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Volume 76 – Number 27

Frank Blount dies Frank Blount, first executive deputy chief of the Detroit Police Department, and a founding member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), died March 10 at age 87.

He was born September 25, 1925 and educated in the Detroit Public Schools. He attended Lincoln School, class of 1939, and graduated from Cass Technical High School. He earned bachelor and master’s degrees in criminal justice from Wayne State University.

March 13-19, 2013

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a g a s k c i r t a Kilp A promising political career destroyed

Frank Blount He was also a Harvard Fellow (1971-72) and attended Michigan State University’s School of Labor and Industrial Relation in 1975.

He served in the Navy from 1942 to1946, and rose to the rank of motor machinist mate 3rd class.

In 1950, Blount joined the Detroit Police Department. He became executive deputy chief in 1975, making him the highest ranking Black officer on the force. He also established the first scooter patrol and was appointed commanding officer of Community Oriented Patrol Section (COPS).

He co-founded NOBLE in 1976, the same year he retired from the DPD and became chief of security for Detroit Public Schools (DPS). In 1988, he retired from DPS to become chief of security for the Detroit Housing Department.

He also co-founded the Jim Dandy Ski Club in 1958, the first African American ski club in the United States.

Frank Blount is survived by his son, Michael; grandsons, Steven and Christopher; great- granddaughter, Ariana; and many others.

Andre Smith photo

By Bankole Thompson

W

CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

hat the world witnessed in federal court in downtown Detroit on Monday in the sweeping corruption conviction of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, his longtime friend and city contractor, Bobby Ferguson, and his father, Bernard Kilpatrick, was the bitter and painful ending of political power who once had the potential to not only make Detroit a Bankole game changer in the state Thompson but across the country.

It was the sad ending to a political story that carried with it the riveting campaign mantra “Right Here, Right Now,” the refrain that defined the rise of Kwame Kilpatrick as chief executive officer of the 11th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building.

Kilpatrick, once embodied an emerging political leadership that represented a class of brilliant Black men who could be pleading Black America’s cause before the nation’s conscience,

the same path that Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is on now with his frequent appearances on “Meet the Press,” on NBC, making the case for urban America while being a no-nonsense surrogate for the Obama administration.

He once symbolized a new generation of bold Democratic leaders who had the propensity to expand their base beyond their own traditional lines of operation with the ability to build crossover relationships with various constituencies and communities.

To put it bluntly, Kwame Malik Kilpatrick could have been a United States senator from Michigan because he was on that path to national political stardom. It was in 2004 that he was made a guest speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, the same year that then Sen. Barack Obama was introduced to the nation and the world when he keynoted that same convention.

It is worth noting that very few in the political class ever, in a lifetime, get the opportunity to address a national political convention, the hallmark of political power, and a speaking slot reserved only for those whose life stories or real promises of political leadership have the potency to affect the course of the nation. These are two skillful men

who chose a different destiny for themselves.

Years later, one man headed to the White House to change the course of history for generations to come by entering into the pantheon of American history as a major political force, and to put America on the map as a leader on the ever evolving question of a multiracial democracy fighting to expand itself and to continue to give full meaning to the notion that “all men are created equal,” because a competent Black man is now the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The other man wallowing and wiggling in hubris and intoxicated with political power began to sink into the pool of political and legal troubles that would arrest his future. Kilpatrick, blinded by his own follies and youthful exuberance coupled with some opportunists masking as trusted advisors whose only response to a new and exciting leadership abounding with untold opportunities for success, was “Yes sir,” instead of protesting and resigning to send a signal when the ship, by all accounts, was headed for a Titanic-type calamity.

Instead of trying to change course

See KILPATRICK page A-4

Legal battle over Haiti mission continues

Funeral arrangements are being handled by O.H. Pye Funeral Home, 17600 Plymouth Road. Services will be at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 2260 Hunt Street.

Viewing will be at O.H. Pye, Sunday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m..

Family hour will be at St. Paul A.M.E., March 18, at 10 a.m., and the funeral will be at 11 a.m.

By Patrick Keating

WHAT’S INSIDE

CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Foundation helps youth (Page A-2) Since 2006, the nonprofit Park West Foundation has helped more than 350 young women and men in the foster care system.

McQuade applauded

(Page B-1)

ARISE Detroit! will be part of the new Detroit One anti-crime campaign, soon to be launched by Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

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michiganchronicle.com

MAYOR DAVE BING speaks with Bankole Thompson, editor of the Michigan Chronicle, during an interview in his office last week. — Andre Smith photos

Mayor Bing: State Treasurer sent mixed messages to Detroit Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, in an exclusive interview with Bankole Thompson last week in his office, charged that State Treasurer Andy Dillon sent mixed messages to different Detroit civic groups, lamenting that he wished Dillon had been straightforward in his meetings with various government and civic organs in the city. Bing also said he is ready to work with the emergency manager whenever he is named and won’t sit at city hall without the power to effect change. Following are excerpts from that interview.

honest, you are not going to fix our problems in 18 months. But I think because of the emergency manager coming in with the support of Lansing, it means Lansing is going to have to come to the table more so than they have. Because it’s on his (the governor’s) watch as well as mine.

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE: From your vantage point, what is Detroit going to be under an emergency manager?

MC: Like what?

DAVE BING: I think the emergency manager, because it is an 18-months time frame, let’s be

If we don’t fix some of the problems or at least start moving in the right direction, then we are all failures and I don’t think anybody wants that title. So the emergency manager from my vantage point is going to help us do some things that we couldn’t do.

DB: I think the City Charter is a major impediment. There was a rewrite of the Charter based on

See Bing page A-4

In the ongoing legal battle between People’s Community Hope for Homes (aka the Caring and Sharing Mission) and Mitch Albom and A Hole in the Roof Foundation (AHIR), an Oakland County Circuit Court judge has ruled against the former, the plaintiffs/counter-defendants in the case. However, their attorney says they are not giving up.

“We feel very comfortable that it’s going to be reversed,” said attorney Ivie Shelton.

In a 16-page opinion and order, Judge Leo Bowman denied the plaintiffs’ requests for attorneys fees and costs, and granted the defendants’ motion for summary disposition.

According to court documents, on Sept. 8, 2012, the plaintiffs filed a complaint for legal and equitable relief, citing fraud, misrepresentation, negligence, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, interference with a business relationship, slander, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Eric Scheible, the attorney representing AHIR, said he was pleased with the judge’s ruling. He said it supports what AHIR has claimed all along, that the claims of the Caring and Sharing Mission do not have any merit.

Rev. John Hearn, now 85, found-

See haiti page A-4

news

Park West Foundation helps youth transition out of foster care

By Patrick Keating

CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Since 2006, the nonprofit Park West Foundation has helped more than 350 young women and men in the foster care system transition into the “real world.�

According to Program Director Saba Gebrai, the organization partners with the Department of Human Services and contracted agencies that are directly serving young people in foster care, as well as those who are aging out.

Among the services the Park West Foundation provides are helping these youth with housing, transportation, jobs, and clothing. It also provides them with tuition assistance for college.

Gebrai said the foundation was established

by Albert and Mitsie Scaglione, the founders of the Park West Gallery in Southfield.

She also said people end up in foster care for a variety of reasons, and not necessarily because the parent or guardian had his or her parental rights revoked. A parent may have died or might be suffering a terminal illness, or he or she is in the military and has been deployed overseas, among other possibilities.

Often children who enter the system are in need of relationships. “So we form relationships that allow us to identify problems,� she said.

Gebrai added that the foundation has a program called Blue Babies, which helps young adults leaving the foster care system with things like college applications and job skills.

According to Gebrai, youth in foster care are often stigmatized because of a misperception that they’ve committed crimes or otherwise done something wrong, and been sent away as a result.

In part this misperception has come about because agencies that receive both kinds of kids may have housed them together or may have serviced them together.

She added the ironic note that while youth in foster care in general are stigmatized, the fact that a specific young man or woman is in foster care is concealed from schools and communities. “People aren’t able to identify them, but they are not able to service them as a result,� she said.

One young man, which the foundation didn’t get to work with that well, wrote multiple people in Sterling Heights to find his own foster parents. “And he graduated successfully from high school to enter Harvard,� she said. “He’s a Michigan foster youth. So there are people who manage to stay out of being just a number in the system.

There are kids who manage to graduate from college. But some of those problems still continue.

We stay with the young people as long as they’re willing. Even after they’re cut off.�

One young woman being helped by the Park West Foundation is 19year-old Melitza Del Valle, a freshman at Wayne State University. She’s part of a program called TIP (Transition to Independence), which helps foster care youth.

Wayne State is one of seven schools that receive state funds to assist youth in foster care. The Park West Foundation is a partner of the TIP program. “It’s a new program, it just started this year,� she said. “Students on campus may not be aware this program exists.�

Del Valle has been in foster care for 12 years.

She said when she applied for Wayne State they asked if she’d been in foster care and she said yes.

She subsequently got a

March13-19, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Melitza Del Valle

phone call from a woman she described as a campus coach who asked her if she needed anything. Del Valle said she didn’t have a bed. About three days later Gebrai came to her apartment with a bed, dresser and kitchen supplies. “I was like, ‘Are you serious? I just wanted a bed,’� Del Valle said.

Because campus life was too expensive and she didn’t want to take out any loans, Del Valle lived with her sister her first semester, splitting the bills. She got her own apartment the second semester, so she could be closer to campus.

Del Valle said she’d do anything Gebrai asked of her. “One of the things that’s required of our youth is that they have to do community service,�

Gebrai said. “They are very much involved in giving back to the community, so when they have needs, we’re there, and when the community has needs, they’re there.�

In January, Del Valle was one of the lead managers for a project the Park West Foundation cosponsored called Jump Shot Your Future. Among other things, it let 14-25year-old youth who are or were in foster care know how to pursue a post-secondary education. Several universities and organizations were involved. “We had a lot of youth working on it, and she’s one of our number one volunteers that helped to pull it together and make sure youth were aware of this project,� Gebrai said of Del Valle.

Del Valle said she likes that she gets leadership opportunities. “I think that’s something a lot of young people need to learn at this age, especially when you’re in foster care,� she said. “Because once you’re 18, you’re considered an adult and you don’t get a lot of help. Unless you go into voluntary foster care, where they support you until you’re 21.�

Del Valle is in voluntary foster care.

She said she didn’t grow up with a set of parents or even one stable person to raise her and teach her things she needed to know for when she becomes an adult. “When I get leadership opportunities, I almost feel like that’s me being an adult,� she said. “She was telling us what to do,� Gebrai said of Del Valle’s responsibilities with Jump Shot Your Future.

She added that another young woman at Wayne State came up with the title.

HOW TO CONTACT US:

“To make it cool,� she explained. “That’s another thing, because there’s so many empty promises to youth that they just get discouraged sometimes about good resources. So how do we make it cool for them?

The whole concept was designed by them, really.

And then we have to get approval from them. Will this work? That’s kind of our secret, that we really let them do the work for a lot of the parts, even in serving each other. A lot of the services we provide, they do it.�

One such service is a “store� that provides everything from clothing to furniture at no cost.

Gebrai said previous “stores� had been set up at temporary locations, but there’s a plan to open up two or three permanent ones.

Everyone in the foster care system is notified about these items being available. Those in residential foster care are brought by the workers.

Those who are living independently can register and come by themselves.

The Park West Foundation is also helping to provide transportation for the 2013 Michigan Teen Conference, scheduled for June 19-20 at Ferris State University. The event is for youth age 1421 who are in foster care or who have been in foster care for at least one day.

Events include post secondary education options, funding resources, information on rental housing and financial sense.

Students are not only exposed to resources, but also have an opportunity to interact with people from across the state who’ve had similar experiences. “And to be able to know they’re not alone, but at the same time to have practical resources available for them at a two day conference,� she said.

County Youth in Transition funds and Michigan Youth Opportunities Funding can be used to pay for young men and women to attend the conference, according to a conference flyer.

Asked in what way the Park West Foundation has made a difference for he, personally, Del Valle said the support she’s received has been the biggest thing. “When you’ve been a foster child for so long, you don’t really have a lot of moral support,� she said, adding that having someone on your side, who wants to see you succeed, is one of the most valuable things.

Del Valle, who is studying pre-pathology and wants to be a forensic pathologist, added that without the Park West Foundation she wouldn’t feel like she could be successful in college. The organization gave her more confidence to want to continue in school.

For more information, call 1-800-521-9654, ext.

1281 or visit www.parkwestgallery.org and click on “philanthropy.�

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Page A-2

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page A-3

Duggan enters mayoral race, takes his case to students at WCCCD

By Britney Spear

to struggle years later. Duggan offered what he feels is a more appropriate solution.

CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER After officially announcing his run for Detroit mayor, making him the first major White candidate in recent history to stake a serious claim on the highest office in Detroit, Mike Duggan, former CEO of the Detroit Medical Center, hit the pavement to connect with potential voters.

“You must face reality as it is, not as you wish it to be,” he said.

Duggan recounted the current mayor and city council’s failure to address the deficit “honestly.” He expressed that there is a strong necessity to take action.

Not even a snowstorm could stop the candidate’s momentum last week when he unveiled his plans to bring Detroit back at the Samaritan Center on Detroit’s east side.

But Duggan did not end his announcement there. He spoke one-on-one with residents and students at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) in Detroit during an educational forum presented by the college’s Global Conversation Speaker Series titled “Addressing Detroit’s Critical Future: A Conversation Between Mike Duggan and Bankole Thompson.”

The forum which explored a myriad of issues as Thompson, a respected moderator on public policy issues and editor of the Michigan Chronicle, who has moderated similar forums with diverse leaders on different topics including Governor Rick Snyder, Mayor Dave Bing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Gerald Rosen, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, among others, brought up a litany of hot button issues with Duggan.

Participants were given the opportunty to ask the candidate pressing questions about Detroit’s future.

When asked his motivation for entering the race, Duggan said, “I came here from my own conclusion.”

Born and raised in Detroit, Duggan described his unwavering loyalty to the city. It is one that has existed since his college days as a law student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“My friends all wanted to go to Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta. I only wanted to be in one place. I wanted to be in Detroit.”

Referencing his past positions, he noted that each one

Mike Duggan has been in close radius to the city’s center. His last five positions were within two miles of WCCCD’s downtown campus.

guard Company made the largest investment in Detroit’s history, putting over $800 million into DMC renovations.

Duggan’s résumé stands out.

He worked as a county attorney and Deputy Wayne County Executive before managing the SMART bus system. Perhaps his most recent positions are what he’s best known for: serving as Wayne County Prosecutor and later, CEO of the Detroit Medical Center.

“When people said you need to close down the hospitals in Detroit and move them to the suburbs, we proved them wrong,” said Duggan.

Duggan candidly described how he plans to restore Detroit to its former greatness.

A city desperate for answers seeks someone who can deliver undisputable results. Duggan talked specifics, drawing parallels between Detroit’s current condition and that of the DMC in 2003 before assuming the CEO position. He used the example to describe just how he intends to implement improvement.

The DMC’s history is one that most Detroiters are familiar with. What used to be threehour emergency room waits was a main factor in driving patients away from its facilities. Under Duggan’s management, the “29 minute” program guaranteed patient care before paperwork, ultimately bringing patrons back to the center’s hospitals. So much so that doctors returned, and others began to restore belief in the medical system. As a result, the Van-

Noting the transformation of the DMC, Duggan also reiterated that his team members came directly from the community. He made a convincing case for the fact that he has what it takes to change Detroit’s current state of affairs.

“The kind of mayor you need happens to match up with my background,” he stated.

When asked about the biggest challenge he anticipates facing in the election, Duggan cited the reality of racial division. However, he also expressed that he believes building a rapport with residents will overcome this potential barrier.

“If we’re going to get past the racial gap, we can’t do it in 30-second TV ads. We’ve got to do it in rooms like this,” said Duggan.

The mayoral candidate has forged relationships within the community by meeting individuals and addressing their concerns with tangible solutions.

Duggan mentioned that he has held regular “house parties” with residents, visiting salons,

churches and even the basements of local homes.

“The people in this city are fighters, they are extremely angry about the violence and want to be safe,” said Duggan.

When asked about Forbes’ recent rating of Detroit as the “Most Miserable City,” Duggan expressed a sentiment shared with most residents, and the need to end embarrassing narratives about the city. But he also asserted that action is what is needed to get the job done.

“You don’t turn around your image by hiring PR firms. You start when you stop embarrassing yourself, and make new accomplishments,” said Duggan.

Acknowledging Dave Bing as a friend, he nevertheless identified what he considers the current mayor’s critical mistakes that he hopes to avoid if voted into office.

“There’s an art to turning around government and management,” Duggan said. “We need a turnaround administration and it’s not something that fits his strong suit.”

Duggan also protested the possibility of an emergency financial manager, saying there is no evidence to prove the success of such appointments. He referenced the cities of Benton Harbor and Ecorse, pointing out that after having undergone a state takeover they continue

After answering questions from the moderator, Duggan responded to inquiries regarding such issues as crime prevention, budget cuts, abandoned homes, and building the economy. He addressed each area, again calling attention to his previous work and the progress made during that time. He also expressed how he will use that experience to respond to Detroit’s challenges if elected.

The candidate suggested three major goals he will work on in his first year as mayor that include lowering the rate of violent crimes, getting street lights back on and getting abandoned buildings occupied. Duggan believes that if those three things can be accomplished, the community’s overall feelings will greatly change in the next few years.

Despite growing concerns about the city’s financial state, Duggan reiterated that all is not lost.

“We can do a lot more with the resources we have,” he said.

Detroit is in need of a turnaround.

Is Mike Duggan the man to do it? More events like the forum at Wayne County Community College District will allow Duggan and other mayoral candidates to engage directly with residents and potential voters.

Will the proven track record Duggan is citing and connecting with the community be enough to sway voters in the 2013 mayoral election?

The WCCCD forum was part of an ongoing educational effort to hear from candidates running for office in Detroit and to allow them to speak to students, the future leaders of Detroit and the region.

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Kilpatrick quickly in the middle of the political ocean he was swimming in, the former mayor displayed arrogance and thought everyone was fixated on him, or obsessed with the earring he wore and later stoppd wearing after multiple complaints to his advisors about how a sitting mayor wearing an earring like a rap star defies the conventional appearance pattern of an executive of a major city.

Many reminded Kilpatrick that he was not elected as “the hip-hop mayor.”

He was elected as mayor of the city of Detroit. He blamed the media for all of his issues and not once pointed the finger at himself as an elected official who swore to uphold the public trust.

While the media has an obligation to always report the facts and to do so without bias or animosity, Kilpatrick was the one elected by the people of Detroit, not the media that he waged a very public battle with.

Every politician wages battles with the media, but the smart ones soon realize that the media did not elect them and thus fighting an unwinnable battle was hopeless.

Inasmuch as the media exists to serve as the space between the elected and the electorate, ensuring transparency and accountability, the obligation for Kilpatrick was to those who chose him to serve when he rode triumphantly into office at only 31 years of age, becoming one of the youngest mayors of a major city in the country’s history.

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara McQuade, who was named by President Obama to the post, said in prosecuting the “Kilpatrick enterprise,” her office was sending a strong message to those called to elected office to work diligently for the people, not to line their pockets.

Elected office is a privilege and an honor and should not be the center of gravity for things that defy the spirit of that office.

Much has been made about individuals and companies who collaborated with Kilpatrick and others indicted in the corruption schemes that were unraveled in federal court. While it is true that the collaborators should be held accountable as

well, the burden of demonstrating stewardship of the public trust is on the official elected by the people or appointed to serve the people.

In any case, where tax dollars are at stake, there should be a higher degree of accountability, probity and transparency. That is the standard all public officials should be held to.

The trial of Kwame Kilpatrick represented one of the most intriguing legal cases and certainly will be remembered as an instructive study for everyone seeking to enter public office about what to avoid that will create the appearance of impropriety.

With this trial came one of the most racially diverse juries in the history of the Eastern District of Michigan, including five African Americans and one Hispanic, who were part of the jury that rendered the verdict on a man who once symbolized Black electoral power.

The diversity of the jury pool at the federal system has been a source for concern until the federal court commissioned a study to look at ways to enhance racial diversity on juries with federal judges Denise Page Hood and Victoria Roberts leading the study, backed

by Chief Judge Gerald Rosen.

All three judges representing the federal bench and McQuade as well as the Chief Federal Defender Miriam Siefer engaged on a series of community conversations to address the importance of jury service and racial diversity on juries.

The result was Kilpatrick having one of the most racially diverse juries in the judicial system in Detroit as a benefit of democracy, and the effort of the court taking an inward look at how it once operated. The challenge now is for the court to maintain that standard of racial diversity.

The challenge for elected officials and those candidates filing for public office to run for mayor and city council is to not repeat history and to show the world that Detroit is far more than the sum total of the Kilpatrick conviction.

The conviction of the former mayor should belong to the gallery of public corruption, period, which happens everywhere, and not to the

Haiti

From page A-1 image or the character of Detroit. It is biting because Kilpatrick leaves his sons behind and a wife who will now have to confront the challenge of ensuring a future for those children. His public malfeasance abruptly ended his mother, former Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick’s service in Congress when she lost reelection.

The convictions on racketeering and extortion should symbolize greed by a select group of individuals who abused their power, and not a blanket condemnation of Detroit’s present leadership.

The lesson in the Kilpatrick saga can best be summed up in Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s book “The Brothers Karamazov,” a work that demonstrates one of the greatest sagas of political literature with moral struggles at the core of the human experience, and how one emerges depends on their own fortitude. The question is, can we balance the scales so that evil does not outweigh good?

Could Kwame Kilpatrick have balanced the scales so he wouldn’t have been weighed down by corruption?

Dostoyevsky, the father of political and moral literature, should be recommended reading for public officials and those seeking public office to gain profound insight for enlightened leadership that benefits from classical exposition.

Dostoyevsky said, “Man has it all in his hands, and it all slips through his fingers from sheer cowardice.”

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

ed the Caring and Sharing Mission in Haiti more than 30 years ago, said Ben Mejabi, a friend of Hearn’s.

According to Shelton, Albom had drawn up an ambiguous contract, which could be interpreted in different ways.

always been on its website. He also said Shelton was put on notice of that in a letter written back in August.

“He started the mission,” Mejabi said. “He bought land and developed property and has been working for many years with the mission.”

Shelton said the language of the agreement would not be clear to the averag person.

“For them to say they don’t have access to those is false,” Scheible stated.

According to Mejabi, after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010, various “celebrities,” including Mitch Albom, went down there and were introduced to the mission.

“He offered to work with the mission, to help raise funds from the U.S.,” Mejabi said. “Mitch suggested they could have a deeper relationship and started to draft a series of agreements that the reverend was supposed to sign.”

Mejabi also said that after the agreement was signed, Albom started to try to exert more and more control over the operation of the mission, and he started to pressure both Rev. Hearn and the late Florence Moffett, a missionary, into signing over title for the property of the mission.

Rev. Hearn said that as things progressed, Albom wanted more control of the mission and the property.

“That was not a part of the operating agreement,” Hearn said. “But he threatened me in the sense that if I did not sign it over to him he would sue me.”

Hearn also said Albom threatened to take his home and throw him in jail.

Scheible, for his part, described the contract as “explicitly clear and unequivocal.” He said it states that pursuant to the terms of the contract, Hearn agreed to AHIR being in charge of the day-to-day operations. He pointed out that there is no basis to argue when they agreed to that two years ago. He also noted that the threat to take Hearn’s home is not unfounded.

Mejabi said Albom used the agreement to get his foot in the door.

“But he has subsequently fired employees, taking control of the mission,” he said. “He has armed guards at the mission right now as we speak. He’s barred Rev. Hearn from visiting his own mission.”

Shelton also said that, predicated upon the language in the contract, not only has Albom committed misrepresentation and fraud, he has breached his fiduciary duties because the agreement required that he be the one responsible for doing the bulk of the fundraising.

“And yet he has not provided an accounting of one dollar of those monies that he allegedly acquired on behalf of the mission,” Shelton said.

Scheible said AHIR’s financial documents have

March 13-19, 2013 Page A-4

Scheible said he cannot speak about the allegation of fired employees as he doesn’t know who was employed before AHIR became involved.

Regarding the allegations of armed guards, Scheible said his understanding is that there has always been a security guard or guards because of general security issues in Haiti. He also said it’s not uncommon to have them in various places in Haiti.

Scheible noted that before AHIR became involved, kids at the mission “maybe got one meal a day.” According to him, there was no running water and the toilet was a hole in the ground with cinder blocks around it.

He also said there was one shower at best and no guarantee about electricity. He pointed out that now kids have full-time teachers on site, running water, showers, classrooms, three meals a day, a doctor and a nurse, and they get all the medicine they need.

“I can tell you unequivocally that A Hole in the Roof Foundation’s mission there is to ensure that these kids have a safe place to learn, and in a lot of cases be raised because they’re orphans,” Scheible said.

At press time, the two parties had yet to return to the courtroom.

Andre Smith photos

DAVE BING shared his thoughts with Chronicle editor Bankole Thompson.

Manager

what was happening with the last administration. I think they went way too far and it handcuffs us from doing things that we need to do.

The first thing was a corporation counsel and that became a big issue.

You couldn’t do what you needed to do. Then you couldn’t privatize, outsource anything without going through multiple steps that slowed the process down. You talk about the police commission. There were things that could have been done before that you can’t do now.

One of the things we need to do is to go back and look at what changes need to be made in the Charter and then talk about the process of so many things that need to be done going through city council for their approval.

And there’s been a lot of push and pull between the city council and the executive office because there are things that we feel like are the right things to do, we need to do and we need to move it fast. Tthey slowed the process down in a lot of cases. You can look at what’s happening at the pension board. There is a major issue there.

Look at labor agreements, those are impediments that keep us from moving as fast as we need to be.

So with the emergency manager he can get around all of that and make things happen quicker.

From page A-1 coming in they need us to get through all of the minutiae and I think we can play a significant role.

MC: Would it make more sense to get an emergency manager from this area rather than someone from out-of-state?

DB: It depends on the capability, the intellect and the capacity of the person. If we had that kind of talent here, what would happen? The problem of getting somebody local would be the politics.

MC: Charlie Beckham, who worked for you and left your administration, has been shopping to be the emergency manager.

DB: Never happened.

(Laughs) Wasn’t a serious candidate and Charlie worked for five different mayors in several different departments, and all of them are still screwed up. So how in the hell is he going to be an emergency manager and fix anything when he had the opportunity to work in certain departments and things didn’t get fixed?

MC: The governor disagreed with my assessment last week that an emergency manager is a huge gamble for Detroit.

Do you feel that it is a gamble?

DB: It is a huge risk.

There is absolutely no doubt about that. That’s why I’ve taken the position that I’ve taken. I’m more interested in... not about some political future. I’m not all hung up in my ego. We are here for one reason and one

“I would not stay here and be somebody who just cuts ribbons and kisses babies.

That’s not what I came here to do.”

MC: What role will you play under an emergency manager?

DB: I can’t tell you what that role is right now. We’ll have to sit down once he’s identified and comes in. I think we need to figure out my role, we need to figure out council’s role. In particular we need to figure out the role that the state is going to play. All of that has to be negotiated.

I would not stay here and be somebody who just cuts ribbons and kisses babies. That’s not what I came here to do. If I can’t move my initiatives forward, which would be public safety, lights, public transportation, blight, recreation — those are the five things I think have the greatest impact on our citizens.

So I want to do what’s best for our citizens so that they can improve their quality of life. Once again, I need my team in place. A lot of people think that they know what is happening at city government. I can tell you they don’t. You’ve got to spend some time here to understand that. So somebody coming from the outside,

respectful of each other.

MC: The opposition to an emergency manager has pointed to Benton Harbor and other cities where financial recovery has not been immediate.

What would like to see happen in the first six months of an emergency manager?

DB: I think there’s a misconception that an emergency manager is going to solve the problems. That’s not the case.

What kind of resources will the emergency manager get to help solve the problems? He’s going to need some money. That’s got to come from the state. He’s going to need some people. I’m not sure where they are going to come from.

Without that, all the plans that we have in place, and we do have plans, won’t be executed.

It’s all about executing the plans. So if you talk about a six-month window, is it a low hanging fruit? Probably so. Can we put some of the lights on? I think so, but you’ve got have money to do it. Can you put Belle Isle back on the table? I think so.

MC: Do you want to see council play a role?

DB: Council will play a role. I’m not sure what it is. It depends. I think the governor has made it clear, if you don’t want to work get out of the way.

I’ve already said I’m going to work with the emergency manager because in order for us to move forward that needs to happen. There are some council people who may want to work with the emergency manager, there may be others that don’t want to. And the governor has made it clear MC: There’s been talk in the political grapevine that the Office of the Treasurer under Andy Dillon played a different ballgame on the financial negotiations with Detroit than what was coming through from the governor’s office. Is this true and did you feel that way?

reason only and that is to solve some of the problems that this city has had for the last 40 or 50 years.

So if the state is going to step in and be helpful with that, I’m OK with it.

Ultimately, what I think we have to do is work as hard as we can together and solve as many problems as we can in this 18-month period. And the city council has the authority to displace the emergency manager. If we don’t do that we are going to elongate the process.

I don’t think anybody wants to do that. We must work together.

MC: Your relationship with the governor has evolved. You came from presiding over his inauguration to the tug of war over the consent agreement. What is the state of your relationship with the governor now?

DB: I think we’ve got a professional relationship.

I respect him and what he is responsible for from a state standpoint. And I think he respects me in terms of what I’m responsible for from a city standpoint. We may not always agree, but I think we are

DB: Andy Dillon from a personality standpoint may not have been the right guy. I don’t know what his agenda is, but I think there is more than one agenda. Andy got in the way and got in the mix of a lot of things that I don’t think he should have. That is, trying to interface with all of the constituencies here in Detroit whether it was faith based or my office, city council, labor.

MC: Do you think he was trying to be the mayor?

DB: Maybe the governor. I don’t think he wanted to be the mayor.

But I wish that he had handled it a different way.

MC: You didn’t think it was appropriate talking to different civic groups in the community?

DB: Depending on what your agenda was. If the message is the same to everybody, maybe it could have worked better.

We talked. The city council got a message different from ours in some cases.

Labor got a message that’s different. Faith-based organizations got a message that was different. You’ve got be straightforward and honest with people and have the same message for everybody.

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE March 13-19, 2013 Page A-5 news Fuel economy up, but Sexual Assault Awareness consumption up more Month: Turning Point tackles prevention Although vehicle fuel economy has improved 40 percent since 1970, the total amount of fuel used has increased by more than half, says a University of Michigan researcher.

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Turning Point Inc., Macomb County’s only domestic violence and sexual assault services agency, is calling attention to some disturbing statistics about trends relating to assault. Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. Teens and adolescents are at greater risk for sexual assault than any other age group and least likely to report the assault or seek help. Turning Point believes that education is empowering.

Using data from the U.S. Department of Transportation from 1970 to 2010, Michael Sivak of the U-M Transportation Research Institute examined the impact of changes in vehicle fuel economy, distance traveled and vehicle load (number of occupants) on fuel consumption and the potential effects of future changes on reductions of fuel used for personal transportation.

By promoting public knowledge and the importance of preventive education, the goal of Turning Point and SAAM is to show communities how to stop abuse. This year, in conjunction with award winning author Danielle McGuire, Turning Point will tell the story of Rosa Parks involvement with the special battle Af-

Sivak found that during the 40-year period, vehicle distance traveled increased 155 percent overall, but because vehicle load fell 27 percent, occupant distance traveled rose only 84 percent.

Vehicle fuel economy (of the entire fleet of lightduty vehicles) improved from 7.7 gallons/100 miles to 4.6 gallons/100 miles. However, because of the decrease in vehicle load, occupant fuel economy improved by just 17 percent. “As a consequence of the changes in vehicle fuel economy, vehicle distance traveled and vehicle load, the total amount of fuel used increased by 53 percent,� Sivak said.

Looking forward, Sivak said that a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy for the entire vehicle fleet would result in an 18 percent drop in the

rican American women faced fighting sexual assault and violence. While much has been written about Rosa Parks and civil rights, little has come forth on her heroic stance on abuse of women. McGuire tells this story in well researched detail and will speak at Turning Point’s Spirit Of Leadership Awards dinner on Thursday, May 16. Details at www.turningpointmacomb.org. “We are dedicated to bringing these issues before the public: One in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys age 18 and under are victims of sexual assault,� says Turning Point’s CEO, Sue Coats “And surprisingly, most victims know and even trust their abusers. While sexual violence is prevalent, especially among the young, it is preventable.�

March is National Red Cross Month

amount of fuel used—due to a rebound effect in which about 10 percent of the gain in fuel economy would be lost due to an increased amount of travel. “Importantly, however, changes in fuel economy of new vehicles take a long time to substantially influence the fuel economy of the entire fleet,� he said. “This is the case because it takes a long time to turn over the fleet. Consequently, an 18 percent reduction in fuel used by vehicles

purchased in a given year—due to a 20 percent improvement in their fuel economy—would result in only about a 1 percent reduction of the fuel used by the entire fleet. “The required long lead time to substantially influence the fuel economy of the entire fleet has been used to argue that policy emphasis should be on reducing vehicle distance traveled through an increased fuel tax—which would have an immediate fleet-wide effect.�

‘Art X Detroit’ “Art X Detroit: Kresge Arts Experience� will take over Midtown this spring as the free, five-day experience celebrates Detroit’s arts scene, April 10-14. Throughout more than a dozen venues in the Midtown Detroit district, the public is invited to experience an exciting collection of dance, music and theatrical performances, literary readings, workshops, panel discussions and

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much more created by the Kresge Eminent Artists and Artist Fellows.

A special visual arts exhibition runs through April 28, at MOCAD. Art X Detroit is funded by The Kresge Foundation.

A complete schedule of events is available at:Â www.artxdetroit.com.

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news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page A-6

Education Department releases new school-level graduation rate data The U.S. Department of Education recently released provisional schoollevel graduation rates for Michigan’s high schools in 2010-11 – the first school year for which all states used a common, rigorous measure for reporting high school graduates. The data release furthers the Department’s efforts to provide transparent information to parents and students about their schools and ensure all schools are preparing students for college and careers.

Previously, the variety of methods states used to report high school graduation rates made comparisons among states unreliable. While the new measure is not comparable to previously reported rates, it provides a more accurate snapshot of high school graduation and can inform schools’ efforts to improve going forward. States, districts and schools can use the new, common metric to promote greater accountability and to develop strategies that will reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates in schools nationwide.

“Having good information is critical to making good decisions, and these high school graduation rates are a vital tool to help parents and school leaders make useful comparisons of student growth and success,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “These data will also help state, district and school leaders better gauge progress and support their work to help more students graduate on time, ready for college and careers.”

The transition to a common, four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate reflects states’ efforts to create greater uniformity and transparency in reporting high school graduation data, and it meets the requirements of October 2008 federal regulations. A key goal of these regulations was to develop a graduation rate that provides parents, educators and community members with better information on schools’ progress while allowing for meaningful comparisons of graduation rates across states and school districts. The new graduation rate measurement also accurately accounts for students who drop out or who do not earn a regular high school diploma.

Focus on kidneys during National Kidney Month March is National Kidney Month and March 14 is World Kidney Day. The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is encouraging all Michigan residents to give their kidneys a well-deserved check up and learn more about kidney disease in order to prevent or delay its onset.

Your kidneys have a critical role: they filter 200 liters of blood a day, help regulate blood pressure, and direct red blood cell production. But they are also prone to disease; 1 in 3 Americans is at risk for kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.

Early kidney disease has no symptoms and can become kidney failure with little or no warning, which is why it has been called the “silent killer.”

There are more than 900,000 Michigan adults who already have kidney disease, and most don’t know it.

Kidney disease can be treated and prevented or delayed. Together, diabetes and hypertension lead to over 70% of kidney failure cases. By controlling your diabetes, prediabetes, or hypertension, the chances of developing kidney disease can be reduced.

Help fight kidney disease in Michigan during National Kidney Month!

For more information about preventing and controlling kidney disease, or details about local events and workshops during Kidney Month, please visit www.nkfm.org or call the NKFM at (800) 482-1455.

Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, graduation rates calculated using this new method will become a key element of accountability systems for states, including those that have been approved for ESEA flexibility.

States report these rates to the Department, and the data set released today will be updated in the coming months as additional states report

high school graduation rates and the Department works with states to finalize their data. Idaho, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Puerto Rico have timeline extensions to calculate the new rate, and three additional states – California, Delaware and South Dakota – submitted data which have not yet been validated. Those states are not included in today’s release, and at this time, the Department

does not have a national rate.

The release follows the Department’s release of 2010-11 state-level high school graduation rates last fall, which can be found by visiting http:// www.eddataexpress. ed.gov/. To view the data, visit https://explore.data. gov/Education/AdjustedCohort-Graduation-Ratesat-the-school-lev/m5pw2ea9.

section B

Community Powered by Real Times Media

michiganchronicle.com

Letter from the president

March 13-19, 2013

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

David Girodat

Tax Time

Personal finance is an interesting term that is often misunderstood, even by those who run successful businesses. It is not uncommon for people spanning from business leader to laborer to pay less attention to their own finances than they do their everyday job. As a result, families miss opportunities to save enough each month, remortgage their home at the right time or establish an education fund when the children are born. We often don’t ask the right questions, such as how does the retirement planning work or should we finance that car and own it or lease it. And the biggest violation of the principles of personal finance of all is that only a very small percentage of American families actually have a household budget that is planned out and used as a guide for monthly spending.

If you are among those that really don’t practice personal finance management, don’t feel bad because you are not alone.

But I encourage you to take steps this month to get some control over your finances and develop a game plan on how you will manage them. It is really just deciding how you intend to spend your money, both short-term and down the road, and making a plan and sticking to it.

The first step is to develop a budget. What expenses do you have each month? What expenses will you have down the road? Plan you finances like you will live your life, in stages. Newlywed, formative family, prime earning years, empty nesting and retirement.

If you think about what you will need for each stage of life, you can build a budget that takes care of today’s expenses and sets aside what you need for tomorrow.

Then think about your spending habits and what you need to do to have them conform to your plan. The most important lesson our grandparents taught us from the residue of the Great Depression was personal accountability. For a period of time our savings rates in America grew to record levels over the past few years.

As recovery from the financial crisis becomes eminent the trends are heading in the other direction. We are spending more. Some of that is natural.

We put off buying big ticket items while our future was in doubt. Some of that is great for the economy. As consumers we fuel a big piece of the economic engine. But if we return to the days when we were living beyond our means as a result of conspicuous consumption we are not doing the economy or ourselves any good.

At Fifth Third we are committed to helping people manage their finances in ways that are best for them, not us.

We know that if we support our customers’ efforts with fiscal responsibility, in the long run everybody will prosper. As I often say, we are all in this together…and for the long journey, not the short cycle. Stop into a Fifth Third bank for a free financial needs analysis today and start your campaign for personal finance management.

Free support for income tax preparation is available

I

f you make less than $57,000 in adjusted gross income, you do not have to pay to have your taxes prepared. There are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs across the state of Michigan staffed with tax professionals who are ready to help you file your taxes at no charge.

VITA programs are available to low-to-middle income households and provide assistance with local, state and federal tax filings and credits. This also includes Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and Homestead Property Tax Credits, Home Heating and Child Tax Credits.

If you prefer to prepare your own taxes, you have the option to access free Web-based software that will help you complete your federal taxes for free. You may also be able to complete your state taxes online at no charge as well.

There are hundreds of VITA sites across the state. They are staffed with volunteers who can provide professional tax assistance to individuals to ensure their tax filings are timely, accurate and that clients receive available tax credits if they are eligible to claim them. The VITA volunteer staff are IRS-trained professionals who can prepare and e-file your returns, answer tax related questions or direct clients to resources and information needed, also at no charge.

and local organizations and public agencies that participate in VITA and other programs designed to assist low-to-moderate income families through a variety of programs.

The Michigan Economic Impact Coalition is committed to supporting work and reducing poverty for Michigan’s low-to-moderate income individuals and families through outreach on available tax credits and refunds, including the federal and state Earned Income Credit. It also promotes asset building, financial services and financial security.

There have been many changes in the Michigan Tax Law that became effective in 2012. The Earned Income Tax Credit, for example, has been reduced from 20% to 6%.

VITA volunteer professionals can help you understand how these changes affect you and what you may or may not be entitled to claim on your taxes.

If you decide to visit one of the VITA sites, keep in mind there are some documents you need to bring with you in order for your visit to be time well spent. Before scheduling an appointment, visit the Michigan Economic Impact Coalition at www. michiganeic.org to ensure you know what you need to bring to the appointment. Information and VITA site locations are also available at United Way of Southeastern Michigan at http://myfreetaxes.thebeehive.org/Michigan. You can also call United Way’s 2-1-1 or 1-800-5521183 (if 2-1-1 is unavailable in your area) or the Accounting Aid Society at http://accountingaidsociety.org/.

VITA is one of a number of programs administered by the Michigan Economic Impact Coalition and is made up of statewide

If you are interested in volunteering with a VITA program to be a tax preparer, you may contact any one of the organizations listed above for training sessions and more information.

STAND UP, SPEAK UP,

SAVE A LIFE

U.S. Attorney’s office campaign applauded by ARISE Detroit!

By Luther Keith

Speak Up, Save a Life.”

Executive Director, ARISE Detroit!

McQuade said Detroit One is patterned after a successful Washington D.C. campaign that eventually reduced the number of annual homicides in the nation’s capital from 400 to less than 100.

ARISE Detroit! will be part of the new Detroit One anti-crime campaign, soon to be officially launched by Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

In a recent meeting more than 50 community leaders, including Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, McQuade demonstrated that she is serious about orchestrating a dramatic reduction in murders and shootings in Detroit.

With the support of other law enforcement officials and community leaders, McQuade has called for a massive community mobilization against crime and said that Detroit should set a goal to cut by half last year’s total of 386 murders.

Mayor Bing announced Detroit One last month in his State of the City speech, noting its stated goal was to reduce the number of shootings in Detroit by 25 percent this year.

“Cutting murders by half this year is a lot but it’s good to set the bar high,” McQuade told me after the community meeting. “We want to make it happen.”

The overall goal of Detroit One is to engage the entire community, churches, community groups, businesses and law enforcement, in a holistic broad-based crime reduction effort. McQuade said that when the initiative is fully rolled out in a few weeks, its message will be: “Stand Up,

“We want to focus on getting the trigger pullers but we cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” McQuade said. “We all need to be one community.

Bing agreed.

“It’s about all of us coming to the table,” the mayor said. “There is Luther Keith power in numbers. We can’t give up superintendent for DPS, was also present. on our kids and can’t give up on our city.”

Some of the other community group parIn addition to better coordination and ticipants were Wendell Anthony, president crime data information sharing from fed- of the Detroit Branch NAACP, and represeneral, state and local law enforcement tatives of the Brightmoor Alliance, Think agencies, Detroit One will look for ways Detroit PAL, the Youth Connection, Crime to expand successful neighborhood crime Stoppers, the Detroit Anti-Violence Youth fighting efforts. This could include creat- Initiative, and the United Communities of ing a crime fighting clearing house to make America, led by Pastor Ovella Andreas. it easier for residents to participate in efMcQuade acknowledged there was no forts such as Crime Stoppers, community safety walks, as well as finding ways to pro- new federal money for the program at this vide more recreational and job opportuni- time. For now, it will take community work and community funding. ties for youth.

Funded by the Kresge Foundation, Roy Roberts, emergency financial man- ARISE Detroit! is a coalition of more than ager for Detroit Public Schools, also at- 400 organizations promoting volunteerism, tended the meeting and said DPS would be community activism and positive media “an integral part” of Detroit One. He said he images to create a better Detroit. would explores ways to make the schools To learn more, go to www.arisedetroit. more available as neighborhood recreation outlets. Dr. John Telford, interim school org or call 313-921-1955.

community

March 13-19, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page B-2

MSHDA’s Step Forward Michigan helps Michigan homeowners save their homes There is a lot of news lately about the housing market rebounding. Some Michigan homeowners may wonder if that is really accurate or if it’s just media spin. There are thousands of homeowners who are still suffering the aftershock of the 2008 economic crisis.

Some homeowners are underwater on their mortgage and some are afraid that any day there will be a visit from the Sherriff’s Office to foreclose on their home. If you are in one of these or a similar situation, there could be help for you.

Beginning Jan. 15, 2013 the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA) Step Forward Michigan began taking applications to assist homeowners located in participating counties with delinquent property taxes on their primary residence through MSHDA’s Loan Rescue Program. Eligible homeowners would have a one-time payment sent directly to the county treasurer to pay toward outstanding county and local property taxes. The maximum amount a home­owner may receive is $30,000.

This program helps home­owners who have fallen behind on their mortgage and/or property taxes and need help to catch up. Homeowners who have suffered a qualifying involuntary hardship may be eligible for this assistance if they can now sustain their mortgage and/or property taxes.

Eligible homeowners may request both mortgage and property tax assistance or property tax assistance only. There are some important caveats: the program is not available to homeowners who do not have any income and the program is not available to owners of residential rental or commercial properties.

If you have received a notice from your county treasurer requesting your presence at a show cause hearing it is important that you attend. You may set up a payment plan with the Treasurer’s Office.

This will prevent forfeiture of your home during the application process for

assistance from MSHDA’s Step Forward Michigan Program. If you have not receive notice and your taxes are delinquent from 2010, you should contact your county’s treasurer’s office immediately to establish a payment plan.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of the Treasury established the Hardest Hit Fund® to provide targeted aid to families in states hit hard by the economic and housing market downturn. The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation (MHA), acting through Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), received $498.6 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury to help some Michigan homeowners who are at high risk of losing their homes.

Fifth Third Bank is proud to be a participating partner with the Michigan’s Helping Hardest Hit Homeowners Program and may be able to help navigate struggling homeowners who meet the Hardest Hit program guidelines through the process.

If you are an eligible homeowner struggling to meet your monthly mortgage payment, delinquent in your mortgage payments due to unemployment or other hardships, acting now may help you save your home. These are the financial relief programs troubled home­ owners may be eligible to take advantage of: • Unemployment Mortgage Subsidy Program — helps unemployed home­owners stay in their homes by providing monthly mortgage payment assistance directly to their mortgage lender.

The program may provide up to the lesser of $1,000 or 50 percent of a homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment each month for a maximum of 12 months. The home­ owner is responsible for the remaining portion of the monthly payment.

To be eligible the homeowner or their spouse must actively be receiving State of Michigan unemployment benefits at the time of application and be able to

sustain their portion of the monthly payment.

Homeowners who are currently delinquent on their mortgage may also be awarded funds, that are not already reserved for the monthly payment assistance, toward the delinquent mortgage amount.

ance to reduce the negative equity, if the lender agrees to modify the existing mortgage terms to provide the homeowner a more affordable, sustainable payment.

• Principal Curtailment Program — helps homeowners who have negative equity. Maximum program reservation is $10,000 and requires a one-to-one match from the lender to equal a total amount of assistance of $20,000. These funds can be used to make a contribution toward the unpaid principal balance to reduce the negative equity, if the lender agrees to modify the existing mortgage terms to provide the homeowner a more affordable, sustainable payment. These funds can also be used toward a second mortgage lien if the first mortgage account is documented as current.

If you are at risk of losing your home, it is crucial that you do not

wait to act. If you need property tax relief assistance, contact your county treasurer’s office:

Macomb County Treasurer’s office: (586) 469-5190 Oakland County Treasurer’s office: (248) 858-0613 Wayne County Treasurer’s office: (313) 224-5990 Step Forward Michigan’s website has complete information on all of homeowner relief programs available to eligible homeowners and the application to apply for property tax assistance.

Visit the Step Forward Michigan website at www. stepforwardmichigan.org, or call the hotline at 866946-7432.

Success is an inside job

• Loan Rescue Program — helps homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage and/ or property taxes and need help catching up.

Homeowners who have endured a qualifying involuntary hardship that has caused them to fall behind may be eligible if they can now sustain their mortgage and/or property tax payment.

Funds can be used to assist with one of the following situations; 1) To fully reinstate a first lien mortgage delinquency, 2) To reinstate the first lien mortgage delinquency and make a contribution toward past due property taxes, 3) To reinstate a second mortgage lien delinquency only or contribute toward past due property taxes only, if the first lien mortgage is current.

By Chris Bryant It all begins with the right mindset. It may sound a bit cliché but the way you think about and view things will have a major impact on what you are ultimately able to achieve. Consider this: What’s the real difference between a professional athlete and an all-star or hall of fame athlete? One factor is Chris Bryant consistency and their mindset drives the ability to be so consistently good.

Personal Branding

Shamrocks provided a transformational experience for a bunch of ragtag boys and changed our mindsets forever. Many of us are still friends and have continued to apply that mindset of excellence in business. One is an executive in a major healthcare network, another is a senior vice president with Fifth Third Bank and a third is writing this article.

Strive to grow every day, give more than what’s expected and have nothing bare your name that does not reflect a mindset committed to quality.

A lot of professional basketball players can shoot 30 By Chris Bryant points on a given night but Brand Strategist Remember, success is few can do it night after night and especially when the pressure is on. first and foremost an inside job.

I learned this valuable lesson between Chris Bryant is a speaker, coach and the ages of 9 and 12 while playing little consultant who drives peak performance league football on the northeast side of in individuals and organizations. He forDetroit. Our uniforms and stadium were merly oversaw staff development for the not nearly as nice as the teams we were largest Ritz-Carlton in North America playing but we had a secret weapon. We and led a team of over one thousand emhad a coach who taught us not to be in- ployees to become a top ranked hotel timidated by external things and to em- in customer satisfaction. His programs brace a mindset of excellence no matter in personal branding, customer service what. It worked. and world class leadership are receiving rave reviews from clients. For more inforWe went virtually undefeated and mation visit www.ChrisBryantPresents. only lost one game in four years. Coach com or send e-mail to Info@ChrisBryantBlockett and the Northeast Detroit Presents.com

• Modification Plan Program — helps homeowners who may have fallen behind on their mortgage and homeowners with negative equity, who are struggling to sustain their monthly payment.

Funds can be used to pay the delinquent amount and/or make a contribution toward the unpaid principal bal-

Dealing with financial matters after the death of a spouse It is a sensitive subject that we avoid but, what would happen to you if your spouse passed away?

The death of a spouse can be a life altering event.

While many important financial matters can feel overwhelming, they can’t be put on hold during the grieving process. Understanding what steps to take can make the process more manageable.

1. Gather financial documents. As soon as you can, collect and organize all documents related to your finances such as financial statements, insurance policies, tax returns, your marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates and the deceased’s will.

2. Assess your current financial situation. The loss of an income can result in shortterm cash flow problems.

Assess your situation and trim expenses accordingly to ensure you can cover the basics while sorting out other matters.

3. Obtain extra copies of the death certificate. Most companies will require an original death certificate to change or close an account or issue an insurance claim. Your funeral home or the coroner’s office should be able to help you.

4. Update all accounts. Notify your financial institutions and insurance companies of your spouse’s death and change the information on accounts, titles and deeds. This also is a good time to update beneficiary designations on your insurance and investments such as your 401(k).

5. Contact your spouse’s employer. If your spouse was employed at the time of death, contact the company’s human resources department. There may have been a company-sponsored life insurance policy and your spouse may be owed for unpaid vacation time or other unclaimed benefits.

6. Contact past employers.

You may be entitled to a pension plan payment, particularly if your loved one worked for a government agency.

7. Call Social Security. If your spouse worked long enough to qualify, you may be entitled to benefits. In addition, minor children may qualify for separate benefits. Be sure to have their Social Security numbers handy when you call.

ACCESS 360˚ THE NEXT GENERATION OF CASH.

8. Contact any other applicable agencies and groups.

If your spouse was a veteran, you may be eligible for burialrelated benefits. Locate your spouse’s discharge papers and contact the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs office for more information.

Labor unions, groups and associations also may offer benefits or assistance if your spouse was a member.

9. Take your time. While it’s important to address certain debts and obligations right away, develop a long-term financial plan and explore tax implications before making major decisions.

10. Seek expert advice. It may be difficult to make decisions while dealing with grief. Seek input from a trusted team of advisers including your attorney, tax adviser, banker and financial planner to walk you through the above recommendations and help you understand your next steps and legal and tax requirements.

(800) 246-5372 Subject to credit and approval. Member FDIC.

QFRC16010000_Acess360_BW_MichChron(6.875x9.5).indd 1

12/5/12 10:42 AM

Community

March 13 ReverbNation and knowthebiz.com present “Independence Day for Music” 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 15 Wayne County Community College Present Young Women Strong Leaders Conference

Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan Celebrate the 34th Annual Salute to Distinguished Warriors Dinner

8 a.m.-3 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Center Dr.

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

Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center 21000 Northline Rd., Taylor

Join Michigan’s finest music talents for a day packed with education, fun and music. All genres of music are welcome.

This one-day event will provide skill development and professional mentoring opportunities to prepare young women for success in their professional life. The event connects young women with successful peers and women leaders in academic, corporate and political life.

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.

ToMarch register,16 visit: http://wrc.msu.edu/ywsl.php

March 16 The Charles Wright Museum and the Marriage Resource Center Celebrate Black Marriage Day 11 a.m.

Charles Wright Museum 315 E. Warren This nationally celebrated initiative encourages African Americans to embrace the institution of marriage by highlighting the deep-rooted historical role it has.

March 17 Sankofa Film Series Present: “Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice” 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

University of Michigan Detroit Center 3663 Woodward This PBS documentary chronicles the 40-year history and music of the African American female a capella group. The group has stayed true to its musical roots by combining jazz, blues and sacred songs such as spirituals and gospel music.

For more information, visit www.detroitcenter.umich.edu.

March 21

The annual dinner will recognize individuals for their significant human and civil rights contributions to our community.

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

March 22 Wolverine Bar Association 52nd Annual Barrister’s Ball 9 p.m.

Westin Book Cadillac 1114 Washington Blvd.

The theme for this year’s Ball is “Investing in Our Future Leaders.” WBA will honor members of the legal profession who have made significant contributions nurturing and developing the talents of aspiring lawyers.

For more information, call (313) 962-0250.

March 26

March. 13 -19, 2013

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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

April 26 Hartford Memorial Baptist Church Presents A Poetry/Spoken Word Month Celebration 4-6 p.m.

Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens The event will be hosted by hip-hop artist Joel “Fluent” Greene and poet Jessica Care Moore will be the headlining performer.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Detroit Alumnae Chapter in Association with the Minerva Education and Development Foundation Presents the 31st Annual Art Auction Benefit.

Detroit Medical Center Diabetes Alert Day Noon-4 p.m.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Donations will be accepted to support Hartford’s Hunger Task Force.

3 p.m.-7 p.m.

DMC Sinai Grace Hospital 6072 W. Outer Dr.

For more information, call (313) 758-1648.

DSTDFI Headquarters 24760 W. Seven Mile Rd.

This free one-day event includes diabetes education, risk assessments, blood pressure and glucose screenings, cooking and low and impact exercise demonstrations. Take charge of your health.

“Art for the Ages: 100 Years of Scholarship and Service” is a celebration of African American artists and art. Come enjoy an afternoon of fine art and entertainment while raising money to help young people achieve their dream of earning a college degree. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit www.detroitdeltas.com.

For more information, call (313) 966-3132.

Email Your Upcoming Events to

events@michronicle.com

Hiram E. Jackson Publisher

A Real Times Newspaper 479 Ledyard – Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 963-5522 Fax 963-8788 e-mail:chronicle4@aol.com March 13-19, 2013

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

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

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The urgency of now must be taken seriously

By Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian We must take the urgency of now very seriously. Not just because of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, but because the future of America’s people;,especially those who have been long oppressed, depends on right now.

Since the beginning of this country, the one thing that has never been fully decided is who will truly determine this nation’s C.T Vivian future? Will it be America’s truly wealthy — the 1 percent who can decide every political and economic move in the richest and mightiest country in the world? And who, with the economic 1 percent of Europe and Asia, could take over every major decision in the world? Would it be them or would it be “We the people”?

It is clear by studying recent events, coupled with patterns of history, that the democratic principle of “We the people” is constantly endangered by plutocratic mindsets, those who are often controlled by greed and quests for power.

Plutocracy, according to Webster, is one, “Government by wealthy people”; two, “A society governed by wealthy people”; or three, “A ruling class whose power is based on their wealth.”

I caution that America could succumb to this social mindset — if we do not continue to stand guard using our democratic powers of “We the people” to the fullest.

Take the last presidential election, for instance. Mitt Romney, in his derogatory comment about the so-called “47 percent” of people who he claimed “are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims” and who “pay no income tax.” appeared to dismiss nearly half of American voters. He even said, “... and so my job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them that they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”

These derogatory comments appeared to signal a move to exclude people of a certain social status. Moreover, it appeared as a move to keep the concept of “We the people” alive while denying it in practice. What would have or could have happened had he prevailed?

It is important to note that throughout history, struggles for equality and justice in America have continued to move from victory to setback and from setback to victory. In fact, about every 30 to 35 years, there’s a new movement in this country. The civil rights movement was the last one. The one before that was the labor movement. This time, it’s the continuation of the civil rights movement, which includes the movement on behalf of the poor.

At the blessed age of 88, I recall the degradation of segregation and Jim

Crow. I struggled for justice through the freedom rides and alongside Dr. King. I marched on Washington on August 28, 1963 and I was there to ultimately rejoice at the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

And then we suddenly found ourselves mourning n the assassination of my dear friend and brother, Dr. King, in 1968. He was only in Memphis for the cause of the sanitation workers, the poor, the struggling, and the oppressed who were suffering unequal wages and working conditions.

Fast forward, to see America elect and then re-elect its first Black president nearly 50 years later is reason to rejoice. And yet even President Obama’s inaugural speech called for honest labor wages that “liberate families from the brink of hardship.”

This is a clear reason that we must continue to march to the polls as well as to take up our banners and plead our causes. We must win our battles in the basic old fashioned way that it has historically worked — with non-violent direct action protests, coupled with the vote. In doing so, our movement will continue to grow.

A newsman once asked Dr. King, “How many members do you have?”

When Martin answered, the newsman retorted, “Well that doesn’t represent much of Black America.” But then Dr. King said something that is so very relevant in the 21st century. He said, “We don’t operate through membership.

We operate knowing that if we’re right, people will follow us.”

The state of equality and justice in America is a continued struggle for the poor despite all of the strides America has made. The urgency of now is to maintain the power and sanctity of the vote, which has become the greatest power held by the poor.

As Dr. King said, if we do what is right, others will follow us. This is the power of “We the people.”

The Rev. C.T. Vivian is national president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He was also a close friend, lieutenant and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This article — the ninth of a 20-part series — is written in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The Lawyers’ Committee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to enlist the private bar’s leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity — work that continues to be vital today. For more information, please visit www.lawyerscommittee. org.

Creating ladders of opportunities for children

By Valerie Jarrett A child’s zip code should never determine her destiny.

But today, a child’s health, educational outcomes, and lifetime economic opportunities are often negatively impacted when she grows up in a high poverty community.

in their plans to deliver services to support every child in obtaining the education they need for their future, from cradle through college.

When combined with our other signature revitalization effort, Choice Neighborhoods, which transforms distressed Harlem Children’s Zone public housing into safe, is working to change that. healthy homes—we have Recently, I visited this invested more than $350 neighborhood nonprofit, million in more than 100 with its president and CEO, of the nation’s persistent Geoffrey Canada. I took a pockets of poverty since tour of the health clinic 2009.pPresident is focused and library inside their new Valerie Jarrett on providing ladders of opschool building. While I was portunity for those striving to get into impressed by the facilities, I was even the middle class. Last month, he anmore impressed by the passionate com- nounced several proposals that create mitment and energy of Geoffrey and his ladders of opportunity, including the team in truly transforming Harlem into new Promise Zones initiative, which will an environment that allows children to align a number of his signature revitalachieve their dreams. ization efforts (like Promise Neighbor Since 1990, Harlem Children’s Zone hoods and Choice Neighborhoods) in 20 has provided free support for the com- high poverty communities as Promise munity through new schools, parenting Zones. workshops, a pre-school program, after- The Promise Zones initiative will school programs and child-oriented bring together federal and local resourchealth programs for thousands of fami- es to help transform some of our nation’s lies. most distressed neighborhoods, with a The Harlem Children’s Zone offers a keen focus on job creation, increased comprehensive, neighborhood approach economic activity, reduction of violent with the goal of breaking the cycle of crime and distressed public housing as poverty, so that every child can gradu- well as strengthening the educational ate from college and have a chance to supports and services in these high povlive their dreams. They’ve seen improve- erty communities. ments in children’s academic perfor- These Zones reflect what we’ve mance across the board. learned from innovators like the Harlem For example, Harlem Children’s Zone Children’s Zone, and their counterparts reports that 100 percent of third grad- across the country. ers at two of their schools tested at or After visiting Harlem Children’s Zone, above grade level on the math exam, out- I felt so inspired and encouraged by the performing their peers in New York City efforts of Geoffrey Canada and others and New York State. around the country who work so that President Obama noticed. That’s one day, all children can have the opporwhy, in 2009, he announced a new com- tunity to succeed, no matter where they petitive grant program, Promise Neigh- live. borhoods, which hopes to replicate the For more information on the presisuccess of the Harlem Children’s Zone dent’s proposals for ladders of opportuand similar programs in poverty-strick- nity, click here. en areas of other U.S. communities.

Valerie Jarrett is a senior advisor to Today, Promise Neighborhoods sup- President Barack Obama and assistant ports 46 communities, from Boston to to the president for Public Engagement Detroit to San Antonio to Los Angeles, and Intergovernmental Affairs.

“In 2009, President Obama announced a new competitive grant pro-

gram, Promise Neighborhoods, which hopes to replicate the success of the Harlem Children’s Zone and similar programs in poverty-stricken areas of other U.S. communities.”

We must fight emergency manager through the courts, the streets, everywhere

By Bertram Marks On Wednesday night, Feb. 27, inside of First Community Baptist Church in Detroit, Detroiters gathered to discuss, debate, and plan for our future. We engaged in a town hall meeting. We did not ask for government to sanction or finance our gathering. Instead, we took the initiative on our own to find solutions to the poor quality of life paralyzing Detroit. This meeting was of Detroiters, for Detroiters, and by Detroiters. Notable names were present such as Rev. Wendell Anthony, Rev. Horace Sheffield, Sheriff Bennie Napoleon and Charlie Beckham. Bankole Thompson, editor of the Michigan Chronicle also attended to hear our concerns.

Equally as important were the people present whose names are unknown to the public at large. People like Erma, Bruce, Malik, Erika and Mike. In total, nearly 150 concerned Detroiters who care about the direction of their city, came out on a snowy winter evening to discuss the root causes of the challenges we face, and more importantly, learn how we can transcend our current condition to an improved quality of life.

The people who live, work, play, and love Detroit and care deeply about the city were engaged and passionate about its future.

Often, common rhetoric and media reports portray Detroiters as only victims, or perpetrators, or obstructionists.

Rarely do we take the time to consider the larger, rational, engaged aspect of Detroit citizenry.

One candidate for mayor has suggested that he is the only person capable of turning the city of Detroit around. He goes so far as to suggest that if there is someone else capable of doing so, he

would vote for them himself. This rhetoric makes for good sound bites, but is terribly insulting to the lifelong Detroiters who occupy the field of potential candidates for mayor. This candidate has suggested that two certified public accountants, Bertram Marks an attorney and law enforcement executive, a current state legislator, and a former corporation counsel for the city of Detroit, all of whom are lifelong Detroiters who have remained in the city of Detroit by choice, are suddenly rendered less qualified than a person who moved into the city for the sole purpose of seeking Detroit’s highest office.

Such rhetoric must be dismissed for the irrational premise upon which it is built. The Detroiters who came out for the town hall meeting would have made mincemeat of this candidate had he spewed such nonsense in their presence.

Aside from lacking any semblance of logic, this kind of “me only” talk is the paternalistic rhetoric of a candidate who neglects the history of the city of Detroit. It has always been Detroiters themselves who have steered the tide of change in this great city.

Detroiters had to implement change when neighborhoods such as Paradise Valley and Black Bottom were bulldozed to make way for freeways to transport people to and from the suburbs. Detroiters had to reclaim neighborhoods, and rebuild businesses after the 1967 riots.

It was Detroiters who opted to create history by electing the first African

American mayor of a major U.S. city. Detroiters purchased homes and stabilized neighborhoods during the recession of the late ’70s and early ’80s. It is always the people who make the difference, not the public servant. The public servant is required to follow the will of the people.

An elected official on his or her own can accomplish nothing without the direction, support and aid of the people. All candidates for mayor in the current race would do well to remember this important fact of leadership.

Since our town hall meeting, Gov. Snyder has moved forward with his decision to appoint an emergency manager for Detroit. Detroiters were told an emergency manager is coming, but were left in the dark as to who the governor will appoint to fill this role. As I have stated on numerous prior occasions, the Emergency Manager Law rushed through the legislature in December of 2012 is wrong for a variety of reasons. Obliterating home rule in Detroit is a terrible but perfect example of usurped democracy. Our challenges to this Draconian law must continue through the courts, through media, and in the streets with organized, targeted demonstrations of civil disobedience.

However, as we continue to challenge the law and the process, we must also hold accountable whomever the governor decides to appoint.

We must be careful as ordinary citizens to be sure that our voice of care and concern is heard by the emergency manager, the mayor and the governor.

We must not allow ourselves to be left out of the process of decision making.

Wayne State University Professor and Industrial Economist Dr. Peter Henning has warned us that the greatest danger of an emergency manager is the lack of

input from the community. An absent or silent community in the wake of this historic appointment is the beginning of the destruction of civil society.

Assets will be sold, services privatized, and employees randomly displaced without any input from the citizens.

We are still grappling with the utter chaos unleashed when the DPS Emergency Manager Robert Bobb indiscriminately closed dozens of neighborhood schools without input from neighbors.

The voices of neighborhood protest over school closings fell upon deaf ears. The consequences of not listening are increased drug and gang violence in the streets, gang wars inside of the schools, and a breakdown in public safety for our children.

We have to be ready to organize, formulate positions, and keep examples of failed emergency management in the face of the appointed manager for Detroit. We cannot doom our citizens to yet another round of failed emergency management because we refused to acknowledge that the manager is, in fact, running the city.

In April, we are hosting another town hall meeting at First Community Baptist Church in Detroit. We will invite well known and unknown Detroiters to come forward to discuss, debate, and plan for the future of our city. By that we will know who the governor has appointed emergency manager. We should also know after our town hall meeting what expectations we have of this manager and how we plan to present those expectations and hold him/her accountable to them and to us.

I hope, as a concerned Detroiter, exDetroiter, or concerned member of this region, you will join us.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page B-5

‘A Royal Affair’

By Lester Bryant

The March of Dimes Fashion Extravaganza Committee will present “A Royal Affair” Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday, March 17, at 3 p.m. This event will commemorate their 60th anniversary and will be held at St. John’s Banquet and Conference Center, located at 22001 Northwestern Hwy in Southfield. Tickets are still available.

This event will include live music, a meal and feature the finest and most exquisite designer fashions, furs and accessories orchestrated by one of Detroit’s most well-known and respected designers, LaTrelle Powers-Mays.

She has promised an exciting and glamorous show combining styles reminiscent of the past as well as current and contemporary fashions showcasing designs by Beulah Cooley and many new designers.

If you are nostalgic or into hip- hop you will not want to miss this show.

A National Patient Education Series Join the Lupus Foundation of America for Lupus: Learning and Living™, a free educational program for individuals with lupus, their families, and friends.

Get the latest information on living and coping with lupus from worldrenowned experts.

HIGH FASHION will be featured at this year’s “A Royal Affair.”

The Fashion Extravaganza Committee supports the March of Dimes Foundation.

Founded 60 years ago by the late Dr. Violet Temple Lewis, founder of Lewis Business College, the initial committee included 11 additional women and was supported by the late Charlie Bynum and Ann Campbell-Starks.

Dr. Lewis believed in the power of women and, 60 years later, her legacy to eradicate our community of children’s diseases like polio and sickle cell anemia has continued. Also, the Fashion Extravaganza Committee embraces the expanded March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies and eliminate premature births. Today with the support of Dr. Lewis’

April 13, 2013 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

AN example of last year’s apparel. daughter, Dr. Phyllis Ponders, and her granddaughters, the work of the committee continues with the awe-inspiring participation of a faithful group of dedicated women and men who continue to work tirelessly to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause.

Lynne Burgess-Holmes is the general chair for this year’s event, Rosalind Simmons is general cochair, and Violet Ponders, PhD, is Steering Committee chair.

For ticket information please, contact Stacey Skipp at (313) 574-7962.

Young women’s conference to explore important issues

By Tina Bassett Wayne County Community College District will host the Young Women Strong Leaders Conference for college and university women students Friday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at its Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center, located on the WCCCD Downriver Campus at 21000 Northline Road in Taylor.

The one-day Young Women Strong Leaders conference provides skill development and professional mentoring opportunities to prepare young women for success in their professional lives.

The event connects young women with successful peers and women leaders in academic, corporate and political life.

Tickets are $25.

The conference was first hosted in 2006 by the Michigan State University Women’s Resource Center, and is supported in partnership with the Michigan Women’s Commission, and the MI-ACE Women’s Network, the Michigan state network of the American Council on Education Inclusive Excellence Group.

“We’re excited to partner with Michigan State University, the Michigan Women’s Commission, and the MI-ACE Women’s Network to foster the talent and skills that will drive the next generation of Michigan’s women’s leaders across disciplines and industries,” said WCCCD Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery.

“The mission of WCCCD is to provide pathways to better lives through higher education, and this conference not only provides young leaders with great insight, but with the contacts and tools to help them build great futures.”

The theme of the conference is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The event will feature interactive workshops with professional

women on STEM careers and general career topics including making a difference through social action; starting and building a technology company; financial literacy; creating a powerful image through social media; preparing for a career in science, technology and math; refining nonverbal communication skills; and choosing a non-traditional career path. Small group discussions with working professionals on careers in disciplines as varied as business, law, technology, engineering, health science, math and communications will take place in the afternoon.

The collaborative effort aims to help parents and students understand the impact a daily, nutritional breakfast has on a student’s academic performance.

More than 500 McDonald’s restaurants in Michigan have provided students coupons redeemable for either a free Egg McMuffin or Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, and one free Minute Maid orange juice or milk.

Register Today!

Refreshments Provided. Handicapped Accessible.

Call 1.800.682.7990 or visit www.lupus.org/event

Robyn Marcotte, founder of the Northville-based Aha! Leadership LLC, will be the keynote speaker. Marcotte served 18 years at marketing service giants Valassis and ePrize before launching Aha! Leadership in 2008. The firm has served more than 100 clients in a wide range of industries throughout the Midwest, including finance, franchise food, law, automotive, medical and manufacturing.

“Our goal is to provide college and university students with real-world information, tools and contacts to provide them a hand up as they work to enter the professional and academic workforce,” said Dr. Stephanie Bulger, WCCCD district vice chancellor of Educational Affairs and Distance Learning. “Our aim is to help these women engage in mentoring relationships that will help them to fully develop their potential and to contribute to their communities in significant ways. These women represent a rich pool of talent and creative force that Michigan needs. They truly are our next generation of leaders.”

For more information or to register for the event, contact the Michigan State University Women’s Resource Center at (517) 353-1635 or visit http://wrc.msu. edu/ywsl.php.

McDonald’s, Michigan Department of Education’s free breakfast

McDonald’s of Michigan, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Education, invite the nearly 120,000 Michigan high school juniors to boost their brainpower with a free breakfast before their Michigan Merit exam, including the ACT test, this March.

Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 1114 Washington Boulevard Detroit, MI

This free breakfast includes healthy menu offerings that are not only delicious, but also high in protein, fiber, Vitamin C and calcium.

“Breakfast is brain food,” said State Superintendent Mike Flanagan. “Students who eat a healthy breakfast are better fueled to achieve higher grades.”

Many studies have found that children who eat breakfast show improved cognitive function, attention and memory, which leads to improved academic performance.

With so many options at McDonald’s, including wholesome choices like oatmeal and the Egg McMuffin, customers can find exactly what they need to start their morn-

ing with a balanced breakfast.

“McDonald’s values its unique partnerships with schools across the state,” said Francisco “Pancho” Gonzalez, vice president and general manager of the McDonald’s Michigan Region.

“We know how important the Michigan Merit Exam is to a student’s future. As a proponent of education and a leader in servingbreakfast, this is our way of supporting the students as they prepare for their exam.”

This is one more way for McDonald’s to give back.

For more information, call the regional office at (810) 225-4593 or visit mcdonalds.com.

S

ubscribe and receive one full year of the Michigan Chronicle to your home or office www.michronicle.com

VOLUME 74 – Number 26

March 9-15, 2011

479 Ledyard • Detroit MI 48201

edunomics: Read Less,

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

Pay More

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

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

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

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

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

Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

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

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

COMMENTARY

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

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

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

But that is not the case in places

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

313.963.5522

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Coming Soon White House XChange

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the educational system does not have the public confidence

See edunomics page A-4

Jim Murray

Accelerating the speed of business growth AT&T commits $19 billion to support area business growth

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

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

Why invest now?

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

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

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

See AT&T page A-4

WCCCD is largest urban community college, with record enrollment numbers Daylight Saving BEGINS on

3UNDAY -ARCH¬ ¬¬

Set your clocks &/27!2$ one hour

www.michronicle.com

Curtis Ivery

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

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

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

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investments in students, services and technologies increased.

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

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

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

$22.80 in benefits to all Michigan residents.

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

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

state for vibrant growth and a strong economic future.

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

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

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community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page B-6

The Education Achievement Authority and students are passing the test

By Donald James While many of the nation’s school boards, districts and authorities continuously look for ways in which to elevate students’ proficiencies in reading and math, the newly formed Education Achievement Authority of Michigan (EAA) recently announced significant gains in the aforementioned subject areas. The EAA reports that since the start of the 2012-2013 school year, more than 20 percent of its students have already achieved at least a one year growth in reading and math levels. EAA officials further reveal that more than 27 percent of its students in grades 2 through 9 have already achieved a one year or more growth in reading…with 22 percent achieving a one year or more growth in mathematics.

According to EAA’s assessment, the most significant growth was in 9th and 10th grade math, where 40 percent of high school students experienced a one year or more growth. Based on EAA’s projections, an additional 16 percent of its high school students are on track to achieve a one year or more growth when a final assessment is reviewed in late June of this year.

In addition, EAA saw the most significant rise in reading scores in its 6th through 8th grade sectors, which showed that 35 percent of middle school students already achieved a one year or more growth. Additionally, another 18 percent of middle school students are on target to attain a one year or more growth by late June. It’s important to point out that all student-measured growth is based on national norms that set the standards and skill levels for student proficiency in various areas of learning.

So why has EAA been successful in its quest to raise reading and math scores? At the beginning of the school year, students were given a Performance Series test from Scantron, a computer adaptive test which allowed teachers to quickly identify an instructional level for each student.

Subsequently, students were systematically placed at instructional levels based on where they scored…not by

be tested two more times before the end of the school year.”

Kinte Roberts, a 7th grader at Brenda Scott agrees with McArthur regarding excitement and learning. “My test scores in math and reading have improved because I really like how I am being taught,” says Roberts. “Math was really hard for me, but student-centered learning helped me to do better.

Math is now making more sense to me. Plus, the behavior in the classroom, and throughout the school, is better now than it was…and that makes it better for students to learn.”

MICHAELA MCARTHUR, an instructional level 1 through 4 teaher at Brenda Scott Elementary and Middle School on Detroit’s east side.

The concept for EAA was formed in June, 2011, with plans to operate the lowest five percent of schools in Michigan that were not achieving satisfactory results on a redesigned plan, or that were under an emergency manager. In September, 2012, EAA officially began operating 15 schools, six of which are high schools (Central, Denby, Henry Ford, Mumford, Pershing and Southeastern) and nine elementary/middle schools (Bethune, Brenda Scott, Burns, Law Academy, Murphy, Nolan, Phoenix Academy, Stewart and Trix).

The typical school year for EAA students runs from September to August.

While EAA is proud of its system and effectiveness, the Authority knows there is still much work to be done. However, there is no denying the significance of the recent uptick in reading and math scores.

KINTE ROBERTS, a 7th grader at the Brenda Scott school, meets Gov. Rick Snyder. Tyrone Winfrey of the EAA looks on. age or grade level. Thus, individualized learning plans were designed and implemented to meet students where they were.

Teacher then used a studentcentered learning model and philosophy that allowed instructors to work with respective students at the learners’ instructional level.

The preliminary report of improved test scores is good news for EAA students, teachers, parents, administrators, and other stakeholders. It is also indicative of EAA’s philosophy of “changing the paradigm for teaching and learning in Michigan.” “Our model of teaching

students is completely different from traditional ways,” says Michaela McArthur, an instructional level 1 through 4 teacher at Brenda Scott Elementary and Middle School on Detroit’s eastside where Marques Stewart serves as principal. “By using our student-centered learning model, we meet our students where they are. Therefore, we design our lessons and classrooms around what the students’ needs are. Students are then required to show teachers two or three pieces of evidence to demonstrate that they have mastered a learning target before they can move on. If they need more assistance to master

a learning target, we give them the assistance.”

McArthur recalls that earlier in the school year, a very small percentage of students at Brenda Scott showed proficiency in math and reading.

“Through student-centered learning…instead of teaching students, we lead them on the path of discovery,” says McArthur. “Students now seem to take more ownership in their learning. When they come to school, they come ready and excited to learn. It’s exciting to see so many students achieving such growth in a short period of time. Students, however, will

“These gains provide reassurance that our students are moving in the right direction and that student-centered learning is achieving the growth these students need to be competitive,” says J. Wm. Covington, EAA’s chancellor. “This is also a reflection of the diligent efforts implemented by our teachers and staff to ensure students have the tools needed to experience growth. The growth these students are achieving is clear proof that Detroit students can achieve and can compete with students anywhere if they are provided with an educational setting that meets them where they are and works with them individually to strengthen their performance. That is what EAA does.”

March 13-19, 2012

Page B-7

Unity Baptist Church celebrating pastor’s 50th anniversary Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Valmon D. Stotts, pastor and first lady at Unity Baptist Church, will be the honorees during celebration of Rev. Stotts’ 50th anniversary as Unity pastor.

The anniversary theme is “Fifty Years of Faithful Leadership and Service Rendered to God Church, and Community.” Events begin at a kickoff banquet set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Roostertail., and will culminate Sunday, March 17, with services featuring guest sermons from two dynamic ministers.

Seated (from left) are Judge Katherine L. Hansen, Judge Demetria Bruce, Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey, Monique Marks and Judge Brenda Sanders. Standing (from left) are referee Kelly Ramsey, Judge Kevin F. Robbins, Judge Christoper D. Dingell, Judge Donald Coleman, Judge David S. Robinson Jr. and Judge Wanda A. Evans.

Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey’s Civic Birthday Celebration Join Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey as she celebrates her Civic Birthday Celebration titled “Standing on the Promises.” The special event will be held at Roberts Riverwalk Hotel on Saturday, March 16, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Missionary Hattie B. Humphrey

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

Gospel Choir of Howard University benefit concert New Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church will present the Howard University Gospel Choir in its third annual benefit concert at 7 p.m. Friday, March 15. The concert, “Live in Detroit,” will feature local gospel artists LaToya M. Turrentine and Derrick Milan & the Krew. This year’s host will be CoCo from

FM 98 WJLB. The concert will be held at Leland Baptist Church, located at 22420 Fenkell St., in Detroit. Tickets can be purchased at God’s World and New Hermon Baptist Church.

For more information, call (313) 9282828 or (202) 758-5193.

Delivering the 11 a.m. sermon will be the Rev. Bernard Byles, pastor of Church of Our Father Baptist (Rev. Stotts’ home church). Speaking at 4 p.m. will be the Rev. Dr. Tellis J. Chapman, pastor of Galillee Baptist Church.

Rev. Dr. Valmon D. Stotts and First Lady Ethel Stotts.

“Everyone is invited to come out and worship with us as we honor and thank God for our pastor and first lady,” said Deacon and Mrs. Willie Stokes, anniversary chairs.

Swanson to speak during pastoral banquet O’Neil D. Swanson, president and CEO, Swanson Funeral Homes Inc., will be a guest speaker during the 14th Anniversary Pastoral Banquet of Pastor Dr. Michael Andrew Owens. The event will be held on Sunday, March 17, at Hotel St. Regis, 3071 W. Grand Blvd., starting at 10 a.m. The theme is “A Vessel Of Honor” (IITimothy 2:20-22) For more information, call (313) 923-3060.

O’Neil D. Swanson

Christian Faith Ministries of Garden City invites the public to the pastoral installation service for the Rev. John D. Hearns Jr., to be held Sunday, March 17, at the church, located at 27500 Marquette, in Garden City.

Vocal arts competition for emerging artists The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. (NANBPWC) will present a Vocal Arts Competition at 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, at Central United Methodist Church, 23 E. Adams, in downtown Detroit.

The competition, titled “Vocal Arts Competition for Emerging Artists,” promotes classical vocalists between the ages of 18 and 30.Winners of the

local competition are eligible for participation in the district and national competitions, where monetary scholarships are awarded.

The event, formerly known as the Leontyne Price Competition, has been presented in the Detroit community since 1983.

The first place winner in the March 23 competition will move on to the

district level competition to be held May 17 in Troy, and the winner in that event will then compete in the nationals scheduled for Aug. 14 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Locally, the competition is sponsored by the Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, New Metropolitan and Pontiac Clubs of NANBPWC Inc. For more information, call (313) 538-1575.

Remembering Mother Margaret Gordy-King A pillar of the community and a woman of faith, Mother Margaret GordyKing served as first lady of Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ in Inkster for over 50 years. She was married to Bishop Isaac King, Jr., for over 59 years, and also served as first lady of the Agape Jurisdiction for 10 years.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, 30101 Parkwood St., Inkster.

Family hour will be on Thursday, March 14, 10 a.m., at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, 19190 Schaefer. Homegoing service will follow at 10:30 a.m.

Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate Robert Lewis Nix’s 50th year in music ministry, titled “The Maestro – A Golden Jubilee Celebration.” The celebration

Five

Nominations for marriage and family awards being Do you know a child who is a good example to others in his home, church or school?

Do you know a married couple who are public mined in their service to others?

How about a family who does good work for their church or community?

We are accepting nominations for our 11th annual True Family Values Banquet Awards program.

The categories are: • Outstanding Daughter

Son

or

• Outstanding Parents and • Outstanding Family.

Pastor John D. Hearns Jr. Church and the installation prayer to be delivered

by Dr. Vincent Matthews of Peoples Community Baptist Church of Westland.

For more information, call (734) 525-0022.

Musical celebration The Howard University Choir.

For more information, call the church office at (313) 933-9799.

accepted

Pastoral installation service

The service begins at 3:30 p.m. with special guest preacher Rev. Dr. Gerry K. Hearn, pastor of First Baptist Church of Perryville, Ky. Special celebration moments will include the charge to the congregation by Dr. Robert Smith of New Bethel Baptist Church, the charge to the pastor

by Dr. John Duckworth of Gethsemane Baptist

Unity Baptist Church is located at 7500 Rev. Valmon D. Stotts Ave. (Tireman).

service will be held on Sunday, March 17, 6 p.m., at Greater New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 586 Owen St. For more information, call (313) 871-8025.

The event, sponsored by the American Clergy Leadership Conference, will be held Saturday, April 27, at the DeCarlos Banquet Center in Warren.

Award winners will receive a certificate and a gift at the program.

To receive a nomination form, or for further information, call Rev. David Kasbow at (734)546-4395 or E-mail him at kasbow@ earthlink.net.

Organizers for the event say those who attend will be uplifted as well have an experience they will not forget.

big reasons to consider

Stinson Funeral Homes:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

We work harder to earn your business.

We can’t afford to provide anything less than impeccable service, or to leave you with less than the best impression possible.

You’re not just our client, you’re our boss.

We don’t lose sight of who we’re working for.

After all, you’re the one we answer to.

We arrange funerals, we don’t sell them.

It is our responsibility to honor your wishes and respect your budget.

We like meeting families, not goals.

Like you, we are a part of this community supporting our neighbors when they need us.

We spend time with you.

Arranging a fitting tribute is important to you, and you don’t deserve to be rushed.

Mother Margaret Gordy-King

March is National Mental Retardation Month

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

Rev. Gleo Wade, General Manager © adfinity

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page B-8

Davidson partners with Mizani to unveil custom creations for Wigs 4 Kids

By Hillary Mulka

Wigs 4 Kids celebrated a glamorous evening full of fashion and fun as 10 youth in the program strutted down a runway in custom-made wigs created

by Terrence Davidson. Celebrity Wig Master to Nicki Minaj, Patti LaBelle, Tyra Banks and others, Davidson partnered with Mizani to create wigs for children and teens in the Wigs 4 Kids program at no cost to them or their families.

Wigs 4 Kids provides wigs and support services, at no cost, to children in Michigan between the ages of 3 through 18 who have experienced hair loss due to cancer treatment, alopecia, trichotillomania and other disorders.

Davidson, known for his innovative and edgy hairstyles, said working with Wigs 4 Kids was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amazing! When God gives to you, make sure you give back. I felt so gifted.â&#x20AC;?

Maggie Varney, founder and CEO of

Wigs 4 Kids couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree more: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are so grateful Terrence came to Wigs 4 Kids and shared his creativity and talent to benefit our kids.â&#x20AC;?

raised will allow Wigs 4 Kids to continue its mission of providing wigs and support services at no cost to Michigan families in need.

The fashion show, held at Barrister Gardens in St. Clair Shores, was also a fundraiser for Wigs 4 Kids. Guests had the opportunity to participate in raffles with all proceeds benefiting children served by the organization. Several generous sponsors stepped up to help make the event successful and funds

To learn more about Wigs 4 Kids or to donate to the organization, visit www.wigs4kids.org or contact Maggie Varney at (586) 772-6656 or e-mail maggie@wigs4kids.org.

Sophie (left), special guest Terrence Davidson and Ella share a light moment.

Wig recipient Anthony Varney.

Wig recipient Madison.

Rod Stewart impersonator Danny D performs.

Wig recipient Natanee.

To learn more about Terrenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, visit his website at www.terrenceldavidson.com.

Anthony (left) and Maggie Varney, founder and CEO, Wigs 4 Kids.

Terrence Davidson (left) and Nina Lowery.

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michiganchronicle.com

March 13-19, 2013

Charlotte Knight

Four retirement savings mistakes to avoid Nearly 50 percent of American adults worry that they will outlive their life savings, according to a Gallup poll.

Fortunately, with a few tweaks to your financial strategy, you can help strengthen your savings posture and preserve your money for as long as possible. Steer clear of these retirement savings mistakes: •S aving very little, or not saving at all “It’s important to start early and save often,” says Helen Stephens, principal of the Helen Stephens Group, LLC, in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Create a goal to put 10 percent of your pre-tax income toward retirement. You don’t have to do it all at once; you can build up to that. If it’s easier, start at 5 percent, then increase to 6 percent next year, and so on.

Regular contributions are what’s important over time.”

•G iving up on the notion of a retirement savings plan Though it’s best to start saving early on, it’s better to start late than never at all. The thought of starting can be overwhelming, so work with a financial planner to devise a plan that fits your situation and determine how much you need to save to meet your goal.

“Rather than avoiding the inevitable need to plan for retirement, create a modified picture of your future,” Stephens says.

“As long as you have a diligent approach to retirement savings, you can rectify the situation.” ashing out when •C you change jobs This is the mistake Stephens sees most often.

If you cash out before age 59½ not only do you risk moving to a higher tax bracket, you may have pay a 10 percent penalty tax. You are better off leaving the money in your former employer’s plan or rolling it over into either your current employer’s plan or to an IRA. Also consider the fees associated with the plan/ account and the available investment vehicles.

“If you roll it over, it can work for you on a tax-deferred basis until you reach retirement,” Stephens says.

•C arrying too much debt into retirement Debt, whether from a mortgage, car or credit card, can put a dent in your best-laid retirement plans.

“A family should work with their financial planner to have a plan in place, not only for retirement savings, but for cash flow planning as well,” Stephens says.

“This plan would include debt elimination.”

Charlotte Knight is a longtime State Farm owner/agent who specializes in retirement planning. Her offices are located at 7100 West Seven Mile Road in northwest Detroit. She is also a 2013 Women of Excellence honoree.

Veronica Murff, Gail Ross, Equilla Wainwright, Sharon Madison, Sharon Banks and a guest at the induction ceremony for the 2012 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence honorees.

Women leaders honored as 2013 Women of Excellence Each year in character, in manner, and in style, the Michigan Chronicle celebrates 50 phenomenal women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, unwavering conviction, and extraordinary grace during our Women of Excellence Awards.

By Cathy Nedd Local women will be honored by the Michigan Chronicle as 2013 Women of Excellence on Friday, March 22, at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Now in its 6th year, the theme is “Women of Excellence: A Sisterhood of Power.” The event aims to formalize and celebrate the dynamic community of 350 influential and accomplished women that has been built over the years.

Comedienne/actress Kim Coles will return this year as emcee.

The Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Awards honor African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and grace. They do it all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher and professional.

“There’s a power in womanhood,” said Hiram E. Jackson, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. “Our goal is to foster a community of women who can build upon their legacy of service by sharing advice, opportunities, and ideas with each other and the greater community.”

Nominated by their peers, the latest group of honorees represent different backgrounds and career paths. However, they all have one thing in commo

— they contribute greatly to the business community.

The women who are chosen for this award are champions of economic empowerment, the backbone of our religious and educational organizations, and driving forces in politics and community service.

clusive environment.

Dishman is an alternate group manager and vice president at Comerica Bank. She mentors new lenders, helps to develop complex loan structures, and is a voting member of the loan committee.

More than 50 Kim Coles women will be inducted this year. They are corporate executives, entrepreneurs and women who serve in the public and non-profit sectors. Among others, honorees Linda Ware, Tammy Klugh and Alexis Dishman all work for corporations.

Ware is the manager of Supplier Diversity at General Motors.

She is responsible for managing more than 200 suppliers. Klugh is the vice president of Diveristy and Inclusion at Kelly Services, Inc. Together with other leaders at Kelly, Klugh designs global strategies to create an in-

•

Honorees Carla Sledge, Judith Berry and Joanne Mondowney serve the public in various capacities. Sledge provides financial and business leadership for Wayne County through her dual role as chief financial officer and the director of Management and Budget. She touches all aspects of government including the state and federal levels.

Berry is the assistant chancellor of Instructional Support and Educational Accountability for the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan. As part of this new system of education, she is responsible for helping to transform the lowest five percent of performing schools

PLAN TO ATTEND

•

What: 2013 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Awards When: Friday, March 22, 3 to 6 p.m.

Where: Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit Cost: Tickets are $60 per person, $650 for table of 10 For more information:

www.michiganchronicle.com, or call (313) 963-8100

within the state. Mondowney is an innovative award-winning library administrator who heads the Detroit Public Library. She wrote the book “Hold Them in Your Heart: Successful Strategies for Library Services to AtRisk Teens.”

Ifetayo Johnson, Cheryl Coleman and Kimberly Burton are honorees who work for nonprofits. Johnson is the longtime executive director of the United Health Organization and Project Healthy Living. She is activist in the Healthy Cities movement and has directed several community projects focused on disease prevention, health and wellness. A master level social worker, Coleman is the president and CEO of Northeast Guidance Center. Some of her greatest accomplishments include raising more than $4 million in a capital campaign to construct the agency’s largest facility, Conner Campus.

And Kimberly Burton is the vice president of corporate services and director of diversity and inclusive practices for the Council of Michigan Foundations. There she acts as the liaison and resource for the organization’s corporate foundations while leading the implementation of a statewide diversity and inclusion initiatives.

These and other women leaders will join an exclusive society of professional women who have previously received this distinction.

IPH aims to promote public health awareness

By Britney Spear

families.

“Meeting nutritional needs prepares children for school, and helps prevent obesity,” she said.

Health and wellness are areas that tend to take a backseat to the stresses of everyday living. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our routines that we forget to take care of what matters most. We tend to stop and only pay attention to our bodies when something is wrong. But prevention goes a long way to ensure that we live long and productive lives.

When it comes to health concerns, the biggest burden plaguing our community is a lack of awareness. One local entrepreneur aims to change that fact.

The Michigan Chronicle spoke to Loretta Davis, president and CEO of Institution for Population Health. IPH provides public health services to residents and visitors to the city of Detroit. These services include investigating and offering information about communicable disease control, as well as testing and treatment for STDS and such illnesses as tuberculosis.

Many Detroiters do not realize

grams related to family planning, maternity and the needs of expectant mothers. Services are available to individuals who qualify, and especially those belonging to families most at risk for poor child development.

With a staff of over 200, the organization provides opportunities related to volunteer work, job placement and internships. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.ipophealth.org or call the Detroit office at 313-324-9482.

Loretta Davis IPH services are not just reserved for adults, but also PEDS. In fact, one of its most important aspects is the WIC nutritional program. Many families drop out of WIC when infants pass the formula stage. The program, however, offers useful benefits beyond that point and during the early part of young lives.

Davis called attention to the importance of WIC, and its promotion of healthy living for local

that such support is available.

We readily recognize the “usual suspects” that plague community health- ailments like AIDS, HIV and heart disease. Yet, the most deadly “disease” city residents face is a lack of knowledge about available resources.

“There are services out there that aren’t being utilized, and people would be surprised to know,” said Davis.

IPH helps educate Detroiters about these resources. The organization offers over 30 pro-

Healthy living is a collective effort, and one that Davis feels must remain a top priority.

“We must focus on spreading awareness, and help people understand how they can be partners in their own wellness.

Prevention is a partnership, and many people need support to do the right things,” she said.

Davis also expressed that proactivity is the key to promoting and preserving good health.

See Awareness page A-4

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Fannie Mae HomePath® helps put homeownership within reach

Purchasing your first home can be exciting, confusing and a little overwhelming. It is the largest financial commitment most people will ever make and you want to make sure that the home you choose is the right one for you and your family and that it is one you can afford. While buying a home can seem daunting, there are professionals that can help you navigate through the process and keep you on the right track.

An affordable option could be a Fannie Mae HomePath® home. As the saying goes, knowledge is power and equipping yourself with the information you need to make your first home purchase can make all the difference. The first and probably most important step is to determine how much house you can afford. A certified housing counselor is a great resource and can work with you and a Fifth Third Mortgage Loan expert to help you determine the kind of financing that might be right for your budget.

The purchase of a home could include a substantial down payment. Your housing counselor may be able to assist you in seeking financial help to lessen the burden of your down payment and/or closing costs. There may be Federal, state and local programs or nonprofit or-

ganizations that may have funding available specifically designated for firsttime homebuyers that you may be eligible for, and your housing counselor will have information about those programs.

Once you’ve met with a housing counselor and have determined how much you can afford and if you are eligible for help with financing, you will need to work with a Fannie Mae approved lender.

A Fifth Third Mortgage Loan expert can help you determine your financing needs. The financing process will include obtaining a pre-approval for financing. This does not guarantee loan approval, but it shows Fannie Mae you are a qualified and serious buyer. Keep in mind; you will still need to apply for a mortgage loan once you have accepted an offer on a house.

Now it’s time to get down to the business of finding the perfect home.

Fannie Mae uses local real estate professionals to list their properties for sale. Fannie Mae properties are also listed on their website at www. homepath.com.

Fannie Mae HomePath® includes a “First Look” program.

“First Look” allows offers from individuals interested in purchasing a home as a primary residence, consideration for the first 15 days a home is listed for

sale. Real estate investors are able to submit offers on the home as well, but those offers are not considered until after the 15-day period.

Fifth Third Mortgage has a number of financing options that include 10, 15, 20 & 30 year fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages and other products that may work with your budget. Once you’ve found a home you think is right for you, A Fifth Third Bank Mortgage Loan expert can work with you to determine which of these options best fit your financing needs.

The Fannie Mae HomePath® website contains a wealth of information designed to help you through the home buying process. Whether it is your first home, second or third, without the best information and expert guidance, the process can be trying. The website includes a simple, clear cut homebuyers checklist that, if followed, can help you dot all of the “i’s” and cross all of the “t’s”.

If you are currently looking for a new home, visit the Fannie Mae HomePath® website, www.homepath.com.

There you will find home listings, information on the purchasing process, a list of certified housing counselors, lenders and more. You may also contact a Fifth Third Mortgage expert at 800-972-8830.

Awareness “We have a system of sick care. We need to promote wellness,” she said.

Proper nutrition is a critical preventive measure for overall health.

It is one step individuals can take to help tackle would-be issues before they grow into larger problems. For many, the all-important question about food is, “How do I make it healthy and taste good?” We live in a world dominated by poor eating habits. The pressure to make dinners and desserts just as delicious as Grandma once did reigns central in ethnic households. Overeating and consuming too much

From page C-1

of the wrong foods can be deadly. But there are ways to eat healthy and maintain taste. IPH helps individuals understand just how easy keeping up a quality diet can be.

Along with promoting internal wellness, IPH works to preserve external factors influencing community health. Environmental and food safety are two of the organization’s most important functional priorities. IPH inspects all restaurants and indoor swimming pools in the city of Detroit. In essence, its work serves to benefit all local residents.

“There’s a myth that

public health is just for poor people. But, it’s for you, and me, and everybody,” she said.

Whether it be through the inspection of public facilities or its program offerings, Loretta Davis says the work of IPH extends to all members of the community. With a staff of over 200, the organization provides opportunities related to volunteer work, job placement and internships.

Those interested are encouraged to visit www. ipophealth.org or call the Detroit office at 313-3249482.

March 13-19, 2013

Page C-2

Who’s Who In Black Detroit

Jeffrey G. Collins

Deputy CEO Collins oversees all Wayne County departments

By Donald James With some of the most impressive educational and professional credentials that an attorney can have, Jeffrey G. Collins could love and work any place in America, yet he chooses to live and work in Detroit, serving the city and county where he was born and raised. These days, Collins serves as deputy chief executive officer for Wayne County, the 15th largest county in America. Appointed

by Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano in November 2011, Collins oversees all operations of the executive branch, while administering an annual budget of almost $2 billion. In addition, he oversees all county departments, comprised of approximately 3,000 county employees.

Appointed during a time when Wayne County was experiencing internal woes, punctuated by constant news stories that were rapidly eroding public trust, Collins brought with him a history of accomplishment and integrity. He remembers the day last year when he received the call from Ficano. “The phone call was unsolicited,” Collins said. “However, being asked to become Wayne County’s deputy chief executive officer ranks right up there in terms of professional accomplishments. I knew the position would be a challenge, but a challenge that I wanted to take on in order to help ensure that we restore public trust, have honest government, and deliver needed services to the people of Wayne County.”

Prior to his county appointment, Collins had already amassed an impressive professional body of work since graduating from Northwestern University (1981) and Howard University School of Law (1984). He began his legal career with the famed law firm of Bell & Hudson, P.C. before accepting an appointment as a judge of Detroit Recorder’s Cours. He subse-

quently was named by the Michigan Supreme Court as presiding judge of the criminal division of Wayne County Circuit Court. He was also appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Continuing his professional advancement, Collins served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. He was appointed by President George W. Bush.

Taking office soon after the horrific events of 9-11 in 2001, Collins established a groundbreaking initiative called B.R.I.D.G.E.S (Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity). “The demographics in our district were such that it had the highest number of people of Middle Eastern descent in the country,” said Collins, who chaired the organization that became a standard for the nation.

“Tensions were very high. Through B.R.I.D.G.E.S., all federal law agencies and groups worked hand-in-hand with community groups from Middle Eastern communities to address critical issues such as profiling.”

Following a return to the private sector, Collins, in partnership with his wife, Lois, established the law firm of Collins & Collins in Detroit in 2008.

The firm specializes in white-collar criminal, contract litigation and probate legal issues of clients throughout the country. Collins continued to work with the firm until he joined Wayne County as deputy executive director.

When asked about Wayne County’s most pressing needs, Collins quickly responded, “Jobs, jobs, jobs because we have to make sure that people have jobs so that they can have the quality of life that they should have and enjoy.

If we are able to establish a solid economic foundation with jobs, all of the other issues like improving public safety and education will greatly improve because of a stronger economic base.”

People On The Move

Marc Garrett

Chrystal Wilson

William Brooks, Jr.

Pamela Miller Malone

Tina Harmon

Marc Garrett, a retail sales representative in Farmington Hills, has been named to Verizon Wireless’ prestigious President’s Cabinet.

The honor is reserved for those ranking in the top 1 percent nationally in sales during 2012, placing him as one of the company’s top performers from among its more than 25,000 salespeople nationwide. He earned the distinction by demonstrating exceptional sales leadership and delivering an outstanding customer experience.

According to John Granby, Verizon’s president, Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Garrett is a proven leader in exceeding his customers’ expectations and providing them with the best wireless experience possible. Garrett lives in Detroit and graduated from Oak Park High School.

Chrystal Wilson was promoted to senior account executive at Berg Muirhead. Wilson joined the company in 2010. She provides extensive communications expertise in media and public relations, community outreach, event planning and social media marketing. Prior to joining Berg Muirhead, Johnson provided communications consulting services for various clients, including the Motown Museum, Real Times Media, Handprint Entertainment, Daimler Financial Services and the Wayne County Chapter of the Links, Inc. Johnson has a background in journalism and worked at several newspaper outlets including the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Automotive News and the Observer and Eccentric’s Mirror Newspapers, and other periodicals.

William Brooks, Jr. was named chief financial officer of the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority in Auburn Hills. The organization leads a provider service network that assists more than 22,000 Oakland County citizens. Brooks succeeds Rick Grove, who now is the agency’s director of finance, audit and compliance. Brooks was previously a business analyst for Jawood Management Associates in Bingham Farms. He is also an adjunct professor at Walsh College in Troy. Brooks earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from William Tyndale College in Farmington Hills and a Master of Arts in Economics and Master of Science in Finance from Walsh College.

Pamela Miller Malone was recently hired by The Detroit Regional Workforce Fund (DRWF) as its business development manager for the DRWF’s Detroit Area Green Sector Skills Alliance, a newly created position at the organization. As business development manager Malone will facilitate the strategic growth of the Detroit area green economy sector. She will work directly with businesses/employers to create viable, sustainable employment. DRWF was created by a regional public/private collaborative that supports partnerships among employers and workforce development partners. It’s mission is to align public and private resources in new ways around workforce development.

Tina Harmon was honored with the 2013 Words of Wisdom Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Harmon is the president of The Harmon Group, dba Mercury P&F, a company she started in 2000.

She began her career with S&H Motivation and Travel, handling incentive programs and also held several positions at Maritz Travel, helping to grow the office from $17 million to a $70 million dollar operation. As vice president, managing director, Harmon championed the Maritz quality team to become the first travel company to achieve Ford’s prestigious Q1 quality status.

business

March 13-19, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

The many moods of the Samsung A camera that’s better than your phone

Ever since smartphones started doubling as go-to cameras, the industry has been trying to play catch up.

Now, in a clear if-you-can’tbeat’ em join ‘em move, Samsung has once again put it’s best innovation foot forward.

has been struggling in the market because people simply have no need for a point and shoot camera, not when you have all those features on your phone. But not only is the Samsung Galaxy Camera a joy to operate it provides seamless integration with cloud-based activities and synchs with all your favorite services.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera has all the functionality of a dedicated camera, but also has access to all the cool apps on your smartphone or tablet. It’s a beautifully made device, and feels natural in your hand.

The photos are sharper than anything your camera phone could ever attempt, and it has the advantage of being able to instantly upload to your social media sites of choice.

Zoom in, zoom out, and there’s even voice command ala Siri to help you take the perfect shot.

slowly in magical, crystal clear video, making your memories truly timeless

Smart PRO MODE The easiest way to shoot like a pro

121.2mm (4.77”) HD Super Clear Touch Display Enjoy your photos on a big screen right away

Slow Motion Video slower is better

The Samsung Galaxy Camera is available from Verizon Wireless.

Sometimes

Instead of playing it back in slow motion, record it that way in the first place with Slow Motion Video. It captures your most precious memories at an amazing 120 frames per second and 720x480 resolution, and it plays them back

– Cornelius A. Fortune, managing editor

Galaxy Camera…

Cool features Stop being jealous of the pros with their big cameras, and start taking great shots. Like the perfect trails of light at night on a busy intersection full of red taillights. Or instantly capture a highspeed scene with Action Freeze. A quick tap of Smart Pro Mode and you’re set with various special modes. Just choose the one you want and shoot perfection.

Now you don’t have to wait until you get back home to properly review and edit your photos. The GALAXY Camera’s 121.2mm (4.77”) HD Super Clear Touch Display is what a camera display was meant to be, with an ultra sharp 308 pixels per inch and the full spectrum of glorious colors. And with the new White Magic Technology, you can even double the brightness without worrying about battery consumption.

And why not view your HD movies at a golden 16:9 ratio?

Perfect.

Minimal Organic Design Timeless, seamless, natural.

The design sets the tone, you take the pictures.

The timeless beauty of the GALAXY Camera’s minimal organic design helps you take even better pictures because the stylish curves of the camera’s ergonomics place all the key controls right where they should be: at your fingertips. Inspired by nature, the design shares the same heritage of the globally acclaimed Samsung GALAXY Series.

Voice control Don’t be shy. Talk to your camera

AS IF the Samsung Galaxy III wasn’t enough innovation for you, here comes Samsung’s latest, the Samsung Galaxy Camera.

For years now, the camera

Page C-3

The GALAXY Camera does more than take great pictures. It also listens very, very well. By tuning in closely to what you are saying, the Galaxy Camera is able to execute your command. So don’t be shytell it to zoom in or out, set the timer, and snap the photo when you’re ready. And when you’re in the gallery, tell it to rotate, delete, and even share your photos. Yes, it really is that smart.

4K Ultra High Definition Smart TV makes regional debut

By Cornelius A. Fortune

“ultra” for nothing.

MANAGING EDITOR

The a Ultra High Def screen boasts a resolution of 3840 x 2160, the level of detail of the Ultra HD Cinema 3D Smart TV (Model 84LM9600) quadruples that of the full 1080p HD resolution to a massive eight million pixels.

Ever wanted to see a 84inch 3D smart TV up close?

Well, here’s your chance.

Starting Thursday, March 14, you’ll be able to check out the world’s first 84” 4K Ultra HD TV at ABC Warehouse, 15477 Hall Rd. in Macomb Township. This regional unveiling will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

LG’s Ultra HD Cinema 3D Smart TV was introduced during this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev. This event will give attendees an opportunity to speak with LG representatives and see demonstrations of the LG 84-inch (84.04 inch diagonal) LED TV. They also will have a chance to win LG prizes, including a Wi-Fi BluRay Player, 3D Home Theater System with Built-In Blu-Ray Player, 42-inch LED 1080P HDTV and a 60-inch 3D Smart HDTV. And they don’t call it

“We have always taken pride in being able to offer our customers products that are on the cutting edge of what’s available on the market,” said Martin Hartunian, CEO and president of ABC Warehouse.

“We are excited to be the first to unveil LG’s new Ultra HD Cinema 3D Smart TV in our region. This product will create a home entertainment experience like no other.”

Stunning visual content notwithstanding, LG’s 84LM9600 boasts a growing Smart TV ecosystem, which is composed of over 1,000 apps and gives users access to a growing range of premium content services. Users can easily browse and navigate through the Smart TV ecosystem using LG’s Magic

THE ULTRA HD Cinema Smart TV finally comes to Michigan.

Remote, which allows users to make commands using the control modes of Voice Recognition, Wheel, Magic Gesture and Point.

It also features LG’s CINEMA 3D technology and an embedded 2D to 3D conversion engine expanding 3D content availability.

For more information on LG’s Ultra HD TV please visit, http:// www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-84LM9600led-tv.

Connect to the Sisterhood of Power Join Us in Celebrating the

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business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page C-4

Digital classrooms: the future of education

By Britney Spear

We live in a digital world. As technology continues to expand, industries are faced with the task of making the most of innovation to meet their goals. Education is no different.

The challenge to provide students with an engaging, effective learning experience is one that institutions across the country continuously face. Oversized classrooms and limited resources make that challenge even more difficult in a steadily growing population.

Schools must carefully balance novel ideas with foundational aspects of learning.

Models display the Accent fashion line.

Online clothier brings fashion into the homes of Detroiters

By Amber Bogins

ish, but their schedule does not permit them the hours needed properly shop and accessorize.

Having had a passion for fashion from an early age, An’Drese L. Hopkins knows style. In the fall of 2009, Hopkins created Kins Accents, a retail store specializing in men’s and women’s urban fashion and it has been “rocking and rolling since then.”

Based in Detroit, Kins Accents opened its online store in September of 2010, making it convenient for customers to view the boutique collection from the comforts of their home or office. One trip to the website, KinsAccents.com, and consumers are privy to everything from men’s cufflinks and threepiece suits to women’s jewelry, handbags and shoes.

Hopkins’ mission is to bring high urban style to Detroit.

“I’m homegrown from Detroit,” he said. “I want to bring awareness to the local environment and bring the fashion and culture of the West Coast and East Coast here. I want to give our region that same vibe.”

Reviews on the KinAccents website note that the products are not only fashionable, but are quality essentials.

Kins Accents has found its niche in Detroit, not only as a mecca for some of the hottest fashions to grace the city, but also as a premier style concierge resource.

“Our customers are looking for convenience and appreciate quality service,” Hopkins said of the consulting services he offers. Not only are consultants available for clients, Kins Accents also has tailors that make house calls.

An’Drese L. Hopkins Clients are able to have a personal consultant come to their home or business and customize a wardrobe or look based on their needs.

Many of the boutique’s clients that take advantage of the concierge services are business professionals and pastors, who like to be styl-

Hopkins has 10 years of experience in business consulting, and that coupled with his many years of fashion expertise, he believes, gives him an edge on fashion consulting and the ability to cater to the needs of busy professionals.

Business is good right now for Hopkins and Kins Accents. The retailer is benefitting from the development and growth Detroit is currently experiencing. In addition to servicing metro Detroit, Kins Accen’s also ships roughly 30 to 50 shipments globally per day.

A new direction is gaining more attention as institutions aim at meeting the demands of a new educational climate.

Will classrooms of the future be completely different from what they are now?

Bill Gates recently announced a push for education that caters to the individual. It involves making classrooms digital, where students learn remotely. The big question rests on whether being physically present is a necessity to the educational experience. Gates says “no.” He believes that the days of overcrowded lecture halls will soon be a thing of the past.

The Microsoft chairman envisions a college classroom of the future in which students watch lectures online, given by the brightest minds in their fields.

Cost-effectiveness is a central aspect of education. Administrators have become increasingly concerned with making the most of each dollar while providing a quality learning experience for students. Eliminating the need for a physical presence in the classroom means allocating resources differently. Institutions will gather material from a multitude of sources, and ones that are not just limited to professional educators. Borrowing from the outside world of professionals who work in fields of choice might mean a more diversified learning experience. It will give students a “real world” taste of the industries they seek to work in.

Fewer professors might also mean more resources allocated to study groups and labs.

Bill Gates’ vision of the classroom of the future is an innovative approach to an industry on the cusp of rapid transformation.

As the keynote speaker at this year’s South by Southwest conference, the technology titan called attention to critical challenges that plague our nation’s education system. Gates’ proposed solutions center around the theme of personalized learning, a concept he feels can be enhanced by new technology.

Gates employed well-recognized figures from pop culture to illustrate the importance of personalized learning. Displaying a picture of Luke Skywalker from “Star Wars” crouched next to JediMaster Yoda, he referenced the mentor’s brilliance for his ability to tell when his pupil was no longer “interested” in the lesson.

It is a figurative image that comes from the mind of George Lucas, yet it resonates loud and clear with Gates’ real life vision of the direction of education.

Gates described a new software currently in development that gives students the opportunity to learn at their own pace and based on their individual needs. Some students require special attention and must return to certain concepts to understand. The new software would give students a chance to engage with material, helping them absorb information based on strategies unique to their learning style.

Gates’ latest concept is one that he strongly believes in and intends to bring to life. His foundation recently announced a $100 million investment in startup inBloom, a service designed to help teachers tailor their lesson plans to the individual needs of students.

Important questions arise with the prospect of a completely digitized learning environment. People are undoubtedly split as to which aspects of the traditional classroom experience must be preserved.

The primary mission of our institutions is to provide students with a quality education. Will moving toward a system completely reliant on technology be the key to accomplishing that end?

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page C-5

Celebrating a Community Champion!

Louise Guyton closes out her stellar career at Comerica Bank after 44 years of service

Incoming Comerica Bank-Michigan President Michael T. Ritchie recognized the many formidable contributions of Louise Guyton detailed in a special section front of the Michigan Chronicle.

Louise Guyton’s family joined her on her last official day at Comerica Bank.

Comerica Bank’s Public Affairs VP Loretta Smith presented Louise Guyton with a gift from her many supporters at Comerica and shared personal comments about their longtime friendship, her many accomplishments and her indelible mark in the community.

Comerica Bank SVP, Public Affairs Kathy Reid applauded Louise Guyton’s many contributions.

Louise Guyton’s godmother, who witnessed Louise’s steady stream of accomplishments at Comerica, came out to celebrate the conclusion of her stellar career.

Thomas D. Ogden, Comerica Bank-Michigan President extolled Louise Guyton’s many contributions to Comerica Bank and the community in his heartfelt farewell remarks at her retirement event.

Incoming Comerica Bank-Michigan President Michael T. Ritchie (left), Linda Forte, SVP, Business Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, and Thomas D. Ogden, Comerica Bank-Michigan President pose for one last official photograph with Louise Guyton.

Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 13-19, 2013

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1

section D

Reflections

By Steve Holsey

A smart decision For a while there had been talk about the possibility of bringing back “In Living Color,” the groundbreaking, innovative sketch comedy show that ran from 1990 to 1994.

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March 13-19, 2013

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Endless

But according to its creator, Keenen Ivory Wayans, that is not going to happen. As he put it, “After a lot of thought and discussions, I realized that the bar is set really high and if you’re not going to pass that, then it’s better to let it alone.”

He is 100 percent correct. A new “In Living Color” would almost surely come up short. The show has its place in history, and you can buy the series on DVD to be enjoyed today, but that is where it should end.

By S.V. Holsey The traditional wedding vows include the words “till death do us part.” Well-intentioned couples, usually in love (or something like it), have been speaking those words for eons. And back in the day, they nearly always meant it.

But with the passage of time things changed. For many reasons, most of them complex, “till death do us part” transitioned into “for as long as we both think it’s a good idea.”

The “In Living Color” cast.

The “In Living Color” performers were fantastic, and the skits and characters were among the best ever and most memorable.

The cast included Keenen Ivory Wayans, Tommy Davidson, Kelly Coffield, Kim Wayans, T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh, Damon Wayans, Jamie Foxx, Kim Coles, Jim Carrey and David Alan Grier, among others.

The fifth season of “In Living Color” was far below par because by then the Wayans had left the show.

NO ONE expected an album from the great Jeffrey Osborne (what a voice!) consisting primarily of standards and pop tunes. But “A Time For Love” is a beautiful, warm, relaxing listening experience, for mature adults.

“This album is something I’ve always wanted to Jeffrey Osborne do,” said Osborne.

“Despite my love for Motown and doo-wop, I grew up listening to the jazz and standards my father and older siblings were playing.”

To get a feeling of intimacy, Osborne recorded live in the studio with the musicians.

Among the most outstanding selections on the set, which was produced by George Duke, are “Teach Me Tonight,” “When I Fall in Love,” “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “My One and Only Love,” “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and “Nature Boy.”

“A Time For Love” is class.

KELLY ROWLAND expressing herself about the publicity-seeking Keyshia Cole is understandable, but on the other hand, she just gave Cole what she was hoping for — media coverage.

Cole had been highly critical of Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams, claiming her performance was lacking during the Super Kelly Rowland Bowl halftime show, as compared to Rowland and Beyoncé.

Which goes a long way in explaining why today more marriages fail than succeed, and all the more so in the entertainment industry where egos and insecurities go hand in hand, and frequently clash.

In fact, the terms “show business marriage” and “Hollywood marriage” have long had negative Samuel L. connotations. True, they bring to mind and LaTanya glamour, with all the Jackson. flashing lights and Bill and Camille Cosby. overly-aggressive reporters. But the terms have also come to be associated with unions of short, and sometimes tumultuous, duration.

But even so, there are exceptions.

Marilyn FOR EXAMPLE, McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., formerly of the 5th Dimension, obviously meant what they were saying during their wedding ceremony.

These two, who almost seem to have been born to be together, have been married, amazingly, for 44 years!

The 5th Dimension’s first major hit was “Up, Up and Away.” Maybe that’s what they were thinking when they took their wedding vows.

Bill and Camille Cosby are an- Denzel and Pauletta Washington. other long-lasting couple. The legendary comedian/actor/author/producer met future producer Camille Hanks in the early 1960s. At the time she was a student at the University of Maryland and he was in Washington, DC, doing his standup comedy act.

Everything seemed right about the relationship, so they married in 1964. The following year Cosby was cast in the landmark TV

“We had a wonderful performance and that’s all I care about,” said Rowland. “I was with my sisters. We matter to a lot of people.

I really don’t care what she said.”

David Bowie and Iman.

Fantasia has a new album titled “The Side Effects of You” that should be released by the time you read this.

It had been announced that Lenny Kravitz would be portraying Marvin Gaye in the longdelayed biopic on the legendary star. But Kravitz has dropped out and been replaced

by Jesse L. Martin, who has a lot of TV and film credits but is best known for the years he spent on the long-running TV drama “Law & Order.”

WHEN YOU watch reruns of “Soul Train” (they are shown on WXYZ, Bounce TV, Channel 7-3), it is hard to believe that Don Cornelius is no longer with us in the physical realm, and that he took his own life because of health and personal problems.

But it is not a surprise that the public knew nothing about his issues because as his son, TV producer Tony Cornelius, has pointed out, his Don Cornelius father was a very private person, a fact confirmed by Vicki Abercrombie (now Vicki Abercrombie-Walker), one of the regular dancers during the early to mid ’70s golden era of the iconic dance/entertain-

See Reflections Page D-3

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z. series “I Spy.” MEGASTAR actor Denzel Washington met actress Pauletta Pearson on the set of made-for-television movie. They got married in 1983.

In addition to love, commitment, respect, friendship, trust, compromise and all the other things that make for a successful marriage, the Washingtons keep their personal lives and show business separate.

Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance.

Oh, there is one more thing.

Washington joked recently that the real key is, “I do whatever my wife says and keep my mouth shut!”

Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett and Detroit-born actor Courtney B. Vance are a married couple who seem perfect for each other. They married in 1997 but had known each other since 1980.

Vance and Bassett wrote a book about their life together titled “Friends: A Love Story,” published in 2009.

ONE OF THE most unexpected marriages was that of Somaliaborn supermodel, entrepreneur and actress Iman and rock icon David Bowie. They were married in 1992 in a most unexpected place, Lausanne, Romandy. (The average person doesn’t even know where that is!)

Another thing that makes their happy marriage out of the ordinary,

See Endless love Page D-3

lifestyle

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

Page D-2

Taste

Head to TAP for great drinks and gaming on St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

By R.J. Barnhill

Stepping in Style,

And of course you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do all that sipping without a little something to nosh on. Balancing icy cold beverages with tasty dishes is easy at TAP with its extensive menu of nearly 80 options. We recommend the pubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Michigan Beer-Battered Fish nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chips, a favorite of TAP regulars. Special for St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, TAP offers Irish favorites including corned beef and cabbage and bangers and mash. The appetizing food specials start at $12.

Have the whole gang in tow? No sweat. Even families with kids will feel welcome at TAP, thanks to its close proximity to the hotel lobby and 40 high-definition flat-screen TVs hanging on almost every wall that offer something for every sports fan to enjoy. And take time to check out the authentic memorabilia displayed on walls, shelves and inside glass cases that spotlight exciting yesteryear moments in Detroit sports history.

After a few brews and a good meal, head to the gaming floor to test the Luck of the Irish. MGM Grand Detroit recently added 300 new slot machines, all with plenty of chances to win on St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and take home your own pot of gold!

Perennial Southeast Michigan Favorite Returns for 5 Exciting performances!

Alicia Graf Mack. Photo by Andrew Eccles

While Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m guilty of thinking of sporting events in terms of their snack potential (obviously baseball means peanuts and Cracker Jack, and in my mind football means nachos and Red Vines), I know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the minority.

But it is that time of year, where fans go crazy over March Madness, spending hours agonizing over their respective brackets.

In the spirit of that passion, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m devoting this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue to a few women that get me cheering. From local designer Tori Nichel to Jessica Care Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phenomenal concert series Black Women Rock, I hope you find your self rooting for these ladies too!

Looking for luck on St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day? Then TAP at MGM Grand Detroit, a modern sports pub with a classically comfortable feel, is a good place to start.

This newcomer to the social scene is offering $4 pints and $12 pitchers of Guinness brew on St. Pattyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. TAP also offers a curated collection of more than 50 draft, bottled and Michigan craft beers for adventurous types with discerning palates.

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Michigan native Tori Nichel debuts spring collection on NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fashion Star

By Yvelette Stines It is considered a blessing to know what you want to do at a young age. For Tori Nichel it was fashion and she is happy she had the direction early in life. The influence of fashion and style came from her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side of the family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mom, aunt and grandmother were all very stylish. I would always tag along when they went shopping,â&#x20AC;? she said. Nichel would consistently immerse herself in her momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion magazines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would look at all of the designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names and I made up my own fashion stage name.

I called myself Toto Gibbitini.â&#x20AC;?

Attending West Bloomfield High School, Tori Nichel created her own path when it came to expanding her knowledge in fashion. It was her teacher and mentor that sealed the deal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I read an article about a woman named Christiane, she was teaching fashion classes. I called her, and she was hesitant to take me as a student because I was 16 years old. I convinced her to give me a chance and she did,â&#x20AC;? she said.

With that chance came a lot of inside information about the business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She mentally and skillfully prepared me for a career in fashion.â&#x20AC;?

Nichel studied with Christiane until her junior year in college.

With a strong foundation from her mentor, she was ready to take her dream and talents to New York.

After completing her degrees from Michigan State University and Fashion Institute of Technology, Dana Bachman was Nichelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first

job in fashion where she worked in the fabric research department. Her talents led her to Kenneth Cole where she worked on the launch of the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring collection and then she continued honing her craft at Tibi. The experiences led her to acquire the expertise that she needed to start her own line.

In 2006 Tori Nichel, the collection, was born.

The brand represented a woman of chic sophistication and confidence.

With a successful run, business shifted that led her to take a break in 2008. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to come back at the right time with a solid infrastructure,â&#x20AC;?

she said.

Still working in the industry, she put her designs on hold. As she started to think of her relaunch another opportunity came about that was a clear confirmation that she needed to continue along her path: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I received an e-mail from a friend of a friend regarding NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fashion Star, I was a bit hesitant, but I sent in the video and email and I was invited to the open call and the rest is history,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The show gives 12 young designers the chance to win a multimillion dollar prize of launching their original collections in three of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest fashion retailers.

This opportunity came at the right time, as she was going through shifts and challenges in her business and reflecting on her life. She did pull on faith and the strength of her family values. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad and grandfather always told us to be strong. They would remind us that we are resilient and we could get through anything,â&#x20AC;? she said. She remembered those values as she was designing her new line that will be launching in the summer of 2013. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The line will be solely a collection of dresses.

This is so personal to me because each dress is named after a woman that I know personally that has been through an obstacle and persevered.â&#x20AC;?

This collection is a reminder to Tori Nichel that she has been blessed.

She says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regardless of how hard it gets, never give up and stay focused.

If you want to live out your dream you must work hard.â&#x20AC;?

2013

Detroit has long been known as a great jazz town. Celebrating its 13th season, Comerica Java & Jazz continues the tradition of providing a monthly after work concert series that showcases some of Detroitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest creative talent.

9ec[h_YW @WlW @Wpp Â&#x161; CWhY^ '/" ,0&& f$c$ :[jhe_j FkXb_Y B_XhWho Ă&#x2026; CW_d B_XhWho +(&' MeeZmWhZ 7l[dk[" :[jhe_j" C? *.(&(

Straight Ahead The Detroit Public Library is proud to bring this groundbreaking all female jazz group to the 2013 Comerica Java & Jazz stage. This hometown group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers in the music industry. Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz and R&B ballads, to Brazilian funk. Straight Ahead was named the finalist in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sony Innovatorsâ&#x20AC;? competition in the first year they performed together. Since then, they have amassed a string of honors, including opening for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival and being nominated for a Grammy.

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

MOTOR CITY ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar

JUSTIN BIEBER, Joe Louis Arena, July 28. Tickets at Joe Louis box office and Ticketmaster locations.

To charge by phone, call 800.745.3000.

GEORGE CLINTON, P-Funk All Stars, the BarKays, the Dazz Band, the Ohio Players, the Mary Jane Girls and Con Funk Shun. 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.

DOWNTOWN Hoedown, Comerica Park, May 31June 2. Tickets on sale soon.

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

LaKiesha Harvey photo

BLUES FESTIVAL, Masonic Temple, March 23, featuring Bobby “Blue” Bland, Bobby Rush, Denise LaSalle, Shirley Brown, Charles Wilson, Floyd Taylor and Mel Waiters.

Tickets Denise sold at the LaSalle Masonic box office or visit www.masonic. com. For more information, call 313.832.7100.

Casino, April 18. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and MotorCityCasino. com.

Morris Day phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

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

HOWARD GOSPEL Choir of Howard University, Leland Missionary Baptist Church, Friday, March 15. For more information, call 313.928,2828 or 202.758.5193.

“JOY OF GOSPEL MUSIC” concerts, presented by Dr. Michael Walker, March 17, Puritan Avenue Baptist Church; April 21, St. Peter AME Zion Church; May 19, Warren Avenue Baptist Church; and June 9, 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 Alicia Keys be able to charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

MORRIS DAY & THE TIME, Sound Board at Motor City

“OLDIES AND MORE” BYOB parties for older adults, St. George Cathedral Cultural Center, 18405 W. Nine Mile Road, 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.

MIKE TYSON, “Undisputed Truth,” Fox Theatre, April 6. Tickets sold at Ticketmaster locations and the Fox Theatre box office.

To charge by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.

March 13-19, 2013 Page D-3

Endless love aside from the obvious, is that Bowie is widely known to be bisexual.

(This is not a judgment call, because people are what they are. It is just a statement of fact.)

A hardcore rap superstar and a beautiful superstar diva singer married?

That is what happened in 2008 when Beyoncé and Jay-Z took the giant step, but without fanfare.

Anyone can see that they each love the ground the other walks on. And talk about being a “power couple”!

Jay-Z began smiling a lot more after he got together with Beyoncé, the lady he has (rightfully) described as “the hardest working woman in show business.”

This marriage is expected to pass the longevity test.

SAMUEL L. JACKSON, who just may be the busiest actor in Hollywood, and LaTanya Richardson have been married since 1980. Jackson and actress and sports chan-

nel producer Richardson met when they were both students at Morehouse College.

Jackson said, “I’m a good husband. I’ve been married to the same woman for 33 years.”

No brag, just facts.

Some marriages would surely still be intact today were it not for the fact that one partner passed.

Indeed, in these cases it was “until death do us part.”

Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson married in 1974, but had been together for a decade. They were the ideal couple, loving and working together.

Many of the hit songs they wrote seemed to mirror their relationship, including “You’re All Need to Get By,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” “Your Precious Love,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Solid.”

Nick Ashford died in 2011.

OSSIE DAVIS, actor, director, playwright,

From page D-1 author and poet, and Ruby Dee, actress, playwright, screenwriter, poet and journalist, could have been described as the gold standard of marriage.

They were married in 1948 and were still going strong in 2005 when Davis made his transition.

Davis quipped that one reason their marriage endured for so long was that he always let his wife win the argument — “even when she was wrong.”

Nancy Wilson, one of the greatest songstresses of all time, and one of the classiest, married Rev. Wiley Burton in 1973.

Wilson and Burton lived a personal life that was in no way connected to show business, and it worked out beautifully for them.

Burton passed in 2008.

Smokey Robinson once wrote a song that said, “What love has joined together...nobody can take apart.” And some married couples — even in show business — can attest to that.

Reflections ment show.

“I got along with him, I could easily go up to him,” said AbercrombieWalker. “But overall, he isolated himself. He definitely drew a line.

He didn’t allow people to get too close to him.

We knew Don, but then again, we really didn’t know him.”

NOW BACK to Keenen Ivory Wayans. He made a statement recently that has left many people surprised and puzzled.

“What people don’t understand is that comedy is a mask for pain,” he said bluntly during a recent interview. “People who are innately funny are innately disturbed.”

He may be largely correct. I conversed with one of the industry’s most famous funnymen and, offstage, he was not the least bit humorous.

No doubt the great actor Laurence Fishburne is still feeling bad about his daughter’s decision to become a porn actress, something she said she “always wanted to do.”

Yours truly has nothing against adult entertainment, but it is understandable how Fishburne feels. Unlike most porn stars, Montana Fishburne has been known to use her real name; at other times she is “Chippy D.” Which brings to mind the fact that actor Larenz Tate (“Love Jones,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?,” “Ray,” etc.), if he is aware of it, cannot be pleased with the fact that there is a porn actor who calls himself “Larenz Taste.”

Correction: In a recent column I said Motown once released a single titled “Too Hurt to

From page D-1 Cry, Too Much in Love to Say Goodbye” as a Marvelettes record even though the Andantes did not all of the singing. Actually, the lead vocal was done by Gladys Horton of the Marvelettes with the Andantes providing the background harmonies.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW....that Jimmy Ruffin had to practically beg the Motown decision makers to allow him to record “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?” which, of course, became a classic. He was going through bad times and knew that he could put genuine emotion into lyrics.

MEMORIES: “I Just Called to Say I Love You” (Stevie Wonder), “Belle” (Al Green), “Bad Luck” (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes), “There It Is” (Tyrone Davis), “Love Rollercoaster” (the Ohio

Players), “Do Me Baby” (Meli’sa Morgan), “Key to the World” (L.J. Rey­ nolds), “B-A-B-Y” (Carla Thomas), “How Can I Ease the Pain?” (Lisa Fischer), “Rhythm of the Night” (DeBarge).

BLESSINGS to Michael Walker, Pam Woodside, M.L. Elrick, Chuck Bennett, Freddy Anderson (“Fast Freddy”), Shirleen Fort, Bud McQueen, Anita Baker, Diane Perkins, Ken Donaldson and Horace Boyington.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks: “Never let anyone define your reality.”

Let the music play!

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

community ARIES

STAR CHART LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Whatever has been troubling is nearly gone, and in its place is a whole new feeling of serenity and personal power. Try something new this week, even if it makes you feel slightly nervous. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did.

Your personal vibrations make you more attractive than ever. Take advantage of that. This may be your best week of the year for finding love. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a peaceful place inside of you that is a constant source of joy.

An old friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name will come to mind this week and the presence of that friend will be strong in your memory. Savory the memory for a while and then get in touch to find that he or she has been thinking about you too.

Soul Affirmation: I let my spirit light my path this week.

Soul Affirmation: Cooperation with others is the key to success for me this week.

Soul Affirmation: Happiness rules my week this week.

Lucky Numbers: 17, 29, 31

Lucky Numbers: 36, 39, 53

Lucky Numbers: 21, 39, 45

TAURUS

You are highly creative this week.

How will you spend your happiness? Let joy be your guiding principle and live like a queen or king this week. You possess a real flair for the dramatic this week.

Soul Affirmation: I stand firm for what I believe in.

Lucky Numbers: 29, 38, 41

GEMINI

CAPRICORN

VIRGO

There is a special harmony that exists for you now and in the coming weeks that blends your thoughts, feelings and actions into a wonderful wholeness. Pay attention to your body. It wants to conform to your healthy ideals.

Soul Affirmation: This week is a gift that I deserve.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 26, 32

Keep the channels for feedback open this week and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll appreciate what you hear. Listening and observing are skills that you are naturally blessed with. Use your talent this week for some kind of wonderful.

Soul Affirmation: I let children supply my life with wisdom this week.

Lucky Numbers: 8, 15, 20

A balance is being struck in your life this week between the spiritual and the material. Things are equalizing and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be very pleased at the end of the week. Pay attention to details and stay alert for hidden opportunities.

Soul Affirmation: I reward myself with high opinions of myself.

Soul Affirmation: I am inspired by my own words this week.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 18, 21

Soul Affirmation: I keep in mind the practical side of life this week.

Soul Affirmation: I search for ways to improve the way I see life.

Lucky Numbers: 25, 45, 51

Lucky Numbers: 3, 17, 30

Lucky Numbers: 14, 40, 46

Your expectations are balanced and your dreams seem very real. As you move through the week with serenity, you may hear some news from a distance. Take it in stride and know that things are working out perfectly.

Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate DPS

Our still-abysmal scores nevertheless rose considerably this year, and they would have risen even more, had hundreds of our best teachers not been released on bogus five-minute evaluations.

At my request and that of other community petitioners, the U.S. Attorney General will investigate injustices visited upon DPS, including a look into our legislatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing and our governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signing the replacement Emergency Manager law.

In the meantime, the state Supreme Court may well overturn that unconstitutional new EM law the legislature passed in contempt of the citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vote to repeal the old one â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or else it may exempt DPS from the law entirely.

I have tried to adhere to Wayne County Circuit Court Judge John Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s order to collaborate with the current EFM in administering the school district, which is again governed by the old Public Act 72 that a partisan appeals court judge resurrected. In his Aug. 8 order which also adhered to PA 72, Judge Murphy put me in charge of academics and EFM Roy Roberts in charge of finance.

That ruling remains in force, but the EFM has been unwilling to obey it, so we went back to court on Feb. 20 with Judge Annette Berry. Judge Berry specified the departments the EFM supervises and those that I do, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be doing some fast work through the month of March to set the stage for the arrival of the Feds in the hopeful role of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;cavalry coming over the hill.â&#x20AC;?

wrote a letter to me and board president LaMar Lemmons which he circulated to the media and to all DPS staff declaring his intent to rescind the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to appoint five volunteer administrative staff members to report to me. These are staff whom the board also moved to ultimately pay, assuming that Judge Berry grants it this power.

184 576 120 635 731 312 144 110 465 929 260 103 2-5-17-26-31-35 1101 5941

a compromise to enable two of these staff â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Ombudsmen â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to continue to function pro bono to the benefit of the children, but the next day he reneged, and on March 6, he had the DPS Inspector General forcibly remove one of the pro bono staff â&#x20AC;&#x201D; acting Deputy Superintendent Wes Ganson â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from my office in the Fisher Building.

I remain open to renegotiate this and other issues. Because he defied Judge Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s August 8 order with impunity for five months, and because he is now defying Judge Berryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feb. 20 order, and

PLUMBER

On Jan. 24, Mr. Roberts and I had hammered out

ATTORNEY

because Lansing has reinstated legislation the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voters rejected, our most potentially effective option now is to bring in the U.S. Attorney General. He will come with a commitment to reenfranchise Detroit voters and save our longtime educationally deprived children.

Interim Superintendent John Telford currently shares legal leadership of the Detroit Public Schools with Emergency Financial Manager Roy Roberts. Write to him at drjohntelfordedd@aol. com.

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Call 877-895-1828

MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER

The appointments were to be synchronized with a reduction of DPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; central-office administration, which I crafted a board-anointed plan to downsize. In authorizing these new staff, the board meant to counter the EFMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s improper directive to top academic administrators still in place to ignore any order from me that he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t approve.

At Your Service

AT YOUR SERVICE

Work off restlessness or tension with some physical activity. Health care for a distant family member may be on your mind. Review the options a close family member suggests. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be feeling healthier than you have in a long time.

Soul Affirmation: I see myself as a finisher rather than a starter this week.

John Telford

P I CK S

Lucky Numbers: 26, 34, 47

Take it easy this week and relax with family and friends. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an advantage to be had as far as a personal choice is concerned. Go with your instincts and let the good times roll. You need fun as much as anything else.

I met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Tony Miller on Feb. 7 to debrief him on how the 1999 state takeover of DPS in the name of â&#x20AC;&#x153;reformâ&#x20AC;? not only has been an abject failure but was unfair at the outset and remains unfair now, since DPS enjoyed a $93 million surplus and its MEAP scores were then at the state mid-point and rising.

This contrasts starkly with DPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; $327 million deficit at the time of Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departure 10 years later, when its scores were the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst.

LOTTERY

Soul Affirmation: I concentrate on what is beautiful about my life now.

PISCES

SCORPIO

Telfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Telescope

Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best

Page D-4

AQUARIUS

LIBRA

Lucky Numbers: 18, 21, 30

CANCER

Something forgotten or ignored may suddenly loom large in your vision. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fret, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a good vibration that is helping you adjust your plans so that they are most effective. Count your blessings and work smart and hard this week.

if you listen to yourself, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll realize that all of your senses are giving you information that is helpful all of the time. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wealth of communicating going on right now, so be sure to make some time in the week to listen and appreciate how wonderful you are.

By John Telford

March 13-19, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

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For these past several months, It has been hard to cooperate with an EFM who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t collaborate.

On Jan. 9, Mr. Roberts

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

More tech startups in Michigan is the goal of new statewide entrepreneurship program

A new entrepreneurial training program for inventors in Michigan aims to fasttrack technologies to market and boost the economic impact of research conducted in the state.

Launching this spring, the Michigan I-Corps program will help researchers from across the state identify and assess potential applications and business opportunities for their technologies.

Though designed to equip technologists with a better understanding of the commercialization process, program coordinators predict Michigan I-Corps will have a significant positive impact on the state’s entrepreneurial climate and economic performance.

“The Michigan economy depends on the ability of residents to reinvent the future through innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Jonathan Fay, associate director of entrepreneurial practice at the University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship, which will administer the program. “In addition to strengthening early-stage technology startups, we believe the program will activate and integrate the state’s entrepreneurial and researcher communities, and draw C-level talent back to Michigan to fund and staff exciting new ventures.”

Michigan I-Corps is modeled after the National Science Foundation’s National I-Corps program. In 2012, U-M became one of three nodes selected by NSF to administer the national program to entrepreneurial faculty from across the country.

U-M also received $1.5 million from NSF to administer the Michigan I-Corps.

“I-Corps regional nodes are the foundation of a national innovation ecosystem,” said Don Millard, NSF I-Corps node program director. “They expand our reach, bringing innovation, education and expertise to faculty and students that are pursuing commercialization efforts. We anticipate that the regional nodes will provide valuable feedback to the programs that support the advancement of our nation’s basic research and development portfolio.”

Similar to the national program, Michigan I-Corps cohorts will be comprised of approximately 25 teams, each with three members: a principal investigator (or senior executive), entrepreneurial lead (or product manager) and industry mentor.

The statewide program will leverage the existing I-Corps curriculum, which focuses on customer discovery and business model generation, but will supplement it with modules on business basics, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship ownership nd operations. Workshops will be led by a team of local serial entrepreneurs, venture

capitalists and experienced entrepreneurial educators.

One major difference between the national and regional programs is that applicants to Michigan I-Corps need not be academic researchers working on an NSF-funded technology. Any Michigan-based technologist, regardless of academic affiliation or funding source, is eligible to apply.

Program coordinators are recruiting teams from Michigan colleges and universities, such as Michigan State, Michigan Tech, Western Michigan, Wayne State, Grand Valley State and U-M, as well as from innovative technology companies and startups funded by venture capitalists.

“If you’ve developed a unique, cutting-edge technology but you’re not sure what market to go after or what the business model should be, this program will save two years of your life by giving you those answers in seven weeks,” Fay said.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning March 11. The first two Michigan I-Corps sessions will be held in Ann Arbor, but the plan is for subsequent sessions to be held in different locations around the state to make the program accessible to as many Michigan entrepreneurs as possible. Organizers hope the program can train 100 teams each year.

The first session will be held in May with three days of onsite training. It culminates in June with a two-day storytelling workshop and demo day. In between, participants attend online lectures, conduct outreach to potential customers, blog about their progress and receive extensive mentorship and coaching from the teaching team.

John Diebel, assistant director of technology commercialization at Michigan Technological University, has been through the National I-Corps program twice as an industry mentor. He says he believes I-Corps is a game changer not just for the participating teams, but for the entire field of technology transfer.

“Until they’ve been through the customer discovery process, our faculty cannot imagine how much more there is to be learned about transforming their technology into a business,” Diebel said. “I am going to be very surprised if 10 or more years from now we cannot trace a core change in technology transfer back to the I-Corps methodology instilled in our young researchers as they mature in their careers.”

IN MEMORIAM

He offers these tips for accomplishing that, and distress signals to watch for:

• Is your pet in pain?: Before X-rays and MRIs, health practitioners relied on these physical indications of pain: heat, redness, lumps or swelling, tremors, obvious discomfort. To recognize the first four, a pat on the head is not enough. Get used to taking some quiet time to place your hands on your pet, and work on honing your perceptive abilities. Being in a rush or having your mind on what you need to do next will impede your ability to perceive changes – use the time to simply be with your animal. If a joint feels warm, it may be inflamed. Mild localized tremors can indicate a problem in the area beneath your hand. Lumps or an asymmetrical feel when you have your hands on either side of the pet may indicate growths. “Take your time and quiet your mind. Animals are keenly aware of intent,

MRS. LINN

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

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

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

In loving memory of Lillian E. Fuller who passed away peacefully on February 16, 2013 at the age of 98. Dear mother of Dianne (Henry)-Robertson and Sheila (William)-Johnson. Beloved grandmother of Charles Robertson and Melanye and William Johnson. Long time committed volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Metropolitan Detroit, Metropolitan Hospital, the Urban League, the NAACP, and St. Stephen A.M.E. Church.

Services were held February 23, 2013 at St. Stephen A.M.E. Church 6000 John E. Hunter Drive Stanford, Detroit.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS COVENANT HOUSE ACADEMY EAST 7600 Goethe, Detroit, MI 48214 Phone: (313) 267-4315 Fax: (313) 267-4320 Applications for the 2013-2014 academic year will be available at the school for re-enrollment from March 11 through April 12, 2013; for open enrollment from April 8 through April 19, 2013. An answering machine is available for messages. Applications will be accepted for grades 9-12, serving students ages 16-22. Should applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held on May 1, 2013 at the school.

Pastor John D. Kelly II

The homegoing celebration of the Rev. John Daniel Kelly II was held Saturday, Feb. 16 at Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, where he had been pastor since 2002.

Pastor Kelly made his transition Monday, Feb. 11, at the age of 42.

Born Oct. 27, 1970, in Augusta, Ga., he succeeded his late grandfather, the Rev. David Louis Kelly Sr., in the Second Canaan pastorate. Rev. Kelly Sr. was the church founder and had been pastor for 45 years at the time of his death.

A 1988 graduate of Detroit’s Finney High School, Pastor Kelly, affectionally known as “J.D.,” worked at Budd Co. and Chrysler Corp. before enrolling at Wayne State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the WSU School of Fine and Performing Arts. He also earned a bachelor’s degree Faith Bible Institute, graduating as class valedictorian.

Ordained a deacon in 1996, he united with Elyton Baptist Church where his father, the lat Rev. John D. Kelly, was pastor. At Elyton, he was active with the Sunday School and was a Bible study scholar. He also was active in the Music Ministry and Junior Laymen, and served as president of the Youth Department and as a Bible Study instructor.

In 1999 he as selected by his grandfather to become co-pastor at Second Canaan and three years later assumed the church pastorate, a prophesy he had made at his baptism at the age of 7.

Rev. Kelly married Kizzie Weathers in 2007 and they became parents of a daughter, Simone Anna Marie. He was a conference leader for many years in the Challenge Ministry Conference and his other interests included participation in the Amway business, writing screenplays and going to the movies.

New tax adds to already growing costs

and they’ll work with you if feel your intent,” Block says.

• Watch how your pet plays: It’s important that a pet gets physical and psychological stimulation, but those needs vary with temperament, age, and even how energetic the pet owner is. “Pets tend to match their owners’ energy levels, for instance, very elderly owners will tend to have pets that like to nuzzle and curl up next to them,” Block says. Take note of how your pet plays so you’ll be aware of changes. Is he becoming more aggressive? He may be telling you something’s bothering him. Has she stopped hopping up on the couch? Is he favoring a paw (or hoof?) Beyond the physical, your pet’s play can also communicate emotional distress.

For instance, if he becomes fearful or timid, consider any changes in the home, routines, etc., that may be affecting him.

• Have a thorough neuro-muscular-skeletal exam done. A veterinary chiropractor can examine a pet’s frame, muscles and nerves for areas that may be pre-disposed to injury, and suggest ways you can help protect them.

In dogs, cats and horses, joint injuries are common, with muscle and tendon strains and tears. Problems with the spine can lead to compressed or herniated discs, and neck issues can lead to mobility problems and even seizures. If you know your pet’s vulnerabilities, you can take steps to prevent injuries.

“If you decide to take your pet to a chiropractor, make sure he or she is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association,” says Block, who’s been treating people for 43 years and animals for 16.

“Find one who is in tune with animals – a host of technical skills does not compensate if the practitioner is not in tune with his patients.”

About Dr. Rod Block Dr. Rod Block serves as a chiropractic consultant to numerous veterinary practices in Southern California and is an international lecturer on animal chiropractic. He is board certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, is a member of the International Association of Elephant Managers and serves as an equine chiropractic consultant to Cal Poly Pomona. Dr. Block is the equine chiropractor for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Mounted Police Unit, a lecturer at Western State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a lecturer at University of California Irvine (Pre-Veterinary Program). He completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA and later received his Doctorate in Chiropractic.

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PERSONAL SERVICES

Lillian E. Fuller

3 tips to lower your veterinary bill Pet owners’ vet bills are growing, which may explain why fewer are taking their dogs and cats to the animal doctor although more Americans than ever have pets.

To make matters worse, a 2.3 percent tax on medical devices that kicked in Jan. 1 includes equipment that’s used for animals as well as people. Items as basic as IV pumps and scalpels are now subject to the tax, which is to help fund the Affordable Care Act. “Even before the tax, the latest survey showed spending for dog care alone rose 18.6 percent from 2006 to 2012. And even though cat vet visits dropped 4 percent in that time, cat owners paid 4 percent more,” says Dr. Rod Block, citing the 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, a survey of more than 50,000 households.

“Add to that the new excise tax and I’m sure we’re going to see even more people torn between paying the light bill and taking their pet to the vet,” says Block, a board-certified animal chiropractor and author of “Like Chiropractic for Elephants,” (www.drrodblock. com). But there are simple ways to keep veterinary costs down, while still providing excellent care for your pet – whether it’s a dog, cat, horse or guinea pig, Block says.

“It’s important to always get appropriate care when your animal needs it, but you can easily prevent problems, or catch them early, by simply staying in tune with your pet’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs,” he says.

March 13-19, 2013

COVENANT HOUSE ACADEMY SOUTHWEST 1450 25th Street, Detroit, MI 48216 Phone: (313) 297-8720 Fax: (313) 297-8730 Applications for the 2013-2014 academic year will be available at the school for re-enrollment from March 11 through April 12, 2013; for open enrollment from April 8 through April 19, 2013. An answering machine is available for messages. Applications will be accepted for grades 9-12, serving students ages 16-22. Should applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held on May 1, 2013 at the school.

DO YOU HAVE DIABETES? We are looking for participants with type 2 diabetes treated with diet and exercise or with oral agents. We are conducting a research study comparing the glycemic control and treatment satisfaction of a once weekly injectable drug versus a twice daily injectable drug. All study treatment and procedures will be provided at no cost to the participant.

Please call 313-916-3906 or email lbarret2@hfhs.org for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COVENANT HOUSE ACADEMY CENTRAL 2959 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208 Phone: (313) 899-6900 Fax: (313) 899-6910

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.

Applications for the 2013-2014 academic year will be available at the school for re-enrollment from March 11 through April 12, 2013; for open enrollment from April 8 through April 19, 2013. An answering machine is available for messages. Applications will be accepted for grades 9-12, serving students ages 16-22. Should applications exceed available space, a random selection drawing will be held on May 1, 2013 at the school.

ADVERTISEMENT TO BIDDERS The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of the City of Detroit is soliciting unit price bids for the following project:

Civic Center Drive Realignment The work for this project is described in bid package number DDA-P3-09-2012 that may be obtained from ARC Dunn Blue Reprographics 500 Griswold Lower Mezzanine Detroit MI 48226 (313) 961-4444 detroit@dunnblue.com. Bid packages will be available on Monday, March 11, 2013.

The scope of work for this project shall generally include: 0.11 miles of road reconstruction and resurfacing including pavement removal, structural concrete removal, water mains, storm sewers, aggregate base, concrete pavement, structural concrete, HMA pavement, sidewalks, street lighting, and including pavement and partial bridge removal on Civic Center Drive and the EB Jefferson Service Drive in the City of Detroit, Michigan..

Bid Due Date:

Date: The Economic Development Corporation will receive sealed bids for the project at their office located at 500 Griswold, Suite 2200, Detroit, MI 48226 until 3:00 PM Friday April 5, 2013.

Pre-Bid Meeting Date:

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the DDA Offices, 500 Griswold, Suite 2200 Detroit, MI 48226.

Owner’s Representative: Timothy Miles, Senior Project Manager Downtown Development Authority of the City of Detroit The anticipated date of issuing the notice to proceed is April 25, 2013 and the expected project completion date is July 31, 2013.

Each Bidder will be required to submit a 5% Bid Bond with its bid and the successful Bidder will be required to provide a 100% Labor and Material Payment Bond and a 100% Performance Bond.

The DDA reserves the right to waive informalities in any bid and to reject any or all bids in whole or in part whenever such waiver is in the best interest of the EDC. All Bidders shall comply with the prevailing Equal Opportunity and Labor Standard Provisions of the City of Detroit as described in the Bid Package. Each Bidder must sign and notarize a Human Rights Affidavits from the City of Detroit and submit a current Tax Clearance as a condition of contract award.

Classified ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

March 13-19, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Project areas shall include: 1)Vacant lots in the East Riverfront (Riopelle Linear & North Atwater Sites) area, generally bounded by Woodbridge on the north, Dubois on the east, Atwater on the south, Riopelle on the west.

2)Several lots in the Jefferson Village Subdivision, generally bounded by Marquette Drive on the west, St. Jean on the east, Freud on the south, East Jefferson on the north.

3)St. Jean Berm, which is located on St. Jean (west side of St. Jean only) from East Jefferson (south) to Mack Avenue (north).

Generally, the Scope of Services shall consist of the following: The Scope of Services for this Bid Package includes, but is not limited to, all necessary and incidental labor, equipment, tools, material, supplies, and supervision to properly perform and complete all work required for landscape maintenance and vegetation removal services, keeping the landscape features in pristine condition. The Bid Package with be available only at the Offices of the EDC, 500 Griswold, Suite 2200, Detroit, MI 48226, beginning Monday, March 11, 2013 starting at 12:00 noon through 5:00 p.m.

Contractor shall invoice for the work by each Project Area (East Riverfront, Jefferson Village or St. Jean Berm) at rates consistent with the Contract Agreement.

There will be a Pre-Bid Meeting Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the corner of Orleans and Franklin Streets, south of East Jefferson and north of Atwater Street in Detroit, MI. Proceed to Jefferson Village, located Meadowbrook Street at Lysette Street at 10:30 AM. Please complete the attached proposal and submit your proposal to the offices of the EDC. The proposal due date is Monday, March 18, 2013 at 4:00 PM at the offices of the EDC, which is located at 500 Griswold, Suite 2200, Detroit, MI 48226.

All Bidders shall comply with the prevailing Equal Opportunity and Labor Standard Provisions of the City of Detroit. Each Bidder must demonstrate its ability to obtain Human Rights, Tax Clearances from the City of Detroit, W-9 and a Certificate of Liability Insurance as a condition of award ability.

If additional information is needed regarding this Request for Proposal, please contact Ms. Denise L. Colona, Project Manager at (313) 237-4624, Cell: (313) 850-7338 or e-mail @ dlcolona@degc.org.

Ecorse Housing Commission will be accepting applications for: Low Income Public Housing Units

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 22, 2013, and in accordance with 24 CFR 58.71, the City of Detroit will submit requests 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 projects:

Boysville Public Facility Rehabilitation Project Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), 2010 $60,000.00 Joy Road Commercial Façade Project Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), 2012 $100,000.00 The Boysville Public Facility Rehabilitation Project will utilize Federal funds for upgrades to heating systems controls at the facility located at 5690 Cecil, Detroit, Michigan 48210. These controls will provide greater energy efficiency for the facility. Boysville/Holy Cross Children’s Services will serve as the primary sponsor of this Project. The offices of Boysville/Holy Cross Children’s Services are located at 8759 Clinton Macon Road, Clinton, Michigan, 49236.

The Joy Road Commercial Façade Project will utilize Federal funds for the rehabilitation of or improvement to the exterior of commercial structures located along Joy Road between Evergreen Road and the Southfield Freeway. The Project may also provide funding for the abatement of hazards or the correction of code violations. The project presents awards to eligible properties in the form of a dollar-for-dollar match. The Joy Southfield Community Development Corporation will serve as the primary sponsor of this Project and will determine the amount awarded to each approved property. The offices of the Joy Southfield Community Development Corporation are located at 18917 Joy Road, Detroit, Michigan, 48228.

DETERMINATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW These projects are 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. However, these projects are subject to the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

The environmental review of the Joy Road Commercial Façade Project utilizes a tiered process permitted under 24 CFR 58.15. This tiered review allows for a broader identification and evaluation of issues ripe for decision within the general project area. The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department prepared the Tier I Environmental Review of this Project, and the Tier I Environmental Review finds that this Project complies with the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5(b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h) and (j), as well as all laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.6. The City of Detroit will complete a Tier II Environmental Review of the remaining laws and authorities once specific sites are identified. If the Tier II Environmental Review finds that the project exceeds the threshold for a Categorically Excluded activity, then the City of Detroit will complete an Environmental Assessment and publish a separate combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request for Release of Funds consistent with all applicable Federal regulations.

The City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority (the “DDA”) invites experienced and qualified Demolition Contractors to submit sealed lump sum Bid Proposals for the environmental remediation, demolition and site clearing including utilities associated the existing structures located at 136 Monroe Street in Detroit Michigan 48226 (formerly Bates Garage).

In accordance with 24 CFR 58.38, the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department prepared Environmental Review Records that document the Environmental Review of the above-named projects. The Environmental Review Records are 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.

Commencement Date: April 25, 2013 Completion Date: July 25, 2013

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS AND CERTIFICATION

The governing Agency and primary funding source for this project is the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a result, contractors and subcontractors are required to comply with HUD Section 3 Provisions, Federal Labor Standard Provisions, Equal Opportunity Requirements, Davis Bacon Wage Requirements. Bids are solicited only from consultants who demonstrate experience with similar services, have qualified staff, can demonstrate expertise and experience in the nature of this work, and provide proof of competency and financial viability. Consultants found to have defaulted with the City of Detroit on a contract awarded within the last five years will not be considered. Bids submitted

by Consultants who have been debarred, suspended, or made ineligible by any Federal agency will not be considered.

If the contractor/subcontractor has to hire new persons to complete the HUD Section 3 requirements or needs to subcontract portions of the work to another business, they are required to direct their newly created employment and/or subcontracting opportunities to Section 3 residents and business concerns. The same numerical goals apply to contractors and subcontractors (i.e., 30% of new hires, 10% of construction contracts, and 3% of non-construction contracts).

In addition, the contractor/subcontractor must notify the DDA about their efforts to comply with HUD Section 3 and submit any required documentation.

CD copies of the RFP documents will be available between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on business days beginning Monday March 11, 2013 at the offices of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation 500 Griswold Suite #2200, Detroit Michigan (313) 9632940 or may be downloaded for our web site address: http://www. degc.org/new-project-rfps.aspx.

A pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday March 20, 2013 at the offices of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Sealed bids shall be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday April 5, 2013 at the offices of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

A 5% bid bond is required, 100% performance and payment bonds required. The DDA reserves the rights to accept or reject any or all bids, in whole or in part, or waive any requirements or informalities related to any proposal. A post bid and pre-award meeting between the selected Contractor and the DDA must be completed prior to the start of the project to ensure that the selected Contractor meets all federal regulations and HUD section 3 requirements.

Each proposing Contractor shall file a statement signed by or on behalf of the person, firm, association, or corporation submitting the qualifications and proposal that such person, firm, association, or corporation has neither directly nor indirectly entered into any agreement, participated in any collusion, or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competitive bidding in connection with the submitted proposal. Work by subcontractors shall not exceed 60% of the total contract. All Bidders are required to visit and inspect the Project Site. Questions regarding this project may be directed to Tim Miles, DDA Sr. Project Manager, at (313) 237-4621, or tmiles@ degc.org.

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

313-963-5522

Starting -Monday, March 18, 2013 Ending- Monday, March 25,2013 Applications are for 1,2, 3, 4, & 5 bedroom units Applications will only be accepted for 1 (one) week ONLY!!!

No applications will be given out or accepted after 12:00 p.m.

NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

All applications must be turned in by Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

Applications that are turned in after the deadline will not be accepted.

NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

ECORSE HOUSING COMMISSION IS NOT GIVING OUT SECTION 8 VOUCHERS LOW INCOME HOUSING ONLY For any additional information please contact the EHC office located at 266 Hyacinthe Ave., Ecorse, MI 48229 at (313) 381-9393.

PROJECTS SCOPE

The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department has prepared the Environmental Review for the Boysville Public Facility Rehabilitation Project, and the Environmental Review finds that this project complies with the laws and authorities articulated in 24 CFR 58.5 and 58.6.

REQUEST FOR BIDS From DEMOLITION AND ABATEMENT CONTRACTORS For ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION DEMOLITION AND SITE CLEARING of BATES GARAGE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICE

To Potential Qualified Contractors for East Riverfront Sites, Jefferson Village and St. Jean Berm Landscape & Vegetation Services The Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (“EDC”) is soliciting competitive Request For Proposal (“RFP”) bids from experienced and qualified landscape contractors for the Work described below.

Page D-6

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 The City of Detroit invites all interested agencies, groups and persons to submit written comments concerning the above-named projects for consideration. The comments must specify the particular project to which they apply. The Planning and Development Department should receive such comments at the address listed at the top of this notice on or before March 21, 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 22, 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 these projects is:

CITY OF DETROIT Dave Bing, Mayor Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1126 Detroit, Michigan, 48226 Notice Date: March 13, 2013

HELP WANTED PHYSICIAN CARDIOLOGIST Michigan Cardiovascular Institute seeks a Physician Cardiologist to work in Saginaw, MI. Physician Cardiologist will diagnose and treat diseases of the heart, including non-invasive cardiac tests and invasive procedures. Examine patients for symptoms indicative of heart disorders, using medical instruments and diagnostic testing equipment. Must have a medical Doctor Degree or the foreign academic equivalent and be Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease. Must have or be eligible for a Michigan Physician’s License.

Applicants submit resumes to Julie Lewis, Michigan Cardiovascular Institute, 1015 S. Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48601, or fax to 989.755.1365.

PHYSICIAN HOSPITALIST(S) Hospitalists of Northwest Michigan d/b/a Hospitalists of Northern Michigan seeks Physician Hospitalist (multiple positions) to work in Alpena County, MI. Physician Hospitalist will diagnose, treat and provide continuous care to hospital inpatients.

Will prescribe medications, order and interpret tests results and refer patients to medical specialists, as needed. Must have Medical Degree or foreign equivalent and have completed a 3 year residency training in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.

Must have or be eligible for a Physician License in the State of Michigan.

Applicants submit resumes to Administrator, HNM, 1014 Sixth St, #103, Traverse City, MI 49684 or fax to 231.922.7203 NOW HIRING

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GORDON TRUCKING CDL-A Drivers Needed! $1,000 Sign On Bonus! Michigan Regional Available. Full Benefits, 401k, EOE. No East Coast. Call 7 days/wk!

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ACADEMIC ADVISER at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

School of Engineering & Computer Science

Provide academic advising to current and prospective students who are pursuing or plan to pursue a degree program in the School of Engineering & Computer Science. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in counseling, education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One year experience in academic advising. Strong computer and database skills. Ability to work with a diverse population of students. Salary is up to the low $40’s annually.

See on line positing for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by March 20, 2013.

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

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Eye Research Institute

Provide professional level support to the Director, Eye Research Institute, and other faculty.

Provide support in fiscal matters including budgeting, grant activity, compliance with university policies and procedures. Maintain research lab supplies and equipment. Minimum qualifications require a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Three years of administrative experience including accounting and payroll. Salary up to the mid $40s, commensurate with education and experience.

Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration given to those who apply

by March 21, 2013.

Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

lifestyle

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Vocalist Saidah Baba Talibah

March 13-19, 2013

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Out & About

Events This Week: 3/13-19 ‘THE BOOK OF MORMON’ This 9-time Tony Award-winning religious satire stage play is on tour and is in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre now through March 24. For tickets or more information, visit broadwayindetroit.com WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS March 13, head over to 1701 Cigar Bar and get over the hump with great wine and great people.

The after work affair will be from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. For more information, visit localwineevents.com ADVANCING WOMEN TO THE TOP LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST March 13, be a part of an informative morn­ing hosted by The U.S Chamber’s Center for Women in Business at the Marriott Center Point. Along with delicious food the organization is presenting information on the best practices for “achieving significant female representation within organizations and in the board room” For more information, call 248-853-7862

Culture

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Jess Care Moore Foundation present ‘Black Women Rock! The Diaspora’ March 17 Photo: Rae Maxwell From Nona Hendrix and Grace Jones, to the Afro punk warrior goddess Tamar Kali, Black women artists are inextricably woven into the fabric of rock and roll. During Women’s History Month, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History and the Jess Care Moore Foundation will pay homage to this crucial aspect of history with the fourth annual “Black Women Rock!” (BWR!). The art exhibition, live music concert, and Sunday afternoon workshops and community celebration will take place March 16-18 at the museum.

In 2004, renowned poet and performer Jessica Care Moore created “Black Women Rock!

A Tribute to Rock Icon Betty Davis” in conjunction with The National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta to showcase independent women artists of color who made a living as composers, guitarists, vocalists, producers and arts educators in the rock and roll genre.

These contemporary artists defy stereotypes of what a rock and roll artist looks and sounds like and are the spiritual descendants of Betty Davis, Etta James, Grace Jones, Tina Turner, Nona Hendrix, and Patti LaBelle. They have spent their careers breaking down barriers of image, politics and sexuality in the music industry. In honor of Women’s History Month, “BWR!” debuted in Detroit in March 2010 to a standing-room-only audience.

The free art exhibition curated by Sabrina Nelson and Jessica Care Moore kicks off this year’s event on Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m. The acclaimed “BWR! live rock and roll concert returns to the Wright Museum’s General Motors Theater on Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m., and features performances by Dionne Farris, (Arrested Development), Martha Redbone, Ursula Rucker (The Roots), Kat Dyson (guitar player for Prince), Canadian rocker Saidah Baba Talibah, and Detroit’s own Jessica Care Moore and Steffanie Christi’an. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $25.

The events conclude on Sunday, March 17, with a Community Celebration to raise funds to benefit rock icon Betty Davis. An intimate Commnity Conversation/Panel Discussion titled “We Are Not Urban Fiction” with the headliners, plus special guest comedian and WJLB on air personality, Coco is at 12:30 p.m. The suggested donation is $10, but the Sunday activities are all free.

A special book signing with Laina Dawes, author of “What You Doing Here? A Black Woman’s Life in Liberation in Heavy Metal,” will occur after the talk.

All “BWR!” events will be held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

The museum is located at 315 East Warren Ave. near Woodward. Tickets for the Saturday, March 16, concert can be purchased at www.thewright. org.

Award-winning Brazeal Dennard Chorale and internationally acclaimed tenor Rodrick Dixon headline April 13 Legacy Concert at Orchestra Hall

Tenor Rodrick Dixon

By Scott Talley The award-winning Brazeal Dennard Chorale, directed by Dr. Augustus Hill, will present its third annual Legacy Concert on April 13 at Orchestra Hall. The concert will celebrate the musical legacy of African Americans featuring sacred Negro spirituals sung by the Brazeal Dennard Chorale and performances by tenor Rodrick Dixon and soprano Alfreda Burke. Detroit Local 4 reporter Chauncy Glover will serve as master of ceremonies.

“We welcome all segments of our community to celebrate the rich legacy of African American music and Negro spirituals,” said Hill, who directed the Chorale’s gold and silver medal performances at the 2012 World Choir Games.

An added special attraction will be the appearance of Dixon, a fan favorite across metropolitan Detroit for his past performances in the area, including concerts of “Too Hot To Handel” at the Detroit Opera House.

During the Legacy Concert Dixon will perform an array of selections while accompanied on the piano by Detroit’s own Alvin Waddles, who has thrilled area fans at a variety of events including the Detroit International Jazz Festival and the Detroit Festival of the Arts. Dixon’s segment of the program also will feature selections performed with his wife, Burke, including the stirring spiritual “Witness.” In addition, Dixon will blend his vocal virtuosity with the Chorale on arrangements directed by Hill.

“The Legacy Concert will be a rich and wonderful presentation of Negro spirituals,” said Dixon, whose celebrated career also includes extensive theater and television credits. “Artists such as the singers of the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, soprano Alfreda Burke and pianist Alvin Waddles will excite and thrill audiences with powerful stories told through the genre of spirituals. I can’t wait.”

Tickets for the 4 p.m. performance are $50 (box seats); $30 (general admission); and $20 (balcony); and can be purchased by contacting the Chorale office at 313-331-0378 or 313-823-5278. Brazeal Dennard Chorale Legacy Concert tickets also are available through the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 313-576-5111. Orchestra Hall is located at 3711 Woodward in Midtown Detroit.

“We plan on making musical history on April 13, when the immense talents of Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Alvin Waddles share the stage with the Chorale,” said Chorale executive director Don Robinson. “We have a program planned of the highest musical quality and we encourage our supporters to bring a family member or friend, so that the music of our ancestors can be appreciated by new audiences.”

Named after its legendary founder, the late Brazeal Dennard, the Brazeal Dennard Chorale’s mission is to “remember, discover, preserve, and share the Negro spiritual as a part of the artistic community, and to rediscover and perform significant choral works by African American composers.” To learn more, visit www.brazealdennardchorale.org.

‘A MAN CAN CHANGE’ March 13, come to the Jazz Café at Music Hall Detroit, and be a part of a celebration and tribute to womanhood in honor of Woman’s History Month. $10 for admission. For more information, visit jazzcafedetroit.com

THE WEALTH CHOICE BOOK SIGNING March 14, 6-8 p.m., author Dennis Kimbro discusses steps to wealth as well as signing his new book, “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires.” This event is free to the public. For more information, call the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History at 313-494-5800 or visit thewright.org ‘URBAN WINE’ March 16, check out the stage play by Detroit native Eunice McGill about crime, punishment, romance and atonement based on a true story set in Detroit. Historical Redford Theater. For tickets or more information, visit theatreorgans.com or call 313-537-2560 MEET THE SCIENTIST SATURDAY March 16, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History opens its doors for kids.

It’s part of the successful exhibit, “Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology.” Be a part of the science filled Saturday at this hands-on workshop. For more information, contact the museum at 313-494-5800 or visit thewright.org 31st ANNUAL DELTA ART AUCTION, “ART FOR THE AGES” March 17, the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosts an art auction supporting artists as well as raising scholarship money. DSTDFI Headquarters, 24760 W. Seven Mile Road. For more information, visit detroitdeltas.org 51st ANNUAL ANN ARBOR FILM FESTIVAL Internationally recognized as the longest running and most successful film festival in North America, the Ann Arbor Film Festival is back in time for the start of spring. March 19-24. For more information, visit aafilmfest.org or call 734-995-5356

Affirmation “Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”

— Henry Ford

We want to hear from you!

We welcome news items and photographs from the community. To submit your story, email Renglish@realtimesmedia.com

Page D-8 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • March 13-19, 2013