MC Digital Edition 8.18.21 by Real Times Media

HOMEFRONT

Honoring the Legacy of the

Negro Leagues Roots. A3

Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 84 – No. 50 | August 18-24, 2021

Real Times Media Expands Its RTM 360 Group with Seasoned Content Creators Jillian Nathan and Herbert Taylor Real Times Media (RTM), a Detroit-based multimedia holding company, and the Michigan Chronicle, are proud to welcome Account Director Jillian K. Nathan and Multimedia Producer Herbert Taylor III. Nathan brings with her nearly fifteen years of experience in marketing communications. She has worked within the automotive and textile industries. Nathan holds an A.A.S. in Marketing and Advertising Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development from Bowling Green State University.

COVID Kids:

What’s Next For Kids Returning To School in the Fall By Sherri Kolade Jillian K. Nathan

Herbert Taylor III

In her role prior to joining RTM, Nathan created and implemented a wide range of digital communications strategies. Tanisha Leonard, President of RTM360°, said “We’re very excited to have Jillian on board. Her depth of experience, knowledge and management capabilities will complement our growing team of seasoned executives.” Taylor, who has a background as a performing musician and visual artist ushers in his creative production flair. He was first introduced to visual storytelling through a mentor, Cato Weatherspoon while in high school. Taylor studied Computer Information Systems at North Carolina Central University. Before officially joining RTM, Taylor worked for marketing and advertising companies Jack Morton and Carat Media and worked as a freelancer in video production and editing. “Herbert has a keen eye for video storytelling and event production. He worked with us to create our widely successful first virtual 40 Under 40 celebration this year. I look forward to seeing his vision for our multitude of upcoming programs. I know our audience will be equally impressed with our new programming.” Leonard said. RTM 360 is Real Times Media's cultural marketing division and was launched in 2018. Real Times Media is also the parent company to Who’s Who In Black, Studio 1452 and five of the country’s most respected African American-owned news organizations, the Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, the Chicago Defender, the Michigan Chronicle, and the New Pittsburgh Courier. For more information regarding Real Times Media, visit https://realtimesmedia.com/.

COVID-19 and the Delta variant aren’t disappearing anytime soon, and the fall school semester is not letting anything get in its way, not even the virus. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (as of press time), there are a total of 919,133 confirmed cases, 20,011 COVID-19-related deaths; as of Thursday, August 12, and Friday, August 13, there were 3,127 confirmed cases and 29 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the Delta variant of the virus causes more infections and spreads faster than early forms of SARS-CoV-2. It is also more contagious than previous strains. School districts like Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) starts their fall semester on Tuesday, September 7, and protocols are already in place to ensure a safe return to school. Nikolai P. Vitti, DSPCD superintendent, said, during a virtual meeting on August 13 and in a community letter, that the school district will be having a separate virtual school for students this school year as well as in-person options. “We encourage families to only consider the virtual school option if their child was not chronically absent last year and passed all of

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their second semester courses,” Vitti said. “We are willing to work with families if they feel that the virtual option is still the best option for their child’s academic success this fall despite attendance and performance challenges last year.” Vitti added, “As a district, we will continue to do everything we can to support your children and our families as we move to the other side of the pandemic.” Vitti said that most students will thrive when they return to school in person. This school year, with an additional $1.2 billion in COVID-19 Relief funding, they will have fully staffed classrooms, smaller class sizes, more technology for students, expanded afterschool programs, and a nurse and mental health support at each school. “We are also continuing to

Nikolai P. Vitti, DSPCD superintendent. expand our literacy support with more small groups and one-to-one support for students who are below grade level,” Vitti said. “These additional investments will ensure that your child is better supported in the fall.” Vitti added that even though the COVID-19 vaccine and testing are available for individuals 12 years of age or older. “The district will continue to take rigorous safety precautions in every building and on buses for employees, students and families,” he said, adding that this includes weekly COVID-19 testing, daily temperature and symptom checks, smaller class sizes, maintaining three feet of social distance, deep cleaning and more. “Nothing makes me more optimistic than knowing we can serve our students in person again next fall.” School districts like DPSCD came on board with mask mandates and in-per-

See COVID

KIDS page A2

We Need Your Vote:

By Megan Kirk

The Future Is

Dr. Bishara J. Freij, chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Beaumont Children’s Hospital. Photo provided by

son learning recently, too. Also, the City of Detroit recently announced the recommendation of residents, in particular, who are immunocompromised to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine. DPSCD also announced recently that it successfully reached a reopening of school agreement with the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) reflected in a signed Letter of Agreement (LOA). The reopening LOA recognizes the need to return all DPSCD teachers and ancillary staff to the classroom and schools for in-person teaching and learning while adhering to updated COVID-19 safety standards. The agreement will continue many of the protocols and systems implemented last school year. For Westside Detroit father David Rudolph, the parent of a Mercy High School sophomore, he said that while he is concerned about the safety of his daughter, he knows his school has “done everything to keep the kids safe.” Rudolph, who wears several hats, is also a board member at Detroit Enterprise Academy Charter School (K-8) and a board member of the Michigan Association of Charter Schools (MAPSA), a statewide body of charter school authorizers and management companies. MAPSA President Daniel L. Quisenberry told the Michigan Chronicle that the association that works with all the

Residents and Organizations Encourage Non-Voters to Vote

With the August primaries in the rearview mirror, Detroit is staring down the road to November and the general election which will have a major impact locally. And with just a few months to go there is a push to get more of the community involved in local politics. Some remain unconvinced and stand firm on not voting. But, despite that stance, organizations and individuals are still encouraging non-voters to make their voices heard. Unlike national elections, local politics are a time to effect direct change in the community. However, for some, voting in this season’s general election is still up in the air. In the 2021 primaries, of the almost 500,000 registered voters in the city, just over 71,000 or 14 percent actually voted. The low turnout is part of why a major push to encourage

ly advocate for her vote, but not for my vote or someone in my demographic. It doesn’t reach us where we’re at and they don’t reach us on our issues.” To counter this, voters in the city are doing their part by casting their votes in each election. Whether attributed to historical moments in Black history or preference, the decision to get involved in elections is personal.

Rhonda Craig, president of the Detroit chapter of the League of Women Voters more voters to reach the polls this November is on. With many Detroiters unswayed by city politics, some are choosing to exercise their right to not vote. Unable to believe voting makes a true difference in the community, some non-voters remain unmoved in their stance.

Taylor Harrell, civic engagement manager at Detroit Action Feeling overlooked, the millennial generation is questioning candidates, the issues and their own say. “Nobody is advocating for their votes or advocating for their issues,” says Brandon Dandridge, a Detroit resident. “My grandmother is a resident of the city and they [candidates] active-

“I vote just because I feel like I’m supposed to. It’s not because I feel like it’s making a difference or any of that. Maybe a guilty conscience makes me vote,” says Dandridge. Local organizations are also pushing to encourage non-voters to get to the polls. Established more than 100 years ago, the League of Women Voters believes in educated and proactive involvement in all levels of government. The organization also

See VOTING page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com • August 18-24, 2021

Michigan Chronicle A Real Times Media Newspaper

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

HIRAM E. JACKSON Publisher | AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor

COVID Kids From page A-1

charter public schools in Michigan currently does not have a mandate for either masks or vaccinations for public schools. “It’s being left up to the local school districts to make their own decisions,” he said in a statement. “Schools … are communicating with students, families and staff to determine what is best for their community related to safety and educational protocols.” Rudolph, who said that he is concerned for the children’s health and safety, is more concerned with their mental well-being, summer learning loss and the interrupted learning process that happened in 2020. “I am an advocate for keeping our kids in school and following the science along the way.” He represents many parents keeping a close eye on their children’s fall semester learning. Dayna Phillips and her husband, Eric, have three children, including one DPSCD student, Jaleeah (Jolli). The vaccinated couple said that their family has concerns with the new variant. “But we continue to stay the course with the CDC recommendations... we are a bit leery of large gatherings because so many aren’t vaccinated and even those that are, still continue to contract the virus,” Dayna Phillips said, adding that Jolli will be a DPSCD 5th grader at Bates Academy in the fall. She added that she worries about the “diligence” with which the school-aged children will be able to keep the masks on throughout the day. “We worry about the seriousness of sanitizing of the schools,” she said, adding that from social distancing students to being exposed to the virus -- there is a lot to be worried about. “We worry about those families that don’t take the pandemic seriously and may feel that sending their sick child to school is no big deal and thereby possibly exposing my daughter to the virus. We have lots of concerns.” Dr. Bishara J. Freij, chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Beaumont Children’s Hospital, told

the Michigan Chronicle that while there remains a risk for children to attend school in person because of COVID-19, in-person learning benefits are “critical for them.” “There are ways to protect your children from getting COVID-19,” he said of children 12 or older. He added that while most children do not develop the severe disease after COVID-19 infection, some do and end up in pediatric intensive care units and others may suffer from so-called long COVID. “Rarely, some children die,” he said, adding that more variants will continue to emerge with new Greek letter names as long as the virus is allowed to hang around, infecting people. “Variants cannot emerge if the virus does not infect people and multiply. Some variants will be more transmissible and/or dangerous, others may be weaker,” he said. News reports around the country have shown young people developing myocarditis, or heart inflammation, after taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Freij said that Beaumont has treated several of these cases

Voting

From page A-1 brings awareness to major public policy issues and helps influence it with education and support. “As the president of the League of Women Voters, [I am] encouraging everyone to get out to vote. We’re voting for mayor, city council and city clerk. It is important to vote in local elections because it directly affects your community. It affects your life. It could affect your grandchildren’s lives. That is why it’s essential to vote,” says Rhonda Craig, president of the Detroit chapter of the League of Women Voters. Detroit Action is a local grassroots organization that works to change the narrative and numbers around poverty, justice and human development. With the primary numbers being low for the city,

in children. “Most develop this after the second vaccine dose, and for some reason, it is mostly in boys,” he said. “However, I can assure people that everyone recovered quickly and did well. Some got better with no treatment, and others just needed ibuprofen.” Freij said that “no vaccine is 100% effective” or without some adverse effects. “It is all about balancing risks and benefits. Here, the benefits very easily tip the scales in favor of administering the vaccines,” Freij said. Vitti said that “COVID is still among us” but it’s critical the school district community buckle down and help keep everyone safe and learning. “We’re all dealing with different things on different levels but we’re still engaged and care about the district and our city … as we try to get to the other side of the pandemic … and getting our kids back in school,” he said. Parents can find the virtual school application at https://www. detroitk12.org/.

getting more involved in voting is pivotal for the people of Detroit. Despite targeting younger voters, there are other demographics that also need to be encouraged to vote. “You have returning citizens who are eligible to vote who don’t know they can. We have elderly who can vote, but are tired of seeing no change. When we talk about driving more people to the polls, it has to be all-inclusive. It’s not just young people who are not getting to the polls. Young people actually are voting,” says Taylor Harrell, civic engagement manager at Detroit Action. As elections come and go, many hold firm beliefs that dissuade voting. Millennials, while a large and continually growing demographic, account for some of the greatest numbers in general elections. Surpassing the Baby Boomer generation, this new age of votes is making its imprint on the

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polls. However, to push more people to vote, key issues with trust are being called into play. Transparency from each candidate is noted as being needed to flip non-voters into souls at the polls. “We need to have more candidates that represent us and who we are and what we are striving to accomplish. I feel like a lot of times the people who are our representatives don’t necessarily have a connection with the residents. It’s more of a political connection,” says Dandridge. “Producing more changes … and embodying the community and its issues would appeal more to the community.” For Detroit Action, going beyond the polls into the hearts and homes of city residents helps voting numbers. An organization that still believes in door-knocking, Detroit Action works on off-seasons to ensure the public is knowledgeable about the pro-

cess, candidates and issues. “With Detroit Action, and other organizations should jump on board with this, it’s about meeting people where they are. It’s not enough to simply tell people their vote is their voice, especially when talking to marginalized communities,” says Harrell. “If we continue to organize around issues and not rally behind a person based on political party affiliation, that’s what we can do [to increase voting numbers].” Residents who are undecided on voting in this term’s general election have just a few weeks to make their final decision. The general elections will cover the mayor, city council and city clerk in Detroit. For those looking to register, the option is still available. Absentee ballots will be accepted for the general elections this coming November. More information can be found on the city’s website.

WHY DID I GET VACCINATED?

GWENDOLYN C. OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN

The COVID-19 vaccine will save lives. Kim was Gwendolyn’s best friend. Kim caught COVID and passed away the day before her birthday. So Gwendolyn got the vaccine to honor her friend and to prevent others from losing their loved ones. She strongly recommends that everyone, especially in the city of Detroit, gets their shot. Let’s join together to help save lives and get beyond this pandemic. The vaccines have been tested for safety and are trusted by doctors. Find your vaccine at Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Text your zip code to 438829 or call 888-535-6136 and press 1.

Roots.

| August 18-24, 2021

Comerica Bank and the Tarence Wheeler Foundation celebrated their ongoing partnership during Negro Leagues Weekend with a check presentation during pre-game field festivities. The Tarence Wheeler Foundation works tirelessly to alleviate all non-academic barriers to education, driven by the purpose that powerless kids need powerful friends. Pictured (L-R): Deborah Edwards (Vice President, Senior Risk Manager), Linda Nosegbe (Vice President, Southeast Michigan External Affairs Manager), Nate Bennett (Chief Diversity Officer), LaShawn Jimenez (Vice President, Trust Advisor), Tarence Wheeler (CEO of Tarence Wheeler Foundation) and Irvin Ashford, Jr. (Chief Community Officer).

michiganchronicle.com

Comerica Vice President, Trust Wealth Advisor and Michigan BRG Chair LaShawn Jimenez greets the Negro Leagues Weekend Luncheon audience and recognizes community leaders.

HOMEFRONT

Honoring the Legacy of the Negro Leagues Comerica Bank and Detroit Tigers partner on Major League Baseball’s longest-running weekend celebration.

Nobody does it better than Detroit. Not when it comes to celebrating Negro Leagues Weekend. For 18 years now, the Detroit Tigers have recognized and celebrated the great African American baseball players, coaches, owners and contributors of the past who paved a historical path through the Negro Leagues, including Motor City’s own Detroit Stars. This annual tradition marks the longest-running weekend celebration of its kind in Major League Baseball, and with great honor Comerica Bank has served as the weekend’s presenting sponsor each year. And the weekend gets better every year. “Paying homage to the tradition and legacy of Negro Leagues Baseball is something the Tigers are incredibly humbled to support every year,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. prior to this year’s series of events.

See NEGRO LEAGUES WEEKEND page A-4

The featured panel of the Negro Leagues Weekend, presented by Comerica Bank, annual luncheon included past and present Detroit Tigers players, two which are now current coaches. The panelist discussed what drew them to the game of baseball and importance of growing the game among African Americans. Panelists: (Front Row L-R) Willie Horton and Jake Wood. Back Row (L-R) George Lombard, Kimera Bartee, Akil Baddoo, Niko Goodrum and Derek Hill.

Comerica Bank Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr., addresses attendees at the annual Detroit Tigers Negro Leagues Weekend Luncheon.

Ashford meets living legends of the Negro Leagues, including Minnie Forbes (seated right), who is the last surviving owner of a Nego Leagues baseball team. Forbes owned the Detroit Stars from 1956-58. Minnie Forbes is the last surviving owner of a Negro Leagues baseball team. She owned the Detroit Stars from 1956 to 1958.

In-Person Volunteering Returns as Comerica Continues Community Outreach

Just as the world is beginning to return to somewhat normal activities, Comerica employees are enthusiastically returning to several in-person volunteer initiatives. “Once we implemented our return-to-office plan, and based on science and the CDC’s guidelines, the thought was okay, we’re back to work in-person on a limited basis, and we can start volunteering in person again. However, still following CDC guidelines, following guidelines of our community partners, which may vary, and of course, the comfort level of our colleagues and it’s completely up to our colleagues on how they want to participate,” explained Patricia McCann, Comerica Vice President, Sr. Diversity Consultant – Social Impact. In July, Comerica colleagues generously gave their time to two dynamic efforts to provide relief to citizens suffering from food insecurity. Each Thursday throughout the month, Comerica volunteers assisted Focus: HOPE at three distribution centers in Detroit and one in Inkster to bring healthy meals to families in the community. It’s all part of the national Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) organization’s Pass the Love initiative in Detroit, providing 5,500 meal kits with recipes and ingredients inspired by the Netflix program “Waffles + Mochi.” Former First Lady Michelle Obama is PHA’s honorary chair. Over the course of the month, PHA and Focus: HOPE planned to distribute 264,000 healthy meals to food-insecure

Detroit families, as the campaign works to meet its goal of distributing 1 million meals across the country. “Our volunteers have been loading vehicles with the packaged boxes, sometimes we’ve been actually packaging the boxes, directing the cars and registering the recipient, loading vehicles, registering cars,” explained McCann. “As soon as we put it out there, people started signing up, which is so cool.” Comerica employees also jumped right in to assist Forgotten Harvest to gather and distribute food to those in need. Starting the end of July into August, Comerica volunteers joined Kroger and local first responders including fire fighters, local law enforcement, emergency first responders and other with the Kroger First Responders Food Drive. Responders have donated their time to collect food and funds at local Kroger stores all over southeast Michigan. According to McCann, Comerica volunteers helped collect donations, engaged with customers and helped unload vehicles and placed food in bins. Comerica is also supporting the annual Game on Cancer fundraising campaign in cooperation with the Detroit Lions and the Henry Ford Cancer Institute. The campaign raises money to provide financial support for families that may become strapped after a cancer diagnosis by funding patient expenses such as transportation, groceries, housing costs, prescriptions and medical supplies, co-pays and insurance.

See COMMUNITY OUTREACH page A-8

Patricia McCann (far left) stands next to Comerica Cares colleagues (l-r) Stacey Wiley, Natasha Lampkin and Wendy Holmes. The group were among the numerous employees spending time at Focus: HOPE spending the day packing meals for the community.

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com • August 18-24, 2021

Empowering Through Community-Wide and Online Financial Education One of the many ways Comerica Bank supports the communities it serves is by providing financial education in-person and virtually.

series with the Detroit Association of Black Organizations. Over four weeks, topics ranged from Banking 101, credit scores and reporting, debt consolidation and budgeting.

While National Financial Awareness Day fell on August 14th this year, Comerica’s financial education efforts occur year-round. But there are several offerings happening this summer, with special focuses on youth, entrepreneurs and seniors, according to Linda Nosegbe, Vice President, S.E. Michigan Market Manager, External Affairs.

Comerica also presented a financial literacy program at Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Jefferson House.

For students, Comerica conducts an ongoing program with the Detroit Public School Community District. It’s an eight-week course titled “Summer on the Block.” Topics range from credit to Banking 101 to workplace development which includes interviewing skills, resume writing, savings and budgets.

Apart from these individual programs, Comerica provides financial education via its online Comerica Knowledge Center. The site contains a rich and varied selection of financial education resources. What areas you decide to explore depends on your personal situation, said Nosegbe. If you’re buying a home, perhaps entries related to credit, understanding mortgages, underwriting steps and what it takes to be a homeowner would serve as valuable resources.

Another ongoing program that began earlier in the summer is the Business $ense Boot Camp Step Up for Youth program. “It’s a business sense boot camp but catered toward youths,” said Nosegbe.Among the topics covered are social media and online marketing, spending and budgeting, paying your bills and “launching your dreams.”

If you’re an entrepreneur, information on the site on how businesses acquire credit and how to interpret business financial statements are just a click away.

The program is run in conjunction with an organization called Your Own Uniqueness Inc., a non-profit which aims to “encourage and teach people how to change their mindset and fulfill their goals” according to its website. Financial education for youth also originates from a money sense program Comerica participates in with Mostyn Community Education and Development in Detroit. It entailed two sessions covering credit and Banking 101 for youths in the Detroit area. “It’s a great organization. We just started working with them and the impact has been great,” said Nosegbe. For adults, Comerica experts participated in a money sense

Nosegbe points out seniors are a prime target for identity theft. The Comerica Knowledge Center contains vital information to help avoid being a victim. Indeed, on the home page you’ll find a short video on how Comerica protects your security if you’re banking online. Other helpful entries include how to balance your Comerica account, managing money for college, and how fraudsters are stealing your money. So, while there’s special attention to financial education in August, for Comerica it’s a year-round commitment to its customers and communities. Nosegbe says it’s all about raising expectations in the communities Comerica serves--especially low- and middle-income areas,

explaining, “We live in these communities, our children go to these schools we work in these communities so it’s important for Comerica to invest in the communities we live and serve.”

Negro Leagues Weekend From page A-3

“The history of the Detroit Stars and the stories of Negro Leaguers in Detroit and Hamtramck are legendary, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them, their families and our community at Comerica Park.” Festivities started with the Bally Sports Detroit screening of “The Other Boys of Summer” at Campus Martius Park on Wednesday, July 28 and continued through the five-day stretch of recognitions and collaborations occurring prior to and during the Tigers games played from Friday, July 30 through Sunday, August 1. Comerica’s partnership annually features the Negro Leagues Weekend Luncheon on Friday that brings together the Tigers, Comerica, community partners, as well as baseball greats from the past, present and future. For Comerica, the luncheon allowed the bank to reflect back on the spirit of the weekend and the importance of the Negro Leagues. “Recognizing and celebrating the positive impact the Negro Leagues and the Detroit Stars made on baseball and in Detroit remains one of Comerica’s most cherished events of the year,” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank Vice President and Southeast Michigan External Affairs Manager. “For nearly two decades, Comerica has valued its partnership with the Detroit Tigers in helping preserve the legacy of the Negro Leagues. Together, we can reflect on history and appreciate the influence the Negro Leagues have made on today’s generation and on many more in the future.” This year also allowed Comerica to recognize the collective efforts that impact the community still recovering from the pandemic. Comerica’s message during the luncheon took shape led by Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr., who also threw out the first pitch prior to the Tigers game against Baltimore on Saturday, July 31. In his remarks to the crowd, Ashford highlighted the excitement to get back together after being separated for so long since the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold across in country in 2020. Reflecting back on his upbringing in New Jersey, Ashford then discussed how he was impacted and influenced by African America baseball players, and then praised how Major League Baseball took the steps recently to include all Negro League statistics into MLB’s history. Ashford oversees Comerica’s community reinvestment nationally and all associated activities, including development, lending, community investments, volunteerism and data analysis. He also leads Comerica’s diversity business resource groups. One of Comerica’s business resource groups is Michigan’s African American BRG, which is now chaired by LaShawn Jimenez, Trust Wealth Advisory. She coordinated Comerica’s contributions and involvement in this year’s Negro Leagues Weekend. Jimenez praised the community leaders at the luncheon for their work to help those in need through the pandemic. “I think it is important that we applaud them for their efforts to improve our neighborhoods and communities,” Jimenez said during the Tigers Negro Leagues Weekend presented by Comerica Bank annual luncheon. “We’ve faced many challenges over the past year, and they have served such a crucial role to help many individuals and families survive and recover through the pandemic. Comerica’s continued support of today’s luncheon and the Negro Leagues Weekend reflects our ongoing commitment to diversity and

our community. “We align these values with all of our partners, and the Tigers are no different. Our shared beliefs strengthen our relationship and improves how we collectively serve our respective customers and communities.” One Comerica community partner recognized during Negro Leagues Weekend was the Tarence Wheeler Foundation. Prior to the Saturday late afternoon tilt at Comerica Park, Tarence Wheeler was introduced to the crowd and presented a check recognizing Comerica’s support of the foundation over the past year. Wheeler’s foundation works tirelessly to remove non-academic barriers to support student achievement. The luncheon then provided the Tigers a platform for former players, current coaches and current players—seven in all—to discuss their connection to baseball and the participation of African Americans in today’s game. Those on the panel, hosted by Bally Sports Detroit anchor Trevor Thompson, included Willie Horton, Jake Wood, George Lombard, Kimera Bartee, Akil Baddoo, Comerica Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr., throws out the first pitch prior to the Detroit Niko Goodrum and Derek Hill. Comerica also sponsored a special Tigers Game on July 31 as part of Negro Leagues Weekend. Ashford tosses the pitch to Americas giveaway prior to Saturday’s game with Royal Caribbean Group Vice President, Government Relations Russell Binford. the distribution of Detroit Stars Fedora the farm system and play for the Tigers one of five remaining Negro League Work on the project, which will Hats to the first 10,000 fans who athome ballparks still in existence. In include installing a new roof above the on Sunday, August 1. tended. During Negro Leagues Weekend, 2018, Comerica donated $20,000 to grandstand, restoring the seating and The Tigers capped the weekend off the Tigers announced the support the Friends of Hamtramck Stadium to brick exterior, and installing accessible by honoring the 60th anniversary of assist the restoration process, and the seating, is expected to begin later this Jake Woods’ MLB debut, the first Af- of a $2.6 million project that will re- bank sponsored the historical marker summer with an anticipated compleCB-258244-01 (3) COVID-19 Community Comerica Ad MM.pdf 1 4/8/2020 9:59:01 AM store historic Hamtramck Stadium, rican American player to rise through for the location in 2014. tion by the end of 2021.

Comerica means Community. At Comerica Bank, the well-being of our customers, employees and communities is our priority. For over 170 years, we’ve been helping customers weather every economic climate. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an unprecedented impact on the businesses and the people in our communities, we stand ready to help. Let us Raise Your Expectations® of what a bank can be in times like these.

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| August 18-24, 2021

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Cracking the Credit Code: How to Raise Your Score

By Megan Kirk Establishing good credit can make or break adult decisions. Home buying, car shopping, credit card approval and other loans, large and small, depend on a healthy credit score. For many, credit is a foreign concept and maintaining financial stability through credit is hard to reach. The first step in credit management is knowing which tools to use to boost credit scores and strengthen buying power. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion comprise the three major credit bureaus. Each operating under their own algorithms, these big three help to create buying power for consumers. Credit scores help businesses measure risk in extending a line of credit. High scores can help consumers purchase items with low APR, annual percentage rate, and low scores can be the reason a credit application is denied. “There’s two different rules of major scoring models; vantage, that’s your Credit Karma scores. If you’re looking to get a mortgage or go to the Lexus dealership, you want to be more attuned to your FICO score. Your FICO score gives you your financing power, your home buying power,” says Shameka J. Bishop, owner of RCA Credit Repair. Known as the Bishop of Credit, the credit repair guru helps establish, restore and grow consumer credit. With more than five years of experience, this businesswoman has learned through experience. After filing for bankruptcy twice in life, the Bishop of Credit was able to turn her personal credit around and wants to help others do the same. Despite belief, a high credit score does not ensure approval. Having multiple lines of credit helps bureaus determine payment history and, according to one credit expert, helps to build trust. “The credit bureaus want you to have a mortgage, they want you to have a home loan. They want you to have personal loans, credit cards and student loans. They want you to have every tint because when you have those particular things on your credit, it shows trust. Even if it’s credit debt; it’s some type of trust,” says Bishop. In Michigan, guidelines for credit can allow a negative charge to linger on your credit report card for years, ultimately damaging chances for additional lines of credit, the longer it stays. Moreover, a negative charge can affect your overall score for the long-haul. “In the state of Michigan, a negative can stay on your credit for up to seven years after the last payment. Bankruptcies can stay on for up to 10 years,” says Precious Jordan, CEO of Wonder Woman Credit Repair.

See CREDIT

CODE page A6

No Employees?

How Small Businesses Are Being Affected by the Employee Shortage By Megan Kirk Small businesses are the backbone of the community. Providing jobs, economic development and character to neighborhoods, the more than 28 million small businesses account for 54 percent of all U.S. sales. Nationwide, the number of small businesses has grown by 49 percent since 1982, per the U.S. Small Business Administration. Since the onset of the coronavirus, small businesses have been disproportionately affected. Now, just off the heels of a pandemic, owners are coping with employee shortages. Business owners across the country were met with unforeseen hurdles due to the pandemic. While some small businesses have been forced to close their doors permanently, others have barely been able to stay afloat. Those lucky to have survived the pandemic are now faced with a new dilemma -- running a business with limited staff. Affecting everything from food availability to the customer service experience, the pandemic’s effect and the shortage of employees in businesses is causing major issues for small business owners. “We don’t have enough employees to extend our hours so we’re still on the restricted hours. People don’t want to work because they are making more money at home with unemployment. Now with these rates, we’re small businesses, we can only pay so much,” says Chef Musheya Glenn, owner, operator and chef of Detroit Taco Bar and Pasta Bowl on the city’s west side. Information published by Track the Recovery, an economic tracker used to measure the effects on businesses due to the pandemic, reveals that since January 2020 small businesses across Michigan have shrunk by 50 percent. Since May 2021, the employment rate

for workers who are categorized in the bottom wage quartile fell by almost 29 percent. Although businesses are looking for the help, employers have not been able to remain fully staffed. “People are coming in and they want $16 to $18 dollars per hour and they say ‘Taco Bell is paying this’ and I have to let them know those are big corporations. They’re on every corner. I am a standalone, small, mom and pop restaurant. There is no way I can pay that,” says Nicole Christian, owner of Burger Grille. Open since 2017, the Burger Grille has, like many other small businesses, suffered during the pandemic. At full staff, the small carry-out style restaurant can have up to six employees. With just three, performing at half-staff is taxing on its remaining workforce. The owner is determined not to overwork them. “At times I’ve closed for a week to give my staff that are working with me, and myself, that time to relax and try to get an understanding and a better grip on things. I can’t overwork the staff that I have. It’s just extremely hard,” says Christian. The Burger Grille has also had its menu affected by the price jumps caused by the pandemic. Already working limited hours, the business is facing food shortages. “Every day it’s something going up. We are a burger restaurant and our beef is fresh. It’s halal beef, chicken and turkey. Before the pandemic, I was paying $20 for a one-pound bag of chicken tenders. Now, I’m paying almost $45 dollars,” says Christian. Although federal loans and grants were offered to small businesses, a variety of deciding factors determined amount and eligibility. While some small businesses did receive the aid,

there was still difficulty in keeping doors open. As the federal government continues to lend aid to the unemployed and financially devastated, business owners are in steady competition with assistance. Often bringing home more money than working a standard 9 to 5 schedule, workers are opting to stay home. “We can only pay so much. We can’t compare or compete with the amount that the unemployment is doing unless you’re full-time. We can do that with certain employees, but not every employee,” says Chef Glenn. Michigan’s Governor is stepping in to show small businesses across the state how their impact affects communities. Showing resilience and perseverance, Governor Whitmer sent personalized letters to 200 small business owners who stepped up during the pandemic and refused to let COVID-19 force a dream to end. “I am completely in awe of the resilience and determination of Michigan’s small businesses to stand strong and push forward during such unprecedented times,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer is quoted as saying in a press release. “Small businesses are crucial to the success of our economy, and we are more than ready to get back on track and uplift our local entrepreneurs to continue to make this state a great place to work and live.” Looking to help support small businesses as they bounce back from the financial restraints of the pandemic, the governor also launched a help site for small businesses looking to come out of the pandemic better than ever. The governor is also planning a $300 million investment to uplift small businesses through the Michigan Mainstreet Initiative.

The Higher Cost of Life

By Megan Kirk

Over the past several decades, African Americans have been able to make leaps and bounds economically. With more opportunities for education and better career choices, Black adults have been able to earn a decent wage. Despite the advancements made, Black communities continue to be kept at bay financially. Representing just a small percentage of the population, Black people continue to face financial adversities born from years of segregation and racism. Now, the rising cost of living coupled with slow financial gains are keeping Black communities locked into a cycle of being overcharged and overpaying for commodities.

Brittany Harvey, Financial Advisor

Money and wealth have always been used as tools to create an economic system of division. Financially, Black communities continue to lag behind other demographics and are purposely kept from the American dream. Race is another divisor that puts African Americans at a disadvantage. Used as a weapon, race has been

used as an unfair marker of worth. Through decades of unlawful practices, Blacks often pay more and experience unstable economic conditions resulting in higher costs of living. In 2019, a study released by the Joint Economic Committee details the median household income for Black families was just $17,000 while for white families it was $171,000. Despite earning less, Blacks pay a higher cost for housing, healthcare and other life necessities. Despite being kept at a disadvantage, Black communities are beginning to rewrite the narrative. “I don’t accept that we are behind the curve, in the traditional sense — where all of the data that comprise the curve has equal weight. By analyzing the current and historic social, political and economic situation of the Black community, one will quickly see that our communities have never had equal opportunities,” says Brittany Harvey, licensed financial advisor and social worker. Purchasing a home is seen as the pinnacle of the American Dream. Of-

ten shut out of that dream, Black families are less likely to own their home. In Detroit, though a predominantly Black city, whites still have an advantage. Before the infamous housing market crash of 2008, Black home ownership was on the rise in the city. In 2007, 75 percent of Detroit’s mortgages, homes and loans were given to Black buyers. As recently as 2017, Black families in Detroit are now receiving just 48 percent of home loans. Home value amounts are also vastly different for Black homeowners. While Black family homes are appraised at thousands of dollars less than for whites, property taxes are seemingly higher in Black communities. A 2020 study by the University of California Berkeley analyzed 118 million homes across the country and showed Black homeowners are paying 10 to 13 percent higher property taxes. Black home shoppers are also met with inflated home purchase prices, making acquiring a home that much more difficult.

See HIGHER

COST OF LIFE page A6

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • August 18-24, 2021

This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Black Wall Street

By Tristan Wilkerson

Think Rubix, Managing Principal

Let me first say, I love my grandma. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love their grandma. And yet, we live very differently than the generations that have come before us. The 21st century looks different for entrepreneurs, in particular entrepreneurs of color. And, as the digital global economy evolves, we are learning that entrepreneurship and enterprise are still your best shot at prosperity, systems change, and social equity.

Commentary:

We may live differently than Grandma did, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we live better. And this is our challenge – to make tomorrow more than different, but undeniably better. Here’s why rebuilding America’s Black Wall Streets is the win we’ve all been waiting for. So, what happened to Tulsa’s Black Wall Street? The story of that terror is best told by Viola Fletcher, a grandmother and 107-year-old survivor of the Tulsa Massacre that demolished one of America’s foremost prominent Black Wall Streets in vibrant Greenwood, Oklahoma. “I have lived through the massacre every day…I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street.” she recounted in a powerful testimony to Congress. To put it plainly, the form of terrorism Black folks endured in Tulsa was calculated (and state-supported). It did what it was intended to do; embed a permanence of fear and inferiority among Black people. In a visceral poem, AJ Smitherman penned:

“Kill them, burn them, set the pace. Let them know that we are white men, Teach them how to keep their place.” Prior generations of Black Wall Streets across the country withstood violent racism intended to deny wealth-building for their families and equity-based economic participation. This includes redlining and the deliberate financial exclusion of Black banking and Black borrowers, a denial that many still face today. Systemic racism prevented entire generations of Black Americans from building wealth, leaving behind a persistent and devastating racial wealth gap where the median Black family wealth is less than 15% than that of their white counterparts. Many have tried to blame the Black-White racial wealth gap on Black ineptitude, but that’s misplaced propaganda. The greatest threat to Black wealth, historically, isn’t Black ineptitude; it’s White supremacy. Creating and sustaining a Black economic ecosystem, where dollars are invested and circulated within a network of Black businesses and entrepreneurs, will look physically differ-

Higher Cost Of Life From page A-5 “Economic inequality is a pervasive issue in the United States as a whole. I made the decision to become a licensed financial advisor because I plan to help as many people in our community as I can, in our efforts to maximize household income, accumulate generational wealth and preserve earnings through financial literacy and intentional planning,” says Harvey. Economic advances typically come hand in hand with higher education. While high school and college graduation rates have risen for Black students over the years, they continue to be disproportionate in com-

parison to white students. The cost of higher education is what keeps most students from acquiring a higher degree. Scholarships, loans and other financial means keep Black students from being financially equipped to pursue higher education. “Capitalism itself has many vagaries; it is still very new in the grand scheme of things. Black communities have managed to do extraordinarily well without having equal access to money or opportunities,” says Harvey. The life expectancy for Blacks is three to five years less than that of a white person. If health equals wealth, Black communities are taking a hit. With rising

ent than the Black Wall Streets of the past, thanks to the digital economy. Paying for a vegan hot plate with Apple Pay, menus imprinted on QR codes, online retail, vertically integrated e-commerce, socialized media, digital marketing, streamlined manufacturing, influencers, and content creators are just a handful of the things that you wouldn’t have found on Black Wall Street back in the day thanks to the internet. The post-pandemic economy sits squarely in this digital world, and represents a golden opportunity to finally invite the permanent participation of firms, producers, technologists, and entrepreneurs who are Black, Black-led, and women. In 2020 alone, we lost 41% of Black businesses between the months of February-April. Many of our brick-and-mortar mainstays didn’t survive the economic shutdown, particularly those who weren’t sufficiently tech-enabled. Many of those mom-andpop shops or small-to-medium size enterprises (SME) have been subsumed under the new everyday economy. The everyday economy is now almost entirely online, and the central reason we have to tech-enable every Black health issues for Black individuals like hypertension, stroke, heart attack and diabetes, the cost of health insurance is also rising. Though offered medical insurance through employers, some African Americans are still without health and life insurance. Before the introduction of the Affordable Care Act during the Obama Administration, one in five Blacks were uninsured, largely thanks to the high costs of individual and family plans. However, there are plans that can help turn the tables on high costs. “An indexed universal life insurance policy is the top-tier retirement and investing plan, however not a lot of people in our community are taking advantage of its benefits simply because they are not aware of its

business at little to no cost. Rebuilding Black Wall Street requires long-overdue repair of many forms. Black communities have incurred compounding negative interest, while their counterparts have enjoyed opportunities to build incredible wealth. Repair is more than access to capital. And access to capital does not mean high-interest loans or loans at all. And it isn’t always money. What access to capital really entails is its relationship to resources. It means low-cost, affordable capital at every stage in the life cycle of a business. It also means knowledge sharing, access to technology, and proper participation in supply chains. In short, it’s wholesale economic participation for Black entrepreneurs. Repair is more than Black banking too. Repair is Blackled Venture Capital and Private Equity firms like High Street Equity that are committed to “creating value with more than capital.” Repair is closing the Black-White racial wealth gap could unlock nearly $1.5 Trillion in untapped GDP. Rebuilding Black Wall Street requires a shift in thinking that asset frames Black business. One that values Black life. Only then will we begin to heal the harm of violently systemic racism and create the opportunity for a world of better for generations to come. Tristan is the grandson of sharecroppers and church folks. His background is rooted in public policy and political econ. He’s a Capitol Hill alum and campaign veteran turned entrepreneur and investor. He leads Think Rubix as Managing Principal and lives in Washington, DC.

lasting creation of generational wealth and financial security,” says Harvey. As the country has made some progress in leveling the playing field for African Americans, there still exists a wage gap that is widening with each economic turn. As whites can ride with the ebbs and flows of the changing financial tides, some African Americans households find it difficult to keep up. For some, Black communities were always behind as there was never an equal starting place. “We should remind ourselves, when these metrics are presented to us, that we are only 156 years from legal slavery in a land where the ancestors of our current competitors on said curves, started 529 years ago,” says Harvey.

Credit Code From page A-5

Serving more than 3,000 clients in five years of business, Precious Jordan founded Wonder Woman Credit Repair, like many others, from personal experience with credit. After learning and restoring her own credit, she slowly began working for others. According to this expert, there are no tricks to credit, just consistency and smart decision-making skills. “There is no trick to it besides paying monthly bills on time, eliminating hard inquiries and being responsible with your credit,” says Jordan. Applying for additional lines of credit is what is considered a hard inquiry. Each time a creditor has to pull credit for approving or denying, credit scores take a hit. Soft inquiries include self-pulls to check credit debt. While these inquiries cannot be dropped to improve credit scores, other line items, such as charge offs, longtime debts and other payments can be eliminated to help boost scores. “The hardest thing to eliminate from a credit report are car notes. They are tough, but they can be removed if you don’t owe it,” says Jordan. Credit cards pose a huge risk for both companies and consumers. High interest rates can cause a credit balance to skyrocket. Missed payments will also guarantee a swift drop in scoring. “I’ve seen a person with perfect credit miss one payment and [it] drops their score 100 points. It’s that serious. People don’t know how to pay their credit cards. Paying your credit cards determines an immediate credit increase or a credit decrease,” says Bishop. Paying bills on time and paying off outstanding balances can help boost credit scores. Staying consistent and watchful over credit will ensure a boost. “Credit is like a baby; you have to love it, hold it, rock it and kiss it for it to grow,” says Bishop.

EBB 313 Campaign Helps Detroiters Save $50 Per Month on Internet Bill In June, the federal government introduced the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a free program that provides eligible families with a $50 per month discount on their internet bill and a onetime $100 discount on a digital device. More than 250,000 Detroit residents – nearly 40% of all Detroit households – are expected to qualify for the program. To ensure that Detroit residents don’t miss out on this unique opportunity, Connect 313 recently introduced the “EBB 313” campaign. “EBB 313” streamlines access to the benefit by providing interested residents with a single phone number to call to learn more about the program and find out if they’re qualified. If the resident is qualified, a trained expert will provide information on how to apply or direct them to a local nonprofit organization who will assist them. “We are proud of EBB 313, which will directly connect Detroiters with opportunity – the opportunity to access telemedicine, job training, education and so much more,” said Joshua Edmonds, the City of Detroit Director of Digital Inclusion. “This is a oncein-a-generation opportunity to take a giant leap forward in making Detroit a national model for digital inclusion, and we encourage Detroiters to act quickly and receive vital access to the internet and technology.”

If you’re interested in learning about the Emergency Broadband Benefit and how you can save $50 per month on your internet bill, call (313) 241-7618 today. The “EBB 313”

campaign will only operate as long as the federal funding for the program is available, so Detroit residents are encouraged to act quickly.

CALL (313) 241-7618 OR VISIT CONNECT313.ORG TO LEARN MORE

August 18-24, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-7

Offers End Soon! For all Toyota offers any new 2021 CAMRY GAS

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up to

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-or- Lease a new 2021

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any new 2021 AVALON includes TRD & AWD

AVALON

3000

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$3000 on ‘21 Avalon AWD • $2000 on ‘21 Avalon • $2500 on ‘21 Avalon Hybrid

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VISIT YOUR LOCAL MICHIGAN TOYOTA DEALER TODAY! FOR ALL TOYOTA OFFERS AND TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU 1. Toyota vehicles and components are built using U.S. and globally sourced parts. 2. New 2021 Camry (includes hybrid, but excludes TRD) and new 2021 Highlander (includes hybrid). 2.49% APR for 36 Months with $28.86 per $1,000 borrowed OR 48 Months with $21.91 per $1,000 borrowed OR 60 Months with $17.74 per $1,000 borrowed OR 72 Months with $14.97 per $1,000 borrowed.* 3. Finance Retail Subvention Cash available thru Toyota Financial Services only and must be applied to deal. Subject to approved credit through TFS Not all customers will qualify – see dealer for details. 4. New 2021 Camry LE 2532. Lease based on net cap cost of $22,169. $500 TFS Lease Subvention Cash included in lease deal. Lease end purchase option $13,938.** 5. Customer Cash direct from Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. 6. New 2021 Avalon (excludes hybrid) 0.9%APR for 60 Months with $17.05 per $1,000 borrowed.* 7. $1,000 Bonus Cash on new 2021 Avalon AWD Models Only. Bonus Cash can be combined with Customer Cash or TFS Subvened APR or TFS Subvened Lease incentives (already calculated into the 2021 Avalon AWD $3000 TOTAL Customer Cash above: $2,000 Customer Cash + $1,000 AWD Bonus Cash & the Lease Offer noted below). 8. New 2021 Avalon Hybrid 0% APR for 60 Months with $16.67 per $1,000 borrowed.* 9. New 2021 Avalon XLE AWD Model 3555. Lease based on net cap cost of $31,566.** $1,000 Toyota AWD Bonus Cash included in lease deal. Lease end purchase option $18,936. 10. New 2021 Corolla (includes Hybrid & Hatchback 1.9% APR for 60 Months with $17.48 per $1,000 borrowed.* 11. You must take retail delivery from TCUV models listed that are current year used vehicles through 6-year-old with 85,000 miles or less between 8/3/21 and 8/31/21. 60-month financing with $17.74 per $1,000 borrowed. Subject to approved credit thru TFS. Tier 1+ & 1 only. Corolla family includes Corolla Gas/Hybrid, Hatchback, iM, & MY16 Scion iM. See participating dealer for details. Visit toyotacertified.com for additional information.* 12. Qualified military personnel and household members of eligible qualifying military personal are eligible for rebates in addition to all other incentives, depending on model, through Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., when leased or financed through Toyota Financial Services. Must take retail delivery from select new dealer stock. The Toyota Military Rebate Program is not compatible with the Toyota College Rebate Program. See participating dealer or visit buyatoyota.com for complete details. 13. The Toyota College Rebate Program is not compatible with the Military Rebate Program. See participating dealer or visit buyatoyota.com for complete details. 14. ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Certain models require a different maintenance schedule as described in their Maintenance Guide. 24-hour roadside assistance is also included for two years and unlimited mileage. Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids, except emergency fuel delivery. See Toyota dealers for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. * For 2, 6, 10 & 11 – Subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services Tier 1+ & 1 only. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate – Tier 1+ & 1 only; see dealer for terms and conditions. ** For 4 & 9 NO SECURITY DEPOSIT. Subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. Not all customers will qualify – Tier I PLUS customers ONLY. Excludes state and local taxes, tags, registration and title, and insurance. License and applicable fees are extra. Other options and dealer charges extra. Your payment may vary depending on final price. Lessee may be charged for excessive wear based on Toyota Financial Services standards for normal use and for mileage in excess of 30,000 miles at the rate of $0.15 per mile (10K low mileage leases). $350 Disposition Fee is due at lease termination. For 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 – Must take retail delivery from new 2021 dealer stock between 8/3/21 and 9/7/21, with the exception of #11 valid between 8/3/21 and 8/31/21 and must be taken from TCUV stock. APR, Customer Cash & Lease offers may not be combined. See participating dealer for complete details. Individual dealer prices and document fees may vary. VEHICLE IMAGES USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. Expiration for these offers is 8/31/21.

Page A-10 • michiganchronicle.com • August 18-24, 2021

COMERICA IN THE COMMUNITY

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT

Tommie S. Moore

In 1998, Tommie S. Moore stepped into a Comerica Bank branch to cash a check, and what she calls “23 great years” later, she’s still at a branch, in Detroit, only now she’s the Banking Center Manager. The Detroit native laughs as she relates how that fateful day, the check given to her by her grandmother became a life-changing experience. It began when she saw a notice about a Comerica job fair, and decided to attend, resulting in an interview. “Lo and behold, the lady who interviewed me still works for Comerica to this day. The interviewer said, ‘You remind me of one of my tellers, she’s really bubbly, really excited and I want to extend you the position,’” Moore recalled. “I asked the lady, what is her name. I already knew who she was speaking of. I said she must be a wonderful person. She said she is very tenacious, like a bull. I said, she’s my sister.”

Highlighting Talent and Skill Comerica Bank hosts youth workshop at Flint Cultural Center Academy

Call it a matter of belief.  and skills,” Key-Gray said.  Comerica Bank believes in MichThere was also a financial literigan, in Flint, and in helping the peoacy learning stream that was taught ple where the bank does business by Key-Gray herself. It was all about through its array of Community Reyoung people learning the basics investment Act activities. of financial management. They also learned how to make a pitch for a Which is what Charise D. Keyloan to a bank. She told her students Gray was doing on July 19, when how to be professional and how to she helped put together and taught make the pitch easy to understand, at the “Mark Ingram Foundation in while being interesting and dynamic.  Conjunction with N Spire U Productions Presents the Annual Tal  “I gave the kids information ent and Skill Development Camp/ on their income and came up with Workshop for Youth 2021” event, a list of expenses – rent, cable TV, held at the Flint Cultural Center food, clothing,” Key-Gray said. “But I Academy.  purposely made the income about $200 short of meeting all the exKey-Gray is Vice President and District Manager – West Oakland Comerica Vice President, District Retail Manager penses on the list.The kids then had District & Banker Connect Cus- Charise Key-Gray presents “Money Matters” as to come up with a monthly budget tomer Support Team. She said that part of the Youth Financial Literacy seminar at the that would balance. They had to Comerica as a company and a bank Talent and Skill Development Camp/Workshop for learn the difference between wants and needs.”  is a big believer in giving back to the Youth in Flint. communities in which it operates.    A young person might want the best cable TV package, but they Comerica participates in commight learn that in order to meet munity outreach initiatives throughtheir monthly budgets they would out Southeast Michigan and the have to learn to do without.  entire state.The bank has continued to seek opportunities in the Flint Teaching young people the difarea as well. ference between wants and needs isn’t the easiest thing, Key-Gray said. For Key-Gray, who was born and Who among us, when we were 15, grew up in Flint and who still lives in didn’t want those $200 pairs of dethe area, this provides a chance to signer sneakers or the latest edition give back to her own community. of a video game console. When she was a youth, she atBut by teaching young people tended an Upward Bound program, similar to some of Comerica’s pro- Key-Gray teaches young students during the about the importance of budgets grams they provide that convinced Annual Talent and Skill Development Camp/ and managing finances when they’re her that if she worked hard, she Workshop for Youth 2021 sponsored by Mark young, they’ll better be able to plan for their futures.  could make something of herself. Ingram Foundation in conjunction with N Spire U “I was surprised when I talked Key-Gray ended up getting a Productions at the Flint Cultural Center Academy. to the kids what they were willing full scholarship to Central Michigan to give up meeting their budgets,” University with a double major in accounting and management. She then went to work for Comerica and has been with the bank for Key-Gray said. “And I was pleased that they had a lot of questions. more than 20 years. Key-Gray is a believer of St. Luke’s admonition Their hands were always up.”  that to whom much is given, much is expected.  This showed the students were engaged in the subject matter, So, when she was talking with a friend from church and learned Key-Gray said. It demonstrated that they wanted to learn, and what about the Talent and Skill Development Camp/Workshop for Youth teacher doesn’t want that.  2021, she saw that as the perfect opportunity for her and Comerica Key-Gray also had nice things to say about the campus of the Flint Cultural Center Academy.The idea for the academy got its start to give back to Flint.  Key-Gray credits the Mark Ingram Foundation in conjunction in 2015 and the academy opened up in 2019 with a new building.  with N Spire U Productions for coming up with the idea and pro“I saw the water filtration system and was impressed,” Key-Gray viding funding.  said. “It’s so modern and you can place a cup in a slot and get a full The camp consisted of two different learning streams. One was glass of water.”  taught by local Playwright and Author, Kelcy Williams, founder of About 100 students attended each session, Key-Gray said. And it N Spire U Productions. Key-Gray said the author is the “visionary was successful enough that she is already planning to hold another behind the Talent and Skill Development Camp.”      class.  Attendees had the chance to attend classes such as “How to “It was an amazing experience,” Key-Gray said. “The academy Write a Book, Stage Play, and Read a Script.” There was also the “Ba- principal gave me his card and asked if Comerica would do more sics of Becoming a Performer/Actor”, “The Art of Canvas Painting”, classes on financial literacy as well as one on how to get a great “Introduction to Filmmaking/Creating a Movie” and more.  credit score in the future.  I am already making plans to go back.This “The Camp/Workshop included providing youth guidance, to was an amazing experience and made me more want to do more assist them in discovering, nurturing and developing their gift, talent work with the kids.”

Comerica Cares volunteers Wendy Holmes, Tamar Barham and Stacey Wiley in front of the Focus: HOPE distribution center in Inkster.

Community Outreach From page A-3

Game on Cancer Field Day happens on ecember 10 at Ford Field, the home of the D Detroit Lions. It’s the culmination of the campaign. Participants who raise at least $150 are invited to attend the event that includes live entertainment, dinner, autographs and photos with Detroit Lions players, on-field football clinics and an awards ceremony. While indeed, there’s been a return to some in-person, on-site volunteer activities, Comerica continues to support important virtual events including UNCF Walk for Ed-

Comerica Cares colleagues Linda Fletcher (left) and Pam Schuster (right) assist at the Focus: HOPE distribution center located on the east side of Detroit.

ucation in Detroit on August 21. That event supports the nation’s historically black colleges and universities helps students to become active participants of society through a high-quality education. Even with the return of in-person volunteer outreach, Comerica will continue to integrate virtual and online community interactions to continue to support the many community partners who play a vital role in reaching those in need. Virtual involvement is still important because, “it’s still a way for us to make a collective difference,” said McCann.

Comerica colleagues returned to Forgotten Harvest to assist the organization that serves the community’s food security needs.

Moore didn’t want to let on about her family connection, she said because she wanted to be evaluated on her own merits. She spent her first 12 years with Comerica at the Henry Ford ReTommie S. Moore tirement Center. About three years ago, Moore was elevated to her current position, managing a Comerica banking center in Orchestra Place on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Her responsibilities include overseeing operations and staff, making sure the banking center is running smoothly and meeting the needs of clients. It’s a job Moore says she loves, explaining, “The best part of my job is my staff because we’re close. We understand what needs to be done and I do not micromanage. Let the staff be who they are, they understand the job. We work together like a glove. They know what I need, I know what they need.” Moore considers her greatest accomplishment on the job “building rapport, building relationships.” A graduate of Oakland University earning a BA in Business Management, Moore admits she’s had to overcome a key challenge in navigating her career. “One of the challenges I faced was working with my male counterparts and being an African-American woman,” Moore explained. “I was afraid to take initiative because I didn’t know the reaction I would receive. I learned from an old boss of mine to be yourself. People will be able to see Thanksgiving food drive for if you’re a real person or the community. Under the you’re not being real. Just guide of Andrea Ellis who be real.” is the late Mother Waddles Moore loves to volunteer her time and exdaughter. pertise to the company and community through several organizations, including the Comerica African American Network, supporting LGBTQ initiatives and the Mother Waddles Perpetual Ministry. “Just to see their face. When you give back from your heart you see the reaction from someone who maybe has less than I do. They’re surprised, they’ll cry, say ‘you didn’t have to do this.’ but I do,” Moore said in relating what makes her volunteer activities so meaningful. What advice would Moore offer anyone seeking to advance in their career? “Learn as much as you can about that company. See what they have to offer. Most important, listen, listen.” Hobbies: Moore loves to read novels, especially those written by Nora Roberts. She’s also preparing to embark on a new “hobby” as a first-time grandmother in September. Goals: “With Comerica. I do aspire to go higher, not at a district manager level. I want to execute as much as I can in the position that I am and give back more on a VP manager’s level. I’ve done all I can do I just want to give back to my community and my employees.”

For more information on how Comerica colleagues are giving back to our community, visit

www.facebook.com/Comerica.

City ity.. Life ife.. Style. B1 | August 18-24, 2021

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

michiganchronicle.com

GM Host Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival Media Dinner By AJ Williams General Motors and its Cadillac brand kicked off its first-ever sponsorship activation this past weekend as presenting sponsor of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The festival featured a dynamic panel conversation about the path to inclusivity moderated by GM’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Telva McGruder, a networking mixer with the company’s talent acquisitions and public policy teams, the Director’s Brunch with Spike Lee and a panel featuring Cadillac’s brand ambassador, Regina King. During the media hosted dinner, Tarshena Armstrong, General Motors, Director, Diversity Marketing and Development shared the intention behind hosting Black media at the Vineyard and the alignment of this sponsorship.

Cadillac brand ambassador and Academy Award-winning actress Regina King

The Future Is

Femme Forward!

By AJ Williams

Head of Multicultural Marketing for Cadillac-Juanita Slappy and Academy Award Film Director-Spike Lee

Black Girl Magic and The Future is Females are themes that have become the crying anthem for women especially Black women around the world. And it was quite evident this past weekend at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival where the conversation around this progressive agenda rang true. “Coming out of the pandemic, we are back stronger than ever,” said Stephanie Taveras-Rance, co-founder, Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF). “And we are thrilled to see that it did not stop filmmakers, producers and storytellers from delivering compelling and thought-provoking content.”

GM hosted a media dinner with several black publications (Michigan Chronicle, Essence Magazine, Rolling Out and Black Enterprise) “I’ve been with GM for 15 years — that fact that everyone at this table is a person of color speaks to GM’s intention to creating the pipeline at every level, an executive level, at a mid-management level, even with future initiatives with HBCUs by getting interns into our organization, really speaks to our aspirations.” This sponsorship and future ones like it come off the heels of GM’s commitment made during a diversity summit in April when GM announced significant changes to the company’s model for partnering with Black-owned media and di-

See MEDIA DINNER Page B-2

In 2020, Cadillac, a sponsor of MVAAFF, made a commitment to prioritize equity and justice for the Black community. In addition to monetary support for organizations on the ground, they are amplifying the work of audacious Black leaders.

Cadillac brand ambassador and Academy Award winning actress Regina King made a special appearance on Saturday, August 14 for The Color of Conversation: Femme Forward in Film presented by Cadillac. The mainstage moment included both MVAAFF founder, Stephanie T. Rance and acclaimed actress and director, Regina King, talking about how women in the industry are driving impact and influence in how we experience film today and the future.

The ‘Audacity of Blackness’ is the platform used to amplify them by accelerating the equity and justice work of audacious Black leaders in different industries. The Audacity campaign has created some impactful content with Black creatives including: Nneka Onuorah, Film Director, and Melissa Butler, CEO of The Lip Bar. The commitments to blackness within its market is a driving impact according to Juanita Slappy, head of Multicultural Marketing for Cadillac. “Cadillac believes in cultural im-

pression, inception and awareness — and we are happy to drive that impact.” MVAAFF’s partnership with General Motors and Cadillac is in direct alignment with these commitments by engaging in the conversation regarding diversity and inclusion of Black female directors during the film festival weekend by hosting the Color of Conversation: Femme Forward with Cadillac ambassador Regina King. King, noted for making her directorial film debut, in “One Night in Miami” —which made its virtual premiere on King’s 50th birthday—shows she’s powerful and her creative voice shines

through as an actress and director. The film, adapted from Kemp Powers’ stage play, reimagines a night in which four icons meet—Cassius Clay, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X—and discuss their roles in much-needed societal change. King noted that one of the major reasons she felt drawn to this as her directorial debut is because she could see her son and uncles in this story. She stated that it felt like an open love letter to the Black man’s experience. It’s a very diverse move within Holly-

See REGINA KING Page B-2

Do You Know Barbara Lee?

Documentary “Barbara Lee: Speaking Power To Truth” premiers at MVAFF By AJ Williams The 2021 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) presented by General Motors returned this past weekend to the beautiful beach island of Martha’s Vineyard. The 19th Annual Festival, also known as the summer’s finest film festival showcased the best of Black film. “We are proud to be a part of the 19th Annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival,” said Telva McGruder, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at General Motors. “Creating a space to celebrate Black filmmakers and the arts reflects GM’s commitment to innovation and excellence. We are excited to uplift and recognize such powerful storytellers from around the world.” McGruder served as moderator during an intimate Color of Conversation panel following the premier of the riveting documentary “Barbara Lee: Speaking Power to Truth.” The panelists included Congresswoman Barbara Lee, director Abby Ginzberg and Glynda Carr of Higher Heights. “GM is on a quest to be at the forefront to changing the auto industry to

the all-electric future and we understand when we do that, we need to bring everyone with us including the people of urban communities, those of lower social-economic status; and we believe that inclusion in our all-electric future is the only way to do this well,” McGruder said. The documentary which opens to a roar of diverse women chanting, “Barbara Lee…Speaks for Me” shares an intimate look into the journey of the life of one of the most empowering Black woman in Congress today and poses the question — Do you know Barbara Lee? Not only is she the highest-ranking Black female in Congress, she is the lone wolf that voted against the 9-11 bill that empowered the president with broad discretion to go to war without approval of Congress. Lee, amidst a fury of threats, stood alone on the side of the constitution and democracy by fighting for 18 years to amend the bill. Lee’s fight for change for those who are typically severely overlooked and not heard is a continued passion point for her and why she’s dedicated to the

Telva McGruder, Chief DE&I officer for GM, Glynda Carr-CEO of Hidden Heights, Abby Ginzburg, Film Director of “Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power” and Congresswoman Barbara Lee cause to implement the importance of diversity and inclusion for all. “How in the world would these very wealthy white men, for example, understand the struggles of low-income poor people, black, white, brown, they just don’t get it because they haven’t had

those experiences. So, when we show up the dynamic changes and we’re credible when we put forth our arguments and our rationale to do what we do to make things better.“ “Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power” premieres August 20 on Amazon Prime.

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • August 18-24, 2021

Acclaimed actress Lynn Whitfield, Chief DE&I Officer for GM Telva McGruder, Academy Award Film Director Spike Lee and filmmaker Grace Gibson

Media Dinner From page B-1

verse-owned and diverse-targeted media. The changes addressed multiple aspects of the media ecosystem, including overall spend, spend distribution, measurement, deal structure and infrastructure development. The plan includes increasing spend with Black-owned media to 8 percent by 2025 and a Diverse Marketing Incubator Fund, which will allocate $50 million to support and scale diverse marketing companies. This investment will support sustainable growth and is incremental to GM’s media spend. Daniel Roberts, General Motor’s Lead for Communication and Growth, advised that the company has invested in organizations that are closing gaps in racial justice, equity and inclusion through the Justice & Inclusion Fund; and that inclusion is the goal. “Our CEO [Mary Barra] stating she wants our company to be one of the most inclusive companies in the world and that is a huge thing and huge com-

Regina King

AJ Williams-Michigan Chronicle, and Diversity and Development Marketing Director for GM—Tarshena Armstrong mitment from the top leader of our company, and this is an example of how we are putting those words into action. How we are showing up in spaces and places we are supposed to be in and we are engaging with the people we’re supposed to be engaging.” “Non-Black people direct our stories; we should be able to do the same.”

wood for a Black woman to share Black men’s stories.

On her partnership with Cadillac, King shared that it was an ideal collaboration because of her long-time affinity towards the brand.

However, during the conversation moderated by festival co-founder Rance, King spoke to the importance of Black women in film and in the director’s chair sharing our stories, but not just our stories.

“Real talk, I have owned Cadillacs forever — I owned the very first Escalade, it was white on white. My family always has Cadillacs, my granddad always drove a Cadillac. They [Cadillac] were always a mark of success — of excellence.”

4.94 in.

SEPTEMBER 19 10.5 in.

From page B-1

SEPTEMBER 23

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Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com •

August 18-24, 2021

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August 18-24, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Why Now is the Time to Schedule That Check-Up or Screening

Requests for Proposals are being accepted for: Programmatic and Fiscal Monitoring Services (PFM) Response Due: August 18, 2021

(StatePoint) If you haven’t visited your physician since the start of the pandemic, medical experts say that the time is now to book check-ups and screenings for the entire family.

Issued: July 14, 2021

Community Health Corps-Commercial Office Space 0821 (CHC-COS 0821) Re-Issued: August 11, 2021 Re-Issued Response Due: September 10, 2021 The Mayor’s Workforce Development Board (MWDB) is directly responsible and accountable to the State of Michigan, Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development (LEO-WD) for the planning and oversight of talent development programs in the City of Detroit. Designated by the MWDB, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) serves as the fiscal and administrative entity that provides workforce services to job seekers and employers. DESC’s primary funding streams include Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) that funds Michigan’s PATH (Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope.) employment program, Food Assistance Employment and Training (FAE&T), Wagner-Peyser Employment Services (ES), and other public and private funding. The Corporation enters into contracts with qualified entities to provide workforce development programs and services to job seekers and employers. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Center for Disease Control Foundation (CDC) funding may support contracts resulting from competitive bid process.

“The pandemic has had wide-scale negative health consequences beyond COVID-19. Many Americans have delayed important routine health services critical to keeping them healthy, including vital pediatric immunizations

and preventive cancer screenings. Prevention is the best cure, so it’s important to get your health back on track today,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., American Medical Association (AMA) president. With school beginning and the cool weather months ahead, the AMA urges Americans to call their physician’s office to learn if they are due for preventive care or screenings.

DESC is seeking proposals from qualified individuals, organizations and/or firms.

Bid package for this RFP is available for download at this DESC website:

https://www.descmiworks.com/opportunities/rfps-and-rfqs/. Mayor’s Workforce Development Board Cynthia J. Pasky, Co-Chairperson David E. Meador, Co-Chairperson

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation Board Calvin Sharp, Chairperson Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation Terri Weems, President

An equal opportunity employer/program. Supported by the State of Michigan, Labor and Economic Development, Workforce Development (LEO/WD). Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-WORK. TTY: 711.

HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Software Engineering Manager Visteon Corporation seeks a Software Engineering Manager in Van Buren Twp., MI, to ensure process and product quality and define lower level sprints plans, among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering and seven years of experience in the job offered or related. Mail resume to: Ms. Briana Hebner, Visteon, Resume Processing / JO#11866134, One Village Center Drive, Van Buren Township, MI 48111.

Lead Perception Engineer Visteon Corporation seeks a Lead Perception Engineer in Van Buren Twp., MI, to develop machine learning solutions for different sensors in autonomous vehicles; among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in Machine Learning, Electronic Engineering, Artificial Intelligence or related field. Mail resume to: Briana Hebner, Visteon, Resume Processing /JO#11989811, One Village Center Drive, Van Buren Township, MI 48111.

Join Our Team

Walker-Miller Energy Services is hiring! Human Resource Project Manager – Detroit, MI Human Resource Generalist – Detroit, MI Start-up Coordinator – Detroit, MI Diversity Equity Inclusion Strategist – Detroit, MI Energy Efficiency Program Designer – Detroit, MI Proposal Manager – Detroit, MI Energy Specialist – Detroit, MI Accounts Receivable Specialist – Detroit, MI Customer Experience Center Representative – Detroit, MI Implementation Project Manager – Detroit, MI IT Helpdesk Technician II – Detroit, MI Network Administrator – Detroit, MI Outreach Specialist – Detroit, MI Outreach Specialist – Grand Rapids, MI Microsoft Power Platform Developer – Detroit, MI Energy Advisor I – Grand Rapids, MI To apply please visit wmenergy.com/careers-2/

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HELP WANTED

HR Manager, Global Functions and Compensation and Benefits BorgWarner Emissions Systems of Michigan LLC seeks an HR Manager, Global Functions and Compensation and Benefits in Auburn Hills, MI to provide comprehensive Business Partner support within all facets of Human Resources for the ETTS employees located at the PTC working for Global Functions; among other duties. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field of study and eight yrs. of experience in the job offered or related. International and domestic travel required as needed, up to 20%. Please send resumes to: Ms. Wella Orejola, Resume Processing/JO#12061680, BorgWarner, 3800 Automation Avenue, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

Design Release Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Design, engr, dvlp &release future conventional &electric full size truck &SUV Android OS-based rear seat infotainment (RSI) sys, incldg customer-facing front &rear-seat infotainment displays incldg touchscreen capabilities, using Supply power, Jira, Rally, Perforce, IBM DOORS &RTC, Assembla, VSpy, DPS, &Tc tools. Review, evaluate, &approve supplier test results of HW &UIs to meet FMVSS#201 occupant protection in interior impact standards, &GM reqmts for enduser display syss using Android OS. Review Component Technical Requirement Spec incldg list of technical reqmts &features in displays &high performance display controller according to GM reqmts &guidelines, regulatory reqmts &SE guidelines for inclusion in Statement of Requirements package sent to Tier I suppliers as part of sourcing process. Guide cross-functional domain teams incldg engrg, validation, mfg, &marketing to make feasible sys level design trade-offs &dvlp innovative design reqmts. Master, Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, designing &releasing RSI sys or Integrated Center Stack module, &acting as engrg interface between program &mgmt teams, or related. Mail resume to Ref#38720, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Software Developer – Android Warren, MI, General Motors. Design &dvlp HMI apps, incldg prototypes, lab research (feature technology), Advanced Technical Work projects &proof of concept using Android mobile OS platform. Integrate vehicle input syss incldg faceplates, knobs, &speech syss, using Bitbucket tool. Dvlp 2D/3D graphic assets (View, Property &Drawable animations) for intensive real-time rendered Android application, in Java &C++ programming languages, using OpenGL ES (or GLES) 3.1 cmptr graphics rendering API HW acceleration &optimization based on custom built framework &tool chain. Draw class diagrams, using case, tree &sequence diagrams, using MS Visio wireframe, Mockup designer, &RWD Wireframes (GitHub). Integrate vehicle input syss incldg faceplates, knobs &speech syss. Design &dvlp apps for infotainment HMI syss incldg radios, IP Clusters &Head-Up Displays. Use ConstraintLayout to design &dvlp UI layouts for various screen sizes &use cases incldg drag &drop (Split Views) UI layouts, &auto resizing UI elements based on screen size. Master, Computer Science, Computer Engrg, or Electrical Engrg. 12 mos exp as Developer or Engineer, dvlpg 2D/3D graphic assets (View, Property &Drawable animations) for real-time rendered Android application, in Java &C++, using GLES cmptr graphics rendering API HW acceleration &optimization based on custom built framework &tool chain, or related. Mail resume to Ref# 862, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Seeking Assistant II Seeking Seeking Medical OFFICE ASSISTANT III II OFFICE ASSISTANT at Oakland University AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY atGraham Oakland University Health Center

Seeking Assistant II Seeking Seeking Medical OFFICE ASSISTANT III CUSTODIAN I/FACILITIES at Oakland University AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY atGraham Oakland University Health Center

School of Medicine of Medicine FacilitiesSchool Business School of Medicine Coordinate the clinical processing in a Coordinate the clinical Management processing in a medical clinic by performing a variety To perform cleaning activities and To To provide specialized officeprocessing assistance,Tomedical clinic by performing a variety provide specialized office assistance, coordinate the clerical areas in various offor multi-step processes according ofmaintain multi-stepassigned processes according to a or a specialized function coordinating procedural businesstobya orcoordinating procedural business campus framework classroom and office specified framework of procedures and performing a variety of multi-step specified of procedures and service activities for a complex programservice activities forona an complex program buildings andserve emergency regulations, serve as to an ainformationprocesses to according specified regulations, to as an informationarea involvingofprocessing, implementing, involving processing, implementing, related procedures, alframework source within the clinic regulations in addition area albasis, source perform within the grounds clinic in addition tasks. on, High and schoolreporting graduationspecialized or an advising on, andthe reporting specialized precedents; and to aserve as advising toand maintaining role as medical toequivalent maintaining the role as medical combination of aeducation an informational source. 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This is measurements and urine specimens. measurements and urine will be given to those who apply by See See online posting for additional position posting for additional position aonline full time afternoon shiftspecimens. working: This is a part-time poThis is a part-time clerical-technical poAugust 25, First 2021.clerical-technical Must apply on will line Monday-Thursday: 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 requirements. consideration berequirements. First consideration will be sition, working Monday-Friday, 10:00 sition, working Monday-Friday, 10:00 to: https://jobs.oakland.edu p.m., Friday: 10:00 apply a.m. –by 6:30 p.m.,23, given thosep.m., who30apply March to those who March a.m. to – 5:00 hoursbyper week.23,given a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 30 hours per week. summer hours may differ. See online 2020. Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See 2020. Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See postings for additional position Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional posi- Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu requirements. Firstadditional consideration online for position requirements. Must apply online willrequirements. be given to those who apply by tion Must apply online 30, 2021. Must apply online at: to: https://jobs.oakland.edu to:August https://jobs.oakland.edu https://jobs.oakland.edu.

Seeking Assistant II Seeking Seeking Medical OFFICE ASSISTANT 2col. x University 4.75 III III OFFICE ASSISTANT at Oakland AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY atGraham Oakland University Health Center

2col. x 4.75

School ofManagement Medicine Enrollment Coordinate the clinical processing in a clinic by performing a variety Tomedical provide specialized officeassistance, assistance, To provide specialized office Seeking Assistant II Seeking procedural business ofcoordinating multi-step procedural processes according to a or Seeking Medical coordinating business OFFICE ASSISTANT III CUSTODIAN II/HOUSINGor service activitiesof for a complex at Oakland University specified framework procedures and service activities for a complex program AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY program area involving processing, regulations, to serve as an informationOAKLAND CENTER Graham Health Center area involving processing, implementing, School of Medicine advising and alimplementing, source within the clinic inon,addition at Oakland University Coordinate the clinical processing in a advising on, specialized andthe reporting matter. toreporting maintaining rolesubject as a specialized medical Oakland Center medical clinic by performing a variety To provide specialized office assistance, Minimum High school subject matter. 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Four responsible school graduation or an al sourceHigh within the clinic in addition experience, including direct experience perience as a medical assistant or in advising on, and reporting specialized equivalent combination of in office including coordination, i.e.,experience prioritizing in to maintaining the role as aeducation medical experience, direct a work directly related fieldmaintaining with experience and experience, abilityMinimum toQualifications: use Qualand/ matter. assignments, work assistant in the Minimum clinic. office coordination, i.e., prioritizing worksubject inflow medical office clerical Exor school mix various cleaning chemicals, to meet deadlines. functions. This is a full ifications: High School graduation High graduation or an equivalent assignments, workand flow to meet perform physically active work, requiresor perience inmaintaining venipuncture time, clerical-technical position –obtainsome combination an equivalent combination ofexperience. educaof education frequent lifting of up toand 60 lbs., may deadlines. is a full time,weekends clerical-technical ing basicThis patient information including occasional nights and may tion andin progressively experience. Three years’ office exFour years responsible work various weather conditions blood pressure, electrocardiograph be required. Salary is annually. $44,592.00 position. Salary is $43,718.00 perience as a medical assistant or with extremes heat direct & cold,experience also mayin in including measurements urineposting specimens. annually. See and online for experience, See online posting for additional position a require directlya related field with acceptable experience MI driver’s license This is a part-time clerical-technical po- office coordination, i.e., prioritizing work additional position requirements. office clerical functions. Exrequirements. First consideration will be intomedical the University’s insurance carrier. First working consideration will be given sition, Monday-Friday, 10:00 assignments, maintaining work flowobtainto meet perience in venipuncture and Salary is $12.99 per hour probationary, given to those who apply by March 23, to –those who 30 apply byper August a.m. 5:00 p.m., hours week. deadlines. is ahour full time, clerical-technical ing basicThis patient information including $13.25 per upon successful 2020. 25, 2021. Must apply on line See to: Salary is $30,973.00 annually. 90 days andis excellent benefits. Two blood pressure, electrocardiograph position. Salary $43,718.00 annually. https://jobs.oakland.edu Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional posipositions available: One position measurements and urine specimens. online posting for additional position tion requirements. Must apply online See(#989320) workingclerical-technical Wednesday-Sunday: This is a part-time porequirements. consideration will be to: https://jobs.oakland.edu 3:00 p.m. –First 11:30 p.m., the second sition, working Monday-Friday, 10:00 given to those who apply by March 23, position (#991656) working Sundaya.m. – 5:00 p.m., 30 hours per week. Thursday: 3:00 p.m. – annually. 11:30 p.m.See If 2020. Salary is $30,973.00 you would like to be considered for 2col. x 4.75 Must apply posting online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online for additional posiboth positions – you must apply to each tion requirements. Mustpostings apply online one online. See online for to:additional https://jobs.oakland.edu position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by August 25, 2021. Mustx apply 2col. 4.75 online at: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

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orking toward financial stability can be a daunting task, but developing healthy spending habits and practicing smart saving can make it easier to plan for the future and take control of your finances. Improve your financial stability and security with these tips from the experts at Credit One Bank, a data-driven financial services company that is also one of the largest and fastestgrowing credit card issuers in the United States.

Create a Spending Plan and Budget By building a budget and examining your spending habits, you’re able to see exactly how much money you have coming in and where – or on what – you’re spending it. This is often the first step toward meeting short- and long-term financial goals, whether those involve taking a vacation, paying off debt, buying a new house or saving for retirement. Add up your household income, including paychecks and other income, such as investments or rental property, then figure your monthly expenses starting with recurring bills like rent or mortgage, car payments, insurance, utilities and subscriptions. Also account for variable expenses like gas, groceries and entertainment. Once you have your income and expenses calculated, look for places you may be able to cut back to help meet your financial goals. Don’t forget to be flexible; your budget and spending will change along with your needs and situation.

Earn Rewards on Everyday Purchases You can stretch your budget further by taking advantage of rewards offered by your bank or credit card company. For example, some credit cards provide cash back rewards for specific everyday purchases. An option like the Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards Visa is one such credit card. Customers can earn 5% cash back for the first $5,000 of eligible purchases per year on things like gas, groceries, internet, cable, satellite TV and mobile phone services, plus 1% cash back rewards on all other purchases. “Make sure your rewards are working for you – and not just as a gimmicky signup bonus,” said David Herpers, head of product at Credit One Bank. “Find a credit card that continues to give you more for your everyday spending habits.”

Compare Interest Rates When Opening a Savings Account When selecting a savings account, look for the highest yield but also consider the minimum balance requirement, any introductory rates that may expire after a set period of time and the ease with which you’re able to access your money and account information. Often, digital banks can offer higher rates than traditional brick-and-mortar branches due to their lower overhead costs. Ensure any bank you consider is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) so you can earn a fair rate and protect your money.

Build an Emergency Fund Emergency funds create a financial buffer that can keep you afloat in times of need without having to rely on high-interest loans or maxing out a line of credit. These funds can be used to pay for large, unexpected expenses such as medical bills, the loss of a job, car repairs or home appliance repair or replacement. To build your emergency fund, set a monthly savings goal – even an amount as small as $50 per paycheck can make an impact over time – and set up a way for the funds to be automatically transferred to the account each time you get paid to make the task less daunting. Check on the account periodically and adjust if necessary or if your budget allows. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 3-6 months of living expenses.

Keep Track of Your Credit Your credit score provides lenders and other parties a quick way to get an idea of your financial history and your ability to pay. Having a good credit score typically provides better interest rates and makes it easier to get approval on loans, rent an apartment, take out a mortgage or finance large purchases. Poor credit can saddle you with higher rates and lead to potential loan requests being denied. To help you understand how different actions affect your credit score, many sites offer free credit reports and tools that allow you to stay up-to-date and track your score over time. Be sure to check reviews and verify the site’s legitimacy before entering your information. Additionally, many credit card companies, including Credit One Bank, provide free access to online credit reports on a regular basis to give customers an easier way to stay on top of their finances. Find more ways to make your money work for you at CreditOneBank.com/articles.

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• michiganchronicle.com • August 18-24, 2021

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Helping Lush Yummies not just get by, but get ahead.

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Jennifer Lyle CEO Lush Yummies Pie Co. Detroit, MI

This is Jennifer. She’s not just a business owner. She’s a boss. The odds were never in her favor. The stats said 8 out of 10 Black-owned businesses fail within 18 months. But she wasn’t going down without a fight. Or going down, period. She connected with a Chase Business Consultant, who helped her iron out pain points and map out goals—and most importantly, how to achieve them. Jennifer: 1. The Odds: 0.

Talk to a Chase Business Consultant for 1:1 coaching and tailored advice. Let’s change the odds for minority-owned businesses, together. Visit chase.com/BusinessConsultant Business owners compensated for their participation. Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone, not intended as specific advice/recommendation. Carefully consider needs and objectives before making any decisions, and consult the appropriate professional(s). JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.