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Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics Kicks Off Season Opener with Governor Whitmer Money. A5

Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 85 – No. 27 | March 9-15, 2022

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Gov. Whitmer Proposes Investments in Education

By Megan Kirk Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced an incentive to retain and recruit more teachers to the classroom. As the pandemic has placed unprecedented stress on the educational system, the need for educators has grown. Under the proposed budget Governor Whitmer will pour millions of dollars into Michigan schools, educators and other school faculty.

The proposed budget recommendation calls for $600 million for recruitment programs for educators, scholarship programs for teachers, stipends for student teachers as well as the implementation of programs to retain, recruit and train educators for the communities in which they serve. The funds look to enhance the educator and student experience in Michigan schools and address the growing problem of teacher shortages.

“Governor Whitmer continues to show she is listening to the voices of educators and is committed to solving Michigan’s acute educator shortage. For the sake of our children’s future, Michigan leaders must do more to attract and retain talented educators and school support staff — and that means increasing wages for starting and veteran educators, reducing our state’s overreliance on standardized testing and respecting educators for the professionals they are,” said Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association.

Many Michigan organizations are in full support of the governor and her plans to further the education system across the state. With the new budget proposal, both teachers and students can find consistency.

“Governor Whitmer’s education budget proposes major new investments in students, staff and schools,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice in a statement.

“The budget will improve our children’s educational experiences across the state and will restrengthen public education by providing $4,000 to every school staff member

See EDUCATION page A2

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 13 Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.

WHAT’S INSIDE

The Cost of Warmth

By Sherri Kolade and Megan Kirk

Communities are expressing outrage with the recent rise in energy costs. Detroit residents are seeing an increase as high as 20 to 30 percent of their typical costs for the same amount of usage. Families, already strapped for cash, are finding it difficult to maintain their energy costs in conjunction with life expenses.

“The increase has affected my finances.

It made me aware and a bit more cautious of any extra funds to allocate those funds towards that energy bill,” said Shanice Young.

And some report they were not given notice of the price increase.

In January, customers received notification on their printed bills informing residents of a Power Supply Cost Recovery, or a PSCR charge. The increase from 0.322 cent per kilowatt to 0.665 cent per kilowatt was expected to raise bills by $2.23 per month, but the exponential rise has surpassed expectations.

“I think families will be impacted significantly, especially those who don’t pay too much attention to the end of their bills. I can honestly say that when I receive a bill, I look at the amount owed and just pay it.

But DTE did inform us of the increase. It was just at the end of the bill, in smaller print. But they do have options to set up a payment plan with DTE. They have plans for those with fixed and low income. They also have a plan for those of us who don’t meet those qualifications, where they give you a certain amount to pay every month to prevent you from having your services cut off,” said Medina Mathis.

In 2021, DTE customers received a staggering $119 million through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), among other programs, which are funded by the energy company powerhouse.

And even more of its energy customers will receive assistance this year — $163 million worth. In some cases DTE deliv-

ers financial assistance directly to the accounts of eligible customers, and the White House recently recognized those efforts after putting a call out for energy companies to help vulnerable customers, the Michigan Chronicle previously reported.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DTE worked with the state of Michigan in forgiving almost $4 million in debt for more than 23,000 customers.

The company also assisted 7,500 customers in applying for state and federal aid and offered convenient payment plans for 66,000 customers, among other forms of financial relief.

This is all done through DTE’s Personalized Service Protection Plan, a program Joi Harris launched at the beginning of the pandemic to bring together the many forms of assistance and personalize solutions for DTE customers based on their specific circumstances.

DTE’s payment plans assist residents in paying for energy costs. The BudgetWise Billing Plan allows customers to pay their annual energy bill in equal monthly installments, eliminating room for surprise.

Those who are facing shut off may qualify for the company’s Shutoff Protection Plan. Similar to the BudgetWise plan, shut off protection allows for equal payments which will include a portion of the past due amount incorporated into each monthly payment. Both allow for protection against interruptions in service and allow customers comfort and security.

“The shut off protection plan has helped lower the cost of my bill and what I mean by that is the shut-off protection plan, with having that set monthly amount, if one

Power to the People

In the six decades since its inception, The Skillman Foundation has made it its mission to uplift, inspire, educate and assist children in the city of Detroit.

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Still, families are hoping the energy provider will step in in a more substantial way to help lower costs. The pandemic and inflation have drastically impacted room for savings. Now, residents are weighing the financial obligations with their family’s needs.

“I think families will be affected in a way that may make them worry about what areas they will need to prioritize money and other necessities, which can be stressful. No one wants to have to deal with that when having to take care of yourself and a family. I believe these energy companies should come up with better solutions to bring down the costs and not pass the buck on to us as consumers,” said Young.

Joi Harris, president of DTE Gas, talked to the Michigan Chronicle about ways residents can manage their bills and help available for those financially struggling.

“This is what I want DTE customers to know: everyone who needs help will get help,” Harris said. “There is an unprecedented amount of assistance available this year to help Michiganders. Call us at 800477-4747 as soon as you think you will have challenges paying your bill and our customer service representatives will help you determine if you qualify for assistance dollars and whether many of the other DTE programs available might help you manage your bills.”

Harris added that DTE offers several programs for low-income families if they live at or below the federal poverty level, disconnect protections for senior citizens as well as programs for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

“We can also help customers apply for

See ENERGY

BILLS page A2

What’s at Stake for The Skillman Foundation in 2022?

By Sherri Kolade

Detroit Author Shaka Senghor Pens Book for Fathers Hoping to Debunk Black Men Myths

month the bill total is lower it can give you a credit so that helps for the month when your usage and bill is higher. So, in a sense, it balances itself out. That makes me feel a little more secure in knowing that with this plan it helps me [with] not having any interruption in my energy services,” said Young.

Described as a “fierce Champion of Detroit Children,” the non-profit organization doesn’t shirk from its sometimes-gargantuan challenges of helping young people have a safe place to land, especially when stark disparities exist within this The Skillman Foundation CEO and most vulnerable population President, Angelique Power. Photo courtesy of The Skillman Foundation in a primarily Black city.

“Our children are born behind, playing catch-up from the beginning,” Marcia Fudge, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said at the Detroit Branch NAACP Dinner last October.

Angelique Power, The Skillman Foundation president and CEO, wants to continue to level that inequitable playing field for youth, and as the leader for the past several months of Detroit’s longstanding youth-based organization, she’s making waves to address the needs of young people who have a lot to say.

As a voice for children since 1960, The Skillman Foundation is a private philanthropy that “works to ensure Detroit youth achieve their highest aspirations by strengthening K-12 public education, afterschool learning opportunities and college and career pathways,” according to its website.

Power, who hails from Chicago and previously served as President of the Field Foundation has deep roots in the racial equity and social justice space and lets these ideologies be her North Star as she leads the way by offering boundless opportunities to Detroit youth.

Power told the Michigan Chronicle previously that she feels that she joined Detroit’s “visionaries” when coming onboard last year. As one herself, though she might be too humble to say, Power has quickly found her stride in leading the organization and as the accomplished champion for racial justice knows Detroit’s and Michigan’s challenge with racial inequities and COVID-19 is just the tip of the iceberg of addressing issues that can impact young people.

Power, who has an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan, is taking her expertise, back-

See SKILLMAN

FOUNDATION page A2

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Energy Bills

prices are low. That strategy has helped save our customers about $20 a month during the heating season; but with furnaces working so hard to keep up with frigid temperatures, bills will still be higher than customers have seen in a while.”

From page A-1 supplemental state and federal assistance funding, like State Emergency Relief, which is designed to help households experiencing an unexpected financial crisis like job loss or the death of a family member,” she said.

Harris also said that with January being one of the “coldest months in the last decade,” the furnace and heating equipment are “working a lot harder,” which requires using more energy and resulting in a higher energy bill.

“There are some things everyone can do to reduce the strain on their furnace and consequently lower their energy use, and their bills,” she said.

Some things include: •L owering your thermostat – just a few degrees can make a difference.

•C leaning or replacing air filters regularly – filters should be cleaned or replaced at least every three months. Dirty filters block air flow, causing your furnace and

central air conditioning to work harder and less economically.

•S eal air leaks around your home – simple fixes including installing weatherstripping on doors and caulking around windows, while bigger jobs might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic.

Harris also said that it is also important to note that DTE does not mark up the cost of natural gas, “Meaning customers pay what we pay for natural gas.”

“We work to protect our customers from the natural gas spikes we’re seeing this winter by securing gas in the summer when it’s cheaper,” she said. “You can think of it like buying winter hats and gloves in the summer when demand and

Skillman Foundation From page A-1 ground and passions into 2022.

She’s turning the wheels forward for The Skillman Foundation by challenging good-intended processes and then turning them on its head in a new way with young people at the forefront, leading. “[We are] going through [a] process right now,” she said of “behind the scenes” work that involves advancing the organization in tangible ways.

Equity for All “Now I’m four months into the role and we’re two years into this pandemic and in many ways … there is a lot of fatigue, and also standing in the eye of the storm we’re seeing [COVID-19] numbers that are higher [than] even at the very beginning when this was new,” she said, adding that The Skillman Foundation is “requiring a reserve” after having been “running on fumes” for so long.

From reserves to racial equity, Power said that overused terms like “racial justice” and “systemic change” haven’t produced fruitful results as intended, and the Foundation is hoping to change that by connecting the dots to what is actually being done.

Through a seven-step plan in effect now through 2023, the Foun-

dation will learn lessons from the pandemic and build on its “good work” and conduct a self-audit starting first with a racial equity audit by looking at “every single penny” that moves through the Foundation. From there, the dollars will be analyzed by race.

“Where is it going from [the] operations budget to endowment to our grants so we know not only how we are investing but in whom,” she said, adding that the information about where the organization is and what they plan to do to deepen their work “or pivot” where need be will be shared publicly.

“We think that is important in a Black city to say this is where our money is going,” she said, adding that what’s next includes studying racial justice and understanding what it looks like to build movements so people on the front lines can say “this is what they need … to make radical systems of change.”

Youth Interrupted They will also be looking at systems change in the education sphere at the federal, state and local level.

“What impacts children when they walk into the classroom has to do with the school but in many ways [we must also] deal with health and wellness and [the] criminal justice system,” she said, adding that

Customers should reach out to DTE at 1-800-477-4747 as soon as they think they may not be able to pay upcoming bills. The sooner customers reach out for help, the more opportunities will be available to them.

Contact DTE at 1-800-477-4747 or visit https://dteenergy.com/help to learn more about: ■ Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan ■Winter Protection Plans

In America, the average cost of student loan debt for a four-year degree is $38,000 dollars. For a majority of students, this amount would only cover one school year.

Accruing debt for education is causing many graduates to enter into a life of obligation before they are able to start a career. Political campaigns and promises have long promised a solution for the overwhelming effects of student loan debt. However, many current and former students are still awaiting that relief.

During his 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden ran on a platform endorsing the cancellation of student loan debt and subsequent payments for all college graduates and current students. Some students have begun to see some reprieve. More than 400,000 students with total and permanent disability have seen $7 billion dollars in relief. However, since the now-President election into office, an overwhelming majority of students have yet to see the proof of this promise.

Malik Singleton, a recent graduate of Harris-Stowe State University, has accrued $34,000 in student loans. The Detroit native attended the historically Black university for its overall tuition costs.

“Harris-Stowe State University is the only HBCU that is the most affordable. It’s around $20,000 to $25,000 [per year],” said Singleton.

“It’s the most affordable school in Missouri.”

For this student, applying for and receiving student loans was a natural part of the college experience. For many students, including a high number of Black college-bound students, it is impossible to attend a college or university without the additional financial support loan assistance offers.

“All of us do [have student loans]. No matter what school -Michigan State, Howard, everyone

has some student loans and debts from being in school. I may have met one or two that got lucky and had a great GPA, but the majority of us have student loans,” said Singleton.

In addition to educational expenses, students utilize loan monies to help survive day-to-day college life. In lieu of part-time work, some students use the extra funds to create financial safety while pursuing a degree.

“I took out extra student loans, being greedy and wanting to live comfortable [sic],” said Singleton.

“That’s where a lot of my loans come from. I believe loans are investments to make sure you’re comfortable in school. People are like ‘oh my God don’t take loans out’, but I feel like loans are whatever. It’s going to get paid back eventually by somebody. Why not be comfortable right now so I can finish my degree and not try to work and finish my degree?”

In America, students hold a combined $1.73 trillion in loan debt.

President Joe Biden announced another extension on the repayment of student loans. Now, students have until May of 2022 before payments would resume. The NAACP has been vocal in its stance on student loans. Setting Twitter ablaze, Derrick Johnson, 19th President and CEO of the organization, had this to say: “If you can afford to pause student loan payments over and over again, you can afford to cancel it.”

Shared more than 15,000 times on the social platform, students are rallying behind the sentiment and questioning President Biden’s stance.

“We lost about a million people due to COVID and that’s just COVID by itself. Think about those people who possibly had student loans and can’t pay them back now,” said Singleton. “You can’t say one thing to get our votes and then say never mind. That’s how it’s looking right

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■ Personalized Service Protection ■ Residential Income Assistance Credit These programs are also available to help customers facing financial challenges: ■ State Emergency Relief (SER) ■ COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) ■ Home Heating Credit (HHC) there are many “systems at play.”

Another step that the non-profit organization is to study and implement will be centered around “youth power.”

Last December, the non-profit organization’s youth council led the charge to distribute more than $100,000 to over a dozen non-profit organizations in need.

“If we are in service to Detroit children and youth [then] they are our bosses -- how do they hold us accountable for everything I’m talking about?” Power said of the aforementioned goals and plans.

“They are the ones who have power over our decision.”

Power added that young people, a large portion of them, were born under the Obama administration, and they normalized the idea of a Black president and want more say so.

“And their political consciousness was formed under [the] last administration,” she said adding that they don’t want “incrementalism” and just have a seat at the table with nothing being done when they walk away. “Young people are ready, and they don’t want to just be in the driver’s seat without context. They want access to information and access to ownership,” she said.

Digital Anchor Andre Ash contributed to this report.

For more information visit https://www.skillman.org/.

Student Loans and the Economy

By Megan Kirk

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WEEK’S BEST LOTTERY

now.”

Without doubt the economy has suffered greatly through the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The job market is in constant turmoil from worker shortages to the closure of businesses. With the effects on the job market, how are students expected to successfully re-pay their debts? The NAACP is calling for action.

“We can finally take a breath knowing that student loan payments will be paused again. But true relief will come with the cancellation of student loan debt at a minimum of $50,000 for all borrowers. To provide financial relief during Omicron, cancel student debt. To boost the economy, cancel student debt. To address the racial wealth gap, cancel student debt.

And to fulfill your campaign promises, cancel student debt,” said Wisdom Cole, national director of Youth and College Division for the NAACP. Student loan repayment is not the only fiscal hot button issue going into 2022. Parents who depended on the child tax credit will soon see that money leave their monthly budgets. The American Rescue Plan was the catalyst for the child tax payments to parents during 2021. However, the push for the continued payments in 2022 is facing an uphill battle in Congress.

Passed in the House of Representatives the bill is now awaiting Senate approval. Going into the new year, the government remains at a standstill on extending the child tax credit for an additional year.

Democrats are pushing for an extension of the benefit and have included language for it in Biden’s $1.75 trillion Build Back Better bill. Unless the bill is passed, parents will not receive additional assistance and low-income families will be forced to find new ways of making ends meet.

Voters will be on watch as these issues come to a head over the next several weeks.

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Education From page A-1 over a two-year period and help to hire and train thousands of new teachers. The governor’s budget puts students first and will help them in their classrooms and in their lives.”

Despite the newly proposed budget and its intended target, the seesaw of in-person and virtual learning has greatly impacted the education of students at various grade levels and the mental fortitude of teachers and faculty. Though the pandemic has shifted the way students learn, education professionals believe virtual learning may be here to stay despite best efforts.

“I think we can create more stability in education by being more intentional and realistic about our planning. We should anticipate periods of virtual learning and figure out ways to integrate virtual learning experiences into our in-person instruction.

For example, students should have physical and digital copies of their learning resources and engage with both regularly despite circumstances,” said Ditte Woodson, educator and owner of Minds That Wonder LLC. “Schools should also integrate computer literacy into instructional best practices. I think that since we know children use tablets and phones regularly, we assume that they are more computer literate than they actually

are. There is a huge difference between casually playing games or watching videos, and using technology for productivity and learning.”

The pandemic has presented proof that teachers and other educational professionals are in need of financial compensation for their efforts. Parents have also been an essential tool in adjusting to the pandemic educational system. Now that the pandemic’s end may be in sight, the time to increase pay for teachers and recalibrate for students is paramount.

Moreover, parents will play an intricate part in accessing the needs of their children.

“I am extremely passionate about empowering parents by teaching them how to support their children’s learning.

I would argue that an unintended consequence of the pandemic and school shutdowns has been an increase in parent engagement and involvement. Now more than ever parents are taking a closer look at their child’s educational status and searching for ways to address learning gaps,” said Woodson.

Despite hardships, the budget’s goal is to keep teachers in the classroom as students continue to suffer from the effects of short staffs. Coupled with the impact of the pandemic, the National Education Association has reported 55 percent of educators are leaving the profession. With burnout as the leading cause of separation, will financial gain be enough to compensate?

GOD WILL FIGHT YOUR BATTLES! Police Commissioner Cedric Banks, District 3

“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” ~ Exodus 14:14 God will begin to fight for you when you begin to hold your peace. That is a very key principle for us as men and women of God to hold our peace, no matter how hard or tough it is. Yes, we may want to give someone a piece of our mind, but when we hold our peace instead, God will begin to come into our circumstances and begin to fight our battles, no matter what those battles may be. Therefore, when we hold our peace in the midst of the battle, God will begin to turn the fight around in our favor, Abba!

For more info, look us up on Facebook at ‘Cedric Banks Prophet’ or call 313-421-9977

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Alternatives to Full Probate Estate Administration

By Macie Tuiasosopo Gaines, Esq. Probate can be stressful and sometimes traumatic if it is unfamiliar territory. Many do not find out what Probate Court is until they need it. More often than not, people are forced to navigate this foreign court while simultaneously mourning because they do not have extra money for a probate attorney or funeral expenses. One good thing about Probate Court is it can be administrative in nature. For example, parties are required to use forms to administer estates. These are available on the State Court Administrative Office’s website.

Small Estate Procedure In 2022, if the estate has less than $25,000 after payment of funeral and burial expenses, you can open a Small Estate if you are an heir or a person who paid the funeral bill. You will need a death certificate, funeral cost receipts, information and values of the real estate, automobile, stock or any assets you seek to transfer to the remaining heirs.

You will fill out a “Petition for Assignment” and “Protected Personal Identifying Information” form from the website referenced above. Once approved, the Court will then issue an Order to assign the assets to the individuals listed on your Petition. You can then present that Order to a bank to close accounts, the Secretary of State to transfer a vehicle, etc. There is no formal hearing or additional filings necessary.

Automobile Only Procedure If the Decedent only leaves a vehicle (and nothing else) then the Decedent’s heirs can go to the Secretary of State and obtain a title by application if the value does not exceed $60,000. The Secretary of State has a form called “Certification from Heir to a Vehicle” available at any office or on the website. This will accomplish the transfer without traditional probate proceedings so long as (1) there is no pending probate proceeding; (2) no probate proceeding will start in the future; (3) the car is worth less than $60,000; and (4) you are an heir of the Decedent.

Paycheck Only Procedure If the only assets in the decedent’s estate are wages or fringe benefits, or both, payable by the decedent’s employer, the assets may be transferred without probate and without having a fiduciary appointed. The only catch is that the plan has to designate a payee. This is something to consider to make your loved one’s process easier when you pass away.

Clothes or Cash Less than $500 If your loved one left cash less than $500 or clothing that is at a hospital, nursing home or correctional facility, you can obtain the items without traditional probate procedures if you are a spouse child or parent. You can provide identification and sign an affidavit to attest to the relationship under oath.

This is meant to serve only as a guide.

Have no fear, there are alternatives here. If your loved one’s estate exceeds these values, your local Probate Court is always a good place to start. If you find yourself in need of probate representation, reach out to experienced probate lawyers in your area.

Macie Tuiasosopo Gaines is a member of Wolverine Bar Association and a managing member at Gaines & Gaines PLC, an Estate Planning and Probate law firm. She earned her J.D. from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School. In her practice, she guides individuals on Estate Planning & Probate, and assists clients with Estate & Trust Litigation and Family Law issues.

Candacy Taylor, author of Overground RailRoad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America Photo of Candacy - Photo Credit: Katrina Parks, Assertion Films

Pioneers in Black Travel to be Honored by Automotive Industry

By Andre Ash Imagine a life without GPS, a reliant technological feature of the modern era for mapping out our destinations for the road. It helps a lot of people get from point A to point B in travel. Now imagine a time in the 1930’s or mid 1900’s. For Black Americans living in areas which enforced racial segregation laws, Black people would likely encounter unwelcoming and unsafe experiences by their white counterparts.

No time for a stop at the wrong hotel or fuel station while on a road trip.

Victor Green, born in New York on November 9, 1892, eventually moved with his family to New Jersey when he was young and its where he spent his years as a postal letter carrier.

It was the type of job at that offered him job security, yet low wages. New Jersey was his life before moving back to New York. He married Alma Green in 1918 before his military deployment to France to fight during World War I. He returned home and continued his service as a letter carrier while also picking up a gig as a musician manager for Robert Duke.

It was during these times he often wondered about the safety of Black musicians and their teams when they would travel and make stops for performances out of town, especially hotel accommodations for a musician’s band or common everyday folk.

The era of Jim Crow laws made it challenging for African Americans to fuel up, buy food, use public restrooms, etc.

He sought to change that notion by revolutionizing the way Black people traveled. In 1936, he published “The Negro Travelers’ Green Book,” which initially covered his hometown of New York City. By the next year and by popular demand, his publication expanded and went national.

What Green compiled was an essential guidebook for Black people on safe places to stay, where to eat, and gas stations to patronize. Again, in an era of no GPS or modern phones and no internet to pinpoint all of these pitstops into a book, Green used the help of his connections as a postal carrier to develop a listing of where to visit.

Green, along with his wife, Alma,

Sarah Cook, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame

Victor Green

Alma Green

became an elegant business duo while doing such work. They partnered with Esso, a subsidiary of Standard Oil, which purchased ads and sold copies.

The Greens began to sell 15,000 copies annually.

“The Green Book was a profoundly innovative and groundbreaking publication,” said Candacy Taylor, author of “Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America.” “Their marketing genius, their ability to take something that was obviously really needed in the country, but they had a branding strategy that was really strong.”

There were a dozen other Black travel guides but none of them matched the business savvy and branding approach as The Green Book.

“Victor Green had a seventh-grade education, but he worked with the postal union. Black postal workers would go to the Black neighborhoods.

He utilized that as a marketing strategy.”

That strategy was proven to work as

postal carriers would engage and welcome Black business owners to subscribe to The Green Book.

It grew so fast and surpassed other Black travel guides that It was in publication for over three decades and its content evolved on where to go for entertainment to safe Black spaces and places to see a barber, hit a nightclub or visit a beauty salon.

“If you’re a Black man in business in the 1800’s or 1940’s, you have no SBA, you have no bank loan, you don’t have anything,” said William F. Pickard, PhD, chairman of Global Automotive Alliance. Pickard is also developing a book which profiles Black business leaders from 1850-1950. “But the numbers made money and your hustle. He predicted in 1959 that it would be no longer relevant once the civil rights laws are passed.”

“If you went to the Urban League or a church or a gas station in New York or Detroit or Cleveland, you could pick up a book. From businesses selling the books to the businesses inside the book, it would blow your mind.”

Green worked to publish his book while being a letter carrier. He retired from the postal service at the age of 60.

He died on October 16, 1960 in New York. He was 67 years old. His wife Alma continued the publication of The Green Book until 1966.

The introduction of the book opened with the following message: “There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have equal opportunities and privileges in the United States. It will be a great day for us to suspend this publication for then we can go wherever we please, and without embarrassment.”

This trailblazing piece of history of Victor and Alma Green will soon be honored this summer during the 2022 Automotive Hall of Fame’s Induction & Awards Ceremony on July 21, 2022, in Detroit.

The event will recognize a diverse collection of mobility pioneers from around the globe. This group includes trailblazers and icons who defied personal, professional and cultural odds

See THE GREEN BOOK page B-2

Detroit Author Shaka Senghor Pens Book for Fathers

By Sherri Kolade

Dear Black man, you’re good enough.

Dear fathers, you’re strong and capable beyond measure.

Detroit native Shaka Senghor, who has a way with words, wants to encourage men and fathers that despite negative stereotypes -- resounding throughout the media – they are worthy, and their presence is impactful, especially in their sons’ lives.

Senghor, a New York Times bestselling author, is using his creative, expressive talents to share his heartfelt words to men – especially Black men -- who have borne the brunt of these negative dad tropes in his recently released book, “Letters to the Sons of Society: A Father’s Invitation to Love, Honesty, and Freedom.”

His book details how healing, affection, love and second chances as a father can all shape a more holistic world where transformation can take place.

problem to solve – Senghor’s book, full never anybody’s soluof letters to his chiltion.” dren Jay and Sekou, also reveals tales of Senghor added that his sometimes-perilBlack men, who are ous journey as a Black the solution, have done man in America while “incredible work” and unlearning toxic maseven from the mundane culinity and how to tap moments to powerful into something greater ones – their humanity while navigating fatherneeds to be recognized. hood.

In the decade since “My inspiration for his prison release, writing the book is he has started and really thinking about worked with nonprofthe narrative of Black its seeking to encourmen and Black boys,” age people, visited the Senghor, who now White House, been lives in California, Detroit native Shaka Senghor. interviewed by Trevor said, adding that he Photo courtesy of Shaka Senghor Noah and Oprah Winhas mentored young frey, given award-winmen around the country (and around ning TED talks and worked to help the world) and noticed common themes. create personal and societal change.

“One thing that consistently comes Through his book, Senghor also up for me is we are either identified as America’s problem to solve, Black wom- wants his sons to know more about en’s problem to solve or the world’s him, especially after being incarcerated

for 19 years for second-degree murder when his oldest (now 30) was just six months old. “[There is] a lot of about my life I want him to understand,” he said of his oldest.

His book, which also features a letter-writing campaign, #MyFatherIsDope, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM), is a movement that invites fathers to share their own perspectives through letters submitted to his website about raising children. The nationwide call kicked off on Monday, January 17, and is running through June.

The national campaign that will develop a signature coffee table book that will be distributed nationally for Father’s Day 2022, according to a press release.

All proceeds will go back to support programming, membership and operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.

“We really are excited about sharing

See SHAKA SENGHOR page A-4

Page A-4 | March 9-15, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Why Black Women Are More Likely to Die from Breast Cancer than White Women

By Sherri Kolade Southfield resident Rosalind Kimbrough’s breast cancer journey began with an uneasy hunch in March 2012.

“I decided to uncharacteristically perform a breast exam before going to bed. Why I did that, I couldn’t say. My last mammogram on December 31, 2011, was normal, so what compelled me to check. I had no clue at the time.

Now, I know for sure it was God,” Kimbrough said, adding that an odd lump in one of her breasts confirmed it for her.

“I quietly turned off the light and cried to myself. I feared what comes next. ... I couldn’t turn my brain off from thoughts about death.”

Kimbrough said that a pathology later confirmed that a tumor was in her breast for three to four years.

“If I didn’t do that breast exam, I would [have been] dead,” Kimbrough said.

After Kimbrough’s diagnosis, she was considered a Stage 3B, she struggled and fought hard.

“I had four months of aggressive chemotherapy and two months of radiation.

I developed a blood infection after radiation that left me weak, listless and thoroughly depressed,” she said. “I hurt all over from that emotional pain on top of the physical suffering. I survived two breast reconstruction surgeries, a nasty infectious disease, three antibiotics approved by the FDA and a series of 11 surgeries to fight the infection. … I had a brutal journey that could happen to [anyone]. It’s time to ask for what we need to fight breast cancer.”

Kimbrough’s breast cancer journey ended after a double mastectomy on June 20, 2012.

“They removed 13 lymph nodes and 2 tumors from my left breast,” she said.

Kimbrough’s story is one of success, and not everyone’s journey looks the

Shaka Senghor From page A-3

these letters from our perspective -- a lot of times we don’t hear true perspectives about dads,” Senghor said.

“Fatherhood is more than a word, and it’s not just biological. Father figures are the cornerstones in the lives of many youths, especially Black and Brown youth,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president and CEO of BGCSM. “Collaborating with Shaka to find a way to amplify and encourage the many fathers around the nation is an exciting and impactful experience. Shaka, BGCSM and I look forward to uplifting the voices of our diverse fathers and hope more will submit their own letters too.”

same, especially for Black women who are dying at a higher rate of this cancer in the last few years. Since 2019, breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among Black women in comparison to other population groups, according to statistics.

This news is one of the major findings in Cancer Statistics for African American/Black People 2022, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society (ACS), and its consumer-friendly companion, Cancer Facts & Figures for African American/Black People, according to a press release.

According to the report, the risk of cancer death for Black individuals remains 19 percent higher for men and 12 percent higher for women compared to white individuals. The gap for breast cancer is more alarming; Black women are 41 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women despite a lower risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

“Cancer disparities in the Black community are the result of myriad causes rooted in institutional inequities,” said Tawana Thomas-Johnson, senior vice president and chief diversity officer at the American Cancer Society. “We must “The work that the BGCSM team is doing is aligned with my passion as a mentor and a dad. It’s a natural extension of what I believe my purpose is as an ambassador of literature and social impact investor,” Senghor added.

Senghor also told the Michigan Chronicle that while he promotes positivity in his book, he doesn’t want to ignore the stereotypes that have especially plagued Black men for years – but he’s not looking to change the narrative.

He said that, through his book, he is speaking the truth about who Black men are and wants to “expand that narrative” where Black men and men in general are painted with a more accurate brush of who they are as people –

address structural racism as a public health issue to close the gaps and advance health equity.”

Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director, Surveillance Research, ACS, told the Michigan Chronicle that some of the most significant contributing factors include late-stage diagnosis, less access to high-quality care and treatment and lack of health insurance, which are “repercussions of long-standing institutional racism.”

“The reason that breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in Black women is because of recent progress against lung cancer that has caused a steep drop in the number of lung cancer deaths,” Siegel said. “This is unrelated to the racial disparity in breast cancer, which is underpinned by long-standing systemic racism that has led to an unequal distribution of wealth, contributing to the later-stage diagnosis and less access to high-quality screening and treatment.”

Siegel added that the ACS estimates that by 2022, there will be 224,080 new cancer cases diagnosed among Black people and 73,680 cancer deaths.

“The most commonly diagnosed cancers are prostate, breast, lung and colorectal, which combined account for more than half of all cases in Black people. These are also the most common causes of cancer death,” Siegel said, adding that the ACS is raising awareness about prevention, screenings and treatment by helping to eliminate disparities in cancer, which is an overarching goal.

“We have many ongoing efforts aimed at achieving this goal,” Siegel said.

From grants to data updates, ACS is working “to promote health equity within communities with limited income and communities of color” through supportive breast, cervical and colorectal even with the flaws. “[We have to] speak to the truth about who we are,” he said adding that like any other human beings, Black men, too, are complex. “Some of the things said about us have been true. But that’s not all of who we are. Real growth happens when you can be honest about all of who you are as opposed to segments you’re comfortable with or uncomfortable with.”

Senghor is also a lecturer at universities, a voice for criminal justice reform and the New York Times bestselling author of “Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison.”

Find out more information or to purchase the book visit https:// www.shakasenghor.com/.

cancer screenings at low or no cost.

Training health equity ambassadors to deliver information in communities is another initiative to spread awareness about cancer risk, prevention and early detection in the Black community through the ACS Partnering for Life initiative.

Women are also being more equipped and empowered to seek medical intervention early.

“Every woman should talk to her doctor about when she should begin breast cancer screening. For example, women with a family history of breast cancer should start earlier. If you do have an abnormal result, do not wait to have the follow-up exam – only about 4 percent of abnormal mammograms are breast cancer, but if it is cancer, you have a much better chance of survival if it is detected early,” Siegel said.

Kimbrough agrees. “Women and families need to turn up the volume for better education and testing for breast cancer, especially among African American women that are dying at a disproportionately higher rate than other ethnicities,” she said. “[We need to] become our own patient advocates to cure this disease.”

For more information, visit cancer. org.

The Green Book From page A-3

to bring their immeasurable contributions to the automotive industry.

“This year’s class of inductees continues to recognize the diversity of contributions to this industry,” said Sarah Cook, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame. “From manufacturing to racing, road travel to the rarest of luxury performance vehicles, this group tells some of the most interesting and important stories of the industry, and we couldn’t be more pleased to recognize their achievements and welcome them into the Hall of Fame.”

Investment into the Automotive Hall of Fame is widely considered the single greatest honor an individual can receive in the automotive industry and is reserved for noteworthy individuals whose efforts have helped shape the automotive and mobility market.

The Automotive Hall of Fame is located in Dearborn, Mich., and is open to the public.

“THE POWER TO CHANGE THIS NARRATIVE IS YOUR CHOICE.” REV. HORACE SHEFFIELD III, PASTOR, NEW DESTINY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

The COVID-19 vaccines give us the power to protect ourselves and our communities.

As a pastor, Rev. Sheffield has seen too many of his church members suffer with COVID-19, then die in the hospital without the comfort of loved ones nearby. But he believes that the end of the pandemic is in our control. “We need to do this. We need to get vaccinated,” he says. Make a choice to change the narrative. Get your vaccine today.

Find your vaccine: Visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine, call 211, or text your zip code to 438829.

A5

| March 9-15, 2022

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Knight Foundation Invests in Publishers of Color Boosting Digital Platforms Black media never looked so good.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation recently announced an investment in over $4 million over the next three years to help assist local publishers of color stay looking great while becoming more financially sustainable. The investment is a continuation of Knight’s long-time support for diverse communities, aligns with Knight’s strategy to help journalists, publishers and newsrooms increase trust, reach diverse audiences and generate sustainable revenue models.

Knight’s investments include the Knight x LMA BloomLab, a program that’s expanding to invest $1.3 million in 26 Black-owned local news outlets including the Michigan Chronicle.

“The Knight x LMA BloomLab is an immersive three-year experience with 26 Black-owned local media outlets, including the Michigan Chronicle as part of the Word in Black network. Thanks to the Knight Foundation and the Local Media Association for investing in sustainability,” Hiram Jackson, Real Times Media CEO and the Michigan Chronicle publisher.

Another Knight investment is startup networks Capital B and URL Media, as well as the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Gwen Ifill Mentorship Program to increase newsroom leadership diversity.

Knight x LMA BLOOM Lab at the Local Media Association ($3.2 million) to increase its successful Lab for Black-owned media outlets to include 26 publishers over the next three years. The Lab is a digital transformation program that assists its first five participating newspapers more than triple digital revenues with assessment, training and coaching.

Each news outlet will receive $50,000 to support its work. The Knight investment enabled the Lab, led by LMA Chief Content & Collaboration Officer, Andrew Ramsammy, and LMA Chief Operating Officer Jay Small, to hire three full-time employees to support the Lab, including: Robert Walker-Smith, digital revenue director; Apryl Pilolli, technology director; and a soon-to-be-named program director/coach. They will provide expert advice on smart technical and digital business strategies, and then directly provide funds to support the continued transformations of these publications, according to a press release.

The Knight x LMA BloomLab is an additional element of LMA’s Digital Transformation Lab for Black publishers that launched in early 2019, the press release added. That lab assists in driving digital revenue and audience growth, along with new product launches such as newsletters, for the five Black publishers.

The new Lab will include three full-time dedicated staff members who will work alongside the publishers on a daily basis. The entire Local Media Association/Local Media Foundation team will also be involved in the BloomLab as subject-matter experts in areas such as reader revenue, branded content, philanthropic

Hiram E. Jackson, Michigan Chronicle publisher and Real Times Media CEO, along with President and CEO of Ignition Media Group & Pancake and Politics host, Dennis Archer, Jr. unveil the new Pancakes and Politics logo.

Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics Kicks Off Season Opener with Governor Whitmer

By Sherri Kolade

new footing as mask mandates and COVID-19 cases are dropping, while the economy is facing a seemingly uphill financial battle with skyrocketing gas prices and cost of living.

The Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media (RTM) welcomes back Detroit’s business elite for the first time since last year to Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics full season.

Some pressing issues for Whitmer involve several of the state’s top budgetary priorities including creating pathways for reliable infrastructure, fair taxes, providing resources for teachers and more for the state already seeing an upswing financially.

The series is back for 2022 presenting the first full in-person program season live at the Detroit Athletic Club. The first of the series will highlight important conversations for Detroiters and will feature Governor Gretchen Whitmer as the keynote speaker.

During the recent Pancakes & Politics mixer at Central Kitchen, Hiram Jackson, Michigan Chronicle publisher and Real Times Media CEO, shared his excitement about how far the forward-thinking Ric DeVore, PNC Bank Regional President for Detroit and event has come and where it’s Southeast Michigan and Michael G. Bickers, long-time exheaded. ecutive at PNC Bank who is set to succeed Devore upon his “Those of you who don’t retirement on March 31 know, the first Pancakes & Politics we had was with Kwame Kilpatrick and L. Brooks Patterson,” he said, adding that the future of Pancakes & Politics is just around the corner. “For 17 years, Pancakes and Politics has consistently delivered influential and impactful discussions about policies that affect Detroit.”

During the well-attended event, the media company also unveiled a sleek, streamlined new Pancakes & Politics logo.

“The new logo not only reflects this legacy but also demonstrates the progressive, new era of the conversation series as we continue to amplify the needs and voices of Black Detroiters,” Jackson added.

As the country heads into the two-year mark of the pandemic, businesses, schools and the community are finding

“[These are] not just numbers on a ballot sheet,” Whitmer said previously.

Whitmer initially presented the 2023 budget of $74.1 billion in proposed spending to lawmakers on Wednesday, February 9. Michigan currently has a good problem with a surplus on hand because of higher-than-expected tax revenue and federal COVID-19 aid.

Whitmer described the budget proposal targeted for the next fiscal year as an “opportunity” the state has not had in decades and does not raise the state’s taxes while boosting its credit rating.

With Russia warring with Ukraine, the Michigan Chronicle recently reported on how Whitmer sent a letter to State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks calling on the State of Michigan Investment Board to hold a special meeting to divest the state of Michigan Retirement Systems pension plans from Russia, and for the State Treasurer to do the same with various trust funds over which she is fiduciary. “(Recently), the world watched with horror as President Vladimir Putin launched an illegal and destructive war

See BLACK MEDIA page A6

See PANCAKES

& POLITICS page A6

Black Money Matters:

Why a Millennial and Gen Z Shift is Happening Now

By Sherri Kolade

at a time, which customers have influenced through the massive support of his business.

The pandemic has not always been kind to some Black millennials – they are still reeling from financial fallouts including job loss and a shaky economy and all the while juggling multiple responsibilities with the pandemic still running in the background as death tolls are still on the rise.

Coit, owner of Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique in Royal Oak, opened its sister store, Two18 at 1400 Fisher Fwy in Detroit on February 18 and calls Eastern Market its new home.

The pandemic, however, didn’t touch the whole demographic (ages 26 to 41 in 2022) entirely in the same way.

According to pewresearch.org, the impact of COVID-19 hit Black Americans differently based on their education level and age group as older individuals fared a bit better than those with lower levels of education and younger Black adults.

However, almost half of Black adults said that the economic result of the pandemic will still cause setbacks in reaching their financial goals down the road, especially after four-in-10 Black adults live in households that have lost jobs or wages since March 2020.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road For local Black millennials like Roland ‘Ro Spit’ Coit, the pandemic actually shined upon him and his business favorably.

As a business leader looking to change the game as a

Roland ‘Ro Spit’ Coit opened a new shoe store wealth builder, Coit is growing his empire one shoe store Two18 in Detroit. Photo by Ray “Trilogybeats” Rogers

Two18 (a culmination of 15 years of growth) continues the legacy of the Burn Rubber brand and will feature a similar concept as its predecessor.

“We’re looking forward, looking into the future. What you know about Burn Rubber, we’re leaving that as nostalgia for our customers and supporters,” said Coit in a press release.

Coit, 42, told the Michigan Chronicle that while the pandemic impacted his business positively and allowed him to open his second store and expand online sales options, he still keeps pushing, however, because his mindset revolves around being in a position to help others and building on a legacy that was not always chartered out for him and his fellow Black peers.

“My friends – we’ve had these in-depth conversations recently and … I feel like our generation is breaking the cycle,” Coit, a father of two daughters, said, adding that Black children, for the most part, did not grow up with a mapped-out plan of how to become successful. “[We’re

See BLACK

MONEY MATTERS page A6

Page A-6 | March 9-15, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Black Money Matters From page A-5 just trying] to make it a little bit easier for them to get things going when it is their time.”

Everyone’s time might look different when it comes to readying themselves for greater financial wealth, but according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, some things look the same. By 2019, millennial white families had accumulated a total wealth of about $88,000 in comparison to $22,000 for millennial Hispanic families and $5,000 for millennial Black families.

“Black families were a staggering 52 percent below wealth expectations,” St. Louis Fed senior researcher Ana Kent Hernández said of her data analysis.

Ebony reported, not surprisingly, that debt “plays a huge factor” in the wealth-building department and Black college graduates owe about $25,000 more in student debt than their white counterparts. Also, percent of Black students owe 12.5 percent more than the original amount of their borrowed loans due to interest rates.

“The wealth gap between young African Americans and whites is abysmal, and clearly shows that things really haven’t changed when it comes to the segregation of race and economics in the United States,” said Carl H. Joseph-Black, the founder of The Dime and The Blacklist Social Club, in the Ebony article.

Many know that wealthbuilding starts at home, but economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (who

Black Media From page A-5

looked into how Black, Hispanic and white millennial families secured their wealth between 2007 and 2019) showed that from material goods to debt — Black millennials are lagging.

While playing catch up might look different for everyone, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, some things look abysmally the same.

Delivering on a Promise Amazon Delivery Partner Jaren Kirkland, a 23-year-old Brownstown native, is making waves in his own lane as a young entrepreneur who’s making history and establishing his legacy as one of the youngest business owners in history to partner with Amazon.

He graduated from high school at the tender age of 16 and followed in the footsteps of his entrepreneurial father by establishing his own transportation business via Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. His father is a DSP that currently operates in Southeast Michigan. As a DSP, Jaren delivers packages on behalf of Amazon throughout Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, where he moved shortly after graduation.

Over the last two years, Jaren has grown his business, Duality Ventures, from employing 12 drivers to 80.

He has coached employees that have been with him since day one and promoted them to management, all while creating a sustainable and profitable business.

“What I value most about being a DSP is that I have an opportunity to make a differ-

Pancakes & Politics From page A-5 against the people of Ukraine. These heinous attacks are aimed at overthrowing Ukraine’s democratic government and violate international law. Since then, the federal government and our international allies and partners have announced significant sanctions targeting Russian financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, and other government-related activities,” part of her letter read. “Mich-

Metro Detroit native Jaren Kirkland is making major business moves through Amazon. Photo courtesy Amazon ence in people’s lives through employment. There are those who may consider it daunting for someone at my age, but I’m honored to be able to lead a team of 80 and demonstrate that Generation Z has so much to offer,” Kirkland said.

Kirkland, who lives in Maryland, told the Michigan Chronicle that his mother gave him an early “push” to strive for success starting in elementary school and encouraged him to do his homework before playing, which helped him to skip a grade.

“That put me in a trajectory of [being the] youngest person in the room,” he said adding that being young and

igan supports these national and international sanctions and should align our state-level actions.”

Now starting its 17th year, Pancakes & Politics has become a time-honored event and has hosted several prominent names including former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Chairman and CEO of Quicken Loans Dan Gilbert, Jennifer Granholm former Detroit mayor, and current Mayor Mike Duggan. Originally introduced in 2006, the series has continued to be a staple for the Black community

“unapologetically Black” is allowing him to live out his dreams now. “To my peers, I would say, with all respect to the older generations, we as a people get better with time.”

Kirkland said that he is upping the ante on his dreams now to incorporate even bigger dreams and push onto what’s next while holding onto his authentic self.

“I think that helps me stand out and makes a difference and attracts people that work with me and alongside of me,” Kirkland said. “We owe that to ourselves and people looking up to us and coming after us so we can open the door for them as well.”

providing a platform for changemakers, influencers and government leaders to voice community concerns, share solutions and bring about change regionally.

Hosted by President and CEO of Ignition Media Group Dennis Archer Jr. the forums are scheduled for March 18, April 21, May 19 and June 16, and will host an audience of invited business, political, and community leaders. Each forum will be broadcasted for the public at a later date — stay tuned to MichigaChronicle. com for broadcast dates.

funding and more.

The Lab will start with the 10 publishers that make up Word In Black, including The Atlanta Voice, New York Amsterdam News, Houston Defender, Washington Informer, St. Louis American, AFRO News, Seattle Medium, Sacramento Observer, Michigan Chronicle and Dallas Weekly.

Applications for the second cohort of eight publishers will open in Spring 2022. A third cohort will be announced in the first quarter of 2023. All Black-owned local media outlets are encouraged to apply.

“These investments show just how important continued support for publishers of color remains in the industry,” said Jim Brady, Knight’s vice president of Journalism. “Many legacy Black newspapers remain trusted voices in their communities, but have struggled as more Americans get their news from digital sources. Supporting legacy newsrooms and nurturing startup networks run by innovative leaders shows our commitment to publishers of color, helping Knight better serve the information needs of these communities.”

“Thanks to the LMA Lab we were able to significantly grow our digital revenue and audience, especially around newsletters and promotions,” said Elinor Tatum, publisher and owner, New York Amsterdam News. “The Knight x LMA Bloom Lab will help take our transformation to a whole new level. We’re especially excited about the technology stipends and dedicated resources to help us execute.”

“Since establishing sustainability for publishers of color as one of our four core pillars in 2018, the LMA has helped nearly 100 BIPOC organizations with business transformation, monetization and audience-building strategies,” said Nancy Lane, LMA’s chief executive officer.

“The Knight x LMA BloomLab will take these efforts to a whole new level as we will be able to provide unprecedented resources, specifically focused on technology, to a group of 26 Black-owned-and-operated media organizations. We’re thrilled to partner with the Knight Foundation on this groundbreaking industry initiative.”

These grants complement Knight’s $300 million, five-year commitment to invest in new, scalable initiatives with the potential to underpin a fresh future for local news and strengthen journalism, according to the press release.

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Michigan Chronicle

BLACK GIRL

MAGIC

15th Annual Thursday, March 31, 2022 6 PM Induction Reception & Ceremony International Banquet & Conference Center 400 Monroe Street, 8th Floor | Detroit, MI 48226

2022 Women of Excellence Honorees Brandi Basket, DO

Chief Medical Officer Michigan Market - Meridian

Regine Beauboeuf, PE

Senior Vice President/Director of Infrastructure and Mobility Equity HNTB Incorporated

Kimberly Blackwell

Captain Detroit Police Department

Brandy Brown

Chief Innovation Officer Walker-Miller Energy Services

Lottie Holland

Director, Diversity, Inclusion Engagement & EEO Compliance Stellantis

Kimberly Hurns

Executive Vice President for Instruction & Academic Affairs Washtenaw Community College

Petic Lane

IT Director - Architecture, Tools and Experience Services General Motors

Dana Lasenby, MBA, MA, LLP

CEO, KEM Consultants, LLC

Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Oakland Community Health Network

Sheree Calhoun

Nya Marshall, MBA, PMP

Meagan Brown, Ed.S

Content Producer WDIV- Local 4

Stacie Clayton, MBA

Director of Community Affairs Division of Government and Community Affairs Wayne State University

Stacey N. Crews, Ed.S.

Dean of Student Services Oakland Community College

Portia Davis-Mann

Pastor Community Church of God

Charity Dean, Esq.

CEO and Founder DIOMO Development and IVY Kitchen

Jennifer Martin-Green Superintendent Southfield Public Schools

De'Andrea Matthews, D.Th. Director of Diversity & Community Engagement Detroit Zoological Society

Melissa A. McClellan

Captain Oakland County Sheriff's Office

Leona Medley

President/CEO Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance

Director of Strategic and Community Partnership Bedrock Detroit

Hon. Teri Lynn Dennings

Pashon Murray

Judge Macomb County Circuit Court

Carladenise A. Edwards, Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer Henry Ford Health System

Regina Gaines Owner House of Pure Vin

Hon. Kameshia D. Gant

Judge Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court

LaShanda J. Golden

Small Business Community Lender Fifth Third Bank

Bianca Graves

Founder Detroit Dirt

Shaquila Myers

Senior Advisor to the Governor State of Michigan

Tonya R. Norwood, Ph.D.

Principal Noble Elementary-Middle School

Michele Reid, MD Chief Medical Officer CNS Healthcare

Christa Reeves

Managing Broker NextPointe Real Estate Services, LLC

Desiree Santiago

CEO Virtuoso Management, LLC

Nicole Sebree-Henry

Senior Director, Multicultural Marketing Rock Central Detroit

Nadia Sesay

Chief Community Growth and Development Officer Bedrock

Juanita Slappy

Head of Multicultural Marketing Cadillac, General Motors

DiAnna Solomon

Director Fund Development, Communications and Advocacy Detroit Area Agency on Aging

Misti Stanton

VP, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer Mercantile Bank

Alicia Stephens

Senior Vice President Director of Corporate Quality Comerica Bank

Verynda Stroughter Principal Renaissance High School

Gail Taylor

Vice President, Community Manager Chase Bank

Tammy Turner

Co-Owner/Partner Kapstone Employment Services

Kim Ward

Corporate Attorney CNH Industrial America

LaCresha Ware

Engineering & Estimating Vice President & Director Gayanga Co.

LaChandra White

Principal Palmer Park Preparatory Academy

Politcal Director, UAW National CAP Department UAW International

Sharron Rose

Dana L. Williams

Director Business Services Leading Edge Business Solutions

Chief Financial Officer Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Nancy E. Heaston

Kimberly Rustem

CEO, Action for Racial Equity Fellow Comerica Bank

Jamara Sanders

Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity (CRIO) City of Detroit

Chief Strategy Officer Detroit at Work

Shannon Wilson

Vice President , State Markets East Priority Health

Monica Woodson CEO Girl Scouts

Purchase Tickets at michiganchronicle.com/woe2022 For Sponsorship Information, Call 313-963-5522

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City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | March 9-15, 2022

michiganchronicle.com

Why You Don’t “Have” to Do Anything

By Sherri Kolade You get to -- not have to.

That increasingly popular phrase is growing for a reason.

It speaks to a new mindset, a shift in thinking and processing one’s brain into realizing that we don’t have all of these responsibilities bogging us down – rather, we have opportunities.

This year is a year bubbling with new ideas waiting to be explored, tasks to take on and when you add on new and daily responsibilities, think that you “get to” do things and not “have to.” But it starts with the mind.

Timothy A Pychyl, a faculty member of Carleton University’s Department of Psychology, who wrote numerous journal articles, conference presentations and edited books such as “Procrastination, Health, and Well-Being,” talked about how being externally motivated can undermine willpower.

“I’ve got to get this done. I’m going to try and do that tomorrow. Both of these statements signal upcoming problems for really getting things done,” Pychyl said in a Psychology Today article adding that how people word things can make all the difference. “When I ‘gotta get something done,’ it’s often because I’m expected to, it’s expected of me, and the motivation is external to me. When I ‘want to get something done,’ we see this more as internal motivation.”

Pychyl added that external motivation involves people having “self-control to be successful,” which only lasts for so long because it’s not truly coming from within.

“We have to exert our will to get down and work at the task as intended. We can do it, but it will cost us,” Pychyl said adding that exertion of self-control empties people out and pivoting the mind to be more motivated comes from an internal change.

Left to right- Brittny Smith, Charis Gullage, Amahri Edward-Jones. (Photo by Nick Gould Photography)

“We still require self-regulation to act as intended, but this self-regulation is seen to be more invigorating, less depleting. We’re working more from intrinsic interest, or at least more internalized interest in the task at hand. It’s not that we’re forcing ourselves, and we do have to expend effort and focus our energies, but we’re interested and fueled by the work,” he said in the article.

Many know that words hold power—it’s true. Yet, so do thoughts and ideas that are not even verbalized.

By Megan Kirk Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco, reigned supreme during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Now, Broadway in Detroit is bringing her life and legacy to the stage with “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” Premiering at the Fisher Theatre, fans will get an intimate look at the music icon and enjoy the sounds that made national and international fans dance.

Be Spoke Wellness Partners wrote that mindset shifts start with becoming a priority in your own life and the change happens when we watch our thought patterns and learn to be what some might call a bit selfish (but without the guilt) for starters.

“When you think about paying attention to yourself—your dreams, your body, your mental health and everything that has to do with you—what is it that you are thinking about?” author Limor Weinstein wrote. “How would you feel if just for one hour (and maybe we can even stretch this a little bit to one day), you only think about you and your needs? Many of us confuse taking care of ourselves with being selfish or inconsiderate, but if you truly give this some thought, you’ll realize that in order to be all that you want for everyone else, you must first

See WELLNESS Page B-2

Ciara Jones.

“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” will showcase the humble beginnings of the music superstar and her ascension into the disco diva the world came to know. Born LaDonna Adrian Gaines in Boston, Donna Summer began singing in church. Growing to become a chart-topping queen, the musical will share the ups and downs of stardom. Each phase of the singer’s life will be told and portrayed by three different women; Amahri Edwards-Jones as Duckling Donna, Charis Gullage as Disco Donna and Brittny Smith as Diva

Donna. The show also features a hometown hero as Detroit’s own Ciara Jones will take part in her first national tour.

“I am playing a myriad of people. I am young Dara, who is young Donna’s sister and I also play Amanda, who is Donna Summer’s daughter and then I’m also an ensemble member; so, a dancer, musician, the background chorus,” said Jones.

As a child, Jones became familiar with music by Donna Summer through her parents and grandparents. A staple in her home, Summer’s music was a constant long before she was cast in the show depicting her life.

“I knew Donna Summer as the Disco Queen. My parents have Donna Summer albums. My grandparents would sing her songs so I always subconsciously knew her music,” said Jones. “It was a part of the car playlist, the cleaning the house playlist, on the radio. It was always playing,” said Jones. “She’s just

See DONNA SUMMER Page B-2

Black “By Popular Demand”:

Savvy Couple Open Retail Space for Detroit Businesses

By Sherri Kolade

By Popular Demand The Collective, LLC, is a whole collaborative vibe, and the retail-based company is inviting other small businesses looking to get a slice of shelf space to join them at their new location, 2863 E. Grand Blvd. in Milwaukee Junction District in Detroit.

Owned by husband and wife, Devin McKenzie and Daisha McKenzie, the couple started By Popular Demand The Collective because they recognized a void in the marketplace.

The retail store will place small businesses into an elevated and premier space for unique businesses in the Michigan marketplace under one roof in a collaborative setting. They currently have 18 merchants on board.

By Popular Demand The Collective, LLC, owners Devin McKenzie and Daisha McKenzie are looking for Michigan business owners in need of shelf space to collaborate with their new business. Photo courtesy of By Popular Demand The Collective, LLC By Popular Demand The Collective, LLC, owners Devin McKenzie and Daisha McKenzie are looking for Michigan business owners in need of shelf space to collaborate with their new business. Photo courtesy of By Popular Demand The Collective, LLC

Operating since the 2020 holiday season, the business faced setbacks that delayed its brick and mortar opening until recently on February 1. A grand opening is now officially scheduled for Sunday, March 13.

“Starting our business during this pandemic was definitely a risk,” the owners said. “It was challenging at first just helping people feel confident to come out of the house to shop. We were able to overcome that by providing scheduled appointments for shoppers to ensure their

safety. We believed fully in our mission and had complete faith in what we set out to accomplish. … Having faith in our mission has turned out to be the best decision we could have made.”

Together the McKenzies have a combined 35 years of experience in sales, customer service, business ownership, management and marketing, information technology and more. Their experiences have landed them jobs across the Midwest, and they have held positions at Ford Motor Company, Puffer Reds, Sneaker Villa, White House Black Market, Detroit Is The New Black, Verizon Wireless and The Auto Club Group, according to their biography.

“We decided to take the skills we have acquired over the years and help others in the areas we feel are most important to small product-based business success,” they said. “So, we opened By Popular Demand The Collective to bridge the gap between small businesses and availability along with customers and retail options. We are here to [put] small businesses into the marketplace, providing an elevated and premier retail space for local businesses in Michigan and creating a culture of new business success.”

See BY POPULAR DEMAND Page B-2

Page B-2 | March 9-15, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Donna Summer From page B-1

been a familiar part of a playlist for me as far as my parents.”

Known for songs such as “Hot Stuff,” “On the Radio,” “She Works Hard for the Money,” “Love to Love You Baby” and many more, Summer created the blueprint by which many artists perform today.

The show will feature moments from the legend’s life that may not be well known. A stint overseas helped to create the sound audiences know and love.

It is also where she fell in love.

“I didn’t know that her time in Germany really influenced a lot of her life.

There’s a Germany portion in the show, which I just didn’t know about. I would have just assumed Donna Summer All-American girl, but she moved to Germany at the beginning of her career and really started her tract in Germany and let the German artistic scene over there influence her artistry and her love life,” said Jones. “I appreciate how international she was and is.”

By Popular Demand The Collective, LLC, retail space will celebrate its grand opening in March. Photo courtesy of By Popular Demand The Collective, LLC

By Popular Demand From page B-1 Described as a catalyst for growth, development and exposure for Michigan’s up-and-coming businesses, authors, artists and more, The Collective is geared to help small business owners by providing credibility for businesses and having valuable opportunities that are not readily available. By bridging the gap between small businesses and availability along with consumers and retail options, The Collective is creating a culture for new business success.

“As we began looking for opportunities that would help us grow and bring awareness to our businesses, we realized the opportunities in retail were not readily available,” the owners told the Michigan Chronicle. “We began building our own businesses, Trinkets and Such and Fearless Rebels Lifestyle Brand.”

Trinkets and Such is a gift shop focused on the principles of quality, style, and service with hand-stamped jewelry and a collection of curated items. Fearless Rebels Lifestyle Brand is a streetwear clothing company providing highend comfort streetwear for men and women.

The Collective is looking to house retail options including: hand stamped jewelry, accessories, men’s grooming kits, hand-poured candles, natural handmade bath and body products, hair products, apparel, Michigan-based prepackaged food and beverages, cosmetics, packaged pastries, floral arrangements, leather goods and more from

Wellness From page B-1

take care of yourself and make yourself a priority.”

Once knowing you are the priority, then prioritizing what is important and what can wait professionally and personally can make the day go a whole lot smoother.

Instead of saying “I’ll try to get that done today” often than not it won’t get done, which can be a form of unintentional self-sabotage.

“There are times when extenuating

“We dedicate our time daily to each of our merchants by providing them with business strategy sessions, curated content and events, access to recourse and more,” the couple said. “This has given merchants within The Collective the opportunity to collaborate ... and create new products, marketing ideas and develop relationships with other small business owners. … and experiences big-box retailers do not provide.”

They added that during this COVID era, their business practices are allowing small product-based businesses to thrive and “move the needle forward” and bring others along.

“We want to be the leaders of the small business community providing opportunities to those who are retail ready,” they said, adding that growing up in Detroit prepared them in more ways than one. “You learn early that success comes with hard work, dedication and sacrifices. Ford, Chrysler, GM, DTE and others have provided hundreds of thousands of jobs for many families for generations. We want to do the same for that mother, father, son and daughter who are looking to build their own successful small business to provide for their family. We are the [change] we want to see.”

For more information www.bpdthecollective.com.

visit

circumstances may prevent us from acting, but I’m not talking about this form of delay. I’m speaking to those moments of voluntary delay where we know we have the time to do something, that it’s in our best interest to do it, but we still say, ‘Yeah, I’ll try to get that done today,’” Be Spoke Wellness noted.

Being more mindful of where attention is directed is also key to finding the underlying cause of why people delay things, which can cause another myriad of problems on and off the job, according to Be Spoke Wellness.

“It is a choice we make in language, and it’s a choice in our perspective. Do I have to do it, or do I want to do it?”

EVERYONE DESERVES A SAFE, STABLE HOME.

“I’m excited for them to just be enraptured by the music. It is a disco party and they’re going to have so much fun and I know this is going to be some people’s first time back in the theatre, so this is the perfect show for people to get up, get dancing in their seats, feel nostalgic for the Disco era and really be transported back to that time and place,” said Jones.

“She is, I think she really set the framework for Black women in popular music. So, I think she is really the foundation for a lot of what we see now as far as pop stars in the music industry,” said Jones. “I would say that Donna Summer was one of the first to do it and we just see her being admired and paying homage. If it’s Beyoncé, if it’s Selena, they are playing ‘Love to Love You’ and getting inspired by that sexiness and soulfulness.”

“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” will play at the Fisher Theatre March 8-20, 2022.

Bless Your Eardrums with Ambient Noise

By Sherri Kolade

Michigan business owners looking for a location to sell their products. Merchants would also keep 100 percent of their total product sales.

Detroit audiences will get to relive the music that defined the Disco period and move to the sounds of rhythmic beats and sultry horns. Moreover, fans will be able to travel back to a time when Disco music ruled the charts.

Many know what white noise is, but have you ever heard of pink or brown noise?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, white noise covers up the sound of other noises, which allows one to fall asleep easier, or relax, especially if they live in loud neighborhoods or can’t unwind easily.

The different types of “colors” of noise are based on several factors.

“When measuring sound waves, ‘frequency’ refers to how fast the waves vibrate per second while ‘amplitude’ (or ‘power’) refers to the size of the waves,” according to the National Sleep Foundation. “Frequency is measured in hertz and amplitude is usually measured in decibels. The relationship between the frequency and amplitude of a sound wave is used to define different ‘colors’ of noise, which share structural properties with corresponding light waves of the same name.”

The article added that to create white noise, every frequency that the human ear can hear is played (in no particular order) at the same amplitude, causing the “shhh” sound people link to television or radio static.

The Sound of Silence “Just as white light is thought to be composed of every visible wavelength on the color spectrum, white noise consists of every audible frequency. Fittingly, ‘black noise’ refers to the literal sound of silence,” the article added.

Also, jarring noises like shutting a door do not wake up a person per se because it’s loud, but it’s the disruption in sound consistency that matters, the article added.

“From soft to loud can be strong enough to interrupt your sleep. True white noise essentially creates a blanket of sound that masks these sudden consistency changes. And since white noise is audible, it can also be useful for people who do not like sleeping in a completely silent environment,” the National Sleep Foundation added. “White noise has

proven particularly effective for hospital patients. These settings tend to be quite loud and filled with ambient noise that can disrupt sleep. Studies suggest a white noise machine can reduce sleep onset for patients, or the time it takes to fall asleep, by nearly 40 percent compared to patients who don’t use these devices.”

Many people also know that white noise can help babies and toddlers fall asleep faster, too.

Noisy Colors According to the article, pink noise, another form of ambient noise, “decreases by half every time the frequency doubles,” resulting in a “blend” of more dramatic low-frequency tones and softer high-frequency tones.

“Some sounds confused with white noise,” the article added. “While white noise is defined by equal amplitude across all frequencies.”

The National Sleep Foundation said that pink noise is considered to be “more pleasant” than white noise and per some studies, can “reduce your brain wave activity” for a better boost in sleep.

People who like pink noise might also like red noise, which also decreases in intensity as the frequency increases, but more dramatically, causing a low rumbling sound. On the flip side, blue noise grows in intensity as the frequency rises, causing more emphasis on high tones and less for low tones, according to the article.

“Blue noise can be likened to a fine spray of water,” the National Sleep Foundation noted.

“The best color of noise for sleep will come down to personal preference. If you find high-frequency sounds too harsh, then bass-heavy pink or red noise may be smoother to your ears. If you would rather listen to higher-frequency sounds, white or blue noise might be your best option.

We recommend experimenting with different colors using a sound machine that can replicate these noises,” the National Sleep Foundation said in the article.

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michiganchronicle.com | March 9-15, 2022 | Page B-3

(Left to right) Jisel Soleil Ayon, Kennedy Salters and Gabriella Marzetta. (Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel)

“Waitress” Premiers in Detroit’s Music Hall

By Megan Kirk

Order up! Broadway in Detroit is serving up a new show and it promises to be a fan favorite. “Waitress” is coming to the Music Hall for a limited one-week engagement and is ready to dish out a heaping portion of entertainment.

Based on the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, “Waitress” tells the story of a woman with big dreams and an even bigger heart. The main character, Jenna, played by Jisel Soleil Ayon, is a waitress and expert pie-maker who hopes to leave the constraints of her small town and rocky marriage. “’Waitress’ is about a woman who is a waitress in a small town who is stuck in a life that she is unhappy in and she realizes how stuck she is. Basically, [she] goes on a journey of finding self-love again and finding the motivation to go after her dreams again,” said Ayon. “With the help of her community around her, she’s able to do that. It’s a story about community and it’s a story about friendship and it’s a story about inner-strength.”

With pies at the center of the play, Jenna devotes herself to creating sweet treats that tell the story of her life. Crafting desserts like “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed by My Eggs Pie,” Jenna soon realizes her chance at a new life may be closer than anticipated. With the help of a baking contest in a nearby county and a chance encounter with someone new, Jenna is left with opportunities she has only hoped for. Audiences will be able to follow her journey and find out if she has the courage to grab her new life by the dough!

“In general, what I’m always excited for audiences to experience is the roller coaster that the show takes you on be-

cause it can get to some pretty low places in the show. But at the same time, it takes you to such highs because of how low you’ve gotten. You can’t have happiness and joy without experiencing sadness,” said Ayon.

Ayon, who is of African-American and Mexican descent, is one of few women of color who have stepped into the leading role. Despite race, Jenna is a universal representation of women who desire more and lends her voice as an inspiration to all.

“Jenna is a character, again, she’s very universal and this story does not rely on what ethnicity you are, what nationality you are,” said Ayon.

Each song featured in the production will take audiences on an emotional ride full of fun, laughter and personal triumphs.

“My favorite song to sing, for a while, has been the song that is second to last, it’s called ‘Everything Changes,’ and it is -- just to sing, it is so beautiful. The whole score is beautiful, but that song in particular sits in this floaty type of place that is so soft and delicate and the harmonies that Sara Bareilles wrote in that specific song, when the ensemble comes in to support me, is just -- there’s some dissonant chords in some places which are some of my favorite harmonies,” said Ayon.

First opened April 2016 at Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theatre, “Waitress’ is the first Broadway musical in history to have four women in the four top creative team spots. With a book by Jessie Nelson, musical score by Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles, who is the composer of

“Love Song” and “Brave,” choreography

by Lorin Latarro and direction by Tony Award®-winner Diane Paulus, the production is showing a lot of girl power.

Newcomers are in for a treat as the show delivers a production unlike any other.

“I’m always most excited when audience members have never seen the show. Don’t get me wrong, I love our frequent pie-ers, but when you have someone who’s coming in fresh who has no idea what’s about to happen, is just one of my favorite things ever,” said Ayon.

The diner opens up March 15 and runs until March 20, 2022. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-982-2787, and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.

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Keeping You Informed At All Times Of The Day michiganchronicle.com | DQE

THEY’RE YOUR METROPARKS. CELEBRATE SYRUP SEASON WITH US. Maple Sugaring programs are available during March at select Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

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Warm Up Winter with Comforting Classics

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Page B-4 | March 9-15, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

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Classifieds

michiganchronicle.com | March 9-15, 2022 | Page B-5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for the installation of a turf field at MLK High School under RFP 22-0082.

The due date for Proposals is March 16, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Late proposals will not be accepted.

A virtual Public Opening will occur at 12:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022.

Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305

Conference ID: 816 846 646# https://tinyurl.com/bp7ttvkr

Request-for-Proposal for the installation of a Veterans’ Memorial Plaza The Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority (Authority) manages the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center located at 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. The Authority has a tradition of honoring our military and active-duty service members and veterans by raising the flags of each branch of the U.S. military on their anniversary dates and the Purple Heart Flag on Veterans’ Day, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and on Purple Heart Day. The Authority is issuing an RFPs for the installation of a plaza at the flagpole on the E. Jefferson lawn of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. If you are interested in receiving an RFP, please send your request to commissioners@dwjba.com.

An optional on-sight walkthrough will occur at 11:00 a.m. ET on March 3, 2022 at Martin Luther King High School, 3200 East Lafayette Street, Detroit, MI, 48207.

All bids must be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exists between the submitting company and any employee of DPSCD. DPSCD shall not accept a bid that does not include this sworn and notarized disclosure statement.

If you have questions, please contact the Procurement Department at (313) 873-6531.

HELP WANTED

Join Our Team

Walker-Miller Energy Services is hiring!

The Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority the owner and manager of the two-tower 745,000 square foot Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (CAYMC) located at 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226.

Anticipates issuing a series of RFPs for various building services and supplies. If you are interested in receiving an RFP, please send your request to commissioners@dwjba.com please include the Service or Supply RFP you would like to receive.

Professional Services: • Property Management • Architectural and Engineering (mechanical, civil, structural, space planning, landscape, ADA, etc.)

• Legal • Accounting and Finance • Insurance • Public Relations Building Standard Services: • Security Guard Service • Janitorial Service • Landscaping/Snow Removal • Pest Control • Plumbing • Electrical • Carpentry • Interior Landscaping

Maintenance Services: • Painting • Glass/Glazing • Roofing • Carpet and Tile • Window Treatment • Asbestos Abatement • Marble Maintenance • Moving/Relocation Supplies: • Janitorial Supplies • Office Supplies • Miscellaneous Supplies (tools, ladders, PPE, etc.)

• Signage/Graphics • Keys and Locks • AHU Filters • Lighting Supplies • Uniforms

Ways to Go Green If You’re Not Ready for an Electric Vehicle (StatePoint) Countless headlines suggest you have to drive a battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) if you care about the planet. Yet consumers, including many who want to be “green,” are still opting for gasoline-powered vehicles 98 percent of the time. What’s standing in their way?

■C ost. It may cost as much as $10,000 or $15,000 more up-front for a battery-electric car compared with a similar gas-powered car. harging. Install■C ing a home charger that’s required to run a EV can cost an additional $1,000 to $3,000. Additionally, a home charger may not be possible for those who park on the street or live in an apartment building.

Detroit Edison Public School Academy and Detroit Edison Public School Academy High School - ECE is accepting student applications (Pre-K through grade 12) for the 2022-2023 school year. The student enrollment period will begin Monday, March 7, 2022 and will continue until Friday, April 1, 2022. Applications accepted after April 1, 2022 may be placed on the waiting list. Parents of students interested in applying for the 2022-2023 school year may apply online at www.detroitedisionpsa.org or obtain an application in the school’s K-8 office located at 1903 Wilkins St. Detroit, MI 48207 or the high school at 3404 St. Aubin Detroit, MI 48207.

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC seeks an Engineering Supervisor, in Troy, MI to lead team of engineers and designers to effectively perform engineering analysis necessary for the production design, application and testing of axle/suspension components and systems; among other duties. Five years of experience in the job offered or related required. International and domestic travel required, as needed, up to 20%. Apply to job reference number 22000033 at: meritor.jobs.net/search

Finance Manager - Capital Planning & Corporate Finance General Motors, Detroit, MI. Assist &support functional Finance Executive &functional business partners on strategic &tactical matters relating to capital planning incldg funding &repatriation plans, &capital structure anlys, auto finance arrangements, pensions & projects. Supervise 2 Associates, Capital Planning. Assess &evaluate capital structure for business units. Utilize optimal funding &repatriation instruments to adjust &refine capital structures taking into account cross-functional considerations. Dvlp financial models to determine liquidity needs at GMI region subsidiaries. Support ad hoc requests related to capital planning, &pensions. Design, negotiate, &approve bank auto finance arrangements across overseas operations. Assess liquidity impact for corporation from accelerating payment terms for selected suppliers. Act as Treasury single point contact for special &ad hoc projects in the GMI region. Assist Treasury team w/ understanding bigger picture &how projects relate to enterprise goals.

Prepare &present materials to executives to support &obtain approval for annual funding plans &annual dividend plans for intnl ops. Master, Bus. Admin., Economics, or Finance. 12 mos exp as Financial Analyst, Finance Specialist, or related, assisting or supporting regional business units on capital structure anlys &auto finance arrangements, &assessing liquidity impact from accelerating payment terms for suppliers regionally, or related. Mail resume to Ref#8301-245, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

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Proclamation I, NOBLE DREW ALI, appoint Williams El, Sheik Whose location is 473 Chalmers Detroit Michigan territory 48215, PROCLAIM MY FREE NATIONAL NAME AS MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA according to the usages of such MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA The Moorish Science Temple of America deriving its power and authority from the Great Koran of Mohammed to propagate the faith and extend the learning and truth of the Great Prophet Alli in America.

To anoint, appoint and consecrate missionaries of the prophet and to establish the faith of Mohammed in America.

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Proclamation I, NOBLE DREW ALI, appoint Williams El, Sheik Whose location is Detroit Michigan territory 9055 mandale 48209, PROCLAIM MY FREE NATIONAL NAME AS MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA according to the usages of such MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA The Moorish Science Temple of America deriving its power and authority from the Great Koran of Mohammed to propagate the faith and extend the learning and truth of the Great Prophet Alli in America.

To anoint, appoint and consecrate missionaries of the prophet and to establish the faith of Mohammed in America.

SSN: 10105905 DISPENSATION NO: 1099 OAAN 7003: Social Security Administration

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■R oad trips. The number of public charging spots is growing, but it’s not like the nationwide network of gas stations. Even with a relatively robust 200-mile range, EV owners must plan carefully for charging breaks every few hours of driving. It may take 30 to 60 minutes to add enough battery power for another couple hours of driving. Bigger battery packs can give longer range, but also longer charging times.

If any of these realities are the deal-breakers preventing you from going green behind the wheel -- relax!

There are still at least four good alternatives to EVs that will still help the environment without breaking the bank.

Hybrids

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EASTSIDE Utilities included, bedroom partly furnished, mature adult preferred.

Accounts Receivable Analyst/Accountant – Detroit, MI Direct Installer – Lansing, MI Energy Advisor – Saginaw, MI Energy Efficiency Concierge – Detroit, MI Energy Engineer – Detroit, MI Energy Specialist/Field Technician – Detroit, MI Energy Specialist/Field Technician – Grand Rapids, MI Financial Analyst – Detroit Human Resources Operations Manager – Detroit IT Helpdesk Support Technician II – Detroit, MI Outreach Manager – Detroit, MI Outreach Supervisor – Detroit, MI Proposal Manager – Detroit, MI Senior Director, Program Operations – Detroit, MI To apply please visit wmenergy.com/careers-2/

Hybrid technology has been around since the late 1990s. Hybrids combine a smaller gas engine with battery-powered electric motors for better fuel economy.

Hybrid sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Hyundai Sonata now average more than 50 miles per gallon. The Toyota Prius Eco gets 56 mpg in combined city-highway driving, according to fueleconomy.gov.

A 50-mpg hybrid replacing a 30-mpg vehicle will save $625 a year in fuel costs, or $3,100 over five years. You’ll save even more if your trade-in gets less than 30 mpg!

Plug-in Hybrids A plug-in hybrid is a hybrid you can plug-in to charge a separate battery and then drive for 30-50 miles on pure electric power. After that, a gasoline engine kicks in, operating like a hybrid. For commuting, a plug-in like a Toyota RAV4 Prime or Prius Prime is a great choice. The average U.S. commute is 16 miles. With just 32 miles of electric-only range, that commuter wouldn’t need gasoline to get to work.

Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles Fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are electric vehicles powered by a reaction from hydrogen fuel and oxygen, making water vapor the only emission. The 2021 Toyota Mirai, for example, has a range of more than 400 miles, compared to 200-300 for most newer EVs. FCEVs are refilled at a station, like the gas stations you’re used to.

The main challenge is a lack of hydrogen infrastructure.

California is the only state with a robust network of fueling stations -- but more are on the way.

More Efficient Gasoline-Powered Cars While not as dramatic in helping the environment as the other options mentioned, conventional gas engine cars still have a lot to offer. Automakers have been improving them continuously to meet tougher federal fuel economy regulations. Some gas-powered SUVs you see around town, like the 2021 Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4, might get 30 percent better mileage than the 10-year-old car or SUV they’re replacing. That would cost about $400 less per year to operate than their 2011 counterparts, or an extra $2,000 in your pocket after just five years!

Page B-6 | March 9-15, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com