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Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 85 – No. 34 | April 27 - May 3, 2022

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The Trigger

Michigan Chronicle Endorses

Gun Violence in the City

Adam Hollier for 13th

By Megan Kirk Across metro Detroit, issues of gun violence are plaguing the community. Deaths, particularly for women and children, are increasing as guns continue to be a problem. Though inner cities have been battling issues surrounding gun violence for decades, there has yet to be a solution. Gun education and safety are a start but how can the state begin to turn the tide and work towards a safer environment across the cities?

Congressional District

Michigan continues to rank as one of the states with the highest rates of gun homicides of African Americans. From 2015 through 2019, Michigan ranked the ninth highest across the country for gun homicides of African Americans; 30 percent higher than the national

Chad King, co-founder/president of Black Bottom Gun Club and Midwestern Regional Director for ­ the National African American Gun Association. rate, according to American Progress. Though Michigan has strict gun laws, access to guns is a main concern for residents and lawmakers. Gun advocates are pushing for education, better personal control and safety measures in homes for gun carriers.

“Firearms education is absolutely critical, regardless of age or disposition towards firearms.

Firearms are ubiquitous in American culture, and every person that does not own a firearm is separated by a person who does by only a few degrees, and because of this, exposure to firearms will likely be inevitable. That being said, proper gun knowledge is necessary because firearm safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Chad King, co-founder/president of Black Bottom Gun Club and Midwestern Regional Director for the National African American Gun Association.

“Ignorance about firearms -- what they are, how they operate and how to use them properly and safely -- endangers individuals, families and communities.”

Accidental weapon discharge is also a leading cause in injuries and deaths of young children across the city. An increased number of children with access to guns are hurting themselves and others.

Gun safety measures are key in keeping children safe from danger.

To curb curiosity, gun advocates

See GUN

In conjunction with Legacy Committee for Unified Leadership

T

he Michigan Chronicle endorses and supports State Senator Adam Hollier in his bid to win the revamped 13th Congressional District and a seat in the United States Congress.

The Michigan Chronicle sees Hollier as a proven state lawmaker with the integrity, skill set, experience, fight, and tenacity needed on Capitol Hill to deliver tangible results benefiting the people of the 13th Congressional District, including a significant number of Detroiters.

Hollier, a Detroit native, has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering underserved communities through his work in the state senate to spur job growth, improve the economy, back small business investments, and champion social justice, voting rights, clean water, better education, public safety, and family issues inclusive of affordable child care.

The Michigan Chronicle’s endorsement honors and stands 100% with the Legacy Committee for Unified Leadership’s selection of Hollier as its “Black Consensus Candidate.”

The committee was convened in January by Wayne County Executive Warren Evans to conduct a fair and transparent process. The committee, whose selection was announced in March, was comprised of individuals representing a broad sector of Detroit’s core makeup in politics, the faith-based community, civic circles, business, community-social- civil rights advocacies, labor unions, education, and other entities.

In the large field of African American candidates – all Democrats - running in the 13th, the splitting of Black votes in the “majority-minority” dis-

trict with a 45% Black population was - and still is - a major concern.

In addition to Hollier, other Black candidates in the race include John Conyers III (the late Congressman John Conyers Jr.’s son), Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (former state representative, current Detroit School Board member), Michael Griffie (educator, attorney), Angela McIntosh (business owner), Sharon McPhail (attorney, former city council member), Toni Mua (social change advocate), Portia Roberson (CEO, Focus: Hope), and Lorrie Rutledge (business owner). In addition, several non-African American candidates are in the race, including State Representative Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American pledging to spend millions of his own money funding his campaign.

Many political stakeholders interested in the 13th Congressional race applauded the Evans-led committee to select one candidate to endorse and back exclusively in a district that includes much of Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, the Grosse Pointes, and some Downriver and western Wayne County cities.

“Our goal was simple,” Evans told the Chronicle. “We wanted to come together in unity to put our collective power behind the candidate with the best chance to win the seat. Adam Hollier’s political and military experience, along with the fact that he has worked hard to serve constituents of the 19 diverse communities within the district, sets him apart from the other candidates. He has a strong fundraising team and a campaign network to compete on the national level.”

“I am honored to have been selected by this group of civic and commu-

nity leaders after a rigorous process,” Hollier said. “This group knows the 13th District needs a leader with a track record of getting things done.

The people of the 13th Congressional District deserve a congressperson who understands the complexities and diversity of this district and can represent Detroit, Downriver, the Pointes, and Western Wayne well in Washington.”

The Michigan Chronicle recognizes the importance of the historic 13th continuing to send Black representation to Washington to serve a large swath of Black citizens in Detroit. Charles Diggs made history in 1954 when he was elected Michigan’s first Black Congressman, followed by many others over the ensuing decades.

However, Black congressional representation from Michigan in Washington has been skating on thin ice since Rep. John Conyers Jr. - the Dean - resigned from Congress in 2017. He was elected in 1964. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American and former state legislator, ultimately won the defining election for Conyers’ vacated seat.

In January, Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Michigan’s lone Black member of Congress, announced that she was retiring from the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of her current term. Many in Michigan’s Black political and community circles wanted Lawrence to run for re-election in the redrawn 12th Congressional District.

Instead, Rep. Tlaib, elected in 2018 to serve the 13th, chose to run for re-election in the new 12th. The decisions by both congresswomen meant that the 13th Congressional District

See ADAM

HOLLIER page A2

VIOLENCE page A2

WHAT’S INSIDE

Will the I-375 Modernization Project Honor Historic Black Bottom and Paradise Valley?

By Donald James

homes, businesses, schools, churches, medical facilities, and entertainment venues in two historic and culturally significant Black communities: Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.

Senior Writer, Real Times Media

Catch the Fashions in Spring 2022 City.Life.Style. B1

$1.00

In a grand effort to keep campaign promises of “fixing the damn roads,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced recently that the State of Michigan is moving forward with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to replace the outdated I-375 freeway. In what is described as a “herculean construction feat,” the sublevel freeway south of the I-75 interchange will be transformed into a ground-level boulevard running past Jefferson Ave., straight to Atwater Street near the Detroit River. The new boulevard is projected to spur economic prosperity and provide better connectivity and easier access between adjacent areas in and near downtown Detroit currently separated by the mile-long stretch of I-375.

For many Detroiters familiar with the history of the I-375 freeway, they remember its construction started in 1959 and

completed in 1964. Its existence came at the expense of dislodging approximately 130,000 Black people and destroying their

“As we continue getting things done on the roads, we must take a closer look at the unjust legacy of so many of our freeways,” Whitmer said. “This includes I-375, which paved through two prosperous Black neighborhoods decades ago.

Now we must build up our state’s infrastructure with equity at the core. While we cannot change the past, we must work harder to build a more just future, and that starts with listening to and engaging with the community and taking deliberate steps to get this done right.”

The communities of Black

See FREEWAY

PROJECT page A2

Page A-2 | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

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Freeway Project From page A-1 Bottom and Paradise Valley began growing exponentially not long after Ford Motor Company’s founder, Henry Ford, sounded the clarion call in 1914 that he would pay workers $5.00 per day to work in his new assembly-line plant. The call was answered globally, especially by Black people in the South.

What followed was the Great Black Migration to Detroit.

In 1914, it’s believed that Detroit’s Black population hovered around 6,000. By 1933, the city’s African American population was at 120,000 – and rising – reaching 300,000plus in 1950. At the time, no other city in America was growing its Black population faster than Detroit.

Housing African Americans migrating to Detroit proved difficult at first because of the deep racial divide in the city, punctuated by pure racist housing ordinances. As a result, Black people could only live in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley between 1920 and well into the 1940s.

Geographically, Black Bottom was on the city’s near east side, loosely bordered by Gratiot Ave., Brush, the Detroit River, and the Grand Trunk railroad tracks where the Dequindre Cut is located today. The name Black Bottom wasn’t derived from the color of the people living in the community, but rather the rich black soil generic to the area. Paradise Valley was an adjacent community on the near east side of downtown, bordered by Gratiot Ave., Brush, Vernor Highway, and Hastings.

Other streets common to Paradise Valley included St. Antoine, East Adams, El-

mwood, Larned, and Lafayette.

According to local historians, Paradise Valley was home to approximately 350 Black businesses, including a movie theater, the country’s only blackowned pawnshop, grocery stores, banks, churches, drug stores, and more.

Doctors, lawyers, dentists, and tailors lived in this community.

Paradise Valley was known for turning up the nightlife, as the community was home to many bars, jazz and dance clubs, speakeasies, and the Paradise Theater (now Orchestra Hall). The top jazz artists of the era frequently played venues in the Valley, including Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Billie Holliday, and others.

Nevertheless, Black people’s lives in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley began shifting in 1943, following a major race riot that saw fierce fighting resulting in more than 600 people of both races injured and 17 African Americans killed.

In 1946, White Detroiters in power, led by Detroit’s Common Council and Mayor Edward Jeffries, hatched “The Detroit Plan.” In essence, the plan was a way of eventually eliminating Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, considered slums by White people, to make way for new downtown living and business developments. The plan was to “whitewash” the two Black communities.

Over the ensuing decade, the city’s plan was methodically implemented, meaning Black people in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were dislodged from their homes, sometimes with just a 30-day notice to vacate.

Their homes, businesses, churches,

Gun Violence From page A-1

are suggesting introducing children to the weapon in a safe and controlled environment.

“It’s super important to educate children early on firearm safety, and to demystify guns and take away their curiosity by exposing them to firearms in a safe, controlled and healthy way,” said King.

In inner cities like Detroit, gun violence comes at the hands of many factors, including socio-economic indicators. Poverty plays a major role in crime and creates an environment for illicit activity.

Deep rooted systemic issues perpetuate dangers with guns and do not look to be decreasing. To find a means to an end, some suggest addressing the issues that cause gun violence in communities of color.

“It’s really important to understand that violence and any increase in violent crime is a symp-

schools, and other places in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were razed by the power of “eminent domain” that the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of giving the city, meaning the municipality of Detroit could take property from residents of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley for such developments as Lafayette Park, comprised of ground-level townhouses and high-rise apartments and condominiums.

Yet, the death blow to Black Bottom and Paradise Valley was the construction of I-375, an extension of the Chrysler Freeway (I-75). The freeway’s path directly wipedout Hastings St., the legendary thoroughfare shared by Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.

Fast forward to 2022, the mammoth I-375, along with its infrastructure consisting of ramps and overpasses, ultimately will be demolished to make way for the street-level boulevard.

According to a press release from the Governor’s office, MDOT has concluded its environmental review process after securing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), allowing the project to move to the design phase starting this spring.

“Moving this project towards the design stage allows businesses and community members to begin to envision a new boulevard that will allow businesses to flourish in one of Detroit’s historic generators of Black Business, Community, and history in alignment with two pillars of the Chamber’s Michigan 2030 plan,” said Brad Williams, Vice President, Government Relations, Detroit Regional Chamber.

“Reaching this milestone required an extensive amount of listening for many years,”

tomatic expression of underlying predictors of violence such as socio-economics -- poverty, lack of job opportunities -- socio-education -- school systems and curricula -- socio-politics -- laws and policy prescriptions and how they are enforced -- and socio-environmental concerns -- the physical environment and neighborhoods where crime happens,” said King.

“If we are not committed to reducing all violent crime and accidents through root cause mitigation, effective education and efficient policy prescriptions that are absent of bias in practice or letter of the law, nothing will change and we will be faced with the same questions. Conversely, if we are committed to these things, we can make everyone safer without infringing on anyone’s rights.”

Gun violence is not an issue that is likely to be solved overnight, but knowing and understanding Michigan laws around carrying and storage can help to mitigate accidental

said MDOT Director Paul C. Ajegba.

“Working through issues and concerns raised by community members is key to any successful project.

Clearing the environmental hurdle allows MDOT to proceed with further partnering opportunities throughout the design process.”

Ajegba, who is Black, emphasized the importance of engaging the community and the City of Detroit during the entire project that could begin in 2027. He said ample notification would be given to the public when regular meetings are held. Ajegba added that there would be vast opportunities for African Americans during the development and reconstruction phases of the project because MDOT is committed to “equity and inclusion” in all of its projects. Ajegba was asked if and how the “freeway to boulevard” repurposing project will honor the history and legacy of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.

“People and organizations will have ample opportunities to voice their opinions on various issues related to the I-375 project and how Black Bottom and Paradise Valley should be remembered and honored,” Ajegba said. “We want to make sure that we capture some of the relics and history of the past to make it a part of the present and future.”

As for the future boulevard’s name, Ajegba said, “We have an idea of what we want to name the boulevard, but people in the community may have other names that are better. We want to have the general consensus of the community and all stakeholders because when we are done with this project, what we do will benefit the community and MDOT.”

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Adam Hollier From page A-1 was wide open.

The Michigan Chronicle recognizes that there are other strong Black candidates in the race with unique skill sets to offer the 13th district, including Portia Roberson, who leads one of the nation’s best performing non-profit organizations empowering underserved communities through early learning programs, job training, and services to seniors. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo brings a wealth of experience as a former state lawmaker, ferocious community activist, and Detroit Public Schools Board member.

Nevertheless, the potential of splitting Black votes in the 13th has dire consequences. And it’s unconscionable to think that after the 2022 Primary and General Elections, there could be no Black

representation for Detroiters on Capitol Hill.

With 1.35 million African Americans in Michigan, of which 600,000plus live in Detroit - the nation’s Blackest major city - it would be outrageous to lose such Black political clout in Washington.

If Detroit and Michigan are shutout of Black representation, there’s no timeline to point to with certainty when or if African Americans in the historic 13th Congressional District - and beyond - will again have African American representation on Capitol Hill.

The Michigan Chronicle believes that the organizations and candidates who vowed to support the Legacy Committee’s selection of a “Black Consensus Candidate” at the onset of the vetting process should honor their commitments and endorse Adam Hollier in the 13th.

deaths or injury.

“It’s important to understand that as a person who owns a firearm, you are responsible and accountable for everything that happens with your gun. That also means that you need to understand what the existing laws are around firearms. There are already laws, state and federal, that address many of the concerns that people have, such as storage and accessibility to minors,” said King. “I highly recommend that everyone take a basic firearms class taught by a competent and reputable instructor -- even if you never plan on owning a firearm. More specifically, please understand the importance of securing your firearm so that minors or unauthorized people do not have access to it. Hiding a firearm under a bed or between the mattress, in a closet, or somewhere high is NOT the same as securing a firearm. If a firearm is not on your person in a holster, it needs to be securely stored or securely staged.”

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DTE Energy

Tips for C Cold Weather Savings

helps vulnerable customers, as frigid weather sets in, with $5 million donation to Michigan outreach agencies

ommunity is what drives DTE’s commitment to making Michigan cleaner.

We believe people are the difference, which is why we support initiatives that provide assistance, education, and recommendations for customers to reduce their energy use and manage energy costs. Through our Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) program, income-stricken customers can receive energy-efficient products and services through ourcold partnership non-profit, The weatherwith hasseveral arrived.

Make sure your community action and governmental home is prepared and ready to combat frigid agencies. Customers who fall within the temperatures. are some to keep your federal povertyHere guidelines or aretips actively home warm cozy thisassistance winter. proenrolled in and low-income United Way of Southeastern Michigan, SNAP WIC are eligiblesettings for • grams Makelike sure thatand your thermostat are the Salvation Army, True North and such services. Following a home set appropriately for the winter.enerIdeally, havThe Heat and Warmth Fund to receive gying assessment or phone the the temperature at screening, 68 degrees while you network of participating customer assistance funds are awake will help saveorganizations energy and money. work in conjunction with independent A programmable thermostat can make this contractors to provide a variety of serprocess a lot easier and could result in enervices including but not limited to, furDTE Energy donated a total of $5 million to help low in- the winter months,” said Saunteel Jenkins, chief executive gy savings up replacement, to $180 overrefrigthe course of nace tune-upsofand come residents across the state stay healthy, safe and warm officer of The Heat and Warmth Fund. “What’s important the year. erators, water heater replacement, and during Michigan’s freezing winter weather. to recognize about this donation is not only the ability for home weatherization services.

• A dirty air filter can make yourThese furnace work THAW to help even more families with their urgent energy The company donated $2.25 million to the United Way upgrades could help electricity harder and lead to reduce higher energy costs and needs, but to also help them access programs that can preof Southeastern Michigan; $1 million to the Salvation Army; costs provide aparts. meaningful impact evenand damaged During the winter, vent these crises in the future.” $1 million to True North; and $750,000 to The Heat and onyou’ll the want affordability customer to checkofthat your airbills, filter is clean Warmth Fund (THAW). These non-profit outreach agencies DTE has taken additional steps during the pandemic to minimizing the need for customers to at least once a month since it will be working will help DTE customers who are struggling to pay their en- deliver help directly to customers in need, working closemake a tough decision between paying harder during months. ergy bills, while also helping their energy bill orthese taking care of another ly The withHealthy the State of Michigan Cities program is designed t’s Earth Month, and the DTE Energy household need. them enroll in affordable payadminister CERA (COVID Foundation is thinking green – especialtotointegrate environmental programs into Emergency Rental ly in ­Dment etroit. plans, including DTE’s Michigan’s urban setting.AssisTNC will work Low-Income Self-Sufficiency tance) aid to our customers with well-established community groups The DTE Foundation recently awarded Plan (LSP) payment program. who rent their and residents in thehomes Eastern and Market area in $1 million to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) MIHAFto develop (Michigan “Many Michigan families Detroit greenHomestormwater infrato fund several significant environmental still facingMichigan financialthat hardowner Assistance Fund) helpquality. The structure that will benefit water programsare throughout will andand may be challenged for will homeowners.

DTE was work include: preserve,ships protect enhance the state’s keephabitats their homes warm this winter,” said Jerry Norcia, also recently recognized by the White House as an example treasuredto natural and species.

•Establishing a residential repair program est round of funding will be carried out over the chief executive and president, Energy. “This do- for other energy companies to follow, spotlighting how DTE “We understand the officer importance of doing DTE and resources to support local residents. next three years. nation will help Michiganders who are struggling to access directly applied enhanced Low Income Home Energy Assiseverything we can to protect the wonderous • Developing a community engagement plan for “The support received from the the help theyhome needstate to pay their heating bills and, if theywe arehavetance (LIHEAP) aidDTE to eligible customer accounts. natural beauty in our through our the Eastern Market area that guides long-term Energy Foundation has been instrumental in • To help prevent any heat blockage, vacuum eligible, enroll inwith payment programs will provide more long-standing partnership The Nature Con- that More than 36,000 residents enrolled DTE’s afsupportwere for residents andincommunity-based orhelping us address long-standing environmental and clean all the vents to allow proper heat assistance.” servancy financial and its forward-thinking programs,” challenges in Michigan,” said fordable payment plan, LSP, during the 2020-2021 Helen Taylor, Michganizations that will benefit foodproproviders and flow and maintain a comfortable temperasaid Lynette Dowler, Foundation.

DTE haspresident, donatedDTE more than $50 million since 2016 of to Thegram year, and DTE anticipates potentially greater needinthis igan state director Nature Conservancy. business community members the area. ture throughout your home. Additionally, “We havehelp seen customers the impact ofstay the TNC’s warm work and firstkeep their lights on.

These “The sheer scope of their financial commitment heating season.

All four agencies will be conducting open • Acting as a community liaison on behalf of the make sure furniture, toys, or window coverhand overdonations the years and are grateful for their ef- enable will allow us toto protect enhance natural attrito human services agencies them help and enrollments to LSP for eligible seeking energy Easterncustomers Market Partnership to jumpstart the ings are not the vents to allow for In 2021, theblocking EEA program serviced forts to preserve our home state’s environment, butes in our cities, rivers, lakes and state parks, Michigan residents pay down past-due balances and cur- assistance. Visit dteenergy.com/lsp or call THAW, the Salprogram and build up resources over the next proper4,400 and maximum roughly customersairflow. in single-famibenefitting our communities for generations to and it will provide educational for Way for Southeastern Michigan and rent energy bills. vationopportunities Army, United ly units, responding to “no heat” emerfew years. come.

As Michiganders, we are all fortunate to the next generation of conservationists.

We are • Ensure your heating and cooling system is information or to enroll “DTE’s longstanding partnership THAW helps sta- True North for additional program gencies and installation of energy saving have The Nature Conservancy working on our with The DTE Foundation’s support will also enfortunate to have such a supportive partner who operating and delivering bilize andwill empower Michigan families, particularly during insustainability.” the program. products andefficiently services. Increasingly serv-the maxbehalf; their vision ensure the vitality of our is clearly focused on future able TNC to extend its two-year Conservation imum energy underinvested savings by having a contractor ing historically commustate’s natural heritage.”

Fellowship program to a new graduate or unIn addition to to supporting wetlands do annual checkups.

THAW - 800.866.8429 | The Salvation Army -resto855.929.1640 nities is what pre-season the EEA program aims toDTE prodergraduate student, engaging this diverse canThe Foundation has funded The Nature Conration efforts at Erie Marsh Preserve in southern vides rebates. accomplish through piloting initiatives.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan - 844.211.4994 | True North - 231.355.5880 servancy since 2011, enabling the organization Michigan and whitefish research and restocking didate in an immersive, career-building experiHealthy and lightbulbs Safety Pilotthroughout directly • The Switch to LED your to advance its environmental programs through- in west and northern Michigan, this grant will ence that also brings valuable capacity to TNC’s addresses issues energy less ef- energy home. LEDs usepreventing up to 90 percent out Michigan. The initiatives covered in this lat- fund the Healthy Cities program in Detroit. conservation work. ficient upgrades, providing customers without sacrificing light output and can last with home roofing repairs, mold and up to 25 years longer. Find the right bulbs for asbestos removal, among other home your home with ourFor guide. maintenance needs.

2022, the EEA he DTE Energy Foundation munity. The organizations Program plans to continue withhome this pi-and add • Seal air leaks around your awarded more than $1 milreceiving grants will assist lot, allotting aas$2needed Million budget aimed insulation to help your home lion in grants to 10 Michchildren, families and seatbe assisting roughly 350 customers in sinmore comfortable and energy-efficient igan-based organizations foniors. For example, the DTE How does DTE see its support in action?

With gle-family and saveunits. up to $200 on your annual energy cusedthere’s on enriching people’s Foundation has supported FIRST Robotics, a multiplier effect.lives Further addressing the installing needs of weather bills.

Simple fixes include acrosscoach the state, just inTechnoPhoetime for the Detroit Area Agency Leon Pryor, for FTC team limited income households, the EEA stripping on doors and caulking around winthe holidays.

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Detroit teams didn’t have that connection. energy burden and educate contractors West Michigan, Forgotten Harday season.

So he and Ann McGowan, Coach for FRC (high el furnace, which operates up to 50% more on healthier building materials. Through school) team as wellFood as Team vest,Kinematic GleanersWolves, Community efficiently than older You Land may even be collaborating with theunits.

Detroit “Detroit Area Agency #503 Frog Force, the Motor City Alliance Bank offormed Southeastern Michigan, eligible for rebates at dteenergy.

Bank Authority, the EEAavailable program has inon Aging is grateful for the as a way for coaches teams within Detroit to Habitat forand Humanity of Michicreased its success of ensuring maximal com/hvac. generous donation from collaborate, share knowledge, and help each (Oaks ter. Our partners have direct lines to energy efficiency measures have been gan, Meals on Wheels, Oaks Village help communities from the ground the DTE Foundation. We value and • implemented Keep your heating system at peak perforother to succeed. in homes, so that limited of Righteousness), Pope Francis Center up. Once basic needs are met, those appreciate the Foundation’s financial mancecustomers by having annual tune-up. DTE income cananfocus on investTeamsand involved the MotorHousing City Alli-Coali- who are underserved can begin to support as well as their dedicated Unitedwith Community provides rebates to help offset the cost of ing in other areas of home improvement. ance meet periodically to strategize andthis probtion.

Organizations will use support focus their energy on other parts of employee volunteers who deliver furnace tune-ups include combustion This year, the EEA that program will prolem-solve.toTeams get help diagnosing repaircan homes, deliver mealsproband sup- their life, like careers and family.” help to senior apartment buildings analysis. vide free, energy-saving home improvelems withport their communities robots, strategizing forgrassroots the game, level at the The DTE Foundation supports eq- and churches. Our partnership proto Payment Stability Plan (PSP) and solveby programming issues.residents’ Beyond techni• ments Download the free DTE Insight app to see directly serving most basic participants to help energy cal skills, they have grown bonds and friendships uitable programming that serves the vides hope to the most vulnerable your energy use. lower You’ll their be able to identify needs. usage and increase home comfort.

Apas a result of the alliance.

Leon and Ann have also unmet needs of diverse, vulnerable seniors,” said Ronald Taylor, DAAA spikes in your home’s use and avoid high-bill “At the DTE Foundation, people are plying a whole home approach to deseen high school teams help fellow competitors, residents while engaging the com- president and CEO. surprises. theacore weschool do,” said Lynette livering energy efficient products and as well asatlend handoftowhat middle teams.

DTE also offers energy-saving tips, rebates, Dowler, president, DTE Foundation. services to customers, while maximizing Middle School teams have excelled with the ex- “We tools, and to help you saveofthis winknow the most impactful work quality of programs life is an essential priority tra resources available from the Motor Cityfocuses Alli- on EEA providing ance. terthe and allprogram. year long.Alongside Learn more at: dteenergy. positively impacting the lives of those in those services, the EEA program also com/saveenergy. need.

Michiganders can’t to thrive without As a result of their enhanced ability collabplans to continue its educational efforts, basic needs being met, like food or shelorate, teams are excelling. This past December, recommending the use of healthy insulaseven Detroit FTC teams qualified for State; in the DTE supports FIRST not only for its advancetion and air-sealing materials for contracgoalaspires of transforming culture DTE not only the to be the in past, no more than 3 had qualified. Five of those the ultimate ment of STEM education, but also because of tors. ways that will inspire greater levels of respect best in the world, but the best for teams were part of the Motor City Alliance, in the teamwork and problem-solving skills young and honor for science and technology, as well as To learn more about these initiatives and the world.

One way the company addition to the founding team TechnoPhoenix. people learn through robotics. This year, the DTE more of today’s to become see if you qualify for EEA program accomplishes this is youth through dedAnd the Kinematic Wolves won the prestigious encouraging Foundation is sponsoring 24 FTC (middle school) science and technology leaders. participation, please contact us at ication to the communities where when Chairman’s Award through FIRST in Michigan. our truck pulls up, because teams and 26 FRC (high school) teams; including (866) 796-0512begin or send As temperatures to email drop,toDTE’s elec-The Chairman’s Award was created to keep the employees live and serve, comThe Kinematic Wolves are the first in team from it’s decorated in nearly 30,000 both TechnoPhoenix and the ­Kinematic Wolves. energy_saving@dteenergy.com. tric team is focused on making sure the grid cancentral focus of FIRST Robotics Competition on Detroit to win the like award. munities Detroit or Ann Arbor. lights. It’s such a gratifying experi-

DTE Energy Foundation grants $1 million to The Nature Conservancy to preserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s treasured natural habitats and species

I

DTE Energy

emPOWERing the Community

DTE Energy Foundation awards more than $1 million in ‘Holiday Help’ grants to support families, children and underserved populations

TThe Motor City Alliance puts STEM FIRST in Detroit

DTE spreads holiday cheer to hospitalized children

Reliability projects launched across Michigan to prepare for this winter and the future

meet the energy needs of the community this winter and into the future.

The company’s Distribution Operations team recently launched reliability projects in more than 50 communities across southeast Michigan.

Winter weather and trees are a dangerous combination for the electric grid. Heavy snow and freezing rain on tree branches can cause them to break, fall on to power lines and ultimately cause power outages.

That’s why DTE recently identified more than 30 communities to prioritize for surge work that will improve service for thousands of residential and business customers. Their experts are making targeted improvements in the identified neighborhoods from installing new poles and crossarms, placing animal guards on equipment to accelerating trimming trees along electrical lines. The communities were selected based on data-driven analysis which identified circuits that have experienced elevated levels of interruptions to electrical service over a period.

Plus, are about 20 additional multiKharithere Dickey

The holidays still look different this ence. I love seeing all the smiles and year, and children in hospitals may joy it brings to everyone.” not be able to see their loved ones The festive trucks put on even and continue holiday traditions. more miles the next day on MonThatforisawhy Public Affairsminimal and Disday, Dec. 20 when Carl Simm Jr. media and In May 2020, Khari Dickey was looking way to become equipment and advertising through social tribution Operations teamed andThis Robert Vanderbush joined DTE more active in her local community. Through her work as a cor- wordup of to mouth. past January, she opened her own gym in spreadassome holiday togrow visit Konnected C.S. MottFitness Chil- into a busiporate fitness coach, which included working a trainer at DTEspirit!

Detroit, wherevolunteers she hopes to Onmental Sunday, Dec.of19 in Detroit, Energy, Khari saw first-hand the physical and benefits dren’s Hospital in Annand Arbor.

The ness with multiple trainers, programs, classes.

DTE trucks exercise. She also realized that her neighbors faced partnered barriers to with Michi- team played music, and waved at “It’s been a transformative experience, starting a business physically that shegan wanted to break down. in a drive by the children, families and hospital Towing Operators year reliabilitybecoming projects more happening in active Wayne, from scratch and evolving my training based on the needs of my Based on the philosophy of meeting people where they are and parade at Detroit Medical Center workers they waved back location with presents Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, Lapeer and Washtcommunity,” said Khari.as“Owning a physical challenging them, Khari founded Konnected Fitness.

(DMC) Children’s Hospitalanother to bring DTEcurve donated enaw counties.

The improvement work inlearning in theflashlights. journey – it challenges me to conholiday cheer from a safetinue distance.

“Our goal is to help people connect with their best selves cludes building new substations, installing new to learn and“Knowing adapt.” we could bring smiles The lit-up was on driven by Jason to children’s faces this year was through fitness,” said Khari.

“We have more of antruck emphasis substation equipment, reconfiguring overhead Now that she owns her own gym, Khari is open to new opporcomparedwires to other fitness Barnett programs, soCarl everyone and Simm Jr., DTE line incredible,” powerlines andcommunity moving overhead to unsaid Frank D’Angelo, tunities for her business, enrolling in DTE’s MIGreenworkers, and gas truck was driven manager ofincluding derground. feels like they have a place.” events and community Power program. Through MIGreenPower, Khari is reducing her

by Johnpain, Frendo, who joined forces Fitness focuses on reducing increasing outreach Public Affairs.

“I can’t more of the In addition, thisKonnected fall DTE’s distribution system company’s impact on theinenvironment by attributing with over 100 other vehicles, playstrength and endurance, and improving overall quality of life. imagine how difficult it is for those experts, technicians and engineers in powgym’s energy use to renewable energy. ing so holiday songs and waving to kids her training to each individual, everyone is able to be spending time over the er-generating Khari plantstailors performed preventative the event. to participate and feel their best, even ifchildren they havethroughout certain limita“Working at DTE I learned a lot about energy, more than the holidays in a hospital which is why inspections and maintenance on the electrical tions. average person,” said Khari.

“My gym uses energy, “When all the trucks lined up at we knew we had to get involved. so why not distribution system to ensure it is ready for winto help So the many environment? happy to were participate in MI“My mission as a coach is to help people dig within the hospital, the themchildrenuse andit staff of theseI’mprograms ter. startthis greening my business from the selves to perform better, rather than just were focusing on the physical watching at their GreenPower windows and closed year and we still made it beginning To learn more aboutsaidongoing reliability rather than the road.” outcome,” Khari. “Yes, there will be physical changes, but hosted while Santa Clause the down happen even with COVID, by maskprojects happening in change your community visit if you can your mentality, that’s where you’ll really see a event on a loudspeaker,” said Carl. than More Michiganders areusing already using ing 53,000 up, staying outside and https://empoweringmichigan.com/reliabilitydifference.”

“Everyone gets especially excited our ­MIGreenPower to reduce their decorated carbon footprint.

You can join them amazingly truck.” improvements/. Khari began her business as a mobile training program, using for as little as $1 a month at www.migreenpower.com.

Coach Khari connects community through fitness

Page A-4 | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Highland Park – Past, Present, Future

By Donald James

paid them millions of dollars so we have a credit. GLWA really owes us, and they owe Highland Park an apology. They need to honor their contracts and their settlement agreements. We are fighting for our rights and fighting to have our contracts enforced.”

Senior Writer

The City of Highland Park, Mich., is an interesting municipality for many reasons. Incorporated in 1918, Highland Park, often called “H.P.,” is uniquely surrounded by Detroit on three sides, with the City of Hamtramck bordering its southeastern sector. While the 2.97 square-mile city is small in landmass and population, it touts a huge and proud history that has significantly touched the world, thanks largely to the vision of iconic automotive pioneer and business mogul Henry Ford.

While Ford didn’t discover Highland Park, per se, he was instrumental in putting the then-village on the world stage after building the globe’s largest manufacturing plant there in 1910.

Beginning in 1914, tens of millions of people poured into Highland Park to work for $5.00 per day on the newly invented moving assembly line at the massive Highland Park Ford Plant set up to mass-produce the Model T automobile. In essence, Highland Park was ground zero for putting the world on wheels.

In 1925, the city was also home to the upstart Chrysler Corporation, serving as the automaker’s world headquarters and proving again that little H.P. was a major global player in the automotive industry. Non-automotive firsts for the city included establishing the nation’s first two-year institution of higher learning (Highland Park Junior College in 1918) and the world’s first sublevel freeway (Davidson Freeway in 1942). In 1968, Robert B. Blackwell was elected the first Black mayor of Highland Park and the nation’s first Black Republican mayor. Years later, he was re-elected as a Democrat.

Today, H.P., like many urban industrial and manufacturing cities once rooted in the automotive industry, has undergone drastic changes to its tax base, population growth, and overall services to citizens and businesses.

Nevertheless, Mayor Hubert Yopp knows the intricacies of Highland Park and its people perhaps better than most individuals. Yopp grew up in Highland Park in the early 1950s, later joining the city’s police department where he served for almost 32 years in numerous levels of policing services. Yopp is a former Highland Park City Council member and has been elected mayor three times, the most recent in 2019.

When asked about the state of H.P. during a recent interview with the Chronicle, Yopp was candid in his assessment of the city which once had 60,000 residents but is now home to

Yopp and Square said that Highland Park must reopen its historic water plant, which is slightly over one hundred years old and located in Detroit.

Its origin has been linked to Henry Ford pushing for the construction of the water plant to help the needs of his then-mammoth automotive plant less than two miles from the facility. By some industry professional cost estimations, it would take perhaps $90 million to restore the aging water plant to service Highland Park’s residents and businesses. Others believe it’s somewhere around $40 million.

around 10,000 (88.1 percent Black, 7.9 percent white, 2.0 percent Hispanic, and 2.0% percent other ethnicities).

“We are moving forward,” Yopp said.

“My administration and I have brought in five or six major businesses over the last few years. One is Faurecia, an automotive supplier located in Oakland Park, the industrial-manufacturing designated property in Highland Park.

Faurecia has invested more than $10 million and created more than 500 jobs in Highland Park.”

Yopp also cited South Korean Hyundai Mobis, a Tier One automotive supplier, as another company that has moved into the city and is producing hundreds of jobs. The mayor was proud to mention Magna Seating, an automotive supplier already in Highland Park. The company made a $35 million investment in 2020 to expand its operations and create 480 jobs.

The mayor spoke glowingly about the Means Logistic Park Project on Hamilton and Davison -- the $40 million project will redevelop 20 acres into a massive industrial warehouse distribution facility and is expected to create approximately 500 jobs.

Yopp clarified that jobs created by the companies and projects coming into the city are not exclusively for Highland Parkers. However, according to the mayor, employers, are giving residents high consideration to fill available jobs.

Yopp also spoke about the city’s progress in revamping its police department.

“We are now in the recruiting stages

and are hiring police officers,” the mayor said twice. “Our pay scale is moving up. We’ve hired a new chief, Johnny Thomas, and a new Deputy Chief, Darrell Patterson. Both are well-trained, experienced and highly professional.”

The mayor said the city’s fire department has also elevated its status after receiving a new $1 million piece of valuable fire-fighting apparatus with the help of State Representative Helena Scott.

Yopp was more than willing to address the controversial water dispute that the City of Highland Park allegedly owes the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) $54 million and that other surrounding communities are paying higher water rates because of the alleged debt to GLWA. “It’s not true. We are not why water bills are going up in the suburbs,” Yopp said. “As a matter of fact, we defeated GLWA in court over their lawsuit. Last year, the City of Highland Park won the court case in front of Judge John Murphy, so we are in compliance with that ruling. The court even ordered the Great Lakes Water Authority to refund some of the money we paid them.”

Highland Park City Administrator Cathy Square, who has worked closely with the mayor and city council for seven years, added that the current water controversy has roots dating back at least three decades when the massive Chrysler Corporation Corporate Headquarters left Highland Park to relocate to Auburn Hills.

“We won in court last year, and when you win, you win,” Square said of the allegations. “And we’ve already over-

“We are trying to get help from state and federal levels to get money to reopen our water plant,” Yopp said. “If we can reopen it, we can fairly assess water charges to our residents and businesses. It will require a lot of work, but I believe reopening an efficiently operated plant can be done in two years with the financial support needed.”

“The City of Highland Park cannot continue to stay on unmetered emergency water,” explained Square. “We have to rebuild and operate our water plant again after it was shut down in 2012. What we are being charged now, we could have rebuilt our water plant twice. Highland Park was designed to get water from its own water plant.”

While Yopp and Square continue to address issues to move the city forward, the mayor wants to establish another high school. The city’s only high school closed years ago and was ultimately demolished. Nevertheless, despite challenges across the city, Yopp and Square believe in Highland Park.

“The future is bright for Highland Park,” said Square. “The city will be rebuilt because of its great location.

People who have stayed through the good, bad, and ugly don’t want to move because of its location and that Highland Park is a walkable community.”

“Highland Park was once called a “Model City of the United States,’ ” Yopp said. “I want Highland Park to be again considered a family-friendly community with an excellent school system.

We still have beautiful and affordable homes that people of all ethnicities are buying and living in because they know Highland Park is the place with a great future. And we are just minutes from downtown Detroit using Woodward Ave., the Chrysler Freeway or the Lodge Freeway.”

Keeping You Informed at All Times of the Day. Property is Power Understanding your Debt-to-Income Ratio If you are looking for a home, you might need to finance it using a lender, such as a bank, credit union or a mortgage broker. There are a number of factors that will influence whether your mortgage application is approved. Then, these same factors will play a role in the terms the lender might offer you. One of the most important factors is called the debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. It is important to understand how this will impact your mortgage application.

What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio?

Your DTI is important to the lender because this allows the lender to figure out the likelihood of you paying your mortgage on time. The less debt you have, the more financial stability you have to pay a potential mortgage.

To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, you need to calculate all the bills you have for the upcoming month. For example, if you have rent and a car payment, you add these numbers together.

Then, you divide this number by your gross monthly income. If your rent is $900 and your car payment is $200, your total debt is $1100. Then, if you earn $3300, divide $1100 by $3300. This is about 33 percent.

Student Loan Debt Is a Driving Factor With many members of the younger

generation getting ready to purchase a house, it is important to understand the impact of student loan payments. Because a lot of potential home borrowers have student loans to pay back, their debt-to-income ratios will be significantly higher. This could make it harder for younger borrowers to get qualified for a mortgage, particularly one with favorable terms.

How To Improve Your Mortgage Application Before you apply for a home loan, you should try to improve your debt-toincome ratio by paying down your existing bills. For example, if you have credit card debt, this will be included in your debt-to-income ratio. Try to pay this down or off before you apply for a mortgage. You should try to pay down your loans as much as possible before applying for a mortgage as well. The less debt you carry, the more likely your mortgage application will be approved.

Anthony O. Kellum - President of Kellum Mortgage, LLC Advocate for Fair Lending, Speaker, Author NMLS # 1267030 NMLS #1567030 O: 313-263-6388 W: www.Kellumloans. com Empowering the African American community through homeownership is my life mission

michiganchronicle.com | DQE michiganchronicle.com

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Money.

| April 27 - May 3, 2022

Cash or Cash App?

michiganchronicle.com

By Sherri Kolade Is green still king?

With inflation, economic uncertainties and Russian war-related spikes in gas prices -- on top of systemic inequities in place from centuries ago -- how does cash stack up against the formidable player that is Cash App? Does using physical dollars still make sense or is Cash App where it’s at?

From business owners, entrepreneurs and others making a way for themselves to create more financial opportunities in Black communities to those who need a leg up in this shaky economy, it’s easy to see how both forms of monetary options can co-exist despite rumors that cash is becoming obsolete in the near future.

According to a Yahoo article, Building Black Wealth with Satoshis and Cash App, electronic monies are becoming a thing as bitcoin is allowing more Black people to “live a financially self-sovereign life” and rule over their own wealth.

Mobile Money Non-fungible tokens (NFT), bitcoins and cryptocurrency are growing digital assets used for electronic financial transactions and becoming a game-changer for people looking to cash in big online and off. The new gold rush is becoming a digital playground that many Black Americans and other people of color are jumping into, according to a report from The Washington Post.

“Bitcoin is the answer that allows all individuals, anywhere on earth, the freedom to validate themselves. It is pro-Black by design,” Ian Gaines, media director at Black Bitcoin Billionaires noted in his opinion piece.

Gaines added that Cash App partnered with Black Bitcoin Billionaires on a campaign and gave as many Black families as possible one million satoshis by the end of Black History Month in February. In today’s market, one Bitcoin equals 100 million satoshis, about $43,800. In comparison, one United States dollar equals 9,110 satoshis.

“We and many others understand the value of this technology... let’s begin freeing ourselves from a nucleus we know better than to trust,” Gaines noted.

Cash App, described tongue in cheek as the platform that Black people use (white people use Zelle) is the monetary choice for Mack Hendricks, co-founder of Detroit Black Tech.

Hendricks told the Michigan Chronicle that he prefers Cash App because of the many options that cash does not necessarily offer. “[I] can track and go back in time to see who I paid for bookkeeping purposes [and it] saves me time and money from having to travel to pay for a service,” Hendricks said. “Also, I don’t have to be present when the service is done. I can just validate it was done and then send the payment.”

Hendricks added that another big factor in using Cash App is the security component.

See CASH

OR CASH APP page A6

Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics panel included Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan, left, Maureen Donohue-Krauss, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership, second from left, Nicole Sherard-Freeman, group executive, Job, Economy, and Detroit at Work, City of Detroit, third from left, and Kevin Johnson, president, and CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, DEGC, right, at the Detroit Athletic Club on Thursday, April 21. Photo by Monica Morgan

Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics Panel Talk Economic Viability

By Sherri Kolade

Where does Michigan rank economically across the nation and how does the City of Detroit figure in with these statistics as poverty rates continue to climb?

Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM), a private, non-profit organization in Detroit, released a Top Ten Benchmarks analysis where Michigan ranks 29th in the country. Utah, Texas and Oregon are among the Top Ten states according to BLM statistics.

Ranking metrics include labor force participation, educational attainment, poverty and business climate perception; the poverty category, among others, were recently added to the list. Michigan ranks 34th in poverty levels nationwide.

If Michigan were performing as a Top Ten state, things would look a lot differently. There would be 350,000 more people in the workforce; nearly $10,000 more Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and $11,631 more annual income per household, per BLM findings.

Michigan Chronicle’s 17th annual Pancakes & Politics four-person panel discussion unpacked these findings and more on Thursday, April 21, at the Detroit Athletic Club during its second installment of a four-part series before approximately 300 attendees.

The live event highlights issues of economic impact over breakfast with local political, business, and community leaders.

From poverty solutions and bridging the gap in workforce development to providing K-12 pathways while ensuring that the state remains relevant, panelists and thought leaders shared ideas and hopes for a better fiscal future right in their own backyard.

The panel, led by host, President and CEO of Ignition Media Group Dennis Archer Jr., included Nicole Sherard-Freeman, group executive, Job, Economy,

and Detroit at Work, City of Detroit; Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan; Kevin Johnson, president and CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, DEGC, and Maureen Donohue-Krauss, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership.

Hiram Jackson, chief executive officer of Real Times Media (RTM) and Michigan Chronicle publisher, said that a cross-section of people in the room that day are talking about relevant problems and solutions.

“We are going to talk about a lot of issues today – job growth, tax reform. All of the things that can make a state great.”

He added that he wants to hear not only about big industry companies coming to the state but also about areas like Inkster and Highland Park, where he grew up.

“I want to hear about … people who look like me,” he said adding that he was “shocked” by poverty rate statistics after doing research.

“In the past, poverty was not on the list of indicators to determine if we could become a Top Ten state – I noticed it is a new indicator,” he said adding that how can Michigan become a Top Ten state if half of the residents are living in poverty.

“Another stat that floored me is how many working people are in poverty. … That is the context in which I will be listening to this conversation.”

Archer laid the foundation and asked the panel how Michigan ranks among other states and what it needs to do to be a Top Ten state economically.

“Give me a single factor or what is the most important factor that needs to be addressed?” Archer asked.

Johnson said that when he was based in Atlanta (prior to his role at the DEGC) he worked at Invest Atlanta, leading an economic development program for the city, which created jobs and generated billions of dollars in new capital investment.

He said during the event that the Peach State did not look at Michigan as a viable contender.

“We didn’t see Michigan as a competitor at all,” Johnson said to the audible surprise of many audience members.

“Now that’s very sobering. ...in my opinion, Michigan is a mid-tier state. It’s not where it should be – it punches way below its weight. You’re a heavyweight and we fight like a featherweight ... there is a big old fist in Hart Plaza that says so.”

Johnson added that one of the contributing factors is talent retention.

“We are like a production factory for the workforce for everybody else,” Johnson said.

Donohue-Krauss said that in her role, she represents Detroit and 11 counties and Detroit is at the “heart of it.”

“Detroit is what people want to know [about],” she said adding that the city is their “calling card.”

She echoed Johnson’s points and said that there is some modesty and complacency happening as the state sometimes seemingly rests on its laurels. “[We’re] letting everyone else tell our story,” the Detroit native said adding that she’s been to countries like India and China and officials remark to her that they want to formulate Detroit’s success in their own regions. “We need some of that enthusiasm and ... I believe in our strengths here.”

Sherard-Freeman said that there is an “interesting contradiction” amid a booming metropolitan city like Detroit.

“At least in Detroit, there is no other place you will find as many cranes in the air or many construction boots on the ground [which] means more jobs are coming at some point across so many sections,” she said adding that urban and rural areas still need help. “When you look

See ECONOMIC

VIABILITY page A6

Sisterhood in the Workplace: Supporting Black and Latina Women beyond Women’s History Month To support Black and Hispanic women in the workplace, we must understand the unique challenges they face and advance solutions. Young Black and Latinas girls are more likely to identify as leaders than girls of other races. However, when they grow up, the disparities they face when it comes to pay and opportunity are jarring.

In fact, according to the US Census , Black women were paid 63% of what non-Hispanic white men were paid. That means it takes the typical Black woman 19 months to be paid what the average white man takes home in 12 months. And Latinas endure the widest pay gap of any group, earning just 57 cents on the dollar compared to non-Latino white men.

It’s no secret that gender bias can play a role in income disparities, and unfortunately,

Byna Elliott, Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, to discuss their perspectives on women in the workplace, and how the company is helping to create an equal playing field.

Q: How is JPMorgan Chase working to tackle income inequity for Black and Hispanic/ Latina women?

Byna Elliott

Byna Elliott

these inequities intensify when considering compounding factors like race and ethnicity.

JPMorgan Chase is increasing awareness around these inequalities and is committed to using its resources to make real change – not just during

Women’s History Month, but every month.

JPMorgan Chase has dedicated divisions that specialize in outreach to diverse audiences. We sat down with Silvana Montenegro, Head of Advancing Hispanic & Latinos and

Silvana: We realize that tackling income inequality requires consistent programming that focuses on inequity both in the workplace and in the educational environment Black and Hispanic/Latina women are in before they start working. Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) and Advancing Hispanic & Latinos (AHL) were born out of recognition that, while our company has made efforts to be inclusive and impactful in all activities, we need to be very

intentional in our approach to our work. ABP was established to help the Black community chart stronger paths toward economic success and empowerment, while AHL is a way for us to drive meaningful and sustainable change for the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Through these initiatives, we’ve created a set of activities focused on entrepreneurship, career readiness and support, financial health, and community development. Women are a core audience for all of our efforts.

Q: How is JPMorgan Chase helping Black and Hispanic/ Latina -owned businesses grow and expand?

Byna: The number of Black and Latina women becoming entrepreneurs is continuing to

See SISTERHOOD page A6

Page A-6 | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Sisterhood From page A-5

rise at an accelerated rate. Black business ownership is up by almost 30% on pre-pandemic levels and Black women are the fastest-growing group of female entrepreneurs. Similarly, Latinas are more likely to own – or plan to own – their own businesses than non-Hispanic women. We want to see entrepreneurs not simply do well, but thrive!

Partnership is key in helping to reach Black and Latina entrepreneurs with helpful resources. Internally, we partner across our business – including with our community and consumer branch colleagues who are often the face of the company to entrepreneurs – to offer business education, coaching and banking solutions to business owners. But external partnerships are also critical to our efforts.

For example, ABP partnered with digitalundivided to launch BREAKTHROUGH, a business-intensive program designed to help women of color entrepreneurs propel their businesses. The curriculum for the program includes programming on strengthening customer engagement and banking relationships, as well as identifying and implementing business models. Upon completion of the program, each participant receives a $5,000 grant to invest in their business.

Silvana: We’ve also introduced a new partnership with Elevate Together™ – a program designed to support the growth and prosperity of Black and Hispanic-and Latino-owned small businesses in collaboration with U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and The ODP Corporation (The ODP).

We are supporting this year’s expansion by being the exclusive provider of bilingual financial education content through Chase for Business modules and supporting the creation of an online platform where participants can register to access materials free of charge.

Through this initiative, JPMorgan Chase is helping the program expand into six new cities – Detroit, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Minneapolis and Phoenix -- in addition to the original five locations (Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and South Florida).

Q: Success in the workplace can be impacted by what is accomplished at the collegiate level. To what extent is JPMor-

gan Chase reaching Black, and Hispanic and Latino women students and how are you helping to see them succeed in the workplace?

Byna: Students are undoubtedly a vital audience – they are our future! Both Advancing Black Pathways and Advancing Hispanics & Latinos offer Fellowship Programs, which aim to increase opportunities for underrepresented communities in the financial industry. The ABP Fellowship Program launched in 2019 and the AHL program will commence its inaugural cohort this year. Since beginning, nearly 700 students have participated in the programs, more than half of which identify as female. The programs provide a six-week paid, full-time fellowship held during the summer months for rising sophomore college students who identify as Black and Hispanic and Latino.

This opportunity exposes students to hands-on experience, mentorship, and a project-based curriculum, designed to help build a pathway to future opportunities.

Silvana: Additionally, we recently established a partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund – one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations supporting higher education for Hispanic and Latino students – to grow the entry-level pipeline of Hispanic and Latino employees, expand campus recruiting opportunities and provide financial education for Hispanic and Latino students.

Byna: While both programs are open to all Black and Hispanic/Latino students, we find that these programs are especially valuable for young Black and Hispanic/Latina women students because of their significant lack of representation in the financial sector. We also make a point of covering topics, and pairing women students with mentors that can speak to the unique challenges of Black and Hispanic/Latina women in the workforce.

Q: Aside from student resources, what financial educational resources do you provide for Black and Hispanic/Latina women?

Byna: While changing income inequity takes systemic change, there are individual measures that can be put in place to make sure Black and Hispanic/Latina women are fully equipped with the financial education and tools they need to be successful. We strive to help all generations create a vision and a foundation for their financial future, no matter where they are starting, by promoting education on financial health, home-

ownership, and increased savings and investments.

We’ve transformed our content creation process, bringing in creative ideas and strong collaborations with Chase community managers and community partners to provide helpful and engaging content for all of our students, customers, and community members.

Q: Finally, while both of your respective programs provide so many great services, do you ever collaborate on strategies and initiatives?

Byna: Absolutely! Within our company, we are viewed as what we call a “center of excellence,” which mostly means that we are seen as spearheads for large strategies and resources as it relates to our specific communities. But diversity and inclusion is a shared priority for all divisions and is not limited to what we drive.

Silvana: For example, last year, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management hosted Building A New Legacy: A Summit for Black and Latina Women. The virtu-

al celebration of sisterhood provided a unique space for Black women, Latinas and all allies to take an investing journey together. Through live discussion panels, one-on-one sessions with celebrities and on-demand conversations, the event served as a platform to help promote education on building and retaining wealth. While we supported our colleagues, this activity was driven by a need to bring rich content to an important audience – an audience we will continue to prioritize in all of our efforts.

Sponsored content Chase & Co

from

JPMorgan

To learn more about the various impact initiatives we have at JPMorgan Chase & Co please visit https://www. jpmorganchase.com/impact. You can also learn more about both the Advancing Black Pathways and Advancing Hispanic and Latinos and the follow sites: https://www.jpmorganchase.com/ impact/people/advancing-black-pathways https://www.jpmorganchase. com/impact/people/advancing-hispanics-latinos .

Keeping You Informed at All Times of the Day.

Cash or Cash App From page A-5 “I don’t have to worry about carrying large sums of money with me -- If I forgot my wallet I can still pay for services,” he said.

Since 2013, Cash App is known for being “a peer-to-peer mobile payment service” that many are using for its convenience and ease. Cash App, which grossed $385 million in 2020, according to Time.com, which represents a 212 percent boost in profits from the previous year.

“Cash App is a relatively strong option for sharing cash and its other functionality. It’s not too different from Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo,” said Ray Kimble, founder and CEO of security firm Kuma LLC. “Cash App might make sense for a new investor seeking to get started,” added Ryan Shuchman, investment advisor and partner at Cornerstone Financial Services.

Shuchman added that Cash App, however, has some disadvantages for investors, according to the article.

“The platform doesn’t offer mutual funds. You also can’t trade options or some other advanced investment products. Cash App has very limited analytics and research features. It is probably not an appropriate platform for larger and more sophisticated investors,” Shuchman stated.

Green Looks Good on You USA TODAY reported that cash, though, still reigns and people still heavily rely on banks.

“Both the volume and value of U.S. currency in circulation have been on long-term upward trajectories, reaching record-high levels,” per the Federal Reserve, as noted in the article. “Cash continues to be the most frequently used

Economic Viability From page A-5 across rural areas there is no question that the city is a contradiction; the state is a contradiction and so many solutions many of us have tried particularly in Detroit [can] apply across the state.”

She added that education reform needs to be actualized, too.

“What we owe residents of Detroit and across state … [are] solutions for legacy residents .... adults who have been left behind,” she said.

Donofrio said that in 2009 at the start of the rankings, Michigan was actually lower on the list hovering around the 49th state in terms of economic resilience and is now higher on the list at 29th.

“That is a lot of progress,” Donofrio said. “Many people in and out of this room did a lot of things to make that happen.”

Closing gaps and advocating for a more equitable workforce is a start to reducing the low labor rates in the state

payment instrument, representing 30 percent of all transactions and 55 percent of transactions under $10,” according to a Fed report in November.

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Also, the sheer volume of cash -- or the number of Federal Reserve notes -- has remarkably grown over the past 17 consecutive years, and the 41.6 billion bills in circulation at year-end 2017 amassed in worth to $1.6 trillion, per the article.

Also, the mix of currency has changed, USA TODAY reported. Presently, more $100 notes across the country than $1 bills -- a new development -- followed by $20 bills, then by $5s, $10s, $50s, and $2 bills, respectively.

In addition, more millennials prefer cash than credit cards and more Americans are “giving up” their debit cards, a nationwide survey reported.

Even the old-faithful standby banking institutions and their popularity remain “in” in 2022.

“Banking in person at branches has consistently maintained its appeal to a large number of people,” said Nessa Feddis, a senior vice president at the American Bankers Association.

For Metro Detroit resident Marcus Biley, 24, cash remains a top-tier choice in his sports betting lifestyle and he doesn’t readily foresee himself using electronic methods to bet.

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“Depending on if I go to a sports booking [location to] bet [I] will use cash or transfer money to my account,” Biley told the Michigan Chronicle, adding that he has “made some wins.”

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“Probably within the past [several months I] made about $5,000. … this is all just a matter of getting the best bang for my buck.”

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and connecting the dots for employers looking for employees.

“People are looking for jobs,” he said.

During the event, a video report by Real Times Digital Anchor Andre Ash featured Detroiters talking about what Michigan can do to get on top.

Many in the interviews said that the answer lays in decreasing homelessness and bringing in big business while investing in Detroit where a talented workforce already exists.

“If we come together as a whole nobody can defeat us,” an interviewee said.

Initially introduced in 2006, the Pancakes & Politics series has continued to be a staple for the Black community, providing a platform for change-makers, influencers and government leaders to voice community concerns, share solutions and bring about change regionally.

The remaining forums will be held May 19 and June 16 and will host an audience of invited business, political and community leaders. They will broadcast each forum for the public later — stay tuned to MichiganChronicle.com for broadcast dates.

michiganchronicle.com

michiganchronicle.com | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | Page A-7

Fighting the Corruption of Power

By Ben Jealous (TriceEdneyWire.com) - We keep learning more about the attack on the U.S. Capitol. And we keep learning more about the many schemes former President Donald Trump and his team tried to use to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

In some ways, it is discouraging.

We know just how badly Trump’s inner circle was corrupted by his desire to keep power at all costs.

We had lawCOMMENTARY yers writing memos about how to break the law and stop Congress from affirming Trump’s defeat. We had members of Congress repeating his lies about a stolen election and trying to take the decision away from the voters.

In other ways, it is encouraging that the truth continues to come out. News stories that expose lies and corruption remind us of the importance of a free press. The investigation by the Jan. 6 select committee reminds us how much we need the checks and balances that are built into our system.

Those checks and balances— like the ability of Congress to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch—are necessary to prevent abuses of power and hold politicians accountable.

But for those protections to work, we must have public officials who are committed to upholding the rule of law. That’s not what we’re seeing from former Trump staffers and advisers. Just the opposite. They are stonewalling the congressional investigation and defying its subpoenas.

And with just a few exceptions, congressional Republicans are not acting honorably. Rather than embracing the search for truth, they try to discredit the investigation. Rather than face up to the anti-democratic rot in their party, they would like to sweep it all under the rug.

Let’s be clear. Trump and his lawbreaking friends are trying to keep Americans from learning the

Ben Jealous truth about the attack on Congress and the attempt to overthrow the will of the voters.

Specifically, Trump and his supporters are trying to run out the clock. They are counting on their allies taking a majority in the House of Representatives in this year’s elections. And then they’ll shut the investigation down before the full truth can come out.

That would be disastrous for our democracy.

Consider just a few of the things we have learned recently.

When the White House handed over logs of Trump’s calls on the day of the insurrection, there was a seven-hour gap covering the crucial hours before, during, and after the attack on Congress. What violations of law are hiding in that gap?

We also learned that Ginni Thomas, a hard-right activist and wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was in regular contact with Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows in the days and weeks after the presidential election. She embraced even the most extreme and ridiculous far-right conspiracy

theories about the election.

She even said she hoped it was true that members of the “Biden crime family,” reporters, and elected officials were being arrested and would be held on barges in Guantanamo Bay to face military trials for sedition. She urged Trump not to concede defeat.

It just so happens that Justice Clarence Thomas was the only Supreme Court justice who backed Trump’s attempt to keep White House records from being shared with the Jan. 6 committee. It was an 8-1 vote. That explains why so many people are now calling on Thomas to resign—or at the very least to recuse himself from any other cases about the insurrection that come before the Court.

We can’t make Clarence Thomas act honorably. But that doesn’t mean we are powerless to protect our democracy.

It was we the people who voted Trump out of power. Trump’s ability to pressure and bully election officials and legislators into joining his corrupt schemes was limited by the fact that he lost in multiple battleground states, not just one. His supporters’ ability to shield him from accountability will be determined in part by what happens in this year’s elections.

When Americans go to the polls this fall to elect members of Congress, we will not only be participating in democracy. We will be determining its future.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches leadership. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar and he taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.

Financial literacy takes on a new meaning for seniors Studies show the COVID-19 pandemic – and the financial hardships it caused for people across the globe – was a turning point for individuals to look for quick money, resulting in an increase in scams and fraud.

In recent years, senior citizens have become one of the biggest targets for scams and fraud. According to an FBI report, seniors lost up to $1 billion COMMENTARY to scams in 2020 alone – falling victim to romance scams, tech support fraud, and sweepstakes scams.

Protecting your assets isn’t discussed enough across all generations, especially as technology advances the tactics used for scams and other fraudulent activity has become more sophisticated.

As we observe financial literacy month, we are pushing to change the way our communities talk about money.

Financial literacy is typically aimed towards youth and young adults. It’s a common misconception that just because someone is older or may be financially responsible, they have all the tools needed to protect themselves and their money.

It’s critical that we broaden our conversations about finances to include strategies for informing and helping our senior citizens.

That’s why the Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan formed a partnership with Comerica Bank in 2021 to educate seniors about scams and fraudulent activity and identify practices to protect themselves from being victimized.

Participants were all 55 years and older. And in our sessions, we covered identity theft and common types of elder financial exploitation.

N. Charles Anderson This program is a reminder that people don’t know what they don’t know. Learning to protect your money is an ongoing process. With the continued rise of elder financial exploitation, we are eager expand this year’s financial literacy programming with Comerica Bank.

Conversations about financial literacy are much different than they were in the past. As technology advances more and more people – especially seniors – are becoming the victims of scams and fraud. The conversation is shifting away from simply asset accumulation to now include asset protection.

Seniors often feel like the forgotten generation, and we wanted to ensure we are providing the proper financial education to this population to prevent future theft and fraud.

We must all work together to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from being victims of these targeted financial attacks and think of creative ways to uplift and serve our communities.

Visit detroiturbanleague.org to learn more about our financial literacy partnership with Comerica Bank and all other Detroit Urban League programs.

N. Charles Anderson is president and CEO of the Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan

Michigan Chronicle

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JESUS IS ALWAYS MAKING INTERCESSION FOR YOU! Police Commissioner Cedric Banks, District 3 “…It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” ~ Romans 8:34 It doesn’t matter what type of position you are in… if you are drowning in the muck and mirey clay, being counted out, the odds stacked up against you, being hindered by generational curses that are trying to stop you, you don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, surrounded by darkness… Remember that Jesus is always at the right hand of the Father making intercession for you! And because He is making intercession for you, darkness will begin to go away, the light at the end of the tunnel will begin to appear, the muck and mirey clay is going to begin to dry up because Jesus is making intercession for you!

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

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Page A-8 | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | April 27 - May 3, 2022

michiganchronicle.com

Female-Owned Clothing Boutique Be:HER Opens in Morningside Neighborhood

By Sherri Kolade Be proud. Be bold. Be vibrant – Be Her. Detroit female-owned clothing boutique Be:HER Owner Jamie Williams is celebrating that message of female empowerment at her Morningside Neighborhood store after officially opening on Tuesday, April 19.

Be:HER is a Motor City Match (MCM) awardee and is located at 15715 E. Warren Ave., with an adjacent hair salon.

Williams told the Michigan Chronicle immediately after a press conference at her grand opening event that the bright yellow door store is ready for business for women who are about their business.

“Be: HER is a women’s retail clothing store where we empower women to be the bosses they are,” Williams said enthusiastically, adding that Be:HER wants to bring unique and affordable fashion options that accommodate all women.

Kyla Stone (Anya) and Sam McLellan (Dmitry) in the North American Tour of “Anastasia.”

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

“You will find unique pieces and tailored, customizing and personal shopping. Everything is pretty much unique professional and clean and organized.”

Williams said that while it is important to shop Black, it is also important to shop in small businesses, which are the backbone of the community.

“Small businesses are going to be the reasons the city succeeds,” Williams said. “We are the economy for the city. If you are taking your money out of the community eventually the community will fail.”

By Megan Kirk Broadway In Detroit is presenting a time-honored classic for audiences at the Fisher Theatre. A story of romance, perseverance and whimsy, “Anastasia” will be sure to leave audiences dazzled and will feature new songs and spectacular imagery to help bring the story to life.

The story of Anastasia follows a young woman as she searches for her past after an event causes her to lose her memory. Anya, portrayed by Kyla Stone, embarks on a journey of self-discovery alongside a conman and an ex-aristocrat who help guide her along the way.

Be:HER Owner Jamie Williams, second from left, cuts a ribbon in front of her new boutique in Detroit. Photo courtesy of Motor City Match Williams added that it is vital that everyone has access to things that are important to them like being fashionable.

“It makes people feel good; the way you feel on the inside should reflect on the outside,” she said while rocking a fashionable bowl haircut and multi-colored green jumpsuit.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation President and CEO Kevin Johnson joined city officials, community members and Williams to celebrate the business opening.

“Motor City Match is helping bring the kinds of goods and services Detroit’s neighborhoods and commercial districts need to thrive and provide a sense of community,” said Mayor Duggan in a press release. “Be:HER is a great example of that in the city’s Morningside neighborhood.

Jamie has launched a business that is inclusive and demonstrates her passion for the city in which she was born and raised. We’re so glad she chose to open her business in Detroit.”

Williams purchased the building in 2016 and said she considered it an eyesore in the community in which she lives. Wanting the chance to reinvest in and improve her community, she conceptualized the idea for her women’s fashion boutique.

See Be:HER BOUTIQUE Page B-2

“One of my favorite things about Anya is she’s so unapologetic in her emotions and so I really try to tap into both her complete sassiness and her refusal to be shut down and told who she is as well as this deep knowing that she has that there is something out there for her,” said Stone. “She has this unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity and terror and fear; that really is her guiding light and I think that’s the intersection between the two of us because I’ve always been that kind of person that’s like everything is going to work out regardless of what’s going on in my life.”

First opened to Broadway audiences in March 2017, “Anastasia” has been met with rave reviews. With a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, Tony Award-winner Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens bring a new musical score to the production. Fans and newcomers can look forward to classics mixed with new sounds from the cast.

“It has some of your favorite songs from the movie, obviously – “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” -- and then it has over 20 new songs so there’s new favorites to fall in love with and it’s sort of an exploration of obviously beloved characters and new characters,” said Stone. “I think it’s a perfect marriage between the spectacle

Kyla Stone (Anya) in the National Tour of “Anastasia.”

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

to 1920s Paris, leaving spectators in awe.

“I feel very lucky to get to wear a bunch of stunning costumes and then the projections as well are just out of this world. We have people come to see the show and they say they forget they’re looking at a screen. It looks so real and sadly I wish I could turn around more and stare at them because they’re so detailed and vivid and vibrant,” said Stone.

Sam McLellan (Dmitry) and Kyla Stone (Anya) in the North American Tour of “Anastasia.” Photo by Jeremy Daniel

of the animated film as well as the reality of what was going on at the time.”

Costume designer Linda Cho is credited for helping to bring the production to life. And the set will take audiences from the Russian Empire

Stone, who is the first African American woman to portray Anya on Broadway, hopes “Anastasia” will create a new love for the classic.

Making her national debut, Stone is excited to present both herself and Anya to Detroit.

“Besides the fact that you get to see a young woman of color standing in her power and discovering who she is, which I think is so important, I think it’s also just a show that’s really rooted in finding your joy and finding yourself and your truth.

There’re so many moments of pure hysterical laughter as well as really

See ANASTASIA Page B-2

Catch the Fashions in Spring 2022

By Sherri Kolade

Celebrity stylist Ebony Brown says spring trends in ­Detroit are easy and on point. Photo courtesy of Ebony Brown

British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng once said those words that still ring true today when it Fashion in Black Detroit is an comes to fashion, and can be apindescribable phenomenon that plied to slaying fashionably anycreates moments through style, where in the world. poise and nothing less than swagfilled substance.

In finding one’s fashion footing, especially toward the end of When transitioning from winter the pandemic, some internal conto spring, what’s in season in the versations should be had about D? what’s changed for the wearer in Local fashion designers spilled terms of style and ever-shifting a little tea on what to expect this needs. spring season.

For Venesa Coger, style and culFrom heels and rain boots to ture specialist, she wrote in a Recandy drop earrings and mini finery 29 article that the pandemic beach shoulder bags, it’s more impacted her fashion choices in than a pop of color that will do the more ways than one. trick. Whether it’s loud and bright “To be frank, now all I wear is with bold style or subtle, monomostly loungewear, leggings and Celebrity stylist Ebony Brown chromatic swag – some of the latmatching sets. My style has beest fashion trends are on the come shares spring fashion details. come athleisure [reflective of the Photo courtesy of Ebony Brown up. current times], but it doesn’t truly “The most important thing you have is your im- represent my personality overall. Part of my strugage. As a creator, you have to find your voice, communicate it and then have ownership of that.” Black See SPRING FASHION Page B-2

Page B-2 | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com

Spring Fashion From page B-1

gle has been coming to terms with the weight I’ve put on during the pandemic, and things I’ve had in my closet for years that no longer look flattering on me,” Coger said. “In a way, I’ve been hiding in my comfort clothes, and my desire to start actively posting fashion content on TikTok and Instagram as a style editor made me question myself a bit.”

Bra Tops and Button Downs Celebrity stylist, creative director and Detroit native, Ebony Brown, has multiple tips to help Detroiters transition their closets from winter to spring and it starts with. thankfully, letting go of pandemic-era fashions.

“If you haven’t given up the sweatpants by now, this is your friendly reminder that it’s time to let go,” she said adding that she is in love with a wide leg trouser, paired with a crop top of bras as a top trend to make it look stylish and not corporate.

Brown, an experienced stylist who has worked with celebrities such as Faith Evans, Sanaa Lathan and brands like Nike and Converse, told the Michigan Chronicle that the top spring fashion trends that people will start seeing are cutouts, tank tops, shirts or dresses.

“This trend will dominate spring,” Brown said, adding that miniskirts are also “making a huge resurgence.”

This isn’t your mother’s fashion comeback by the way today, because Brown said that bras can be worn as tops now.

“Throw on a lightweight jacket or button-down shirt over your bra or bikini top and you’re ready,” Brown said, adding that lime green “will be everywhere.”

Also, throwbacks are in as in Y2K (early 2000) fashion is the theme and as far as fabric, “anything tight stretchy” is a good thing, too.

Brown added that locally she’s seeing big trends making their way in Detroit.

“For the Black community, I’m seeing over-the-top luxury. Now that we’re back outside people want to celebrate by wearing nice designer clothes and I love to see it. ... I’m excited for spring fashion. This is a time to experiment with styles and colors and have fun.”

Black is Always in Style Maison Black, a curated online retail space with luxury fashion accessible to all, and made from products by Black designers, debuted its styles last fall and are solidifying its footing in the game even stronger this spring.

Maison Black’s Founder Tori Nichel, also the chief creative officer, told the Michigan Chronicle that offering fash-

ionable accessibility to the people is not a difficult ask, especially this spring.

Nichel said that Detroiters can expect pops of color and more color.

“Bold, vibrant, optimistic and refreshing,” Nichel said. “Pierpaolo Piccolo always leads the pack with color and then he did an encore presentation with his Valentino Pink collection early this month in March. Virgil Abloh’s last collection in Miami had an emotional explosion of color as well, further fueling the color trend with a lush shade of popsicle orange and energy-charged cobalt amongst other colors.”

Nichel said that a lot of natural fabrications such as beautiful cottons (whether it be flowy cotton voiles or cotton poplins), which have risen in importance.

“Spring plaids and expressive colored prints in crepe de chines. Match sets and coordinated sets whether it be and pant/top, top/skirt or cardi as a top with matching bralette or tank trending in importance,” she added, echoing Brown’s earlier bra-style sentiments. “The flare and high-rise trouser has confirmed the skinny jean shall not return.”

Maison Black will continue to expand the offering of jumpsuits bringing in new designers, she added.

“The latest jumpsuit is from In Earnest by Byron Lars. It’s in this incredibly silky soft knit and flows and drapes seamlessly on the body,” Nichel said.

“Dresses will share the spotlight as well.

Bold statement prints in maxi lengths and cotton voiles reign supreme. For those who love a great trouser or denim, the stand-alone white tank is making a comeback ... whether it be with your

utility trouser, Dad jean or full skirt.”

Nichel also gave her take on the f­ashion resurgence coming out of the pandemic.

Be:HER Boutique From page B-1

Be:HER is one of 134 open brick-andmortar businesses that have received support from MCM. More than 80 percent of all MCM businesses are minority-owned, 71 percent are women-owned and 64 percent are owned by Detroit residents.

“This is who we are,” Williams said to a longtime neighborhood resident at the event. “[I want] the community [to know] we are open.”

Randall Thomas of Detroit-based Randall Acquisition & Property Management LLC told the Michigan Chronicle that he helped rehab the building and as a born-and-raised Detroiter it’s very important to start with your own.

“This rebirth is coming back in the City of Detroit,” Thomas said. “This whole building was gutted – I brought it back to life; took about a year. Got the building for her in an auction. … about two years total process right before the pandemic. We just worked through it … and glad it came to fruition.”

Rakisha Odom, senior outreach manager at Brilliant Detroit, told the Michigan Chronicle that development on the Eastside is crucial.

“I used to go to church over here,” she said. “That was in the early 1990s.

To see this coming back, it’s about time.”

“[The] return to work has shifted style choices,” Nichel said. “People still want to look good but have now put a price tag on comfort and versatility. Now with many [shopinistas] working in hybrid models, there’s not a need to be ‘buttoned up’ five days a week anymore.

Yet the style maven has re-emerged as a dotting fashionista, embracing color in frocks in expressive prints from the likes of Patrick Cupid and Studio 189.”

Nichel added that she loves how the Black communities evolve and shift with the seasons while staying effortlessly fly 24/7.

“What I love most is how people are embracing their own unique style unapologetically and owning their look,” Nichel said. “We do not like to look like others, we are extravagant and will put a twist on the simplicity of rockin’ a neon hoodie. What I’m loving is oversized statement coats remixed throwback sneakers, head-to-toe monochromatic dressing, and color inclusive of the shoe and jewelry. Dripped in one’s most coveted gold pieces, layered and combined to perfection. And don’t forget the eyewear.

Statement frames have been the rising star. Utenzi Miller, Style Eye Optical and Vontelle are some of our favorites.”

For more information go to www.maisonblack.shop. Find Maison Black at @ maisonblacknewyork.

Be:HER has also received support from Build Institute, ProsperUS, Michigan Women Forward, ProsperHer, the Accounting Aid Society, TechTown and the Detroit Homecoming East Warren Community Association.

Learn more about Be:HER at beherdetroit.com.

For more information visit www.degc. org, www.motorcitymatch.com.

Anastasia From page B-1

nuanced and detailed emotions that we all go through and getting to see people be vulnerable on stage is one of my favorite things,” said Stone.

With Stone, the cast includes Sam McLellan as Dmitry, Brandon Delgado as Gleb, Gerri Weagraff as the Dowager Empress, Bryan Seastrom as Vlad, Madeline Raube as Countess Lily and Taya Diggs and Marley Sophia as Little Anastasia.

“Anastasia” will run at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre May 3-8. The show played to sold-out audiences on Broadway for more than 3 years before expanding its global ‘Fanastasia’ community with productions on tour across North America and in Japan, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. Globally, the show has been performed more than 2,500 times and sold 3.4 million tickets.

michiganchronicle.com | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | Page B-3

Become Undone

By Sherri Kolade Stop simply doing and start being.

To just be is a concept not always easy to comprehend in an ever-increasingly busy world that reflects values of working ‘til you get yours. Yet, what would happen if you show up for yourself in a more whole way?

A lot of times people are too busy too bogged down with the many valid, yet often overwhelming burdens that are keeping them in a holding pattern of busyness and neglectfulness that robs them from enjoying the present day, which is found in the “being.”

“Think we all get too caught up in doing instead of just being sometimes,” novelist Anne Rivers Siddons once said.

According to an article at www.mindful.org, there is a big difference between “being” and “doing” based primarily on goal-setting that starts with a mindset.

“The activities of the mind are related to patterns of brain activity,” according to the article. “Different mental activities, such as reading a book, painting a picture or talking to a loved one, each involve different patterns of interaction between networks of nerve cells in the brain. The networks involved in one activity are often different from those involved in another activity.

Networks can also be linked together in different patterns.”

If people take a peek into the brain, they could see the “activity of networks and in their connections” with individuals as the mind goes from one point to the other.

“Over time, we would see the different activities of the mind reflected in continually shifting and evolving patterns of interaction between brain networks,” the article added. “If we looked long enough, we would see that a limited number of core patterns of brain activity and interaction seem to crop up as recurring features in a wide variety of different mental activities. These core patterns reflect some basic ‘modes of mind.’”

When people are doing things, they are trying to accomplish certain tasks, meet deadlines, work on projects and the like, yet constantly doing won’t necessarily achieve the results we would like based on a strategy to achieve goals that involve something called the “discrepancy monitor.”

This is a method that “continually monitors and evaluates our current situation against a model or standard—an idea of what is desired, required, expected or feared. Once this discrepancy monitor is switched on, it will find mismatches between how things are and how we think they should be.”

The article adds that identifying these “mismatches” encourages people, even more, to try to minimize those discrepancies.

“But, crucially, dwelling on how things are not as we want them to be can, naturally enough, create further negative mood,” per the article. “In this way, our attempts to solve a ‘problem’ by endlessly thinking about it can keep us locked into the state of mind from which we are doing our best to escape.”

How the Discrepancy Monitor operates: 1) First think of an idea of how you want things to be, or how you think they should be.

2) Then, compare that with your idea of how things are going currently.

3) If there is a gap in how you want things to be and how things presently are, people create thoughts and actions or plans to attempt to remove that space.

4) Then, we look at the “progress” to determine if the gap is growing or shrinking and we adapt actions based on that.

5) We learn then that we have accomplished our goal when our concept of how things are going aligns with our thoughts on how they should be.

According to the article, there is “nothing inherently wrong with this doing mode” but it is not always in the present, per se, and just being in that mindset of doing can, well, do a bit of damage.

“In being mode, the mind has ‘nothing to do, nowhere to go’ and can focus fully on moment-by-moment experience, allowing us to be fully present and aware of whatever is here, right now,” according to the article.

In the doing mode, the mind relentlessly dwells on the differences between what we could have and what we currently have and makes people “feel worse,” which draws people even further from their goals.

The opposite of doing is being, which is described as “accepting” and “allowing” for the things that are.

“The being mode involves a shift in our relation to thoughts and feelings,” according to the article, which adds that there is some freedom behind adopting this mindset when slowing down. “We can be responsive to the richness and complexity of the unique patterns that each moment presents.”

In 2022, it’s time to start being and be less driven by the “being.”

The Pandemic

Playbook:

Deep Cleaning the Mind, Body and Soul

By Megan Kirk

S

pring is upon us and while Michiganders are preparing themselves for warmer weather, it also marks the two-year anniversary of the first known cases of the pandemic. Now, after a devastating blow to the city’s health and economics, residents are hoping to shed some of the mental angst the pandemic has left with them.

Spring is here, yet Michigan weather can have a lasting impact on mental and physical health. Suffering from winter blues, many Michigan residents are welcoming the blue skies and sunny days to give a much-needed boost to their mental health. Hoping to give a new meaning to the term March Madness, one mental health expert is encouraging African Americans to get healthy and rid themselves and their personal space of the pandemic paranoia.

“The warm weather, statistically, makes you feel better. We started the pandemic in March two years ago, so we had warm weather starting it out, but I think if people made the extra effort to use this time to seasonally do things that make their lives better, that’s going to be a start,” said Khadisha Saunders-Davenport, Licensed Professional Counselor. “Start with getting rid of things you don’t need. Declutter your home, declutter your mind.”

Spring cleaning does not just involve your home, but encompasses the mind, body and soul. With two years spent indoors, for many families the accumulation of unneeded items can not only create chaos in the home, but in the mind as well.

“Starting that process now is important. I teach those that I coach, you have to start somewhere. So, give yourself a little bit of time every day to declutter something. It could be a drawer; one drawer. Give yourself some mental capacity each day to let go of things and how much better you will end up feeling,” said Saunders-Davenport.

The pandemic has greatly impacted the mental health for many, but particularly in the Black community where the topic remains taboo. Issues of anxiety, depression and stress have steadily increased leaving many African

Americans in the perils of mental decline. Statistically, therapy has become less stigmatized and is starting to be seen as an essential part of survival.

“Professionally, I have had more African American clients selecting me and searching for me than prior to the pandemic, which was not the case before,” said Saunders-Davenport.

Additionally, issues of abuse have been on the rise.

Over-consumption of alcohol, drugs and sexual intercourse are just the beginning. Child and spousal abuse have also been on the rise as more time indoors has made it easier to sweep these issues under the rug.

“Honest to goodness, I believe that this pandemic has actually opened up the ability for African Americans to really deal with maybe some of those underlying mental health issues that have not been diagnosed. It has opened up the world to accept mental health as something that is not debilitating for us, but actually a way of us becoming better people in general,” said Saunders-Davenport.

To help spring clean the whole person, Saunders-Davenport suggests spending time in the sun as a way to help boost morale.

“You should get out more. Get a bike, roller-skate, rollerblade, get out and do things. Get out and move,” said Saunders-Davenport. “So often, because of the pandemic, people feel like they have paranoia, but you know where your safe place is and you know you can go to a park, you know you can go out and you are okay.”

Though the pandemic is not over, mental health experts are looking at the potential extended effects on the minds of not just African Americans, but the world at large.

“It depends on how you experienced the pandemic. For those that maybe suffered and survived COVID, for those who had family members that didn’t make it through COVID, for those people who maybe their needs weren’t met or they lacked. I think it’s a different level of understanding and a different level of acceptance post-pandemic depending on how you experienced it,” said Saunders-Davenport.

National Poetry Month Helps Spark Literacy and Receives Financial Support

By Megan Kirk National Poetry Month is celebrated each April and allows artists the ability to showcase their talents through spoken and written word. The art of poetry has also been helped to increase literacy levels in both adults and children.

Though literacy rates have climbed over recent years, there still exists a demographic of individuals across the nation that can not read, write and comprehend, this is particularly true for African American communities. The pandemic helped to slow measures as organizations worked to reduce the number, now these organizations will receive some much needed help to spark their initiatives and continue their efforts.

In 2020, The Literary Arts Emergency Fund, launched and administered by the Academy of American Poets, the Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP), and the National Book Foundation. The fund, made possible by the Mellon Foundation, works to provide financial relief to a historically underserved community of literary arts.

Together, these organizations will distribute $4.3 million in funding to 313 nonprofit literary arts organizations and publishers across the U.S. that have experienced continued financial losses due to COVID-19. Metro Detroit is included in the count as with 826Michigan, which assists children across Southeast Michigan with literacy and comprehension.

“These grants remain vital because the impact of the emergency of COVID-19 remains very present in our lives,” says Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation, in a statement.

“Throughout the United States, readers, writers, poets, students, and teachers rely on our country’s vibrant ecosystem of literary magazines, presses, and organizations — one that reveals the power and the possibility of the literary arts to the broader public. We are proud to continue our support for this

emergency fund and look forward to the remarkable poetry and literature it will help cultivate.”

The organizations and publishers who have received support are facing a financial loss of up to $18 million dollars in the upcoming year. These funds will help to curve the loss and allow them to continue on the important mission of access to literacy for all.

“In some ways, this year was even more challenging than last year for literary organizations and publishers as there were fewer opportunities to receive emergency funding but also increased costs including producing hybrid events,” says Ruth Dickey, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation, in a statement.

As the literary arts field was under-funded much before the pandemic, programs enacted since the coronavirus did help to relieve some organizations.

Yet, fewer federal relief funds were available to support arts and culture organizations in 2022 and the forgivable loans provided through the Paycheck Protection Act have come to an end.

Not only are literary arts organizations and publishers a critical part of

the cultural landscape, helping to keep Black and other minority stories alive, the invaluable measures in literacy help to make education more accessible. The 313 literary organizations and publishers supported by the Literary Arts Emergency Fund published almost 12,000 literary works, produced more than 30,000 events, and reached over 210 million audience members in 2021.

“When you consider the funding available to other artistic disciplines, the literary arts have incredible reach and impact. With that, and the unique quality of cultural engagement that reading poems and stories provides, which can be personally transformative, the literary arts deserve much more support,” says Jennifer Benka, Executive Director of the Academy of American Poets, in a statement.

Nonprofit organizations and publishers are an essential part of reading, writing and comprehension. Helping to sustain literary culture across the country by distributing the work of poets and writers, they also employ writers as teaching artists who bring literature into classrooms; offer workshops, festivals, and conferences; support the creative practice of poets and writers by providing millions of dollars in grants and fellowships; and honor the achievements of poets and writers, giving their work visibility.

“Literary magazines and small presses provide a first home to thousands of emerging writers each year, and they champion the work of poets, short story writers, and literary prose writers throughout their careers. They are essential to the publishing ecosystem,” says Mary Gannon, Executive Director of the Community of Literary Magazines & Presses, in a statement.

Now, the 313 recipients will be able to continue being a force in the community and a champion for poets and creative writing artists, but also those looking to use poetry as a means of achieving literacy.

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michiganchronicle.com | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | Page B-4 ANNOUNCEMENTS

GREAT LAKES WATER AUTHORITY

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE FOR FY 2023 CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND (CWSRF) PROJECTS The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) announces a Public Hearing regarding Project Plans for the following six proposed projects: 1) Rehabilitation of Pump Station 1 Improvements, 2) Pump Station 2 Bar Rack Replacements and Grit Collection System Improvements, 3) Rehabilitation of Screened Final Effluent (SFE) Pump Station, 4) Aeration Decks 1-2 Modification, 5) Oakwood District Intercommunity Relief Sewer Modification at Oakwood District - Northwest Interceptor Relief Sewer (NWI), and 6) Freud Pump Station. The purpose of this public hearing is not only to inform, but to gather feedback from people who will be affected.

The projects will impact wastewater conveyance and treatment provided to customers in southeastern Michigan and are eligible for participation in the State of Michigan low interest State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. GLWA will be seeking low interest funding from the SRF loan program for FY 2023. The following is a brief description of each project: The Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) Improvements – 4 Projects. The WRRF was originally constructed in the 1920s.

Improvements to the infrastructure are needed to maintain the long-term reliability of the WRRF to treat wastewater from the surrounding communities. The four (4) projects collectively will improve the transport and treatment of sewage flows to and through the WRRF. The Rehabilitation of Pump Station 1 Improvements include significant structural, mechanical, process, and electrical upgrades that will maintain the long-term reliability of this critical pumping facility at the headworks of the WRRF. The eight rehabilitated large main lift pumps will more reliably convey sewage for treatment during dry and wet weather conditions.

The Pump Station 2 Bar Rack Replacements and Grit Collection System Improvements include finer bar screens for enhanced capture, the addition of additional bar screens, improved screenings removal, improved grit removal, and a new grit processing facility.

The Rehabilitation of SFE Pump Station provides for new right-sized pumps at the existing SFE pump station and includes additional water treatment allowing GLWA to significantly reduce the amount of potable water required to operate the WRRF. The Aeration Decks 1-2 Modification will allow for step-feed, biological phosphorus removal, and improved hydraulic control. The addition of step-feeding will allow the facility to accommodate larger swings in demand from wet weather conditions.

The temporary impact of construction activities will be minimized as all work is planned to occur within existing buildings and facilities at the WRRF. The project plan will detail mitigation measured planned for construction and mitigation measures will also be specified in the contract documents as part of bidding these projects.

Adverse impacts on historical, archaeological, geographic, or cultural areas are not expected as all work is proposed to take place on the WRRF site where all earth has been previously disturbed for construction. However, if any potential impacts arise, construction will be halted, and the proper steps will be taken to proceed following all appropriate guidelines.

The total cost of the 4 WRRF project improvements is currently estimated at $277.3 million.

Oakwood District Intercommunity Relief Sewer Modification at Oakwood District. The Oakwood District Intercommunity Relief Sewer Modification at Oakwood District - Northwest Interceptor Relief Sewer (NWI) project is comprised of the construction of a relief tunnel between the NWI and the Oakwood CSO Control Facility. The proposed relief sewer will divert wet weather flow from the NWI to the currently underutilized Oakwood CSO Control Facility’s Retention Treatment Basin to take advantage of its available capacity. The positive impacts of the project include reducing untreaded CSO’s to the Rouge River, reducing flooding of the Southfield Freeway near Hubbard Avenue, and providing GLWA better control of the high flow levels in the NWI and Detroit River Interceptor (DRI) during wet weather.

The temporary impact of above-ground construction activities will be minimized largely by selecting locations for the construction of shafts and work areas associated with the tunnel that minimize impact to the public, along with additional mitigation measures specified in the contract documents.

Adverse impacts on historical, archaeological, geographic, or cultural areas are not expected.

The total cost of this project is currently estimated at $75,000,000.

The Freud Pump Station is comprised of operational improvements to the storm pumps, structural and architectural improvements, and upgrading the ventilation and heating system. In addition, a new sanitary pump station will be constructed over the two (2) existing 16-foot diameter sewers which will require realigning Freud Street to the north between Conner Street and Navahoe Street. The impact of the project will improve GLWA’s operational management of combined storm flows in the area served by the Freud Pump Station.

The temporary impact of construction activities will be minimal through construction sequencing specified in the contract documents. Right of way restoration will be performed on disrupted areas.

Adverse impacts on historical, archaeological, geographic, or cultural areas are not expected.

The total cost of this project is currently estimated at $90,000,000.

The Public Hearing on the FY 2023 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Projects proposed by the Great Lakes Water Authority will be held for the purpose of receiving comments from interested persons. The presentations at the Public Hearing will provide a description of the improvements, its evaluation, and estimated costs, as well as the cost per household impact for customer communities. Comments and viewpoints from the public are requested. Information on the Project Plan will be available for review online after April 22, 2022, at the GLWA Website: https://www.glwater.org/.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON: DATE:

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

TIME:

2:00 PM, Eastern Time (US and Canada)

PLACE:

In person, Zoom Videoconferencing, and Telephonic Hearing

Join Zoom Meeting https://glwater.zoom.us/j/83194405282?pwd=a0RoeGpIL1Y0ZjNMSnA1TDgyZ3NLQT09 Meeting ID: 831 9440 5282 Passcode: 027232 In Person (subject to capacity) Board Room, 5th Floor 735 Randolph Street Detroit, Michigan 48226 Telephonic Public Call-In Number: 877-835-5247 US Toll-Free or 888-788-0099 US Toll-Free Meeting ID: 831 9440 5282 Passcode: 027232 Members of the public may offer comments in the following manner:

By Zoom videoconferencing: Members of the public who wish to use Zoom videoconferencing to attend the meeting and/or offer public comment may utilize the following link to attend: https://glwater.zoom.us/j/83194405282?pwd=a0RoeGpIL1Y0ZjNMSnA1TDgyZ3NLQT09 During the portions of the hearing designated for public participation may “raise their hand” by using that feature within the software program.

In Person (subject to capacity): Members of the public who, subject to capacity, wish to attend the meeting and/or off public comment in person may attend the meeting in the Board Room, 5th Floor, 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226.

By Telephone: Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting and/or offer public comment by telephone should call in at the number indicated above, press *9 on their keypad to “raise their hand for public comment.” During other portions of the meeting, members of the public are asked to mute their line by pressing *6 on their keypad to mute or unmute their line.

By E-Mail: Members of the public may provide written comments to the Board by emailing those comments to CEO@glwater.org on or before 5:00 p.m. EST. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, and should reference “May 25, 2022 Public Hearing on proposed FY 2023 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Projects” in the subject line of the e-mail. The opportunity to submit written comments by e-mail may remain open throughout the duration of the Public Hearing.

By U.S. Mail: Members of the public may provide written comments by United States mail addressed to: Suzanne R. Coffey, Interim Chief Executive Officer Great Lakes Water Authority 735 Randolph Detroit, Michigan, 48226

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED Manager FEV North America, Inc. seeks a Manager in Auburn Hills, MI to manage projects and guide teams to conduct analysis and develop recommendations for clients to solve strategic problems; among other duties. Min. master’s in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Management, Business Administration or related and five years of experience in the job offered or related. EOE M/F/Disability/Vet. Apply to job reference number 22-00051 at: www.fev.com

Principal Engineer Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC seeks a Principal Engineer in Troy, MI to plan, coordinate, and direct large long term analytical and simulation projects on heavy vehicle products to meet specific program objectives; among other duties. Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics and ten years of experience in the job offered or related. Apply to job reference number 2200005T at: meritor.jobs.net/search Java Developer Warren, MI, General Motors. Gather reqmts, dvlp, validate, deploy, &support full SW dvlpmt lifecycle of Connected Customer &Mobility Solutions applications incldg Back Office MSA to send &receive data to &from psgr vehicles using Java, J2EE, JavaScript, REACT UI, Spark, Docker, &SQL languages, &Spring Boot, Jetty, Netty, jQuery, JSON, JUnit, Gatling, Kafka, Docker, Kubernetes, Git, Kibana, Maven, Jenkins, Akamai, Oracle 10g/11, &Unix etc. tools. Perform SW anlys, code anlys, reqmts anlys, SW review, identification of code metrics, sys risk anlys, SW reliability anlys, OOP anlys &design, &Aspect Oriented Programming. Dvlp, &deliver Vehicle Data Hub SW to QA Engrs for validation, UAT, &support UAT &production deployments in PCF Cloud platform &static servers. Upgrade Back Office MSA to publish Internet Protocol version 6 addresses for achieving efficient vehicle to Back Office connectivity. Bachelor, Computer Science or Engrg, or related. 60 mos exp as Developer, Engineer, or Consultant, using Java, J2EE, &JavaScript programming languages &JQuery tool, or related. Mail resume to Ref#586, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

Infotainment System Feature Integration Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Work w/ &verify operation of cross-module infotainment features incldg Bluetooth, Phone Projection, OnStar, Chimes, IP Cluster, Integrated Center Stack, Camera, Climate, Audio (AM/FM/SXM), Virtual Controls, Off-Road, Customization, Trailering, Wi-Fi networks/Hotspot.

Integrate, &debug subsys infotainment connected ecosystem &in-vehicle features execution activities on truck Global A/B architecture prgrms. Dvlp functional blocks, using VSpy, to insert/read CAN, Automotive Ethernet, LIN, MOST, &FlexRay messages, using VSpy, &neoVI FIRE/FIRE2 &RAD-Galaxy HW. Perform root cause &analyze customer data from J.D. Power, Compass Connect &internal ticket mgmt boards to expand validation test plans by adding specific scenarios. Work w/ Tier I supplier companies on Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) SW implementation &requesting HW as needed for testing &testing timelines. Master, Electrical or Computer Engrg. 12 mos exp as Engineer, dvlpg functional blocks, using VSpy, to insert/read CAN, Automotive Ethernet, MOST, &FlexRay messages, using VSpy, or related.

Mail resume to Ref#31350-G, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

System/Product Integrity Engineer Warren, Ml, General Motors. Investigate End to End (E2E) sys performance &customer experience issues while applying sound technical judgement w/ data queried using SQL from Operational Data Store database &DFSS optimization techniques to dvlp cost effective containment strategies &resolution.

Perform E2E issues triaging of mobile applications (myGMC, myChevrolet, myBuick &myCadillac), capturing in vehicle CAN bus communications between ECUs using CANalyzer, CANoe &VSpy, &neoVI HW. Cross verify metrics against data uploaded by Telematics Communication Platform module to Vehicle Data Factory server using Vehicle Task Mgr tasks to determine root causes &identify potential solutions to applications dvlprs. Mine vehicle &user data ascertained through Hadoop Big Data framework using SQL, &present data using Power Bl to highlight patterns, anomalies, relationships &trends to meet SW &syss reqmts set by Exec Directors &Chief Engrs. Master, Electrical or Computer Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, performing or executing E2E issues triaging of mobile applications, using CANalyzer &VSpy, &neoVI HW, for tracing In Vehtde CAN bus communications between ECUs, or related. Mail resume lo Ref#29751-11201, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, Ml 48265.

Safety CAE Integration Engineer Warren, Ml, General Motors. Engr, perform &execute FEA of full vehicle psgr vehicle to meet front high speed impact crashworlhiness performance of BIW Body Frame Integral &Body on Frame light weighVhigh strength steel structures in compliance with U.S. &RoW regs defined by U.S. FMVSS No. 208 full frontal &30 degree angle impact, &NCAP), Euro NCAP, &China NCAP standards &reqmls, &IIHS recommendations &metrics for front (offset deformable &small overlap rigid barrier) load cases at virtual assessment gates. Use CAE SW incldg ANSA, LS-DYNA, Primer, Animator, HyperWorks &MeshWorks for FE simulations.

Attend physical tests &tear downs &correlate CAE &FE simulation results to physical test.

Present CAE results to cross functional teams.

Master, Mechanical, Automotive, or Civil Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, Specialist, or related, performing or supporting full vehicle psgr vehicle crashworthiness simulations using FEA for U.S. &RoW regs defined by U.S. FMVSS No. 208 full frontal &30 degree angle impact, &IIHS recommendations for front (offset deformable &small over1ap rigid barrier) load cases, or related. Mail resume to Ref#262-219, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32C66, Detroit, Ml 48265.

HELP WANTED Employment Opportunity CITY OF EASTPOINTE Adult & Technical Services Librarian Salary - $45,000 – $54,000 Under the supervision of the Library Director, performs responsible and varied administrative and professional library work related to planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Adult Department and Circulation Department. Supervises the entire library, including personnel and facilities, in the absence of the Library Director and the Youth’s Services Librarian.

To review the job description and to apply, please visit our Employment Opportunities web page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/eastpointemi

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Written comments by U.S. mail should reference “May 25, 2022 Public Hearing FY 2023 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Projects” in the letter. The opportunity to submit written comments by U.S. mail may remain open throughout the duration of the Public Hearing.

Michigan Chronicle

If a member of the public requires accommodation due to a disability, please contact CEO@glwater.org or (844) 455-GLWA (4592) not less than 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

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michiganchronicle.com | April 27 - May 3, 2022 | Page B-5 HELP WANTED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WAY Academy, a TUITION FREE Public School Academy Serving students and their families announces 2022-2023 enrollment periods for grades 6-12. WAY Academy located 8701 W. Vernor Hwy. Detroit, MI 48209. Students and their families may enroll April 18 - May 13, 2022.

In addition, interested students and their families may contact the academy by calling (313) 444-8082. This school is a public school academy authorized by Lake Superior State University (LSSU) according to the Michigan Revise School Code. It has an open enrollment policy and does not discriminate on the basis of intellectual or physical abilities, achievement or aptitude, religion, race, or gender.

Random Selection Drawing, In the event student enrollment applications exceed the available space, a random selection drawing will be administered Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the following location 397 Main St., Belleville, MI 48111.

The random selection drawing, in accordance with the Michigan Revised School Code and chartering contract provisions with Lake Superior State University, will be conducted under the direction of a third-party administrator not affiliated with the Academy. If required the third party administrators will be (TMD). Students and their parents as well as interested community members are welcome to attend COVID-19 guidelines will be in place. Attendance however is not required for inclusion in the drawing.

Join Our Team

Walker-Miller Energy Services is hiring!

Direct Installer – Lansing, MI Energy Consultant – Detroit, MI Energy Consultant – Saginaw, MI Energy Specialist/Field Technician – Grand Rapids, MI Mobility Program Manager – Detroit, MI Outreach Manager – Detroit, MI Proposal Manager – Detroit, MI To apply please visit wmenergy.com/careers-2/ Department: Location: Salary Range: FLSA: Employment Type:

City Clerk’s Office City Hall 53,155 – 66,387 Exempt Full Time

The City of Ferndale is adding to our City Clerk’s team. We are now hiring for the position of Deputy City Clerk. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in applicable laws and regulations, have experience working in a fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to prioritize multiple assignments. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration is preferred.

Salary range is $53,155-$66,387 commensurate with experience, Visit www.ferndalemi.gov/jobs for more information and to apply.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) has prepared the FY 2023 Annual Operating and Capital Budgets. The total estimated budgets include the following programs: 5307 Formula ($40,282,779), 5307 LETC Governor’s Apportionment ($3,370,877), 5339 Formula ($4,452,251), 5339 LETC Governor’s Apportionment ($200,371), CMAQ ($2,186,754), 5310 SMART ($3,959,708), 5310 NOTA ($303,022), 5311 Nonurban JARC ($561,516), Act 51 Operating ($43,500,000), 5311 LETC Operating ($230,000) and Other State Subsidized Services (Operating) ($922,000).

Seeking

Seeking Assistant II Seeking Medical OFFICE ASSISTANT II ASSISTANT III at Oakland University atOFFICE Oakland University

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Minimumprogram service activities for a Qualifications: High school regulations, to serve as angraduation informationinvolving processing, implementing, The proposed Capital and Operating budgets are on SMART’s website (https://www.smartbus.org/area or an equivalent combination of al source within the clinicFourinyears addition education and experience.

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Minimum Qualifications: assistant in the clinic.

Minimum meeting deadlines. This is a full time, Qualfrom Tuesday, April 26, 2022 through Wednesday, May 25, 2022 by appointment only. To reserve anHigh clerical-technical position.

Salary is ifications: High School or school graduation orgraduation an equivalent $42,123.00 annually. See online appointment, please call, 313-223-2149, or email a request to publichearing@smartbus.org. an equivalent combination of educacombination of education and experience. posting for additional position tionyears and experience. years’ office exrequirements.

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Seeking Medical Assistant II Salary is $30,973.00 annually. See CUSTODIAN I/FACILITIES MANDATORY pre-submittal meeting to and tour will take place Participation at 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI submittal 48226 Must TheARespondent may only submit one response thissite Request for Proposals. in more than one OFFICE ASSISTANT III apply online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online posting for additional posiat Oakland University at Oakland University AM EST, onresponses Friday, April 29,Respondent.

2022. teambeginning will resultatin11rejection of all by that OAKLAND Facilities BusinessUNIVERSITY Management tion AT requirements.

Must apply online Graham Health Center To perform cleaning activities and Respondents submitting qualifications may be required to make an oral presentation(s) to designated City representatives. The to: https://jobs.oakland.edu School of Medicine Theoffice, DBA ifwill receivewill theschedule responses, herein set forth, viaThe theRespondent online procurement platform Bid maintain the assigned areas in various in a clinical processing issuing required, suchasoral presentation(s). must pay any travel BidNetDirect. costs incurred for such Coordinate campus classroom and office buildings Proposals are due no later than 2:00 PM EST, on Thursday, May 12, 2022. clinic by performing a variety Tomedical provide specialized officeperform assistance, and on an emergency basis, presentations. grounds related tasks.

High school of multi-step processes according coordinating procedural businessto a or The The Respondent must agree comply withone the requirements theRequest City of Detroit’s Ordinances and Civil Rights, Inclusion Respondent may to only submit response to of this for Proposals.

Participation in more thanand graduation or an equivalent combination 2col. xexperience, 4.75 specified framework of procedures and of education and ability Opportunity Department service toactivities formix avarious complex program one submittal team Requirements. will result in rejection of all responses by that Respondent. use and/or cleaning regulations, to serve as an informationchemicals, perform physically active If there are any changes to the dates listed above, notifications will be posted in BidNetDirect. area involving processing, implementing, al source withinfrequent the clinic in upaddition work, requires lifting of to Respondents submitting qualifications may be required to make an oral presentation(s) to designated City advising on, mayand reporting specialized No response to this Request for Qualifications/Proposal may be withdrawn for at least 120 days after the actual opening of the 60 lbs., work in various weather to maintaining the role as a medical representatives. The issuing office, if required, will schedule such oral presentation(s). The Respondent must pay conditions with extremes heat & cold, qualifications/proposals. The DBA reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any qualifications/proposals, and to reject any subject matter.

Minimum Qualifications: assistant in the clinic.

Minimum also may require a MI driver’s licenseQualany travel costs incurred for such presentations. or all qualifications/proposals, should it be deemed in its best interest. If additional information is needed regarding this RFQP, acceptable to the University’s insurance ifications: High School graduation or High school graduation or an equivalent carrier. Salary is $15.00 per hour and please contact Darryl Young of the DBA at (313) 378-1183. an equivalent combination ofexperience. educaexcellentofbenefits.

This isand a full-time The Respondent must agree to comply with the requirements of the City of Detroit’s Ordinances and Civil Rights, combination education afternoon shift working: MondayDetroit Building tion and experience.

Three years’ exInclusion andAuthority Opportunity Department Requirements.

Four years progressively responsible Thursday: 9:00 p.m. – 5:30 a.m., Friday: office 1301 Third Street, Suite 328 perience as a medical assistant or in 7:00 p.m. – 3:30 a.m., summer hours experience, including direct experience in Detroit, MI 48226 may differ.

Oakland University offers a directly related field with experience If there are any changes to the dates listed above, notifications will be posted in BidNetDirect. an excellent benefit program including office coordination, i.e., prioritizing work in medical office clerical a comprehensive medicalfunctions. plan with Exlow contribution amounts for our HELP WANTED workand flowobtainto meet No response to this Request for Qualifications/Proposal may be withdrawn for at least 120 days after the actual assignments, perience inmaintaining venipuncture employees, dental and vision plans at no opening of the qualifications/proposals.

The DBA reserves the right in any Get your weekly home delivery of theto waive any irregularity deadlines.

This is a full time, clerical-technical ing basic patient information including cost for our employees, generous paid U.S. District Court, off, University contributions to our qualifications/proposals, and to reject any or all qualifications/proposals, should it be deemed in itsDistrict best interest.

If -position. bloodtime pressure, electrocardiograph Eastern of Michigan Salary is $43,718.00 annually.

403(b) retirement plan after eligibility is additional information is needed regarding this RFQP, please contact Darryl Young of theChief DBADeputy at (313) 378-1183. of Administration measurements and urine specimens. met, posting tuition assistance for employees See online for additional position ­(Type II) Vacancy Announcement atThis is anda dependents eligibility is met, popart-timeafter clerical-technical free accessFirst to our consideration Campus Recreation will be requirements. http://www.mied.uscourts.gov.

Detroit Building Authority sition,Center working Monday-Friday, and workout facilities, and10:00 Located in Detroit, this seniorgiven to 1301 Third Street, Suite 328 those who apply March flexible work schedules and by wellness a.m.

– 5:00 p.m., 30 hours per week.23, executive-level, professional Detroit, MI 48226 programs. These are current benefit 2020.

Salarylevelsis subject $30,973.00 annually. to future changes.

See See position (equivalent to a online postings for positionposiapply online to: https://jobs.oakland.edu online posting foradditional additional vice-president) is responsibleMust requirements.

First consideration END OF ADVERTISEMENT for the day-to-day operation and tion requirements.

Must online will be given to those who apply apply by Subscribe Today! supervision of the administrative to: https://jobs.oakland.edu May 5, 2022. Must apply online at:

Michigan Chronicle Call (313) 963-5522

departments of the Court. EOE

https://jobs.oakland.edu.

2col. x 4.75

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