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Part of the original coaching staff that started the program from scratch, he served since 2009 as the Camel’s Offensive Coordinator, gaining a reputation for creating a high-energy offensive scheme.

Prior to his time in North Carolina, Olejniczak held coaching positions at Detroit’s Wayne State University and Michigan State University. Before moving to the college level, Olejniczak, who graduated from U of D Jesuit in 1991, coached and taught at his alma mater from 1995-2003.

From 2000-2003, he was the Cubs’ Defensive Coordinator, that included three state playoff appearances, a Prep Bowl Championship, and a Class A State Regional Championship.

“It is so great to go back to a place that gave me so much,” Olejniczak said. “It’s my alma mater and ever since I’ve been a coach, the thought has always been there that

I wanted to be the head coach at U of D Jesuit.

The opportunity arose to go back and I said that this is just too good to be true.”

“I envision an all-encompassing program that is not just about football but incorporates the academic, the spiritual, and the community side of U of D Jesuit. I want to involve everybody in the program from the players, parents, faculty and administration, alumni, other sports teams and the student body. We are all part of the program and the U of D Jesuit family.”

Olejniczak’s father and two brothers are also alumni of the all-boys Catholic school located in Detroit that holds a repu-

“The U of D Jesuit community is excited to have one of its own return to lead our football program,” said Athletic Director Nick Kocsis. “We have high expectations that Coach Olejniczak will continue to build our football program around the solid base of players we have returning this season.”

Olejniczak and his wife of 12 years, Pam, have a six-year old daughter, Izzie. He will also work full-time at the school in the Admissions Office.

For more information, including the official entry form, visit tigers. com/education or call Sam Abrams at (313) 4712363.

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The Detroit Tigers are currently accepting submissions for the 17th Annual Detroit Tigers Jackie Robinson Art, Essay & Poetry Contest.

Now through March 8, middle and high school students from the metro Detroit area may enter the contest by entering an original work of art, an essay or a poem in honor of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson.

An official entry form must accompany each submission.

P I CK S

tation for developing leaders and civic-minded individuals. Students travel from 80 communities to attend the academicallychallenging college prep institution.

Art, poetry contest

To enter, contestants must submit an original piece of art, an essay or poem by 5 p.m. Friday, March 8.

LOTTERY

Lover, friends, relatives are in your corner. They just have a hard time verbalizing it. Their support gives you the boost you need if you’d swallow your pride and reach out for it. Their help may not come in the form you want it, but it is in the form you need.

SCORPIO

Most people don’t know how often dreams and reality blend into that practical consciousness of yours.

Knowledge comes from a dream you’ve had lately. This week is a good week to get started making that dream a reality.

Week’s Best

Page D-3

AQUARIUS

Detroit Zoological Society names director of animal welfare

U of D Jesuit alumnus and former defensive coordinator Oscar Olejniczak is returning to his alma mater to serve as its new head football coach.

Feb. 27-March 5, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Feb. 27- March 5, 2013

Obituaries

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Detronia Irby, Jr.

11 Timothy 4:7

Juanita Fox Taylor Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. Her husband can trust her and she will greatly enrich his life.

She will not hinder him but help him all her life.

– Proverbs 31st Chapter, Holy Bible, New Living Translation A celebration of the life of Juanita C. Taylor was held Saturday, Feb. 16, at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church of Inkster, where she was a church mother and missionary. Officiating was Pastor Dana L. Darby.

Mrs. Taylor succumbed to extended illness Tuesday, Feb. 12.

She was 81.

Born Juanita Carrie Fox April 6, 1932, in Blairsville, PA., she was reared in Detroit and Inkster, where she began her journey with Jesus at an early age. In 1955, she married Arthur Lee Taylor and they became the parents of eight children. The Taylor family church memberships included First Missionary Baptist in Inkster and New Hope Missionary in Wayne prior to becoming charter members of New Jerusalem, where Mr. Taylor is as a trustee emeritus.

Mrs. Taylor was faithful missionary and mother in the Missionary Bible Circle and wrote many of the group’s meditation readings until her failing health limited her church attendance.

A 1950 graduate of Inkster High School, she attended Wayne State University and earned an associate’s degree in clothing design and pattern drafting . She loved fashion and designed and created her own clothing as well as those for her husband, children and many others.

She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes. She dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth.

She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs with no fear of the future.

Blessed with a great sense of humor, Mrs. Taylor maintained a peaceful home environment, filled with fun and laughter and open to all. She was always ready with words of wisdom aimed at encouraging. edifying, uplifting and strengthening others’ spirits.

In addition to her eight children, she claimed many others as her own, all of whom called her mother or grandmother.

When she speaks her words are wise and kindness is the rule…her children stand and praise her. Her husband praises her. Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

In addition to her husband of 57 years, Mrs. Taylor is survived by five sons, Juan Anthony, Tegre Leslie, Earl Vincent, Angelo James and Clifford; three daughters, Artha Leia, Vernessa Ann and Cynda Eileen; three sisters, Nina Lester, Aretha Watkins and Anna Henderson (two brothers Clifford and Homer Fox, and two sisters, Thelma Wasson and Vera Roberson, preceded her in death); four daughters-in-law, Mary, Wendy, Stacey and JacquelineTaylor; four sisters-in-law, Johnnie Fox, Myrtle Tate. Cora Thurmond and Velma Gowan; brother-in-law, Randolph; 11 grandchildren and nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives including her extended family of children.

Burial was at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Livonia. Handling arrangements were directors of Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home in Westland.

Lorraine Dogan

Services were held for Lorraine Johnson-Dogan Jan. 5 at New Mt. Zion Covenant Baptist Church, with Bishop Charles L. Middleton, Jr. officiating. Mrs. Johnson-Dogan, 63, died Dec. 29.

She was born July 18, 1949 and educated in the Detroit Public Schools. She graduated from Murray-Wright High School in 1968. A member of the track and field team, she completed the 50-yard dash and qualified for the Pan American Games.

She subsequently studied business administration at Wayne State University.

She was employed by American Axle for 32 years, eventually becoming a financial analyst. After her retirement, she worked for an additional two years with TRW Automotive.

She was an active member of Word of Faith.

Mrs. Johnson-Dogan enjoyed tennis, and through that game met her husband, Daryl Dogan. They married in 1987.

She played in various tennis tournaments; and was a member of the American Tennis Association, Untied States Tennis Association, Motor City Tennis Club, and Chicago Prairie Tennis Club.

She also loved skiing, ceramics, card games and traveling around the world with her family. She was a great cook.

She is survived by her husband, Daryl; son, Kevin Johnson; stepdaughter, Theresa Dogan; granddaughters, Christian McQuirter and Kierra O’Neal; sisters, Claudine Johnson, Reynell Combes, Renee Anderson, Linda O’Neal, Beverly O’Neal, Shannon Orr, Nietta O’NealWalker, and many others.

Cremation was at Southern Michigan Services in Livonia. Arrangements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home.

Essie Walker Services were held for Essie Walker Feb. 6 at Swanson Funeral Home.

Ms. Walker, 84, died Feb. 1.

She was born Feb. 11, 1928 in Dawson, Ga., She was a fun-loving person with a heart of gold. She reached out to anyone who was in need. She loved working out and going to the spa with her friends.

She met her lifelong companion, George Singleton, in 1970, and they shared a long and lasting relationship until her death.

She is survived by her companion, George; cousins, Elaine, Rickey, Terry, Leon, Curtis, Gene and Mary; and many others.

Interment was at Gethsemane Cemetery.

God saw you were getting weary So He did what He thought best, He came and stood beside you, And whispered, “Come and Rest”...

March is National Kidney Month

Services were held for Detronia Irby, Jr. Feb. 4 at Greater Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Irby, 68, died Jan. 27.

He was born June 1, 1944 and educated in the Detroit Public Schools.

He was employed as a truck driver with N. Leone and Sons. He retired with an outstanding work record.

He was an active member of Greater Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.

Mr. Irby is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Derico Irby, Kathleen Vinson, Martha McCollough and Detronia Irby III; stepson, Donovan Blunt; 16 grandchildren; stepmother, Diane Irby; sisters, Clara Nobel, Phyllis Irby and Janet Irby; and many others.

Interment was at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Swanson Funeral Home.

PERSONAL SERVICES MRS. LINN

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Page D-4

announcements

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS CITY OF DETROIT Planning and Development Department 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 1200 Detroit, Michigan 48226 Telephone: 313.224.0472

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

On or about March 8, 2013, and in accordance with 24 CFR 58.71, the City of Detroit will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Detroit Field Office for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-383). Once provided the appropriate authorization, the City of Detroit will commit these funds to the following project:

City of Detroit Housing Rehabilitation Project 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $6,000,000.00 PROJECT SCOPE The City of Detroit Housing Rehabilitation Project provides funding for the repair, abatement of lead-based paint hazards or rehabilitation of residential structures which meet the following conditions: 1.) be a one- to four-unit residential structure, 2.) not be delinquent on local property taxes, 3.) need structurally and economically feasible work, 4.) be owned or rented by a person who meets income eligibility requirements for total household income as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City of Detroit will consider renter-occupied residential units which meet the following additional criteria: a.) built before 1978, and b.) have a child under the age of six (6) with an elevated blood-lead level (ebl) residing in the unit.

The project presents awards to eligible properties in the form of a one-time, forgivable loan.

The maximum award for structures is dependent upon the scope of work. For residential structures in need of emergency home repairs, the maximum award is fifteen thousand ($15,000.00) dollars. For residential structures in need of minor repairs, the maximum award is twenty-four thousand, nine hundred and fifty ($24,950.00) dollars. For structures in need of substantial rehabilitation, the maximum award is seventy-five thousand ($75,000.00) dollars. The Planning and Development Department determines the amount awarded to each approved property.

The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department, Housing Services Division, will serve as the primary sponsor of this project. The offices of the Planning and Development Department, Housing Services Division, are located at 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 1700, 48226.

announcements

DETERMINATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

This project is Categorically Excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), per 24 CFR 58.35(a)(3), and the preparation of an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement is not required at this time. However, this project is subject to the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

St. Martha’s Commons Detroit, Michigan

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and several community-based organizations have been working on developing a re-use plan for the St. Martha’s Episcopal Church and the surrounding grounds. Located near the intersection of Joy and Greenfield Roads in Detroit, this site is approximately 12 acres, a 22,000 sf. church and two 1,000 sf. single family homes.

The planning team is requesting proposals for the re-use of the buildings and the ownership and management of the site. Copies of the RFP are available at Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, 26200 Lahser Road, Suite 300, Southfield, Michigan 48033. Proposals are due on March 15, 2013.

For questions, please contact Richard Wooten at 734-727-7234 or Roger Myers at 248-281-2021.

announcements

This Environmental Review of this project utilizes a tiered approach permitted under 24 CFR 58.15 in order to identify and evaluate all issues ripe for decision. The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department has prepared the Tier I Environmental Review for this project, and the Tier I Environmental Review finds that this project complies with the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 (d), (e), (f), (h), and (j), as well as the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.6 (c) and (d). The Planning and Development Department will evaluate all remaining environmental issues for specific properties in the Tier II Environmental Review.

In accordance with 24 CFR 58.38, the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department prepared a Tier I Environmental Review Record that documents the Tier I Environmental Review of the above-named project. The Tier I Environmental Review Record is on file with the Planning and Development Department at 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 1200, Detroit, Michigan, 48226. The records are available for public examination and copying, upon request, on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS

DWSD LOCAL CONTRACTS SECTION 00030 ADVERTISEMENT Bids - The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) will receive sealed Bids for the Work delivered to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Contracts and Grants Division, Rm. #1510, Detroit, Michigan 48226, until 2:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, when all Bids duly received will be opened publicly and read aloud. Bidders should arrive in a timely manner.

Project Description - The Work, Water Shut-Off/Turn-On Project, Contract No. _DWS-894, includes, but is not necessarily limited to providing shut-off crews to disconnect water service to approximately 70,000 residential accounts throughout the City of Detroit for a period of two (2) years. A minimum of three (3) years experience by the prime contractor in providing shut-off crews to disconnect water services is mandatory. For further detailed requirements of work, please refer to Exhibit A, General Description of Work and Project in the Agreement.

The work is located at various locations throughout the City of Detroit.

Bidding Documents - Beginning Wednesday, February 27, 2013, Sets of Bidding Documents may be obtained from the DWSD Contracts Section, 1504 Water Board Building, 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226 on Business Days between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Copies may be obtained upon the payment of $50.00 per set, in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners (which will not be refunded).

Bidding Documents will be shipped only if the requesting party assumes responsibility for all related charges.

Bid Security – Each Bid shall enclose Bid Security, as specified in the Instructions to Bidders (and Section 00310, Bid Bond), in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bidder’s Bid. Pre-Bid Conference - A pre-bid conference will be held at the Water Board Building, Room 1606, 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226, on Monday, March 4, 2013 at 2:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time.

For information on the pre-bid conference call Daniel Edwards at (313) 964-9471. Addenda may be issued, in response to issues raised at the pre-bid conference or as the DWSD and/or Contracting Officer may otherwise consider necessary.

Local Contracting Requirements – Local requirements applicable to this contract are reproduced in their entirety and available for review on the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s website: www.dwsd.org. Potential Bidders are specifically directed to review requirements of this contract before submitting their bid. Note: Prevailing Wage Rates must be updated and paid each year by the contractor and subcontractors for the duration of the contract.

Contract Times – The Contract Times are specified in Exhibit A,

General Description of Work and Project. The associated liquidated damages are specified in Article IV, Paragraph 4.02 of the Agreement.

Award – Subject to any agreed extension of the period for holding Bids, Bids shall be open for acceptance by the DWSD for 180 days after the date of Bid opening. In addition, the DWSD expressly reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, waive any non-conformances, to issue post-Bid Addenda and re-Bid the Work without readvertising, to re-advertise for Bids, to withhold the award for any reason the DWSD determines and/or to take any other appropriate action.

The City of Detroit invites all interested agencies, groups and persons to submit written comments concerning the above-named project for consideration. The Planning and Development Department should receive such comments at the address listed at the top of this notice on or before March 7, 2013. The City of Detroit will consider all such comments so received, and the City of Detroit will not request the release of Federal funds or take any choice-limiting action on the above-named project prior to March 8, 2013.

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

All interested agencies, groups or persons must prepare and submit objections in accordance with the required procedures outlined in 24 CFR 58.76. Potential objectors must address their objections to: Ms. Ellen Chung, Senior CPD Representative Detroit Field Office U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 477 Michigan Avenue, 16th Floor Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Potential objectors should contact Ms. Ellen Chung at 313.226.7900, extension 8058, to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

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

The applicant for this project is: CITY OF DETROIT Dave Bing, Mayor Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1126 Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Notice Date: February 27, 2013

NOTICE OF HEARINGS REGARDING MATTERS TO COME before the City Council of Detroit. Advertisements for bids and contracts for purchases by the City of Detroit appear daily in the Detroit Legal News. Copies are available at the City County Bldg. and at 2001 W. Lafayette, Detroit.

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Classified announcements

CITY OF DETROIT DAVE BING, MAYOR NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE HUD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Notice is hereby given that the City of Detroit proposes to amend its HUD Consolidated Plan as follows: •Decrease the Block Grant appropriation for Youth Violence Prevention– Planning by $50,000.00 •Increase the Block Grant appropriation for Youth Violence Prevention– Public Service by $50,000.00 Note: Funds being reprogrammed were allocated in prior Community Development Block Grant years.

Persons or organizations wishing to comment on this proposed change may transmit such comments in writing, in person, or by telephone to the Planning & Development Department at the address below:

City of Detroit Planning and Development Department Warren T. Duncan Grants Management Section 1200 Cadillac Tower Building Detroit, MI 48226 Telephone: (313)224-0315 Notice of Non-Discrimination: The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, handicap, sex or sexual orientation. Complaints may be filed with the Detroit Human Rights Department, 1230 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Detroit, MI 48226

NOTICE OF DETROIT HOUSING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD 2012 Amendment #2 PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ANNUAL PLAN The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a Public Hearing, pursuant to Section 5A of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 as amended (“The Public Housing Reform Act of 1988”). The purpose of this public hearing is to discuss the 2012 Annual Plan Amendment #2.

The DHC will hold a Public Hearing on April 11, 2013 from 10:00am until 10:30 am, at the Detroit Housing Commission Administration Building 1301 East Jefferson, Detroit MI 48207 The annual plan will be available on or about February 22, 2013 for review at the following locations: • Detroit Housing Commission, Main Administrative Office, 1301 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207 • Detroit Housing Commission, Customer Service Center, 2211 Orleans, Detroit, MI 48207 • Main Branch Public Library, Sociology and Economic Department, 5210 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 • Managers Office at the Following Locations: Brewster Homes 3526 St. Antoine Charles Terrace 4801 East Nevada Diggs Homes 1331 East Canfield Forest Park 1331 East Canfield Gardenview Estates 16461 Van Buren Harriet Tubman 2450 W. Grand Blvd.

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Sheridan I & II 7501 East Jefferson Smith Homes 14313 Crescent Drive Sojourner Truth 4801 East Nevada State Fair 1231 W. State Fair Village of Parkside II 5000 Conner Village of Parkside IV 5000 Conner Woodbridge Estates 4106 Supremes Drive Woodbridge Senior Village 3521 John C. Lodge Woodbridge Senior Enhanced 1300 Martin Luther King Dr.

The public is invited to present oral or written comments at the Public Hearing. The Public Review and Comment Period for the 2012 Amendment #2 Annual Plan is from February 22, 2013 to April 11, 2013. Written comments must be received by the Commission no later than 10:00am Thursday April 11, 2013 at the Detroit Housing Commission.

1301 East Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207 Att: 2012 Annual Plan Amendment #2 Comments Compliance & Capital Improvement Department NOTICE OF NON DISCRIMINATION: The Detroit Housing Commission does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, handicap, sex or sexual orientation. Discrimination complaints may be filed with the Detroit Housing Commission, Board of Commissioners, 1301 E. Jefferson, Detroit, Michigan 48207 “Equal Housing Opportunity”

2211 Orleans ● Detroit, MI 48207 ● 313.877.8000 ● Fax 313.877-8151 ● TTY/TDD (313) 877-8500

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a Public Hearing, pursuant to Section 5A of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 as amended (“The Public Housing Reform Act of 1988”). The purpose of this public hearing is to discuss the 2013 Annual Plan.

DHC will hold a Public Hearing on April 11, 2012 from 10:30am until 11:30 am, at the Detroit Housing Commission Administration Building 1301 East Jefferson, Detroit MI 48207 The annual plan will be available on or about February 22, 2013 for review at the following locations: • Detroit Housing Commission, Main Administrative Office, 1301 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207 • Detroit Housing Commission, Customer Service Center, 2211 Orleans, Detroit, MI 48207 • Main Branch Public Library, Sociology and Economic Department, 5210 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 • Managers Office at the Following Locations: Brewster Homes 3526 St. Antoine Charles Terrace 4801 East Nevada Diggs Homes 1331 East Canfield Forest Park 1331 East Canfield Gardenview Estates 16461 Van Buren Harriet Tubman 2450 W. Grand Blvd.

Riverbend Towers 4386 Conner Scattered Sites West 14313 Crescent Drive Scattered Sites East 1331 East Canfield

Sheridan I & II 7501 East Jefferson Smith Homes 14313 Crescent Drive Sojourner Truth 4801 East Nevada State Fair 1231 W. State Fair Village of Parkside II 5000 Conner Village of Parkside IV 5000 Conner Woodbridge Estates 4106 Supremes Drive Woodbridge Senior Village 3521 John C. Lodge Woodbridge Senior Enhanced 1300 Martin Luther King Dr.

The public is invited to present oral or written comments at the Public Hearing. The Public Review and Comment Period for the 2013 Annual Plan is from February 22, 2013 to April 11, 2013. Written comments must be received by the Commission no later than 10:30am Thursday April 11, 2013 at the Detroit Housing Commission. 1301 East Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207 Att: 2013 Annual Plan Comments Compliance & Capital Improvement Department NOTICE OF NON DISCRIMINATION: The Detroit Housing Commission does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, handicap, sex or sexual orientation. Discrimination complaints may be filed with the Detroit Housing Commission, Board of Commissioners, 1301 E. Jefferson, Detroit, Michigan 48207 “Equal Housing Opportunity”

2211 Orleans ● Detroit, MI 48207 ● 313.877.8000 ● Fax 313.877-8151 ● TTY/TDD (313) 877-8500

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Page D-5

announcements

help wanted

help wanted

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The Physical Plant Building Services Department at Michigan State University is seeking to hire for the following position:

Membership/External Affairs

Star International Academy 24425 Hass Street Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

Engineer/Architect II - Posting #7312

Grades: Pre-K – 12, Ages 4–19 3/1/2013 thru 3/30/2013, 9 AM - 3:30 PM 3/8/13, 10AM-6PM & 3/9/13, 9:30AM-12PM PUBLIC LOTTERY

Apply online at www.jobs.msu.edu.

Refer to the posting number. The closing date is March 5, 2013

5/03/2013: Grades 3–12 @ 2:45 PM @24425 Hass St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 For more information call 313-724-8990, fax 313-724-8994

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

4612 Lonyo St. Detroit, MI 48210

Grades: Pre-K – 12, Ages 4–19 3/1/2013 thru 3/30/2013, 9 AM - 3:30 PM 3/8/13, 10AM- 6PM & 3/9/2013, 9:30AM-12PM

PUBLIC LOTTERY 5/10/2013 @ 2:00 PM @ 4612 Lonyo St., Detroit, MI 48210 For more information call 313-581-5006, fax 313-581-5514

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Director Student Assessment at Oakland University

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This position will coordinate and manage recruitment communications including electronic and print for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. .Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing or English, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One year experience in higher education marketing, e-recruiting or communication. Salary is up to the low $40s annually.

Refer to online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 6 2013.

Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Network Communications Engineer at Oakland University

Seeking

Systems Analyst at Oakland University

Meadow Brook Hall

This position creates, implements, and assists in marketing Cultural Events and Youth Programs that interpret Meadow Brook Hall and its collections to attract visitors. Will manage volunteer activity that supports all Meadow Brook Hall activity. Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Museum Studies, Art/Art History, Education, Marketing, Communications, or other related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Two to three years’ experience.

Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. Salary up to low $30s, commensurate with education and experience.First consideration will be given to those who apply

by March 5, 2013.

Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

School of Medicine

This position requires a strong network installation to meet campus strategic goals related to teaching, learning, research, business operations and communications.

Will be actively involved in projects related to data, voice, video, and specialty systems installations, systems modifications, equipment installations, maintenance, monitoring and network management.

Design, develop, implement, and support web-based applications, which will provide business solutions required for and to enhance medical education. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or closely related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Minimum three years’ experience in developing dynamic web based applications including database management. Proficiency in one or more of the following: ASP. Net, C#, Java, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, XML.

Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Network Communications or closely related field.

Two years’ experience in a complex production network environment. Salary up to the $60,000 annually.

Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 6, 2013.

Refer to online posting for additional requirements. Salary is up to the low $60’s annually. See on line positing for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 5, 2013.

Must apply online for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

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Communications Coordinator at Oakland University

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5/15/2013 @ 3:30 PM @ 28015 Joy Road, Westland, MI 48185

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Refer to online posting for additional requirements. Salary is up to the low $90’s annually. See on line positing for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 7, 2013.

PUBLIC LOTTERY

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www.semcog.org/Careers.aspx, or call 313-961-4266. EOE

Provides leadership and support for the development and implementation of learning assessment plans, and for the validation and reporting of student learning outcomes at the program and course levels. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Higher Education, Public Administration, Management, College Student Personnel, Educational Research, Social Science, Statistics or other relevant field. Five years higher education work experiences, including five years teaching experience, in assessment, measurement, and educational evaluation in a healthcare setting.

Grades: Pre-K – 9, Ages 4–14 3/1/2013 thru 3/30/2013, 9 AM - 3:30 PM 3/8/13, 10AM- 6PM & 3/9/13, 9:30AM-12PM

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The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments seeks a person with Bachelor’s degree or higher for a full-time information services position. Successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing and maintaining data-driven web applications, and may also assist in other technology-based projects. For more information, go to

Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

Universal Learning Academy 28015 Joy Road Westland, MI 48185

*Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance.

Computer available.

Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified.

Information Services

School of Medicine

Universal Academy

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www.semcog.org/Careers.aspx, or call 313-961-4266. EOE

Seeking

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education

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments seeks an individual to assist in the preparation of various communications.

Successful candidate will work with local government officials, and engage the public on a variety of topics. Also responsible for meeting planning. For more information, go to

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.

The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

5/03/2013: (Pre-K–2) @ 1:45 PM @ 24480 George St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

Seeking

NOTICE OF DETROIT HOUSING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD 2013 PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ANNUAL PLAN

Feb. 27- March 5, 2013

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Seeking

Library Assistant III at Oakland University Kresge Library

Perform a variety of complex, non-standardized technical or para-professional activities of considerable difficulty in one or more functional areas of the Library. Minimum Qualifications: High School graduation or equivalent combination of education and/ or experience. Four years progressively responsible library experience, including ability to instruct and direct lower level nonexempt employees and student assistants in work methods and procedures. Must be able to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. Salary is $39,108 annually. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 6, 2013.

Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ATTORNEYS ATTORNEYS The Department of Attorney General is seeking candidates for an Information Technology attorney vacancy. The selected candidate will be responsible for reviewing and drafting technology contracts including software licenses, services agreements, and maintenance agreements. The selected candidate will also handle a wide variety of other legal matters in the State Operations Division.

Minimum Requirements: Staff Attorney (Starting Salary: $50,091 to $94,231): Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and current membership in good standing with the Michigan State Bar. Senior Attorney (Starting Salary: $81,745 to $106,989): Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law, current membership in good standing with the Michigan State Bar, and a minimum of four (4) years of post bar admission legal experience as a practicing attorney.

These positions are classified Civil Service positions with full benefits including health, vision, dental, life, long term disability, defined contribution retirement program, etc.

Application Process: Interested applicants must apply on-line at www.michigan.gov/statejobs. The job number is 1101-13-003, Department of Attorney General. The deadline for response is Friday, March 8, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

Inquiries may be directed to the Michigan Department of Attorney General Office of Human Resources at (517) 373-1114.

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Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Feb. 27 - March 5, 2013