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Volume 76 – Number 49

WHAT’S INSIDE Valuation of city assets (Page A-2) The City of Detroit announced it will begin valuating all City-owned assets as part of an ongoing restructuring process. Contary to what some fear, the valuations do not mean or even imply, according to emergency manager Kevyn Orr, that anything is going to be sold, such as the precious paintings, sculptures, etc. at the Detroit Institiute of Arts.

Special honor for a special lady (Page B-1) Ingrid Saunders Jones was recently honored by peers, family and friends at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. For 30 years she worked for The Coca-Cola Foundation in various capacities. A new exhibit there highlights the accomplishments of the outstanding businesswoman.

August 14-20, 2013

Color line or colorblind Detroit? By Bankole Thompson CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

I’ve been fending off surrogates from all sides of the political debate and was lately pulled into a conversation where the topic was the impact of race in this election. I find myself, like a surgeon, struggling to decipher Bankole whether this elecThompson tion should be about race or Black empowerment. Because common sense solu-

Mike Duggan

Benny Napoleon

tions and approaches in a political climate ought to empower people, any people regardless of who they are or what their background is. And because Black empower-

Roman Gribbs

Coleman Young

ment is the making of choices whether political, economic, educational or social that advances the quality of life of Blacks in a given environment, the elephant in the political room lately has

been race and where it fits in the context of Black empowerment in the hotly contested mayoral showdown where a White candi-

See COLORBLIND page A-4

NAACP leader Anthony takes EM Orr to task

Another March on Washington (Page B-4) On Saturday, Aug. 24, the NAACP will co-host a sequel to the March on Washington for Jobs and Justice. According to Ben Jealous, NAACP president and CEO, 2013 has shown us that the work is not finished.

Businessman details journey in new book (Page C-1) Walter Douglas has for decades ranked as one of the most accomplishment entrepreneurs in metro Detroit. Among his achievements are rising to the position of chairman of Avis Ford and serving as president of New Detroit, Douglas shares his knowledge and details his journey in a just-published book.

Usher’s middle name is success (Page D-1) Singer, songwriter and actor Usher first made his presence known in 1994 and it has been nothing but success since then. In addition to the millions of records he has sold and the Grammys he has taken home, Usher has conquered Broadway.

$1.00

“

REV. WENDELL ANTHONY, president of the Detroit Branch NAACP, the largest branch in the nation, speaks to the Michigan Chronicle at his Detroit office.— Andre Smith photo

By Donald James SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

As president of the Detroit Branch NAACP, Rev. Wendell Anthony has a long track record of fighting against injustices and systems that foster discriminatory practices designed to disempower and disenfranchise African-Americans in Detroit and beyond. Now in his 10th term as president, Anthony and the local branch of the NAACP, the nation’s largest, continue to stand at the vanguard of freedom, ready, willing and able to oppose all entities that threaten the rights of African-Americans. While Anthony continues to lead epic fights on the battlefields of injustice, he and the Detroit Branch NAACP are vigorously battling to rebuff a law in Michigan that has allowed an emergency manager

Kevyn Orr

(EM) to assume full power in Detroit. A new emergency manager law was pushed through by a Republican-controlled state legislature in 2012, after Michigan voters went to the polls to overwhelmingly voice their opposition to any such law. The hurried-through new

law allowed Gov. Rick Snyder to appoint Kevyn Orr as Detroit’s EM. The appointment gave Orr complete control over the city’s executive and legislature branches of government. The local NAACP, as well

See ANTHONY page A-4

Mr. Orr’s recent comments strike at the heart and soul of all Detroiters. His comments are ones that would be attributed to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, George Will…even Clarence Thomas has not said that. Now, we (all Detroiters) have a window into the heart and soul of Kevyn Orr. The fact that he can say this to the Wall Street Journal, America’s premier bastion of conservative rhetoric, ideas, thinking and policies, is untenable.” —W endell

Anthony,

Detroit Branch NAACP President

Eric Holder throws down gauntlet on criminal justice reform By Bankole Thompson

lated crimes. Some statutes that mandate inflexible sentences — regardless of the facts or conduct at issue in a particular case — reduce the discretion available to prosecutors, judges and juries. They breed disrespect for the system. When applied indiscriminately, they do not serve public safety. They have had a disabling effect on communities, and they are ultimately counterproductive.”

CHRONICLE SENIOR EDITOR

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder sent shockwaves around the country when he told the American Bar Association, the premier lawyers group in the country, that it is time to acknowledge some of the mistakes of the criminal justice system, which has been the bane of cries for reform for decades in the country. The mass and disproportionate incarceration of people of color in America’s prisons has been at the center of calls for reform in the justice system by civil rights groups, leaders of human rights associations, activists, and former law enforcement officials. But on Monday, Holder, the 82nd attorney general, changed the game, bringing with him major drug sentencing proposals to the ABA meeting in San Francisco where he told the influential lawyers group, no more harsh sentences for minor and non-violent drug offenses. Instead, treatment and community service are options that should be used.

Eric Holder

Mandatory minimum sentences have been widely criticized by advocates for limiting the discretion of judges in imposing lesser sentences in low level and non-violent crime activities. This major Justice Department change in policy could be seen as a way to address America’s overcrowded prisons.

Carl Taylor

Barbara McQuade

“We need to ensure that incarceration is used to punish, deter and rehabilitate — not merely to convict, warehouse and forget,”

Tony Holt

Holder said in his speech. “We can start by fundamentally rethinking the notion of mandatory minimum sentences for drug-re-

“While the entire U.S. population has increased by about a third since 1980, the federal prison population has grown at an astonishing rate, by almost 800 percent. It’s still growing, despite the fact that federal prisons are operating at nearly 40 percent above capacity. Even though this country comprises just 5 percent of the world’s population, we incarcerate almost a quarter of the

See HOLDER page A-4

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

August 14-20, 2013

Page A-2

Detroit begins valuation

of city assets

“ IS THERE AN EASIER WAY TO PAY MY ENERGY BILL?” DTE ENERGY OffERS LOTS Of EASY WAYS TO PAY.

The City of Detroit announced it will begin valuing all City-owned assets as part of the ongoing restructuring process. Emergency manager Kevyn Orr said the valuations are a necessary part of the City’s efforts to restructure $11.5 billion of unsecured debt and invest in and improve public safety and other essential services for its 700,000 residents. The valuations do not portend a sale of any asset, Orr added. “The City must know the current value of all its assets, including the cityowned collection at the DIA,” Orr said. “There has never been, nor is there now, any plan to sell art. This valuation, as well as the valuation of other City assets, is an integral part of the restructuring process. It is a step the City must take to reach resolutions with its creditors and secure a viable, strong future for Detroit and its residents.” Outside experts also will be hired to provide valuations for other City-owned assets such as parking garages and parking meters, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the Coleman A. Young Inter-

national Airport and certain real estate holdings. The valuation experts will also advise the City on ways in which a restructuring could monetize or create value from the asset without a transfer of ownership. Additionally, Orr announced that the City has contracted with Christie’s Appraisals, Inc. to conduct a valuation and appraisal on a portion of the City-owned collection at the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA). Christie’s will assist the City by recommending ways it could realize value for the art without having to transfer or relinquish ownership of it. Orr said the selection of Christie’s comes after discussions with Detroit’s creditors, all of whom have asked for a valuation of City-owned assets. The emergency manager added that Christie’s stellar reputation in the international art community and its unparalleled expertise in art valuation make it uniquely qualified to perform this appraisal. Christie’s will also advise the City on non-sale alternatives for realizing value from the collection. “Our goal is to pre-

serve the value of all of the City’s assets and make sure they are rationalized in a way that value can be returned to its citizens and, in certain cases, enjoyed by the Detroit metro area’s residents for many years to come,” Orr said. The City of Detroit, through its restructuring investment banking firm Miller Buckfire & Co., met with DIA officials in May to discuss ways the museum could help with the City’s restructuring. At the same time, Miller Buckfire, as part of its normal-course efforts to assist the City, informally approached Christie’s about conducting a valuation.

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Officials from Christie’s visited the DIA as part of its due diligence. No formal engagement between Christie’s and the City was established during that time. Christie’s anticipates it will conclude the appraisal and provide a valuation to the City by early fall. Neither the City nor Christie’s plan to comment further on the status or findings of the appraisal until the process is completed.

Business Leaders for Michigan supports

call for greater regional planning to spur economic development

Leaders for Michigan (BLM), the state’s business roundtable, applauded the roll-out of the Regional Prosperity Initiative, a program that promotes the efficient use of tax dollars by incentivizing private and public entities to deliver services on a regional basis. Business Leaders for Michigan, is dedicated to making Michigan a Top Ten state for job, economic and personal income growth. The organization is composed exclusively of the chairpersons, chief executive officers, or most senior executives of Michigan’s largest companies and universities. Members drive over 25% of the state’s economy, provide over 325,000 direct and 820,000 indirect jobs in Michigan, generate over $1 trillion in annual revenue and serve nearly one half of all Michigan public university students. “Adopting a regional approach to delivering services at the local level is a key objective of the Michigan Turnaround Plan,“ said Doug Rothwell, president and CEO. “Many communities and agencies want to work together as this allows them to deliver services more efficiently and effectively, but boundaries get in the way. While the state’s leaders have done a great deal over the last few years to stabilize Michigan’s financial standing and remove statutory barriers to greater local government service sharing, the logical next step in the process is to incentivize all agencies in a given region to think more strategically and collaboratively about delivery of public services.” Rothwell noted that his organization will be releasing a report this fall on the service sharing that is already underway in the state. “There are a number of great examples of service sharing in Michigan. These are important as we look for ways, where there are

multiple public and private entities competing for the same public resources, to deliver important services such as worker training and adult education. These entities don’t typically share common boundaries or common visions. As a result, tax dollars aren’t being used as efficiently or effectively as they could be. This new program rep-

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August 14-20, 2013

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Page A-3

Prime Politics Detroit’s civic leaders attack EM Orr’s Wall Street Journal remarks By Donald James

tha Scott (Wayne County Commissioner), Cathy Garrett (Wayne County Clerk), Brenda Jones (Detroit City Councilwoman), Rev. Wendell Anthony (president, Detroit Branch NAACP), Al Garrett (AFSCME president), Pastor David Bullock (president, Detroit Rainbow Push) and Sam Riddle (political consultant).

SPECIAL TO THE CRHONICLE

On a day (Tuesday, August 6) when voters headed to the polls to voice their choice and narrow the field of mayoral candidates in Detroit’s primary election, a group comprised of city, community, religious, labor, and political leaders and stakeholders held a press conference to voice their disdain for the recent comments made by emergency manager (EM) Kevyn Orr. Held at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church on the city’s east side, the press conference served as a platform for the group to send a clear message to the EM pertaining to its collective position on his comments. The group responded

Kevyn Orr

Tellis Chapman

John Conyers

to a recent Wall Street Journal article, where Orr was quoted as saying, “… for a long time, the city (Detroit) was dumb, lazy, happy, and rich…” Orr also said, “…if you had an eighth-grade education, you’ll get 30 years of a good job and a pension and great health care, but you don’t have to wor-

ry about what’s going to come…”

were an all-out assault on Detroit. We all know that he was sent to the city to work on behalf of the governor, who in my opinion, is the cause of this overall conspiracy.”

“Not only were his words hurtful to the city of Detroit, they were a character assassination on the city,” said Galilee Missionary Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor Tellis Chapman, who convened the press conference. “Kevyn Orr’s words

Other leaders, who stood side-by-side on the dais, included, John Conyers (U.S. Congressman, 13th District), Mar-

Community leaders call on GOP to stop blocking access to health care Women are reaping the benefits of the Affordable Care Act and will see even greater benefits, if only GOP legislators would get out of the way, health care advocates said Thursday. On a conference call with reporters, SEIU Healthcare Michigan President Marge Robinson, Planned Parenthood President Lori Lamerand, Sen. Gretchen Whitmer and a home health care worker who is uninsured talked about the need for action and education on quality care. “I would love to be able to afford enough insurance to take care of myself,” said Marcia Bridges, a home health care worker from Eastpointe who takes care of her brother, Raymond, and who has gone without insurance for the last nine years. “My rent, my gas, lights, water – that has to come first. I hope things get better, because I’m a human being. It’s sad that so many women are caught up in this predicament.”

sured and who will gain coverage,” Robinson said. “They should be making it clear that already, women and families are benefitting from the new law.” Robinson cited the more than 190,000 kids in Michigan with pre-existing conditions who now have access to health care.

The call was arranged by McConnell Communications, a Detroit-based consulting firm which is assisting Americans United for Change and Protect Your Care in its efforts around the ACA, better known as Obamacare. In Michigan, the Republican-controlled legislature has yet to act on the expansion of Medicaid, which could cost millions to the state and also denies tens of thousands of women coverage. “Two hundred forty eight thousand. That’s how many women in Michigan would be newly

insured if Michigan accepts the federal money to expand coverage,” Sen. Whitmer said. Robinson, who called out U.S. Congressmen Kerry Bentivolio, Fred Upton and Dan Benishek, said that legislators need to “get off their butts’” as it relates to the 40 times Repealicans in Congress have voted to repeal Obamacare and for stalling action in Lansing.

Similarly, Lamerand and Whitmer cited the women’s preventative services such as birth control and women’s well visits that are now covered as well as the savings on prescription drugs, thanks to Obamacare. Some 94,000 young people have been able to remain on their parents’ insurance policies thanks to the new law.

“Instead of repealing (the trio) should be informing the more than 130,000 women in their district who are unin-

Rainbow PUSH seeks economic parity at 2013 automotive industry summit The Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project, an initiative of the Citizenship Education Fund (CEF), will convene its 14thAnnual Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit, October 2-3, at the MGM Grand Detroit Meeting & Events Center, 1777 Third Street. This year’s theme, “Economic Parity: Driving The Plan For Success,” addresses the release of the Rainbow PUSH Diversity Automotive Scorecard.

tomotive industry. “We will continue to celebrate diversity within the automotive industry by recognizing companies whose business model embodies inclusion. However, we will also highlight those companies that resist diversity,” said Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., president and founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. “Minority consumers support automotive companies with more than 22 percent of new vehicle purchases, yet some companies’ diversity plans continue to lag woefully. This is unacceptable.”

The Rainbow PUSH/CEF Global Automotive Summit provides viable solutions in an industry that is still recovering from significant In January 2013, the economic downturns. Rainbow PUSH AutomoThe Summit’s ultimate tive Project released an goal is to bring incluAutomotive Diversity sive strategies to the Scorecard to provide a forefront of the global snapshot of each manbusiness landscape as ufacturer’s success of an endeavor to identify, building and sustaining sustain and grow ethnic Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. diversity and inclusion. suppliers, dealers, media The Automotive Diversity Scorecard is outlets, advertising agencies and firms the basis for the establishment of unbithat provide professional services. ased diversity standards that will be preSummit conversations will include community and industry leaders discussing The Assault on Diversity at the Leadership Town Hall Breakfast. As the automotive industry bounces back and reaches unprecedented growth rates and profitability, African American automotive suppliers and dealers have dwindled to an alarming rate. Automotive leaders will also speak on Diversity: The Business Case during the Business & Education Awards Luncheon. The Summit will conclude by recognizing living legends and emerging leaders in the au-

sented at this year’s Summit. The Summit sponsors include (but are not limited to) Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Toyota Motor Sales USA, Chrysler Group, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru and Volkswagen. For more information about registration for the 14th Annual Rainbow PUSH/ CEF Global Automotive Summit visit www.rainbowpush.org. The Early Bird discounted registration for the Summit ends August 30.

Loretta V. Davis, MSA President & CEO Institute for Population Health

In addition, mayoral candidates Krystal Crittendon and Lisa Howze stood with the leaders in solidarity. One-by-one, the leaders spoke out on Kevyn Orr. “Today, we call for an apology from Mr. Kevyn Orr and demand that he immediately step down,” said Bullock. “We do so because we believe his words were demeaning, divisive, deceptive and destructive. The words that he used are part of the language of a conservative Republican agenda and ideology. We feel that Mr. Kevyn Orr is talking down to Detroiters. So, it’s time for him to step down because if he can’t respect us, how can he represent us?” Congressman Conyers also spoke. “…I’m very disappointed with this emergency manager Kevyn Orr,” said Conyers. “I’m disappointed with his words about Detroit, and disappointed that he was negotiating, paused and took time out, and filed bankruptcy while in the midst of negotiations. I’m also disappointed that he refuses to meet with union representatives in a labor town. It makes no sense, but the struggle for justice continues.” After several more speakers, a chant of “Kevyn Orr has to go!” started and quickly

gained momentum. “We can’t let Kevyn Orr define us,” said Al Garrett. “We have to define ourselves. However, what we need to do today is make a commitment that we are not going to settle down until Kevyn Orr is gone. There ought to be a resolution from City Council asking for him to go and a resolution from Wayne County asking for him to go. Kevyn Orr has to go.” Orr’s comments were viewed by many Detroiters who sat in the audience as disrespectful, insensitive and wrong. Many said they were highly disappointed that the EM, who is Black, would describe the predominately Black city with such negative and offensive words that have been used so frequently over the years to inaccurately describe African-Americans. Others in the audience wondered, could the city be “dumb and lazy” based on its rich history in labor and manufacturing that has greatly impacted the world? Some questioned, how could the city be “dumb and lazy” when it has made major contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and other Black cultural experiences? Myra M. Jefferson, a Detroit resident who attended the press conference, agreed that Orr’s comments were wrong. “For him to make such statements about Detroit is reprehensible,” she said. “I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised because he does carry the water as a servant for Michigan’s Republican governor and the Republican agenda for Detroit. Orr fits right in with the thinking of Clarence Thomas and Herman Cain.”

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THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Colorblind date Mike Duggan came out of the primary heavily leading Benny Napoleon, his African-American challenger. So if we go by the above definition, which of these two candidates is prepared to advocate Black empowerment in a majority African-American city like Detroit? Which has a plan that enhances the quality of life of people who live in Detroit and pay high taxes and insurance rates, when a few miles away it’s a different story, beyond Eight Mile, by the change of a zip code? In this context a superficial response to these questions would limit one to the narrow confines of our collective wellbeing. Sound political judgment and race-neutral politics, which should be the hallmark of this general election, is not an indictment on Black mayors who have served this city for only four decades. In Gov. Rick Snyder’s own words, the problems facing Detroit have been brewing for sixty years, long before the advent of Black political leadership. However, we cannot excuse the failures of those who served this city from Coleman A. Young to Dave Bing. But there were others before them, including Mayor Louis Miriani, who went to jail for federal tax evasion in the 1960s. There is a lot of blame to go around in this election and the state of bankruptcy. For decades racial politics has been the powder keg for most elections in this town and it is bound to rear its head as we head in early October. We’ll hear from surrogates of the candidates drumming Black empowerment in the context of strongly expressing racial pride by supporting Napoleon, while others will be arguing that while it is significant to express racial pride, it doesn’t mean that supporting Duggan, a White candidate, in itself is a bad omen if he has the desire and expressed plan to address the crisis in a majority Black city. On the one hand there is a tendency to use a historical body of evidence — from slavery to Jim Crow to institutional racism that still lurks behind the façade of some institutions today struggling with the notion of diversity — as a criteria for our political choices, which affirms our empowerment. There is nothing wrong with that because we are guided by the dictates of history. But it would be a serious error for us to ignore pragmatic and contemporary considerations concerning our present social and economic challenges. Blacks have elected White presidents for decades until President Obama came onto the scene in 2008, so the race question should actually not be an issue. It should be about who has the best plan to effectively deal with the problems facing Detroit. The debate about weighing the historical body of evidence against our current realities and conditions in Detroit, and placing it at the forefront of the mayor’s race played out before with President Obama, where a segment of the Black intelligentsia argued that he must unequivocally demonstrate his “Blackness” by identifying specially targeted Black programs for the Black community. At the same time, there are those in the Black intelligentsia who argued that Obama should identify programs that benefit not only Blacks but other communities that have suffered similarly to Blacks. The struggle to balance the scales of justice, economic parity, public safety and full empowerment of Detroiters in this mayor’s race where some critics of Duggan

August 14-20, 2013 Page A-4

From page A-1 this city is fraught with pain, along with the success, there are many in this town who have suffered and have witnessed the abuse of political power when it was supposed to serve and protect them.

Dennis Archer

Kwame Kilpatrick Pictured on the front page, along with mayoral candidates Mike Duggan and Benny Napoleon, are former Detroit mayors Roman Gribbs and Coleman Young. Pictured here are former Detroit mayors Dennis Archer and Kwame Kilpatrick. argue that because of his skin color, he can’t define Black empowerment, while some supporters of Napoleon say he can by virtue of his skin color, is nothing sort of a double consciousness. It will be a dangerous misnomer to solely define candidates and issues through the prism of race. While race rightly remains a subtext of many issues because of history (I don’t believe we live in a post-racial America), we must strive to look at the issues that affect us all through the compass of common sense directives. The preeminence of common sense beckons us to act with basic good sense in our best interest. And we must ask the question in this mayor’s race: which candidate has the best interest and is prepared to address the difficult needs that Detroit currently has? To address those needs and produce common sense solutions, we don’t need platitudes and filibusters. We need a program and a plan from Duggan and Napoleon that will move Detroit from its current economic doldrums and the squelchy marshes of despondency and despair to a brand new day of meaningful empowerment. Because the history of

Holder

There are many in this town who are cut out of the dream of a fulfilling life and have now been relegated to economic instability. Some of these individuals are pensioners and retirees whose benefits could easily, by the stroke of a pen, disappear in bankruptcy court. And all of this is happening because of decades of failed political power. So, Detroiters must search deeply for the best candidate. As Thomas Paine rightly put it, “These are times that try the souls of men.” The soul of Detroit is not only been tried but is on trial in this election. The bottom line is public safety and a depressed economy. Obama got elected largely because voters felt he had a better plan than both Sen. John McCain and Gov. Mitt Romney. He was elected simply on the merit of his vision. But having a Black president is not a cure-all for racism. The campaigns of Duggan and Napoleon must offer more than just expecting to play to the sentiments of race and racism. These two candidates must show how clearly different each is on the issues and who has the best plan, creative vision and the willingness to listen to many in Detroit whose lives and experiences do not mirror the American Dream. Let’s deal with the candidates on the merits of their program, the content of their character and their passion for public service. Bankole Thompson is the editor of the Michigan Chronicle and author of the forthcoming 2014 book on Detroit titled “Rising From the Ashes: Engaging Detroit’s Future with Courage.” His most recent book “Obama and Christian Loyalty,” deals with the politics of the religious right, black theology and the president’s faith posture across a myriad of issues with an epilogue written by former White House spokesman Robert S. Weiner. He is a political analyst at WDET101.9FM (Detroit Public Radio) and a member of the weekly “Obama Watch” roundtable on WLIB-1190AM New York. Email him at bankole@ bankolethompson.com and visit www.bankolethompson.com

world’s prisoners. More than 219,000 federal inmates are currently behind bars,” Holder said. “Almost half of them are serving time for drug-related crimes, and many have substance use disorders. Nine to 10 million more people cycle through America’s local jails each year. And roughly 40 percent of former federal prisoners, and more than 60 percent of former state prisoners, are rearrested or have their supervision revoked within three years after their release, at great cost to American taxpayers and often for technical or minor violations of the terms of their release.” Holder, whose remarks were part of his “Smart on Crime” initiative, said he has mandated a change in the Justice Department’s charging policies so that certain low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who have no ties to large-scale organizations, gangs or cartels will no longer be charged with offenses that impose draconian mandatory minimum sentences. “They now will be charged with offenses for which the accompanying sentences are better suited to their individual conduct, rather than excessive prison terms more appropriate for violent criminals or drug kingpins,” Holder told the ABA annual meeting. Holder who prefaced his remarks with what he calls a “vicious cycle of poverty, criminal-

Wendell Anthony – Andre Smith photo

Anthony as a large contingent of other concerned community, religious and civil rights activists, believe such an appointment is illegal and unconstitutional. “This emergency manager concept is more than a notion,” said Anthony, from his office. “What’s being done with this emergency manager takeover in Detroit is unfair, undemocratic and is a snatching away of our rights, and it’s not just a Detroit phenomenon, it’s a national strategy that I believe many in the Republican and conservative communities are utilizing to retain and recoup powers from communities of color. They are looking at the growing demographics of Black and Brown people in America and are doing everything they can to hold on to power.” To add insult to injury, Anthony and other local civil rights and community groups have taken exception to Orr’s condescending words pertaining to Detroit, shortly after announcing that the city was filing for bankruptcy at his behest. Orr was quoted in a recent Wall Street Journal article as saying, “For a long time the city has been dumb, lazy, happy and rich.” Orr also said, “If you had an eighth-grade education, you’ll get 30 years of a good job and a pension and great health care, but you don’t have to worry about what’s going to come…” “Mr. Orr’s recent comments strike at the heart and soul of all Detroiters,” Anthony said. “His comments are ones that would be attributed to Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity, George Will… even Clarence Thomas

From page A-1 has not said that. Now, we (all Detroiters) have a window into the heart and soul of Kevyn Orr. The fact that he can say this to the Wall Street Journal, America’s premier bastion of conservative rhetoric, ideas, thinking and policies, is untenable.” Many Detroiters who learned of Orr’s remarks, were reminded of negative comments made by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at a fundraiser on last year’s presidential campaign trail. “There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president (Obama) no matter what,” Romney said. “All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to youname-it. My job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.” Anthony said that in addition to Orr, Gov. Snyder must also be held responsible for words, actions, and the disrespect for the people of Detroit. “Orr is Gov. Rick Snyder’s man; he is his appointment,” Anthony said. “It’s really Rick Snyder who is running Detroit. Kevyn Orr is his operational man, but Gov. Snyder needs to check his operational man.” Anthony believes an apology from Orr, or from Gov. Snyder, is not enough, even though the EM recently addressed the brewing issue with a local television reporter. “He didn’t apologize;

he tried to justify,” Anthony said. “Mr. Orr just needs to go. We believe that his credibility is gone. How can you manage and reconstruct Detroit when you don’t respect Detroit? How can you come into the community and say that you want to work with the community, as if you respect the people, when we have on record that you think we are ‘dumb, lazy, happy and rich’? The city of Detroit deserves much better than that because we are much better than that.” The Detroit Branch NAACP has filed lawsuits in federal courts, citing that the EM’s presence in Detroit is illegal and unconstitutional, which is resulting in the disempowerment of the people in Detroit. Anthony, senior pastor at Fellowship Chapel, expects some preliminary rulings on the lawsuits later this month, and is hoping that a final ruling comes sometime in October. While waiting for the court rulings, Anthony vows to continue to speak out to stop discrimination, prejudice, and injustices when African-Americans in Detroit and across the nation are impacted. In addition to his leadership role with the Detroit Branch NAACP, Anthony is the founder of the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee, a grassroots activist organization that supports issues and candidates locally and nationally. He is also chairman and founder of the Freedom Institute for Economic Social Justice and People Empowerment.

From page A-1 ity, and incarceration traps too many Americans and weakens too many communities,” said the justice system actually may “exacerbate this problem, rather than alleviate it.” “The bottom line is that, while the aggressive enforcement of federal criminal statutes remains necessary, we cannot simply prosecute or incarcerate our way to becoming a safer nation. To be effective, federal efforts must also focus on prevention and reentry,” Holder said. Wade Henderson, CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights called Holder’s speech to the ABA “the most significant proposal ever put forth by the Justice Department to reform our nation’s disastrous criminal justice system.” “For years, our justice system has treated dangerous criminals in the same manner as non-violent men and women. Instead of appropriate punishment and rehabilitation, the system destroys far too many lives and costs our nation tens of billions of dollars each year,” Henderson said. “This has created a modern day caste system in America, where millions people — mostly African Americans, Latinos, and low-income Whites — are marked with a scarlet letter that erects permanent barriers to getting a job or an education and to reintegrate into society.” In Detroit, Barbara L. McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the

Eastern District of Michigan, the DOJ’s top envoy welcomed Holder’s speech to the ABA. “The Attorney General’s Smart on Crime initiative recognizes that it is time to revisit the policies that have resulted in an 800 percent increase in our prison population since the 1980s, costing taxpayers $80 billion a year. The initiative seeks to protect public safety while improving fairness and efficiency,” McQuade said. “The new program emphasizes prevention and re-entry, and limits mandatory minimum sentences to the most serious offenders, so that defendants who do not threaten public safety are not incarcerated for long periods of time at taxpayer expense. While strong prison sentences are important to deter criminal conduct, these sentences should be reserved for dangerous criminals.” Carl Taylor, Michigan State University Professor of Sociology said the announcement by Holder is long overdue. “It is a tremendous plus but in my opinion is very late when you look at the state if Michigan where correction is the number one budget item,” Taylor said. “We have a very draconian approach to correction. What Holder did is the right way, the right policy…he even admitted that the system is broke and by placing these nonviolent individuals in prison when they come out, where is the infrastructure

that is going to get them employment?” Wayne State University Police Chief Tony Holt, said the reality and perception of crime, especially in urban cities such as Detroit, is at an all time high. “For the victims of this reality the bottom line is ‘put them away and don’t let this happen to me again.’ Up to this point we have tried a variety of different programs to arrive at a solution from more police officers on the street to more jails being built,” Holt said. “So far the solution have not been attained as we can fill the jails faster than we can built them.” He said he couldn’t agree more with Attorney General Holder, that it is time to develop a new law enforcement strategy. “Being tough on crime does not mean we are being smarter on crime. The attorney general is on target is that we have to examine and develop new law enforcement strategies. We have to double this strategy with expanded and targeted resources to develop sustainable solution to the growing crime problem in America,” Holt said. “The key question is how can we move beyond party lines, community mistrust and fear to get everyone to the table to discuss the issue? We can only do so by getting everyone involved working together toward a common sustainable solution. Holder has given us a challenge.”

news

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

August 14-20, 2013

Page A-5

Michigan and Illinois announce interstate technology modernization partnership as a ‘cloud-based’ Medicaid service, saving taxpayers millions of dollars

The states of Michigan and Illinois announced the creation of an unprecedented interstate alliance to enable Illinois to access Michigan’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), the technology that supports state Medicaid programs, as a shared service. Through the Illinois Michigan Program Alliance for Core Technology (IMPACT) project, Illinois will modernize its outdated MMIS system while saving taxpayers millions of dollars, versus implementing a costlier standalone system. “This innovative and unprecedented alliance is a testament to the success of Michigan’s Medicaid Management Information System, and the opportunity it presents for other states,” said Nick Lyon, chief deputy director of the Michigan rDepartment of Commu-

nity Health (MDCH). “We anticipate a decrease in overall administrative costs for both states to make better use of program dollars which will help ensure better quality services for residents of both Michigan and Illinois.” Under federal law, each state must operate technology to support the “back-end” administrative functions of their Medicaid programs. MMIS allows for information retrieval and claims processing. Illinois, whose current legacy MMIS is more than 30 years old, has been working for over a decade on an economical way to implement a replacement system. By partnering with the state of Michigan, Illinois will effectively implement a modernized MMIS solution quickly and cost-effectively, while drastically reducing the high risk as-

sociated with such complex projects. “Through this exciting joint venture, Illinois will make a dramatic leap forward in delivering high quality healthcare services to our citizens, Medicaid clients and providers while at the same time increasing the efficiency of state resources and saving taxpayers’ money,” Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Julie Hamos said. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed that this approach is fully consistent with the applicable federal standards and regulations. CMS has encouraged states to utilize modern technology approaches in support of program goals and needs. MDCH, through a close partnership with the Michigan Department of

Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), is able to capitalize on this opportunity to find solutions to drive the healthcare system toward a widespread network of shared, common technology and processes that support improved state administration of the Medicaid program. “DTMB is focused on providing technology services that enable Michigan’s reinvention, and this partnership to support the business needs of the Department of Community Health and the State of Illinois is another strong example of how we are doing just that,” said David Behen, CIO for the State of Michigan. “Sharing of government services is the right approach for taxpayers and you will continue to see the implementation of shared services across all levels of government.”

Through this partnership, the cost for implementing the system will be significantly reduced from a conservative estimate of $190 million for a stand-alone system, to $85 million for implementation within the shared cloud model. Since the project is 90 percent federally funded for implementation, this translates to a savings of $10 million for Illinois and $76 million to the federal government. The partnership is expected to save the state of Michigan 20 percent in operation and maintenance costs, as well as potentially $10 million over a five year period. In addition, anticipated operational savings of this partnership are estimated to be $196 million for the federal government and $57 million for Illinois over a five year period versus a traditional stand-alone system. “This new, innovative alliance will meet Illinois’ MMIS modernization needs in an efficient, swift and cost effective way,” said Illinois CIO Sean Vinck. “This venture is an advanced solution for Illinois that we hope will be a national model for interstate collaboration and systems modernization.” The first phase of the Michigan-Illinois system will launch in conjunction with the Michigan Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System (CHAMPS), a federally certified system, Provider Enrollment deployment in early 2014 for the MCDH, with full operational implementation is expected in 2016. In addition, the electronic Medicaid Incentive Payment Program (eMIPP) module implementation

will also be part of phase one. CNSI, a leading business solutions provider specializing in Health IT, was competitively procured by the state of Michigan to build the infrastructure of Michigan’s MMIS and will continue to implement the technological components of the system for the Michigan-Illinois partnership. The partnership serves as a business model for onboarding additional states to this cloud-based MMIS with substantive benefits expected for CMS and the participating states. Benefits to States: • Significantly accelerates MMIS project implementation timeline • Allows Illinois to benefit from Michigan’s MMIS knowledge base • Significantly reduces implementation project costs (approximately 50 percent) • Reduces implementation, infrastructure and operation costs (approximately 65 percent) • Ensures compliance with federal mandates and standards • Reduces future system enhancements (approximately 50 percent for both states). Paradigm-Shifting Innovation: • National best-practice model for MMIS cloud implementation • Enormous reduction of implementation, hardware, software and operational costs • Replicable governance model for future state MMIS implementations.

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Page A-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • August 14-20, 2013

SECTION B

COMMUNITY

Ingrid Saunders Jones

michiganchronicle.com

August 14-20, 2013

Coca Cola Company Executive Pioneer

Honored for 30 years of dedicated community service By Roz Edward

Jones took the stage to deliver personal remarks.

On Thursday, Aug. 8 the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History hosted a lavish ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate a new exhibit that highlights the accomplishments of business pioneer Ingrid Saunders Jones. She is a Detroit native and senior vice president of Global Community Connections and chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation. Jones was honored by peers, family and friends for her distinguished career and her remarkable role as an advocate for creating educational and business opportunities for African Americans the world over but especially in her hometown of Detroit. Jones retirrf after 31 years with Coca-Cola, effective June 1.

“Over the past 30 years, I have been grateful to work for a company that commits the talent and time of its employees and its philanthropic dollars to issues and organizations that empower and enhance the lives of others,” said Jones. “I’m proud of the work of the Foundation and believe deeply in the people and communities we’ve served around the world. I

said when Ingrid Saunders Jones speaks, she speaks for me and she speaks for the Coca-Cola Company.’ That was the tipping point for me. I am fortunate to have worked with extraordinary leaders, community supporters and caring and committed associates,” said Jones. Outside of Jones’ professional accomplishments, her community and leadership accomplishments include chairing a number of notable national and local organizations such as the United Way of Metro Atlanta, the Woodruff Arts Center, National Black Arts Festival, and The Carter Center Board of Advisors. In addition, she serves on or has served on the boards of organizations such as Clark Atlanta University, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Ohio State University President’s Council on Women, Girl Scouts of the USA, The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation. She is currently the chair of the National Council of Negro Women.

Jones joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1982 and has held roles of increasing responsibility with the company, including community outreach. She has served as chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation since 1991. Another testament to her During her three-decade leadership within the comCoca-Cola career, Jones munity: Jones has received has led the transformation of the company’s philan- Ingrid Saunders Jones with Southfield Mayor many honors from organizations ranging from the Nathropic outreach, growing Brenda Lawrence. tional Urban League and the a U.S.-focused program into am fortunate to have worked with a global campaign, which now in- community leaders, community Jackie Robinson Foundation to cludes water stewardship, active supporters and caring and com- the Executive Leadership Council, National Women’s Research healthy living, community recy- mitted associates. Alliance and the YWCA of Atlanta. cling and education programs “It is my personal relationship worldwide. Under Jones’ leaderThe historic event concluded ship, The Coca-Cola Foundation with the McDonald’s family that with an exhibit unveiling and ribhas awarded more than $500 mil- will stand out most in my mind. bon-cutting ceremony for a limitlion to thousands of community It is based on an iconic business ed-engagement exhibition honorpartnership – a handshake. Mcorganizations worldwide. Donald’s and Coke share a special ing her life as she moves on to its Following opening remarks bond in business and we share a next chapter, as the volunteer nafrom Detroit Branch NAACP Pres- special bond in community. I have tional chair of the National Counident Rev. Wendell Anthony, there been very fortunate to be a part of cil of Negro Women. was a litany of praise and appreci- all of that,” she said. Lisa M. Borders, president of ation from members of the MichiThe Gray Health Foundation and Jones went on to share a gan State University Black Alumni former Atlanta City Council presiAssociation; sorority sisters from touching moment with guests re- dent, is Jones’ successor. She asgarding her breaking through barDelta Sigma Theta Sorority; the sumed the position on May 1. president of the National Black riers to become the first woman member of one Atlanta’s most “The Ingrid Saunders Jones: McDonald’s Owners Association, as well as the presidents of prestigious business organiza- 31 Years of Distinguished Service...and Counting” exhibit is McDonald’s and the Coca-Cola tions, the Action Forum. “(The company’s president]) free with museum admission. Company’s McDonald’s Division,

Volunteers from HAP and family and friends.

From left: Nate Strauss, Aisha Gordon-Ellis, Channell Penermon (Isaac Malone seated on her lap) and Miracle Bailey.

tin rs helped clean up and beautify Mar n Saturday August 3, HAP voluntee oit Detr SE! ARI ng duri .) Rosa Parks Blvd Luther King Jr. Park (W.Grand Blvd and for ther toge e cam rs ntee volu of sands Neighborhood Day. During the day, thou events stretching from the riverfront to ory brat cele and ects proj ent community improvem health and clean up the park, HAP also provided Eight Mile Road. As well as helping to ronment envi safe and n residents. “Living in a clea wellness information to volunteers and HAP’s b, com Lips ndre DeA oit,” residents of Detr the is very important for the well-being of the for r , said. “HAP staff are proud to voluntee ove vice president of community outreach impr to ing join with thousands who are work ARISE! Detroit Neighborhood Day and HAP is one of many community-based initiatives just is the the health of our community.” This with ion unct conj in ses clas de free fitness involved with during the year. Others inclu r-school healthy cooking classes at Detroit , afte National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and the wellness programs in the work place s, ram prog ol scho r afte and ols more area scho cted attra that ers ek program for novice runn recent Couch to 5K Challenge, a 9-we than 400 HAP members.

Anita White

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

August 14-20, 2013 Page B-2

“This is a village of nurturing, caring, friendships, role models, academia, laughter and teamwork.” –Michelle Parker, Principal

MOTIVATING

MEDICAL-MINDED STUDENTS Tomorrow’s healthcare specialists get a smart start at Cody High School According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry will create some 28 percent of all new jobs in the U.S. from 2010 to 2020, as extended longevity and an aging population push up demand for all kinds of health care professionals. And, for those that are well-prepared that signals a lifetime of stable employment, and that career and income growth is well within their reach. Students at the Medicine and Community Health Academy at Cody High School are participating in a leading-edge program designed to help urban students compete for highly-coveted scholarships and medical posts. By all accounts, the promising program is already delivering great returns. – Editor

By C.L. Price Principal Michelle Parker has high expectations as she heads back to Cody High School this fall. The school, which underwent massive renovations in 2012 as one of three smaller Detroit Rising College Preparatory Schools located within the Cody building, also experienced a dramatic shift in student culture with the introduction of its one-of-a-kind Medicine and Community Health (MCH) school curriculum. Students began to look and act differently from the inception of the program launch (last year), according to Parker, who noted that everyone at MCH—from its administrators, teachers and parents to students —recognizes and appreciates the fact that they are participating in a new era of education, as well as a leading-edge development program designed to help students compete for highly-coveted scholarships and medical posts. MCH is the kind of school that DPS officials wish everyone would take the time to see.

“What’s happening at the school defies expectations and debunks longheld views about DPS’ former large regional high schools with generalized curriculums, standard programs and a culture that did not always stimulate academic excellence,” noted Parker. Last year, DMC Children’s Hospital President and MCH partner Herman Gray headed hosted a “pinning” ceremony for more than 120 students, which evoked the rite of passage that occurs at U.S. medical schools throughout the country annually as medical students graduate and embark on the next phase of their careers.

extra time, combined with consistent school culture, high expectations and committed staff, makes MCH a place where children want to be. Medicine and Community Health Academy’s goal is to provide students a background in medicine and community health with a college readiness track. Each student must complete four years of science as well as a health-related internship during their junior year.

Students will continue to be taught by an impressive cadre of professionals, who were specially selected due to their practical backgrounds, education and commitment to education. A unique aspect of the teacher-student relationship at Cody MCH is that each staff member must make a commitment to voluntarily serve students one to two hours out-side of the instructional day at least twice a week. This

Communication is key, especially with parents. Parents and guardians are kept well-informed of student progress via the school’s Sunshine Call program, designed to highlight and celebrate student success and achievement.

The tradition will continue in the 2013-14 school year as seniors and administrators once again proudly don in their “whites,” the fresh-pressed medical coats Last year, DMC Children’s Hospital President and that signify the MCH partner Herman Gray hosted a “pinning” ranking of phy- ceremony for more than 120 students, which sicians, affixed with a pin which evoked the rite of passage that annually occurs bears the dis- at U.S. medical schools throughout the country. tinctive medical serpent symbol (Caduceus) and MCH initials worn twice RESIDENTS-IN-TRAINING weekly throughout the school year. A Residents-in-Training program preCARING, COMMITTED TEACHERS

lasting friendships, in a nurturing, caring environment supported by committed role models.”There’s a lot of laughter, love and teamwork here at MCH.”

pares students for medical-related careers, and a college readiness portfolio is required of all first semester seniors. Students report that the program not only provides welcome academic support, but more personalized mentoring designed to make sure that students that enter the program stay in it through graduation. “At MCH, we focus on providing a whole village of supporters,” states Parker, who notes that students makes

“The communication a family receives from a student’s school should not always focus on the negative, states Michelle Shorter, a MCH senior advisor and Leadership and Development teacher. As is quickly becoming the norm across Detroit Public high schools, the expectation of graduation and college admission will hang over every class, program and activity, as well as from ceilings, walls and bookcases. Medicine and Community Health lists among its partners many institutions of higher education and medicine, as well as others including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Michigan, Wayne State University, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Howard University, Inside Out Literacy Program DTE Energy, WSU Nursing, Don Bosco Hall, Women of Tomorrow, Oak-wood Hospital, Michigan State University, Junior Achievement, United Way and DMC Children’s Hospital. The village, known as Medicine and Community Health Academy, has become a tight knit community-a family-and children are their most valuable members. That’s why the program is gaining attention and recognition across Detroit. Editor’s Note: To learn more about Cody High School’s Medicine and Community Health (MCH) school curriculum can visit: http://detroitk12.org/

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Community Community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE Community THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

May August August 16 - 18 July -24

May - 14 August August Michigan Chronicle Education Summit The Detroit Public Library Celebrates the 670th pm Anniversary Lecture Series. Wayne County Community College 6 p.m. 801 W. Fort Street Detroit Public Library. Join us for a town hall meeting-style conver5201 Woodward The need E. Azalia Hackley Colsation about theAve. urgent to educate our lection is part of the Library’s Special Collections children. Department. This lecture, titled “Don Cornelius: Riding theinformation, Soul Train,” willcall celebrate the contribuFor more 31.963.5522. tions this iconic figure and his famous television show had 15 on the music industry. This lecture is free August and open to the public. Slow Flow Yoga For more information call (313) 481- 1397 6:30 pm BE NICE Yoga June - September 4100 Woodward Ave.

The 31st Detroit Public Library Celebrates the The African World Nelson Mandela Day Festival 70th Anniversary Lecture Series. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Fellowship Chapel Detroit H. Public Library. Charles Wright Museum 7707 W. Outer Drive 315 E. Warren Detroit 5201 Woodward Ave. The E. Azalia Hackley ColInterfaith representatives, labor, lection is partreligion offestival the Library’s Collections This three-day will beSpecial celebrated once again students and the multicultural community Department. This lecture, titledMuseum “Don Cornelius: on thegather grounds ofcelebrate the Wright with perforwill Nelsonthe Mandela’s Riding the SoultoTrain,” celebrate contribumances, poetry, arts andwill crafts, African drumming 95th birthday. tions this iconic figure and his famous television and dance, hundreds of vendors, ethnic foods, and show had the industry. This lectureWatoto is free events for on all information ages,music including an expanded Foropen more call (313) 347-2820 and to the public. Village for the youngest. For more24 information callwww.thewright.org. (313) 481- 1397 For more information, July - 27 visit

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE July 24 - 30, 2013 August 14-20, 2013

aJuly five-mile walk down the RiverWalk, up the 24 22 August Dequindre Cut, and back. New Detroit’s Small Business Nelson MandelaMinority Day For more information, call (313) in 288Commercial Lending Workshop Detroit 8076 or visit MRCWalk@MIMarriage.org. 6:30 p.m. 11:00 am to 5:15 pm Fellowship Chapel SER W. Metro-Detroit 7707 Outer Drive Family Fun andAve., Fitness Day 9301 Michigan Detroit Interfaith religion representatives, labor, BelleDetroit Isleand the New Inc.multicultural will host a free one-day students community banking to help minority small will gatherseminar to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s Presented by Detroit Parent their Network, this business owners strengthen working 95th birthday. annual event with teaches parents how tolending stay fit relationships banks and other andmore haveinformation funand with theircall kids. There will be institutions expand their familiarity with For (313) 347-2820 activities forprocess. all ages. No charge. the lending For information, call(313) (313)664-2000. 832-0617 Julymore 24 information - 27 call

Karmanos August 22 Institute Celebrates July 28Cancer Karmanos Cancer Institute Celebrates June - September Cancer Survivor Week August 17 Cancer Survivor Week Wayne County Health and Safety Fun Fest Second Baptist Church of Detroit celebrates You Are Rolling The Gifton Conference For Girls The Karmanos Cancer Detroit the River Festival and pastor’s year Institute kicks off CanThe Karmanos Cancer Institute kicks off CanDetroit River This class Rolling focuses on the linking theFestival breathand with 10 am – 325th pm cer Survivor Week with a lecture from author Summer Concert Series, Erma Henderson cer Survivor Week withSchool a lecture author Summer Concert Series, Erma Henderson movement in a non-judgemental, inclusive Benjamin Carson of from Science and Teresa Wayne County Department of Public Health “So You Survived Cancer.” Park, adjacent to High Whittier Park. The festival 2 p.m.Kilpatrick, Teresa Kilpatrick, “So You Detroit Survived some Cancer.” Park,Asanas, adjacentortopostures, Whittierare Park. Thetogethfestival Medicine, space. linked 571 local Mack Ave., 33030 Van Born Road, Wayne She will speak about cancer survivorship and will highlight entertainment, of Hotel St. Regis Shecity’s will speak about cancer local entertainment, of erwill in ahighlight slow, continuous flow, with thesome breath what to expect after treatment ends. the best restaurant andsurvivorship communityand whatone-day to expect afteristreatment ends. best restaurant and asthe thecity’s foundation. Attention is community also paid This event designed to empower The Wayne County Department of Public resource information for adults. Pastor will Kevin M. again Turman’s 25th pastoral toresource alignment, hands-onfor adjustments, information adults. and and inspire young ladies (ages 11-16) to Health once holding its Safety For a list ofbeevents, visitbe www.karmanos. year will celebrated at an anniversaFor a list of events, visit www.karmanos. breath work. The first week (seven consecufollow theirisdreams the fields art. FunorFest featuring free9288. healthAll services, backorg call (313) 576events are This event free andinopen to theof community. ry banquet. Tickets are $50. The and guestdental org more or callinformation (313) 576- email 9288. detroiAll events are free tive days) allopen Michigan This eventisisfree freefor and to the residents. community. to-school immunizations, health and open to all cancer survivors and For preacher atfrom the 10:30 a.m. service willand be freemore and open to all cancer survivors and For more information email detroiFor information, call 313-522-2503. screenings local health partners, their families. trollingontheriver@gmail.com Bishop John M. Borders III, senior pastor their families. For more information, call 313-544-9787. trollingontheriver@gmail.com important information about nutrition andat Boston’s Morningstar Baptist Church. exercise. August 21

August 1527, - 1730 July 13,

Heroes’ Alliance Parental Bootcamp Anti-Dog Fighting Rally Manufacturing Discussion

Noon – 5pm pmPresentation 7:00-8:00 Brightmoor 8:00 pm-8:30 Community pm Q&A Center 14451Greenfield Burt Road,Road, Detroit 13220 Detroit Detroit Corps is hosting a series “Advanced Manufacturing: WhatofItanti-dog Is, And fighting in Detroit communities Why It Is rallies The Solution To Rebuilding And Susaffected byMiddle this illegal andThis brutal activity.will taining The Class.” discussion take a global approach to advanced manufacturForand more information, callknit (734) 253-2053 ing technologies that will community, education, labor, business, and government.

Page B-3 July 2 Page B-3

a five-mile walk down the RiverWalk, up the September 5 -back. 7 Dequindre AugustCut, 8 and

Augus

Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit In Detroit For more information, call (313) 288Golfing For Scholarships 8076 or visit MRCWalk@MIMarriage.org. 10:00 am until 4:00 pm Links of Nov Golf Club Focus: HOPE 1200 Oakman Detroit Family Fun andBoulevard, Fitness Day Proceeds from the 87th annual golf outing willIsle go towards college scholarships benefitThe public is invited to learn the story of Belle ing the Michigan Youth Appreciation America’s first Black military pilots andFountheir dation. More 200 golfers are expected crewmen at Detroit thethan “Commemorative Airthis Force Presented by Parent Network, to participate (CAF) Red Tail Squadron’s annual event teaches parentsRise howAbove” to stay fit traveling exhibit. and have fun with their kids. There will be For more and tickets, call activities forinformation all ages. No charge. For more information call (313) 494.4600. (586) 393-8800. ForSeptember more information, call (313)5832-0617 7 - October

August 16 -Wholistic 18 July 28 West East Meets Health Fair in

Detroit The 31st African World Festivalcelebrates Second Baptist Church of Detroit This event pastor’s 25thoccurs year monthly, on the first Satur11 in a.m. - 11 p.m.and October. 10 a.m. day September 2SanKofa p.m. Life Campus Charles Wright Museum 18734 Ave., Detroit Hotel St.Woodward Regis 315 E. Warren Detroit MetroKevin Detroit guru Dr.pastoral Keefa LorPastor M.holistic Turman’s 25th Thiswill three festival brings will onceMeets raine Weatherspoon the free East year beday celebrated at be ancelebrated anniversaagain on theTickets grounds of the Wright Museum with Wholistic Health Fair. Health services ryWest banquet. are $50. The guest performances, poetry, arts crafts, African and classes, from reflexology to dance lessons, preacher at the 10:30 a.m.and service will be drumming dance, of haven. vendors, designed toand to ahundreds wholistic Bishop John M.create Borders III, senior pastorethnic at foods, and events for allBaptist ages, including Boston’s Morningstar Church.an expanded Watoto Village for the youngest among us! For more information, call (313)366-5250. July 27 July 13, 27, 30 For tickets or more information call July 27 For more ticketsinformation, or more information For more information September 14 visit www.thewright.org For call (734)call 727-7000. (313) 961-0920 Wayne County Youth and Senior Safety (313) 961-0920 Walkathon For Marriage And Family Anti-Dog Fighting Rally Walkathon For Marriage And Family Fair Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes August 28 August August 321 9 a.m. Noon – 5 pm August 3 Library Celebrates the 70th 9 a.m. 9 a.m.-2 a.m. p.m. 10 Detroit Riverfront Detroit Public Brightmoor Community Center Wayne County Youth andNeighborSenior Safety Detroit Riverfront Belle Isle Casino The Detroit Zoo7th ARISE Detroit! Annual Anniversary Lecture Series 14451 Burt Road, Detroit ARISE Detroit! 7th Annual NeighborFair W. 8450 hoods DayTen AllMile DayRoad Event ARISE DeThe Marriage Resource Center (MRC), a All Day Event ARISE De- in The Marriage (MRC), a Enjoy a fun dayResource food, Center music and Royalinvites Oak community organizations troit! non-profit community-based organization, 6hoods p.m. Day Detroit Corps isofhosting a series of importanti-dog troit! invites community organizations 10 a.m.-2 p.m. non-profit community-based organization, in ant information to keep children and seniors throughout the City of Detroit to particassociation with other organizations and inDetroit Public Library fighting rallies in Detroit communities throughout the of 4th Detroit to particBellebyIsle Casino association with other and organizations and insafe, healthy andillegal happy. Detroit Step Outtocosts $25up. and includes ipate helping clean Volunteers dividuals, is presenting Annual Walk5201 Woodward Ave.Cityits affected by this brutal activity. ipateFor by Marriage helping to up.Participants Volunteers dividuals, is presenting its 4th Annual Walk- athon admission are needed.to the Detroit Zoo, live entertainandclean Family. arestart Enjoyhealth a fun day food,information, music and imFor more (313) 224-0614. athon Forinformation Marriage andcall Family. Participants and of fitness activion the Rivard Plaza, isthen The E.needed. Azalia Hackley Collection part take of the library’s ment, For more information, call (734) 253-2053 will portant information keep children and will start on the Rivard Plaza, then take ties for kids and specialto recognition of walkers For more information visit Special Collections Department. The next lecture For more information visit seniors safe, healthy and happy. living with type 1, type and gestational www.arisedetroit.org or2call is “Jazz Giants: Miles Davis,” exploring the legend’s Scan and enjoy the www.arisedetroit.org call diabetes. (313) 592- 1955. musical legacy. It is free and or open to the public. For more information call (313) 224-0614 Michigan Chronicle (313) 592- 1955. For more information, call (313) 481- 1397. For more information, call 248-433-3830.

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Email Your Upcoming Events to events@michro Email Your Events to Email Your Upcoming Upcoming Events to events@michronicle.com events@michronicle.com Local education efforts support breastfeeding moms

By Loretta V. Davis, MSA, President and CEO, Institute for Population Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African American babies have an increased rate of infant mortality. While prematurity and low birth weight are the primary causes, low breastfeeding rates may be a contributing factor. In addition to giving our babies, the very best nutritional start, increasing breastfeeding can reduce the numbers of upper respiratory infections, ear infections, asthma rates and childhood obesity. Moms benefit too: breastfeeding helps burn calories.

tinuation after return to work, including reasonable break times and private spaces for pumping.

Michigan Chronicle presents: Michigan Chronicle presents: For generations, many communities

ers to breastfeed. Mothers will be able to connect with one another as well as enjoy games, food, and prizes.

ACHIEVE ACHIEVE!

Bottle or breast? When it is time to feed their babies, many mothers reach for a bottle of formula. However, the quicker and healthier option has always been breast milk. As we recognize August as National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, it is important that local communities realize that the importance of breastfeeding extends beyond choosing how a baby is fed on a daily basis. It can actually impact a child’s health for the rest of his or her life. Research shows that breast milk is the healthiest option for infants during their first year of life. According to the

Why are mothers reluctant to breastfeed? Mothers need support from family, friends and the community to breastfeed. Mothers also need workplace policies that support breastfeeding con-

On Wednesday, August 14, the Institute for Population Health (IPH) will host a Mother-to- Mother Extravaganza at the Herman Kiefer Health Center that will highlight peer breastfeeding support. The program will include a Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) participant who will speak to other mothers about her experience breastfeeding and offer information to encourage other moth-

The IPH WIC program has seven locations throughout Detroit as well as two mobile units, and provides a range of support to mothers who choose to breastfeed. Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers. Mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants receive an enhanced food package. The WIC program offers moms free breast pumps and peer support, including home visits for mothers who may not be able to visit the clinic. The IPH also has a Mommies Café

group that discusses breast2013 Fall Schoolsupport Choice Guide 2013 Fall School Choice Guide feeding in a fun and supportive environ-

The Pretty Brown Girl movement partners with school districts CEO and founder of Pretty Brown Girl, LLC, Sheri Crawley, recently announced the Pretty Brown Girl (PBG) Clubs for girls across the globe. Launched only two years ago Pretty Brown Girl, LLC was created to encourage girls to celebrate the shades of brown skin and inspire positive self-esteem through a unique product line. Now Pretty Brown Girl offers a much needed common core curriculum model with interactive engagement and solutions to this very critical topic. Higgins-Lewis K-8 school in the Boston School district will begin a PBG After-School Program in the fall. Lena Reddick, the director of Community and Partnership. is excited to have curriculum-based workshops to help her students of varying ethnicities deal with self-confidence and skin-tone issues.

have relied on formula as the only option for infant nutrition. With increased education on breastfeeding benefits and more support for mothers, communities can shift their perspective and help nurture healthier children.

tive journaling to enhance each participant’s experience. To solidify the collaboration within the educational community Pretty Brown Girl is now offering national positions of Educational Liaisons to ensure the integrity of the learning outcomes. For additional information, please visit www.prettybrowngirl.com or e-mail careers@prettybrowngirl.com

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August 14-20, 2013

Page B-4

‘Let Freedom Ring March’ set By Ben Jealous Remember the March on Washington? August 28, 1963. Tens of thousands of activists on the National Mall. A preacher’s son from Atlanta talking about his dream for the country. We don’t need a history lesson. Even if we weren’t at the March itself — even for those like me, who were not yet born — Dr. King’s words are etched into our minds as deeply as they are inscribed in stone at the base of his memorial. The preacher’s son has taken his rightful place in the pantheon of national heroes. We don’t need to watch a rerun of that fateful day. We need a sequel.

ic engagement is experiencing a renaissance. In the past month, hundreds of cities held vigils and rallies to protest the Zimmerman verdict. The nation is having a serious conversation about racial profiling for the first time since 9/11. In North Carolina, Moral Mondays has grown larger with each passing week. We have the numbers, and we have the capacity for motivation. The question is whether we will allow ourselves to be motivated. So join us — NAACP, National Action Network, Realizing the Dream and others — on the National Mall on August 24. If you live within two hours of Washington, DC, hop in a car or on a bus — or even better, organize a bus. If you live farther away, you are still encouraged to come and be a part of history.

On Saturday, August 24, the NAACP is co-hosting Ben Jealous a sequel to the March on The 2013 March on Washington will Washington for Jobs and Justice: the 2013 March on Washington. The march be a people’s movement. It will not be fubegins at 8:00 am, at the steps of the eled by cash — it will only be energized by your decision to participate. We need Lincoln Memorial. Join us. you there to help us gain a critical mass If this year has shown us anything, of voices, and prove once again that orit’s that the work of the 1963 march is ganized people can beat organized monnot yet finished. Texas and South Car- ey any time. olina are sprinting forward with voter On this fiftieth anniversary of the ID after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act. African American un- March on Washington, we should celeemployment has flat lined. Our children brate our history, but it’s more importare gunned down each and every day ant that we never stop making history. in senseless acts of violence. Trayvon Meet us at the Lincoln Memorial. Martin lies in the ground after one such Join us on August 24. senseless act. Ben Jealous is president/CEO of the At the same time, our culture of civ- NAACP.

Size matters in school district consolidation

By Ulrich Boser

When it comes to education, not all spending is equal. Some education dollars are spent more productively than others. In other words, some school districts use their resources well and show higher levels of student achievement for the same amount of spending compared to other districts. In a time of lagging revenues and flat achievement in many districts, policymakers have increasingly started to pay greater attention to the question of whether we are getting the most out of every education dollar. At the same time, policymakers have begun to rethink the fundamental design of our education system. Our education-governance structures were built in a different era, and in many states, little attention has been given to improving the organization and design of states’ education systems. Indeed, over time many states have allowed some exceedingly odd systems to evolve. In Nebraska, for example, there are a number of very small districts that are noncontiguous. In other words, some Nebraska districts are nested like little islands within the confines of other districts. Likewise, school spending is a haphazard affair in a number of states. In New Jersey, due to size and other historical governance issues, the Lower Cape May Regional High School District spends $50,000 a year per student to send its students to a regional high school. The average spending per district on students in New Jersey, however, is around $17,000. These two strains of work — productivity and governance — have led us to ask: Could we reform the structure of our education system in ways that might increase student achievement? With this question in mind, this report looks at the widespread existence of small school districts—defined here

as districts with fewer than 1,000 students, that are not classified by the U.S. Census Bureau as “rural remote” or “town remote”— and specifically at the extra education costs associated with these districts. Over the years many have argued that small school districts have unnecessary costs because they lack economies of scale. “If we have fewer school districts, as many states do, we can find ways to economize,” Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) said recently. Researchers have long known that school-district size matters. What our report does, however, is put national and state-by-state estimates on the scope of the problem. To be clear, we calculated these estimates not because they are firm, take-to-the-bank data. They are not. There are clear shortcomings with the methodology, as we note below. Rather, these data are educated guesses, and we calculated these figures to give a sense of the scope and range of the problem. Based on these calculations and our other research, we uncovered the following: Many states have large percentages of small, nonremote districts that may represent hundreds of millions of dollars in lost potential capacity. Across the nation, we found that small, nonremote districts might represent as much as $1 billion in lost annual capacity, by which we mean money that may not have had to be spent if the district was larger. (Research suggests that the optimal school-district size is around 2,000 students to 4,000 students; for our analysis, we considered a district small if it had 1,000 or fewer students.) In California alone, more than $64 million may be lost on small school districts. In some states, these estimates might be relatively small, but in other states, they are large. In New Jersey, for example, the estimated lost potential cost is about $100 million, or about $1,000 per classroom teacher.

Orr wrong about Detroit

By Wendell Anthony

The recent comments made by Detroit’s emergency manager, Kevyn Orr, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal strikes at the very heart and soul of that which clearly demonstrates two different world views of the same condition.

Moody’s investors services has even downgraded the State of Illinois’ credit quality. Moody’s stated that Illinois’ fragile finances could translate into less money for cities, villages and towns. Illinois has the worst credit rating of any state in the nation. An overall pension debt of nearly $97 billion and a backlog of unpaid bills nearing $10 billion.

Mr. Orr’s comments were callous, insensitive, disrespectful, stereotypical, and most disdainful of not only the African American citizens in the city of Detroit but in particular thousands of blue collar workers who have given their sweat and blood in building this city. He said to one of America’s foremost conservative and socially indifferent news outlets, “Much of Detroit’s dysfunction is also due to simple complacency. For a long time the city was dumb, lazy, happy and rich.” Mr. Orr, neither the citizens of Detroit nor its leaders are dumb, lazy, happy with current circumstances and very few, if any, are rich.

The City of Chicago recently saw its credit rating downgraded because of a $19 billion unfunded pension liability that Moody’s puts closer to $36 billion. The City of Los Angles could also be facing a liability of more than $30 billion. Yet no one, including Mr. Orr, has referred to these cities as dumb, lazy, happy and rich.

Our leaders have unfortunately been given the task of raising cities and communities up from the ashes after years of neglect and economic disenfranchisement from previous leaders who occupied public office. Detroit’s economic downturn did not begin with Mayor Coleman Young. Further, it has not increased absent the negative economic depression within our nation.

Is is these types of comments that make it most difficult for Detroit and this region to come together as one. It is tantamount to throwing gasoline on an already inflamed community.

Mr. Orr has only seen fit to castigate and denigrate the people inside the city of Detroit. Mr. Orr, Detroit is better than that. Our workers are better than that. Our leaders are better than that and the people who live here are better than that! As a matter of fact, it is these same Furthermore, Mr. Orr’s people who now, after fedattempt to explain his chareral loans to GM and Chrysacterizations of the city ler, have worked to see the of Detroit and its people Wendell Anthony US auto industry back on is even more arrogant and top where it belongs. This callous. It is without apology, possess- does not sound like lazy or complacent ing no sensitivity or a concern for the workers. very people he has been “selected” to It is unfortunate that a man given so-called manage. One has to wonder if these comments are also the sentiments such responsibility and unlimited powof the man who appointed Mr. Orr in the er by a governor who disregarded the first place, Michigan Governor Rick Sny- will of 2.3 million Michiganders by cirder, who said he accepts Mr. Orr’s com- cumventing the “no” vote to this entire process, can be so out of touch with ments and the intent behind them. reality. Mr. Orr just got to Detroit five The questions must be asked: How months ago. He has no stake in this city. can one effectively restructure Detroit He does not live in this city. He will be when he does not respect Detroit? How leaving this city in a matter of months. can the emergency manager effectively This is a dramatic indication of what manage the city of Detroit and its image around the world when he tears it down, happens when an unelected, not respondisrespects the people and uses lan- sible to the people in the community, guage couched in the appearance of con- so-called “benevolent dictator” (in his cern that is really what one expects from own words) is left to run loose among the likes of a Rush Limbaugh or George the people he is supposed to serve. We Will. Shame on you, Mr. Orr! Many of who remain here will be forced to pick us have attempted to avoid name-call- up, clean up and fix up after Mr. Orr is ing and personal denigration of you and long gone. It must be said that the real your office. We find that you have now culprit in all of this is the governor of crossed the line reflecting a historical the state, Rick Snyder, who made this demonization while demonstrating the ill-conceived appointment. most base and vile contempt for citizens For it is the governor who is allowing in the city of Detroit. Mr. Orr to disrespect an entire city. The Lest we forget, Detroit workers governor has turned a deaf ear to the helped build the nation’s middle class. name-calling, throwing dirt on past acDetroiters have taxed themselves to complishments of a great city and thus build schools, stadiums, to hire police negating our coming together as one officers and firefighters, and to improve community. Is this what he considers a city services for the past 50 years. Can “Pure Michigan”? Quite frankly, these Mr. Orr say the same thing about his actions are, in fact, polluting the entire Great Lakes region. friends on Wall Street?

Mr. Orr, as a so-called turnaround expert, brought in to carry the city of Detroit through the process of bankruptcy, did not use the terms “dumb, lazy, happy and rich” when he was working to restructure Chrysler or GM. Mr. Orr has not used those terms to describe the cities of New York, Pittsburgh or Miami.

Yet I am reminded of the motto of the City of Detroit, “Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus” (Latin for “We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes.”) Mr. Orr, we hope and pray that through a sincere apology to the people of Detroit (which you have not given) and by stepping away from your current responsibilities (which you need to do) that the city of Detroit can once again rise up from the dirt and the ashes thrown against it by these most thoughtless and slanderous remarks.

Something fundamentally wrong with unequal economy By William Spriggs President Obama continues his visits to different parts of America to discuss the economy. This is his attempt to use the bully pulpit of the presidency to direct a national dialogue. The president said, “There are no simple tricks to grow the economy. What we need is a serious, steady, long-term American strategy that reverses the long erosion of middle-class security and gives everyone a fair shot to get ahead.” On this score, the president is exactly right. Clearly, we have a huge jobs deficit, but the problems facing America run deeper. We are stuck because we lost the road map. Simply getting the engine of job growth running is not going to put us on the correct path. In fact, it will simply run us into another,

deeper rut. The current Washington consensus that everything is fine, we just need to address long run fiscal deficits misses the precarious position we are in and that we are lost. In Chattanooga, President Obama raised two points directly that underscore the direction the national discussion needs to go. One is the issue of the minimum wage. The other was the awful track record of public-sector employment that has weakened the recovery from the Great Recession. Once again, President Obama spoke to raising the minimum wage; a topic he mentioned in his State of the Union address. As he pointed out this week, “No one who works fulltime in America should have to live in poverty, I will keep making the case that we need to raise a minimum wage that

in real terms is lower than it was when Ronald Reagan took office.” To put that in a different way, we are currently paying workers wages that would have been illegal in 1980. To create the middle class out of the depths of the Great Depression, it was clear the government William Spriggs had to rewrite the rules of the game. The government had to reset the boundaries of economic activity, especially to set the boundaries for wages. It follows absolutely that if it is legal to pay workers a wage that puts them in poverty, you

will have poor people. It is neither in the power of workers, or the government, to fight poverty that the market generates. The growth of the middle class was achieved in the post World War II era, in large part, because until 1981, the minimum wage generally tracked closely the wage that yielded an income slightly higher than the poverty level. So, anyone who landed a job, and worked hard could at least start from being on the poverty floor. Today, that is not the case. Nearly 3 million people in America work hard full-time, year-round, but remain in the cellar, not even able to reach the floor of poverty.

came the servant of the great “Job Creator”; a mythical beast that claimed powers impossible in economics. Modern economists believe that we observe the intersection of supply and demand forces; clearly outcomes cannot be generated simply by one force. This superstition has led to the “creation” of lots of low-wage jobs, despite a workforce that has grown in education and skills.

The change in the 1980s was a change in policy priority. Instead of the government setting boundaries so the market would generate middle-class outcomes, the government be-

William Spriggs serves as chief economist to the AFL-CIO and is a professor in, and former chair of the Department of Economics at Howard University.

The president needs to unite America’s working families, employed and people without jobs, young and needing work and old and seeking retirement security, not uniting phony party labels.

community

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

August 14-20, 2013

Page B-5

Detroit Public Schools’ continuous improvements include a rise in MEAP scores and graduation rates. Recently, eight Detroit Public Schools were among those being honored by the Mackinac Center as among the best in the state. And, 12 Detroit Public Schools ranked among the top 20 K-8 schools in Detroit, according to the Excellent Schools Detroit.

Dramatic changes in academic scores and physical improvements are changing the way we look at Detroit Public Schools By C.L. Price Detroit Public Schools has transformed its educational system. Moving far beyond simple cosmetic improvements, the 97-school system is delivering dramatic improvements in educational quality. Its progress is raising the interest, attention and expectation of groups once thought to have written off the state’s largest urban school district.

dition of new arts and music enrichment programs for elementary and middle schools students, broad community school programs to make schools the “service hubs in their community,” 46 new Pre-Kindergarten classes, new Career Academies and other academic enhancements will make DPS one of the top educational leaders in the state.

wide peers in grade 8 reading by 7.1 percent. In mathematics, improvement in students’ proficiency ranged from .5 percent to 6.7 percent in grades 3 through 8. Gains were also

and regular alterations to teaching strategies to meet the needs of every child individually.” Detroit Public Schools’ high school graduation rate also increased 5 percentage points for 2012, bringing the rate to 64.74 percent, the highest rate since 2006, while closing the gap with statewide rates by greater than 3 percentage points. The district’s dropout rate also decreased by

of all DPS schools were rated as “well organized,” with Davison the best in DPS and Edison, Carson, Bennett, Chrysler, Clippert, Coleman Young, DSA, Gompers, Hutchinson @ Howe, Maybury, Nichols, Pasteur and Clemente ranking highly. How They Do It

Asked how Davison, a neighborhood school, is listed by Excellent Schools Detroit as the fourth highest achieving Detroit Public School of any type based The changes are on student success in reading The district has garnered over the most recent three-year top rankings for its schools all a part of the disby the Mackinac Center for trict’s 5-year Strateperiod, Principal Dianne Holland, Public Policy and Excellent gic Plan, which inwho has been at the school since Schools Detroit, two of the cludes improving test 2003, says simply, “We work with most independent and re- scores used to meathe whole child. Whatever the spected entities in the state, sure student achieveneed is, we look at it and try to which recognized its rising ment. make it happen. We don’t see difMEAP results, graduation SCORING BIG ferences. We just see students, rates and test scores. families and staff.” The positive momenA visit to Davison on any Detroit Public Schools tum for DPS includschool day demonstrates ample (DPS) administrators unde- ed record gains on the Highest Rated -K Locatio Pre Elementary terred by the applause, accel- Michigan Educational Asevidence that ns this is a school Mann of Elementary l, 596-7640 icas, 5680 Konke School Academy of the Amer erated efforts to completely sessment Program (MEAP) excellence teeming with support s Garvey A Marcu 109 579-7 n, Lappi 13840 in Michigan Adult Ed Center East, Twain Elem 089 Mark turnaround each and every Test for the fall of 2012, programs and a warm, welcom852-1 Park, y Asbur 16164 , Eight Detroit Public Schools wereAdult ranked Ed Center West Marquette Elem. , 866-5644learning Crane le, 8950 school’s performance. ing, bright and colorful ntary-Midd with improvement in 17 A.L. Holmes Eleme among the best elementary-middle Mason Elementa 560 Chatham, 274-8serving Ann Arbor Trail, 7635 environment an unusuout of 18 assessments. Maybury Elemen 175 “Detroit Public Schools’ 494-7 , schools in the state by MackinacBagle Center Curtis 8100 , y Elementary ally diverse set of African-AmerMunger PreK-8, 000 494-7 ing, Wyom goal is to ensure that every DPS increases outpaced 19701 Bates Academy, for Public Policy, with Thirkell Elementary Neinas Elementa 183 statewide progress, “closing 849-3 ican, Bangladeshi, North African, , rman Wate Beard ECC, 840 child is successful, and we are Noble Elem.-Mid School named the state’s highest rated 585 849-3 ne, Mulla seen in science, writing 2111 , ntary Bennett Eleme Arabic and Polish students, plus doing everything in our pow- the gap,” in 14 out of 18 asPalmer Park Aca 391 866-4 r, make Shoe 9330 ute, elementary school. and social studies in all Blackwell Instit a sizable special needs populaPasteur Elemen 852-0500 st, Prevo 1 er to make that happen,” said sessments administered. 1980 le, -Midd ntary Bow Eleme grades, except one. Priest Elementa 866-2070 , tion. Brock 5 1802 le, -Midd ntary Karen Ridgeway, superintenBrewer Eleme Gains were especially sigPulaski Elem.-M 494-8350 mb, Maco 2715 le, -Midd ntary Bunche Eleme “These gains aren’t due to dent of Academics. “Our test nificant in reading and mathWhen making the Roberto Clemen 800 announce596-3 Blvd., . M.L.K 2001 l, ationa Intern Burton Robeson/Malcolm any one silver bullet,” Ridge- nearly a point to 19.38 percent. 322rankings, Exscore gains, rising graduation ematics. ment of the school 866-8 o, Casin 11724 , ntary Eleme Carleton Ronald Brown A 500 866-5 , Essex 13000 le, way said. “They are due to a rates and school honors are cellent Schools Detroit urged par-Midd Elem. Detroit Public Schools seniors Carstens Sampson Acade In reading, students made 240-6622 Schools Paul, ic Publ 18701 oit my, Detr Acade STEM r tangible proof we are making comprehensive academic plan also scored school options $146 millionCarve in stu- entsmy,considering Schulze Elemen Berg Rd., 538-3024 9 gains ranging from 3 percent 1929 Acade t mitment to the district’s Wrigh com es Charl Spain Elementa significant progress.” to attend the schools they listed dent grants and scholarships in 340 417-9 en, Brem is ers 15755 my, learn to 11.3 percent in all grades that includes robust profesAcade gest Clark youn Thirkell Elemen 1 Hubbell, 852-0725 1577 , sional development for our as top performers. ntary the 2012-13 school year. Eleme g Youn an Colem unwavering. And there’s much more 3 through 8. One particularly T. Marshall Ele Puritan, 494-7458 teachers and all academic Cooke Elementary, 18800 Vernor Elemen 118 To le, determine the 252-3rankings, ahead, according to Ridgeway impressive result is that DPS DPS Schools Honored 2800 E. Davison, -Midd ntary Eleme on ring Davis offe Wayne Elemen We are committed to ward, 873-3050 Wood Excellent Schools Detroit re9026 who is confident that the ad- students bested their state- staff, constant data analysis my, Acade Int’l it Detro ble to every eligi In laddition to improving gradfree preschoo y, 945-1330 Trinit D Academy, 8401 this year’s MEAP perforDixon Learning viewed ld. 4-year-o uation rates and risingDossi MEAP -Middle, 16650 Glendale, 866-9390 Edmo n Elementary mance and year over year MEAP 555 596-3 n, Gla Academy, 2001 W. Warre scores, DPS saw many Doug of lassits 252-3070 performance of gwoo 126d,kindergarten Space is limited. -Middle, 2470 Collin Lo e Elementary Durfe neighborhood-centered, qual945 849-3 ol. en, Scott scho l -Middle, 1000 Ruth through eighth-grade schools. Apply at your loca rt Elementary 066 ity schools honored forEarha their 852-1 Rive, , 17045 Whi Edison Elementary The 31 Grand new 852-8 or turnaround kin: ents 500 ion Requiremin Registrat achievement 2013. Ellington Academy, 9860 Park Dr., 689 831-9 , dergarten through eighth-grade ficate ngton Certi Hunti ▪ Child’s Birth Emerson Elem.-Middle, 18240 Eight Detroit Public Schools rd 642-4854 were not inFair,Detroit E. Statein schools ▪ Up-to-date Immunization Reco Fisher Lower, 15510 ing kindergarorm perf top20 s city’ the of Waltham, 347-8923 12 were ranked among the best red ood, 18501 e Early Childh Incom ngelof f Flemi Proo ▪ cluded in the analysis, as the Detroit Public Schools sco t 615 ording to a report issued by Excellen er Elementary, 6528 Mansfield, 581-4 ementary-middle schools Gardn in the study considered performance 538 494-2 ne, ten through eighth-grade schools, acc Antoi St. : 5536 ded r, htly Ed. Cente Golig be 4 years of state byt Mackinac Center for Pubmus DPS schools in the report inclu 495 Students 494-7rankings Burt Rd., 14450time. changes The ntary-Middle,over Schools Detroit in April 2013. The top Gompers Eleme r 1. Novembe by age lic Policy with Thirkell ElementaW. 7 Mile, 866-2999 le, 420 Elem.-Midd Greenfield Union were based only on this year’s ry ybu Ma • , 2400 Central, 849-3492 ry School named are the state’s high• Chrysler s Elementary Harm and year-over-year performance es 512 biliti 852-0 disa go, • Thirkell (#1 overall) Chica with W. ren 16101 Child my, Henderson Acade • Pasteur est ratedome elementary school. 642-4801 ! onntary the standardized le, 2600 Garland, • Bates Academy welc -MiddMichigan Hutchinson Eleme • Davison 866-9600 , moor Wright Strath es arl Two Detroit Public Schools 15850 le, Ch -Midd • J.R. King Elem.test, the Michigan Educational • Dixon other on income and 8, 10147 West Chicago, 416-6400 *Base enzie PreK— dThirkell and Davison —Mack were • Garvey Assessment Program (MEAP). ert pp Cli s. • factor ility eligib r no Ver • among the top eight in the state al • Burton Internation Excellent Schools Detroit also of Michigan, and two DPS-authoreleased the eight schools at the rized charters were among the top 10 schools in the state — Ross- bottom of the barrel that parents Hill Academy and Martin Luther should avoid. “In order for the education of King Jr. Education Center. our children to move forward in Additional DPS schools in the Detroit, we need to leave some Top 100 recognized were: schools behind. If your child Detroit Public Schools’ announcement of its intent to create Centers of • Ronald Brown is in one of these bottom eight • Harms Excellence — in every school in every neighborhood — is creating interest schools, you should move them • Clippert to one of the top 20,” Dan Varamong area parents. According to DPS officials, educational advantages of • Pasteur ner, CEO of Excellent Schools the centers include: • Chrysler Detroit, said at the time of the re■ Individual Learning Maps for every student at 97 Detroit Public Schools • Burton International lease. “Excellent Schools Detroit ■ 215 Pre-K classrooms at 70 Detroit Public Schools According to the Mackinac is committed to keeping our comCenter for Public Policy, “al- munity informed about the qual■ Art & Music enrichment for every elementary and middle school student though about 90 percent of Thir- ity of Detroit’s schools so that kids goLocations to better schools.” ■ A “12/7” Community Schools Model which extends school services to kell’s students are from low-in- more Pre-K come households, 84 percent of Academy ofTeachers the Americas,and 5680 Konkel, 12 hours per day, 7 days per week staff 596-7640 at schools Mann Adult Ed Center East, 13840 Lappin, 579-7109 Marcu fifth-graders scored proficient on across many high-ranked Detroit ■ A New Parent University and other new/ Adult Ed Center West, 16164 Asbury Park, 852-1089 Mark the MEAP mathematics and readPublic Schools say that making A.L. Holmes Elementary-Middle, 8950 Crane, 866-5644 Marqu expanded parent programs ing tests in 2012. Thirkell stuAnn Arbor Trail, 7635 Chatham, 274-8560 schools a success in a communiMason Bagley Elementary, 8100 Curtis, 494-7175 dents, on average, did far better ty effort. Maybu ■ A Customer Service mandate aimed at Bates Academy, 19701 Wyoming, 494-7000 Mung on the MEAP than the state averexponential improvement of parent/student/school communication. Beard ECC,Principal 840 Waterman,Holland 849-3183 uses the Neina age. Adjusting for student backBennettterms Elementary, 2111 Mullane, 849-3585 Noble “family” and “collegiate” ■ Multilingual programs featuring 7 different language program and robust ground makes Thirkell’s success Blackwell Institute, 9330 Shoemaker, 866-4391 Palme interchangeably in describing DaBow Elementary-Middle, 19801 Prevost, 852-0500 ESL programs even clearer.” Pasteu culture18025 of learning. Brewervison’s Elementary-Middle, Brock, 866-2070 Priest Guests at the assembly to honBunche Elementary-Middle, 2715 Macomb, 494-8350 ■ Take-home Netbooks for students in grades 8-12 (with parental consent) Pulask Support2001 and enrichment proBurton International, M.L.K. Blvd., 596-3800 Rober or the schools also experienced and accessible for all students in grades 6 and up grams at Davison are completely Carleton Elementary, 11724 Casino, 866-8322 Robes Thirkell City, the result of a yearCarstens Elem.-Middle, 13000 Essex, 866-5500 Ronal Detroit Public Schools weaved into the school day (“I ■ New and majorly-renovated state-of-the-art school buildings along with long, all-student hands-on educaCarver STEM Academy, 18701 Paul, 240-6622 Samp commitment to the district’s don’t like programs that are just millions of dollars in school building improvements district-wide Charles Wright Academy, 19299 Berg Rd., 538-3024 tional project resulted from Schulz youngest learnersthat is before15755 and Bremen, after school,” 417-9340 Holland Spain research, writing and creating Clark a Academy, unwavering. ■ Enhanced safety and security enhancements in schools and throughout Coleman Young Elementary, 15771 Hubbell, 852-0725 Thirke states). All programs include stu3-D city that spans the school. Cooke Elementary, 18800 Puritan, 494-7458 the district T. Ma dents in the planning, are equalWe are committed to offering Davison Elementary-Middle, 2800 E. Davison, 252-3118 Verno Thirkell Elementary is an exly divided with responsibilities free preschool to every eligible Detroit Int’l Academy, 9026 Woodward, 873-3050 ■ Transportation, free healthy meals and a focus on safe routes to schools Wayn ample of the tremendous impact 4-year-old. Dixon Learning 8401 Trinity, 945-1330 and going Academy, to every staff member, a first-class leader can have onDossin a they ■ $146 million+ in grants and scholarships for 2013 grads Elementary-Middle, 16650 Glendale, 866-9390 don’t fall apart when even Douglass Academy, 2001 W. Warren, 596-3555 Space is limited. school’s performance, according long-time members of the teachDurfee Elementary-Middle, 2470 Collingwood, 252-3070 at your local school.Mackinac toApply Audrey Spaulding, staff retire.1000 Scotten, 849-3945 Earharting Elementary-Middle, Center’s director of Education Edison Elementary, 17045 Grand Rive, 852-1066 Registration Requirements: “Staff willPark do all kinds of things Dr., 852-8500 whoCertificate authored the study. Ellington Academy, 9860 ▪Policy Child’s Birth DPS will host a city-wide Open Doors Day event on Aug. 24 toElem.-Middle, increase achieveEmerson 18240student Huntington, 831-9689 ▪ Up-to-date Immunization Record Detroit Public Schools also Fisher Lower, 15510 E. State Fair, 642-4854 ment,” the principal said in exfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All DPS schools will be open for parents ▪ Proof of Income Fleming Early Childhood, 18501 Waltham, 347-8923 scored 12 of the city’s 20 top-perplaining the uniquely collaborato come in and check out what’s happening at area schools Gardner Elementary, 6528 Mansfield, 581-4615 forming kindergarten Students must be 4 years of through tive, team-like Golightly Ed. Center, 5536 St. commitment Antoine, 494-2538 that and to meet DPS principals and teachers . To learn more about eighth-grade schools, age by November 1. according Gompers Elementary-Middle, 14450 teachers Burt Rd., 494-7495 Davison School’s and enrollment in DPS visit: to a report issued by Excellent Greenfield Union Elem.-Middle, 420 W. 7 Mile, 866-2999 staff have to serving students and Harms Elementary, 2400 Central, 849-3492 Children with disabilities are2013. Schools Detroit in April maintaining long-term support Henderson Academy, 16101 W. Chicago, 852-0512 welcome! Hutchinson Elementary-Middle, 2600 Garland, 642-4801 programs. “You come to Davison In another ESD report on J.R. King Elem.-Middle, Strathmoor, 866-9600 *Based on income and other affecting and it’s not 15850 work. It’s a wonderful school organization Mackenzie PreK-8, 10147 West Chicago, 416-6400 factors.more than half studenteligibility progress, place to be, and we have fun.”

TOP SCORES

The Detroit Public Schools Difference

Open Doors Day

www.detroitk12.org/enroll

Page B-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • August 14-20, 2013

Say I’m In! Neighborhood-Centered, Quality Schools: √ More Pre-K across the district √ Community Schools Model √ Art/Music Enrichment √ High Quality Customer Service

DID YOU KNOW?

8 Detroit Public Schools were honored by the Mackinac Center as among the best in the state!

Thirkell Elementary School was ranked as the No. 1 school! DPS in the Top 100: Thirkell Elementary School 7724 14th St. P: (313) 596-0990 Grades Served: PreK-6

Clippert Academy 1981 McKinstry P: (313) 849-5009 Grades Served: 5- 8, Application

Davison Elementary-Middle School 2800 E. Davison P: (313) 252-3118 Grades Served: PreK-8

Pasteur Elementary School 19811 Stoepel P: (313) 494-7314 Grades Served: PreK-6

Ronald Brown Academy 11530 E. Outer Drive P: (313) 886-2611 Grades Served: PreK-6 Harms Elementary School 2400 Central P: (313) 849-3492 Grades Served: PreK-5

Chrysler Elementary School 1445 East Lafayette P: (313) 494-8440 Grades Served: K-5; Application Burton International Academy 2001 Martin Luther King Blvd. P: (313) 596-3800 Grades Served: PreK-8, Application

The DPS Roadmap to Success

215 Pre-K classrooms at 70 schools Art/Music enrichment for every elementary-middle school student Individual Learning Maps for every student based on their strengths and areas for improvement “12/7 Community Schools Model” offering services at schools 12 hours per day, 7 days per week District-wide training on high quality Customer Service New Attendance & Code of Conduct Policies State-of-the-Art school buildings where cutting edge technology is available to every student Free healthy breakfast and lunch for every child, in every grade, every day Seven different languages offered across the district and robust ESL (English as a Second Language) courses New Parent University & other new/expanded parent programs Safety initiatives with more community volunteers

Thirkell Elementary School music course

$146 million+ in grants and scholarships for 2013 grads

All Schools “Open-Doors Day” August 24, 2013 ▪ 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Shop around for your favorite school! Tour buildings! Meet principals and staff! Learn first-hand why DPS is on the rise!

Call (313) 240-4DPS or visit detroitk12.org/enroll

BUSINESS Powered by Real Times Media

SECTION C

michiganchronicle.com

August 14-20, 2013

Ken Dallafior BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan

Health reform: The basics for small businesses

By Ken Dallafior

It’s complicated. That’s one thing that everyone can agree on about health reform. But as new provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) begin to go into effect, many small business owners still have more questions than answers. • Am I required to provide insurance to my employees? • What are my options? Can I get financial assistance to pay for coverage? • How will keeping or dropping insurance coverage affect my company’s bottom line? To help small business owners address these and related issues, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan participated in a webinar hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. Following are some of the highlights from this presentation, which focused on the transformation of the insurance marketplace for companies with fewer than 50 employees, along with other pertinent information to prepare you for the changes ahead. (For more details, visit AhealthierMichigan.org) Small Business: Definition and Penalty Exclusions For many health insurance provisions, the federal government’s definition of small group effective January 1, 2014 will be 1-50 employees, which includes fulltime, part-time and seasonal employees. Penalties in the form of an excise tax will not be imposed on employers with fewer than 50 employees who decide not to offer coverage. This penalty has been delayed until 2015.

Walter Douglas Vanguard of entrepreneurial excellence and economic empowerment By Roz Edward The making of a man like entrepreneur extraordinaire Walter Douglas is laden with extremes. From his humble roots in Hamlet, N.C., to his meteoric rise as chairman of Avis Ford and later president of New Detroit Inc., Douglas’ journey from his small town beginnings to becoming an integral force in Detroit’s political and economic development is told in his just- released autobiography, “The Activist Entrepreneur: What I Learned About Business at the Urban Coalition and My Proven Keys to Personal and

Career Success.” On Tuesday, Aug. 6, Douglas regaled a captivated audience with one fascinating account after another of his business and personal accomplishments during a book signing at the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History. He discussed his and his family’s extraordinary commitment to education and personal development, sharing a poign ant and all too familiar story regarding the intellectual competencies and diminished expectations for African Americans in gen-

Insurance Exchanges According to federal government data, small businesses lack the purchasing power of larger companies and on average pay about 18% more than large firms for the same health insurance policy. The PPACA requires states to offer Insurance Exchanges, which are intended to close that gap.

eral. Recalling an admonition from a high school teacher who told Douglas’ parents, “You need to find something for Walter to do because he is not college material. He will never make it in college.” He shared the incident with the kind of satisfaction one is privy to when defying the naysayers. And, of course, he was more determined than ever to prove the misguided educator wrong.

An Exchange is essentially a competitive marketplace of qualified health plans.

An Exchange is essentially a competitive marketplace of qualified health plans. It allows small employers and individuals to directly compare available private health insurance options on the basis of price, quality and other factors. Exchanges also enable individuals to enroll in health plans and “de-link” their coverage from employment, thus making it portable when people change jobs. Michigan is expected to have a state-federal partnership exchange in 2014. Open enrollment begins on Oct. 1, 2013 for coverage effective on Jan. 1, 2014. Rolling enrollment is available through the year to allow an open enrollment period that coincides with the group’s plan year. Tax Credits If you have fewer than 25 employees, pay average annual wages below $50,000, and provide health insurance, you may qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35% (up to 25% for non-profits) to offset the cost of your insurance. Planning Ahead What’s the right health insurance strategy for your business? Should you continue to offer employer-sponsored health coverage to your employees? Several factors will affect your decision, and timing is critical because of downstream impacts to your business model and your employees and their families. The Blues can provide scenario-based planning support to help you make smart choices and offers a comprehensive process to assist in transitioning employees to a BCBSM individual plan. For more information, visit bcbsm.com.

So after his ascension to distinguished achievement during a 20-year stint at the IRS, his crucial role in establishing and guiding the nation’s largest urban coalition, New Detroit, Inc., and ultimately ownership of one of the automotive industry’s leading car dealerships, Avis Ford, Douglas was well versed in the business and political ins and outs of Detroit. Moreover, he was even better equipped because of those experiences to lead others in understanding the “big picture” and making

their respective marks in pursuit of the American dream. During his terse and at times notorious negotiations with his infamous adversary, Sid McNiece, of Avis who later founded Avis Rent A Car, that Douglas turned to his inner Black man, and removed the kid gloves. After several particularly contentious comments from McNeice, Douglas writes: “My true personality was now in full play and I was no longer Mr. Nice Guy,” Before I knew it I was standing over him, determined that my next move was going to be physical. ‘Sid, I’m sick of you,’ adding a few choice four-letter words for full effect as I told him how pathetic his bullying tactics were. I finished my remarks by inviting him to stand so I could knock him on his ass. He did not move, but I knew I had frightened him. My actions changed his demeanor.” See WALT

DOUGLAS page C-2

Tom Watkins named president, CEO and executive director of Mental Health Agency/Authority Experience and commitment in the mental health field is key to assisting community

ing knowledge to others has been a catalyst over the past seven years as he has served as a business and education consultant to clients in education, mental health, public, private, and non-profit sectors in the U.S. and China.

The D-WCCMHA Board named Tom Watkins as its president, CEO and executive director of the public mental health system that serves Detroit and Wayne County. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit the Agency as it moves forward and transitions into an Authority effective October 1, 2013.

Tom Watkins has served as deputy director of administration, chief deputy and director of the State Department of Mental Health under Governor Jim Blanchard. There he improved community-based service delivery to over 300,000 consumers and was responsible for re-accrediting hospitals serving persons with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

“I am looking forward to working with Mr. Watkins and the passion he brings for helping people overcome the obstacles they may face in life” according to George Gaines, D-WCCMHA Board

Tom Watkins chairman. Over the years Watkins has used his life experiences to help others across our community, the state and as far away as China. Many know him as the former state superintendent of education, a title he held for many years. His enthusiasm for bring-

Watkins is well-known for his integrity, advocacy and his leadership ability. He served as an elected member of the Wayne County Charter Commission, chairing the

legislative committee in the early 1980s. He has roots in the metro Detroit area and strong political, business, non-profit and foundation ties. He received his master’s degree in social work administration and completed his coursework for a doctorate in education leadership from Wayne State University. “We are very pleased with the selection of Tom Watkins to lead this new authority in Wayne County given his extensive background in health care,” said James K. Haveman, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “The wealth of knowledge and experience that Tom brings will be valuable as he works to bring better services to residents in Wayne County and to ensure they are receiving the best quality of care possible.”

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

August 14-20, 2013

Page C-2

People On The Move

Henry Ford Learning Institute increases capacity through two new hires Henry Ford Learning Institute (HFLI), a non-profit organization that develops and sustains innovative small schools and hands-on learning programs, has hired Nanette Gill and Julius McDougal to support HFLI!s growth.

Anthony Neely (left) and Walter Douglas.

Walt Douglas

From page C-1

In a predictable turn of events, things went more smoothly later. But the take-away from the saga of the Avis Ford negotiation and eventual acquisition is more a lesson in practicing what you preach for Douglas who, for the eight years he was with New Detroit and beyond, advised countless budding entrepreneurs to stay the course. His conviction that African Americans with the skills, the experience and the means to own businesses and create jobs should, was reaffirmed and the Brink Award-winning auto dealer’s message had been validated. Douglas also embarked on some discussion about the impact of the 1967 Detroit riot on his career and family. it instead “the Detroit rebellion” and explaining to readers and the audience that the turmoil of the time was more a chaotic and ferocious release of frustration and pinned up emotion over the second-class treatment of Black Detroiters. And now in the post Great Recession era, Douglas finds himself even more rooted in his pledge to extend his extensive business knowledge to other entrepreneurs and to share valuable

lessons about strategic partnerships that bridge boundaries and produce profound change.

picks up the book could be inspired by stories of some of the challenges I have had to overcome.”

What many readers may find most remarkable about this story of social ideals and business savvy is how intimately Douglas’ family has been involved in every step of his groundbreaking journey.

Douglas’ longtime and close personal friend Edsel Ford may have put it best: “Now, as the economy reshaped our local and national landscape, I must say that Walter Douglas could not have chosen a more relevant time to share his life story.

With two of his sons working in the business at Avis Ford, a daughter who is always close at hand, and his wife, Retha, at his side for 56 years, Douglas has devised a formula for continued personal enrichment of the sort that reshapes our world and enhances our lives. When asked why a man who sells cars is writing a book, Douglas responded, “I have a story to tell and I think anybody who

“It testifies to the power of the entrepreneurial spirit when backed by hard work, discipline and faith.” For more information regarding “The Activist Entrepreneur: What I Learned About Business at the Urban Coalition and My Proven Keys to Personal and Career Success,” please visit www. WaltDouglasonline.com.

As HFLI’s director of education, Nanette (Nan) Gill will be responsible for the continued development of a K-12 educational program that prepares Henry Ford Academy students for college, careers, and to be creative and transformaJulius McDougal tional agents of change in their commu- Nanette Gill nities. She will also support the growth gistics, Compuware Corporation, Amerof HFLI!s professional development proitech Corporation, Kmart Corporation, grams. and KPMG Peat Marwick. He earned an Gill has been a leader in public edu- M.B.A. from University of Detroit-Mercy cation for more than 25 years. Her expe- and a B.S. in Accounting from Jackson rience includes developing and leading State University, in Jackson, Mississippi. public schools and school districts, facilitating organizational development and strategic planning processes for corporate, educational and non-profit organizations, and coaching corporate and educational leaders. Previously, Gill served as a member of the University Preparatory Academy Board for 5 years, and later served in a variety of operational roles in the UPA system, most recently Superintendent of the school district. She was also a founder of The Coaching Collaborative, and worked for Ann Arbor Public Schools and the Waters Foundation. Gill earned a B.A. in English Education from University of Illinois – Chicago, an M.A. in Communicative Disorders from Northwestern University, and has completed graduate coursework in educational administration from University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. In his new role, Julius McDougal will build and manage HFLI!s finance and administrative systems. He will also be involved in strategic planning, evaluation, school oversight, and operational initiatives, and create a plan to expand to additional school sites and create new educational programs. McDougal brings to HFLI more than 20 years of experience as a CFO, financial analyst and accountant for health care, manufacturing, technology, logistics, communications, retail and public accounting firms. He comes to HFLI from Pro Care Health Plan in Detroit, where he was CFO. He has a wealth of experience in evaluating and improving organizational financial management, increasing revenue, and implementing efficient and effective operational processes across multiple sites. Previously he worked for Warrior Sports, TDS Lo-

Nominate Your Favorite Artiste

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Business Section Promotions New Hires Executive Profiles Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings, and more

Send to newsdesk@michronicle.com

To RECOGNIZING

Artists & Educators In addition to the many business executives, community and government leaders who annually inspire the readers of Who’s Who in Black Detroit, the 2013 edition of Who’s Who will pay special tribute to artists, entertainers and 100 Top Educators in our community.

If you are a business executive, community leader, government leader, accomplished artist, entertainer, or educator Nominate yourself, or someone you know. Email their headshot and 180 word bio to detroit@whoswhopublishing.com Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available. Call Cathy Nedd, Associate Publisher

(313) 963-8100

August 14-20, 2013 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • Page C-3

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business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

How to address rampant employee  disengagement: Recognize human equity   An alarming Gallup poll published earlier this year is still sending shockwaves throughout the business community: Most American workers either hate their jobs or don’t care one way or the other about them. Less than a third of Americans are actively engaged in their work, meaning they’re passionate about it, enthusiastic and energetic. They’re consistently productive, and high performing. Gallup estimates the 20 million who are “actively disengaged” – openly negative and unhappy have a staggering effect on the economy, costing the United States $450 to $550 billion each year in lost productivity. “To engage the 70 percent of non-committal or ‘actively disengage’ employees, business managers need to change how they view human capital,” said Trevor Wilson, CEO of TWI Inc., a global corporate speaker, human equity strategist and author of “The Human Equity Advantage,” (humanequityadvantage.com). “Engaging employees is an issue I’ve been working on for more than two decades, and there is a solution. I call it human equity — the unique assets each individual brings to the workplace that are often unrecognized. “Recognizing and leveraging your own human equity, as well as that of your employees, addresses not only the incredible waste of human capital illustrated in the recent poll, but also related concerns business leaders share, including the constant need for innovation. These challenges are not unique to the United States.” There is a reason why

executive royalty, such as Warren Buffet and former General Electric CEO Jack Welsh, sought talent beyond traditional criteria like knowledge and skills, which are also important, says Wilson. He offers a method for uncovering valuable intangibles in employees; he calls it the Shape V Talent model: • Strengths: Consider strength as defined by the 1999 Gallup StrengthsFinder study, which includes “consistent near-perfect performance in an activity.” The study identifies 34 qualities, which can be innate and, unlike skills, are not learned. Individual employees and managers should not force a square peg into a round hole; if an employee’s near-perfect, near-effortless strength is in research and analysis, but not so much in data management, managers should allocate this resource accordingly. • Heart: Have you ever wondered what comes first, whether you’re good at something because you like it, or you like it because you’re good at it? The chicken-or-egg question aside, what matters is the passion one has for a talent. This includes activities a worker would do even if he or she didn’t have to do it on the job. If a talented manager won the lottery and decided to quit his job, for example, he might be inclined to manage people in a local political campaign or take the helm of his son’s little league team. • Attitude: There are three general attitudes an employee might have, according to a branch of study in positive psychology. First, there are those who approach their work as a job, who seek only a paycheck and benefits. The second group

Week’s Best

• Personality: In 2009, nearly $500 million was spent on personality testing in North America alone. A reliable test isn’t valuable in so much as it reveals differences among workers, which are most likely already apparent. The value of these tests is in showing how and where differences lie. Understanding differences can lead to an appreciation for how and why coworkers perform and improve the synergy of teams. • Experience: Who is the person you’re sitting next to at work; who is she when she’s not making business-to-business calls, scheduling meetings or troubleshooting technical problems? How does her race, religion, economic background, family situation and overall lifestyle influence – or not influence – her work life? More importantly, how might her life beyond work offer diversity of thought in the workplace? Life experience should not be overlooked when assessing talent. • Virtue: “Value in action, that’s virtue,” Wilson says. Candor, temperance, courage – these traits preempt problems like public scandals, harassment and discrimination and foster a positive moral pragmatism among coworkers and practical wisdom among leaders. With social media continuing to expose bad behavior and employee morale revealed to be at a stunning low, this is a significant quality in the ongoing search for the best talent.

Page C-4

P I C K S

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includes those with a career perspective who seek advancement. The third group views their work as a calling and deeply connects with what they do every day.

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HARRISON W. MUNSON General Practice specializing in: • CRIMINAL DEFENSE • CRIMINAL APPEALS • BANKRUPTCY • REAL ESTATE • DIVORCE • CONTRACTS • PROBATE Harrison W. Munson, P.C. First National Building 660 Woodward Ave., Suite 1545 Detroit, MI 48226-3516 (313) 965-0555 Telephone (313) 965-0557 Facsimile (248) 276-9327 Nights & Weekends

ore than 150 AAA Michigan executives and their partners – including residents on Burt Road and Mid Point Construction workers – volunteered their time and “sweat equity” to “Clean and Keep” homes on Burt Road, in Northwest Detroit’s Brightmoor Community. AAA joined in the community’s ongoing resolution to “take back” the neighborhood by removing blight on July 11. The partnership program included six blocks along Burt Road, with partners boarding up vacant houses and painting and repairing homes. The Auto Club has nearly a century-long history of volunteering and giving back to the community. AAA has partnered with Brightmoor Community residents for several years, with projects including improvements to Eliza Howell Park and helping to build a playground. Volunteers also met at the Brightmoor Community Center to assemble 400 Red Cross Comfort kits for area residents in case of an emergency. “It’s important for us to step out from behind our desks and work as a team in our community,” said AAA Michigan President Steve Wagner.

business

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

August 14-20, 2013

Page C-5

Airport Authority issues RFQ for Gateway Development Project at Detroit Metro Airport Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) has launched the first phase of a major economic development initiative with the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from firms interested in developing and leasing approximately 8.5 acres of prime real estate near the Airport’s north entrance to be known as the Gateway Project. “The Gateway Project provides an exciting opportunity for the Airport Authority to leverage its position as operator of Michigan’s busiest airport to generate new business opportunities and create jobs,” said Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) CEO Tom Naughton. “Perhaps even more importantly, the Gateway Project site is an ideal location for customer-focused development that could provide added service and conveniences to airport customers and employees.” Through this solicita-

tion process, the Airport Authority seeks to identify the most qualified Respondent with which to enter into a Letter of Intent that gives the selected firm the exclusive opportunity to conduct the necessary research and due diligence to create a conceptual development plan (CDP) and propose transactions terms for the Gateway Project. Upon review and approval of the submitted CDP and terms, the Airport Authority could then separately negotiate and enter into an agreement with that firm to commence development. In June of 2012, the Airport Authority completed an assessment of certain development opportunities at DTW and Willow Run Airport, culminating in the development of an Integrated Airport Land Use Strategic Plan that identified and prioritized opportunities for the development of Airport Authority property. The Gateway Project

is one of several elements of that plan, which also includes cargo and other development opportunities to be considered at a later time. “Because the Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive any tax dollars to support airport operations, development initiatives such as the new Gateway Project provide not only economic and customer benefits, but a critical revenue stream to maintain Detroit Metro Airport’s status as one of the world’s best air transport hubs,” Naughton added. For more details and to download the RFQ, visit the Airport Authority’s website at http://www. wcaa.us/Business/BusinessOpportunities/CurrentSolicitations.aspx. Developers with questions should contact the WCAA Procurement Office at (734) 247-7900 or purchasing.questions@ wcaa.us.

Chrysler Group to Invest $52 million in Michigan engine plants, 298 new positions to be created Chrysler Group LLC announced that it would invest $52 million in its engine plants in Trenton and Dundee, Mich., to increase capacity of the Tigershark engine, creating nearly 298 new positions at the Trenton plant. Trenton North will receive $11.5 million to add an assembly line for the four-cylinder Tigershark engine. With a $40.5 million investment, Dundee will convert a line to machine cranks, heads and blocks to support Tigershark production at Trenton. The Dundee Engine Plant will continue to assemble the Tigershark engine, alongside the 1.4-liter FIRE engine and the World Gas Engine. “With the growing demand for our products, we are constantly evaluating how to best meet powertrain production requirements,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President and Head of Powertrain Manufacturing. “In this case, we are fortunate that we had an existing facility that could accommodate the additional capacity needs for Tigershark and one that has the know-how to support that additional production.” The new Trenton Tigershark line as well as the Dundee line conversion

are expected to begin production by the end of the third quarter. “The UAW is pleased that Chrysler Group continues to invest in its facilities and add good paying jobs,” said General Holiefield, UAW Vice President and Director of the Chrysler Department. “This is what can happen with dedication, commitment and a focus on delivering quality products to our customers.” Trenton North ceased operations in May 2011, but Chrysler Group announced a $114 million investment a month later to repurpose nearly 400,000-square feet of the plant to produce core components for the Pentastar engine produced at its sister plant, Trenton South. Trenton North began producing the Pentastar engine in January 2012. Then in November 2012, the Company announced an additional $40 million investment to add a flexible production line that can run both the Pentastar engine and the Tigershark (I-4) engine. Trenton North is also building the 3.2-liter Pentastar engine for the allnew 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The Dundee Engine Plant, built in 2004, is owned by Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC (GEMA), a whol-

Cornerstone Schools Creating Pathways to Success

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ly-owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group that was formerly a joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler Corporation. In December 2009, Chrysler Group announced a $179 million investment to launch production of an advanced technology, fuel-efficient 1.4-liter engine for the North American market, a collaboration between Chrysler Group and Fiat powertrain groups. In October 2010, the company announced an additional $150 million investment to expand capacity and prepare the plant for production of future engines. Production of the 1.4-liter engine began in November 2010. Production of the 2.0-liter Tigershark DOHC began in March 2012. A second shift of production for the FIRE engine was added on Aug. 6, 2012. With this announcement, Chrysler Group’s total investments in its U.S. facilities have risen over $5.2 billion since June 2009. In the same time frame, the Company has added more than 10,800 U.S. hourly jobs. Those interested in employment with Chrysler Group can check for available positions at w w w. c h r y s l e r c a r e e r s . com.

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Following Jesus as a sure path to a fulfilling life and servant leadership.

Page C-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • July 17-23, 2013 August 14-20, 2013

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Reflections By Steve Holsey

Keepin’ it in the family

I recall a few years ago when I went to a Detroit church to hear the highly entertaining, energetic and funny motivational speaker Les Brown.

It was interesting that his daughter and son came out before him (separately). It was kind of like “the Les Brown Revue,” with his kids as his “warm-up acts.” (They too were motivational speakers.)

Les Brown

Diana Ross

Well, Diana Ross also believes in making her offspring a part of the show. At her recent concert at the Hollywood Bowl, the iconic megastar had her daughter, actress Tracee Ellis Ross, serve as emcee. And before she made her dramatic entrance there were performances by another daughter, singer Rhonda Ross, and her son, singer/actor Evan Ross. As for the Diana Ross performance, one reviewer wrote, “The legendary artist still knows how to keep fans wanting more while also reminding them that she put the ‘D’ in diva.” And count me in among those who were surprised to learn that Evan Ross and actress/ singer Ashlee Simpson have been a couple for quite some time. THE TALENTED Chris Brown, 24, whose hot temper and bad judgment have gotten him into a lot of trouble over the years, has been talking about backing out of show business after the release of his new album in a few weeks.

Chris Brown

Well, that’s not likely to happen, as has been proven by others who have said the same thing. But taking a lengthy hiatus might be a good idea. It could be a time for deep introspection.

“Being famous is amazing when it’s for music and talent,” said Brown. “But I’m tired of being famous for a mistake I made when I was 19.” Point well taken.

H This is E R how it’s done

By Steve Holsey

Usher once said, “I’m a flamboyant type of guy.” He is also multitalented and in the entertainment business for the long haul. The “here to stays” are very different from the “here nows.” It was apparent from virtually the very start that Beyoncé, Will Smith, Justin Timberlake, Queen Latifah and LL Cool J, for example, would be around for a very long time. Usher Raymond IV is on that relatively short list. It is about talent, of course, but not just that. Also figuring into the equation are diversity, a tenacious nature, a keen business sense, and the ability to adapt to change while retaining one’s individuality. Usher is firmly established as a recording artist — he’s been making hits since 1994 — and he has demonstrated noteworthy acting skills, both in film and on the Broadway stage. He’s a great dancer too, as well as a prolific songwriter.

Had to chuckle when Donald Fagen, key member of the famed rock/jazz band Steely Dan, who have been making music since 1972, once again unleashed his wry sense of humor. In noting how time brings about new realities, Fagen quipped, “We’re playing country fairs now, and it’s hard to tell these geriatric people apart from the animals sometimes.” RAVEN-SYMONE is tired of some people feeling they have a right to get into her personal Raven-Symone business, specifically what her sexual orientation (which no one chooses) may or may not be. “I’m living my personal life the way I’m happiest,” the actress/singer said. “I’m not one in my 25-year career to discuss who I’m dating and I will not start now. My sexual orientation is mine and the person I’m dating to know.” People have been wondering what the nature of D’Angelo’s “medical emergency” was that has caused the singer to cancel concerts in New York, Maryland, Chicago, San Diego and Minneapolis. Hope he recovers fully and quickly. Political Notes: Among other things, the results of DeD’Angelo troit’s primary election proved that the status quo has got to go! Just as a country that is about 80 percent White elected a Black president because the majority believed he was the best man for the job, so it was when an 85 percent Black city made a White candidate the top vote getter because the majority feel he is the right man at the right time. Never mind race. I respect and like Benny Napoleon, but I voted for Mike Duggan and will again in November. There will be a lot of race card-playing Black people running off at the mouth between now and then, but I believe that what

See Reflections Page D-3

is vocal ability and stage presence impressed relatives who felt that he could develop into a professional. However, they realized that he needed to be in a larger city, one more conducive to launching a show business career. The family moved to Atlanta.

local group called the NuBeginnings. It was believed by the group’s management that success was more likely to happen if there was emphasis on Usher. For that reason their album, which had very limited distribution, was titled “NuBeginnings Featuring Usher Raymond IV. “CONFESSIONS,” a 2004 release, is the biggest album of Usher’s career thus far. Featuring four No. 1 hits — “Yeah,” “Burn,” “Confessions Part II” and “My Boo” — the album was certified Diamond by the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) for reaching the 10 million sales mark, which few albums do. On a worldwide scale, Usher has sold over 65 million records and he has taken home eight Grammy Awards. Although he was born in Dallas, Texas, Usher spent the majority of his childhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Like so many Black singers he got his earliest experience singing in church. His vocal ability and stage presence impressed relatives who felt that he could develop into a professional. However, they realized that he needed to be in a larger city, one more conducive to launching a show business career. The family moved to Atlanta. Usher was only 11 when he joined a

AFTER LEAVING the group, Usher landed a spot on the popular TV talent show “Star Search.” This national exposure could only be a good thing.

See USHER Page D-3

lifestyle

PLAY

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Summer fun for every one on BLISS Saturdays at Belle Isle

Aug. 14-20, 2013

STAR CHART Leo Season (July 23 – August 22) Symbol: The Lion Ruling Planet: The Sun – center of our universe Element: Fire – passionate, dynamic, active Quality: Fixed Mission: Hunting for a Lion Queen Famous Leos: President Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Usain Bolt, Michael Ealy and Halle Berry Leo Your energy level and your self-confidence are high now. You are full of enterprise and may chaff at the bit if you cannot do enough, if your present position doesn’t give you enough scope, or if your superiors do not allow you to take initiative and advance as you want to. Love probability: 77% Lucky Numbers: 37, 33, 17, 28, 1, 21

The Belle Isle Conservancy, in partnership with the Detroit Recreation Department, is launching a new program, Belle Isle Summer Saturdays (BLISS), to bring new energy to one of metro Detroit’s most popular parks.

offers on Saturdays, visitors will have opportunities to attend yoga classes, enjoy tours of the island, rent kayaks and bikes, purchase goodies from food trucks, and much more.

BLISS will take place on Saturday, August 17, and Saturday, September 21, from 10 am to 5 pm on Belle Isle.

Ride down the giant slide for $1 per ride or $5 per six rides; rent a bike for two hours for $15; go kayaking all day for $50$60; get football training for $15; enjoy what one

In addition to enjoying all that Belle Isle already

Pricing varies depending on the activity:

Virgo You will want to participate in any pleasurable activities with your friends this week. An exceptional night out on the town would be perfect for you just now. Love probability: 8% Lucky Numbers: 10, 12, of the many food trucks 16, 31, 6, 45 with affordable menu options has to offer.

Libra Wow, what a great time to allow your creativity to take the reigns! Don’t be afraid to explore your wilder avenues of thought and you may find they will bring you unexpected rewards. For more information, Love probability: 86% visit the BLISS website at http://www.belleislecon- Lucky Numbers: 35, 18, 44, 42, 39, 5 servancy.org. Attendees should visit the information tent, located at the Belle Isle Aquarium, for brochures, maps and full details. Organizations and businesses looking to participate, contact Tatiana Grant at (248) 514-9620 or tgrant@ infusedpr.com.

Michigan single game and student ticket changes

Page D-2

Scorpio Allow yourself to indulge

in a little irresponsible frolic and you’ll discover you’re spirit is as free and energetic as it ever was. Love probability: 69% Lucky Numbers: 12, 31, 2, 29, 37, 9 Sagittarius You are fascinated by the mysterious now. Unsolved or puzzling problems and the hidden or behind-the-scenes aspects of a situation interest you most, and you delve and probe until you discover the truth. Love probability: 72% Lucky Numbers: 38, 8, 2, 44, 10, 47 Capricorn Your desire for leadership, personal recognition for your efforts, and absolute control over your own affairs is very strong now. Love probability: 100% Lucky Numbers: 27, 10, 18, 16, 35, 17 Aquarius Have faith in yourself and those around you. Stability and permanence satisfy a deep emotional need. Envision what you need and it will appear for you right on time. Love probability: 91% Lucky Numbers: 46, 29, 34, 48, 3, 1 Pisces If you want something big, start out asking for something small and work your way up to it. It’s easy to connect and build your goals if you do it incrementally, one step at a time. Love probability: 50% Lucky Numbers: 14, 47, 35, 4, 17, 46

Aries Direct your restless mind into new channels. Golfing, model-making, knitting, or study courses will aid in keeping from fretting about insignificant worries. An emotional bond may be formed between yourself and a sibling or neighbor. Love probability: 64% Lucky Numbers: 28, 19, 8, 46, 38, 32 Taurus This is an excellent time to have company or to give a party at your home. You are feeling hospitable, loving, and need to share comfort and affection with close friends and family. Love probability: 34% Lucky Numbers: 27, 42, 43, 13, 25, 20 Gemini Now is a time of culmination, where matters come to a head. Old stagnant conditions involving personal projects, a family member, or a parent will be finalized. Love probability: 86% Lucky Numbers: 39, 26, 48, 1, 16, 3 Cancer Your imagination is triggered by some exotic, unusual, fantastic, or idealistic vision that is sweeping through your age group like a wave. The exact nature of this inspiration is difficult to predict and can be anything from a new style of music or a movie that grips your imagination, to a spiritual or religious revival of some sort. Love probability: 3% Lucky Numbers: 13, 42, 49, 35, 26, 7

August 14 crossword theme: Back to school DOWN 1. Dagger handle 2. Flu symptom 3. Pro ____ 4. Period 5. Large upright stone 6. Young salmon 7. *Pencil type 8. Bone hollow 9. Highlands hillside 10. It’s often denoted in red 11. Half of binary code 12. Used for styling 15. Trickery 20. 0 and 2, e.g. 22. “C’___ la vie!” 24. Pine, e.g.

By Nick Hopson For years Michigan has had one of the biggest and loudest student sections in the nation. Recently, there has been a seating policy change that may dull the roar. Students no longer have an assigned seat. The section is now general admission meaning seats will be on a first come first serve basis. Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon made this change in order to entice the students to show up earlier. As a student season ticket holder, I have noticed the patchy attendance. There always seemed to be empty seats at the top of the student section. The section was based on seniority so these seats were the ones reserved for the freshman. These absences were most noticeable when Michigan played a weak opponent. Several students have shown disgust on social networks about the policy change. Other students have taken it farther saying that they will not be buying tickets due to the policy change. However, it is very possible that these could be false threats. The students’ anger comes from the

lack of a guaranteed seat. The section is imagined as some type of free for all wrestling match for an inch of space. Forget about having to go to the bathroom. The policy also seems to have cheated the seniors out of their rights to the lower bowl seats. They no longer have the seniority advantage and will have to show up early like everyone else. I would have preferred a different system. I don’t think it is right for freshmen to get the lower seats just because they showed up the earliest. I would prefer not having to wait in line for five hours for a three hour game. The question is will this policy actually prove effective. For instance, freshman used to not show up due to their bad seats. Now when students show up past a certain time they will be given these presumed bad seats. These students who don’t show up on time may feel the same as the freshman and not show up at all. It is important to note that alumni are a huge part of the program. They keep it alive with their attendance and their donations. If current students

25. *Calcium common name

are upset then it is less likely that they will continue to contribute to the program after they graduate. It is still very possible that it has no impact due to the massive support of the team.

26. Humorous slang for “Paris” 27. Set straight 29. Famous valley inside” in text message

31. This king was a merry old soul

44. Officially allowed

32. Treasure collection

46. Way, way off

33. Perform in

47. Diabolical

34. *Not to be left behind

9. Cyberspace soliloquy

48. Doghouse

36. Custard dessert

13. Yawning

50. Cupid’s counterpart

38. Capone’s mark

14. Barley bristle

52. “The ___” by The Doors

42. Enophile’s sensory concern

53. Swerve

45. Funny business

16. Japanese bed

55. Bovine sound

49. Actor DiCaprio

17. Decompose

57. *Junior’s ruler?

51. Goal-oriented activity

18. *Found in art class

60. *Required substance

19. *Pedagogue

64. Editor’s mark

54. Inspiration for poets and musicians

Michigan is also shifting its single game tickets to a dynamic price model. Instead of having a fixed price for each game, the prices will change based on a few factors. Dynamic pricing uses a computer that makes adjustments based on team performance, visiting team’s performance, weather and the number of remaining tickets.

ACROSS

This will lead to higher prices for many of the critical games in the season. The lowest dynamic price for the Notre Dame and Ohio State games is currently $195. In contrast, the game against Central Michigan is valued at $70. The dynamic ticket prices will not go below the season ticket values of $65. If you plan on buying single game tickets for this season, I recommend that you do it as soon as possible. This dynamic price model is sure to drive the price up the closer we get to the game.

sulfate’s

1. Group of wives 6. *Requires parental involvement

15. It’s controversial in fight against crime

21. *Energy outlet 23. Magic’s infection 24. It often holds 24 25. Tax pro 28. First female Attorney General 30. Breath freshener

insertion

56. Eyes

65. Tarzan’s mom, e.g.

57. All there

67. Papal court

58. Units of work

68. Like a video game bird

59. Infamous Roman Emperor

69. *Sophomore’s grade 70. *Class action to find president

60. Blowhole 61. Wraths

71. 100 centavos

62. Not naughty

37. Grannies

72. Baseball Giant and hall-of-famer

63. Beanery sign

39. Top of Lady Liberty

73. “The Sun Also _____”

66. *Teacher’s apple-giver

35. Two quarters

40. Seed covering 41. Virgo’s brightest star 43.

“Laughing

the

64. Upper limit

entertainment

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

August 14-20, 2013 Page D-3

George Duke

Remembering George Duke George Duke, who made his transition on Monday, Aug. 5, was a man of many talents — keyboardist, composer, producer, singer and more. He was also flexible, able to switch from jazz to R&B and back again with the greatest of ease. Duke, who was born in San Rafael, California, on Jan. 12, 1946, first came to the public’s attention in 1969 by way of an album titled “The JeanLuc Ponty Experience With The George Duke Trio.” After that, he began recording as the main attraction and had more than two dozen albums to his credit. Getting into music as a participant started at an early age for Duke. He was only 4 years old when he

saw the legendary Duke Ellington perform. “I don’t remember it too well, but my mother told me I went crazy,” said Duke. “I ran around saying, ‘Get me a piano, get me a piano!’” Although he worked with many jazz greats, including Cannonball Adderley, Don Ellis and Miles Davis, Duke also had a penchant for funky R&B and had two national Top 10 R&B hits in the late ’70s, “Reach For It” and “Dukey Stick.” However, “Sweet Baby,” another Top 10 smash and a collaboration with bassist Stanley Clarke, was something altogether different — sweet soul. He also produced Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson and Natalie Cole, among others, as

well as guested with Jill Scott on her third album, “The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3.” In addition, he served as musical director for numerous large-scale events, including the Nelson Mandela tribute concert that took place in 1988 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Duke also wasn’t afraid to walk on the wild, experimental rock side, having worked extensively early on with Frank Zappa and his group, the Mothers of Invention. George Duke’s albums include “The Aura Will Prevail,” “Liberated Fantasies,” “From Me to You,” “Reach For It,” “Clark/ Duke Project,” “Rendezvous,” “Cool,” “Brazilian Love Affair” and, most recently, “Dreamweaver.”

Summer breeze Detroit’s own Freda Payne recently wowed the crowd for two nights at Hollywood’s Catalina Bar & Grill. Alan Mercer, the photographer who took this picture, said, “Freda Payne’s latest performance at Catalina was awe inspiring. She sang her heart and soul out for almost two hours.” — Larry Buford

Usher

From page D-1

As fate would have it, an A&R (artists and repertoire) representative from LaFace Records, started by Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, was watching. The A&R rep, Edmonds and Reed saw Usher’s potential and signed him. His debut album, “Usher,” with some cuts produced by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, released in 1994, was successful and the follow-up, “My Way,” even more so. The latter featured two national No. 1 hits, “You Make Me Wanna…” and “Nice & Slow.” Usher began to soar when his third album, “8701,” was released. Anticipation was high and sales did not disappoint, resulting in the album earning quadruple Platinum certification for reaching four million in sales. Two singles from that album climbed to No. 1, “U Remind Me” and “U Got It Bad.” THEN CAME the phenomenal “Confessions.” The leadoff single “Yeah!” skyrocketed to No. 1, remaining in that position for eight weeks on the national R&B charts and 12 weeks on the Pop charts. It immediately became a

was recruited for a lead role in the legendary stage musical “Chicago.” In it he portrayed the shyster lawyer Billy Flynn, adding his own touch to the character. With Usher in the cast, there was a noticeable increase in activity at the box office.

dance floor/party classic. Two additional singles, “Burn” and “Confessions Part II,” also reached the apex. His subsequent al bums were “Here I Stand,” “Raymond v. Raymond,” “Versus” and “Looking 4 Myself,” each a solid success. Usher was a judge on NBC’s “The Voice” in season four, as a replacement for Cee Lo Green who would be returning for season five. Films Usher has been featured in include “The Faculty” (1998), “She’s All That” (1999) and “Light It Up,” and he has done a substantial amount of television work as well. ONE OF Usher’s greatest achievements took place in 2006 when he

Reflections will most benefit the city at the crucial juncture will ultimately prevail.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that the twist, one of the most famous dances of all time, was created in Detroit by Hank Ballard & the Midnighters (actually it was just the Midnighters). They were successful with their recording of “The Twist,” but then Chubby Checker released his version and the song became iconic. But because Ballard wrote the song, he made a lot of

money too. MEMORIES: “Get Down Tonight” (KC & the Sunshine Band), “Boogie Fever” (the Sylvers), “Careless Whisper” (Wham! featuring George Michael), “Shake You Down” (Gregory Abbott), “Didn’I (Blow Your Mind This Time)?” (the Delfonics), “Man in the Mirror” (Michael Jackson), “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” (Deniece Williams), “On My Own” (Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald), “Disco Lady” (Johnnie Taylor), “I Can’t Get Next

“A

MOVING AND POWERFUL FILM.

FOREST WHITAKER IS MESMERIZING. OPRAH WINFREY GIVES A BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE.” Chris Nashawaty

one quiet voice can ignite a revolution

But Usher’s personal life has not been without its share of adversity, most notably his widely publicized marriage to and divorce from Tameka Foster. They were married in 2007, her being seven years his senior, a point of contention for a lot of female fans. The fact that it was his personal business seemed to not matter. Their custody battle was particularly ugly, with the judge ultimately awarding Usher custody. Foster insisted this decision was largely due to Usher having fame, wealth and a certain connection. Usher will turn 35 in October and can look back on a career that has been remarkably successful. The next phase will continue the success, with some surprises.

From page D-1 to You” (the Temptations). BLESSINGS to Linsey Porter, Yvonne Gullick, Henry White, Bess White, Donna Davis, Anthony Moreland, Marie Teasley, Ron Teasley, Eric Merchant and Andrew Strong. WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Whoopi Goldberg: “Normal is in the eye of the beholder.” Let the music play! (Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol. com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.)

ONE qUIET vOICE CAN IGNITE A R EvOLUTION

forest whitaker oprah winfrey john cusack jane fonda cuba gooding, jr. terrence howard lenny kravitz james marsden david oyelowo vanessa redgrave alan rickman liev schreiber robin williams clarence williams iii

inspired by a true story

STARTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

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qObituariesq

Leo H. Snoddy

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NOTICE OF HEARINGS REGARDING MATTERS TO COME

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

REQUEST FOR BID The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) has issued a Request for Quotes for professional employment organization services. Sealed proposals are accepted by: SEMCOG Attention: Scott Failla 1001 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1400 Detroit, MI 48226 All proposals are due by August 22, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. RFQ specifications are available at SEMCOG offices during normal business hours, on SEMCOG’s Web site at www.semcog.org/RTA.aspx, or by calling Information Services at (313) 961-4266. SEMCOG adheres to all DBE guidelines. WCAA Detroit Metro Airport RSVP Procurement by 8/16/13 Purchasing.questions@wcaa.us or 734-247-7900 Solicitation info available at: www.mitn.info Outreach Forum McNamara Food & Beverage Conc. Opp. Overview Detroit Metro Airport Marriott 8/20/13 9 AM-12:30 PM

Harry Charles Howard Harry Charles Howard, 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at his home in Detroit.

INVITATION TO BID The Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) is requesting proposals on behalf of the Building Services Department for: RESA Education Center Roof Restoration - RFP#13-004-157 All bid documents will be available on August 12, 2013 on the RESA website at www. resa.net for further information call Richard Crosby, Building Manager (734-334-1613)

Mr. Howard, the youngest of the four children of Samuel and Eula Howard, was born on June 7, 1933. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for 35 years. He was recognized for being a wise, loving, suave gentleman. He was a jazz aficionado, collected coins, loved playing games of chance and was an ardent reader who particularly enjoyed reading autobiographies. In addition, he was a competitive team bowler and loved watching college and pro-sports games.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Mr. Howard is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Vanetta (Hilmon) Howard, of Memphis, Tennessee; his children of whom he was very proud, son, Harry Anthony Howard, and daughter, Rachel B. Howard; daughter-in-law, Denise Howard; grandson, Stefan Howard; great-grandson, Amir Howard; and other family members. His memory is also being cherished by many friends. The family received friends at Fields Funeral Home in Detroit on Saturday, August 3.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

before the City Council of Detroit. Advertisements for bids and contracts for purchases by the City of Detroit appear daily in the Detroit Legal News. Copies are available at the City County Bldg. and at 2001 W. Lafayette, Detroit.

Leo H. Snoddy, of Troy, Michigan, died on Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, at the age of 81. Mr. Snoddy leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Wilma Jean Hawley Snoddy; children, Anthony (Shawn) Snoddy, Karen (Rev. Eric) Walker, Norma (James) Nixon, Neva Martin, and Marshilia Snoddy. Grandchildren, Shonda Snoddy-Walker, Carmen (Gregory) Harden, DeJuhn Benion, Danan Benion, Jessica Martin, Justin Walker, Julian Walker, Joshua Martin, Gabriel Snoddy, and Grace Snoddy; great-grandson, Myles-Mackenzie Walker; brothers, George (Linda) Snoddy, James (Lois) Snoddy, and Vernon (Vickie) Snoddy; sister, Annie Yvonne Bradford; and a host of other family members and friends. The family hour took place on Thursday Aug. 8, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 512 Pearsall Ave., with funeral services commencing immediately after at 11 a.m. Pastor Terrance J. Gowdy officiated. Mr. Snoddy was laid to rest at Interment White Chapel Cemetery, 621 W. Long Lake Rd.

Institute for Population Health, Inc. (IPH)

Attn: Companies or Agencies Experienced in Providing Women Infant and Children Services (WIC) Institute for Population Health, Inc. (IPH) is seeking companies or agencies that will provide WIC services at their locations. Copies of the Request for Qualifications is available. Interested companies should e-mail their interest to the following e-mail address: LMathews@ipophealth.org. In the subject box, state: Request for Qualifications for WIC. The proposal will be e-mailed to you.

Those who wish to make a memorial donation may do so in Harry Charles Howard’s name. It should be mailed to Color of Joy Foundation, 47887 Michigan Ave., Box 123, Canton, MI 48188. The family would also like to thank the ALS of Michgan Chapter for their support and guidance, and everyone for the kindness shown during this time of need. “To live…exploring life and love; making friends and enjoying nature’s endless beauty; embracing all that life can give.” — Ash Sweeney

Sealed bids are due on August 21, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. Bids will be opened on August 22, 2013 at the Institute for Population Health, (IPH) at 10:00 am at 1151 Taylor, Room 346-C, Detroit, Michigan 48202.

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Institute for Population Health, Inc. (IPH)

Attn: Companies or Agencies Experienced in Providing Family Planning Services Institute for Population Health, Inc. (IPH) is seeking a companies or agencies that will provide Family Planning services at their locations. Copies of the Request for Qualifications is available. Interested companies should e-mail their interest to the following e-mail address: LMathews@ipophealth.org. In the subject box, state: Request for Qualifications for Family Planning. The proposal will be e-mailed to you. Sealed bids are due on August 21, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. Bids will be opened on August 22, 2013 at the Institute for Population Health, (IPH) at 10:00 am at 1151 Taylor, Room 346-C, Detroit, Michigan 48202.

HELP WANTED Seeking

FINANCIAL ANALYST at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Budget & Financial Planning Department

This position will coordinate the collection and data reporting for the university’s cost reporting into the Higher Education Index of Data Inventory (HEIDI). Coordinate the university’s general and non-general fund budget monitoring process and provide updates. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or Finance or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years accounting and/ or budgeting experience. Knowledge of Access and Excel. Salary is up to the mid $50s annually. Refer to online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by August 23, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu NOW HIRING! TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS. JOIN CRST’s brand new training school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Relocation assistance provided. Call: 866-486-7582; email: mknoot@crst.com Seeking

ASSISTANT DEAN for ARTS & SCIENCES at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY Responsible budgetary oversight for the entire College of Arts and Sciences, including monitoring of education, academic departmental, and the dean’s budgets. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree and two years’ experience in fund accounting including monitoring, budgeting and forecasting. Experience in supervising the processing of payroll, payables, receivables and purchasing within unit environment. Proficiency in use of spreadsheets and database software to support the budget function. Salary is up to the low $70s, commensurate with experience. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by August 19, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu. Seeking

CITY OF DETROIT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DAVE BING, MAYOR ROBERT A. ANDERSON, DIRECTOR NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DRAFT 2012-2013 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) The CAPER describes the expenditures for projects implemented or completed between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) programs. The report also discusses housing and community development goal and objective attainment as outlined in the Consolidated Plan strategy and Action Plans. The CAPER is submitted to HUD annually. The Planning and Development Department will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft 2012-2013 Consolidated Annual Performance And Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER public hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2013, in the offices of the Planning and Development Department from 1 PM to 3 PM at the address shown below. During the public hearing, the CAPER will be described and citizens will be given the opportunity to comment on the report and the City’s performance in carrying out the Consolidated Plan Goals. The Draft CAPER will be available for public review in the offices of the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department from August 14 to September 20, 2013 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday thru Friday (see address below).

Planning and Development Department Grants Management Section Mr. Warren Duncan 1200 Cadillac Tower 65 Cadillac Square Detroit, Michigan 48226 Telephone: (313) 224-6380 Citizens are invited to comment on the Draft CAPER anytime during the review period--in person, by phone, or at the public hearing. Citizen comments will be summarized and included in the CAPER. Notice of Non-Discrimination The City of Detroit does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, handicap, sex or sexual orientation. Complaints may be filed with the Human Rights Department of the City of Detroit, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Detroit, Michigan 48226.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANT at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Budget & Financial Planning Department

Provide support to the Office of Budget and Financial Planning. Minimum Qualifications: Associate’s degree in business or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years business or accounting experience. Knowledge of accounting procedures and methods, computer-based payroll and accounting systems and transactions and ability to compose routine correspondence. Advanced word processing and spreadsheet skills. Ability to effectively interact with the public, students, faculty, and staff. Salary is up to the low $40’s annually. Refer to online posting for additional requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by August 23, 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu Seeking

NURSE PRACTITIONER (PART-TIME) at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

OU – Counseling Center

Under the direction of Center director, provides medical care, disease prevention, health maintenance and health teaching to OU students and staff within the scope of practice of a nurse practitioner. Prescribe medication, treatments and diagnostic studies in consult with and under the delegated authority of contracted physicians. Minimum qualifications require Master’s Degree in Nursing or equivalent combination of education and/or experience, certification as an Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner, State of MI licensure with specialty certification and two years experience.. This is a part-time position working 32 hours per week with a salary of $36.82 per hour. Refer to online posting for additional qualifications and requirements. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu.

Page D-4

HELP WANTED Control Engineers General Motors seeks Control Engineers/Pontiac, MI to develop and implement control algorithms used in Automotive Fuel Cell Systems (FCS); design and develop control system concepts for fuel cell systems (FCS) and the related components; design and develop feedback control algorithms for fuel cell based power systems including water management, stoichiometry, pressure and thermal control, among other duties. Min. MSME or related. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #4266114, 300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482-C32-D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000 Global Market Research Project Manager General Motors Co. seeks a Global Market Research Project Manager for its Warren, MI facility, responsible for providing global vehicle teams, design, marketing and product development leadership with consumer input and market analysis across key regions and markets; consult with internal clients to assist them in defining market research needs and developing appropriate research methodology for specific global markets; among other duties. Min. BS & 5 yrs. exp. or MS & 2 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. # 4250897, 300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482C32-D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000

Design Release Engineer General Motors Co. seeks a Design Release Engineer for its Warren, MI facility, to design and release wiring harnesses and cables for high voltage batteries for hybrid vehicles using Unigraphics NX 7.5 for electrical routing for wiring harnesses and cables; design and release schematics for wiring harnesses and cables for high voltage batteries for hybrid vehicles using IVED 9.0 DA 7.9.2 application to create and release schematics; support 2016 model year hybrid and electrical vehicle programs; among other duties. Min. BS & 5 yrs. exp. or MS & 2 yrs. exp. Please send resumes to: GM Co., Resume Processing, Ref. #4253588, 300 Renaissance Center, Mail Code 482-C32-D46, Detroit, MI 48265-3000

STATE ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER 15 Chief of Southern Field Operations The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division is seeking to hire a Chief of Southern Field Operations responsible for assisting the Parks and Recreation Division Chief in the administration and supervision of the Southern field operations for the Parks and Recreation Division. This position is also responsible for management and operations of southern Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, trails, boating facilities and partnerships. Please visit the State of Michigan Civil Service website at www.michigan.gov/ mdcs and click on “State Jobs”. Select the State Administrative Manager 15 position within Natural Resources. In order to be considered for this position you must follow the directions on the Civil Service website and submit required information and college transcripts as noted. Seeking

SEHS COORDINATOR SCHOOL AND FIELD SERVICES at OAKLAND UNIVERSITY SEHS Student Teacher Placement Department

This position will set up and manage the early field placements in public schools for undergraduate and graduate education students while they are completing their professional coursework. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Education. Five years’ experience in teaching and/or supervision. Salary is up to the mid $50s annually. Refer to online posting for additional position requirements. First consideration will be given to those who apply by August 21 2013. Must apply on line for this position to: https://jobs.oakland.edu

STAFF ENGINEER IN SALINE, MI Orion Systems, Inc. Has an available position of Staff Engineer in Saline, MI. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science or Computer Engineering & 60 months experience as a Software Engineer. Position also requires: 1) Successful completion of course in Risk Management; & 2) Experience must include: a) Exp. using relational databases ORACLE & MS SQL; b) Exp. testing Web Services using XML & JAVA languages; & c) Exp. using Agile development methodology. Any exp. reqs. may be met concurrently during the same time period. Job duties: Manage & test complex safety critical software projects for medical applications. Using principles of Risk Management review, approve, & provide feedback on technical baselines for software requirements. Design, code, & test software applications using JAVA, MS SQL, ORACLE, XML, & Agile. Mentor & provide technical training for project engineers to stay current with emerging technologies. Research & recommend automated test tools for software unit, integration, & user interface testing. Gather & analyze project metrics & provide recommendations to improve individual productivity. Provide technical sales support.

Interested candidates should send resume & verification of requirements to: Patricia A. Warner VP Legal Affairs Orion Systems, Inc., 1705 Woodland Drive East Suite 100 Saline, MI 48176.

praiseconnect.com

August 14-20, 2013 Page D-5

THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE

Love abounds for Bishop Greg Davis and Ms. Catina Vaughn Finding love again is one of life’s greatest blessings. The family and friends of Bishop Greg Davis and Minister Catina Vaughn witnessed this great blessing on recently as they shared in the beautiful wedding ceremony joining their lives together as husband and wife in the beautiful city of Miami. Hosted on the rooftop of one of Miami’s most celebrated hotels in South Beach, the couple pledged their love for each other surrounded by an ocean view and a crimson sunset as a breathtaking backdrop. When asked to speak on the joy about getting another chance in love, Davis said, “I’m so excited that at this time in my life, God has sent me a beautiful woman, not just on the outside but also on the inside. She is smart, witty and talented and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her.” Lady Catina said, “He is my answered prayer. He is the love of my life. I am grateful to God that I have the honor of sharing my life with this man of God.” The couple was joined by an intimate group of close friends, including Pastor Jamal Bryant, Bishop Larry D. Trotter, Dr. Taketa Williams, Apostle Roderick Williams and Pastors Clarence and Robin Langston. Prophet Luther McKinstry served as the best man and Mrs. Traci Ferguson served as matron of honor. The bride’s parents, Pastors Troy and

Ella Vaughn, gave her away while Davis’ longtime friend, Bishop Carlos Malone of Miami, served as the officiant. Davis is well respected as a preacher, prophet and prophetic intercessor. He has dedicated his life to teaching others how powerful their relationship with Christ really is if they just tap into their divine connection. Known for his “Let the Healing Begin” crusades, conferences and recordings, he has established himself as a trailblazer in ministry. He masterfully utilizes social media and television as his pulpit. He can be found hosting behind -the-scenes experiences as well as serving as the main host for some of the gospel industy’s largest events. Lady Catina is a powerful worshipper who developed her musical gifts at a young age. As she grew in ministry, she has been elevated throughout the years and served in various executive level ministry positions, including co-pastor, general overseer and lead musician. Understanding her mandate, she vows to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all men, allowing them to know that God’s love surpasses any addiction, aliment, struggle or level of oppressed state. Her life in God is positioned strategically to allow His glory to be revealed through her walk and service to Him. As this couple begins life anew, they will continue to build and grow their ministry endeavors. Lady Catina, will continue to serve as CEO of Catina Vaughn Ministries where she will continue to travel the world preaching, teaching and empowering others to live their best lives. Major business endeav-

Beulah First Missionary Baptist Church celebrates a century

Where do you go when you need comfort, when you need to feel renewed? When the world gets you down, where do you seek relief? That place could be home, Grandma’s house, or to see a friend. But how about going to a place where you can find all these things? For many, Beulah First Missionary Baptist Church, located on Detroit’s east side, has been that place. Beulah First Missionary Baptist church, formerly, Beulah First Baptist, has provided the citizens of Detroit a haven from the woes of the world. Opening its doors in August of 1913, under the leadership of Rev. David Jones, Beulah has been in operation for 100 years. Originally located in historic Paradise Valley on Watson Street near the equally historical Hastings Street, it has moved several times since. Beulah has moved from Erskine Street, also near Hastings, to Elliot and Rivard under the supervision of Rev. Charles Butler. After the ordination of a third pastor, Rev. Sam Robinson, the church moved to Russell and Illinois and later to Riopelle and Illinois. In 1930 Rev. Fred Williams became the fourth pastor of Beulah and moved the church to 946. E. Willis. At the Willis location and under the direction of Rev. Williams the membership grew to 75. Rev. Williams served until his death in 1960. Later that year the church moved, yet again, to 3901 Moran and in 1961 Rev. James Wray became the fifth pastor of Beulah. After seven years as pastor, Rev. Wray died. In 1969 Rev. Robert L. Ware became the sixth pastor of Beulah. That same year the church’s name was changed from Beulah First Baptist to Beulah First Missionary Baptist. In 2010 Pastor Robert L. Ware passed away, and in 2011 the current pastor, Rev. Rubin H. Benjamin was elected and installed in the spring of 2012. Today, Beulah First Missionary Baptist Church is located on 4643 Moran, in Detroit. Although the history of Beu-

lah is told differently across the age spectrum, with many of the younger members not knowing the long history, the value of the institution is apparent across the membership spectrum. Beulah is essentially a “beacon light” to the community, where the word beacon is synonymous with hope, drawing nearer the community and renewing hope in the people for 100 years. Although Beulah’s greatest influence is in its local community, Beulah has, in its desire to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, developed a food program that feeds citizens living in Detroit’s Cass Corridor. This program has been expanded by a larger initiative started by Pastor Rubin H. Benjamin called “Feed My Sheep” which has fed thousands of needy families over the past 20 years. Beulah also has had two missionaries living in Ethiopia, holds an annual backto-school fair, financial aid seminar and a summer Bible study program. Years ago when Pastor Robert L. Ware was asked what his greatest wish for the church was, he stated, with great sincerity and wisdom, “To see Beulah’s influence be worldwide.” Pastor Ware was the longest serving pastor in Beulah’s 100-year history serving for 42 years. Today Pastor Rubin H. Benjamin is leading the flock at Beulah, bringing with him a new and exciting vision for the members of Beulah First Missionary Baptist Church — to be First in Compassion, First in Love, and First in Forgiveness.

Davis has been a TV host on major networks and is currently the host of “Good News with Greg Davis” on the Impact network. He also is the bishop of events and planning for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, of which he serves on the Bishops Council. He has served in various leadership capacities within for more than 20 years. He will continue to build his marketing and en-

Five

tertainment company, Groundbreaking Productions and Entertainment, which has partnered with projects for Verizon, Liquid Soul Media and major faithbased organizations like the Church of God in Christ and New Light Church International to impact the marketplace. This occasion is being celebrated by their children who are excited for their parents. They will make Detroit their home where they are also praying about their next assignment in the pastorate.

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Two Locations to Service You: Stinson Chapel 16540 Meyers (313) 863-7300 Stinson-Diggs Chapel 1939 S. Fort St. (313) 386-8200 www.stinsonfuneralhomes.com

ARETHA

PA C BE AN STO ONC THE IT W THER AUG D TH R SH ERT W WA A E A US E IRL IT S C S T T N T 2 CLA EY H AN HE EW 5TH RK CAE CE PIN B LL E K ET IS S SISTE SAR ED N HE TIL R ...N OB L B L O S OT /DT AP N. TH E C TIS .. PRESENTS E G ON T C OS CE HU PE RT RC L C TH H. ON AT CE RT

“THE BATTLE AT(Come NEW BETHEL” and get your blessing!) Sunday, August 25, 2013 Doors open at 5 PM Program 6 PM

You are invited to come join in celebrating 100 years of service to the Detroit community: Sunday, Aug. 18, at 8:00 a.m. Beulah On Parade: They will march from the corner of Moran and Leland, their last address, to Moran and Garfield, the current address, remembering God’s favor. Sunday 08/18/13 at 3:00 p.m.: Church anniversary celebration service with guest, Midway Baptist Church of Detroit where Rev. Richard White Sr. is pastor.

Church seeks new pastor

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1) New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Highland Park, established in 1952, is seeking a spirit-filled candidate, called of God, to fill the position of full-time pastor and to serve as the spiritual leader of its congregation. New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church is in need of a pastor who will be responsible to God and the church, will proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach the Bible, provide Christian leadership in all areas of the church, and engage in pastoral care of the congregation. Also, the pastor is to be responsible for the overall leadership of the day-today operations of the church, services, membership and promoting the spiritual interests and growth of the church. The minimum qualifications for the new pastoral position are as follows: Bachelor’s degree consisting of a strong concentration in Theology/Biblical Studies. Must be ordained. Five years of pastoral experience. All interested and qualified persons must submit an initial candidate package consisting of copies of the following information: A New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church application which can be found on the Michigan Chronicle Praise Connect website, praiseconnect. com.

ors are on the horizon for this woman of God.

A current résumé which includes a summary of relevant ministry, professional, and educational experience. Copy of ministerial license and ordination certificate

Copy of degree(s)

Four recommendation letters (at least two clergy) Please submit the initial candidate package by mail to:

Pastor Shirley Caesar The Clark Sisters Dorinda, Jackie, Karen and Twinkie.

J.J. Hairston of Chicago, IL and Youthful Praise

Others to be announced

New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church

Pastoral Search Team

13100 Woodward Ave.

Highland Park, MI 48203

The deadline for all information to be postmarked or submitted is September 30, 2013. Any candidate package postmarked after September 30, 2013, will not be considered. For additional information/questions, please contact the church office at (313) 869-0190 or via e-mail at www. newmtmoriah@sbcglobal.net. All information submitted will be treated as confidential. Additional information may be requested and/or required. Final candidates must consent to a reference check, criminal history background check, drug test and credit and financial history review.

Buffet: 5 PM – until — Featuring ReeRee’s Hot Water Cornbread, Baked Chicken and Dressing, Black Eye Peas with Okra, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Gumbo, Fried Fish, Mac and Cheese, Aretha’s Ox Tail Soup, Homemade Ice Cream, Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding.

Rev. Wendell Anthony Pastor of Fellowship Chapel

Rev. Robert Smith, Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church

Tanya Blount “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

Rev. Mother – Hostess

NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH 8430 C. L. FRANKLIN BLVD.

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Page D-6 • THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE • August 14-20, 2013

Salute to FirSt

Ladies

Congratulations 2013 Honorees Dr. Pastor Gladys L. Alexander - Tabernacle of Faith Donetta Banks - Heart of Jesus International Deliverance Church Lakisha Berry - Fellowship Institutional Church Emeritus Dianne Bogan - Harris Memorial Church of God in Christ Madame Doris Brooks - New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Patsy Brown - Wings of Truth Full Gospel Church Odetta Burr - Second New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Lora Butts - Power of Faith Ministries International Evangelist Angela Cadwell - Mt. Olive Baptist Church Emeritus Wanda Craig - Greater Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Jackie Cranford - Prayer Chapel Church of God in Christ Nida Donar - Central United Methodist Church Precious Ann Earley - Metropolitan Church of God Pamela Easley - Greater Future Missionary Baptist Church Claretha Elder - Harvest Temple Church of God in Christ Shanetta Evans - Open Door Church of God in Christ Dr. Lynda C. Evans, MBA - Soul Harvest Ministries Emeritus Pearlie Franklin - Healing Springs Baptist Church Taneia Giles - Greater St. Mark Baptist Church Lois Marie Harris - St. Paul Church of God In Christ Pearl Hill - Kingdom International Church of God in Christ Linda Mae Huff - Shekinah Tabernacle Gospel Church Valery Jackson - Cathedral of Faith Church Peggy James - Abundantly Blessed Ministries Tina Johnson - St. John Congregational Church Quanchesha Jones - Euphrates Missionary Baptist Church Brenda Jones - Fountain of Truth Church Odeen Jordan - Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church Robin Kinloch - Triumph Church Pastor Kelly Lane - Dunamis Outreach Ministries Evangelist Jackie Laster - Greater Pentecostal Temple in Detroit Monique D. Marks - First Community Baptist Church Joanne Matthews - Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Jodi Matthews - Peoples Community Baptist Church Viveca Merritt - Straight Gate Church Wanda Merriweather - St. Paul AME Zion Sherrie Mitchell - Greater Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Hattie B. Morgan - Faith Temple Baptist Church Donna Murphy - New Mt. Moriah Full Gospel Lisa Page-Brooks - Restoration Fellowship Church Jasmine Palmer-Gray - Shiloh Baptist Church Ilean Pierce - Beulah Baptist Church Pastor Georgan Redmond - True Rock Church Willanna Robertson - Greater Missionary Baptist Church Michelle Robinson - Ypsilanti Community Church Linda Sue Smith - Shiloh Chapel Church of God in Christ Cynthia Y. Thomas - Faith Tabernacle Church Denise Turman - Second Baptist Church Darlene Walker - Glory & Praise Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Rochelle Weathers - Logos Church Lady J Wilson - Community Christian Fellowship Evangelist Elaine P. Wright - Loving Restoration Ministries

GOD’S WORLD “If It Is Gospel You Need, It’s At God’s World!”

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