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M ichigan C hronicle Michigan Chronicle

Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023

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All Black Everything:

Vol. November20-26, 8-14, 2023 Vol. 87 87 –– No. No. 10 3 || September 2023

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ChiefUAW Kirk Moore Strike is Moving ATriple Night of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Against Detroit Ypsilanti Forward Automakers as NewTop Cop

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

Late Thursday night, Sept.

14, a historic moment unfolded Police departments across the United in American labor relations as States have been embroiled in tense relationthe United Auto Workers (UAW) ships they’ve had within Black communities union initiated a strike against for centuries. From areas where large numFord, General Motors (GM), and bers of Black people reside being over-poStellantis. For the first time, liced to the excessive use of force against the union took simultaneous Black individuals, the relationship between action against all three major DeBlack citizens and police has always been troit-based automakers. The action one of distrust and struggle. involves approximately 13,000 Some law enforcement agencies UAW members in assembly plants claim the reasoning behind the heavier across Michigan, Ohio, andpolice Mis- presence intheir Black communisouri, who walked off troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable.

By Ebony JJ Curry ties is jobs simply tarafter existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER geted patrols – their pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of our community. cased the diversity of talent within our community. From response is that they Shortly before midnight on As the night unfolded, we had the privilege of hon- Paris T. Prichard, a forensic scientist pushing the boundn a breathtaking talent, determinagocelebration where highof crime Sept. 14, released a statement tion,GM and the unyielding Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who is located,spirit and of they expressing disappointment with the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the cretend to get by with the strike action,40despite offering 40 Under event Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 qualified immunity what termed anin“unprecedented soirée,it drenched thelaws themethat “All Black Everything with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. provide economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations “justifiable” use of and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through historic wage increases.

Stellantis ly illuminated the golden within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. force gems claims and of Black excellence. Hosted theimmucharismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said thereby by offer Andre Ash and Lynzee Mychael from Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s nity protection for cle’s Finally Friday, the night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentofficers. of Detroit community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me.

Kirk Mooreand its vibrant We’ve seen news fessionals.

I’m geeked. I started making and selling clothes as a kid headlines where officers and police agencies sparkled withopinion a golden are The triedevening in the court of public forpromise as we and I always knew that I would have a business, but I it isbrand a realname stressbusiness, on workers wondering engineers, andIncreased more has been knew it would be Detroit’s celebrated remarkable individualsinfrom walks JJnever

By Ebony Curry DPD Chiefattendants, James White Says their treatment of Black individuals traf- various if they’re going to have a roof over their brought to bear since the overwhelming that our business repof stops life. Among the911 honorees were the in brilliant and REPORTER vi- so I take a lot of pride in the fact SENIOR fic or during calls for service Policevote Presence Culled Violence heads at times,” shared D. Taylor President to authorize a strike on Sept. 29, when sionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey and resents our city’s pride.” tense situations. of UNITE HERE International Union.

99% were in favor.

The authorization to Timothy Paul Jackson.

Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was “When we fight, we win!”

This chant But as stories of unequal treatment of By Andre Ash strike was given on October 17, after the Upon their original sanctioning in the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming in DeDannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at reverberates among Detroit’s beloved casiBlack people by police continued circulating DIGITAL ANCHOR deadlock in contract negotiations prior ness district that had been the lifeblood of towards mending the wounds inflicted onto 1998, Detroit’s casinos entered into agreetroit but also exemplified the transformative impact Barton Malow. nos, as workers from the city’s other ‘Big By Ebony JJ Curry throughout the disappointment country, a shiftinwas hapalso expressed the lapse of the current agreement.

Black Detroiters and restoring a sense of bethe community. ments with the are Cityyoung of Detroit that promprofessionals can onwith theirlarge communities.

Three’ unite in “It their for whattothey is quest so important recognize that there SENIOR REPORTER pening in the saying way communities aBlack statement, the have company A casino stringlonging of shootings that wasinsopicketing callouslyschedule torn away quality within The current for in the say is economic justice.

Detroit’s em- many It’sised a that history marred pain, the injus“Together we residents have created social, environmental, leaders across the casino country, areemployment born herebyin numbers of Black chose aleadership immediately went into contingenGreektown inunion mid-April left is organized into fourthe past. sector.

Since then, workers at these casimembers For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or ployees at MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood tice, and economic devastation.

More than and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson.

LindDetroit.

I represent our city nationally and I tell people, within their police departments. cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents of continue noswest-side have sacrificed pay increases hourI-375 shifts that around themore clock, I-375, has long beenMotorCity just another stretch of from Boulevard Project is about Casino, and are striking seyParticularly followed that sentimentseveral with, “It is through our local 130,000 residents, Black, and werehave The ‘Yea I’m aCasino D-girl I’m the ofprimarily Detroit,’” in Michigan, The UAW has branded the in- commuthistobustling des- historical taken on increased responsibilities facil-thandowntown providing 24-hour coverage.

Each worker urban highway, a concrete artery connectjust correcting injustices; it’s for improved economic conditions, empartnerships and collaborative efforts that we exist in Mitchell expressed.

“But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced.

Families were uprooted, nities shared the as belief policing needs to dustrial action thethat “Stand-Up tination in awe.

One of itate thewealth industry’s rebound from the fi-about adheres to these thisthe schedule, ensuring the proing different parts of the city.

To some, it’s phasizing healthcare, wages, workloads, redefining future.

It will connect over 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milto have experiences within an industry that not many of generational was obliterated, and a change. within the recent past, several Strike,” And focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed impact of thetorn COVID-19 pandemic. test remains uninterrupted. exchange mere and convenience; to others, an unre-during recognition of theirit’s sacrifices Detroit to surroundingInneighborlion honeybees – humbly oura movement has us, specifically women of thriving color,nancial have the opportunity toasunder. community was The downtown cities men to speaking lead withinselected each Black automaker.

UAWthe evoluthe life of a popular be- gap that was “I was hired in April of run 1999deep, – I was a parthoods, for bridging theirand participation, picketers receive markable part of their daily commute.

Howthe pandemic.

The Detroit Casino Counthe placed upon inspired others locally, nationally, and even internationengage in and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, wounds inflicted by I-375 trantion of policing within their communities.

President Shawn Fain stated, “This loved security guard followof the first 1,000,” Weaver expressed, “Ithe acity weekly payment ever, there’s a deeper, far more troubling cil (DCC), encompassing five unions and decades ago. of $500. “There used ally to take on similar missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to strategy will keep companies a dispute with patron.

Kirk Moore, for the instance, took over as havethe been there forof24 years anding they have Today, to be aathe time when youofonly had one job. story founded beneath the of this seemingly 3,700 workers various roles, had is penetrate atto articulate theacross room, and I really thesoul importance very Black Detroiters. resurgence Paradise Valley Detroit a pioneering organization by surface guessing.

ItHives, will give our The male suspect allegedly the new Chief of Police fornationthe City of Ypnever given us a substantial wage increase Now, because they have cut indomitable staff so drasordinary freeway—a story ofnegotiations. pain, displacethe forefront of these of showing up, giving chances when others won’t, and stands as a testament to the Lindsey and Jackson, harnesses the power of urban beeThis legacy can that’s be traced back al negotiators maximum leveragea nationthe guardtically beforesome fleeing silanti six months ago following andpainful although everyone onshot the picket of us are and doingthe two to three and the lasting impact on Black Detroibeing persistent.”

Asworkers a trailblazing Blackinterstate woman thrivDuring the pandemic’s peak, spirit ofhis Black Detroiters enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in ment, the Motor City. to theline nation’s highway program and flexibility in bargaining. the scene, while female wide search.

Ypsilanti, home toAnd the campus does love their job, over the years we jobs when we should be in our own job ters. ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her accepted a modest wage increase of 3% legacy of Black excellence.

This historic disTheir initiative onlyweaddresses critical issues like of 1956—a program that along aimedthe to way connect if we need to go not all out, will. companion is classification. accused of conof Eastern Michigan University and a popfeel that somewhere the caThat’s really hard.

You come unwavering commitment to country fortifying connections The over tale begins whatwhile is now Lafayette three in years, Detroit’s cost the of trict, once vibrant hub for Black businessenvironmental but alsowelprovides valuable Chief James White butthe often didassofar atas the expense Everything onconservation the cealing the weapon in aher bra. ulation just isnorth of table.”

20,000Union residents sinos lost their way taking care ofes to work, and youDPD think you’re doing one between businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark, once known as Black Bottom—a neighliving increased substantially within the and culture, is experiencing a renaissance education and employment opportunities to Black Deof marginalized communities.

In the case of leaders have also indicated that comes a Black male chief and native of New These incidents unfolded during an unseasonably their workers, who are really helping get thing but because they’re short in anothborhood rooted in African-American culture same period.

“So, we just got sick and tired that harkens back to its glory days.

The deadditional be targetI-375,the it meant a path through the Orleans whoplants grew could up poor. er department, you’d end up having to do warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffictorn and revenuecarving in the building.” and history.

Named after its dark, fertile guest of being sick and tired,” said 24-year struction of Black Bottom may have ed Despite in futurewhat wavesstatistics if negotiations heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregasomething shared Weaver as she exheightened tensions in theelse,” densely populated downtown show, Moore “When the casinos decided to openapart soil, Black Bottom flourished during the midroom attendant at MGM Grand Detroit and a thriving community, but the resolute remainthe stalled. tion, and perpetuating inequality. pressed the frustrations of fellow strikers. defied odds of growing up in a sinbe the per-determination 1900s, nurturing dreams and aspirations member ofthe Detroit Casino Council Negoti- in Detroit, I thought it would area. of a new generation of entreFain clarified the union’s one to aptly for recognize thepromoted harm “That’s disrespectful that they gle-family household in anstratenvironment The surge in crime and the influxthinking visitors tothat Deopportunity me. They apreneurs of prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, ating Committee, Alicia Weaver.

“We truly Forfect and visionaries isofreclaiming egy: “I drug wantdealings to give atook major shoutcan just place us anywhere.” caused by such projects, it is vital to note that where place just outside downtown core garnered the attention of the Desubstantial Joe Louis, and numerous Detroit came leg- up, fabulous package of making a troit’s believed that whenother this contract lost legacy. out home. to the He thousands members his says thatofhis supportive and some amount of the planners andlow politicians behind Weaver shared that not only is this a Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat of money, cost of troit healthcare, ends. But in were the name renewal they goingof to urban take care of theinworkIn the heart of Paradise Valley, Blackwho are on the lines right loving family arepicket big reasons why he got the to 1950s, those and projects them directly through personal battle for the betterment of her off guard. decentbuilt contributions to a 401k: it wasowned thisthey vibrant neighborhood wasangers ers and didn’t.

Of course, that businesses are not just flourishing Housing Resource Helpline in communinow fighting for all of us. The where he is today.

By Andre Ash the heart vibrant, populated career MGM, buttheshe’s alsoPolice pressing what of I was looking for,” said Kim Syfax, systematically dismantled, erased the response people because we did a lotfrom for them and James White, Chiefat ofoffering Police for Detroit Debut thriving, diverse services, prodto the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said:forward DIGITAL for her son somewhat who standsflat-footed beside her “My ANCHOR family stood in the gap, so I didn’t a 21-year table games dealer at partment, Hollywood map, and a lifeless stretch as- residents it’sreplaced time forbythem to take care of us.”

The “We were caught ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the face in navigating the to striking. striking allmy attensometimes part of a direct and effort toright replace on theBypicket linewefighting for athe better life. get involved Instead in that, of and I turned Casinoas at Greektown chairperson phalt. expectation of mutual economic respect out of the design wentforinto spring pastgate. while paving the way a prosperous complex system of 7777, housing serplants once,and select locals willChief be or eliminate Black neighborhoods.

Homelessness continues to Moore While “My son works the craziest shift of all from tion to at sports academics,” UAW Local who spoke in support post-pandemic been met contenwhichFrom is lessjazz than the mid-summer deploythe residentialhas areas bore thewith brunt future. clubs to soul food restauvices. of The provides a todeployment, called to stand up and walkwith out plagueonurban communities, at night 6 in theinmorning and it’sfirst cold says. thehelpline city council resolution stand withsaw10we now, after decades of enduring theand tion as employees now find themselves at But ment, antouptick violence that of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, single rants, thesay Black Press, and art galleries to point of contact for people on strike.

This is our generation’s out there. I can’t sleep most nights because families and individuals grappling striking casino of now, scars the of I-375, there is aworkers. glimmer“As of hope a standoff with their employers over ecowarm weekend.”

He would eventually turn his career and its thriving business center, remained largely fashion boutiques, this revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built I know my kid isviolence out there to do to his with on thelawchallenges of being making wages Plans we receive absolutely doto not on thethe horizon. have been unveiled nomic issues. “Enough is enough.” focus enforcement, inspired by untouched.

Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief White attributes in trying Greektown life into the verythe essence of what once made them with the our union sit-down strikescliof It’s not fair,” sheand said.

“We’re doing keep up the resources rising cost of living.” endswork meetof–inthe transform thiswith once-divisive freeway into a thispart. the antoday’s uncle economic as Deputy Sheriff and bars—the very places that brought Detroit’s As the holiday season approaches, closea combination of weather conditions a surge in popneighborhood a vibrant cultural epicen1937.

We told the 3 that Sept. they need. of these things just for the company to mate.

Whether it’sBigstruggling towas a dehis younger brother’s father, who Representing the the interests vision that seeks to right wrongsof ofapproxithe ter. all Black community together—were concenly on the heels of a significant victory for ulation.

It’s a resurgence that extends beyond 14 was the deadline and we meant Support for the helpline comes recognize our worth but why do we have meet monthly mortgage payments tective. mately 3,700 workers, the Detroit Casino past while heralding a new era of inclusivity trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter the original ‘Big Three’ auto industry labor brick and mortar; it represents thethat resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers we it.

We gave the soaring companies ourcosts ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundato go through all of thisdowntown because they know or “I coping with rental Council (DCC) is an amalgamation of five and community revitalization. of African-American culture in the city. force, the casino workers’ strike emerges saw it as a path forweeks me, andago I had a real genceever. of a spirit that refuses to be subdued. have not seen, People are emerging from COVID nomic demands eight tion, which has pledged $10 mil-HERE Local 24, our worth – just give us what we’re asking in a housing market marked by unions as in a formidable challenge. according strong desiremore to really for others what Then, Fueled by including more thanUNITE $100 million a cruel twist of fate, Yet, Hastings andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in athat post-COVID era… and it took than adomonth to City we’re Councilman FredoneDurhal for.” Weaver admits no on the lion over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, to the workers and the unions supporting was done for me, and that’s stand in the the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with the venues downtown and the reasons to come get to the table.”

III, representing District 7, where Eastern picket line is seeking to get rich, rather Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growOperating Engineers Local 324, and the it isthe a necessary endeavor to undergap,” Chief Moore said. and other partners, this ambitious down project makingthem, way for construction of I-375. withMarket allthey’re the resides, activities that going on, we“What saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comjust looking to simply live.

Julie Schneider nity Agency manages the of Carpenters. ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn Michigan Regional Council take. “People need a place to the live.fate A lot of Action aims to create jobs, remove barriers to ecoThis marked the final blow, sealing hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young His leadership in multiple police agen“It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This making it accessible to power of dealhoused. collective bargaining folks and rent,signaling and rentthe hasbeginning gone up inhelpline, the nomicThe growth, and reconnect the neighborof Blackour Bottom folks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.”

See ONGOING STRIKE Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the workers, valet INVESTMENT PagePage A-2 A-2 service See NEW TOP COP Historically, shelters havepage provided respite past four to all five years of the end for Paradise Valley, thetremendously Black busi- so, hood ers, withcleaners, the rest food of Detroit.

It is a Responding step See UAW STRIKE page A2 A2a temporary swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD for those in need, often serving as the first or second option City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or need can easily find assistance. mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself family. Shelters offer a place to rest one’s head and a warm “The city and its partners offer a lot of great services to address the situation. meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t The rise in visitorsoftoenslaved the Greektown evident descendants people, area land is need to be being unhoused means living in or makeshift Bycars Ebony JJ Curryoutdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company reappropriated and reallocated first to the Indigsettings.

Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners SENIOR REPORTER because of discrimination, but they specializing inpeople visit trends and demographic insights enous that it was stolen from and then to Mychael The causes of homelessness By areLynzee as diverse and complex and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, were Black alsomobile comingshould because Black through Black geolocation-enabled devices.

From Americans. people not have MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST The push for reparations is not a new fight, we now have a simple process to guide residents to the right as the individuals experiencing it. In response, the City of was doing some May 1-Aug. 27,taxes 2022,people there were 1.3 million visits and to pay for over 250 years plusstuff.

100 When years nor is it an abstractthis concept. a questresource for tan- and a growing number of programs to housing Detroit has adopted a holistic approach to combat issue. It is didand Black people start things 655,000for visitors to Greektown, according todoing Placer.ai.

From theRooted days ofdeeply the Great Misegregation Jim Crow.

Until that debt is gible justice. in our American narhelp them.”

“Providing services and high-quality housing to personsof Black inyear, the these city?numbers They not started doing In the same this increased to grationit’swhen thousands paidperiod off, Black Americans should be paying rative, about repairing the generational harm The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a key invisitors. thisorarea in the 1.4 million 670,000 families flocked to Detroit search slavery, Jim anyvisits sales and tax, things property tax, income tax. 1800’s.

I think inflicted upon Black peoplein through involves pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, Director In the 1800’s the major thing of jobs a better life, to the pivthat Black Americans should be allowed toboth gothat to As Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract Crow, redlining, mass incarceration, and a host Detroit over the next ten years, with housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were doing inK-12 Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s any educational institution from and higher residents and visitors, the police department has impleof other systemic injustices. being a significant part of their contribution. werewe the leaders in against “This means focusing on building pipeline of sup-heritage, culturaltheand musical learningenforcement because were denied andfight prohibited mented various measures to the manage the inAmerica hasContinuum long grappled withNotably, the complexslavery.

The Underground Railroad Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the of an Black Detroiters have left infrom gettingNotably, an education.” creased population. metal detectors have been ities of its original sin. It was Detroit’s own Conis from the root in the cityof ofMichigan’s Detroit recent years, with the number of unhoused residents steadiCare What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategicallyRecent placeddata throughout to deter theto Federal the Greektown University gressman John Conyers who ignited the modern Walker-Miller all of this Black innovation that you ly declining.

In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms.

Center for Racial Justice reveals a nuanced stance national conversation on reparations theentered fed- theIn Government Shutdown 2021, the City response of Detroitsystem. birthed the Desee coming later.”

Energy housedonand City’s community grams.

It alsoServices means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, among Flint residents on the topic of reparations “We have strategically placed them at key points, “ eral level in 1989 and reintroduced the discus- troit Reparations Task Force, a 13-member body In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options forand Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about like Aretha Resilience for Black Americans.

Thealegends study, conducted by Chief White explains.

It Musical has been deterrent for some, sion in every Congress session until his retire- that was brought into existence through a ballot housing stability service of offerings the displacement long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the thehave Michigan Metro Area Communities Study, and some tested it.

If you are legally carrying a Equity in thethough Cleancomprehensive for Detroiters? ment in 2017 with House Resolution 40, calling initiative approved by an overwhelming 80% of available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents.

Similar to a setting sound emerged fiscal year 2019 Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the indicates thatMotown ofa Flint residents areDein weapon and carrying awhile CPL, 53% have great day. Iffrom you’re for a detailed study of slavery and its lingering ef-to 2021, Energy Sector Detroiters.

In a city that has a history steeped in and Detroit Housing Services Division within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, and Black troit, providing a soundtrack the favor of governments redressing historicalfor racial fects as well as recommendations for reparative discrimination, redlining, HOMELESSNESS page A2and economic See POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 Summit Detroiters are reclaiming their placeSee COMBATracial rights movement and inspirIn May (RECESS23) 2023, the City of Detroit the Detroit justice. launched House Resolution 40 was more than just hardship disproportionately affecting its Black injustices, the nature of the reparative action in the city, despite the challenges ing generations.

Motown Records, significantly impacts the levels of support.

Spea piece of legislation; it was an unflinching call to residents, the mission is clear: recommend housposed by gentrification.

Page A8 founded by Berry Gordy Jr., was not cifically, when presented as broad reparations, confront the deeply rooted injustices that Black ing and development programs that phase of gen- just a record label but a symbol of and west sides.

Overeconomic time, these long after our current During Migration, 22% remain neutral, and another 22% oppose, people have the facedGreat since the first slaves arrived directly benefit the of Blacktrification. community. “Every neighborhoods became centers Black or excellence and empowerment. thousands Blackinfamilies from with 3% uncertain not responding.

Yet, when on Americanofshores 1619. But the movement’s of American life benefited from the buildBlack cultureaspect and entrepreneurship.

“Black people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit in search detailed policies are outlined, 71% of faced residents However, as Detroit ecofootprints trace even further back in time, with ing blocks of free labor for hundreds of years,” to Historian Jamon troit because Black churches were of jobs in the automobile back at least one targeted reparative measure.loss Innomic decline and population trailblazers likebooming Callie House in the early According 1900s said Janis Hazel, a member of theblack Detroit ReparaBlack resilience in the city here, schools were terestingly, here, and ofinthose industry. opposing broadmany repthe initially late 20th century, and QueenDespite Motherfacing AudleydiscriminaMoore in the Jordon mid-20th tions TaskfarForce subcommittee.

“There here,” said roots the that extend before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses QR Code tohousing Sign for the Daily Newsletter tion and segregation, they built vi- hasScan century. need to bewill cashpersist transferJordon. to Black Americans, See REPARATIONS page A2A2 $1.00 Great Migration and “They were coming of course brant communities on the city’s east See LEGACY page $1.00

I

Detroit Casino Workers Plight for Had 1.4 Million Livable Wages andGreektown Fair Benefits Visits This Summer and Amid Ongoing Strike No Shootings Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

All Hands On Deck to Combat Homelessness A Holistic Approach to Providing Shelter and Support for Detroit’s Unhoused People

WHAT’S INSIDE WHAT’S INSIDE

Flint and Detroit Are at the Forefront of the National Reparations Discussion Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy

Money. A5

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Reparations From page A-1

arations, 30% endorse government-assisted home financing, 26% support postsecondary education funding, another 26% favor free healthcare, and 17% are amenable to direct cash payments for Black Americans.

Erykah Benson, a University of Michigan Department of Sociology Ph.D. student and research fellow for the Center of Racial Justice is one of the spearheads of this study.

“Based on our report, we believe that language matters for the framing of reparative policies. Specifically in our survey we defined reparations first as the more general definition of reparations which we defined as, reparations to account for the historic impacts of slavery and the ongoing discriminations,” she shared. “However, throughout the survey we then end up asking Flint residents for various types of reparations people might see like housing, healthcare, or education, and when we do specify those types of amends that’s when we actually see a greater amount of support. So, the framing of what reparations are for really does matter.”

The Flint water crisis stands as one of the most glaring contemporary examples of structural racism in action.

The city’s predominantly Black and economically disadvantaged population was subjected to lead-contaminated drinking water due to cost-cutting measures and oversight failures. The crisis, which began in 2014 and has had long-term health implications for its residents, exemplifies how systemic inequities can disproportionately harm communities of color. It highlights the urgent need for reparative actions not just for historical injustices but for ongoing disparities that continue to afflict marginalized communities today. Flint residents’ views on reparations were significantly influenced by factors such as race, education, and income. Support for reparative actions for Black Americans was notably higher among Black residents, those with a higher income bracket, and individuals with advanced education.

Of Flint’s population, which exceeds 79,800, approximately 57% identify as Black, while 33% are white. A notable 67% of Black residents in the city are in favor of reparations, in contrast to 31% of the white populace.

“Because the Flint water crisis is one the most striking examples of how structural racism exists today, I wouldn’t be surprised that there is a strong connection between those who have been heavily impacted by the water crisis and their perceptions of the justice that needs to be served,” Benson said.

The concept of reparations is rooted in the simple yet profound idea that there is a debt to be paid for the forced labor that built this nation’s wealth, for the sanctioned discrimination that followed emancipation, and for the policies that have economically and psychologically damaged multiple generations of African Americans. And that debt is not just moral or spiritual; it is economic and institutional.

“Reparations is a national issue, the roots of why we may need reparations specifically the legacy of slavery, is a part of a national history,” shared

Benson. “But what we see throughout history is that U.S. cities become an important part of that story as many Black Americans end up living in major urban areas and because of that, that’s where we see a lot of the political momentum occurring at the local level that’s in majority Black cities like Flint and Detroit which is why see the emergence of reparations task forces in these areas.”

Reparations have been recognized globally as a legitimate means of redress. In 1988, the U.S. government issued reparations to Japanese Americans interned during World War II. Germany has paid reparations to Holocaust survivors. So, the concept isn’t foreign; what has been missing is the collective will to apply this principle to the descendants of African slaves and the victims of post-slavery discrimination in America.

The City of Detroit bears the deep scars of systemic racism, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of housing. Post-World War II, Detroit became the epitome of the American dream for some, but that dream was systematically denied to its Black residents. While the GI Bill opened doors to homeownership for white veterans, discriminatory practices like redlining effectively bolted those doors shut for Black families. Banks would literally draw lines on maps, marking off areas where they would not provide loans— neighborhoods that were predominantly Black. The inability to secure loans condemned these communities to cycles of poverty and disrepair.

And let’s not forget about blockbusting, a devious practice by real estate agents aimed at stoking racial fears among white homeowners to get them to sell their properties at low prices, only to turn around and sell those homes to Black families at inflated rates. This not only segregated Detroit further but also left Black families with homes whose values were artificially inflated, thereby making upward mobility nearly impossible.

Urban renewal and gentrification have been the modern twins of these historically discriminatory practices.

What was touted as neighborhood “improvement” projects often resulted in the forceful displacement of Black families. The development of highways, entertainment districts, and commercial complexes might have elevated the city’s profile, but they also destroyed established Black neighborhoods, scattering communities and erasing decades, if not centuries, of culture and history.

“In the city of Detroit, people would hear reparations and think, ‘oh I’m going to get a check,’ and that may be the case, but it would also take the form of programs focused on housing initiatives to combat some of the effects of the past racially prejudice practices,” said Hazel. “So, it might take the form of money, tax abatement, mortgage downpayment assistance, or a number of things because we have look at the redlining that happened and is still happening, blockbusting, denial of mortgages, gentrification and urban renewal that displaced Black people.

We hope that people will come to our meetings to give insight on their own families who faced these prejudices for oral reports to be able to present recommendations.”

The history of housing discrimination in Detroit is not just a series of iso-

New Top Cop From page A-1 cies across the country has landed him here in the metro-Detroit area, and it’s not loss on him the work that cut out for him locally but the tainted image of the profession by some in the Black community, something Chief Moore is looking to address.

“There has always been this since of duty that I wanted to influence the profession nationally to change how we in interact with our citizens,” Chief Moore says.

“We’re not at war with our citizens, we should be servants to our communities, …what I would like to see our profession focus on is to see the humanity in what we do.”

He believes leaders who are truly trying to be transportive and hold bad policing culture accountable are up against the “battle for the soul of the profession.”

He believes leaders like himself can have the power to turn policing into model agencies reflective of the community and what it wants to see, or law enforcement can continue down the same path that undermines and devalues communities.

Chief Moore believes it’s all about being intentional and having the desire to be

a change agent. Even when Black critics challenge and question his role, he responds in kind, “if not me, then who?”

As someone who is passionate about creating a more equitable police force, Moore was pleased to find out that his son was also interested in a similar future.

His son is currently in a police academy, aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I’ve poured into him on being an independent thinker, …and his obligation to service and to serve everyone.”

The irony amid the Black Lives Matter movement, which has been critical of law enforcement, is the faces of Black men holding the mantle of leadership in departments that have often been their target, now aiming to be the change people so often people seek.

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic murder by Minneapolis police in 2020, law enforcement agencies across the country faced widespread condemnation and challenges in police recruitment.

“In the Black community, we’ve always been told not to snitch, don’t be the police, stay away from

lated incidents; it’s a carefully woven tapestry of systemic disenfranchisement. These policies didn’t just deny Black Detroiters a piece of land; they denied families the opportunity to accumulate generational wealth, access better education, and live healthier lives. The impact of these discriminatory housing policies is a generational curse, one that the Reparations Task Force aims to address. It’s not just about providing a house; it’s about rebuilding a home, a community, and, ultimately, a life.

The late Dr. Rev. Joanne Watson, who was a proud member of the task force and an advocate whose commitment to the cause was nothing short of legendary, stood firmly on the premise that reparations are not a handout or a one-time check; it’s about restoring a people and a community. This notion deeply aligns with Detroit’s task force mandate to focus on housing and economic development, addressing both immediate and generational impacts of discrimination. “It is long overdue for the assessment and creation of meaningful and tangible economic benefits to repair the systemic disadvantages and damages that have taken place in this city and in this country for generations. I am continually working with the Taskforce to ensure progress is being made with respect to the passing of Detroit icon and activist JoAnn Watson. We are all working diligently to ensure there is movement within this effort and in her honor.”

Proclaimed Council President Mary Sheffield.

So where are we now? Despite overwhelming support from Detroit’s residents and a clear mandate, progress has been painfully slow. Only two subcommittees—the Housing Subcommittee and Health Committee—have convened, according to Hazel. “There has been no public meeting since August 5, 2023.” Hazel mentions that the next public reparations task force meeting is set for December. Detroit’s Black community is not just waiting for recommendations; they are waiting for justice, economic empowerment, and opportunities that have been denied to them historically and systematically.

“Challenges with this task force are engaging the public with outreach and even educational seminars so the public can know what we’re looking for. We have seen Evanston, IL deliver their reparations report and actually start dispensing cash up to $25K to those people who could prove that their ancestors were discriminated against in housing,” shared Hazel.

“They had a reparations fund initially of $10M for adults to use and that was funded through their cannabis sales tax revenue to focus on HUD ownership. So, there are roadmaps out there of other municipalities that have gone through the process and made recommendations and that’s what the City of Detroit task force endeavors to do.”

What does the struggle for reparations mean for the future of Black people, not just in Detroit but in America as a whole? It means finally acknowledging that economic disparity is not a result of individual failings but systemic ones. It means taking steps to balance scales that have been tipped for centuries. It’s not just about checks; it’s about changing systems.

It’s about education, housing, health services, job opportunities, and so much more.

police. But if we want to change the profession, then we as a community have to be involved,” Chief Moore says. “We can’t be bystanders.”

In just a few months on the job, Moore has already made strides to increase the presence of Black officers on the job in Ypsilanti, and he’s also been promoting 4deserving Black officers into more leadership roles on the force. He recently appointed Dr. Timothy Anthony as captain. Anthony will serve on Chief Moore’s executive team. Chief Moore believes providing opportunities for advancement and that aligning the organization with best practices is important for transforming the culture of the department. Ypsilanti’s police department recently participated in a job fair aimed at recruiting more officers for the job.

Moore takes the community approach to policing even further, having attended several events throughout the summer and fall, including the Eastern Michigan University homecoming football game, Halloween events, festivals, parades, and school functions, all as a way to change the way the department interacts with the community.

Chief Moore is aiming for the City of Ypsilanti police department to be a

model agency for Washtenaw County and beyond and an agency the community can trust. And that may be the key point: building trust. It’s something police agencies must accomplish for the communities they serve.

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Ongoing Strike

From page A-1 we want is a livable wage, so we don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck.”

The DCC has been transparent about the stakes: casinos are a crucial source of employment and generate substantial tax revenue for the city and state. However, a spokesperson for UNITE HERE Detroit local mentioned that they are not releasing any details regarding the exact ask in wage increases nor the current status of negotiations.

The main clarion call for workers: stable healthcare, a major concern that lies at the forefront of Weaver’s mind. “I wish they’d just keep their promise and do the right thing. We have been having the same healthcare for two decades and now all of a sudden, they want to change the healthcare. People need their healthcare, it’s important. I know firsthand more than ever because during the strike just yesterday I had a coworker that left the line from doing his strike duty went home and had a massive stroke and he’s in the hospital right now.

After I had the conversation with his wife, she was worried not only about her husband but the thought that his healthcare could be in jeopardy. We need our healthcare.” Weaver explained that workers only had to pay for premiums prior to the ending of their contract and now the employers are seeking additional payments from workers towards insurance.

On October 24, the Detroit City Council auditorium was filled with hundreds of union members, each wearing blue coalition shirts as a symbol of their solidarity. Representatives from each of the three striking casinos provided testimony before the City Council, urging them to pass a resolution in support of their pursuit of a fair contract.

Being that a mandated 10.9% of the casinos adjusted gross revenue funnels into the city’s budget, with an additional 8% directed to the state treasury, the Detroit City Council stood in solidarity and unanimously adopted resolution endorsing the unionized workers from MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. In July 2023 alone, these establishments reported $107.2 million in revenue.

“We made a sacrifice with the company to not take a wage increase because of the pandemic and the last

contact before the pandemic,” shared Weaver. “So, it’s been eight years since we’ve gotten any chance at substantial wages. Meanwhile, the whole vibe in the building has changed. They disrespect the workers, and they make sure to let us know every day that our value does not matter.” Following their local demonstration of unity, the DCC took their case to Lansing on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Their mission: to educate state lawmakers about the reality of their plight with hopes to secure favorable outcomes on both city and state levels.

Additionally, in Las Vegas, around 35,000 hotel workers are on the brink of a strike that threatens to disrupt the city’s vital hospitality industry. The workers, whose contracts have expired, are demanding new terms and are prepared to walk out at 18 casinos, including those operated by MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts, if their needs are not met by November 10. This date is particularly significant as it falls just five days before the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, an event expected to attract a large number of visitors to the city.

Meanwhile, Detroit is gearing up for its own high-profile event, the NFL draft, which will bring additional crowds and potential revenue to the city’s casinos. The holiday season also typically sees a surge in casino visits, further amplifying the stakes for Detroit’s gaming sector.

While the labor disputes in Las Vegas and Detroit are parallel in their push for improved worker conditions and contracts, particularly in the case of MGM Grand Detroit, they are separate matters with their own sets of negotiations and implications for each city’s economic landscape.

The DCC’s recent report issues a stark warning: a strike could significantly impact the local economy, risking daily tax revenues of approximately $738,000 and casino operator revenues of $3.4 million. Yet, workers maintain that their current compensation does not adequately reflect the sector’s profitability or their role in it.

Inevitably, if the strike continues, the economic implications for the city and industry are significant. The DCC’s position is firmly rooted in seeking adjustments that align with the casinos success and the workers contribution to that success.

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A3 | November 8-14, 2023

North End’s New Fisher House Will Be ‘Home Away from Home’ for Military Caregivers

Roots.

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Detroit’s North End:

The 13th in a Series of Feature Stories Sponsored by the Knight Foundation

By Donald James SENIOR WRITER, REAL TIMES MEDIA

Construction of Fisher House Detroit is underway in the city’s North End community, following the groundbreaking ceremony recently at 7618 Woodward Ave. (between Bethune and Chandler streets). The construction is on the vacant plot of land where the storied Lilli’s Restaurant once stood decades ago.

When completed in late 2024 or the spring of 2025, Fisher House Detroit will provide temporary living accommodations for families and caregivers of veterans and active-duty military personnel receiving medical care at the nearby Detroit VA (The John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center) less than two miles away.

“We are so thrilled! This brings us one step closer to opening the doors to Fisher House Detroit,” said Amy Kennebeck, interim director for Detroit VA Healthcare System. “We are fortunate to find a site this close to the medical center to provide a home away from home for the families of Veterans while they are treated at Detroit VA.” Fisher House Detroit, constructed by the Fisher House Foundation, will be different than others across the country and beyond, meaning such structures are typically built on government land at military bases or VA facilities. However, because such government land and properties were not available in close proximity to the Detroit VA Medical Center due to the sprawling Detroit Medical Center in Midtown Detroit, the nearby vacant plot in the North End community offered the ideal location.

“The Fisher House Detroit project is something that I have been working on since 2016,” said Adam Hollier, a veteran, former state senator, and former director of Michigan’s Department of Veterans Affairs who recently stepped down to run for Congress. “Finding the right location has been something that has taken years of planning and coordination but I’m excited about where it will be built, which is close to Dingell VA Center where veterans will be receiving care. There’s also accessible and reliable public transportation to and from the Dingell VA.” Fisher House Detroit, when built, will be one of approximately 100 such Fisher House Foundation facilities in operation, most of which are located at military and VA facilities across America, the U.K., and Germany. With the need for medical care rising for active military personnel and veterans, the Fisher House Foundation has projected opening additional Houses in the coming years.

Fisher Houses, according to the Fisher House Foundation, typically have 16 suites, complete with private bedrooms and baths.

Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, dining room, and living room.

Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is “never a cost” for the lodging of the veterans/ active-duty military families to be together while their loved ones undergo medical treatment at a nearby VA medical facility. The Foundation reports that Fisher Houses have saved veterans/active military persons’ families an estimated $547 million in out-of-pocket costs associated with lodging.

In Michigan, there is currently one Fisher House in operation: The VA Ann Arbor Fisher House. The 13,400-square-foot home away

See FISHER HOUSE Page A-6

RECESS Summit Concludes with a Focus on Clean Energy, Policy, and Community

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

The third and final day of the RECESS 2023 Summit came to a dynamic close, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between clean energy, policy, business, and how it impacts people in Black and Brown communities. The conference, which brought together some of the brightest minds in the field, didn’t just aim to discuss clean energy solutions, but it also put a spotlight on the crucial roles that policy and business play in advancing sustainability and combating climate change and environmental injustice.

Dr. Tony Reames, Principal Deputy Director for State and Community Energy Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy, addressed the measures implemented to guarantee that minority communities actively participate in the pursuit of environmental justice. These strategies encompass the Justice40 executive order, which represents a fundamental change in the federal government’s approach to its initiatives, integrating them into programs to achieve tangible and impactful change.

In the inaugural week of his presidency, Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14008, titled “Addressing the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.” Within this

executive order, Section 223 introduced the Justice40 Initiative, a directive aimed at allocating 40% of the total advantages resulting from specific federal investments. These investments encompass clean energy, energy efficiency, eco-friendly transportation, affordable and sustainable housing, workforce development, pollution reduction, and the enhancement of clean water infrastructure. The key objective of the Justice40 Initiative is to ensure that these benefits primarily reach underserved and disadvantaged communities (DACs).

Dr. Reames emphasized the historic nature of the moment, stating, “For the first time ever, a White House Environmental Justice Advisory council with Environmental Justice advisors from across the country is talking to the president and the White House about environmental injustice,” Reames continued “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We cannot hit the snooze (button). We have to wake up. We are talking about electrification and our growing dependence on energy. Climate change is causing havoc across this country, and we have to do something, and our infrastructure is being attacked. But we have an eager public, and we know that people are excited about this so we have to make it right.”

While the executive order carries significant influence, it remains uncodified in law by Congress, which means it may be

subject to change or dissolution once Joe Biden’s presidency concludes. To address this potential issue, Dr. Reames, in collaboration with various environmental agencies, newly established offices dedicated to driving change in the clean energy sector, and external stakeholders, is actively and diligently exploring avenues to enhance equity in energy distribution for marginalized communities across the nation.

Black communities have long borne the brunt of environmental injustices, experiencing disproportionate exposure to pollution, hazardous waste, and the adverse effects of climate change. From polluted air to water crises, the environmental burdens placed on these communities are undeniable. The roots of environmental racism have deep historical connections, stemming from discriminatory policies and practices that continue to perpetuate these injustices. The Department of Energy has achieved significant success by actively involving Black communities and minority stakeholders in discussions aimed at driving change in the energy sector. Additionally, they have reinforced this commitment with the implementation of impactful new laws designed to propel progress in the right direction.

Three bills play a vital role in supporting the Justice40 Initiative’s goals of fostering equity in both businesses and communities. These bills, affectionate-

See RECESS SUMMIT Page A-6

Mac Galleries Fueling Detroit’s Artistic Renaissance with Motor City Match Grant

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Detroit’s legacy of artistic ingenuity is beautifully epitomized by Mac Galleries, a beloved community art gallery that has been a beacon for local artists for over three decades. This month, Mac Galleries marked a new chapter in its journey as it celebrated the grand opening of its new space on the Historic Avenue of Fashion, thanks to the generous support of a Motor City Match grant.

Mac Galleries offers more than the typical gallery experience; it is a cultural institution that actively participates in mentorship programs aimed at nurturing the growth of local artists of all ages. The gallery is not only a space for showcasing art but also a platform for meaningful dialogue and discovery. Their team takes pride in providing personalized framing solutions and handling art installations with great care. For art enthusiasts who can’t make it to the gallery in person, Mac Galleries offers an online collection on their website, making art accessible to a broader audience.

Founded in 1991, Mac Galleries was the brainchild of James McKissic’s father, who was deeply passionate about photography and crafting customizable frames for his artwork. With a fresh perspective gained through a business degree from Howard University, James McKissic joined his father in the family business to carry forward their artistic legacy and contribute to the thriving arts and culture scene of Detroit.

Throughout its existence, the gallery has expanded beyond two former sites within Detroit. However, the choice to relocate to a larger space goes beyond mere ne-

cessity; it stands as a resounding testament to the McKissic family’s unwavering dedication to nurturing the emerging generation of artistic talent within the city.

The recently established Mac Galleries envisions itself as a dynamic center for artists to come together, collaborate, and contribute to the betterment of their community.

McKissic’s dream started to materialize when he secured a $60,000 cash grant from Motor City Match, allowing for essential renovations in the gallery’s new location. Further financial support from Invest Detroit, including a $150,000 small business loan and an additional $25,000 grant from

See MAC GALLERIES Page A-6

Page A-4 | November 8-14, 2023 | michiganchronicle.com

Mac Galleries

RECESS Summit

From page A-5

From page A-5 ly named Uncle Bil (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), Cousin Chip (CHIPS and Science Act), and Aunt IRA (Inflation Reduction Act), focus on infrastructure investment, innovation, and clean energy incentives. These new laws, which passed in 2021 and 2022, have the potential to revolutionize the U.S. energy sector, making it more sustainable and competitive.

Stakeholders were briefed on the significant matters at hand this year to stimulate meaningful discussions and foster a stronger desire to drive change. Currently, the House Energy and Water bill poses a threat by potentially blocking the Energy Department from implementing its efficiency standards for various residential appliances, such as gas furnaces, water heaters, manufactured housing, commercial ice makers, and air conditioners. This also involves reducing funding for American Climate corporations, which could further exacerbate challenges related to diversity and equity initiatives within the Energy Department.

Contributing to the dialogue about reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing visibility for marginalized communities, Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, emphasized the significance of having individuals who understand the challenges faced by Black communities actively participating in decision-making processes. This inclusion ensures that positive changes are made with valuable insights to achieve favorable outcomes.

Glover stated, “No matter what the issue is, if there is a dollar attached to it, the legislation is the first step of that dollar. If you really want to know and make sure that dollar is spent the right way, you have to follow it all the way through the process.” One of the success stories of following through and having ears, eyes, and hands in the room is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund has two primary objectives: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants while ensuring that the benefits of such projects are directed toward American communities, especially low-income and disadvantaged areas.

“There is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund that’s coming out of EPA. That’s $ 27 billion, that’s direct investment financing,” said Glover.

“Forty percent of that is direct investment into disadvantage communities. This is much different for Justice40. This fund says 40% of the money must be invested into our communities.

Many of these will be zero cost 1%, 2%, and 3% loans and grants. What I’m most excited about and I think we should care about is that efficiency is an amazing technology. Seven billion dollars of that money is going to solar for all. Being able to make homes efficient first and then add solar is a really big deal. The other $20 billion is for energy efficiency projects.”

Active involvement in clean energy conversations ensures that the unique concerns of Black communities are heard and addressed.

Black voices in these discussions are crucial to

prevent well-intentioned policies and initiatives from inadvertently perpetuating inequalities.

By participating in decision-making processes, Black residents and businesses can advocate for solutions that align with their community’s needs and values.

The RECESS Summit serves as a testament to the pressing need for clean energy, policy, and community involvement in the fight against environmental injustices. Black and Brown communities have a critical role to play in shaping a future that is not only cleaner but also more equitable. As we continue to come together as a community, we stand to make substantial strides in combatting environmental inequities and advancing our shared goal of a more sustainable world. It is through these collective efforts that we can pave the way for a better, brighter future for all.

the Restore Track of Motor City Match, played pivotal roles in bringing about the gallery’s remarkable transformation.

Motor City Match, a program dedicated to revitalizing Detroit’s neighborhoods and supporting local businesses, has been instrumental in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date, Motor City Match has awarded $15.7 million in cash grants, leveraging a total investment of $87.4 million.

Remarkably, 82% of the businesses that have received support from this program are minority-owned, and 71% are women-owned.

Mac Galleries is the 162nd business to open or expand operations under the Motor City Match program, and it embodies the very essence of what this initiative aims to achieve. The gallery stands as a testament to the power of art in bringing communities together and revitalizing neighborhoods. Mayor Mike Duggan, who attended the gallery’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasized the importance of spaces like Mac Galleries in enhancing the city’s vibrancy.

“James McKissic’s beautiful new space will be more than just a place for Detroiters to purchase or frame that next piece of art for their home; it will be a place where artists can collaborate, as well as mentor other aspiring young artists,” Mayor Duggan said.

Jason Barnett, Senior Vice President of Lending at Invest Detroit, highlighted the significance of Mac Galleries in providing a welcoming space for neighborhood residents and continuing the legacy of a family business that values community.

As Mac Galleries unveils its new space to the public, a promising chapter begins with the debut exhibition showcasing the uplifting pencil drawings of the late local artist Ronald Scarbrough.

Scarbrough’s hopeful and inspiring style harmonizes seamlessly with Mac Galleries’ mission to enrich the community through art, ushering in a bright and promising future within its expanded premises.

Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, which oversees the Motor City Match program, expressed his pride in the gallery’s enduring commitment to uplifting local talent and bringing people together through art.

“When we invest in spaces like this, which celebrate inclusion, imagination, and dialogue, we invest in the very soul of our city,” Gray stated.

Mac Galleries’ journey is not just a success story for the McKissic family but a testament to the enduring spirit of art and creativity in Detroit. As the gallery flourishes in its new home, it serves as a shining example of the positive impact that businesses and initiatives like Motor City Match can have on Detroit’s vibrant arts scene and the community.

Fisher House From page A-5

from home for families opened in June 2020. The new Fisher House Detroit will be an added resource of convenience to families in the city.

“Fisher House Foundation is proud to partner with Fisher House Michigan to bring this vital resource to the community,” Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, said in a statement. “The people and organizations of Detroit have already shown what a wonderful community this will be for the new Fisher House supporting military and veteran families receiving care in Detroit.”

Fisher House Michigan is a not-forprofit organization formed to improve the quality of life of the state’s military members, veterans, their families, and caregivers. The organization works to inform the Veteran community, families, and the public about the mission of Fisher Houses.

According to a veteran data report compiled by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) in 2021, the number of veterans in the state was listed at 567,919.

Approximately 235,000 veterans were

enrolled in the VA healthcare system in Michigan, with a substantial number of enrollees listed as Black.

“The Dingell VA Hospital in Detroit serves the highest proportion of Black veterans in the state,” said Hollier. “While

color shouldn’t matter, representation and access to medical care for Black and Brown GIs are essential. Having a Fisher House in Detroit very close to Dingell VA Medical Center will make a huge difference in accessibility for Black and Brown veterans needing medical care and their families.”

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A5 | November 8-14, 2023

Money.

michiganchronicle.com

Detroit Ranks Second Behind Dubai for Best Venture Capital Ecosystem Worldwide

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Over the past few years, there’s been a paradigm shift in the way venture capital (VC) is dispersed globally. The “big city allure” of traditional tech hubs seems to be diffusing, paving the way for emerging ecosystems like Dubai, Berlin, Raleigh, and, most notably, Detroit. As per the latest PitchBook data, between Q3 2017 and Q2 2023, these cities showcased substantial growth in their venture capital landscapes.

Such developments are not mere statistics; they reflect changing global economic dynamics and paint a promising picture for aspiring entrepreneurs and discerning investors alike.

Detroit has remarkably positioned itself as a global leader in the venture capital landscape, securing the second rank, just behind Dubai, in the prestigious list of Best Venture Capital Ecosystems Worldwide. This achievement underscores the city’s incredible transformation and its burgeoning potential as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Here in Detroit, we have been intentional in growing an ecosystem of support for founders and small businesses. Access to capital for Black entrepreneurs is more than just money, it’s also access to a community of peers, resources, and partners,” shared Christianne Malone, Chief Program Officer at TechTown and Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University.

TechTown is a physical gateway to opportunities that fortify the city’s urban landscape, local communities, and the overall economy. From 2007 to 2023, TechTown’s Midtown hub and its outreach in areas like Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park have backed more than 6,000 businesses. These ventures have collectively generated over 2,200 jobs and amassed more than $406 million in startup and growth funds.

“At TechTown, we understand our founders can successfully reach their milestones with capital assistance paired with one-on-one coaching, that meets them where they are at in their journey,” said Malone. “Sixty-eight percent of the entrepreneurs we serve are Black; we are intentional about infusing capital into their ventures that will seed their success and prosperity into the future and prime them for larger investments.”

Detroit’s success is a testament to its resilient spirit, strategic initiatives, and the collaborative efforts of local governments, educational institutions, and the private sector. Together, they have cultivated a nurturing environment that attracts and supports startups, propelling the city to new heights on the international stage.

Once synonymous with the automobile industry’s golden age, today, Detroit is reviving itself as a tech and venture capital oasis. And what’s driving this metamorphosis? There’s a convergence of lower operational costs, a rich pool of talent, and the city’s intrinsic resilience and drive for innovation. But while we celebrate the rejuvenation of Detroit, there’s a sub-narrative that needs the spotlight: The role of

See VENTURE CAPITAL Page A-6

DJ Envy’s Real Estate Scandal Serves as a Cautionary Tale for Detroit Investors

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

Investing in land and residential property have long been avenues championed as ways of building wealth, and there’s no blueprint or get-rich-quick way to obtain riches through investing. But there are right and wrong ways of creating wealth-building opportunities that come from owning and managing a portfolio of properties.

Cesar Pina, a New York business associate of “Breakfast Club” radio co-host DJ Envy, was arrested two weeks ago on Oct. 18 for allegedly being involved in a real estate Ponzi scheme – a seemingly obvious wrong way to go about perfecting a portfolio.

According to federal prosecutors, Pina aimed to flip homes with the popular DJ and radio personality. Pina frequently traveled around the country conducting real estate seminars, teaching other potential investors about how to create wealth through investing in residential and commercial properties. He also sometimes appeared on the nationally syndicated radio show as a guest of DJ Envy, promoting the popular seminars.

Federal authorities claim Pina defrauded people out of millions of dollars, and he’s been charged with one count of wire fraud.

The alleged scheme goes back to 2017 when Pina started investing in properties to renovate and resell while also promising investors a 20 to 45 percent return on their investment in five months and owing several investors who haven’t received promised payments on their projects. Pina allegedly uses some money for personal use and uses new investments to pay back old investors.

Federal prosecutors claim that Envy’s business associate built trust and credibility with investors by hosting the seminars with DJ Envy before he started the alleged scheme.

Envy claimed that he “helped so many people” as he would often promote the project on his radio show. According to a local news report in New Jersey, investors who are alleged to have been ripped off claimed they only invested in the project because of Envy’s public name and approval of Pina as a credible businessman.

But if people attempt to follow the Envy-Pina model in real estate investing, they could be in for a surprise. According to experts in real estate investing, there isn’t a lot of money to be made in crowdfunding efforts, like Pina employed, especially

Jewel Tankard

Darius Barrett

when there are too many players.

“Real estate requires you to be a student,” said Jewel Tankard, CEO of The Millionairess Club, a network of forward-thinking women celebrating accomplishments and mentorship to achieve mega success.

So, how does one go about their first start in taking on real estate property?

Tankard, who now owns several properties in multiple states across the country, says newcomers to the industry need to start by finding a mentor.

“The average investor starts off with one or two properties and they never scale from there,” she says. “Maybe someone has a had a bad experience with the first or second property and it makes one leery, but having a mentor you can trust Is important.”

Tankard says there is a checklist one should consider when investing in a residential property.

“You have to make sure the property has a clear title, ensure the property taxes are paid up, find out if there are any HOA fees, make sure there’s an inspection, and other thing that new investor should be aware of in the beginning stages.”

It took having a trusted mentor for Tankard to get through the early process of owning residential properties in Detroit.

She believes the journey is more than just knowing the to-dos from a book, and it’s why she takes newly interested property investors on tour to give in-person realities of the business.

She explains that she meets up with people in neighborhoods, and “I tell them, see how money is being spent, there’s vitalization happening. Show and tell is important,” Tankard says it’s important to helping one understand where and how to invest and seeking hand-holding and trust

mentorship is key to navigating Detroit or any housing and land market.

The Detroit native and reality TV star of BRAVO’s Thicker Than Water now lives in Tennessee but first found it lucrative in 2017 to start investing back into Detroit – the city she still calls home.

“Detroit is really a gold mind,” she says.

“You have companies buying up blocks, buying up 30 houses at a time, that don’t look like me, but using our people as tenants to be in those houses to help them create wealth and that’s a problem.”

Tankard says the market had been prime for real estate investors for years, as they bought low-valued property to rehab and eventually turn into a profit with rental leases. Tankard visits her hometown often and currently has ten residential properties centered in the city’s Midtown neighborhood.

Doing real estate needs to be done the right way, and Tankard believes the way of doing so is for people, particularly in the Black community, to become more informed.

“I definitely have an obligation to share what I know with others,” Tankard explains. “I’m blessed because someone took me in and held my hand in the process. We have to really learn about creating wealth by creating cash flow, and the best way to do that is by real estate.

“Generationally, if you go back to Rockefeller and even slavery, it was all about land and home ownership, because whoever owned the property created the laws and the policies.”

Oftentimes, she explains, people don’t get involved in the business simply because

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Breaking the Binary Empowering Women in Tech and Dismantling Gender Stereotypes

Microsoft recently made headlines by promoting Sarah Bond to President of Xbox, marking a significant moment for diversity and inclusion. Bond’s remarkable achievement is just one example of the rising wave of Black women who are making their presence felt in the tech world. Once Bobby Kotick, the Xbox CEO of Activision Blizzard, departs at the end of 2023, the leadership changes at Xbox will result in a greater representation of women in gaming leadership roles at Microsoft compared to men. Sarah Bond’s appointment as President of Xbox sends a powerful message – representation Sarah Bond matters. As the tech industry continues to diversify, it becomes increasingly vital for aspiring Black women to find the support and resources they need to excel.

While the discourse of women making inroads into the tech industry is undoubt-

See DETROIT INVESTORS Page A-6 edly empowering, it’s crucial to examine the complete set of statistics. When viewed comprehensively, women constitute just 34% of the STEM workforce, with Black women accounting for a mere 3% of that demographic. Despite some incremental improvements, as revealed in a 2022 study by the National Girls Collaborative Project, women’s representation in the STEM workforce remains the minority in leadership roles.

However, when we consider the intersection of race, the situation becomes even more disconcerting, with individuals from underrepresented communities, notably Black women, encountering even more pronounced disparities at all levels of the tech industry.

“I will 100% say it – Sarah Bond as the President of Xbox is Huge for the Black Community,” said Parris Lilly, information security technician and Gamertag Radio host. “She inspires me and more importantly will inspire our youth to pursue education paths

See WOMEN IN TECH Page A-6

Page A-6 | November 8-14, 2023 | michiganchronicle.com

Women In Tech From page A-5

in STEM and Business. They’ll know that our culture and perspectives can have a voice and seat at the leadership table where decisions are made. I will proudly stand on this hill as it is only the beginning.”

The significance of representation and the presence of Black women in leadership roles cannot be overstated. This importance arises from the multitude of challenges Black women continue to encounter in their pursuit of success within the tech industry.

Biased hiring processes, often steeped in unconscious bias, present formidable barriers for Black women in their quest for employment opportunities. Their laudable endeavors to champion diversity and inclusion can sometimes be met with resistance from managers and leaders who are hesitant to embrace change. In addition, the scarcity of robust networks and available resources compounds these challenges, constraining access to mentorship, guidance, and avenues for career advancement. A striking concern lies in the underrepresentation of Black women in senior leadership positions, perpetuating a broader lack of diversity throughout management and the tech industry.

The tech industry’s gender bias is a glaring reality, perpetuated by harmful stereotypes that suggest women and girls should not code or pursue careers in technology.

These stereotypes undermine the talent and potential of countless individuals, discouraging them from pursuing their passions and contributing to a diverse and inclusive tech landscape. With women holding just 25% of computing jobs, and their limited presence in academic and high school computer science programs, it’s evident that gender disparities persist. The gender gap in tech is not merely a fleeting issue; it’s a systemic problem that demands attention and action.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, countless women in tech are rewriting the narrative. They are forging paths into a traditionally male-dominated field, breaking down barriers, and proving that passion and talent know no gender. With determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment, these women are not only making significant strides in tech but also inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

But it’s not just on the corporate stage; it’s a movement that’s gaining momentum in academic circles, as statistics reveal a growing enrollment of Black women in tech-based majors, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Recent statistics show a notable increase in the enrollment of Black women in tech-related majors. Black women constitute a sub-

Venture Capital From page A-5

Black people in venture capital.

Detroit’s renowned couple, Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, trailblazers behind Black Tech Saturdays, have set a benchmark in championing startups and enlightening enthusiasts in the tech realm. Founded by the duo, Black Tech Saturdays strives to champion diversity and inclusivity in the tech sector, particularly emphasizing uplifting Black professionals and entrepreneurs. Their organization offers a stage for skill enhancement, networking, and active community involvement within the tech domain. Through their hands-on expertise, the recent PitchBook study stands out to them most.

“Our perspective on ranking second behind Dubai is two-fold. On one hand, it’s truly remarkable to see Detroit receive recognition and the credit it deserves. Detroit is a hub of innovation and creativity, reminding the world of its potential to become number one. However, we also acknowledge the reality that we still have work to do in narrowing the gap for Black, Brown, and women entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses as needed.”

Historically, Black entrepreneurs and investors have faced systemic challenges in the VC space. While only 4% of VCs are Black, according to the VC Human Capital Survey, a mere 3% hold key decision-making roles. This underrepresentation is not just about numbers; it’s a manifestation of a larger, deep-seated issue in the world of venture capital.

Yet, there’s a silver lining. The rise in first-time Black fund managers is a beacon of progress. An encouraging 28.6% of Black fund managers made their debut in the last year. Additionally, a commendable 29.9% of Black investors are associated with funds that have assets under management (AUM) exceeding $1 billion. Such statistics point towards an optimistic trajectory, where Black investors are not just participating but are increasingly influencing larger funds.

However, the mentorship landscape within this community is both heartening and revealing. About 72.4% of Black junior-level investors are fortunate to have a Black mentor in the industry. While this underscores the importance of community mentorship, it also highlights disproportionality. Too many Black investors are confined to junior or mid-level roles, especially at larger funds.

“Access to capital for Black or underrepresented entrepreneurs can be quite challenging. We’re aware that less than 1% of venture capital funding goes to Black and Brown founders and entrepreneurs. Navigating the world of venture capital and effectively conveying our visions and ideas to make them tangible is crucial,” said Johnnie Turnage. “As Black founders and entrepreneurs, we must vividly paint a picture and tell our stories in a way that allows venture capitalists to see the world through our eyes and recognize that we are solving problems that deeply matter to our communities.

stantial 46% of Black tech graduates from HBCUs. Additionally, Black professionals are charting a path to success through non-traditional routes in the tech realm, thanks to exposure to coding classes, STEM cohorts, and organizations dedicated to closing the tech divide.

One of the driving forces behind this surge in tech-based resources is Detroit’s own Tech Town. This innovation district is nurturing budding tech talents and providing valuable resources for aspiring tech professionals. Tech Town offers a range of initiatives, from coding bootcamps to mentorship programs, and has been vital and helping Black women break into the tech world. It’s a hub of innovation that’s setting the stage for the tech leaders of tomorrow.

Achsha Jones, the CEO and Founder of Trip Slip is intimately familiar with the profound impact of Tech Town. As an upand-coming leader in the tech industry, Jones recognized the digital gap concerning permission slips, experiential learning, and Black children. Her involvement with Tech Town, along with their resources and network of tech experts, has not only propelled her as a founder but also enabled her to mentor and support other aspiring Black women in her vicinity.

Jones said, “Being an alum of so many different Tech Town programs and just being ensconced in that community has been a game changer. The training that you get, the relationships that you build, and then the services, the support, and the opportunities that you get just by doing the work are unbelievable. I am a lifelong and intentional Detroiter and there is a renaissance that’s happening that’s meant for people who are in the city and want to get involved. Tech Town is a great place to do it.”

The tech world is not just about coding and hardware; it’s about solving complex problems, creating groundbreaking products, and improving the lives of people worldwide. Black women are answering the call to participate in these critical endeavors, and their impact is already being felt across the industry. With unique perspectives and approaches to stories and situations, Black women are valuable to the development of many organizations, applications, and companies.

Community, accurate representation, and mentoring are indispensable components in the battle against Imposter Syndrome. Imposter Syndrome is a silent adversary that affects individuals across various industries, including tech. It often manifests as a nagging feeling of not being as competent as others perceive you to be. For many Black women in tech, this phenomenon can be especially pronounced, given the intersectionality of race and gender. The relentless pursuit of success, coupled with the weight of representation and expectations, However, it’s essential to remember that VC funding is not the sole path to success,” he continued. “There are numerous non-dilutive funding opportunities that Black founders should explore. We should place greater emphasis on grants and initiatives that support early-stage growth, like Venture 313 here in Detroit, which provides funding ranging from several thousand to $250,000 to support entrepreneurs from idea to their first round.”

A particularly concerning trend is the challenges faced by Black fund managers in reaching their target fund sizes. Despite the growing numbers, Black fund managers typically raise funds that are 35% smaller than their target. This speaks volumes about the barriers that still exist, hindering equitable access to resources.

Black women, the double minorities of this sector, face even greater challenges.

Predominantly in non-partner level roles, Black women also tend to write smaller checks, with a median amount of $350,000, starkly contrasting the $625,000 median check written by their male counterparts.

“Black women in the VC sector face a double-minority status, which comes with a set of significant challenges. As Black investors and Black women founders, we understand these hardships intimately. Raising capital as Black women can be particularly challenging,” shared Alexa Turnage. “The intersection of race and gender can limit access to networks and opportunities traditionally dominated by white men. Stereotypes and biases often hinder securing funding, as we may not fit the conventional investor mold.

Furthermore, breaking through the ‘glass ceiling’ in VC firms is an additional challenge. The lack of representation in leadership positions within VC firms exacerbates the hurdles we face.”

Such disparities aren’t just figures; they narrate tales of persisting bias and underline the need for change. “In essence, Black women in the VC sector encounter a complex set of challenges, stemming from systemic biases, underrepresentation, limited access to resources, and networking opportunities. Overcoming these barriers necessitates industry-wide efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity, recognizing the unique struggles faced by double minorities.”

“When we envision thriving for Black investors who aim to shape the venture industry, it entails having access to deal flow and networks,” said Johnnie Turnage.

“Thriving means being able to take calculated risks and invest in companies that align with your convictions, all while recognizing the availability of alternative funding sources. Additionally, thriving also means having the ability to see your investments receive the genuine valuations they deserve and being well-supported in later stages of growth. We understand that thriving in this context involves not only financial success but also an inclusive and equitable ecosystem that supports and empowers Black investors and entrepreneurs throughout their journey in the venture industry.”

Our ecosystem’s dynamism lies not just in the cities that house them but in the diversity and inclusivity they foster.

can lead to overwhelming feelings of inadequacy.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is a continuous process. By building and nurturing communities, engaging in open conversations, and offering mentorship and support, Black women in tech are forging a path toward self-assurance and empowerment.

Black Tech Saturdays, a collective of Black tech founders, funders, and supporters, has also helped take the Detroit Tech movement by storm. Co-founder Alexa Turnage says that having support groups that not only discuss equity gaps in tech for minority groups, including black women, is vital for success.

“We’re literally just sharing knowledge and sharing all our wisdom and putting it into a big community pot and asking, “What is it that you need?” said Turnage.

“Whether it be a job, training to get into tech, whether it be information on STEM or cyber security, or developing – we have a very big pool of community resources and knowledge that can be pulled from.” Black Tech Saturdays is proactively facilitating

connections to funding, refining ideas, and integrating Black women into an ever-expanding community of opportunities and inspiration.

The aspiration to excel and make meaningful contributions to the tech world serves as the driving force behind this increasing trend of enhanced representation.

Black women recognize the potential for meaningful contributions and innovation in technology. Their experiences, perspectives, and skills are invaluable, leading to more comprehensive and creative solutions in an industry that thrives on diversity.

As more Black women enter the tech workforce, the landscape becomes more inclusive, innovative, and representative of the diverse society we live in. Their presence is not just a reflection of change; it’s the driving force behind a more dynamic and exciting future for the technology industry. This is a movement that deserves recognition and support, as it is not only transforming individual lives but also shaping the future of technology for us all.

Detroit Investors

the same to someone interested in starting in the industry. He says one must “desire, educate, and execute” one’s vision in order to prosper. He also believes it’s important for real estate prospects to educate themselves on the business first, as well as find a mentor and productive organizations to join.

“Running reps are important,” he says.

“Reps can help you refine the process and if you’re not doing that, and your first rep is the house that you’re buying, you’re more than likely going to run into a lot of challenges and maybe an obstacle you don’t have the capacity to overcome.”

Barrett suggests joining organizations such as the Real Estate Association of Development (READ), Building Community Value Detroit, and Capital Impact Partners to find a mentor and learn the ropes before hopping into a potential Ponzi scheme and losing money that could have gone toward building a reputable portfolio.

“I’m an alumni of most of these programs and all of them allowed me to gain insight and knowledge and processes and systems to have a roadmap in identifying strategies.”

In addition to his private real estate business, Barrett works for a commercial real estate company on hundreds of million-dollar projects, applying tools from every sector of the business industry to further his growth and portfolio.

“I’m never done learning,” he says.

“Learning is essential to your growth, your progress, and success. I believe the more you know then you can apply it.”

Both Barrett and Tankard believe that understanding real estate and doing it the right way builds generational wealth. A journey both Detroiters and many others in the city are finding out and doing so successfully.

From page A-5 of the unfamiliarity of it and the allure of becoming an overnight success. But she urged that understanding real estate and doing it the right way is what builds generational wealth.

The road to real estate investment isn’t the same for everyone, but the desire to gain knowledge on the industry emerged for Darius Barrett while he was in college at Michigan State University.

A year after his December 2014 graduation, and just two years ahead of Tankard’s real state journey, Barrett, a Detroit native, young and ambitious, had already bought his third residential property by 2015. He eventually shifted from a career in engineering to a real estate journey as a way to provide generational wealth and stability for his family.

He was on a buying spree for affordable property in the city at a time when the value of land and physical residential structures in Detroit had dropped incredibly low.

“I’m an entrepreneur at heart,” said Barrett, Managing Principle at Revere Development.

“Real estate was the first steppingstone for building legacy for my family.”

Barrett recalls being of high school age when the housing market crashed in 2008 and witnessed his family lose their homes.

“It was at that point; I made a vow that we’ll never be in a scenario like that again.

We’ll never be homeless; we’ll never not have a place to live. I was determined to buy real estate and provide an opportunity for my family and generate income.”

Barrett began that journey and has some core principles he goes by, and he suggests

Let’s find a home loan that looks good on you.

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michiganchronicle.com | November 8-14, 2023 | Page A-7

Alarming Rise in Domestic Violence Rates in Detroit Affecting Black Women and Children at Concerning Rates

By Lynzee Mychael MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Domestic violence is a multifaceted problem that impacts individuals from all walks of life. However, according to several statistics, Black women are disproportionately affected. According to various sources, including the Detroit Police Department and local domestic violence shelters, a concerning pattern has developed. This pattern was originally noticed during the pandemic, with many women being quarantined with their abusers. According to the Detroit Police Department, there were more than 1,300 reports of domestic violence between March 2020 and March 2021.

As we approach 2024, those numbers have continued to climb, leaving many families and communities broken due to a swarm of violent crimes, including harassment, abuse, stalking, and, regrettably, an alarming increase in homicides. According to Mechelle Donahoo, who serves as the Director of Victim Services at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, she observes that “The abuse has gotten more lethal and more cruel.” Donahoo further noted an unsettling trend of increased fatalities and incidents involving violence directed not only towards adults but also towards children and pets within the same households.

2023: A Concerning Pattern: In February 2023, a tragic incident unfolded when Maria Martin was discovered dead from a gunshot wound, a victim of a murder-suicide. According to reports, it was Matthew Ethington, Martin’s ex-boyfriend, who took the life of Maria Martin before turning the gun on himself, marking a devastating culmination of events following their recent breakup. Sources also indicate that there were evident domestic issues between the two individuals. This heartbreaking event left two children behind, including a 1-year-old child who was present at the time of the incident.

In May 2023, Jamere Miller concealed his identity by wearing a wig, hat, and glasses as he lurked in the parking lot of Detroit Receiving Hospital. He patiently waited for Patrice Wilson to finish her shift. Once she entered her car, Miller surreptitiously entered the vehicle from the back passenger side and then proceeded to shoot her.

Wilson was found dead the next day.

In July 2023, 2-year-old Wynter Cole Smith was abducted by her mother’s ex-boyfriend, Rashad Trice. Trice stabbed Wynter’s 22-year-old mother before abducting the child. During the ensuing investigation, Trice proved uncooperative with law enforcement, but crucial information emerged from his cellphone, tracing his movements from the initial attack in Lansing to his eventual apprehension in St. Clair Shores.

A dedicated team of FBI agents and Detroit police officers worked tirelessly for 4 to 5 hours on an extensive search grid, eventually discovering the lifeless body of young Wynter in an alley.

These are just some of the more high-profile cases. Domestic violence affects the Black community at significantly elevated levels, with statistics revealing that 45.1% of Black women encounter incidents of intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking over the course of

their lives, according to a report by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Unique Obstacles Experienced by Black Women: It is essential to understand the specific challenges faced by Black women and children in Detroit and address the factors contributing to this alarming trend. A comprehensive approach to combating domestic violence should include community awareness, legislative action, and enhanced support systems.

Socioeconomic Disparities: One of the underlying causes of the disproportionate impact of domestic violence on Black women in Detroit is the presence of socioeconomic disparities. Black women are more likely to face financial and employment challenges, making it difficult for them to escape abusive relationships. Limited access to resources and financial independence can leave them feeling trapped in abusive situations.

Historical Trauma: Historical trauma, including the legacy of systemic racism, has had a lasting impact on the Black community in Detroit. The trauma of slavery, segregation, and ongoing discrimination has left emotional scars that may contribute to cycles of abuse within families. It is crucial to acknowledge and address this historical context to break the cycle of violence.

Lack of Access to Support Services: For Black women and children in Detroit, access to support services is often limited. Shelters, legal assistance, and counseling services may be underfunded or lacking, leaving victims with few options for help.

This lack of access to vital resources exacerbates the difficulties faced by survivors of domestic violence.

Cultural Stigmas: Cultural stigmas within the Black community can also contribute to the underreporting of domestic violence cases. Fear

of judgment, distrust of authorities, and concerns about preserving family unity can deter individuals from seeking help or reporting abusive situations.

MiVida Burrus, Senior Director of Development at Avalon Healing Center, highlights a notable increase in domestic violence incidents involving Black women in recent years, with isolation emerging as a significant contributing factor. In abusive situations, “every detail is carefully orchestrated and manipulatively controlled, to the extent that even preparing the wrong meal can lead to issues.” Consequently, this heightened manipulation has led to a surge in fatalities, especially when considering the constant proximity due to lockdowns during an already precarious and volatile environment. This increase in domestic violence incidents has also been reflected in the rise in resource calls to organizations like Haven. Burrus also emphasizes “social challenges” as a fundamental issue that significantly impacts Black women in these circumstances.

“The impact for Black women, and particularly low-income women, is we don’t call right away because we know what that may do to a Black male. So, we will sit in a situation just a tad bit longer, and then again, it goes back to, well, why didn’t you leave or why? Why didn’t you call earlier?

Well, because who are you going to believe when you get here? Because we’re both Black. So that has been kind of the scope in the scenario when we’re a little bit trepidatious about calling. But the violence is real; the violence has always been real,” Burrus continued, “It is a societal issue, and it’s not just a problem for Black people, or white people, or Asians, it is a societal problem in the way that we handle our relationships and conversations with one another.”

Zeek Williams, the Founder and President of New Era Detroit, a grassroots organization committed to safeguarding and supporting the community, says, “In this field of work, we get an overwhelming amount

of calls in regards to domestic violence. Just in general and looking at the numbers and looking at how domestic violence is increasing as of late is just appalling. Story after story. The story is getting old.”

New Era Detroit’s dedication to community welfare, coupled with its acknowledgment of the pressing concerns regarding domestic violence, serves as a call to action. It is a reminder that the stories of those affected by domestic violence should not grow old and forgotten but rather serve as a catalyst for change, education, and support for those who need it most.

Addressing domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach involving not only organizations like New Era Detroit but also community members, law enforcement, and policymakers. Support systems, resources, and education are crucial in combating this issue effectively. Williams urges for improved police response and heightened accountability from law enforcement to intervene more effectively and prevent tragic consequences.

“The establishment needs to do more regarding these PPOs (person protection orders). How can we receive so many daily calls from women living in fear for their lives due to an ex or a man stalking them?

Just yesterday, we received a call when a man threw a brick through a window of her house while her 6-year-old child was at home in her room,” he said.

If you or someone you are aware of is experiencing domestic violence, please consider reaching out for support: Detroit Police Victim’s Assistance Program, available 24/7 at 313-833-1660, can provide assistance.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline, which offers confidential support 24/7, can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

You can also contact the Center for Urban Studies at Wayne State University at 313577-1428 for additional assistance and resources.

Tracking the Multimedia Jobs Act Bill and What it Could Mean to Michigan

and support their talents. We must keep that talent in Michigan.”

Without a comprehensive strategy to Could the Multimedia Jobs Act bill, now retain talent and grow the film industry, being considered by Lansing lawmakers, be filmmakers often pass over Michigan as an a windfall for job creation and the state’s ideal option to do business. Hoskins said economy if passed? For many with a grand there are more than 40 states with some vision of growing Detroit and Michigan jobs type of film and multimedia film enticement and economy through the film and televi- program or legislation in place to attract the sion production industry, the answer is a film and television production industry. resounding “yes.”

Ironically, Michigan once ranked in the The Multimedia Jobs Act, a two-bill pack- top tier of states as a destination for film age with bipartisan support, was introduced and television productions. In April 2008, last summer in the State House of Represen- then-Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm tatives by Reps. John Roth (R-Interlochen) signed into law legislation designed to grow and Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) as HB the film industry in the state by setting the 20-26, 2022 | michiganchronicle.com 4907- 4908, with similar bills (SB 438- stage for hundreds of millions of dollars in 439) simultaneously introduced in the State private investments to create thousands of SAMUEL LOGAN Senate by Senators Dayna Polehanki (D-Li- jobs. vonia) and Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield).

The legislation Publisher provided1933-2011 robust incenand other digital If passed, the legislation would create a tives for film, television, JOHN H. SENGSTACKE media productions, infrastructure developtwo-tier tax credit A that would provide in-Newspaper Chairman-Emeritus 1912-1997 Real Times Media centives and promote Michigan-produced ment, financing, and workforce developLONGWORTH M. QUINN ment with an emphasis on hiring Michigan films, television projects, corporate videos, E. JACKSON Publisher | AJ WILLIAMS Managing Editor Publisher-Emeritus 1909-1989 digital streaming productions, and commer- workers and filming in Michigan’s 103 core urban settings, and traditioncials, giving what many stakeholders be- •communities, 1452 Randolph • Detroit, MI 48226 • (313) 963-8100 e-mail: newsdesk@michronicle.com lieve would be an economic shot in the arm al centers of commerce. for the state.

Michigan’s to attract national and cine and healthcare, may lure what the Supreme Court international worked. Beginadversely by filmmakers The Multimedia Jobs Act be would grant impacted will rule in the upcoming the decision overturn ning in 2008, big movie production film and television production compa- to days. Despite the compadeciv. Wade.

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Losing matterDevelopment what happens cap on the program, prompted tices which will reject the many findEconomic and Small Business nstitu- no access to legal abortion in D.C., I’m going to fight film production companies to goIftothat other ings of this draft. is the impact legisla- those ontain Committee, sees the passage ofwill protect states. comIn 2015, Snyder signedwe a bill to end not the case, need to tion hell as a to viable way access to keep talent in Mich. Our like forcing safe, legal abortion in munities most, withprogram.

Senate MajorMichigan’s filmstand incentive anned to igan. people to become parents ity Leader Schumer and Michigan…” tes of Hoskins believes greater “One thing that I’ve been continuing to or expand their families Gov. Whitmeropportunities More than implinding work can once again be experienced in in support the state on is wayslegal to really attract, grow, and against their will.

Being of their efforts to preserve overturning Roe alition cations, if the Multimedia Jobs Act is passed, citing retain talent in the state,” Hoskins able to said. decide and con- the right to reproducWade would impact sevoduc- v. howhow filming Michigan created thousands if, when to in tive “And the film industry does trol exactly that. and freedom,” said Chair systems across the All, a eral of film and television production jobs and become is cenWe have so many talented people in atheparent Alisha Bell, on behalf of With the poaffirm spectrum. ancillary opportunities enjoyed by entrepretral to building and living state who often don’t feel there is a place for the Wayne County Comn and tential to drive both foster a healthy, happy neurs and small businesses across the state. life,” mission. them in Michigan because we don’t have the m in and adoption numbers said Vasquez Giroux. film and atelevision infrastructure to grow “Just one film in the state can impact upward, ban on abortion,” Beyond the scope of iroux. tions could leave many pro-choice versus prowomen to choose a less s that ng in safe route restoring ‘back life, the fight for repro-

By Donald James

SENIOR WRITER, REAL TIMES MEDIA

higan Chronicle To Choose

as many as 60 vendors in the state, such as fashion designers, hair stylists, makeup artists, food vendors, lodging, and hospitality entities, restaurants when film or television productions are made in the state,” Hoskins said.

While there is a renewed effort to bring film and television production companies back to Michigan, not everyone is on board.

“We wasted $500 million on the original film incentive series. There is no independent scholarship that demonstrates programs like these are effective,” Michael LaFaive, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy’s Senior Director of Fiscal Policy, told media outlets earlier this year. “There is much academic scholarship on film incentive programs from around the country, and they often show very negative results.”

All eyes are now on Michigan lawmakers, who will determine if a sequel and modification to the original film incentive program will be favorably voted on. The bill will include a “sunset provision” that could end the Multimedia Jobs Act in ten years or renew it.

“The Multimedia Jobs Act does not cut checks. It does not create budget line items.

It does not finance movie studios or bail out failed movie studios,” Polehanki clarified.

“It is a transferable tax credit only that has to be used in Michigan, and it’s only redeemable if you spend a certain amount of money using Michigan vendors and Michigan personnel.”

37

“We are hoping to have committee hearings on the Multimedia Jobs Act soon,” said Hoskins. “We want to see how much we can get done by the end of the year. We definitely want to get a hearing on the bill soon and get it signed by Gov. Whitmer.”

“The Michigan Film & Digital Media Office, in coordination with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, continues to review the Multimedia Jobs Act legislation to examine its potential to drive growth in Michigan’s film industry,” Selam Ghirmai, Director of the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office said in a statement sent to the Michigan Chronicle. “We stand ready to work with state lawmakers and the Governor’s office as these bills move forward.”

Detroit-based filmmaker Stephen McGee is optimistic about ways the Multimedia Jobs Acts will impact Detroit.

“What I see with this new bill is an opportunity to retain the talent that’s already here in Detroit,” said McGee, a two-time Emmy Award-winning Director/Director of Photography who moved from Los Angeles to Detroit in 2005 to make films.

“The passage of the Multimedia Jobs Acts is the answer for the people here and the people who will come to Detroit because of the vast opportunities in the industry. This will be the time for Detroit to continue its generational contributions to the world and be the ideal place where filmmakers, television production companies, and documentary entities will come and create local jobs.”

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CORRECTION In the Nov. 1 edition of the Michigan Chronicle, a headline on a story about architect Beverly Hannah read: "Michigan's First Black Woman Architect Has Been Blazing Trails for More Than 30 Years." The headline was incorrect, as Beverly Hannah wasn't Michigan's first Black woman architect. Instead, Hannah was the state's first *licensed* Black woman architect. We apologize for the mistake in the headline. All other details of the story were accurate.

Page A-8 | November 8-14, 2023 | michiganchronicle.com

Dr. Henry McKoy and Shalaya Morrisette of the DOE, Carla Walker-Miller, Gov. Representatives from the Department of Energy Whitmer, Hiram E. Jackson

Walker-Miller Energy Services Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS23)

Terry Sobolewski, CEO, Franklin Energy with conference guests

The inaugural Walker-Miller Energy Services Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS23) took place last week at Newlab @ Michigan Central.

The groundbreaking Black and Brown Clean Energy Conference was co-chaired by Carla WalkerMiller, the founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services, and Hiram E. Jackson, the CEO of Real Times Media. RECESS23 brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss and address critical issues related to driving equity and innovation in clean energy.

Pashon Murray, founder of Detroit Dirt, and Porsha Monique, managing editor, Rolling Out Detroit

Real Times Media’s own Cathy Nedd, president of the RTM Newsgroup served as event emcee

Josh Sirefman, CEO, Michigan Central brought greetings

Mayor Mike Duggan brought keynote remarks during day one Former Mayor of Philadelphia Michael Nutter, Justine Johnson, Michigan’s chief mobility officer and Kerry of the conference Duggan, founder and CEO SustainabiliD

Dr. Brandy Brown, chief innovation officer at ­Walker-Miller Energy Services

Michael Nutter and Carla Walker-Miller

Joi Harris and Fadi Mourad of DTE

Rose Dady, director of community engagement, DOE takes a selfie with other conference attendees

Charlotte Gosette Navarro, Maritere Padilla Rodriguez and Jonathan Castillo Polanco of the Hispanic Federa- Diallo Smith, chief operating officer, Life Remodeled and Joi tion of Puerto Rico Harris, president and COO, DTE

michiganchronicle.com | November 8-14, 2023 | Page A-9

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist

Dr. Henry McKoy leads panel featuring Regina Strong, Joi Harris, DTE, Tremaine Phillips, former commissioner, Third Coast Strategies

EventspeakersTanyaSaldivar-Ali,Co-Founder,DetroitFutureOps, Larry Brinker Jr. CEO, Brinker group Dr. Tony Reames, Principal Deputy Director for the Office of Vicki Lewis, CEO, VMX, Lisa Lunsford, CEO, GS3, Dr. Marlo Ren- served as keynote speaker for the event’s State and Community Energy Programs and Carla Walker-­ cher, president Detroit Means Business Workforce Development celebration Miller

Dr. Henry McKoy brings greetings during the opening reception

Matt Elliott, Sustainability Executive and Michigan Market President, Bank of America and Carla Walker Miller

Dug Song, co-founder and president, The Song Founda- A quote shared by Dr. Tony Reames during his Justice tion with conference attendee 40 Initiative presentation

Attendees interact with Exhibitor Showcase

McKoy gets a demo from PlugZen founder Kwabena “Q” Johnson

Opening reception was hosted by Franklin Energy

Conference chairs Hiram E. Jackson and Carla ­Walker-Miller kickoff the inaugural RECESS conference

Dug Song moderated a discussion with Natalie King, CEO Dunamis Clean Energy Partners and Ollie Howie, managing director of the New Community Transformation Fund

Walker-Miller Energy Services team

Page A-10 | November 8-14, 2023 | michiganchronicle.com

City ity.. Life ife.. Style.

Where City Meets Life and Life Meets Style

B1 | November 8-14, 2023

michiganchronicle.com

Eastern Market’s Cherished Black-Owned Businesses Vow to

Rise from the Ruins

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Just over a month ago, the heart of Detroit’s bustling Eastern Market was shattered by a devastating incident: a partial collapse of the nearly century-old building at 2501 Russell St. This historic edifice, a symbol of Detroit’s resilience and entrepreneurial prowess, was the proud home to two revered Blackowned businesses: Jabs Gym Eastern Market and Detroit vs. Everybody.

The collapse, which transpired on Saturday, Sept. 16, at around 11:30 a.m., sent tremors of distress throughout the community. However, in a testament to the spirit of Detroiters and the vigilance of Jabs Gym’s management, all staff and gym members were evacuated in time, escaping injury as the southern walls of the third and fourth floors plummeted.

The aftermath was bleak. The once-thriving landmark was declared uninhabitable by the City of Detroit, casting shadows of uncertainty over its future. Yet, in the resilient fashion for which Detroit is famed, recent revelations signal hope on the horizon. According to a statement on Sept. 22 from the city’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department, an engineer appointed by the owner of the Del Bene building found it “safe to enter, stabilize, assess, and repair.”

Today, Armond Rashad, the heart and soul behind Jabs Gym Eastern Market, articulates a message of resilience and dedication.

Despite the unforeseen damage to their physical establishment, their unwavering commitment to health and well-being in Detroit remains

robust. Adapting swiftly to the circumstances, Rashad has seamlessly transitioned to hosting classes at Eastern Market’s Shed 3.

As anchors of the community, both businesses possess rich histories. Jabs Gym, functioning since 2015, is not just a place for physical training but is synonymous with community well-being. Rashad’s establishment is hailed as a transformative space that stands as a beacon for health and fitness, catering to Detroiters from every walk of life. Rashad’s dedication is reflected in his plans, sharing an outline that the renovations will span a period of six months. Once these are completed, he anticipates resuming business operations as usual and an ambitious reopening slated for April 2024.

However, the interim solution of holding classes at Shed 3 does not negate the financial implications borne from the building’s collapse, underscoring the inherent challenges businesses face amidst unexpected adversities. “Things are slow but we’re just hoping that we’ll still be around after six months of no revenue,” shared Rashad. “We just came through COVID not too long ago and we were hit pretty hard by COVID so many gyms went out of business, but we’re hoping to once again show up for Detroit and we hope that the city shows up for us.”

Rashad continues to call on the city to lend a hand-up during these unforeseen circumstances. “Hopefully the city has some grants to keep us afloat during the six months we are down. The bottom-line is that we’re going to need some serious grant dollars from somewhere to keep

See RISE FROM THE RUINS Page B-2

$6M Warren Gateway Opens Along a Stretch of the Joe Louis Greenway

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

It was anything but scary when the Warren Gateway stretch of the Joe Louis Greenway opened to the community on the afternoon of Halloween, Tuesday.

The ribbon cutting of the $6 million Warren Gateway segment borders the communities of Detroit and Dearborn. The public space includes a four-acre park on the west side of Central Avenue and features a signature playscape, a pavilion with flexible community space, fitness equipment, green infrastructure, and accessible parking.

“This is a celebration of community and of the residents – their commitment to support this project,” said Leona Medley, Executive Director of Joe Louis Greenway Partnership.

“By creating really dynamic public spaces in the city, Joe Louis Greenway is an opportunity to enhance upon all of the amazing regional (parks) and small community parks, and to connect the neighborhoods by way of this path.”

This new public green space was made financially possible due to a $3 million grant from the Ralph C Wilson, Jr. Foundation and $3 million in city bond funding.

The completed Warren Greenway stretch of the Greenway is part of a 27.5-mile greenway that will link 23 Detroit neighborhoods, including the cities of Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn, and connect to the Detroit Riverfront as well.

“I think is yet, another symbol of what Detroit is, not what it used to be,” said Rochelle Riley, Director of the Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship, Detroit ACE, City of Detroit. “We need to people to constantly, whether in the city or out

LENS in FOCUS:

Renowned Photographer Shatters Stereotypes of Detroit in New Book

By Andre Ash DIGITAL ANCHOR

of the country to see Detroit the way it is. I’m so proud of the Blight to Beauty campaign. We are making this city everything people who want to live in the city want - a place for people to come, a place for people to stay.”

The Joe Louis Greenway, once completed, aims to provide a well-lighted and safe place for people to enjoy leisure and recreation. From walking to biking or sitting and taking in people and nature, the new trails aim to become another amazing jewel for Detroit and surrounding communities.

“I always feel the burden where I don’t want my dad to be forgotten,” said Joyce Barrow-Henderson, youngest daughter of late Joe Louis. “The city of Detroit like no other city in the world has this relationship with Joe Louis where they will never let his legacy die. I wish thankful is how I felt, and it’s not, it’s really so much more than that.” she says.

“The opportunity for this legacy to live on for the next generation, especially in today’s climate and what it means to brings communities together, what it means to be a champion, not in the sense of the ring, but in the sense of a hero he was to us in a time when we needed one.”

The blueprint for the Joe Louis Greenway was constructed by the vision of Detroit residents who participated in a two-year engagement process.

The community input resulted in the Framework Plan that captured the responses of residents, and it served as a project guide for this transformational development. The Greenway has been a priority for Detroit’s City Council and Mayor Mike Duggan amid wide vocal support of the projects from community residents.

The first phase of Joe Louis Greenway broke

“Detroit is the greatest city in the world,” said Cyrus Tetteh, 30, a Detroit-based photographer who has released a photo book titled Only in Detroit. It’s the message he wants to send to the world, and he hopes it’s what people take the front of his moments chronicled behind the lens.

“This place is very interesting, fascinating, amazing, and it’s a place where you would want to go there, right now.”

That’s his view of what Detroit is right now, seen from his first-hand account of the progress this urban town has endured in years past.

Tetteh grew up in a city of crime and abandonment. He, like so many other Detroiters around his age, has heard countless stories about how good Detroit used to be and how it transformed from a city of Black power and thriving Black businesses to a place in ruin by blight and decay.

“Talking to someone about Detroit has changed so much,” Tetteh explains.

“As a teenager going out of town and telling someone I’m from Detroit, (I heard) ‘Oh wow. I heard it’s bad there.”

It often left him with no alternate way of explaining the reality and sometimes agreeing with the ugly truth as he saw it.

That all changed in 2017 following his graduation from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, when he obtained a position as a photographer in the City of Detroit’s media services department.

“This allowed me to get a front-row seat to the rapid change and everything new that the city was experiencing,” Tetteh says. It feels like a privilege to have experienced the city from this point of view.”

The images of Detroit look completely different to him now from his own personal lens as a professional photographer.

“I feel like it was finally time for me to share what I’ve been experiencing and to share with the city and to the world.”

That’s when he decided to encapsulate the beauty of the city, as he had been capturing it for years through his work with the city, into an anthology book of photography. In a city known for its rich history, culture, and resilience, his captivating visual journey offers an exclusive glimpse into some of the Motor City’s most iconic moments and celebrated figures from 2017 to 2022.

See JOE LOUIS GREENWAY Page B-2

See ONLY IN DETROIT Page B-2

Page B-2 | November 8-14, 2023 | michiganchronicle.com

Joe Louis Greenway From page B-1 ground in May 2021, and the second phase broke ground in September 2022. Construction phases are expected to continue annually, with segments opening for use as they are completed. Last fall, the opening of a one-mile stretch of the Greenway between Joy and Plymouth roads was celebrated.

“This project has brought together the funding ecosystem of the community,” Medley says.

“From federal and state dollars to county and city funding for construction – there is also a lot of corporate and private foundations that have come in to fund this project for amazing public spaces.”

The City of Detroit continues to shoot for 2027 as the current timetable for completion of the entire Greenway.

The Greenway Partnership will continue to focus on community engagement throughout the entire process, in addition to the programming and activation of the Greenway as more segments open to the public over the next few years.

The project has been con-

structed in areas that once were home to old and abandoned railways, and the process of cleaning them up has been a task. From removing thousands of tires to environmental land cleanup, the newly created green space resides in a useable public space and, in part, addresses air quality issues in a city that could use more trees and greenery to better its overall environmental health for residents.

“This project has had other names over the years, but to bring this Joe Louis Greenway name into it, it’s about how do we serve our communities, and how do we make sure we’re being thoughtful in some cases on communities that have been forgotten and to remind ourselves that these communities are filled with fighters,” said Medley.

Medley says for so many neighbors who have stayed in the city – cut the grass, kept the lights, and done the hard community work, “we continue to see people in our neighborhoods who are modern day Joe Louises.”

The Halloween opening of the Warren Gate brought out

Rise From The Ruins From page B-1

us afloat.”

Meanwhile, Detroit vs. Everybody, helmed by the visionary Tommey Walker and CEO Sean Williams, had occupied the building’s ground floor. Its recent endeavors involved a stunning glass-enclosed mural by the prodigious Bakpak Durden, signifying the brand’s collaboration with luxury giant Gucci. The collapse, unfortunately, struck right when Walker was gearing up to announce plans for a November relaunch from this very location.

“We were planning on doing a reopening on Nov. 19 prior to the collapse. We were doing sidewalk sales every weekend to build up to that date and we had a full plan around the Lions tailgates where we planned to do those hand and hand sales,” shared Williams. “So, that has been our greatest hurdle. We weren’t able to do those sales

that we planned to do, and it has impacted our financial bottom line significantly.”

Williams iterated that there has been mixed direction from both the Eastern Market Corporation and the landlord of the building that houses both Jabs Gym and Detroit Vs. Everybody.

He says that the landlord has given the green light that DVE could have set up shop as early as Nov. 1, but the Eastern Market Corp. has given some pushback, citing that there are other steps that need to be taken. Williams says that the confusion has garnered mixed feelings.

“We have been in limbo for a while with getting mixed information from the landlord and Eastern Market Corp. that now has us trying to figure out if we want to continue being tenants at the building. We feel uncomfortable with how this whole process has been. So, we’re contemplating on just moving on

Only In Detroit

the community from all walks of life to celebrate and come together.

“This is a special occasion for the community,” said Casandra Crenshaw, member of True Love Missionary Baptist Church, joined by other members of her church passing out candy and other informational material to residents along the new pedestrian path. “This Gateway is right behind our church, so it connects community to faith, to others who are maybe struggling, and it allows children a place to go and to get recreation and where you can have a family activity. It just brings everyone together.”

Overall, the project takes on the name of a famed Detroit figure and represents the spirit of the iconic Brown Bomber.

Born in Alabama, Louis moved to Detroit as a child. As a teenager, he took up boxing lessons at the Brewster Recreation Center.

Louis eventually captured the world heavyweight championship, a title he kept for 12 years, marking his legacy as a Detroit and international iconic figure.

Louis brought the nation together in June 1938 by fighting and defeating German boxing champion Max Schmeling.

Their fight was set in a time

and backdrop of a growing Nazi movement in Germany leading up to the start of WWII. He became an iconic American hero, representing Black America and ideas of American democracy.

“Joe Louis was a leader in every sense of the word,” Mayor Duggan said. “His courage and generosity united people of all races and backgrounds. He made it clear to the world that where you start doesn’t define how far you will go. For that reason, I can’t think of a better person to whom Detroit can bestow this honor. The Joe Louis Greenway will remove boundaries and connect families and neighborhoods across our city to a tremendous riverfront that residents will enjoy together.”

and going somewhere else for our brick and mortar,” Williams said.

“We have the same exact landlord (as Jabs), but we’re in the basement, which makes us a tad bit uncomfortable because the foundation of the building is not sturdy and if everything comes down then we’ll have a greater impact. The landlord is saying that what happened doesn’t affect our space, but we don’t buy that, and our advisors are telling us to move on from the building all together.” Williams went on to mention that at this moment, he and Walker have not locked in on a new building just yet, but they plan to very soon, ahead of Black Friday.

Although the reality of heading back into the Eastern market location may be slim to none, the duo is looking forward to setting up shop in the city, most notably, a hotspot downtown.

“It’s like the turning lemons into lemonade scenario,” said Williams. “We’ve gotten over the

initial shock of everything happening the way it happened so we’re just moving forward now.

We are a God-fearing brand and God-fearing men, so we feel that God has given us a reset and sometimes things are uncomfortable but it’s inevitable, so we take this as a moment of change.

It’s sad to say, but we’ve settled in with the fact that the Eastern Market chapter just might be closed.”

It’s important to emphasize that Detroit’s heart is exemplified not just by its iconic structures but by its people. The indomitable spirit of business owners like Rashad, Williams, and Walker and the community’s undying support are a testament to Detroit’s character.

As they rally to rebuild, the tale of Jabs Gym and Detroit vs. Everybody becomes emblematic of the larger story of Detroit’s resilience. Their businesses may have faced an unforeseen challenge, but with the determination of its people, it will rise – quite literally – from the ruins.

From page B-1

Tetteh’s book captures the true spirit of Detroit, shares the incredible moments of the culture and what makes it vibrant, and showcases the tenacity and strong will of its people. Only in Detroit challenges the constant years-long stereotypes and misconceptions about the city and shows what truly makes it blossom into its greatness.

“It’s easy for someone from the outside looking in to make blind comments, but Detroit is still a foundational pillar to this country’s past, present, and future successes,” said Tetteh.

“Growing in Detroit all my life, most of the media headlines would depict Detroit with a negative focus, rarely positive – it was always violence (and) poverty, and I’m hoping to change that, recreating the image of our city.”

The 96-page book features a variety of exclusive, never-before-seen photographs, including intimate shots from the funeral of Motown Legend Aretha Franklin, rare glimpses of billionaire Mike Bloomberg during his visit to Detroit, heartwarming moments with Mary Wilson of the Supremes at the Brewster Projects where she grew up, and President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ visits to Detroit.

Tetteh’s inspiration for Only in Detroit has been to show Detroiters and outsiders that the city shouldn’t be defined only by negativity but by its resilience, creativity, and moments of triumph.

All photographs in the book were taken within the city limits, showcasing its authenticity and true character.

“There have been so many profound moments that I want people to see,” he says. “There are a lot of unique and genuine moments that are true to the city. I just want to create an awareness around a piece of visual storytelling that represents the Detroit that I want to represent and that I live in.”

On his website, OnlyInDetroit.net, where the book is available for purchase, Tetteh describes the work: “The book, a labor of love, is the antithesis of the once popular ‘ruin porn’ produced by photographers who swooped into the city during Detroit’s darkest days and took photos of areas in deep decline. By contrast, Tetteh’s art is vivid and filled with life. His use of color and composition captures his subjects in the most honest and captivating ways. His is a vision of hope.”

michiganchronicle.com | November 8-14, 2023 | Page B-3

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Page B-4 | November 8-14, 2023 | michiganchronicle.com

Does God have pronouns?

By Dr. Kristen Barnes-Holiday PH.D., CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

We live in a generation where pronouns are used to self-identify. And honestly, I believe that it has been a long way coming. Instead of automatically addressing someone as she or he, it is now commonplace to first ask which pronouns the individual prefers—she/ her, they/them, or he/his.

As I sat in a meeting several months ago, pronouns were a part of the conversation, as the discussion leader wanted to know how the individuals in the group would like to be identified. In that instant, my mind took a detour, reflecting on the gender of God—and to be transparent this is not the first time that I’ve pondered God’s gender, audibly questioning why I, and so many others, refer to God as Father, Him, He, and His. Is God a man or is there another factor that allows humans to see God through this lens?

As a budding theologian, I typically lead with the ideology that the Bible is not inerrant, meaning there is room for inaccuracies. Yeah, I know. Most of us were taught that God authored the Bible, and God is perfect, therefore, the Bible is without error. And because of this we did not question the Bible.

Swinging Beyond Barriers in Golf’s Resilient Path to Diversity and Opportunity

By Ebony JJ Curry Dr. Kristen Barnes-Holiday I’m no longer in alignment with this school of thought, as I Believe that though God authored human existence and all the universe, and even oversaw and dwelled within humanity since inception, the Bible was written by human beings and revised God-knows-how-many-times. Considering my perspective, the idea that the Bible was written by man, yet authored by God, we must consider that the Bible quite possibly was recorded through the lens of the writer(s). And during this period, men would’ve been writing the Bible. So, when one takes a deep dive into Genesis, the very first book in the Bible, it should be noted that God is referred to as He—a male pronoun—and honestly this makes sense.

As I thought about the pronouns of God even further, I considered my personal perspective for identifying God as the Father, first considering the famous painting “The Creation of God” by Harmonia Rosales. In Rosales’ depiction of God, a woman of color takes center stage. And because this artist illustrated God as a woman, she caught a lot of backlash and gasps. If you’re confused by the reactions of folk, I get it, because as I’ve already stated, we were conditioned to believe that God is a male. But I also considered another thought. Perhaps, human beings characterize God as the important individuals within our own lives.

You might be really confused at this point but allow me to share an intimate thought with you.

For my entire life, I’ve been a daddy’s girl. And since I am my father’s little princess, I’ve always recognized my father as a leader and provider who takes great care of his children. I then rationalized that since I view my father in this light, it only makes sense that God is the Supreme of all fathers. And since my father leads and takes care of me, God must be the one who leads takes care of my father. Logical, right?

I also considered several passages in the Bible where Jesus identifies God as Father. In John 20:17, Jesus refers to God as His father and the father of humanity. As Jesus prays in Gethsemane, he cried out to “Abba, Father” in distress. (Note: Children often use “Abba” to refer to their father.)

Contrary to Jesus identifying God as father, God is also identified as mother, though many Christians overlook God being framed through the female gender. In Isaiah 66:13, God is likened to a mother nurturing her cub. And in Deuteronomy 32:11-12 God is described as a mother eagle.

If you’re noticing what I’ve noticed, you’re now able to see that, “God morphs into what God needs to be in that moment” (Pastor Marieno Brisbon, 2023). So, could it hold true that God isn’t male nor female, and thus lacks gender-specific pronouns?

I call God Father, because I’ve been conditioned to identify God as such for as long as I can remember. Have you considered why you identify God as Father or maybe even Mother or otherwise?

Give this some thought and at some point, let’s revisit this dialogue.

Until next time…

Love and blessings, Dr. Kristen Barnes-Holiday, Ph.D. is a professor of English at Wayne County Community College District, a second-year divinity student at Duke University, and a Christian blogger. In addition, she is a teacher, preacher, and lifelong student of the Word of Jesus Christ.

SENIOR REPORTER

Golf, a sport of precision, patience, and strategy, might conjure images of serene greens, genteel country clubs, and friendly games amongst colleagues. But dig a bit deeper, and you’ll unearth a starkly different picture: a game that is historically and notably shadowed by systemic racism and exclusion.

The statistics are more than a little jarring. In the land of opportunity, where golf is a beloved pastime of approximately 24 million recreational players, only 3% of avid recreational players are Black.

Within the professional sphere, there are currently only four Black golfers with PGA Tour status: Tiger Woods, Harold Varner III, Cameron Champ, and Joseph Bramlett. Such an underrepresentation isn’t merely coincidental—it is a stark reminder of the invisible walls that have been built around this sport.

We’ve all heard the heart-wrenching tales of Woods, arguably the most accomplished golfer of our time, being racially profiled.

The very thought that someone of his talent would be required to carry a receipt to prove his legitimacy on a golf course is not only a testament to the depth of racism but also a reminder that success does not shield one from prejudice.

But in the face of adversity, hope springs eternal. Michigan, amidst its picturesque lakes and industrious spirit, is producing a prodigy in the form of Mia Melendez. This junior from Ann Arbor Greenhills High School is not just breaking records; she’s shattering societal expectations.

Securing the state high school golf competition title three years consecutively, Mia stands tall as a beacon of promise in a sport that has often felt impenetrable for people of color, especially women.

As only the seventh person in Michigan’s history to achieve this, Mia is setting a precedent.

“When I realized that I had won states for the third time,” Mia shares, “I was overcome with emotions after being down as much as five strokes during the championship. I was so proud of the fact that I overcame obstacles on the golf course and showcased my best skills.” Such sentiments not only illustrate the depth of Mia’s commitment but also her unmatched resilience in the face of adversity.

But her triumphs do more than add accolades to her portfolio; they serve as a beacon of hope for every minority child dreaming of dominating fairways and greens.

Let’s now pivot to the larger picture. Golf is a nexus of opportunities. Beyond the well-maintained lawns and meticulous swing analyses, golf courses have been the backdrop to many a business deal, job opportunity, and influential networking event. Engaging in this sport opens doors to boardrooms, executive suites, and connections that can transform one’s life.

So, imagine the disadvantage a young Black boy or girl might face when they are denied access to this gold mine of opportunities.

It’s not just about playing a game—it’s about getting a fair shot at life.

However, champions like Melendez are slowly chipping away at these barriers. With every swing, every win, and every record, they not only solidify their position but also pave the way for those coming behind them. For many young athletes, the weight of representation can be daunting, but for Mia, it’s a mantle she wears with grace.

“Knowing that I’m often the only African American golfer on the course during a tournament, I stand out,” she states. “Over the years, people have come to recognize me easily; because I look different, but also because I am a fierce competitor and talented golfer. My goal is to maintain a positive narrative of myself in order to inspire more girls like me to pursue the game of golf.”

This journey is more than just about becoming a decorated athlete. It’s about reshaping narratives, challenging stereotypes, and, more importantly, ensuring that the next generation doesn’t have to fight the battles of racism in sports that this generation and the ones before it did.

As we champion the successes of young prodigies like Mia Melendez, it’s crucial to remember the significance of their journey.

It’s not just about the sport; it’s about creating a future where the color of one’s skin doesn’t dictate the opportunities they can access.

Organizations within inner cities have the potential to redefine the narrative of golf. For example, earlier this fall, Cass Tech became the first Detroit team in history to qualify for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 1 Girls Golf Championships.

With the global emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the golf community has a unique opportunity to amplify its outreach, mentorship, and support. Organizations such as Detroit’s Midnight Golf Program.

Far from being a mere sporting endeavor, MGP merges the discipline of golf with the essential tools needed to transition smooth-

ly from high school to college and, eventually, into a professional setting. Since its inception in 2001, MGP has been a testament to success. With over 3,200 participants having moved on to college, the program’s impact is undeniable. These bright individuals have graced the halls of over 150 diverse colleges and universities across the nation, carrying with them the lessons and values instilled by the Midnight Golf Program.

“We believe that the game of golf is the number one relationship development tool regardless of your profession or where you are in the world, it’s played all over the world and we teach young people how to play golf not only for the pure enjoyment of the sport and the challenge that it provides but also golf in many ways opens networking opportunities and opens door to relationships with people that we don’t see in any other aspect of professional development,” shared Dave Gamlin, Vice President of MGP. “We see golf as one of those additional skills to have in your tool kit that allows you to be the very best you can possibly be.”

Where opportunities can sometimes be overshadowed by challenges, the introduction of initiatives like MGP in Detroit becomes profoundly impactful.

For inner-city youth, who often grapple with limited resources and barriers to success, MGP offers more than just a sport; it provides a lifeline. “Our mission for our students is to make sure that they have every opportunity to pursue their dreams and goals without the typical barriers that get in place,” expressed Gamlin. Through golf, these young individuals are introduced to discipline, resilience, and networking — tools often crucial for upward mobility. The program serves as a beacon, highlighting pathways to higher education and professional careers. In essence, MGP isn’t just teaching golf; it’s ushering in hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for Detroit’s next generation. “That’s what Midnight Golf is really about,” said Gamlin.

In weaving together the narratives of individuals like Mia Melendez and organizations such as the Midnight Golf Program, we illuminate a powerful story of resilience, empowerment, and transformation within the realm of golf. This journey, set against the backdrop of systemic challenges and a historical lack of representation, becomes a testament to the potential for change and the untapped possibilities that lie within the sport. As we reflect on the strides being made in Detroit and beyond, it becomes evident that golf, with its rich traditions and disciplined nature, is more than a game—it’s a catalyst for growth, networking, and the dismantling of barriers.

Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS

michiganchronicle.com | November 8-14, 2023 | Page B-5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Request Proposals REQUEST FORFor PROPOSALS (RFP)(RFP) CONSULTANTCUSTOMER SERVICE AND CONSULTANT – CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SECRET SHOPPER SURVEYDEVELOPMENT, SECRET SHOPPER SURVEY DEVELOPMENT, DISTRIBUTION ANDANALYSIS ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTION AND October 2022 November 2023

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for Construction Manager Services for Facility Master Plan - Series 5 under RFP 24-0116.

Proposals are due by 12:00 PM, November 30, 2023 electronically via Demandstar.

There will be a Pre-Proposal conference for this RFP that will take place virtually on November 13, 2023 at 10:00a.m. via Microsoft Teams. The Pre-Proposal Conference can be accessed using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/3rsyfune The call-in information is as follows: Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305 Conference ID: 867 445 099#

Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is seeking Detroit Local Initiatives SupporttoCorporation (LISC) proposals for a qualified consultant work with Detroit LISCistoseeking proposals for and a qualified consultant to work with Detroit LISC create, distribute analyze customer service surveys to gather to create,about distribute and analyze customer service surveys to information the services of the Detroit at Work One Stop gather The information about services of the Detroit at put Work One System. findings from thethe surveys will be analyzed and Stop System.

Thereports findings the surveys will be analyzed and into interim and final to from be submitted to LISC. put into interim final reportsthose to bewith submitted to LISC. Specifically, Detroitand LISC is seeking proven experience inSpecifically, the followingDetroit areas: LISC is seeking those with proven experience

✓inEvaluation the following areas:

✓ Survey Creation, ✔ Evaluation Distribution and Collection

✔ Survey Creation,

✓ Analysis ✓ Report✔Development Analysis ✓ Program Design

✔ Report Development

Distribution and Collection Visit https://www.lisc.org/detroit/about-us/careers/ down✔ ProgramtoDesign load full RFP. Responses to this RFP are due Friday, October 21 lisc.org/detroit/about-us/careers downloadtothe full andVisit should be emailed to kgallick@lisc.org. LISCto is committed RFP.with Responses to thisEnterprises RFP are due Wednesday, November working Small Business (SBEs), Minority-Owned Business Women-Owned Business 22 andEnterprises should be(MBEs), emailedand to KConway@lisc.org.

LISC is Enterprises (WBEs).

LISC encourages submissions from Enterprises SBEs, committed to working with Small Business MBEs, and WBEs. (SBEs), Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs). LISC 3cols x 4.25 inches encourages submissions from SBEs, MBEs, and WBEs.

Further details on the meeting and RFP can be found at www.detroitk12.org/ procurement under the “Bids, Requests, and Proposals” link.

Published Every Wednesday

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

PROFESSIONAL HELP WANTED

Localization Engineer

Vehicle Communications Network Architect

Warren, MI, General Motors. Dvlp &release (internationalize &localize) string &translation packages in XML files &C# prgrmg language, &integrate SW (in Android &Linux OS, &mobile apps) for N.A. &global psgr vehicle (current &next generation) infotainment sys HMI content in Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU), Center Stack Module (CSM), Instrument Panel Cluster, Heads Up Display, &mobile apps, to improve local &regional customer User Experience (UX), using Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, Bitbucket, Team Foundation Server, &Android Studio tools.

Maintain language translation database &extract data using queries in SQL from PostgreSQL database, &migrate data to XML &MS Excel. Use extracted data to create, modify, &analyze XML, JSON, &Translation Memory eXchange files automatically using internally developed Windows tools. Ensure User Interface localized content availability in 37 languages. Master, Computer Science, Computer Engrg, Electrical Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, Developer, or related, releasing string packages in XML files, &integrating SW in Android OS, for psgr vehicle infotainment sys HMI content in VCU or CSM, to improve local &regional customer UX, or related.

Email resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#182-286).

Electrical Test Process Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Define, design, dvlp, &implement new mfg plant End of Line electrical test process layouts &mfg eqpt incl. dynamic rotor electrical, stator wire resistance, insulation resistance, high potential leakage current, electrical surge, &partial discharge test syss, to support high volume production of future Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV3)/Battery Electric Truck (BET3) electric motor (stators &rotors), &future prime electric motors (stators &rotors), &meet plant Jobs per Hour, First Time Acceptance, &First Time Qlty reqmts. Execute machine acceptance run-off &statistical process controls during procurement of process machinery, devices, &eqpt, &assure improvements to Global Propulsion Systems (GPS) Mfg Engrg engrg specs, Bills of Process, Bills of Eqpt, &Bills of Design.

Prepare, plan, conduct, analyze &report Gauge Repeatability &Reproducibility (R&R) type 1, 1a, 2, &3 &special gauge validation studies using Measurement System Analysis (MSA). Advise, dvlp &update Process Failure Mode &Effects Analysis (PFMEAs) &Process Control Plants (PCPs). Define g-Risk assessment for worker safety in using machines &eqpt. Required travel to GM GPS plants in N.A. (US/CAN/MEX) to review installation &final acceptance of new electric motor electrical test eqpt up to 7 wks P/A. Bachelor, Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Engr, Test, Manufacturing, or Quality Lead or Leader, or related, planning, conducting, &analyzing Gauge R&R type 1, 1a, 2, &3 &special gauge validation studies using MSA, &dvlpg &updating PFMEAs &PCPs, or related. E-mail resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#46425).

Lead Development & Quality Assurance (Dev QA) Engineer

Warren, MI, General Motors. Create innovative testing solutions, design, dvlp, validate, verify, &maintain automated test strategies, scripts, &tools to test &deploy GM psgr vehicle Vehicle Interface Processor (VIP) &Vehicle Data Cmpt, &FlexCharge (for Vehicle Cockpit Unit (VCU) &Central Compute Unit platforms) incl. In Vehicle Infotainment &power mode modules containing Suspend to RAM &Start Up &Shut Down, &Real Time Operation Sys Core containing Time-ofDay &QNX-Logger (incl. simulating Control Area Ntwk bus messages, Local Interconnect Ntwk bus messages, &Automot Ethernet messages), in Python &Java prgrmg languages, in Ubuntu &Windows OS, using Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, Jira, X-Ray, PyCharm Integrated Dvlpmt Environmt, Artifactory, Vector CANoe, &Vehicle Spy tools, &Virtual Cockpit Unit, VCUMate &ECOMate HW. Perform diagnostic svces incl. Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Clear DTCs, Read Parameter Identifiers, Read Data Identifiers, &run diagnostics routines using Vehicle Spy tool. Master, Computer Science, Computer Engrg, Computer Applications, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, Project Lead, Project Manager, or related, designing or validating automated test scripts to test VIP or a Connected Ecosys, in Python &Java prgrmg languages, &dvlpg automated test scripts within dvlpmt qlty assurance reqmts, or related. Email resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#2818).

Software Verification Engineer - Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) - ACPx Software Platform Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, verify, integrate, debug, &release multiple ADAS Compute Platforms (ACPx) Virtual Electronic Control Unit to internal customers. Mentor &define work scope perform by team of 10 GM SW engrs &developers to validate ACPx platform SW prior to release to customers. Set technical objectives &platform regression testing strategies to verify proper implementation of production intent SW to all vehicle specific architecture, sys, security, safety &encoding reqmts for Diagnostics, Signal to Service Gateway, Camera Driver, Platform Health Mgr, Driver Monitoring Sys, CommQos, Publish Subscribe, End of Line, &15 related features, in C, Python, &QNX prgrmg languages, in Linux OS, using Git, Jenkins, Artifactory, Bitbucket, Eclipse IDE, Vector CANoe, ETAS INCA, IBM Rational DOORS, &DPS tools, following SAFe. Evaluate &review Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), Parameter Identifier (PID), Routine Identifier, &Data Identifier data from CAN &LIN bus messages, &Automotive Ethernet messages to perform root cause anlys &debug SW. Master, Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engrg, or related.

12 mos exp as Engineer or related, setting regression testing strategies to verify implementation of External Object Calculation Module, ADAS Compute Platform, or active safety Electronic Control Unit production intent SW to meet vehicle technical &safety reqmts, in C &Python prgrmg languages, or related. E-mail resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#58522).

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

313 963-5522

Warren, MI, General Motors. Gather technical reqmts from Sys Architects, Feature Owners, &Sys Design Engrs, define &create serial data interfaces for Controller Area Network (CAN), CAN Flexible Data Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Automot Ethernet commn. protocols for current &new psgr vehicle embedded Electronic Control Units (ECUs). Design CAN, LIN, &Automot Ethernet interface signals &their attributes, using Vector PREEvision, Vector CANalyzer, IBM Rational DOORS, IBM Rational Rhapsody, Jira, &Vehicle Spy tools. Engr &dvlp CAN, LIN &Automot Ethernet commn. proposals for review &approval by Change Control Board. Define more efficient commn. ntwk design process. Provide guidance to team members on ntwk design &support serial data deliverables for psgr vehicle ECUs. Support ntwk protocol specs &related SW reqmts for new ECUs. Perform ARXML compatibility verifications in various projects in a timely manner to avoid compatibility issues &support vehicle pgrms.

Bachelor, Computer Science, Computer Engrg, Electrical Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Engineer, Architect, or related, defining &creating serial data interfaces for CAN &commn. protocol for psgr vehicle embedded ECUs, or related. Email resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#464).

System Design Engineer - Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Warren, MI, General Motors. Design &dvlp technical reqmts, engr &release Super &Ultra Cruise autonomous driving features in ADAS Compute Platforms (ACP3 & ACP4) in Instrument Panel Cluster &Virtual Cockpit Unit, incl. Lane Assist, Unavailable Reasons, Host &Actor Positions, using IBM Rational DOORS, IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation (DNG), IBM Rational Rhapsody, Jira &Jama tools, in ICE psgr vehicle &Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). Set technical objectives &platform regression testing strategies to verify implementation of production intent SW to meet vehicle specific architecture, sys, security, safety &encoding reqmts for Human Machine Interface, Driver Monitoring Sys, Feature Monitoring Sys, &Publish Subscribe, in Embedded C &QNX prgrmg languages, in Linux OS, using Jenkins, Jira, CANoe, &DOORS tools, following Scaled Agile Frwk. Analyze &debug Diagnostic Trouble Codes &Data Identifiers over CAN, LIN bus, &Automot Ethernet commn protocols. Master, Electrical Engrg or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, designing &dvlpg technical reqmts for ADAS or propulsion sys in BEV, using IBM Rational DOORS, IBM Rational DNG, &Jira tools, or related. E-mail resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#450-101).

Lead Systems Capability Engineer

Warren, MI, General Motors. Engr, design, dvlp, integrate into embedded Electronic Control Unit (ECU), verify, debug, validate, release, &continuously improve conventional ICE psgr vehicle, Battery Electric &Autonomous Vehicle Advanced Drive Assistance Syss Compute Platform Adaptive Response Capability to perform driver &occupant incabin monitoring (incl. Human Machine Interface, utilizing sensor sets incl. LIDAR, RADAR, driver monitoring sys, &cameras, in MATLAB, Simulink, &Python prgrmg languages, using IBM Rational DOORS, DOORS NG, Git, Gerrit, Jenkins, Jira, Jama, FIT, ETAS INCA &Vector CANalyzer tools, following SAFe. Dvlp &execute AR capabilities for manual, assisted, &automated driving scenarios for all psgr, fleet, &commercial vehicles distributed in N.A, EU, CHN, KOR, AUS &NZL. Collaborate w/ GM Brand leaders to identify results from data campaigns, forecast customer needs for future model yrs. Define, design, &improve Adaptive Response Capability syss to detect driver &occupant state incl. driver distraction, in-attentiveness, drowsiness, &potential impairment, &un-responsive drivers (sudden sickness/medical event) to ensure safety, security &protection of all vehicle occupants. Master, Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical Engrg, or related.

12 mos exp as Engr or related, designing or dvlpg vehicle ECU or Sensors, &using IBM Rational DOORS, or related. E-mail resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#50490).

Researcher

Warren, MI or Remote (Anywhere USA), General Motors. Research, create, dvlp new concepts &architectures, suggest new research proposals &project areas, &establish technical plans, applying to safety-critical decision-making &behavior planning algorithms for level 2 to level 5 autonomous vehicles that ensure collision avoidance, robustness to scene uncertainty, &completion of the mission objectives.

Investigate &propose novel algorithms for uncertainty aware &actively safe vehicle trajectory planning using online optimization methods such as successive convexification, linearized, nonlinear &stochastic model predictive control (MPC), chance-constraints, game theory, convex optimization &mixed-integer optimization, &sampling-based algorithms incl.

Werling planners, Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS), &POMDP algorithms such as POMCP, POMCPOW, Q-MDP that account for belief propagation. Improve predictive, model-based closed-/open-loop optimal control algorithms such as MPC. Design, develop &improve state of the art reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms for autonomous vehicles. PhD/Doctorate, Mechanical Engrg, Automotive Engrg, Aerospace Engrg Sciences, or related. 6 mos exp as Engr, Researcher, or Graduate Research Asst, investigating &proposing novel algorithms for uncertainty aware &actively safe vehicle trajectory planning using online optimization methods such as successive convexification, nonlinear &stochastic model predictive control (MPC), chance-constraints, &convex optimization, or related. Remote: This option does not require employee to be on-site full-time to perform most effectively. Employee’s role enables them to work off-site on a permanent basis. E-mail resume to recruitingreply1@gm.com (Ref#1245-405).

Please visit our website for more classified ads. www.michiganchronicle.com

4 Ways

You Can Observe National Veterans and Military Family Month (StatePoint) When was the last time you thanked a military member or veteran for their service? November is National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month and an excellent time to celebrate, support and honor service members.

That’s why Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing people to take action that changes the world, is sharing ways you can get involved, along with the stories of former military members already doing so. From volunteering to donating and beyond, these ideas are based on the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework that highlights nine pathways to boosting social impact.

1. Listen and learn. Being informed about an issue can help you think more critically, make better decisions and lend stronger support. Check out two podcasts created by Military OneSource. Covering topics like deployment, casualty assistance, money management and parenting, they are designed to help military members and families thrive, and can help others understand the difficulties of military life.

2. Volunteer. Hands-on support is some of the most impactful work you can do in the nonprofit sector, and organizations rely heavily on volunteer power to carry out their missions. The American Red Cross is currently recruiting caseworkers for military members, veterans and families. This volunteer role requires some training, but can be carried out from anywhere, and shifts are flexible. Whether you’re looking for remote or in-person volunteer opportunities, search Points of Light Engage, the world’s most comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities around the globe.

You can also get inspired by such dedicated volunteers as Navy servicewoman and Daily Point of Light Honoree Michaela White. For the past two years, she’s advocated for mental health in the military, volunteering her time with Patrol Base Abbate, a nonprofit that fosters community and purpose among service members and veterans.

3. Donate. Nonprofits and NGOs are dependent on donations to pay their staff, recruit volunteers and execute their high-impact work. This year marks Wounded Warrior Project’s 20th anniversary. You can support its mission of providing career and VA benefits counseling, mental health support, adaptive sports initiatives and more, by making a donation for National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month.

4. Celebrate, thank and honor veterans. Veterans and their family members are everywhere – from working alongside you to doing everyday things like grocery shopping, eating at a restaurant and more. Consider ways you can celebrate and honor military members or veterans in your community. It might be as simple as thanking a coworker for their service, writing a thank you note and dropping it off at your local VA or sending one virtually through Soldiers’ Angels. You might also attend a Veterans Day parade or event in your community or simply ask a veteran about their service. These gestures can go a long way in helping veterans and service members feel seen and appreciated.

Retired fireman, Army veteran and Daily Point of Light Honoree Tom Schneider is a great example of someone who integrates his work with causes he cares about. Since 2017, he’s extended a helping hand to those devastated by floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes and even plane crashes as an American Red Cross volunteer.

From volunteering your time and talent, to contributing your resources, there are many ways to honor former and current military members and their families this month.

Page B-6 | November 8-14, 2023 | michiganchronicle.com