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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 84 – No. 47 | July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

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Michigan Chronicle Endorses Janice M. Winfrey for Re-Election as City Clerk Michigan Chronicle’s Editorial Board

These days, the Detroit City Clerk’s office is busy preparing for the local primary election on Tuesday, August 3, followed by the general election on Tuesday, November 2. For Janice M. Winfrey, she knows all eyes will once again be focused on her and her office’s task of overseeing the city’s elections with efficiency, integrity, and transparency.

Winfrey, sworn in as City Clerk in January 2005, wouldn’t have it any other way, as she is seeking re-election as City Clerk.

Since taking office, Winfrey has had her share of critics and supporters. The critics point to her questionable performances and missteps during elections that have drawn national attention, including inaccurate counting of absentee ballots, countJanice M. Winfrey ing discrepancies pertaining to recounts, reconciling the number of ballots with the poll books, and equipment failure.

Winfrey’s supporters point to her accomplishments, such as working with local groups, organizations, churches, nonprofits, and other entities to increase voter turnout, especially in the 2020 Presidential Election. In addition, supporters credit her with the implementation of five new voting systems in the city and the introduction of BallotTrax to track the status and whereabouts of every absentee ballot during the election process.

Nevertheless, whether her performances as City Clerk have been criticized or lauded, Winfrey continues to seek better ways to improve elections.

“After each election, the Department of Elections conducts a department-wide assessment to determine what went well and areas that require improvement,” Winfrey wrote in her questionnaire to the Michigan Chronicle’s Editorial Board.

“As such, the absentee voting operation has been revisited to improve the accuracy of Counting Boards to improve balancing and a more accurate product that is, if requested, re-countable. Consequentially, we are anticipating a more accurate outcome for the Municipal Primary and all elections moving forward.

Also, the Department has invested in new technology that promotes a balanced counting board before Election Day. Daily, staff verifies that all counting boards are balanced leading up to the Primary.”

In the Tuesday, August 3 primary election, Winfrey will face challenges from three candidates who want to unseat her: Denzel McCampbell, Beverly Kindle-Walker, and Michael Ri’chard.

In questionnaires sent by the

See WINFREY page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Interim Detroit Police Chief James White sits down in an exclusive interview with Digital Anchor Andre Ash in Studio 1452.

It's Time To Control Crime:

Detroit PD Interim Chief Tackles Violence with De-Escalation Initiative

By Sherri Kolade Violent crime is up 18 percent in the City of Detroit in comparison to last summer, according to local reports.

What’s a city to do? Enforce stricter laws? Add more officers to patrol the streets? Or deploy a new tactical operation altogether?

For the Detroit Police Department (DPD), handling crime issues in the sprawling urban landscape sometimes takes all of the above.

In his first full-length, sit down, in-studio interview, the new interim DPD Police Chief James White sat down with Digital Anchor Andre Ash inside The Michigan Chronicle’s Real Times Media Studio 1452 to share exclusive news on how they’re planning to get a handle on crime in Detroit, rolling out a new initiative and so much more.

In May, Mayor Mike Duggan announced that White was selected for the job as interim police chief, a position he’s held since early June after the previous Police Chief James Craig announced his retirement.

White is a career police officer who worked his way up to become assistant chief of police before he was selected by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission to lead the Department of Civil Rights.

“James White has the depth and breadth of experience that I feel have prepared him to lead this department forward,” Duggan said earlier this spring.

White, a 24-year veteran at DPD, was born and raised in Detroit, served as assistant chief since 2012 and was in leadership positions for most of his

tenure. White led the DPD’s efforts to be released from two-decades-long federal consent agreements, which required the implementation of policies, training and processes to protect the constitutional rights of citizens DPD officers engage or detain.

White left the DPD in August 2020 when he was named director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC) and served as a member of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Cabinet.

White, also a state-licensed mental health counselor, is passionate about developing crime-fighting and intervention strategies to bring down the level of violence in the community.

In the studio, White shared his vision for a safer Detroit that involves a fivepoint plan to address crime and nuisances like loud music and drifting (when a car driver oversteers a vehicle to let it slide out of control).

“The five-point plan involves officer presence being in areas in the city,” he said, adding that drifting is not just about people running stop signs. “This is quality of life -- this is people who have chosen to put the community at risk by drifting, drag racing.”

White said that children should be able to play outside and others sit on the front porch without fear of being hit by a car.

White said that the DPD connected with community partners and citizens on the best way to reduce and eliminate the safety hazard and produced the fivepoint plan.

The five-point plan involves: • Increased officer presence • Strict enforcement of drifting • Drifting-related vehicle recovery • Noise ordinance enactment • Summer crowd control/management strategy White hopes that a more visible officer presence could help deter drifters and others who are not abiding by the law.

He also said that loud music should not be within 50 feet of businesses and vehicle music should not exceed 10 feet.

“If I can hear your music 10 feet away ... you will be ticketed,” White said, adding that in addition to issuing tickets and putting people in jail for crimes they commit it’s time to look at the “core issues” behind criminal’s “really poor decision making.”

“It’s a number of reasons violent crime is up in major cities like Detroit,” White said, adding that he has spoken to fellow police colleagues around the country who are also seeing an uptick in violent crime.

White added that he also strikes a balance between proactively keeping the peace in the city and laying down the law, especially at Greektown.

White said that with the COVID-19 restrictions lifted, construction rerouting more people to the downtown area and other challenges, an increase in crime is evident in the area bound by Lafayette Street on the south, Randolph Street on the West, Gratiot Avenue on the North,

See WHITE page A2

Michigan Chronicle Endorses Ayers, Tate, Smith, Durhal for Detroit City Council Michigan Chronicle’s Editorial Board

Five Books for Single Black Chicks City.Life.Style. B3

$1.00

The history of electing Detroit City Council members over the years has often been unpredictable and surprising. Yet, one predictable fact in the upcoming primary election, held on Tuesday, Aug. 3, followed by the general election on Tues., Nov. 2, is that City Council, the legislative body of Detroit’s government, will undergo a major facelift.

This means of the nine Detroit City Council seats, seven representing geographical districts and two at-large (city-wide), there’s a possibility that after “this year’s primary and general elections,” four or more new council members could be seated at the council table.

After the April 20 filing deadline for individuals interested in running or re-running for council, the unpredictability and surprise factors came to fruition. Brenda Jones, the seven-year council president and holder of one of two “at-large” citywide seats decided not to seek re-election after elected to council in 2005. Likewise, District 4’s incumbent council member Andre Spivey, elected in 2009, announced he would not seek re-election. In District 6, Raquel Castaneda-Lopez, elected to office in

Janeé Ayers, James Tate, Virgil C. Smith and Fred Durhal III 2013, made it official that she wouldn’t run for re-election. And in District 7, council member Gabe Leland resigned before pleading guilty to a felony charge.

In District 2, incumbent council member Roy McCalister Jr. will run against challenger Angela Calloway, but their face-off will bypass the primary contest and advance to the general election in November.

Scott Benson, the incumbent in District 3, is unopposed in the primary race and will advance to the general election. In District 5, incumbent and City Council Pro Tem Mary Sheffield, also unopposed in the pri-

mary, will move to the general election. In District 6, candidates Hector Santiago and Gabriella Santiago-Romero will face off in November’s general election, to determine who succeeds Castaneda-Lopez.

In essence, the only city council races in the “primary election” will be in Districts 1, 4, 7, and city-wide at large. The Michigan Chronicle is giving its endorsements in the following primary Council races. The Chronicle’s endorsements are based, in part, on the returned questionnaires from individuals running for a council seat in the

See CITY

COUNCIL page A2

Page A-2 • michiganchronicle.com • July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

City Council From page A-1

Aug. 3 primary and in part on the Editorial Board’s research into each candidate’s previous experiences and skillsets.

City Council At-Large Chronicle’s Endorsement:

Incumbent Janeé Ayers

In seeking her second, four-year term, Ayers has done a good job on behalf of all Detroiters. She serves on two major committees critical to the health and wellbeing of Detroiters and the financial health and stability of the city. Ayers has been chair of the Budget, Finance & Audit Committee for four years and a committee member for six.

The Chronicle views this skillset valuable as the city must navigate financial issues on many fronts due to the pandemic and post-bankruptcy obligations.

“The next four years are crucial to the financial health of the city,” Ayers said in her submitted questionnaire to the Chronicle’s Editorial Board. “Bankruptcy allowed us to pause some of our financial obligations, particularly our pension obligations.

The city’s Plan of Adjustment created in the bankruptcy process requires us to start making significantly higher contributions to the city’s two pension systems over the next few years. Because of this, financial responsibility and management will be one of my top priorities for this next term.”

Ayers is also vice-chair of the Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee. She has been instrumental in helping Detroiters, and small businesses receive needed resources and supplies during the 17-month - and counting - COVID-19 pandemic.

Other accomplishments include creating the Returning Citizens Task Force, which helps released inmates connect to jobs and training and expungements. Ayers, a lifelong Detroiter, pledges to continue working to eliminate blight in the city, empower Black-owned businesses, and enhance opportunities for city youth to gain entrance to comprehensive skill trades training programs and subsequent employment.

Other at-large council candidates are Jermain Jones, Nicole Small, Mary Waters, and Coleman A. Young II.

District 1 Chronicle’s Endorsement:

Incumbent James Tate

James Tate, elected to City Council in 2009, has lived in District 1 his entire life and knows the hot button issues that residents face daily. Tate has a reputation of being accessible, listening, building, and moving forward community partnerships and initiatives to empower Detroiters. Tate created the first district-wide “online” business directory.” He is a strong advocate for Detroiters to own and operate cannabis-related businesses in the city. Tate authored the Detroit Legacy Ordinance related to adult-use cannabis licensing. It was struck down in federal court in June. Yet, Tate remains optimistic about a possible appeal of the ruling.

“We are currently reviewing all options,” said Tate. “As we move forward I would like to make it clear that no adult-use licenses will be issued in the city unless Detroit residents are provided the ability to truly compete for the same wealth-building opportunities that other communities have benefited from in the cannabis industry.”

Amid the current pandemic, Tate has consistently provided needed equipment, tools, information, and resources to help Detroiters confront the COVID-19. He is equally involved in addressing Detroiters’ challenges as they seek to escape poverty and elevate to better opportunities.

“I want to continue to help remove barriers that challenge the ability for residents to positively impact the generational poverty that persists within their families,” Tate said in his written responses to the Chronicle Editorial Board. “Addressing this will transform several elements of our community from the crime level to educational attainment to employment opportunities.”

Other District 1 candidates are Darryl Brown, Quincy Coleman, and Krystal Larsosa.

Winfrey From page A-1 Chronicle’s Editorial Board to the candidates, all responded.

McCampbell vows to work on the front end to make sure every poll worker is robustly trained, partner with other Wayne County communities and the County Government to speed up absentee vote counting, better educate city voters against attempts by the GOP to restrict Black voters in Detroit, and pushback against all disinformation to persuade people against voting.

Kindle-Walker pledges to institute more training consistent with the requirements for elections, perform regular audits of the entire election process, put proper checks in place to avoid human errors, do a better job than the current clerk at reconciling ballots cast with the poll books, lead election workers who are committed to delivering clean, efficient and transparent elections, increase voter education and motivation, and assure that the Qualified Voter List is reconciled to remove verifiable voters who are no longer qualified to vote in Detroit for whatever reason.

Michael Ri’chard vows to make sure all poll workers are adequately trained, facilitate better methods of educating voters about the entire election process, stand firm for voter protection and not voter suppression, assure that Detroit has a professionally trained and operated Department of Elections, restore voter trust to ensure honest and fair elections each time, and ensure that the City Clerk’s office maintains fiscal accountability.

While the three candidates have solid platforms and ideas of running the City Clerk’s office, the Michigan Chronicle is endorsing the incumbent

Janice M. Winfrey to continue in her role as city clerk.

The Chronicle believes that Winfrey has advanced the office to better oversee city elections and other functions better effectively, efficiently, and transparently. The Chronicle believes that Detroiters need an experienced City Clerk to fight the intentions of GOP lawmakers in the state who want to pass draconian bills and legislation aimed at suppressing Black voters in the city.

“The Republican Party’s national agenda is to suppress votes in urban communities throughout our nation, Winfrey wrote in her questionnaire to the Chronicle. “In Michigan, 39 of these laws have been introduced by the Republican-controlled state senate. I, along with Detroit’s administration and legislative body, have already penned our response to these laws and the impact they will have on Detroit voters. I will continue to tirelessly fight against these bills and communicate with the state legislature, Secretary of State’s office, and the Governor’s office.

In the event these bills become law, I will continue to find creative methods to guarantee that no Detroit voter is disenfranchised.”

The Chronicle is encouraged that the office of Detroit City Clerk, under Janice M. Winfrey, has teamed with the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office, under Jocelyn Benson, to form a one-two punch that will help ensure efficient elections, especially in this time of GOP’ shenanigans to change voting laws and use other tactics to disenfranchise voters of color.

“I am grateful for the relationship that has been nurtured between the Department of Elections and the Secretary of State’s Office,” said Winfrey.

“Partnerships are critical to running smooth, secure elections, and the additional staff,

District 4 Chronicle’s Endorsement:

Virgil C. Smith

Virgil C. Smith has an extensive background and unique skillset that the Chronicle believes will greatly benefit citizens of District 4. Smith’s experiences in public service date back to 1977 when he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate in 1988. In 2001, Smith was appointed Chief Assistant Prosecutor by then-Wayne County Prosecutor and now mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan. Smith was a distinguished Third Circuit Court judge in Wayne County for 16 years, eleven as the Presiding Judge in the Juvenile Division and five as the Chief Judge.

“I want to use my extensive experience in the legislature and on the bench to help families in the District,” Smith wrote in his submitted questionnaire to the Chronicle.

Policing/Public Safety is a top concern for Smith in evolutionary manners to meet the changing times.

“I believe the Detroit Police Department has to become more of a community policing unit based on positive interactions, partnerships with community neighborhood organizations, and develop a more shared problem-solving system, such as the Green Light Program. At the end of the day, residents want and need to feel safe in their environment,” Smith wrote in his questionnaire to the Chronicle’s Editorial Board. “My goal is to work with our Police Department to grow, expand, and incorporate this philosophy into the social mission of our Police Department.”

Smith pledges to help local Black businesses navigate the city’s procurement department.

“As a member of the city’s legislative body, my goal is always to protect domiciled Black Detroit-based businesses,” Smith said.

Other District 4 candidates are Anemashaun Bomani, Michael Elrick, Toson Jewell-Knight, Latisha Johnson, Daivon Reeder, and Kenneth Snapp.

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District 7 Chronicle’s Endorsement:

Fred Durhal III

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Fred Durhal III has an impressive background in politics, which the Chronicle feels exemplifies integrity, service, and leadership. From January 2015 to January 2019, Durhal was the elected State Representative for Michigan’s 5th House District.

While just 37 years old, Durhal would bring a wealth of vital experience to City Council to empower youth, families, and adults of all ages and ethnicities.

The Chronicle believes that Durhal’s most vital attributes are his legislative, budgetary, governmental, and community experiences. While many challenges are facing Detroit over the next four years, one of the most pressing is for the city to succeed at attaining financial/fiscal stability. Durhal points to The Plan of Adjustment that the City of Detroit filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in February 2014.

“Ensuring the budget remains fiscally stable, meets the requirements of the Plan of Adjustment, and the resumption of full pension payments in 2024 are imperative,” Durhal said in written responses to the Chronicle’s Editorial Board. “To maintain the services of the citizens, promote Detroit’s continued growth, and ensure solvency, responsible decisions must be made within our budget. I have served as the Minority Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee (Ranking Democrat). The budgetary experience that I have gained from the Michigan Legislature will provide much-needed experience to the City Council as Detroit seeks to maintain fiscal stability and comply with the Plan of Adjustment, avoid the budgetary shortfalls ­produced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and seek ways to increase Detroit’s ability to generate revenue.”

Durhal says he will champion for more affordable housing for Detroiters and create ways for homeowners to facilitate needed home repairs.

Other District 7 candidates are John Bennett, William Davis, Regina Ross, JoAnna Underwood, and Angy Webb. resources, and support from the city, county, and state will further strengthen our election system. At the top of each election cycle (federal, state, and municipal), my office schedules a meeting with the Bureau to discuss the operation of elections, as to what the Department’s plans are in implementing new technology, training methods, and procedures. We also discuss any potential challenges anticipated for the cycle and our plan on how to handle them.”

Nevertheless, there’s no way around it that Janice Winfrey has made mistakes in the past, which she has acknowledged.

However, there has been improvement in training poll workers, processing voters, better use of equipment and technology, and better

problem-solving.

With the ongoing partnership with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, we believe Detroit’s elections will be more efficient and transparent.

The Michigan Chronicle believes that in the face of the bold attempts of the GOP lawmakers in Michigan to disenfranchise Black and Brown voters, Detroiters need an experienced and savvy fighter to safeguard our right to vote, free of suppression. We need a City Clerk that can evolve to reflect new and bolder ways to ensure Detroit voters the best voting experiences possible. The Michigan Chronicle believes of the candidates running for City Clerk, Janice M. Winfrey is the best choice with the best experience for Detroit voters to trust.

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White

From page A-1 and I-375 on the East.

White said that 50 percent of the gun cases emanating from Greektown are from people who don’t even live in Detroit.

“We’ve got outsiders coming in and getting involved in conflict,” White said, adding that visitors are welcome to enjoy the city respectfully, but if they don’t, they will be arrested. “Respect our community as we would your community when we visit.”

White also exclusively told The Michigan Chronicle that the police department will soon unveil a city-wide initiative to dispatch mental health experts in ride-alongs with officers.

“What drives poor decision making oftentimes is a mental illness -- people who are unable to deescalate simple conflicts,” White told Ash, adding that people who resolve temporary circumstances with “permanent decisions” create victims on all ends -- including the actual victims and the perpetrator’s family who have to see their loved ones locked up. “Sometimes they’re providers for the family.”

White added that the police can lock up people but the goal is not to “populate the prison system.”

“Crisis intervention training is being rolled out throughout the city of Detroit’s Police Department -- very happy about it,” White said. “I can’t take full credit. This is something that James Craig, former chief, allowed me to work on when I worked under him.”

White added that Craig was able to launch a couple of precincts before his retirement.

The strategic plan to mitigate escalating issues is now rolled out in all the city’s precincts, which White described as a “benefit to the community.”

The mental health professionals are working alongside the officers on “critical issues” including domestic violence, barricade gunman situations and more.

“You’ve got that mental health professional that may be able to identify the crisis that the perpetrator is going through [and] allow that officer to most effectively communicate with that person who is in crisis,” White said, adding that officers will be trained in crisis intervention. “Understanding how to engage someone who is in mental health crisis is probably one of the tools that will change law enforcement going forward.”

White said that his care for the community motivates him as interim police chief.

“I’m going to be a very transparent leader and hold officers accountable and celebrate the officers when they do the things that we want them to do and do them well,” White said, adding that a “phenomenal” police department and community partnership is key toward a better tomorrow.

“It is an absolute privilege to wear this badge and serve this community -- it is not a right,” White said. “I’m going to hire and put officers on the street and do everything in my power to drive this crime [down].”

TO: ALL ELIGIBLE DISABLED VOTERS Federal Public Law 98-435 requires that polling places be accessible to disabled voters.

If a polling location is not disabled accessible, this law allows the assignment of an alternate polling place. However, several polling places which were previously inaccessible are now accessible to disabled voters.

Disabled voters are entitled to vote at the polls within the precinct where possible.

Pollworkers are obligated to provide whatever assistance is needed to facilitate the voting process.

Disabled voters with an inaccessible polling place are eligible to vote without notice at the:

Department of Elections 2978 W. Grand Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48202 until the close of voting at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. If additional information is needed, or to confirm disabled accessibility, please contact the Department of Elections office at (313) 876-0190.

Janice M. Winfrey City Clerk & Chairperson Detroit Election Commission

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| July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

Detroit Disparities (Shouldn’t) Remain

Roots.

MACC Development Meets the Needs of

By Michael Garrett, CEO CNS Healthcare

Eastside Detroit’s 48214 Community

As we begin to emerge from more than a year of shutdowns and delays in the life, we once considered normal, we must honestly ask ourselves, “What have we learned?” As it relates to healthcare disparities for Detroiters, the answers should dictate our “new” normal.

The COVID pandemic yanked away the scab that has covered deficiencies in the delivery and quality of healthcare of Detroiters for generations. The results are evident in the staggering and stagnant numbers for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and COVID and are an indication that what we were doing wasn’t working.

This is an opportunity for healthcare providers and services to reevaluate the outreach and engagement strategies needed to effectively reach and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. That sometimes requires a different awareness and responsiveness to overcome systemic distrust and disconnect Michael Garrett that continues to place Detroiters and people of color in a compromised position.

While this may be difficult for an industry to admit that is has not done its best to do its best for everyone, it is imperative as we openly and honestly assess—and then correct—the issues that fuel the disparities that we all blatantly saw during the pandemic.

We remain in a constant state of fluidity at CNS Healthcare to ensure that we are not only aware of social, economic, and healthcare changes and needs, but that we are poised to respond to them in a way that the needs of our consumers are acknowledged and met. But we can do more. We all must do more.

As statistics repeatedly indicated those with pre-existing conditions were more likely to sustain greater health implications, so is true for those of us committed to addressing the health of our community: We must resolve the longstanding pre-existing condition of healthcare disparities, or we will collectively suffer as a city and community as a result.

CNS Healthcare is a leading, private, non-profit provider of comprehensive, integrated behavioral and physical health services and substance use disorder services in Southeast Michigan. With locations in Detroit, Novi, Pontiac, Southfield, and Waterford, CNS employs over 375 dedicated professionals, paraprofessionals and support staff who deliver compassionate care to more than 7,000 adults, youth (age 0 to 17), and their families, annually. Visit www.CNSHealthcare.org

michiganchronicle.com

Antoine Jackson, executive director, MACC Development

By Sherri Kolade Since 2010, members of the Mack Avenue Community Church, (MACC), sought out to be the “hands and feet of the church,” while exemplifying Biblical principles in real-time to serve the spiritual and physical needs of the communities that make up Detroit’s east side 48214 zip code.

MACC Development, a certified 501(c) community development corporation, was birthed through MACC to help revitalize that portion of the city “block by block, neighbor by neighbor.”

MACC Development Executive Director Antoine Jackson visited Real Times Media Studio 1452 recently in an interview with the Michigan Chronicle’s Digital Anchor Andre Ash to discuss the community, revitalization, and development efforts for that area of Detroit.

According to a recent study from small business resource AdvisorSmith, the homeownership rate in Detroit was 71.8%. Inside the MACC Development community, figures are above the city average with 80% of the 48214 community being homeowners.

Jackson said that the bustling, thriving community benefits from the organization’s charitable and helpful ways, which only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic last year as they gave continuously, and then some, to those in need.

“We are focused on helping support our neighbors with some of their basic needs,” he said, adding that in the middle of COVID, MACC launched their 48214 Care Program, which provides grocery runs, prescriptions help, and financial

assistance (including car note payments and mortgage help) to residents. In addition to that, they also do welfare checks on some neighbors. “COVID provided us a lot of opportunities to serve our neighbors and laid bare a lot of the issues that exist in our community.”

Ash asked Jackson what some key issues the MACC has been working on to try to revitalize the area and help residents dealing with the recent rainwaters that have flooded basements, destroyed cars, and more when inches of rain devastated parts of southeast Michigan including Detroit.

“We had a number of residents in the area that called us reaching out for assistance,” Jackson said, adding that many of their basements had flooded. “Many of them had waist-deep water in their basements.”

From helping these neighbors identify a plumber and helping them move the water out of their basements to assisting residents with funds to find remediation solutions – MACC never waivers in their financial and emotional investment in their community, especially when they need it the most. “We’ve had a number of residents … lost their vehicle -- their only means of transportation. So, we’ve been trying to work with connecting them with resources.”

He added that the community spirit is as strong as ever and is lived out in recent examples with many residents (whose own basements were flooded) looking beyond their own need to help relieve their neighbors who are suffering from similar flooding issues.

MACC Development has its philanthropic and financially-forward thinking

hands elsewhere, too, including the running of The Commons – a neighborhood laundromat and café located at 7900 Mack Ave. The organization also runs a signature flagship program, MACC LIT Program, designed to work with students in kindergarten through fifth grade in helping them with tutoring and more.

“We know that reading is fundamental and something essential to the success of every child,” Jackson said, adding that the program now offers virtual assistance in partnership with Central Michigan University (CMU). (CMU) came in as a partner to make sure students had adequate tutoring and support.”

MACC Development also hosts mission trips, MACC Missions, a yearlong trip to the 48214 area where individuals learn about the city beyond the headlines, Jackson said. Due to COVID-19, the trips were halted but they are now up and running again.

“We are unique here at MACC Development,” Jackson said about the trips.

“We offer opportunities for individuals to come and learn about Detroit from Detroiters.”

He added that people have come from Colorado, Portland, and beyond to learn about the city and its rich history. On a recent trip, attendees even helped some residents clean out their basements to see firsthand the issues “Detroit faces.”

Jackson said that he is doing the Lord’s work – a calling that took prayer and courage.

“One of the craziest things I ever done,” Jackson said smiling, adding that his position was a “leap of faith.” “An opportunity that I believe the Lord placed in front of me.”

Jackson, who has 15 years in nonprofit community development work, said that he was allowed to make an impact in the city he is from– a chance he doesn’t take lightly.

“I am a youth pastor here in the city of Detroit – this isn’t just something I put on my to-do Monday through Friday – but this is really who I am,” Jackson said, adding that MACC Development “fits the posture of his heart” and allows him to help make an economic impact. “(Each) day is never the same and it is a really great opportunity to serve my community,” he said.

For more information visit https:// www.maccdevelopment.com/.

Detroit’s Democracy Defender: City Clerk Janice Winfrey Has Her Say on the Local Election Process sition does not come without its share of issues.

The Detroit Primary is less than a week away and with candidates running for mayor, the Detroit City Council, and the Detroit City Clerk – along with the tentative Proposal P vote – there is a lot to look forward to on Tuesday, August 3.

Winfrey told Ash that very soon she will be speaking before Congress to address the problems she has faced, especially with this last election and the previous President Donald Trump.

Aside from Detroit voters who are busy getting involved in the local election process, it’s none other than Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey who will be behind the scenes that day showing up and showing others how she gets it done.

“I will be talking about the challenges election administrators face and the threats and harassment that we received as a result of the 2020 election,” Winfrey said, adding that she is “defending American democracy,” which she said is the real work for a clerk or election administrator -- to hold up democracy to ensure that every citizen – every elector – has a right to cast their vote in a free and fair election without being intimidated or harassed.”

During a recent interview inside the Real Times Media (RTM) Studio 1452, Michigan Chronicle’s Digital Anchor Andre Ash interviewed Winfrey on her role in holding up her end of democracy and what people should know come Election Day. “It seems ... for anyone following Detroit elections and politics, this particular year has been very quiet around the mayoral conversations if you will,” Ash said, adding that one of the “sticky issues” on the ballot is Proposal P, which was added last minute. “What can voters expect to see when they look at that ballot on Election Day?” Winfrey said that the short ballot is “still an important ballot” because candidates are vying for the general election come Tuesday, November 2 – but they have to progress out of the primary first.

“When voters vote for the City Council by districts the top two vote-getters move to the general election,” Ash asked

She added that her goal is to ask Congress to consider making intimidation or harassment federal offenses people shouldn’t be harassed and their “lives threatened” for doing their jobs.

Janice Winfrey, Detroit City Clerk, left, sits down in an interview with Digital Anchor Andre Ash in Studio 1452 ­recently. to which Winfrey confirmed.

“If we only have two candidates – an incumbent and a challenger – they’re not going to make the primary. You already have your two; they are just going to have a general election,” Winfrey said.

Winfrey, a Detroit City Clerk for over 10 years, said that her high-profile po-

Winfrey also said that she plans to speak about the 140-plus lawsuits that Trump filed against her and her office citing voter fraud, in which “every single last one of them” was dismissed.

From implementing ballot drop boxes in 2018, (which Winfrey said is “here to stay”) to making voting more accessible – especially early during the pandemic – the Detroit City Clerk is equally passionate when asked by Ash about striking a balance with voter security.

Winfrey said ballots are sent out se-

curely to voters who request them.

“Additionally, voting by mail or absentee voting is very safe -- when we receive those ballots, we must check the signature that is in the qualified voter file (their driver’s license signature.) If that signature does not match, we cannot process that ballot,” Winfrey said, adding that they inform the voter to either sign personally or resign to have a new signature on file. She added that because of health reasons, sometimes people have signatures that differ from time to time, that is why they recheck to ensure accuracy.

Winfrey added that even with all the T’s crossed and I’s dotted, she can only do so much to bring people to the polls with billboards, television and radio commercials, and interviews – it’s, primarily, the candidates who bring people out to vote.

“Turnout is driven by candidates,” she said, adding that the highest voter turnout was at 56 percent in “recent years” in 1996 was the presidential race when Bill Clinton was on the ballot.

She said the turnout rate was “not good enough” but people come out when they are “eager” and excited about what’s on the ballot.

“When they want change; when they want … their voice to be magnified and heard they participate,” she said.

For more information on the Primary Election or to register to vote visit detroitmi.gov/elections.

Page A-4 • michiganchronicle.com •

July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

50 Million Brick Challenge

Food sustainability is a major issue in underfunded and underrepresented neighborhoods.

The COVID-19 pandemic shined a bright light on access to healthy food options in low-income neighborhoods and also showed how delicate the food industry is.

Communities have relied on food banks and urban farms to feed families during the various waves of the pandemic. A native Detroiter and agriculturalist is shifting the narrative of food in the city with the help of greenhouses.

The Motor City Brick to Farmer Challenge is an initiative launched by Ashley Powell with the goal of helping feed the city. The challenge looks to sell 50 million customized bricks with the funds raised going to support the construction of greenhouses across the city.

The Challenge hopes to build 100 greenhouses in Detroit by 2030.

“You buy a brick and record a video shoutout to Detroit and we take those funds and use them to turn into a greenhouse,” says Powell.

Each brick serves as a keepsake and helps to employ Detroiters. For every 475 bricks sold, the challenge can create a 4-year, $19,000-a-year agriculture job. Wanting to change the landscape of Detroit and allow food security to shift, the challenge hopes to provide Detroiters with healthy produce.

“I want it to go well, but we have to do something about how Detroit looks.

There’s a lot of people doing things…. Food security is always a big issue and our population is steadily growing,” says

ee 7,000 people within the city limits to work in the greenhouses,” says Powell.

The initiative will also use the funds to purchase uniforms for employees and to buy a warehouse where food products will

be cleaned and processed by hand.

Through the greenhouses, Powell hopes to grow seven different crops, build 25 mini-grocery stores in Detroit and continue to build the community

brick-by-brick.

“The challenge is going to be the largest challenge launched after the ice bucket challenge for ALS. We have to do this for Detroit,” says Powell.

For Powell, access to food, the issue of hunger

and health issues are important in Detroit. Looking to take over the food industry in the city, The Motor City Brick to Farmer Challenge is now accepting orders and taking steps to earn the city’s support.

Powell.

A graduate of Michigan State University’s environJANICE M. WINFREY, City Clerk mental studies program, Powell applied to become Chairperson, Election Commission MELISSA D. KING GINA C. AVERY-WALKER JANICE M. WINFREY, JANICE M. WINFREY, City ClerkCity Clerk Deputy Director a certified licensed carrier Director of Michigan State UniverChairperson, Election Commission MELISSAMELISSA Election D. KING D. KING GINA C. AVERY-WALKER Chairperson, GINA C. AVERY-WALKER 2978 W. Grand Commission Blvd. sity logo bricks. With all Deputy Director Deputy Director Director Director Detroit, Michigan 48202-3069 the prerequisites the idea 2978 W. Grand Blvd.

2978 W. Grand Blvd. took some time to get off Detroit, Michigan 48202-3069 Detroit, Michigan 48202-3069 the ground. Taking the (313) 876-0190 Fax (313) 876-0053 last few years to develop the concept and business (313) Fax 876-0190 Fax (313) 876-0053 (313) 876-0190 (313) 876-0053 plan, Powell is now ready to launch full-scale into the challenge.

NOTICE TO DETROIT ELECTORS – PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST “I took several years The Detroit Department of Elections will conduct a Public Accuracy Test to play around with it. I TO at DETROIT ELECTORS – PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST NOTICE TO ELECTORS –conduct PUBLIC TESTtabulating on Thursday, JulyNOTICE 29,DETROIT 2021 9:30 a.m.

Zoom.

The automatic The Detroit Department of Elections will via aACCURACY Public Accuracy Test on went in a lot of different directions. All this time, equipment to be 29, used2021 for the ballotsThe at the Primary on August Thursday, July at compilation 9:30 a.m. viaof Zoom. automatic tabulating The Department Detroit Department of Elections will conduct a Accuracy Public Accuracy Test on I’ve been meeting with The Detroit of Elections will conduct a Public Test used for the compilation of ballots at the Primary on Auguston 3, 3,equipment 2021 willtobebetested. people and it would never Thursday, July 29,at 2021 ata.m.

9:30viaa.m. via The Zoom.

The automatic tabulating Thursday, July 29, 2021 9:30 Zoom. automatic tabulating 2021 will be tested. stick,” says Powell. “It’s The Public Accuracy Test conducted demonstrate computer equipment to be used for the compilation of at ballots atthat the the Primary on 3, August 3, equipment to be used for theiscompilation oftoballots the Primary on August been a lot of talking and 2021 will be tested.

2021 will be tested. a lot of thinking going program used to record andiscount the votes cast at the election the The Public Accuracy Test conducted to demonstrate that the meets computer on. The biggest challenge requirements of law. program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the had been getting licensing The Accuracy Public Accuracy is conducted to demonstrate the computer The Public Test is Test conducted to demonstrate that thethat computer through MSU. It was a lot requirements of law.

The Zoom webinar/meeting information is as follows: program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the of paperwork.” requirements of law. requirements of law.

With more than two The Zoom webinar/meeting information is as follows: million farms across the https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/81847677339 country, small local and The Zoom webinar/meeting information is as follows: The Zoom webinar/meeting information is as follows: urban farms make up a small percentage. In DeOr One tap mobile : https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/81847677339 troit, almost 1,500 community farms exist across US: +12678310333,,81847677339# or +13017158592,,81847677339# https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/81847677339 https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/81847677339 the city with these small Or One tap mobile : urban farms responsible Or for carrying Detroit resiUS: or +13017158592,,81847677339# Or tap mobile : OrTelephone: One+12678310333,,81847677339# tapOne mobile : dents and their families DialUS: (for +12678310333,,81847677339# higher dial a number based on your current location): through the pandemic.

US: quality, +12678310333,,81847677339# or +13017158592,,81847677339# or +13017158592,,81847677339# Introducing new greenOr Telephone: houses to the city will DialTelephone: (forUS: higher quality, dial aornumber on your location): +1 267 831 0333 +1 301 based 715 8592 or +1current 312 626 6799 or also bring another food Or Telephone: Or source to where it is need+1(for 213 338 8477 +1 215 8782 or +1on 346 248 7799 location): higher quality, dial253 a number based your current Dial (forDial higher quality, dial aornumber based on your current location): ed most.

US: +1 267 831 0333 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 “I have a passion for 213 +1 338US: 8477 or0333 +1831 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 818 7339 change and that’s the +1 or +1 301 715 or +1 626or6799 US: 267 831267 or0333 +1 301 7154767 8592 or8592 +1 312 626312 6799 +1 or +1 goal,” says Powell.

338or8477 or +1 215or8782 or +1 248 7799 213 338213 8477 +1 253 215253 8782 +1 346 248346 7799 Construction of the Webinar ID: 818 4767 7339 International numbers available: greenhouses will also have a potential positive https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/u/kcemuhllCI Webinar 818 4767 7339 Webinar ID: 818 ID: 4767 7339 impact on the economy of International numbers available: the city. One of the goals of the challenge is to emhttps://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/u/kcemuhllCI International numbers available: International numbers available: ploy members of the community to help hand pack https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/u/kcemuhllCI https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/u/kcemuhllCI food grown in the greenhouses and get it ready JANICE M. WINFREY for distribution.

City Clerk “The goal is to employM. WINFREY JANICE JANICE M. WINFREY

NOTICE TO DETROIT ELECTORS – PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST

JANICE M. WINFREY City Clerk City Clerk City Clerk

4 cols x 9 inches

Learners are changing the future of education

Run: July 21, 2021 and July 28, 2021

July and 21, 2021 and2021 July 28, 2021 Run: JulyRun: 21, 2021 July 28,

High school students are taking the lead in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing them as they plan to enter college.

And a national alliance of six colleges and universities is helping implement learners’ ideas across the nation.

Join us to hear directly from learners with the most at stake at the first virtual REP4 National Convening, hosted by Grand Valley State University on Thursday, August 5.

Join Us!

LEADING WITH A CLEAN VISION

REP4 National Convening Virtual Event Thursday, August 5 1-3:30 p.m.

Register and Learn More at www.rep4.org

DTE’s clean vision is about taking

action now to ensure a healthier, happier future for generations to come. Already, we’re on track to double the amount of energy generated from wind and solar in just two years. And you, Michigan, can help. Together we can create a cleaner environment for our children, grandchildren and beyond.

Join us at dtecleanenergy.com

A5

| July 28 - Aug 3, 2021

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

How the Racial Wage Gap Affects Black Communities

By Megan Kirk Overworked and underpaid is a truism African Americans have lived with since their time in America. Beginning with free labor, Black workers have been responsible for building ornate structures like the White House, Harvard Law School and Georgetown University. Even Wall Street derives its name from slaves. On the backs of Black bodies, America’s economic infrastructure was built with no room for the builder. As generations have lived and died, the Black workforce continues to be a cycle of more work and less pay. Despite earning less than almost all demographics, Black workers also display an unyielding loyalty to their workplace. Easily building tenure, paychecks for Black employees rarely reflect the experience and skill set.

A 2020 study conducted by Michigan State University economists suggests that since the 1980s, wages for Black employees have fallen when compared to that of their white counterparts. In the study, the author finds Black men earned roughly 20 percent less in recent years than 40 years ago in Michigan. Black women are found to earn 15 percent less.

“Forty years ago, Black workers earned more in Michigan than in any other state,” says Charles Ballard, author of the study and MSU economics professor. “Since then, in much of the country, Black workers’ earnings at least kept up with inflation, but white workers’ earnings grew faster.”

Michigan leads the nation in the decline of earnings for Black workers. The study conducted by Ballard and MSU colleague John Goddeeris, takes its data from the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this time, Black workers in Michigan were paid more than Black workers across the state. Now, the wage gap may be too large to close.

Haith Johnson built an empire with her wig and hair care line company, Le’Host Hair and Wigs. Photo provided

by Le’Host Hair and Wigs

Le’Host Hair and Wigs Builds a Hair Care Industry Empire “If the trends of the last 40 years continue, the answer is never. The first thing that would have to happen is that the trends of the last 40 years would have to stop, and then reverse themselves. Even if that were to happen right away, I think, unfortunately, that it would take many decades for the earnings of Black workers to achieve parity with the earnings of white workers in Michigan,” says Ballard.

The pay gap hits Black women two-fold. Gender and race both play a role in determining the pay scale for African American women. March commemorates Equal Pay Day. The day marks how many additional days a woman works to make the same as a man. For African Americans, equal pay has yet to come and may be long awaited. Making less than all demographics, Black women will need more than one day to catch up to the pay rates of white women and other counterparts.

“Forty years ago, the median Black woman in Michigan was actually paid more than her white counterpart, but Black workers in Michigan have lost a lot of ground since then, and their earnings have fallen below the earnings of Black workers in some other states,” says Ballard. “The earnings of Black workers have fallen relative to the earnings of white workers in many parts of the country in the last 40 years, but the relative losses have been faster in Michigan than anywhere else.”

The Coronavirus helped to unearth a lot of truths surrounding businesses, economic stability and financial disparities for communities of color. The federal government is stepping in to try and bridge the wage gap. In January, members of Congress reintroduced the Paycheck Fairness Act. This legislation, together with the Equal Pay Act of 1963, will help to close the gender wage gap for not only women, but women of color.

“For America’s working women, particularly women of color, decades of economic insecurity and pay inequality have been made even worse by the ongoing Coronavirus crisis,” said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. “Equal work deserves equal pay, and with the re-introduction of Chair Rosa DeLauro’s Paycheck Fairness Act, Congressional Democrats will once again work in a bipartisan way to secure justice for working women, advance progress for families and strengthen the foundations of our communities and our nation. This legislation is a key step in Democrats’ efforts to unleash the full economic power of women in our country so that we can Build Back Better and ensure.”

Closing the wage gap for Black workers will not happen overnight. While there are advances occurring in the wage gap for African Americans, the progress is slow. Deliberate planning and initiatives targeting Black pay can help bring communities of color up to par with their business equals.

By Sherri Kolade Wig wearers rejoice!

Black-owned Le’Host Hair and Wigs’ business is expanding and continuing to meet the needs of its growing clientele looking to stay fresh and fly – in part because the company’s wig care product line is available in 300 Walmart stores across 21 states.

“We are delighted to serve the masses by making our products available for public consumption and are thrilled Walmart is the perfect partner to provide their trusted brand name and platform to do so,” co-owner Haith Johnson said. “Our own clients were giving us their need for the product for the consumer from the beginning, and it was only a matter of time, testing and the right partners to get it to the public.”

Headquartered in Ferndale, Le’Host almost made a move last year, however, that could have left their gifts on the shelf so to speak. When the pandemic started, owners and husband-and-wife entrepreneur team, Haith and Henry Johnson, were talking about possibly closing their doors.

The Johnsons, who have been in the beauty industry for over 30 years, specialize in natural hair, hair replacements, custom-made wigs, designer wigs and weaves, and several product creations they were using to service their existing clients. What they saw lacking in the marketplace is what they created: natural hair care products, weaves, and wig units.

The Johnsons have been in discussions with other big brand stores and know those launch dates will be coming this fall. Le’Host Hair and Wigs products that are in Walmart stores and Walmart online are: Unlock Hair Detangler, a proprietary formula that detangles with a special hydration formula that protects and conditions the hair cuticle.

Protect and Shine Laminate which provides shine, protect, and seals the cuticle, keeping hair silky and manageable.

confident that we are providing the right solutions at the right time for our customers,” said Henry Johnson. “It is a blessing that we didn’t need to close our doors and can instead put people to work.”

Le’Host is excited to deploy brand ambassadors or “Beauty Cuties” to maintain a market buzz, spreading the word and inviting women to try the products in their respective cities and neighboring small towns.

They are also collaborating with celebrity influencers, beauty salons, hairstylists and wig shops to offer product samples.

Haith told The Michigan Chronicle that she and her husband have been business partners for over 24 years and their strong trust in each other’s ability has helped their business flourish.

“I believe we carry the strengths of each other and cover each other’s weaknesses which makes us a great balance and team for each other,” she said.

Another aspect of Le’Host is its mission of “paying it forward” by giving back to the community.

The Johnsons, partnering with the American Cancer Society as a designated wig bank, are distributing free wigs to cancer survivors.

“As a salon owner and hairstylist,” says Haith “I felt it important to take a lead in assisting in getting the wigs to those who are in need.”

Haith said that as a child she always had a “love for beautiful things” like playing in her mother’s makeup drawer or being amazed by the transformation that makeup and hair could make to “enhance the beauty of a woman” and her confidence.

“My mother was a licensed cosmetologist and my father was a barber so I believe I was passed down a gift from two amazing parents,” she said, adding that she views life as an amazing classroom that teaches daily lessons.

Healthy Edge Smoother, a non-greasy, flake-free, colorless product which provides a soft hold while nourishing edges. With Jojoba Oil, it will moisturize, thicken, strengthen and rapidly increase hair growth.

“We all go through so many things along the way,” she said. “Challenges are not always just for you alone but some changes are for you to help others and teach others how to get through difficult challenges in situations. I’ve always had a compassion for people even as a teenager I would always give to others ... because of the principle you always reap what you sow.”

Wrap and Set Foaming Lotion, a fast-drying, non-flaking, hydrating, alcohol-free product.

They are sowing miracles and it is evident that they are reaping them, too.

“Products have been flying off the shelves. We are

For more information visit www.lehosthair.com.

As a salon owner and hairstylist I felt it important to take a lead in “ assisting in getting the wigs to those who are in need.”

– Haith Johnson

Page A-6 • michiganchronicle.com • July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

NOTICE OF ELECTION - PRIMARY TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021 POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF DETROIT, COUNTY OF WAYNE, STATE OF MICHIGAN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PRIMARY WILL BE HELD IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021.

THE POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M. AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Pct Location Name 1 2 5 10 11 12 14 15 18 19 26 27 35 40 41 43 44 46 47 48 50 55 61 62 64 68 71 74 79 86 89 90 91 92 93 97 99 102 105 110 111 114 115 116 117 120 122 123 124 125 126 128 129 130 132 135 136 137 138 139 140 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 158 159 161 163 164 166 170 172 173 175 177 181 182 184 199 200 203 204 207 208 209 210 212 215 216 217 219 220 224 225 227 228 231 237 240 244 248 254 261 263 264 268 275 278 282 285 288 289 295 299 302 306 308 311 315 319 323 330 331 333 334 335 337

Other PCT List

New Canaan MBC 3 Nichols Elementary School 4 Carstens Academy of Aquatic Science at Remus 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 30 Faith Clinic COGIC 56 St Matthew Cath Ch 17 / 31 / 51 Clark School 13 / 23 / 24 Fire Station 52 Greater St Stephen Ch 16 / 25 Love Rising Lutheran Ch 20 / 21 Diann Banks-Williamson Education Center 22 / 34 / 499 Bethany Lutheran Church 29 / 32 / 33 / 36 WCCCD – East Campus 28 Denby High School 37 / 38 / 39 / 59 / 502 Carleton Elementary School Wayne School 42 / 52 Fire Station 58 Heilman Recreation 45 / 82 / 83 Metro Matrix 49 / 76 / 77 Jesus Tabernacle Ministry 54 Fire Station 50 Brewer Academy 53 / 60 / 66 / 67 / 87 Hamilton School 57 / 58 Farwell Rec Center 193 / 194 Perfecting Church 63 Our Lady Of Heaven 65 / 88 Osborn High School 69 / 70 / 75 / 106 / 491 Galilee MBC 72 / 73 Fisher Magnet Lower 78 / 80 / 84 / 85 Greater St Paul 81 / 492 Marion Law Academy Faith Temple Ch. 174 / 179 / 503 Holmes, A.L. Elementary School 103 / 104 / 107 Islamic Center for North Detroit Hall Lasky Rec Center 94 / 95 / 96 / 196 Frontier International Academy 197 Catherine C. Blackwell Institute 98 / 100 / 101 Church of Redeemed 108 Fire Station 46 Refuge Cathedral 109 Barack Obama Leadership Acad 112 / 113 Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance New Zion MBC Burns 7th Day Adven Ch 119 Bethel Bapt. Ch. East 118 Operation Get Down 121 MT Zion Baptist Church 131 Greater Christ Ch Chrysler School 155 Horatio Williams Foundation Bunche Preparatory Academy 127 / 497 St Johns Pres Church 156 Franklin Wright Center King High School 496 Moses Field School 133 Marcus Garvey Academy 134 River House Apts Bethel AME Ch. Hall 152 Plymouth United Church of Christ 141 First Congregational Church 151 / 500 Spain School St Elizabeth Ctr 142 Douglass Branch Library River Front Apts Central United Meth. Ch. 157 Cass Technical High School 153 GEE Edmonson Academy 154 Freedom Place Wayne State Law School Detroit School of Arts Grace Episcopal Church 162 / 438 Detroit Int Acad 160 / 169 Considine Little Rock 168 / 171 Williams Community Center 165 / 442 / 444 / 445 Fire Station 17 Metro United Meth.

167 Gtr. New Mt. Moriah Nolan Middle School 178 / 185 / 186 / 187 / 189 Pershing School 176 Conant Garden Ch. 180 Mason School 191 / 192 / 195 / 198 / 205 Chosen Gen WLB Hall 183 / 190 Conant Avenue United Methodist 188 Fire Station 44 Pasteur School 201 / 202 / 222 / 223 / 243 / 257 New Prospect Ch (ANNEX) 221 Police Station, 12th Pct. Word of Power Ministry 206 All Saints Episcopal Church Sherwood Forest Branch Bagley School 239 / 258 / 259 / 260 / 387 Gesu School 211 / 214 / 238 Thurgood Marshall 213 Flowery Mount Baptist House of Prayer 390 / 391 Dexter Ave Bapt. Ctr. 218 Grace Temple Church of God In Christ 434 New Mt Zion MBC 435 Northwest Act Center 236 / 245 / 318 / 380 / 490 Oak Grove AME Church 226 Gospel Tabernacle 230 / 255 Gtr. Emmanuel 229 / 232 / 233 / 234 / 235 FLICS School 247 / 251 / 252 / 253 / 294 Messiah Baptist Ch. 256 Unity Temple of Faith 241 / 242 Gtr. Mitchell Church 246 Randolph Tech 249 / 250 Fitzgerald Bethune School 322 / 386 / 388 / 403 Wright School 262 Detroit Service Learning Academy 265 / 266 / 267 / 272 Greater Grace Temple 271 / 274 / 298 / 300 Crowell Rec. Center 269 / 270 / 273 / 301 / 304 Henry Ford H S 276 / 277 / 280 / 281 / 286 WCCCD – Northwest Campus 279 / 283 / 284 / 305 / 307 Calvary Presb Ch 287 St Schol Activity Bldg 297 / 313 Bow School 290 / 291 / 292 / 293 / 296 Chase Library Winans Rutherford Academy 314 Cooke School 309 / 325 / 353 / 354 / 495 Christ. Fell. Of Love 303 Mt Vernon Bpt Ch N Rosedale Pk Comm 310 New St Paul Tab 312 St Timothy Unt Meth 316 / 317 Burns Elementary School 320 / 321 / 357 / 358 Edison School 324 / 326 / 327 / 328 / 329 Boys & Girls Club l 375 Second Grace Ch. 332 / 347 Dixon Acad 339 / 341 / 342 / 343 Fire Station 55 St. Peter And Paul Bldg 336 / 340 Carver Stem Academy 338 / 355

Address

Cross Streets

8946 Charlevoix S of Mack E of Van Dyke 3000 Burns Street 13000 Essex S of Jefferson E of Conner 12260 Camden E of Conner N of Ford Freeway 5970 Audubon S of I-94 E of Cadieux 15755 Bremen S of Warren E of Chalmers 5029 Manistique E of Conner at Warren 3952 Dickerson at Mack 21230 Moross S of Ford Fwy 5020 Cadieux Road 11475 E Outer Drive Chalmers & Berkshire 5901 Conner Near St. Jean St. 12800 Kelly Rd at Whittier 11724 Casino Street Btwn Morang & Moross Rd 10633 Courville N of Ford Freeway 10801 Whittier N of Ford Freeway 19601 Crusade 13560 E Mcnichols Near Gratiot 11001 Chalmers N of Outer Drive 12985 Houston Whittier E of Conner at Gratiot 18025 Brock S of E Seven Mile W of Kelly 14223 Southampton N of Warren 2781 E. Outer Drive Btwn Klinger & Ryan Rd 7616 E. Nevada at Van Dyke 8200 Rolyat E of Van Dyke N of E 7 Mile 11600 E. 7 Mile at Hoover 5251 E Outer Drive N of E Seven Mile Rd. 15510 E. State Fair Near Hayes Street 15325 Gratiot S of E Eight Mile 19411 Cliff Avenue 19000 Conant At E Seven Mile 8950 Crane Street Near Erwin St 12605 McDougall Near Davison Freeway 13200 Fenelon 13200 Conant St At Charles Street 9330 Shoemaker At McClellan St Near Gratiot 9360 Van Dyke N of Harper 10101 Knodell At Grace St Near Gratiot 12227 Findlay At Dresden 10800 E Canfield Btwn Mack & Warren 9200 Gratiot At Ford Fwy. 10203 E Canfield E of Cadillac N of Mack 10125 E Warren at Cadillac 5733 Holcomb E of Van Dyke S of Gratiot 10100 Harper at Cadillac 3600 Van Dyke Street At Mack 3544 Iroquois at Mack 1445 E Lafayette E of Russell 1010 Antietam Ave. Near Gratiot 2715 Macomb Street Near Chene 1961 E Lafayette W of Chene 3360 Charlevoix N of Vernor W of Mt Elliot 3200 E. Lafayette Btwn Elmwood & Leib 1100 Sheridan Btwn Agnes & Lafayette 2301 Van Dyke at Kercheval 8900 E Jefferson E of Van Dyke 5050 St Antoine N of E Warren E of Woodward 600 East Warren Avenue Near I-75 Freeway 33 E Forest Avenue At Woodward 3700 Beaubien Btwn Mack & Alexandrine 3127 E Canfield At McDougall 3666 Grand River Near Trumbull 250 Riverfront Dr S of W Jefferson W of Woodward 23 E Adams at Woodward 2501 Second Avenue At Ledyard St 1300 W Canfield Btwn Lincoln and Lodge Fwy 1101 E Warren At Lodge FWY 471 West Palmer 123 Selden Btwn Cass & Woodward 1926 Virginia Park At Rosa Parks 9026 Woodward at Clairmount 8904 Woodward at Clairmount 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd 6100 Second S of W Grand Blvd E of Lodge Fwy 8000 Woodward N of W Grand Blvd 586 Owen N of E Grand Blvd at Oakland 1150 E Lantz S of E State Fair W of Conant 18875 Ryan Road At E Seven Mile 18460 Conant S of E Seven Mile 19955 Fenelon Btwn Lamont & Conley 2326 E. Seven Mile W of Ryan 18600 Conant Street Near 7 Mile 35 W 7 Mile At John R St. 19811 Stoepel W of Livernois N of W 7 Mile 19940 Livernois S of W Eight Mile 1441 W Seven Mile Seven Mile at Woodward 17400 Manderson W of Woodward 3837 W 7 Mile Road Near Livernois 7117 W. Seven Mile near Livernois 8100 Curtis W of Livernois 17139 Oak Drive W McNichols E of Livernois 15531 Linwood at Lodge Freeway 13603 Linwood At Davidson 16520 Wyoming E of Livernois S of Fenkell 3350 W Davison at Dexter 12521 Dexter Blvd.

Near Davison 2201 Elmhurst W of 12th Street S of Davison 18100 Meyers at Curtis 19801 Cherrylawn Street At Pembroke 19371 Greenfield Road At Vassar 19161 Schaefer W Seven Mile 6501 W Outer Drive at Hubbell 8100 W Seven Mile W of Livernois 17376 Wyoming N of W McNichols 13737 Curtis W of James Couzens Hwy 17101 Hubbell At W Outer Drive 8145 Puritan W of Livernois 19299 Berg Rd W of Lasher N of W 7 Mile 21605 W. Seven Mile At Lahser 23500 W. Seven Mile Btwn Berg & Shiawasse 16630 Lahser S of W McNichols 20000 Evergreen Btwn Trojan & Fargo 8200 W Outer Drive 19125 Greenview W of Southfield at W 7 Mile 17351 Southfield Rd at Outer Drive 19801 Prevost W of Greenfield N of W 7 Mile 17731 W Seven Mile Rd E of Southfield Rd 16411 Curtis W of Greenfield N of W McNichols 18800 Puritan W of Southfield N of Grand River 22400 Grand River Btwn Lahser & Telegraph 15125 Burt Road W of Evergreen S of Fenkell 18445 Scarsdale S of Puritan W of Southfield 15340 Southfield at Grand River 15888 Archdale E of Southfield at Puritan 14350 Terry Street Between Lyndon & Intervale 17045 Grand River At Southfield 16500 Tireman St Btwn Asbury Park & Woodmont 18700 Joy Rd. Btwn Evergreen & Southfield Fwy 8401 Trinity Btwn Joy Rd & Tireman 18140 Joy at Southfield 7718 Westwood South Of Tireman 18701 Paul S of Warren W of Southfield

Zip Code 48214 48214 48215 48213 48224 48224 48224 48215 48236 48224 48224 48213 48224 48224 48224 48224 48205 48205 48213 48205 48205 48213 48234 48234 48234 48205 48234 48205 48205 48234 48234 48213 48212 48212 48212 48213 48213 48213 48205 48214 48213 48214 48214 48213 48213 48214 48214 48207 48207 48207 48207 48207 48207 48214 48214 48214 48202 48201 48201 48201 48207 48208 48226 48226 48201 48201 48207 48202 48201 48206 48202 48202 48206 48202 48202 48202 48203 48234 48234 48234 48234 48234 48203 48221 48221 48203 48203 48221 48221 48221 48221 48238 48238 48238 48238 48206 48206 48235 48221 48235 48235 48221 48221 48221 48235 48235 48238 48219 48219 48219 48219 48219 48219 48219 48219 48235 48235 48235 48223 48219 48223 48223 48223 48227 48227 48227 48228 48228 48228 48228 48228 48228

July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page A-7

Pct Location Name

Other PCT List

Address

Cross Streets

344 St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Comm Resource Center 345 / 346 / 348 19321 W Chicago E of Evergreen 349 Mann School 350 / 352 / 363 / 498 / 501 19625 Elmira W of Evergreen S of Plymouth 351 Citadel of Praise 20280 Lyndon 356 Christ Temple Baptist Church 393 / 394 / 404 10628 Plymouth Road At Meyers 359 Dossin Elementary School 378 / 379 16650 Glendale Street near Schoolcraft 360 Gethsemane Church 361 / 362 17701 Glendale At Southfield 364 Henderson Upper School 366 / 369 / 372 / 373 / 374 16101 Chicago Btwn Mettetal & St Marys 365 New Providence Baptist Church 367 / 368 18211 Plymouth Rd At Southfield Expressway 370 Northwest Church of Christ 371 / 408 5151 Oakman At Wyoming 376 Wm. Ford Mem. Ch 377 16400 W. Warren E of Southfield 381 Adam Butzel Rec Center 382 / 383 / 392 / 396 / 397 10500 Lyndon Near Meyers 384 Christland M. B. C. 385 12833 Puritan W of James Couzens Hwy 389 Northwest Unity Church 402 8345 Ellsworth S of Fenkell E of Wyoming 395 Noble School 398 / 400 / 401 8646 Fullerton E of Meyers N of Plymouth 399 Keiden School 428 4441 Collingwood Btwn Broadstreet & Dexter Ave 405 St John Ch 411 / 414 4950 Oakman S of Chicago 406 Sampson Academy 407 / 409 / 410 / 412 / 415 4700 Tireman Street 413 St Mark COGIC 13000 Joy Rd Near Meyers 416 Greater Mt Tabor Ch 417 7345 W Chicago Near Livernois 418 Meditation MBC 5841 Oregon N of Tireman E of Livernois 419 Tabernacle Bpt Ch 448 / 449 / 453 2080 W. Grand Blvd Btwn Grand River & Lawton 420 Unity Baptist Church 421 / 422 7500 Tireman W of Livernois 423 True Love Baptist Church 8130 Tireman Street Near Livernois 424 Fire Station 22 6830 McGraw W of Livernois 425 Academy of the Americas 481 5680 Konkel Street 426 Greater New Jerus Ch 427 12837 Dexter S of Davison 429 Durfee Innovation Society 432 2470 Collingwood At LaSalle 430 Boys & Girls Clubs ll 431 / 446 4242 Collingwood Near Broadstreet 433 Detroit Collegiate Prep 436 / 439 / 440 / 441 / 443 2200 W. Grand Blvd Btwn Lawton & Grand River 437 New Bethel Bpt Ch 8430 Linwood N of W Grand Blvd 447 West Side Unity Ch 451 4727 Joy Rd E of Grand River 450 Roy A Allen Sen Ctr 4924 Joy Rd W of Dexter 452 St Stephen AME Ch 454 6000 Stanford W of Grand River N of Tireman 455 Holy Cross Bapt. Ch. 456 6220 Linwood S of W Grand Blvd 457 Burton Int Acad 459 / 466 / 469 2001 Martin Luther King Btwn Rosa Parks & Wabash 458 Frederick Douglass Academy 464 / 465 / 467 2001 W Warren Btwn Rosa Parks & 14th 460 Our Lady Qn of Angels 477 / 478 / 479 4200 Martin S of Michigan W of Livernois 461 Maybury Elementary School 463 / 475 4410 Porter Street 462 Zion Chapel Of Ch 468 3000 24th St N of Michigan W of Jeffries Fwy 470 Clippert Academy 471 / 476 / 480 1981 McKinstry Street 472 Roberto Clemente Learning Academy 473 / 474 / 487 / 488 / 489 1551 Beard At Chatfield 482 S Westrn Ch Of God 483 / 486 3032 S Fort St Fort Street at Francis 484 Mark Twain 485 12800 Visger At Fort St 493 Calvary Baptist Church 494 1000 Robert Bradby Dr At McDougall Total lines: 176

Zip Code 48228 48228 48223 48204 48227 48223 48228 48228 48204 48228 48235 48227 48238 48238 48204 48204 48204 48228 48204 48204 48208 48204 48204 48210 48210 48238 48206 48204 48208 48206 48204 48204 48210 48208 48208 48208 48210 48209 48216 48209 48209 48217 48217 48207

For the purposes of voting for candidates seeking nomination to the following offices:

•City Council (At-Large) •City Council (Districts 1, 4 and 7)

•Mayor •City Clerk

If you have any questions regarding your polling location on Election Day, please contact the Detroit Department of Elections at (313) 876-0190.

MICHIGAN LAW MANDATES ALL VOTERS TO PRESENT VALID PHOTO ID AT THE POLLS OR COMPLETE AN AFFIDAVIT OF VOTER NOT IN POSSESSION OF PICTURE IDENTIFICATION. Acceptable forms of photo IDs: Michigan Driver’s License or a Michigan Personal ID; Driver’s License or Personal ID by another state; Federal or State Government photo ID; U.S. Passport; Military ID with photo; current Student ID with photo or Tribal ID with photo.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Detroit will be voting on the following proposal as presented and listed below: PROPOSAL P: PROPOSAL TO ADOPT CHARTER COMMISSION REVISION

“Shall the City of Detroit Home Rule Charter proposed by the Detroit Charter Revision Commission be adopted?”

o o

YES NO Full text of the ballot proposals may be obtained at https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/election-information.aspx or at the Wayne County Clerk’s Office, 2 Woodward Ave., Room 201, Detroit, MI 48226. A sample ballot may be viewed at mi.gov/vote.

Absentee ballots are available for all elections. Registered voters may obtain a ballot at the office of the Detroit Department of Elections, the office of the Detroit City Clerk or at any of our satellite/vote centers listed below. (Absentee Drop Boxes are available at all satellites)

WCCCD Northwest Campus 8200 W. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48219

Butzel Family Center 7737 Kercheval Detroit, MI 48214

Greater Grace Temple 23500 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48219

Department of Elections 2978 W. Grand Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48202

Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers Rd. Detroit, MI 48235

City Clerk’s Office (Coleman A. Young Municipal Ctr.)* 2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 200 Detroit, MI 48226

Tindal Activity Center 10301 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48221

Clark Park 1130 Clark St. Detroit, MI 48209

Farwell Recreation Center 2711 E. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48234

Kemeny Recreation Center 2260 S. Fort St. Detroit, MI 48217

DWSD Eastside Customer Care Ctr. 13303 E. McNichols Detroit, MI 48205

Adams Butzel Recreation Complex 10500 Lyndon St. Detroit, MI 48238

WCCCD Eastern Campus 5901 Conner St. Detroit, MI 48213

HOURS OF OPERATION:

*not open on weekends

• Regular business hours: M onday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Department of Elections) Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (All other locations) • Saturday, July 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Election Day, Tuesday, August 3rd from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Monday, August 2, 2021, per Michigan Election Law, Absentee Voting ceases as 4:00 p.m. at all locations.

Voters may also deliver their absentee ballot and deposit it into any of the additional drop boxes listed below: Rouge Park Golf Course 11701 Burt Rd. Detroit, MI 48228

Detroit Pistons Performance Center 690 Amsterdam St. Detroit, MI 48202

WCCCD Downtown Campus 1001 W. Fort St. Detroit, MI 48226

North Rose Park Community House 18445 Scarsdale Detroit, MI 48223

Messiah Baptist Church 8100 W. 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48221

Renaissance Baptist Church 1045 E. Grand Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48207

Liberty Temple Baptist Church 17188 Greenfield Rd. Detroit, MI 48235

Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com •

July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

michiganchronicle.com

Get Into “A Black Lady Sketch Show”

By Sherri Kolade If you haven’t seen “A Black Lady Sketch Show” on YouTube yet, what are you waiting for?

The HBO show was renewed for a third season and the Emmy-nominated sketch comedy series is about, you guessed it, Black women doing grown woman things with an often bizarre (but usually relatable) element that is culturally relevant.

Robin Thede, creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer and star was quoted in a press release saying, “Making ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ is a dream come true and I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae, JAX Media and our entire producing team. I can’t wait to push the show even further in Season 3 and to keep delivering the laugh-out-loud content our audience loves to see! I see this show as a budding comedy institution, where Black women can play fully realized, non-stereotypical characters and I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to create that space for today’s premiere comedians.”

Co-founder Sydney G. James

Artists Bring Mural Festival to Detroit’s North End

By Megan Kirk

D

etroit’s North End community is becoming home to new works from local artists to enhance BIPOC voices. The BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival is the inaugural and all-Black-produced festival that will help provide Detroit’s youth as well as local and national muralists of color the chance to get their works shown.

Amy Gravitt, executive vice president, HBO Comedy Programming, added in the release that Thede is doing big things.

“Robin continues to break new ground in the world of sketch comedy. She delivered a hilariously sharp second season, and we’re looking forward to seeing where Robin, Issa Rae and the ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ team take us in Season 3.”

The festival, beginning July 24, was the brainchild of local artist Sydney G. James, Thomas Evans from Denver and Chicago artist Max Sansing. After a conversation during a festival where the artists were all together, the idea sparked. With Detroit’s active art community and deep ties, it became home to the first installation.

Season 2 of the show featured a core cast of “Black women living relatable, hilarious experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations.”

“We should have our own and Detroit is space and opportunity for such things,” says James. “I told them ‘Hey guys, I found a way.’ I had a proposal written and we submitted it to Life Foundation and got a major chunk of our funding there and I reached out to all of the brands that I’ve been working with over the past year to see if they wanted to support and I got an outpouring of support,” says James.

The show is a narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests.

In total, 19 large-scale murals averaging 20 feet by 20 feet will be painted in the North End neighborhood. Known for its rich history, including Black Bottom, and its dominantly Black population, the North End has been home to entrepreneurs and community leaders wanting to revive the area and restore it to its historical glory in Detroit and beyond.

Executive Producer Issa Rae for Issa Rae Productions; Executive Producers Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment; Executive Producers Tony Hernandez and Brooke Posch for JAX Media; Head Writer/Co-executive Producer Lauren Ashley Smith; Producers Deniese Davis and Montrel McKay for Issa Rae Productions; and Producer John Skidmore for JAX Media help make the show a reality.

Of the 19 murals, five installations will be painted by the festival’s organizers with the remaining being painted by invited national and local multicultural artists. While some festivals do not offer artists any pay, this Black-led festival is offering compensation for participating artists.

“Many mural festivals do not pay the artists. Most of the [street] art you see is free. So, we’re also trying to erase that culture as well so we’re paying each artist a stipend,” says James. “The more we grow, the stipends will grow and hopefully this can be grown big enough that’ll we’ll be able to get people closer to their rates. We want to extend this

From feeling invisible as a larger, darker-skinned Black woman (the character is a spy) to being upset over waiting too long for a hair dress-

See COMEDY SERIES Page B-2

Co-founder and Chicago artist Max Sansing

See BLKOUT WALLS MURAL FESTIVAL Page B-2

Milk & Froth Opens in Downtown Detroit

By Megan Kirk

customers have been asking is how they can get our ice cream year-round, so we are very happy to finally meet that need with our new storefront.”

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, and with the summer heating up, a cool treat is just the thing to bring sweet relief.

Now, one ice cream truck is bringing its menu to a storefront location. Ready to serve Detroiters, Milk & Froth is one of the newest businesses in the city and offers options to please every lover of these delectable iced treats.

Alexis Matteson offers scoop of ice cream

Starting as a local ice cream truck in 2019, the co-owners of Milk & Froth, Alexis Matteson and Deion Cao, have been working to build their knowledge of ice cream and establish a fan base. The business duo conceived the idea after living in downtown Detroit and not having any close, viable ice cream shops.

Popping up in various locations across the city, the specialty truck makes everything from scratch and will continue to provide customers with the items they are known for.

Not taking on the appearance of a traditional ice cream truck, this ice cream food truck offered classic and original ice cream flavors.

“We are really excited to be opening our first scoop shop downtown,” says Alexis Matteson.

“The number one question our

Setting up on a journey to create the best ice cream in the state, the duo traveled to several cities across the country to taste the best of the best. Even enrolling in the same ice cream creation courses as Ben and Jerry’s at Pennsylvania State University, the business partners have been dedicated to ice cream. Bringing the ideas home to Michigan, the two continued to develop their flavors to create their iconic taste. Taking advantage of Michigan’s rich agricultural dynamic, seasonal flavors will be offered.

“Michigan has such a huge diversity of agriculture and we take advantage of that. We’re working on a sweet corn flavor for corn

See MILK & FROTH Page B-2

Page B-2 • michiganchronicle.com • July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

Get Your Healing as an Empath Empaths are known for having a knack for being able to read people, so to speak.

They are so good at it that their gift and talents for feeling the emotions of others so heavily can at times weigh them down if they’re not careful.

For all the empaths out there, these tips from Psychology Today are for you as a reminder that empaths need a bit of healing, too.

According to the article, because empaths are extremely sensitive people they “often experience some level of post-traumatic stress” due to “sensory overload.”

The article added that early trauma can come in several ways. Possible trauma-inducing situations could include: ■ Hearing your parents or siblings often argue ■ Being constantly yelled at ■ Physical and/or emotional abuse ■ Being shamed or blamed for being “overly sensitive” ■ Being bullied Some strategies to cope with such devastation includes: Write and Release The article encourages empaths to write in a journal about their early traumas to be mindful of them and feel free from that pain. Then think about the early trauma and tell your inner child that you are sorry for the hurt experienced by others and that “I will never allow that to happen to you again.”

The emotional release part comes as healing comes to the forefront and emotions like anger, fear and self-doubt bubble up. Express the difficult emotions, possibly with the support of a therapist who could help foster a nurturing environment.

Set Crystal Clear Boundaries.

Not everyone knows how to set clear boundaries, but they can be learned. Practice sticking up for yourself and do not be a doormat. If someone is not treating you right, don’t be afraid to say boldly, yet neutrally, per the article, “Let’s discuss this when you’re calmer” or “It hurts my feelings when you say… I’d appreciate it if you stop.”

Don’t forget that “no” is also a complete sentence. Because sensitive people can be afraid to disappoint others or hurt their feelings, get used to saying that one-word sentence, especially if something doesn’t feel right.

Breathe in and Out Get mindful about conscious breathing, especially when old traumas are triggered – take several slow, long breaths to steady your system before responding.

Show Self-Compassion Love on yourself a lot with kindness and gratitude as the healing process continues because everyone is deserving of love.

Give Yourself Time to Heal Don’t rush yourself through this self-healing journey. Whether you are an empath or not, it is easy to want to quickly push past self when pain is present and persistent when healing takes place. The article added to mourn lost experiences and think back on memories and moments “without any judgment” so that the healing exercise in loving yourself can begin.

Be Intentional Remember to identify those early traumas and think about the reactions that might cause you to repeat them in relationships even now. Healing can take place when mindfulness starts now.

“Never let the perfection of timing stop you from speaking your desires and dreams into reality. There is no time like the present to begin the journey that will take you to your heart’s desire,” as quoted by Caterina Barregar.

BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival

Milk & Froth From page B-1

From page B-1

season here in Michigan. Whenever there is new produce, we’ll take advantage of that whenever it’s in season,” says Cao. Milk & Froth will be serving up both vegan and classic ice cream options daily moving from the truck into its first brick-andmortar. Also priding themselves on using fresh ingredients, all ice cream options are free from pre-manufactured mixes, artificial flavors and colors and chemical stabilizers. Working together with Bedrock, downtown Detroit’s largest real estate company, Milk & Froth will be located in the historic Buhl Building.

“Small businesses are at the core of what makes Detroit’s retail and dining scene so special,” says Ivy Greaner, Bedrock’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are so excited to witness these two young entrepreneurs expand and provide our Detroiters and visitors their unique Detroit ice cream experience.”

Remaining true to their original style of business, the duo does not plan to do away with the truck. In addition to the scoop

Comedy Series From page B-1 er too busy eating (then imagining the perfect hair salon that is only a skewed dream), the situations these characters find themselves in are just as hilarious as it is healing and therapeutic.

Viewers, especially Black women, watching this show can feel some type of positivity because representation is happening for them, and in today’s world that is vital.

According to an article from

art economics.”

shop, the iconic Milk & Froth truck will also be in downtown Detroit to provide customers a double scoop of service.

“The truck is still going to operate the same way it has in the past. It’s getting a late start because we’ve been so focused on getting the shop open, but it’s going to operate in Campus Martius and Capital Park throughout the rest of the summer, most likely on a daily basis,” says Matteson.

The Eastern Market also has a hand in the success of Milk & Froth. As each item is made from scratch, a new kitchen is located within Eastern Market to help continue handcrafting their menu. https://deadline.com, research by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media did a study that found positive representations of Black girls and women (who make up 6.5 percent of the U.S. population) represent 6.1 percent of all characters and 5.7 percent of leading characters in 2019 family films. However, the report also found that nearly 80 percent of the Black female characters have light or medium skin tones, causing colorism discussions to come about.

The report also found that over half of Black leading ladies in

“When we started this, we had the very audacious goal of creating the best ice cream in the country here in Detroit and so we just opened our new kitchen in Eastern Market. That will allow us to expand into other stores.

We’re always looking to increase our reach here in the city,” says Cao. Milk & Froth will serve over a dozen rotating ice cream flavors including Butterscotch Brownie, Butter Pecan, Salted Caramel, Roasted Strawberry, Milk Chocolate, Coffee & Cream and many others. The shop is now open at 535 Griswold Street and will service customers seven days a week. films from the past decade have hairstyles aligned with “European standards of beauty as opposed to natural Black hairstyles,” according to the article.

The sketch show is like a breath of fresh air because the Black women featured in the show come in all shapes, sizes, skin tones, hair types and more.

So, when you sit down after a long day at work, or lounging around wanting to watch something funny, witty and culturally in tune with a side of cray-cray, tune in, you might be glad that you did.

New art installations will be placed throughout the community to help amplify BIPOC voices and stories.

The murals will also help renovate and beautify underused spaces in the area with hopes to encourage neighborhood walkability and tourism to Detroit. Additionally, the mural festival will help bring together people from different backgrounds to network and learn through art and culture.

“This opportunity that we’re providing is a networking opportunity because a lot of the opportunities that we do get are because of relationships,” says Thomas Evans, artistically known as Detour303.

During the BLKOUT Walls festival, attendees can see live art illustration events, guided mural tours and have open conversation with some of the featured artists and muralists.

“I really want this to be an opportunity to where annually there is place to go to see great Black street art but also make it more a part of popular culture to where you know the names of these artists like you do emcees and rappers, DJs and actors,” says Detour303.

The artist-run festival is intentional in welcoming artists of all backgrounds.

Despite it being Black-led, it is not exclusive to the African American community.

While Detroit will see the

event every two years, others across the country will get to participate and witness the works yearly.

“This will be biannual for the city of Detroit and annually somewhere in the world. Next year we may either be in Chicago, Memphis or Los Angeles,” says James. “Honestly, it’s not geographically-specific. We can put BLKOUT Walls in Ghana, in Johannesburg.”

The North End neighborhood and its residents will be able to take advantage of the art well after the festival. Giving a fresh new perspective, the neighborhood’s art will display the culture and reverence for Black people.

“We are rejuvenating a neighborhood in a way that is actually reflective of the people and in favor of the people,” says James. “I really feel like it’ll be a really good light for this neighborhood because honestly, most of the people think most of the people coming in are trying to take advantage of them and take advantage of these spaces. This is really something special and something beautiful.”

The festival will run Saturday, July 24, through Saturday, July 31, 2021.

In addition to the organizers, artists include Birdcap ­(Michael Roy), Bakpak Durden, Pro Blak, Tylonn J. Sawyer, Dred Ske, Garden of Journey, Ghostbeard, Hiero, Ijania Cortez, Imagine 876, Just, Marka27, Rick Williams, Sentrock, Rahmaan Statik and Tony ­Whlgn.

July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com •

By Megan Kirk

“Gentlewoman” by Enitan Bereola

Five Books for Single Black Chicks

“The Wait “by Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin

“Relationship ­ ichael Todd M

Goals” by

Pastor

In 2016, singer Ciara dazzled fans as she married a real-life Prince Charming. After a rocky relationship with rapper Future, and having a son with him, Ciara went on to find love with quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson. Since then, single women near and far have asked the singer for her prayer used to snag her soulmate. While the girls sit no-so-patiently awaiting the transcript, some authors are penning novels to help singles win at dating.

If you are waiting for Ciara’s notes, there are some books that may be able to help along the journey.

Actor, comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey penned a novel in 2009 that is still in conversation today. “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” is 240 pages full of insight into the male mind. Even inspiring a 2012 box office hit movie, “Think Like a Man,” the book is Harvey’s approach in helping women find out how men view relationships, intimacy and marriage. Inspired by female callers into the Steve Harvey Morning Show, the book includes ways women can hold men accountable and set boundaries with the ninety-day rule, the threemonth window a woman waits before becoming physically intimate with a man. The book’s success was immediate and became a number one New York Times bestseller.

Also listed on the New York Times bestsellers list is a tome penned by a millennial pastor out of Oklahoma. Michael Todd presides over Transformation Church in Tulsa and preached on how to develop a lasting relationship, Relationship Goals.

The eight-part series of sermons focused on ways to foster healthy relationships from the dating phase through marriage. The series also explores ways to keep the fire burning once marriage has been achieved.

The series, which has over eight million views on YouTube, also tackles divorce and dating after heartbreak.

Now, readers can take in relationship tips in the book with the same title as the series. “Relationship Goals,” the book, is more than 200 pages of faith-based guidance for singles.

Actress Meagan Good and

“A Belle in Brooklyn” by Demetria Lucas-D’Oyley

Page B-3

preacher and film maker-husband DeVon Franklin began dating after being on set for the film “Jumping the Broom.” Married for almost 10 years, the couple is showing singles the benefit of waiting. “The Wait: A Powerful Practice for Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love” shares the couple’s experience in abstaining from intercourse prior to their marriage. Released in 2016, the book contains first-hand accounts from both perspectives on their courtship and how not having sex led them to the alter. “The Wait” also shares advice on how to successfully practice abstinence and find the happily ever after.

One author went where few men have dared to go and offered some tips on manners for women -- “Gentlewoman: Etiquette for a Lady, from a Gentleman” written by Enitan Bereola. Along with his words, the book features tales from fellow author and actor Hill Harper, singer Michelle Williams, and the aforementioned Meagan Good giving tips on femininity. The book takes a look at how the luxe of femininity has been lost in today’s society. Unlike the others, “Gentlewoman” is not a dating book, but rather a self-help book in manners. Becoming the number one Etiquette Advice Guide on Amazon, “Gentlewoman” is for both men and women and can help spark healthy conversations around womanhood and femininity.

It is no secret that for most women, marriage is the ultimate goal.

In searching for the perfect mate, women sometimes disregard their single status. Author Demetria Lucas-D’Oyley wrote “A Belle in Brooklyn,” a guide to living and loving singlehood. Based on the author’s award-winning blog, the book shares the ups and downs to being single and not getting caught up in walking down the aisle. The author uses her own experiences in dating to show women there is life before marriage.

The book also offers advice on building and becoming the best person in preparation of marriage. In more than 300 pages, the Lucas-D’Oyley breathes new life and a fresh perspective on dating, self-discovery and insight before the ring.

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”

by Steve Harvey

Detroit’s Lesbian Community Gets Active

By Megan Kirk Being single in the city is not a walk in the park.

The dating scene in Detroit can be full of rough waters. Finding the perfect match can be as hard as finding the city’s top coney island. For ladies who love ladies, finding the perfect match is limited in the city. With little to no visibility, Detroit’s lesbian community faces increased difficulty in finding love. With limited gay bars in Detroit, how can same sex couples meet?

While online dating continues to be a top contender for post-pandemic dating, the traditional way of meeting another person still reigns supreme.

A local group has stepped in to make this happen by creating a space for singles to mingle. The Lesbian Social, established a few years ago, is now making big waves for the city’s gay community and is quickly gaining popularity.

“I wanted to create an outlet for women 21 and older in the community to help bring women together and hopefully find love in the process. Lesbian Social is a pop-up event company that puts together monthly events around the city of Detroit to help women connect with each other,” says Stowers.

Serving as the official DJ for Lesbian Social Events, Kendra Baker, also known as DJ Three Thirteen, has been married since 2017. Though off the market, the DJ and entrepreneur acknowledges there is a lack of openly gay events and locations in the city and hopes Lesbian Social can fill the void.

“Meeting people out in Detroit can be tough because there aren’t a lot of openly gay spaces.

Being open and out is something that always helped me With more than 2,000 social memeet people to dia followers, Lesbian Social hosts date. I feel like various parties in the city and brings there’s always together women, music and fun. Crethe few gay clubs ated to bring single women together, that are around Lesbian Social is one of few events exclusively dedicated to Black lesbi- Creator of Lesbian Social, the city, but most people connect ans. Launched by Chelcea Stowers, Chelcea Stowers through social the events are full of fun and energy.

Having a space to not only meet a potential suitor, media, friends and work. That’s the events also help to create a sense of community. something we’re really working on changing. We want to create A photographer in Detroit, the mastermind of De- more spaces where those optroit’s hottest same-sex party launched Lesbian So- portunities exist for people cial in 2017. After some trial and error, the business- dating the same sex,” says woman learned the tricks of the trade and now has a Baker. stake in the city’s lesbian nightlife.

DJ Three Thirteen

Although several nightclubs, bars and restaurants sprinkle the streets of downtown Detroit, rarely are safe spaces created for the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Seeing a slow turnaround, the lesbian community is taking the lead and bringing the party to them.

“I for sure feel there is a lack of support. From the lack of open spaces to the lack of knowing where some of the FEW spaces that exist are there. The night life in Detroit has really improved within the last three to four years and with that I’ve noticed the level of LGBT inclusion rising. It’s not great or what we want it to be quite yet, but it is changing and I’m thankful for that,” says Baker.

“I would advise any and every one to start there. Even if you aren’t searching for love or a date, it’s a great vibe and you never know what or who you might find,” says Baker.

While the social scene for Detroit’s lesbian community is scarce, more events are emerging. As D ­ etroit continues to develop its nightlife scene, spaces are being created for the city’s LGBT community. The city has been home to a few stable bars, including Innuendo and Woodward Bar and Grill, which is Detroit’s oldest LGBTQ establishment reaching back to the 1960’s.

Lesbian ­Social hosts Sunset Thursday in downtown Detroit.

For more information on upcoming events, follow @lesbian­ socialdetroit on ­Instagram.

Page B-4 • michiganchronicle.com •

July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

Holistic Spa Lands in Hamtramck

By Megan Kirk A new Black-owned luxury holistic beauty spa just opened its doors in Hamtramck and promises a unique and personalized experience.

The Esthi Queen Healing Spa uses a natural approach to service its clientele. Developing her own line of products, owner and licensed esthetician Tiara Boyd offers facials, mani and pedi treatments and waxing. The location also offers vajacial, a facial meant for delicate spaces and yoni steams, a popular new spa method which uses steam to cleanse private feminine parts.

“We are a holistic, herbalist and vegan spa. Everything we use we either make, mix or infuse herbs to it,” says Boyd.

Developing an ace condition while working at a manufacturing facility, she sought the help of multiple specialists and no one was able to clear her skin.

Frustrated, it was then the owner decided to take matters into her own hands.

“I had a major outbreak from the factory I was working in.

Dermatologists really weren’t doing anything for me so I went to school to figure it out ­myself,” says Boyd.

Owner Tiara Boyd strikes a power pose.

Launching the Esthi Queen brand while in esthetician school in 2018, the entrepreneur did not intentionally set out to open a brick-and-mortar location. The brand gained some traction and the businesswoman maintained grew her clientele base.

“I realized people really liked me and loved what I did for their skin so I said I was going to keep doing this,” says Boyd.

Then, came the hard work.

Through a series of trial and er-

ror, the owner was able to find a working formula for the brand.

Prior to the launch of the storefront, COVID hit in March 2020 and caused cosmetology businesses across the state to close doors. Finally seeing the fruits of her labor after building the brand, the licensed esthetician had to figure out a way to pivot during the pandemic.

“During quarantine I had to find ways to become better than I was. I became more creative.

When things opened back up, I was completely booked,” says Boyd.

Navigating the woes of COVID and its effects on the economy, Boyd continued to push towards opening the storefront location. Despite the pandemic, she was able to bring her brand full circle and offer clients a luxurious spa experience. With the slogan ‘the spa where beauty meets luxury,’ the business offers customers the chance to relax and unwind. The spa also offers products for purchase to get the salon feel at home.

Self-funded, launching the brand and opening a location took time, money and courage. Doubt almost soured the dream, but pushing fear aside, the storefront serves as an everyday reminder that hard work pays off.

Owner Tiara Boyd takes time to smell the roses.

“I didn’t see the potential in my brand. I just knew what I was doing for other people,” Boyd says. “Other people saw the potential in my brand [before] I saw it.”

As with most entrepreneurs, the stress of the job’s needs, employees and success can be heavy. Believing in the power of healing to relax, smoothing moves and deep breathing are how the owner chooses to find peace.

“Yoga and meditation are my main go-tos. Other than that, my manager really helps me get through the stress as well.“ The success of the business is near and dear to Boyd. After suffering a personal loss, the Esthi Queen took a bad situation and was determined to find

the good. Originally operating under the name Esthi Queen Beauty Spa, discovering her spirituality, shifted into the healing realm.

“December 2020, I lost my baby right before Christmas.

That’s when I rebranded the company. That’s when I became more into my spirituality period. I tapped more into that and I noticed the more I tapped in, the more I was helping people,” says Boyd. “While I was going through my healing, I was helping other people go through their healing as well.”

The Esthi Queen Healing Spa is now open for business.

The spa also offers four membership packages including a variety of cost options and ­services.

Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS

July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021 • michiganchronicle.com • Page B-5 HELP WANTED

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFPs for Pre-Employment Driver Personality Testing, Control No. 22-3423. RFP forms may be obtained beginning July 28, 2021, from http://www.mitn.info. RFPs are due by 3:00 PM ET, August 25, 2021.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Business Analyst, Management Reporting, Controlling Vibracoustic USA, Inc. seeks a Business Analyst, Management Reporting, Controlling in South Haven, MI to be responsible for data quality steward of SAP BW reports for: GBOM – Global Bill Of Materials: Instrumental for materials controlling, among other duties. Min. master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting and three years of experience in job offered or related. Mail resume to: Ms. Laura Underwood, Vibracoustic USA, Inc., Resume Processing / JO#11935828, 400 Aylworth Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090.

Senior Powertrain Calibration & Test Engineer Van Buren Township, MI, Excel Testing & Engineering LLC. Engr, test, &improve heavy duty diesel truck powertrain syss. Optimize combustion &calibrate heavy duty (HD) &light duty (LD) diesel engines on dynamometer.

Conduct engine testing, incldg engine set-ups &debugging. Investigate combustion &emissions characteristics of alternative fuels &blends such as biodiesel for use in future vehicle. Use DOE methods to study combustion characteristics, pollutant formation, &fuel consumption to dvlp efficient combustion strategies. Optimize combustions &calibrate HD &LD engines on dynamometer. Conduct engine testing, incldg engine set-ups &debugging. Analyze tests data obtained from test cell &check if engine is within norms &close to meeting emission targets.

Master, Mechanical or Automotive Engrg. 24 mos exp as Engineer, engrg &improving HD &LD diesel truck powertrain syss, &optimizing combustions &calibrating HD &LD engines on dynamometer, or related. Ref#51073, Excel Testing & Engineering, Human Resources, 1587 160th Ave., Diagonal, IA 50845.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Merlas / iStock via Getty Images Plus

5 Style Ideas for Heading Back to the Office

(StatePoint) If you’ve been working

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Human Resource Project Manager – Detroit, MI Accounts Receivable Specialist – Detroit, MI Network Administrator – Detroit, MI Microsoft Power Platform Developer – Detroit, MI Energy Advisor I – Grand Rapids, MI To apply please visit wmenergy.com/careers-2/

1. Cozy pants: Have you ever conducted a Zoom meeting pants-free?

If the answer is yes, or you’ve been rocking sweats, the time is now to find office-appropriate pants you love. The good news is that pants that feel like leggings or sweats, but fit like trousers, are available from a number of brands in a range of colors and styles.

HELP WANTED

Communications Specialist SEMCOG seeks motivated Communications Specialist to implement various communications initiatives.

More information at www.semcog.org/careers.

remotely for the past year and a half, you’ve likely traded in your standard business attire for more casual items, like t-shirts, flip-flops and other trademarks of weekend wear. And if you’re not looking forward to giving up this comfort or your personal style when you return to the office, have no fear.

Here are five great ways to stay comfortable, fashionable and professional in the workplace:

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2. A nifty timepiece: A watch is a classic workplace accessory that completes any outfit. And these days, hyper-functional dress watches, such as those from the Edifice line from Casio, can keep you not just on time, but in style too. The EQB1100XDC-1A in particular, sports an office-ready look with its black IP band and green IP tachymeter octagon bezel. The Tough Solar power system enables charging by exposure to even small amounts of light (perfect for interior offices) and it all comes packed into 8.9 mm case, which fits nicely under a button down shirt sleeve. With a Bluetooth Smartphone Link providing access to the time in over 300 cities globally, you can schedule meetings with anyone anywhere with confidence. Looking for more of a throwback look and

feel? Casio’s Vintage line of trendy and fun watches features a minimalist design in a variety of styles, colors and features.

3. Sneakers you can wear to work: New low-key designs make it possible to enjoy the comfort and support of sneakers in the office. The sustainably-made everyday sneakers from Allbirds, for example, come in neutral tones like charcoal, navy and grey, and are even machine washable, making it easy to maintain a crisp, professional look.

4. A multifaceted bag: If you’re heading back to the office, you may be headed back to the gym too, which means you need one bag to take you from work to workout. The Kinetic backpack from Athleta features a pocket for your laptop, a water bottle compartment and a separate shoe storage bag, and its olive green design is both subdued enough for work and stylish enough for play.

5. Travel mug: If your favorite coffee is the coffee you make at home, you can still enjoy your morning cup of joe on-the-go with a sleek travel mug that keeps your hot beverages hot and your iced beverages cool for the duration of your commute and beyond.

Those from S’well have a condensation-free exterior and won’t drip, making them safe around your devices and paperwork once you arrive at the office.

By prioritizing both style and comfort in your workday wear, you can return to the office fashionably, professionally and with a smile on your face.

A

FAMILY FEATURES

lthough a growing number of businesses are reopening their in-person office spaces, many are maintaining remote workforces or implementing hybrid schedules. While the shift signals steps toward more traditional, familiar work environments, it also presents some challenges.

If your temporary remote work schedule is headed for a more permanent status, or if you’ll be straddling both worlds indefinitely, it may be time to make some changes to ensure your home office is up to the task.

Do Your Research

Before making any significant purchases, do some digging to learn all you can about the devices and equipment you’re considering, especially if you’re planning to create an efficient setup using smart technology. While many devices work well together, that’s not always the case. You should also be aware of the controls and how you’ll manage smart functions; choose the setup that’s most intuitive for you and fits best with your workflow.

Identify Unique Requirements

A successful home office needs to reflect the needs of your particular job, so you may need special equipment or tools specific to your role. For example, 63% of desk-based workers said having to collaborate with colleagues virtually is either a challenge or major barrier to working remotely, with 24% saying it is a major barrier, according to a survey by HP. If your job typically relies heavily on collaboration, you’ll probably need a video conference setup. Another common challenge: access to a printer. More than one-fourth of desk-based workers ranked having access to the office printer among the top three things they miss about the in-office experience.

If your home office isn’t already equipped with a printer or you need to upgrade, you may be wondering where to start. Convenience is more important than everything else in a home printer, according to survey participants.

You may also agree with the 52% of remote workers who indicated that if they were considering buying a new home printer in the future, it must be easy to use, and a simple setup process was a leading demand.

One convenient and simple option is the HP+ smart printing system, which is powered by a cloud-based ecosystem with enhanced security, productivity and sustainability features. Paired with an optional Instant Ink automated supplies replenishment subscription, an environmentally friendly solution to ensure you never run out of ink or toner, the system offers a perfect solution for hybrid workers and small businesses.

Start Small

Establishing a well-equipped home office takes time and money. Identify the equipment and essentials you need to get started then create a wish list with other items you can add over time. As you’re setting priorities, remember it can pay to invest in quality products from the get-go. If you have to make repairs, or upgrade or replacement

equipment, you may actually spend more in the long run.

Get a Strong Network

At the office, you probably had an IT department responsible for keeping your network up and running. At home, you may still have some level of tech support, but your home connectivity is likely your own concern. A good network starts with a quality router. You’ll also want to shop for an internet provider with the best speeds at a rate you can afford. Just be conscious of any restrictions on volume or speed that could hinder your ability to do your job.

Keep Security in Mind

Smart devices collect a lot of information and because much of the technology is still so new, it’s relatively vulnerable to hackers. Get familiar with privacy settings on all your devices and adjust accordingly so you’re not divulging proprietary data or other information that could be used inappropriately.

Learn how to make your home office work for you at hp.com.

Features: A basic printer simply prints documents, but if you need to also copy, scan and fax, there are many all-in-one models that offer those capabilities, as well.

Inkjet vs. Laser: If you normally print text with few images, opt for a laser printer. If your work involves a lot of graphics and photos, an inkjet printer may be a better choice.

never run out of ink or paper before a big deadline.

Supplies: Depending on how much you print, you may go through a lot of ink, and the cost can add up. Comparison shop to find the best ink prices, which brands offer features like recycling for used cartridges and whether you can access a subscription to ensure you

Cord Connections: Some printers require a wired connection to your computer while others can connect to your computer using Wi-Fi or an app like HP Smart App. Aside from personal preference, your decision may hinge on the space you have available.

Page B-6

• michiganchronicle.com • July 28 - Aug. 3, 2021

Isn’t the best time to continue building your legacy right now?

Owning a home isn’t just about finances—it’s about building a future. Our Community Homeownership Commitment1 can help new homebuyers with: Down payment help up to $10,000 or 3% of the purchase price, whichever is less. Product availability and income restrictions apply.2 Closing cost help up to $7,500 as a lender credit.3 Down payments as low as 3% down. Income limits apply.4 Learn more: bankofamerica.com/homeowner

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE POWER TO DO? You are invited to apply. Your receipt of this material does not mean you have been prequalified or pre-approved for any product or service we offer. This is not a commitment to lend; you must submit additional information for review and approval.

1. Down Payment program and America’s Home Grant program: Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements such as being owner-occupants and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Minimum combined loan-to-value must be greater than or equal to 80%. The home loan must fund with Bank of America. Bank of America may change or discontinue the Bank of America Down Payment Grant program or America’s Home Grant program or any portion of either without notice. Not available with all loan products, please ask for details.

2. Additional information about the Down Payment program: Down Payment program is currently limited to two specific mortgage products. Program funds can be applied toward down payment only. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cash back in excess of earnest money deposits. Down Payment Grant program may be considered taxable income, a 1099-MISC will be issued, consult with your tax advisor. May be combined with other offers. The Bank of America Down Payment Grant program may only be applied once to an eligible mortgage/property, regardless of the number of applicants. Homebuyer education is required.

3. Additional information about the America’s Home Grant program: The America’s Home Grant program is a lender credit. Program funds can only be used for nonrecurring closing costs including title insurance, recording fees, and in certain situations, discount points may be used to lower the interest rate. The grant cannot be applied toward down payment, prepaid items or recurring costs, such as property taxes and insurance. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cash back.

4. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Fixed-rate mortgages (no cash out refinances), primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Maximum loan-to-value (“LTV”) is 97%, and maximum combined LTV is 105%. For LTV >95%, any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program. Homebuyer education may be required. Other restrictions apply.

Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2021 Bank of America Corporation. America’s Home Grant, Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment, Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. MAP3623794 | AD-BAAM8431000 | 06/2021