Michigan Chronicle Vol. 88 - No. 25

Dr. Ossian Sweet

fees and gave the case to Clarence Darrow, a white Irish lawyer who had worked with the organization before. He was facing an uphill battle, to say the least. Not only was he combating the white supremacist system of a majority white midwestern city, but he would also be trying to convince an all-white jury that a group of negros were in the right to kill a white man. Darrow, however, had a simple yet genius strategy in mind.

Darrow argued the Castle Doctrine. A legal precedent that allowed an inhabitant to defend their home with lethal force. Sweet, as a man, had a God-given right to defend his house and those inhabiting it from outside threats. This defense not only presented Sweet as a man equal to a white man under the law, but it also used preexisting legal standards to bolster Sweet’s right to use lethal force. The only thing left was to present the mob as a legitimate threat. Luckily for Darrow, the personal history of Dr. Sweet was more than enough to convey that point.

Sweet was originally from Florida. He knew firsthand what a white mob meant to the Black American. When brought to the

stand to testify, Sweet told the court about witnessing the result of a lynching at the age of 7. Despite being raised in the upper middle class, Sweet and his sibling were painfully aware of what it meant to be Black in this country. He told the jury about the terror he felt during the D.C race riots of 1919 while he was studying at Howard University. He even reminded the jury of the incident with Dr. Turner that had occurred only months before.

In a statement during his testimony, Dr. Sweet perfectly summarized his experience with racial violence by saying, “When I opened the door and saw the mob, I realized I was facing the same mob that had hounded my people throughout its entire history. In my mind, I was pretty confident of what I was up against, with my back against the wall. I was filled with a peculiar fear, the kind no one could feel unless they had known the history of our race. I knew what mobs had done to my people before.”

After hearing the arguments, the jury went in for deliberations. After 46 hours of discussion, their decision was indecision. The 12 angry men came out split 7-5. The majority of them agreed that Sweet and his family had done nothing wrong. Meanwhile,

Homelessness

edge of survival will naturally navigate a complex system for assistance is flawed. It ignores the daily struggle of homelessness— the exhaustion, the trauma, the constant barriers. People need help finding help. That is the city’s responsibility. Having resources, in theory, is one thing. Ensuring those resources reach the people who need them in time is something else entirely.

Detroit has warming centers open throughout the day. The Detroit Housing Network provides a hotline connecting people to emergency housing and other support services. Those needing help can call 866313-2520 until 6 p.m., but after that, the city says to call the local police precinct. This is where reality clashes with policy. By 6 p.m., the temperature is already dropping. Why isn’t there a more direct, accessible emergency response in place for people experiencing homelessness after hours? And why do so many families still fall through the cracks?

“Detroit poverty helped those children freeze to death. If we can patrol streets in freezing weather ticketing cars we can patrol parking lots asking people if they need help,” said Detroit City Council Member At-Large Mary Waters. “We helped develop and get funds specifically for the Ca’Mya Davis Family Resource Center which is set up to provide crisis housing for families like those five children that apparently were living in a van parked at a damn casino. Of course I am angry. You ought to be angry and fight to address issues of poverty, homelessness, health challenges, school instability and not be so anxious to criminalize poverty. We must aggressively inform the poor, homeless and anyone in need of shelter that help is immediately available. Detroiters who are facing homelessness or housing insecurity can call the city of Detroit’s Ca’Mya Davis Housing Resource Help Line at 866-313-2520. The Ca’Mya Davis Family Resource Center is at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. The office’s home is named after Ca’Mya Davis, an eleven-month-old baby girl who tragically drowned in Detroit in 2018 when she fell through a hole in the floor of an abandoned house in which her mother sought shelter because she had no-

the other five would not be swayed in favor of a Black man standing up for himself.

One of the jurors later told a reporter, “A nigger has killed a white man and I’ll be burned in hell before I ever vote to acquit a nigger who has killed a white man.”

But instead of sending the jury back in for further deliberation, the judge called it a mistrial. The Sweets were free to go, and the good doctor was able to return to his castle. Prosecutors would try to nail the Sweets again by trying them one by one, but when Dr. Sweet’s brother Henry was acquitted in his trial, the State decided that going after them was more trouble than it was worth.

The story of Dr. Ossian Sweet isn’t simply one of violence or righteous anger but of a man’s humanity being put on trial. The right to self-defense and the defense of your loved ones is a law of nature. Even a dog is allowed to bark and bite at a man if it feels cornered. How much more does a Black man deserve to protect his life and his family?

It’s because of Sweet’s boldness and those like him that Detroit is the Black mecca that it is today. A boldness that caused them to execute their rights without waiting for the permission of the status quo. So, when remembering Dr. Sweet 100

navigate an overwhelmed system with a critical shortage of beds.

where else to go. We have a sacred duty to protect our babies.”

“I’ve been doing this for 15 years and when I first began there was a network of churches where they would rotate and open their doors, especially during the wintertime,” said Gray. “They provided meals, and shelter, and they pitched in and helped out. We all must make sure that everyone in our community has basic amenities like housing. It is our duty.”

The mayor says the city will “dramatically expand” outreach visits to encampments and known gathering places for the unhoused. That’s a start, but this isn’t just about finding people— it’s about making sure they never reach the point of having to survive outdoors in the first place. Prevention requires real investment, not just reactionary measures after tragedy strikes.

Saunteel Jenkins, former CEO of The Heat and Warmth Foundation (THAW), worked directly with individuals facing energy insecurity through the organization and has seen firsthand the challenges of securing stable housing for those in recovery at Mariners Inn, told the Michigan Chronicle, “Right now, the focus needs to be on solutions for this mother and family who has already been traumatized to ensure that she is not further traumatized by a system that failed her and her kids. There are so many gaps in the system starting with the lack of affordable housing and the homeless coordination system. It doesn’t matter what kind of coordination system you set up if there are not enough spaces to be referred to. We must offer long-term solutions to families. Our system of assessment and triage has to be comprehensive, and we have to make sure we are providing safe places for people, especially during the cold winter days and nights.”

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) took a step in late 2024, creating a plan to operate outside the current federally required system for homeless shelter referrals. With millions of dollars in outside funding, DRMM aimed to bypass the bureaucratic wait times that often leave people without shelter for weeks or even months. The goal was clear: provide immediate help instead of forcing people to

years later, don’t think of him as a fed-up Black man with a gun, but as a husband, father, and brother who would not let white supremacy define who he was as a human being.

the strategy of Project 2025. However, according to Archer, the correlation between Trump’s words and Project 2025’s declarations was made clear long ago on the campaign trail.

“He was always talking about immigrants. When he first announced his campaign, [he said] people were coming across the border and that these people were thieves and rapists and whatever. And that they were coming over to cause our citizens harm. Then he started later talking about ‘If I get re-elected I’m not going to be a dictator; I’m just going to be a dictator for one day…’ Then more things started to come out, where it became clear that what’s being proposed is a solution to [the alleged problems] the President Trump sees.”

Picking an “enemy” and using the power of the executive branch to attack them is a classic Trump political move and a major theme of Project 2025. As Archer stated, Trump’s intention was always to seize as much control as he could and use

In November 2024, DRMM set out to launch a 24-hour hotline for people experiencing homelessness, adding 100 emergency shelter beds, triage services, and two vans for roundthe-clock transportation to shelters. Unlike the existing Coordinated Assessment Model (CAM), which operates on a priority-based referral system and has limited hours, DRMM’s initiative was designed to work independently with an estimated annual budget of $2 million. Meanwhile, the CAM system—run by Wayne Metro in partnership with the Homeless Action Network of Detroit—continued to operate under weekday limitations, further complicating access to immediate shelter.

Despite efforts to expand services, Detroit’s homeless population continues to outgrow available resources. By early 2024, there were only 1,210 emergency shelter beds across Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck—an increase from 1,070 in 2023 but still below previous years. The annual point-in-time count in January, required by HUD, revealed a significant spike, with 1,725 people experiencing homelessness in the metro area—up from 1,280 the previous year. The city, alongside HAND and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, continues to push for expanded shelter funding, but the growing demand far exceeds the pace of new resources.

The scale of Detroit’s homelessness crisis demands more than words and delayed action. Nationwide, Black Americans are disproportionately affected by homelessness. We make up 13% of the U.S. population, yet over 40% of those experiencing homelessness. In Detroit, a majority-Black city, this crisis is hitting our community hardest. The city added beds. That’s not enough. The city has outreach teams. That’s not enough. The system must work before people freeze to death, not as a response to it. It should not take loss of life for this to be a priority. Two children have died. That should be enough to shake the city into action. But for how long? The political cycle moves fast. Public attention shifts. What happens when the headlines fade?

Detroit cannot afford to

it against whomever he felt like. However, Project 2025 helped him decide the best place to aim his political influence. Page 135 of the document shares Trump’s exact sentiments towards Latino immigrants and the government’s role in removing them. But unlike the president’s ramblings, Project 2025 lays out a clear strategy on how to get it done.

“To truly secure the homeland, a conservative Administration needs to return the [Department of Homeland Security] to the right mission, the right size, and the right budget. This would include reorganizing the department and shifting significant resources away from several supporting components to the essential operational components. Prioritizing border security and immigration enforcement, including detention and deportation, is critical if we are to regain control of the border, repair the historic damage done by the Biden Administration, return to a lawful and orderly immigration system, and protect the homeland from terrorism and public safety threats.” Trump has been exe-

keep playing this game of delayed accountability. Outreach must be consistent, intentional, and effective. Families struggling with housing insecurity must receive follow-ups, real support, and pathways to stability that do not require them to navigate bureaucratic red tape alone.

Winter is not done with Detroit. The temperatures will continue to drop, and

the city’s most vulnerable will continue to be at risk. The time to act was yesterday. The question now is whether we will finally treat this crisis like the emergency it is. If not now, when? How many more children have to die before the value of Black life—of every life—becomes more than just a talking point? Detroit, what are we waiting for?

cuting this plan to near perfection in his first few weeks as president. With a flurry of executive orders, Trump has made unilateral decisions on not just immigration but diversity, education, taxes, and more. All of these follow the strategy described in Project 2025 to a T. Luckily for us, the American system of checks and balances is still relevant enough to delay Project 2025 somewhat. However, as the president continues to find ways to fill the other branches of government with air-headed yes-men, the strength of the government’s structural integrity for the next 4 years will be put to the ultimate test.

The question is no longer, “Does Trump have anything to do with Project 2025?” It’s, “What can we do to stand in his way?” When standing against the oppression of the elite, such questions rarely come with simple answers. However, despite the bleakness of the situation, Dennis Archer Sr. has a message of encouragement for all Americans under Trump’s new regime.

“We should use the knowledge we have and are gaining to strengthen our country. It should not be set up into a caste system where if you’re not wealthy you can’t do this and if you’re down here this is all we’ll let you do... Times are changing. Things are changing. We need to strengthen the best of America, And now’s the time to do it. We can’t fall victim to Project 2025. Because if we allow that to happen, America will never be the same.”

business’s products and services at Little Caesars Arena. The Alexis Company can be found online at thealexiscompany.com and on social media at: Instagram: @the_alexis_co; Facebook: @AlexisCompany; and YouTube: @reginadubose2110.

Sevyn Jones presents SkinBarVII, located on Livernois near the Avenue of Fashion, to fans attending the Pistons Jan. 31 game at

take advantage of the SHOP313 Pop-Up Shops area in the UWM District Market concourse to promote their brand. And one small business will receive suite access, providing them a business-to-business networking environment for clients and prospects.

All seven businesses will receive digital signage inside Little Caesars Arena and brand awareness via social media posts.

The businesses were chosen through an application process. In addition to being able to sell their wares during a home game, they will also be invited to attend the third annual SHOP313 summit, presented by Amazon, located at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center this spring.

For Regina DuBose, owner of The Alexis Company, the opportunity was one-of-a-kind.

DuBose and The Alexis Company, a Detroit-based business, were one of several businesses that participated during the Friday, Jan. 31 game vs. Dallas Mavericks.

“I think it was wonderful,” DuBose said. “I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and to show the products from my business and interact with that environment. It was really exciting and really effervescent, and there were a lot of moving parts, but we just thought it was a great opportunity to be in that setting.”

DuBose has owned her business for 38 years. She began selling novelty products during Prince’s Purple Rain tour. She then expanded to a selection of various inks, embroidery, transfer applications, digital concepts, sublimation, vinyl methods, and direct-to-garment techniques. We have served individuals, schools, church events, fundraising groups, local government, nonprofit organizations, community groups, political campaigns, family reunions, and small businesses.

Another Detroit business owner featured at Little Ceasars Arena on Jan. 31 was Sevyn Jones.

A premiere facial spa bringing high-end

By Christianne Malone

Comerica Bank Named Among America’s Most JUST Companies for Commitment to Serving Workers,Customers and Communities

Comerica Bank has earned a spot on the JUST 100 list as part of JUST Capital and CNBC’s 2025 rankings of America’s Most JUST Companies.

Each year, JUST Capital begins by polling the American public on a fully representative basis on their priorities for business behavior. It then evaluates how the largest corporations in the country perform against those criteria.

Leading companies are recognized for their performance on top priority issues such as: paying fair, living wages; supporting worker well-being; career advancement, training, and work-life balance; communicating transparently; strengthening communities; ethical leadership; and treating customers fairly.

Comerica ranks among the top 100 companies from across the country on America’s Most JUST Companies list, making this the third consecutive year the organization has been recognized for its commitment to serving all stakeholders, especially workers, customers and the communities it serves.

“Performance expectations for business leaders today are sky

high. The JUST 100 demonstrates how companies can create value for their investors, their key stakeholders, and American more broadly by focusing on core business operations,” said JUST Capital CEO Martin Whittaker. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. It’s just business.”

The JUST Capital 2025 Rankings of America’s Most JUST Companies and JUST 100 list celebrate top-performing Russell 1000 companies that are demonstrating leadership in responding to the needs of the American people.

Comerica and the Detroit Public Library will host a free financial empowerment series in April that is open to the public at no charge. Three sessions, covering topics of homeownership, budgeting and debt management, will take place at DPL’s Duffield Branch located 2507 W. Grand Blvd.

Comerica Bank and Detroit Public Library Providing Free

Comerica Bank and the Detroit Public Library (DPL) have announced a free financial empowerment series that will be available to the public, free of charge, during National Financial Literacy Month in April.

“Investing in our communities through financial education remains at the core of our commitment to helping our communities thrive,” said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President.

“Our partnership with the Detroit Public Library allows residents to attend and participate in these financial empowerment workshops through the library’s branch system, which serves and provides valuable programs for the City of Detroit.”

In April, which is Financial Literacy Month, the financial education series offers three free sessions that are open to the public on April 7, April 15 and April 17 at the Duffield Branch, located at 2507 W. Grand Blvd in Detroit. Each session will begin at 11 a.m. Topics include: Considering Homeownership, Making Budgets Work and Debt Management.

“Learning money management strategies and working with financial institutions can help strengthen our community,” said Christine Peele, Detroit Public Library’s Assistant Director of Public Services.

From page A-3 skincare to Detroit, SkinBarVII believes in the long-term benefits of receiving facials and skincare treatments, while using only high-quality ingredients from the earth and remaining committed to making them accessible to all.

In addition to a wide variety of spa care services, SkinBarVII provides health and wellness treatments.

SkinBarVII is a Hatch Detroit by TechTown alum and a 2018 semi-finalist of the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest.

Meghan Storey, Comerica Bank Senior Vice President and Michigan Director of Small Business Banking, noted, “As we continue to grow and expand our small business banking services, we are committed to delivering valuable resources small businesses need to succeed and thrive.

“Working with the Detroit Pistons and the team’s SHOP313 Small Business Platform creates new opportunities for us to assist business owners and entrepreneurs as they work to raise their visibility, viability and future success.”

The first seven small businesses supported by the SHOP313 Pop-Up Shops presented by Comerica, included: Dynamic Roofing (Carleton), Happy Deals LLC (Detroit), Rev’d Up Fun (Woodhaven), SkinbarVII (Detroit), Suburban Truck Driving School (Romulus), and The Alexis Company (Detroit) and NYX Cleaning Services, LLC (Ann Arbor).

The Pistons’ SHOP313 Small Business Platform is an immersive platform developed to promote, amplify and support Detroit area small business owners and entrepreneurs.

•

Compared

• Provide 16.4

•

• Are 2.3 times more likely to disclose having an apprenticeship program.

Comerica Bank Vice President and Small Business Banker Erica Foondle to be Honored by NAWBO Greater Detroit Chapter Top 10 Michigan Business Women’s Honorees Announced

The National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit Chapter (NAWBO GDC) announced its 2025 Top 10 Michigan Women’s Business Awards honorees. Among this year’s award winners include Comerica Bank Vice President and Small Business Banker Erica Foondle.

Launched in 1994, the Top 10 Michigan Women’s Business Awards recognizes women business leaders who are making a difference in their communities and exemplify perseverance, grit, purpose and passion. Previous honorees include Fay Beydoun, Barbara McQuade, Carla Walker Miller, Melanca Clark, Sharon Madison, Dr. Rose Moten, Mary Kramer, Dr. Geneva Williams, Monica Martinez, Dr. Shawne Duperon and Laketa L. Henderson.

“Working with Comerica Bank allows us to expand our educational opportunities and provide impactful resources that offer a greater understanding of the financial matters managed by members of our community every day.”

COMERICA BANK FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT SERIES AT DETROIT PUBLIC LIBRARY

• Monday, April 7: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Duffield Branch (2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit

MI 48208) -- Considering Homeownership.

• Tuesday, April 15: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.;

Duffield Branch (2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit MI 48208) -- Making Budgets Work.

• Thursday, April 17: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Duffield Branch (2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit MI 48208) -- Debt Management.

The Detroit Public Library, first opened in 1865, enlightens and empowers people by providing diverse and dynamic pathways to literacy and learning. Now with 19 branches open throughout Detroit’s neighborhoods, the Mobile Library, and the Historic Main Library in downtown Detroit; the library works to ensure customer needs are met with diverse collections, dynamic youth services initiatives, and detailed public programming schedules.

“We are delighted to announce our 2025 Top 10 Michigan Women’s Business Awards honorees,” said Mariyah Saifuddin, President, National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit Chapter. “Our honorees are extraordinary women business leaders who are being recognized for creating economic opportunities, mentoring aspiring and established business owners, and uplifting their communities.”

The 2025 Top 10 Michigan Women’s Business Awards honorees are:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer (Greater Good Award); Canetha Amour-Porter, Amour Women, LLC (Emerging Business Award; Shay Bailey, MyBeautyKit, Inc. (Innovation Award); Erica Foondle, Comerica Bank( Diversity Champion Corporate Award); Alexis F. Johnson, AFJ Law Group PLLC (Next-Gen Entrepreneur Award); Nicole M. Lewis, Nicole Lewis and Associates, LLC (Words of Wisdom Award); Rosemary Moore,

Sharpe & Associates Insurance Agency (Giving Spirit Award); Denise Roberts, Play To Win Together (Pinnacle Award); Kelli Williams, Actually Clean, LLC (Warrior Award); and Linda Kay Williams-Pruitt, Mrs. Pruitt’s Gourmet CHA CHA (Diversity Champion Business Owner Award), Foondle, who serves as a small business banker for Comerica’s Small Business Banking division, is deeply passionate about empowering individuals, families, and small businesses with the tools to achieve financial independence and long-term success. She has also served as a banking center manager in Comerica’s banking network in Detroit, the city’s largest.

Foodle’s focus on small business development reflects her commitment to fostering equitable growth and creating pathways for entrepreneurs to thrive.

As the key organizer of the Detroit March for Public Education, Foondle championed the fight for an equitable public education system, particularly in Detroit’s underserved com-

munities. In addition, Foondle serves as a board member of the Active Minds Foundation, focusing on creating youth mentoring and sports programs in underserved communities. She is also an active member of the Women United Committee with United Way of Southeast Michigan, advancing initiatives that promote equity and opportunity.

The 31st Annual Michigan Business Women Awards will be held Wednesday, Mar. 12, at the Detroit Athletic Club, located at 241 Madison St. Detroit MI 48226. For more information, visit NAWBOGDC.org.

First chartered in 1980, NAWBO GDC is a chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, which is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; with chapters across the country. With far-reaching clout and impact, NAWBO is a one-stop resource which propels women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.

A5 | February 19-25, 2025

Money.

Property is Power!

Closing the Gap: Why 50% Black Homeownership Must Be Our Mission

The Urgency of Black Homeownership

Homeownership is a cornerstone of wealth creation in America. Yet, for Black Americans, homeownership remains out of reach for too many, stagnating at around 42% nearly the same rate as in 1970. Meanwhile, White homeownership has soared to 75%, widening the racial wealth gap. To break this cycle of inequality, achieving a 50% Black homeownership rate is not just an aspirational goal; it is an economic and social imperative.

Historical Disparity

For over a century, the Black-White homeownership gap has persisted at 2030%. Even during periods of progress, Black homeowners have faced structural barriers that have limited their return on investment. Today, Black homebuyers carry more debt for lower valued homes, diminishing the wealth building benefits of homeownership.

From 1940 to 1960, Black homeownership rose from 22.8% to 38%, but discriminatory policies like redlining and predatory lending kept home values and equity growth lower than in White communities. The 2008 housing crash further devastated Black homeownership, with a decline nearly twice that of White households. These systemic issues demand bold solutions to create real, lasting change.

Breaking the Cycle: Strategies for Growth

To achieve 50% Black homeownership, the U.S. must implement policies and programs that support Black homebuyers and protect existing homeowners. Key strategies include:

Targeted Homeownership Assistance: Down payment assistance, low-interest mortgage programs, and credit repair initiatives can help Black families qualify for homeownership.

Community Investment: Federal and private sector investment in Black neighborhoods must address housing devaluation and increase access to affordable properties.

Innovative Housing Solutions: Expanding multi-family housing options, developing rent-to-own programs, and revitalizing vacant properties can provide accessible pathways to ownership.

Where Change Can Happen

A focus on increasing Black homeownership should target metropolitan areas with a high Black population, moderate incomes, and affordable housing markets. States like Georgia, Michigan, and Minnesota offer strong opportunities due to their sizable Black middle-class communities and relatively affordable housing stock.

The Numbers: How to Get to 50%

To reach 50% Black homeownership by 2030, approximately 3.3 million new Black homeowners are needed about 330,000 per year. Extending this goal to 2040 would require 165,000 new Black homeowners annually. Achieving 50% homeownership, a truly transformative milestone, would require even greater policy commitment and financial investments.

A Call to Action

Reaching 50% Black homeownership demands bold action from policymakers, financial institutions, and community leaders. Private corporations and banks must go beyond performative commitments and invest in real, scalable solutions. Government pro-

See CLOSING THE GAP Page A-6

Legacy in Motion: How Detroit’s Black-Owned Businesses Sustain Generational Impact

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

The hum of a sewing machine, the smooth glide of skates on a polished rink, and the quiet dignity of a final farewell. These simple yet powerful sounds reflect Detroit’s broader Black entrepreneurial spirit, where legacy and community endure across generations. These are more than sounds or moments in Detroit—they are echoes of legacy. Generations of Black Detroiters have held fast to the principles of ownership, community, and perseverance, and nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s Black generational businesses. Hot Sam’s, RollerCade, and Swanson Funeral Home are much more than mere establishments; they are pillars that continue to shape the community through decades of unwavering commitment.

Lauren Stovall knows this legacy well. Her role extends beyond the family business as she actively works to preserve and support other generational businesses in Detroit through various initiatives. As the daughter of Tony Stovall, co-owner of Hot Sam’s, she speaks about her family’s business with a reverence that goes beyond profit margins. “When I consider being a generational business, I think of legacy and a continuation of preserving what has been started from values and traditions to history and the mission within the business,” she said. “I think of one passed on and running over into the other. I think of deep wells of wisdom and stories to impart that transcend time. I think of deep roots that have been cultivated for such a time as now that every trial and tribulation of

the past has proven to be useful for the present and the roots are fortified to withstand.”

That deep-rooted connection to the past is woven into the fabric of Hot Sam’s. Established in 1921 and later purchased in 1994 by two determined employees, Tony Stovall and Cliff Green, Hot Sam’s is the oldest men’s clothing store in downtown Detroit. The store has provided more than fashion; it has instilled pride, outfitting generations of Black men for life’s milestones—from first job interviews to Sunday services. Lauren’s work extends beyond her family business through the Detroit Legacy Business Project in collaboration with Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). She sees these generational businesses as “legacy businesses which are rich businesses, not in the sense of always financial wealth but more so being an invaluable asset that is fruitful in its significance and relevance to the city and the community.”

The imprint of Detroit’s Black generational businesses can also be traced across the polished floors of RollerCade. Roller skating has long held cultural significance in Black Detroit, serving as a space of joy, expression, and community connection through decades of social change. Established in 1955 by Leroy and Johnnie Mae Folks, the rink emerged during a time when Black families faced exclusion from many recreational spaces. RollerCade was more than an entertainment venue; it became a sanctuary of joy and resilience. The rink remains one of the oldest continually operating Black-owned roller-skating rinks in

the United States. Its history is deeply tied to Detroit’s southwest side, where many Black families settled during the Great Migration, drawn by opportunities at the Ford Rouge Plant.

Kyle Black, the third-generation owner who took the reins in 2012, understands the weight of his inheritance. RollerCade has always been a place where music, movement, and community converge. Detroiters from all walks of life have found solace and celebration there, whether gliding to Motown hits in the ‘60s or vibing to contemporary beats today. The rink’s cultural significance is undeniable— legends like The Supremes and The Temptations once skated these floors, joining neighborhood kids whose families have supported RollerCade for generations.

“Being a generational business owner in Detroit means the world to me,” shared Black. “I take pride and being someone to continue carrying the flag not only for RollerCade into the next generation but for the city of Detroit to continue to be a place that generations can come and have a good time. I think it’s important for business owners, especially in Detroit to continue their efforts because it gives us a chance to increase the wealth of our lineage. This gives a head start to the generations that are next to come.”

The continuity seen at Hot Sam’s and RollerCade finds a solemn yet equally significant parallel in Swanson Funeral Home. These businesses complement each other in the ways they serve and uplift the community, providing spaces of pride, joy, and comfort

House Republicans Push Major Rollbacks to Michigan’s Paid Sick Leave, Sparking Backlash

Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER

As federal paid sick leave protections from the Trump administration’s pandemic-era policies have long expired, House Republicans in Michigan are now pushing sweeping exemptions to the state’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). The proposed amendments, which would exclude small businesses, seasonal workers, and nonprofit employees, could leave thousands without paid sick leave, drawing sharp criticism from labor advocates like Mothering Justice and the MI Time to Care Coalition come February 21st.

Danielle Atkinson, National Executive Director and Founder of Mothering Justice, condemned the proposal, calling it a direct attack on Michigan families.

“The House Republicans’ proposal creates a devastating reality where a mother’s right to care for her sick child depends on where she works. This is unacceptable,” Atkinson said.

“Illness doesn’t check the size of

the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), these changes result from a July 2024 opinion by the Michigan Supreme Court in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General, which upheld voter initiative petitions on paid sick leave and minimum wage. The Court held the Legislature’s “adopt-and amend” actions on the petitions in 2018 violated the people’s right to propose and enact laws through the initiative process and ordered the proposals to take effect as originally adopted. The Republican proposal raises serious concerns that affect many families. It puts parents in a tough situation, forcing them to choose between

This

as a whole.

The ramifications of this proposal hit hardest on women, particularly mothers, who make up a significant portion of the nonprofit workforce. This policy risks exacerbating existing inequalities, placing even greater strain on those striving to balance their pro-

Legacy

From page A-5

across generations. Founded in 1958 by Dr. O’Neil D. Swanson, the funeral home has long served as a trusted guardian during moments of profound loss. Dr. Swanson’s commitment to the community transcended his business. As a founding director of First Independence Bank and a generous supporter of local institutions like Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, he understood that legacy extends beyond individual success. His children, Linda Swanson, Kimberly Swanson Thomas, and O’Neil D. Swanson II, now uphold that mission.

The Swanson family has provided final rites for some of Detroit’s most prominent figures, including Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, and Congressman John Conyers Jr. Yet, the true measure of their impact lies in their service to everyday Detroiters. The dignity they offer speaks to a larger truth about the city’s Black generational businesses: these enterprises have always been about more than transactions. They are about community, continuity, and the enduring power of self-determination.

“O’Neil D. Swanson didn’t just organize and operate Swanson Funeral Homes, Inc, he had an in-

Closing the Gap

From page A-5

grams must prioritize Black homeownership in housing policies and financial regulations.

Transformative proposals, such as the 21st Century Homestead Act, could unlock abandoned properties in cities with high vacancy rates and turn them into affordable housing opportunities. Additionally, comprehensive federal programs that ensure home values in Black neighborhoods appreciate at equitable rates are essential to sustainable wealth-building.

Beyond Homeownership:

Homeownership is a critical step toward closing the racial wealth gap, but it cannot be the only focus. Policies must also address asset growth and financial stability, ensuring Black families can fully leverage homeownership as a wealth-building tool. This includes: Ensuring Home Value Ap-

satiable drive to enhance the lives of others,” said Linda Swanson. “So, it is with gratitude, purpose and enthusiasm that my family and I are motivated each day by the desire to continue the legacy of our father’s unselfish giving. For over sixty years the Swanson Foundation has provided educational opportunities through scholarships, cultural exposure for young people and support for the metropolitan Detroit community in countless ways.”

These three businesses illustrate the broader narrative of Black entrepreneurship in Detroit. The challenges of systemic racism, economic downturns, and shifting urban landscapes have tested their resolve. Still, their survival and success underscore a collective commitment to community upliftment. This generational continuity carries lessons for the city’s future.

Lauren Stovall’s advocacy through the Detroit Legacy Business Project signals a growing recognition of the importance of these enterprises. The initiative aims to support other longstanding Black-owned businesses, ensuring that their contributions remain recognized and preserved. She sees the value not just in the historical significance of these businesses but in their present and future relevance.

“It’s about fortifying the roots

preciation: Policies that combat property devaluation in Black neighborhoods are essential.

Increasing Access to Financial Services: Greater investment in Black-owned banks and credit unions can provide more tailored mortgage products.

Wealth Diversification: Encouraging investment in diverse assets beyond homeownership ensures long-term financial security.

Conclusion: A Future Where Property Is Power

The journey to 50% Black homeownership is not just about buying homes, it’s about economic empowerment, generational wealth, and the dismantling of structural barriers. Achieving this milestone requires collective action, bold policy shifts, and intentional investment in Black communities. The time for incremental change is over now the time for transformative action to ensure that Property is Power for Black Americans, just as it has been for others for generations.

that have been cultivated through trials and triumphs,” Lauren explained. “These businesses are not just surviving; they are anchoring our community with a richness that money can’t quantify.”

Detroit’s generational businesses mirror the city’s broader narrative of resilience and ingenuity. For example, during the economic downturn of the 2000s, these businesses adapted and persevered, continuing to serve the community despite widespread closures. Hot Sam’s embodies a spirit of ambition and style that speaks to the pride of Black Detroiters. RollerCade stands as a testament to the enduring nature of joy and community, even in the face of historical adversity. Swan-

son Funeral Home represents the profound care and respect that defines Detroit’s communal ethos.

Black Detroit has always understood that legacy is not merely inherited; it is cultivated through persistent effort and an unyielding belief in the future. As the torch passes from one generation to the next, the lessons embedded in these businesses remain clear. Success is not solely defined by profit but by the impact on people—the style instilled, the joy shared, and the dignity preserved.

“It is for us a tremendous point of joy and pride to continue this tradition,” Swanson said. “Doing so advances people, organizations and the causes that empower us

Paid Sick Leave

fessional duties with familial obligations.

State Representative Donavan McKinney vividly remembers a conversation with a new mother he encountered shortly after she had given birth. Yet, in a stark reminder of the relentless pace of modern life related to the working class, she revealed that she was already preparing to return to work within days of her delivery. The tension between caring for her newborn and the pressure of workplace expectations painted an unfair picture of many mothers’ challenges.

State Rep. McKinney felt the weight of her situation, a heartbreaking testament to the sacrifices many women are compelled to make as they juggle the monumental changes of becoming a parent alongside their professional responsibilities.

“You need an opportunity to bond with your little one, your child you just gave birth to, and to have that taken away, especially for moms and dads alike. That is absurd to me, and that needs to change, and that’s why I’m a big proponent for paid family sick leave,” McKinney said.

Advocates urge lawmakers to uphold the original ESTA provisions, ensuring that all Michigan workers, regardless of employer size or sector, have the right to care for themselves and their families without financial hardship.

Atkinson highlighted the lack of attention paid to the care economy and the vital role of mothers and

The Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) of the Board of Police Commissioners in collaboration with Wayne Law presents:

as a community, making it possible for us to move forward and upward together. Preserving and protecting our history and our culture is the greatest gift we can give to generations yet unborn.”

Detroit’s Black generational business owners have given the city more than services or products. They have provided tangible examples of what it means to build with intention, to serve with integrity, and to pass down a legacy rooted in love for the community. The sounds of sewing machines, skating wheels, and quiet prayers will continue to resonate through Detroit, not as mere echoes but as enduring reminders of what it means to invest in each other, generation after generation.

caregivers in economic stability. She noted the internalized oppression that leads some to believe their bad jobs are their fault rather than recognizing their entitlement to time off.

Navigating legislative changes and the influence of money in politics are apparent challenges. State Rep. McKinney shared how his district’s low-income might not get the attention it needs from Lansing. Still, it’s necessary and makes it difficult for constituents to engage, as they often work double to make ends meet or deal with personal crises.

“People get bought. The money is talking, and it’s changing many people’s mindsets. It’s the oligarchy right now, where the very few with resources control the politics of the day, and that is so unfair,” McKinney said.

“But this is people’s livelihood. This is life and death and opportunities for survival and uplifting on the issue.”

Atkinson emphasized the importance of finding a “political home” and responding quickly to alerts about threats to rights and policies. Looking ahead, the group plans to host a national “State of the Mama” event and a conversation with lawmakers and service providers about issues impacting families, including the recent tragedies of children passing away.

“Mothering justice is one, Detroit Action, Michigan united,” Atkinson said.

“These are organizations that can help you navigate through the mis and disinformation, and they have your core values in line, unbought, and unbothered. My only political ambition is the quality of life for families.”

Young People & 21st Century Policing

YAP will lead a frank dialogue about: n Police-youth community relations in Detroit and metro area

n Experiences in police traffic stops as drivers and passengers

n Daily challenges with racial, gender or age bias by law enforcement

n The first generation facing gun violence as a public health threat

n President Trump’s impact on law enforcement and police culture

RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS:

Neighbors drive development at Brightmoor’s Eliza Howell

By Carole Hawke

This past October, Brightmoor resident Marlin Franklin went camping in a unique spot– right in his own Detroit neighborhood at Eliza Howell Park.

Accompanying him were his son and two grandchildren, and this was their first camping trip.

Franklin, who is the digital manager for Brilliant Detroit and a Boy Scout leader, is emblematic of the neighborhood involvement that is transforming Eliza Howell Park.

“Experiencing Eliza Howell Park in this way was very refreshing. It was a really cool experience.” Franklin says.

Franklin liked the wilderness feel, both fun and exciting, but was glad in the chilly morning to head to a local grocery store for coffee.

Once a neglected site, Eliza Howell is an anchor project of Sidewalk Detroit, a nonprofit that helps community members envision their spaces and connect through public art. Sidewalk’s intense work with neighbors and

its partnership with the city have spurred infrastructure improvements and programming and breathed new life into this 250acre city park along northwest Detroit’s Rouge River.

Franklin’s urban camping tale is a far cry from how residents encountered the park a few years ago.

Sophie Stockum, now of Athens, Ohio, recalls the state of Eliza Howell when they first moved to Detroit in 2014. Although walking their dogs on nature trails in the middle of the city felt “magical,” Sophie recounts, “I really didn’t go into the

Park

main part of the park because I was always told it was dangerous. There was no infrastructure, and the road was destroyed and regularly flooded. That part of the park didn’t exist in my imagination.”

Investing in relationships

Sidewalk’s relationship with Eliza Howell Park traces back to 2015, when executive director Ryan Myers-Johnson, then a Brightmoor resident, initiated informal conversations with neighbors.

Augusta Morrison, Sidewalk Detroit’s program director, recalls what was learned: “What we saw in Brightmoor is what we’re seeing with public art and space-making across the city. Neighbors are like, ‘Let’s get the foundational things [in the park] done first and then we can move into more beautiful additions.’”

Two years later, Stockum and Myers-Johnson built on those early conversations and convened a more formal 10-person Community Leadership Team to create a concept plan for the park.

“We met monthly,” says Stockum, “in the park when we could. We walked through a process of

What Does PUBLIC HEALTH Do For The State of Michigan?

Local and state public health does more than you think. Here is how they protect people across Michigan.

You’d be surprised at all that local and state public health does behind the scenes. See what they do for Michiganders.

Behind the scenes, local and state public health is working hard to help keep the people of Michigan healthy. Discover all they do.

figuring out what people wanted in that space, how they used it and would like to use it.”

Sidewalk Detroit did some broader outreach, such as a few larger events, to get more feedback. “But those ten folks served as representatives to dig into the deeper conversations around park usage,” says Stockum.

The Community Leadership Team reflected Sidewalk Detroit’s approach to community engagement, which begins with deep investment in relationships with neighbors and local organizations.

Stockum recalls, “Around 20 people applied, and we thought about which area of the neighborhood they came from, whether we could get a broad array of people with unique perspectives. We did one-on-one interviews. We wanted as diverse a group as possible to talk about the different interests that would serve them in the community.”

A planning grant from the Kresge Foundation provided stipends for participants of the Community Leadership Team, an important aspect of the model in an under-resourced area where neighbors are often asked to contribute time without financial compensation.

Foundational needs and beautiful additions

Since 2017, guided by community involvement and Sidewalk Detroit’s partnership with the city, Eliza Howell Park has seen steady growth in infrastructure improvement and public programming.

The city has invested heavily in the park, notably with a 2023 project to improve drainage and restructure the 1.3-mile paved loop through the park, which in the past was nearly impassable in places. Detroit’s 2022 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan earmarks significant resources for Eliza Howell, acknowledging its attraction to all Detroiters as a regional park.

Regarding infrastructure improvements, Nicky Marcot, Eliza Howell Park strategist for Sidewalk Detroit, says, “Ultimately all decisions go to the city, but the relationship is back-and-forth. The city will soon begin a master planning process. Sidewalk has been hired as a contractor for community engagement. They come to us as the voice of the community, and we go to them with proposed improvements.”

As the city tends to the park’s

foundational needs, beautiful additions and creative programming draw more visitors.

The entrance to the park is now adorned with the striking ‘stickwork’ sculpture, co-created with hundreds of Detroiters when Sidewalk Detroit hosted eco-artist Patrick Dougherty in 2021. Earlier this year, Detroit artist Halima Afi Cassells enlisted volunteers to partake in a Rouge River clean-up and create art from rescued materials to draw attention to waterway health.

Regular workshops and events also attract hundreds of participants throughout the year. Envisioning the future

Eliza Howell Park looks poised to continue to benefit from the partnership between community members and the city.

Sidewalk Detroit convened a new advisory committee in September 2024, drawing on the voices of 12 community members, including Marlin Franklin, to further shape infrastructure and programming in the park.

Youth involvement is an early priority of the advisory committee, which asked what Eliza Howell offers to residents ages 15-21. In response, a trail-keeping event was held in conjunction with Detroit Community School, a charter school on Burt Road, in November, and a trail maintenance program for young people is in the planning stages.

In addition, neighborhood representatives met with the city in November to recommend physical improvements for an area slated to be a sledding hill.

Nicky Marcot looks forward to what the future holds for Eliza Howell. “My dream is of a park that is utilized frequently by families who feel comfortable and connected to their community and the natural world. We have come a long way and will continue the work.”

Resilient Neighborhoods is a reporting and engagement series that examines how Detroit residents and community development organizations are working together to strengthen local neighborhoods. This story was originally produced and published by Model D Media and is reprinted in New Michigan Media newspapers through a partnership supported by the Kresge Foundation.

Photos by Steve Koss https://www.modeldmedia.com/ features/ElizaHowellPark.aspx

Health care focuses on individual patients. Public health focuses on entire populations. Medical teams work together to prevent, diagnose and treat a person. Local and state public health teams work together to prevent disease in communities across the state.

Here are some of the ways they keep Michiganders healthy: They educate the public about health. Whether it’s educating people about cancer screenings, HIV treatment options or safe sleep for babies, public health educates people. Different programs guide people to valuable information, resources and support to improve their quality of life.

They bring health care closer to home. Maybe you’ve seen the mobile health clinic in your neighborhood or have visited your local health department for vaccinations or health screenings. By increasing access to quality health care, public health helps keep more people healthy. They increase access to healthy food. That local farmers market you love? You may see your local health department there, supporting healthy food options.

They do hearing and vision screenings in schools. So children with hearing and vision issues are diagnosed and treated early, before it impacts their education.

They support newborns and young children. With free newborn health screenings and the WIC program, that provides supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information and other resources for healthy mothers, babies and young children up to age five.

They support children with special health care needs. For parents and caregivers of children with chronic or severe medical conditions, public health workers connect them to resources and help.

There is so much more public health does to help protect the people, communities and the environment in which we live. To learn more or connect with your local public health department, visit Michigan.gov/PublicHealth.

Comerica Bank Helps Community Organizations Honor and Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Comerica Bank and its External Affairs team supported two of the bank’s community partners, Greater Pontiac Community Coalition Inc and Rainbow PUSH Coalition, as they celebrated the life, work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Comerica helped Greater Pontiac Community Coalition honor Dr. King at its 33rd Annual MLK Luncheon themed “Dare to Dream the Impossible.”

“It was an inspiring gathering of local dignitaries, state representatives and esteemed guests,” said Kevin Watkins, Comerica Bank Vice President, External Affairs Market Manager and National African America Business Development Manager. “We are especially thankful to Rev. Douglas Jones as we celebrated his visionary work in advancing economic and social progress in our communities.”

Rev. Jones serves as one of Comerica’s Michigan Community Development Advisory Council members. Comerica informs the CDACs on Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities and business strategies to ensure that Comerica is meeting the needs of the community, particularly low- and moderate income (LMI) communities that need Comerica’s support the most.

Comerica colleagues with Rev. Douglas Jones

serves as Chairman of the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition.

As a trusted commercial bank relationship manager for Comerica Bank with a $50 million portfolio of existing clients, Sheila Harton-Montgomery works every day to build her portfolio and provide clients with unique financing options.

However, Harton-Montgomery started her career intent on doing anything but banking.

“When I started with Comerica, I was a divorced, single mother with three children,” said Harton-Montgomery. She decided to go back to school and started out in a support role for a lending group.

Harton-Montgomery did not intend to remain in banking but notes that a mentor encouraged her early in her career to try the lending career track.

“Comerica Bank has a very unique process where you can become an analyst, and grow through a training program, and I had the opportunity to do that,” said Harton-Montgomery. “So, I’ve been in my current role as a relationship manager, or a lender. I work to provide lines of credit, real estate financing, equipment, financing and more.”

Like many other Comericans, Harton-Montgomery shares that the bank’s culture is one of the things that has kept her with the company for more than 26 years.

Later in the day, Comerica helped honor Eva Garza Dewaelsche at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration as she received the Social Service Award. Garza Dewaelsche serves as President and CEO of SER Metro-Detroit, which provides job skills training as well as economic and community development programming initiatives.

leagues, were on hand as Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Senior Pastor of Triumph Church, was recognized with the Keep Hope Alive Award.

Garza Dewaelsche also is a member of Comerica’s Michigan Community Development Advisory Council. Watkins, Comerica Trust Wealth Advisor and Michigan African American Business Resource Group Chair LaShawn Jimenez and additional Comerica col-

“Congratulations to Pastor Kinloch thank you to my Comerica colleagues for helping host this special day,” said Watkins. “Let us all continue Dr. King’s work of advancing economic equality and building a brighter future.”

GO RED Day Highlights Women Heart Health

Comerica

The

detection, and management of heart disease which remains a leading cause of death worldwide.

According to the America Heart Association cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. The organization encourages all to wear red to be seen, to be counted, to be heard and to make an impact.

Additionally, the participants brought canned goods to support the YWCA Greater Flint Safehouse Shelter.

Comerica Bank Vice President and Retail District Manager Charise Key-Gray speaks at the YWCA Greater Flint to raise awareness on Heart health during National GO RED Day.

“There were so many opportunities with the bank, and there were people that supported me that thought that I had the ability to go further in my career in banking,” said Harton-Montgomery.

She adds, “I thought that was wonderful, especially as an African American woman, there were not too many people that look like me that I saw initially, except for those as support roles. So, when there were supportive people who felt that I could do more, that was heartwarming for me.”

This year, Harton-Montgomery will be retiring from the bank bringing an illustrious career to a close. When asked about some of her favorite memories, she recounts one client in particular.

“It was back in 2006. I met them as a very small business, and they were seeking a relatively small loan. I went to my group manager, who said, ‘You know, this is not something we would typically do. However, I presented my case, and was so confident these individuals would do a great job.

“I explained their experience and character, and he finally relented. And today is probably my second largest client.”

Harton-Montgomery adds, “They have locations in two states, and they are continuing to grow. And so that is really one of my greatest successes. With this company, I asked the owner, ‘Well, what is your your dream? Where do you want to be?’ He told me that he wants to be global business and I promised to do all that I could to help him get there, and they are on track for that.”

As a relationship manager, Harton-Montgomery also mentors other colleagues and expounds upon what is here best advice.

“I would say beyond knowing yourself, [and] what’s good for you [and] your strengths, [look] at a position that’s going to be beneficial to your family, to your children,” said Harton-Montgomery. “

“I mean, all of us have to start somewhere. Remember what’s important to you, have a vision, know where you want to go. Don’t settle, be confident in who you are, and trust yourself.”

retail corridors, activate vacant spaces and spur further investment into the community.

This contest was built on the idea of crowd entrepreneurship — giving community members a role in the city’s redevelopment.

How does that work? The public votes.

Detroit, it’s up to you to help decide which business will become the next neighborhood treasure. More information will be provided soon on HatchDetroit.com about how and when to cast your vote.

So who can apply?

The Hatch Detroit program focuses on opening new independent brick-and-mortar retail businesses. This means no food trucks, unless it’s moving into a brick-and-mortar location, and no franchise stores. We also accept social entrepreneurs, nonprofits and L3C’s, as long as there is a focused and strong retail component. In terms of retail, this can run the whole gamut of exchanging goods and services with customers being able to make a purchase or receive services onsite: a record shop, a bodega, a yoga studio, a children’s toy store, a restaurant.

We look for businesses that are viable and sustainable. We look for businesses that will fill a retail gap currently existing in the city. We want to hear how your business will engage and positively impact the surrounding community.

When you fill out your application, be clear and concise about your vision, and let us know what sets you apart from all of the other applicants. Remember too, your business can benefit even if you don’t win.

One major benefit of the contest is that if your business places

into the Top 10, your name is in front of thousands of potential customers, not to mention potential funders. You’ll also be welcomed into our Hatch Detroit alumni network, which offers technical support and the opportunity for additional spot grant funding.

Beyond the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, Hatch Detroit also provides funding, exposure and mentoring in support of its alumni entrepreneurs.

$13 million in their businesses.

Interested entrepreneurs should visit HatchDetroit.com for more information on key contest date and information about the application process. The 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown launches March 3, and every year we are excited to see what Detroit comes up with. It’s incredible to see the passion and creativity combined with an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.

Christianne Malone serves as the Chief Program Officer at TechTown and the Assistant Vice President, Economic Development at Wayne State University. A native Detroiter, she brings over 15 years of small business and community development work to her roles, including leading transformational initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Ponyride, and Build Institute.

TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs.

C ity . L ife . Style

B1 | February 19-25, 2025

From First Steps to Lifelong Impact: Camille Johnson’s Dance Legacy Moves Generations

Amber Ogden STAFF WRITER

Camille Johnson stepped into her first dance class at Detroit’s Northwest School of Dance at a young age, unaware that those first steps would shape a lifelong journey. More than four decades later, she’s not just dancing—she’s transforming lives. As the founder of the Motor City Dance Factory and a seasoned performer, educator, and mentor, Johnson has dedicated her career to using dance as a powerful tool for expression, discipline, and empowerment. From Broadway auditions to classrooms filled with eager students, her influence spans generations, proving that passion and purpose can move in perfect harmony.

Michigan Chronicle: Talk about the senior fitness class you offer at Motor City Dance Factory.

Camille Johnson: Absolutely! We have a senior fitness class that focuses on keeping the aging population moving and mobile, so they can stay in their homes safely and live comfortably. It’s not just about longevity; it’s about quality of life. Right now, it’s a labor of love with just two participants, but our goal is to spread awareness and grow the class.

MC: Do you work hands-on with the seniors, or are you more focused on the youth dance program?

CJ: Motor City Dance Factory has multiple branches. The senior program is newer, but we also have a gymnastics program, a dance program—my original passion—and an adult tap class. We have about 31 instructors, plus guest instructors from around the country. My superpower is bringing great people together to serve children, seniors, and adults.

MC: How many students have you had over the years?

CJ: Currently, we have about 800 students. Over the last 24 years, I haven’t done the exact math, but we’ve consistently had 700-800 students since moving into this facility.

MC: What role does dance, gymnastics, and fitness play in fostering community and camaraderie?

CJ: It’s huge! We always say we’re doing more than just dance or gymnastics—we’re teaching life skills. We want kids to learn perseverance and resilience. We provide a “third place” outside of home and school, where they form lifelong friendships. Parents connect as well, going on cruises together after meeting through the studio. It’s about impact beyond the classroom.

MC: Some of your students have gone on to dance with Beyoncé and perform on major stages. How does that feel?

CJ: It’s incredible, but I’m most proud of the ones who come back to teach. They understand the culture and values here. It’s about more than just dance—it’s about giving back and shaping the next generation.

MC: Did you envision this when you started?

CJ: Not at all! At 28, I just wanted to teach dance. This was God’s vision. It grew organically, and now, as we approach our 25th anniversary, I’m amazed by what we’ve built.

MC: What impact do you hope to have on future generations?

CJ: The key is passing the baton. Dance evolves, and we ensure students stay competitive by bringing in fresh perspectives. We also have a Junior Assistant Program, where today’s students train to become tomorrow’s

Detroit’s Own Loni Love Returns: A Homecoming of Laughter, Resilience, and Real Talk

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER

Loni Love is coming home. The Detroit native, Emmy winner, twotime NAACP Image Award honoree, and four-time Gracie Award recipient is bringing her unapologetic humor back to the Motor City. From February 28 to March 1, 2025, she will headline at The Detroit House of Comedy, marking her first stand-up performance in Detroit since 2015. The return is not just another tour stop; it is a homecoming steeped in joy, reflection, and the raw, unfiltered comedy that has become Love’s signature.

“I felt like it was time to come back home because there’s so much happening in the world,” Love shared with the Michigan Chronicle. “And the reason why it has taken me so long is because I been busy, sista been booked. But now is a really good time to come back to talk about Detroit and the resilience of Detroit and also to talk about my family members, because they gone come.”

Loni Love has been everywhere. From co-hosting the Emmy-winning daytime talk show The Real to guest judging on RuPaul’s Drag Race and making us laugh on A Black Lady Sketch Show, she has proven herself a versatile force in entertainment. Yet, despite her packed schedule with appearances on Live from E!, E! Daily Pop, Pictionary, MTV’s Binged to Death, and philanthropic work like her involvement with When We All Vote, Love’s heart has never left Detroit. Her roots, planted firmly in the city’s soil, have always grounded her success.

The Cass Tech alumna knows what it

means to hustle. Raised in Detroit, she learned early on that resilience and authenticity are non-negotiable. The grind has paid off, but the journey to comedy superstardom wasn’t conventional. “I came into comedy through engineering,” Love said. “I went to an HBCU, Prairie View A&M University, and I was an engineer for eight years. But I was always a comic at heart. I would do it on the side while I was in college. One day, I went to a comedy store, and I realized that there weren’t a lot of females. I thought, wow, there needs to be more female voices. I made it my lifelong goal to be a female stand-up. And it’s been great.”

That commitment to creating space for women in comedy is part of what makes Love’s return to Detroit significant. The city’s comedy scene has evolved, but it remains a place where performers must bring their best. “The reason why I love Detroit is because Detroit is real,” Love explained. “We work hard, we can deal with the snow, and we can deal with the sunshine too. When it comes to comedy, you have people like Mike Epps who has come and brought comedy back to the city. You have Katt Williams who will sell out the Little Caesars Arena, you have Kevin Hart that has done the same thing. I’m just happy to see that people still consider Detroit this great place to come, and they know they have to come with the jokes because Detroit is not gonna laugh if it’s not funny.”

Love’s return to stand-up comes at a time when Detroit, like much of the nation, is navigating complex social and economic realities. Loni understands the importance of laughter during chal-

lenging times. “I think that in different spaces, people see me in different ways. Some may see me as the talk show host, and that’s great, but stand-up comedy is a different beast. I just came off tour with Martin Lawrence, and that is a whole different theme from my own personal shows where I headline. You learn to adapt, and that’s what I would tell anybody, especially in the times we’re in. Still make your money, still get your message out, and still continue to find some happiness. And that’s another reason why I wanted to come back home—because I think we need to bring back happiness and joy. Even though things may seem crazy right now, we can find some joy in that, and that’s what I talk about.”

Detroit has always had a unique relationship with comedy. From the days of Red Foxx and Richard Pryor to the rise of modern giants like Martin Lawrence, the city has been a proving ground for comedians who keep it real. “There are a lot of evolutions,” Love noted. “Back in the day, there was only one type of comedian taking the platforms, like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. But with the onset of HBO and Def Jam, that allowed multiple different comedians to be seen, to have a platform. That’s when you had Bernie Mac, Cedric the Entertainer, DL Hughley, and Martin Lawrence, who was the host of Def Jam. That was the evolution from having one main top Black comic to now we have these different varieties of comics.”

That evolution has brought more diverse voices to the stage, including more women, but Love acknowledges that the

New Wellness Frontier: Black-Owned Pilates Studio Sparks an Era of Inclusive Health

A new chapter in Detroit’s wellness landscape has begun with the grand opening of Push Pilates, one of Michigan’s few Black-owned Pilates studios. Founded by Detroit native Alexis Hull, Push Pilates is dedicated to creating an inclusive, community-centered fitness space that caters to individuals of all backgrounds and fitness levels.

Located at 22929 Woodward Ave, Ferndale 48220, the studio officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and private celebration attended by local leaders, fitness enthusiasts, and supporters of Hull’s vision. Among the distinguished guests were Ferndale’s first Black mayor, Raylon Leaks-May, along with Armond Rashad of Jabs Gym and Downtown Ferndale officials.

Before delivering his heartfelt words of encouragement, Rashad took a moment to pray over the studio.

“She is going to kill it here, it’s going to be crazy. When I say it’s going to be crazy,” Rashad said.

Hull emphasized Push Pilates is more than just a studio; it’s a sanctuary for healing, strength, and self-discovery.

Credit: Reginald Todd - Fox Lens Studio

“My journey with Pilates began after struggling with postpartum challenges, both mentally and physically. Pilates gave me the strength and confidence to reconnect with myself, and now, my goal is to provide that same space for others,” Hull said. “I want Push Pilates to be a

wellness haven where people from all walks of life can come to feel uplifted, supported, and empowered to transform their minds and bodies.”

The grand opening event featured an interactive Q&A session with Hull, where attendees learned about her entrepreneur-

ial journey and the inspiration behind Push Pilates. Guests also enjoyed festivities that included raffle prizes, mingling, and refreshments, further fostering the sense of community at the heart of Hull’s mission.

“We read all the articles about how you need to move, and it’s lit-

erally connected to your mental,” Hull said.

“So even in my classes, I like to call it, mindfulness and movement. So we always start with breathwork, slowing it down. There’s so much power in breathing, slowing it down, not just ripping and running.”

Hull, a certified Pilates instructor and entrepreneur, has long been passionate about helping individuals achieve their best selves. Her vision for Push Pilates extends beyond physical fitness; she aims to create a supportive environment where people can prioritize both their physical and mental well-being.

“Push means ‘Pray Until Something Happens’. And so I had that as my name, and then that’s where it grew from there.” Hull said.

Launching at the start of a new year, a time when many are setting health and wellness goals, Push Pilates offers a variety of classes designed for all fitness levels. From beginner-friendly sessions to advanced practices, the studio ensures that everyone can experience the benefits of Pilates in a welcoming and empowering atmosphere.

path is still challenging. “When I came into the game in 2003, I saw the need for more female voices. There were rooms where I was the only woman performing. But I stayed consistent, and now I’m working on a stand-up show that will be produced for women, and we are going to put it out there for the public to see. This is my life’s calling: to do comedy and production. I try to use my platform to help give exposure to as many people as possible—and flirt with as many men as I can see,” she added, with a signature laugh.

The upcoming performances at The Detroit House of Comedy aren’t just about cracking jokes; they are about reconnecting with the spirit of the city that shaped her. Detroit’s resilience mirrors Love’s own journey—persistent, innovative, and authentic. “People want to act like Detroit is this city that is so bad, but actually, it is not. It is a beautiful city,” Love said. “You know a Detroit woman—everything is just always put together. When people hear the word Detroit, they think of crime, but it is not like that. It is my home, and every time I come back, I feel loved and safe. I’m always repping. I am the daughter of Detroit, and I will always speak up for Detroit. I love my city.”

Love’s presence on stage promises to bring a sense of relief, joy, and, undoubtedly, thought-provoking humor that touches on everyday realities. Her comedic style has always reflected an understanding of the struggles and triumphs of Black communities. Her observations are sharp but never dismissive, grounded in lived experiences and a genuine desire to uplift.

The Detroit House of Comedy will host a daughter of the city who has earned national acclaim yet remains deeply rooted in the essence of her hometown. With multiple current projects, including the “A Time To Laugh Tour,” appearances on the new Hollywood Squares with Drew Barrymore, guest spots on Martin Lawrence’s Y’all Know What It Is! tour, and co-hosting the Grown Women Talking podcast, Love shows no signs of slowing down. But for now, she is focused on coming home, taking the stage, and sharing some much-needed laughter.

“Detroit has always been that place where you have to come correct,” Love said. “But that’s why I love it. You get on that stage, and you feel the energy from the people who know what it means to grind. They came for the jokes, and I got ‘em.”

When Loni Love steps on stage in February 2025, Detroit won’t just be welcoming a comedian; it will be celebrating one of its own. And for Love, nothing beats performing for the people who understand her best. Tickets will go fast. Detroit doesn’t just show up for the jokes; it shows up for its own. And Loni Love, daughter of Detroit, is ready to deliver.

teachers. It’s about sustaining the community and legacy.

MC: Are there any success stories that stand out?

CJ: Trinity’s journey is amazing. She was discovered

Push Pilates

“I am getting reformers in the spring,” Hull said.

“But on a bigger scale, I really want to work with professional athletes; I already have one NFL client, but I want to make that a recurring thing, whether it’s NFL, the Tigers, or the Pistons; I really want to work with athletics.

As a Black-owned business in a predominantly white fitness industry, Push Pilates stands as a beacon of representation and accessibility in Metro Detroit. The studio’s mission aligns with a broader movement toward inclusivity in wellness spaces, ensuring that people of all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered on their fitness journeys.

“I didn’t see anybody like me. And so even when I tried to join spaces around the metro Detroit area, once I moved back home from California, I kept getting the cold shoulder,” Hull said.

HEART CITY of the

Whenshe graduated from Cass Tech, Detroit native Lauren Patterson was determined to pay whatever was necessary to become the first woman in her family to earn a college degree.

To her surprise, tuition and fees to Wayne State University would not be among those costs.

Instead, Patterson, a sophomore, attends WSU as one of hundreds of students who were accepted into the university’s groundbreaking Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge program, which allows eligible students to enjoy zero out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and fees.

“Most of my aunties and my mom went to college, but they didn’t get the chance to complete it,” Patterson said. “When I graduated from high school, I said I was going to Wayne State, and I was going to do what was necessary, even if it meant taking out loans, to get an education. But the Heart of Detroit program offset the tuition, and it has made going to school so much easier. I’ve lived in Detroit all my life, and this is a nice incentive

via an Instagram video shot in our studio, which caught Beyoncé’s attention. She got hired for the tour without an agent! She’s since danced with Shakira and helped another student, Mariah, get on that tour. But

equally important is Tyra, who grew up here and now pours into the younger kids hosting movie nights and fostering a sense of belonging. Success isn’t just about fame; it’s about the impact they make.

MC: What are you excited about for the next 25 years?

CJ: I’ll be 77 by then! I hope to take a backseat and support from afar. My dream is to own a facility with a gym, a theater, and spaces for other artists. Right now, we have to travel to Dearborn for performances having a home base for that would be incredible. Most importantly, I want to ensure this community continues to grow and thrive.

“I never got open arms, and I’m like, You know what? I want to create that. Why can’t we have our own space? Why can’t it be inviting for everybody? Why does it have to be secluded to a certain type of demographic? So that’s when I just leaned in on that, and it’s, been a match made since.”

With its doors now open,

Entering

Push Pilates is committed to becoming a cornerstone of wellness in Detroit. Hull and her team invite the community to experience the transformative power of Pilates and embrace a holistic approach to health.

“As an adult, when you start to have real life experiences and you really start to feel what it means to, have to surrender (to God). That’s when I said , okay, you know this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m supposed to feel this tug because I know it’s going to push me to Push Pilates where I’m supposed to be.” Hull said.

For more information about classes, memberships, and upcoming events, visit https:// www.studiopushpilates.com/

its fifth year, Wayne State University’s Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge broadens pathways to higher education for Detroiters and keeps talented grads working in their hometown

four years of full-time study.

Now in its fifth year, Heart of Detroit has proven to be equal parts pathway to higher education for city students and a bridge over many financial hurdles that have traditionally deterred countless Detroiters from attending or finishing college.

“The Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge is a showcase of our significant commitment to Detroit and its residents,” said Charles Cotton III, vice provost for strategic enrollment management. “While we’re an institution with a global reach, it’s equally important that we don’t lose that sense of support for those in our immediate backyard, the community in which we are deeply ingrained as far as research, scholarship, internships and economic development. The tuition pledge allows us to educate those who reside in this area.”

education and skills locally.

Announced in 2019 and launched in fall 2020, the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge is open to current Detroit high school students and to Detroit residents earning a high school diploma. The pledge covers tuition and standard fees for up to

The program underscores the power of cost-saving measures to open doors. For the 2024-25 school year, there are 1,740 participants in the Heart of Detroit program, including 565 students in fall 2024. Meanwhile, 217 Heart of Detroit students have already graduated from WSU, and another 152 have applied for graduation for the winter 2025 semester. More broadly, Heart of Detroit and other programs have been successful enough that 6 out of 10 of WSU’s first-year undergraduate students the last two years have attended the university tuition free. Heart of Detroit is also instrumental to encouraging graduates to remain in the area and invest their

Lauren Patterson is a sophomore majoring in finance at Wayne State University.

“There have been statistics tracking higher education for quite some time that talk about the secondary benefit of an institution that produces scholars who elect to reside within a short radius or within that same state in which they received that degree,” Cotton explained. “That could include local students or talent that we bring from out of state. It’s equally important that we do our part to continue producing talent that has a higher statistical chance of staying in Detroit upon completion of a degree.”

Cotton praised the university for its effort to keep tuition low for students across the board — “Wayne State has done an amazing job of mitigating cost increases,” he said — but conceded that, in today’s climate, the costs still pose a challenge for many.

However, he noted that, unlike some other investments, a degree pays for itself and — then some — in the long run: “Some of the things we invest in are depreciating assets. The collegiate education you receive is an appreciating asset, and we see that when looking into lifelong earning potential.”

The data backs this up; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that someone with a bachelor’s stands to earn more than $1 million more in their lifetime than someone without a degree.

For students like Lauren Patterson, however, a government report isn’t necessary to grasp the value of higher education.

“A degree certifies that you can be disciplined, that you can sit down and think critically,” she said. “I wake up every day to go to class, enrich myself and be in a setting with like-minded people. I’m here to earn my degree — and nothing will stand in my way.”

Vivian Rogers Pickard Joins Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees

By Jeremy Allen EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Vivian Rogers Pickard is a woman of many titles, and she recently added another. As of Jan. 28, 2025, the businesswoman and philanthropy leader is now a member of the Flint-based Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees.

Pickard, originally from Grand Blanc, has devoted decades to improving Michigan communities through board leadership, civic engagement, and philanthropic initiatives. She spent her early professional career in Flint and worked for more than 30 years at General Motors, where she retired in 2015 as president of the General Motors Foundation.

“Vivian is dedicated to making a measurable difference in the lives of people in Michigan and beyond and we are fortunate to work with her and learn from her,” said Ruth Mott Foundation Board Chair Maryanne Mott, daughter of Ruth Rawlings and Charles Stewart Mott. “Her years of service and deep love of Flint will benefit our board and strengthen our work to connect people, ideas and resources for a vibrant and inclusive Flint.”

In 2024, Pickard was honored by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with the prestigious Lifetime Humanitarian Award, reserved for those who demonstrate outstanding civic and charitable responsibility to communities and organizations. In 2023, she was also honored by President Biden with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her extensive volunteer service.

“I’m excited to join the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees and look forward to amplifying the community-voiced efforts at the heart of their mission,” Pickard said. “The Foundation’s commitment to listening to and learning from residents is a practice I deeply believe in.”

Pickard currently serves on the Michigan Women’s Commission and as president and CEO of the Pickard Group, a consulting firm for public and private sector leaders improving corporate social responsibility,

strategic planning, and business development.

She becomes the 10th member of the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees, which includes four family members who are descendants of Ruth Mott. There are also three trustees emeriti.

Pickard holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Administration from Ferris State University, a Master of Business Administration in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University, and an honorary doctorate from Ferris State University.

She serves on numerous boards, including the Flint Institute of Arts’ Development & External Relations Committee, Fifth Third Bank–Southeastern Region, Henry Ford Health System Foundation, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Sphinx Organization, and the Black Women’s Agenda. She is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council; Women Corporate Directors; International Women’s Forum; the Links, Inc.; National Black MBA Association; NAACP; and the National Council of Negro Women.

Additionally, Pickard is widely known and well-respected for her dedication to community service. Her accomplishments have been acknowledged by the many other awards she has received, including the Spirit of the Dream Award from the United Negro College Fund, the Michigan Chronicle’s Driven: Philanthropic Pioneer Award, and Multicultural Media Award for Global Community Leadership. She was honored with The Charles H. Moore Award for Leadership in Cooperate Community Engagement from CECP and was recognized as one of 25 Influential Black Women In Business by The Network Journal. She was also presented with the Role Model Award by Alternatives for Girls and was named to Michigan Chronicle’s inaugural POWER 50 list as one of the 50 Most Powerful African Americans in Southeast Michigan, while she also received the Diversity Business Leader Award from Corp! Magazine, as well as the Global Community Award at the North American International Auto Show.

Michigan & Florida Snowbirds’ 4th Annual Golf Tournament Raises $150K to Champion Diversity in Golf

The Michigan & Florida Snowbirds hosted its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on January 31-February 1, at the prestigious Martin Downs Golf and Country Club in Palm City, Florida. The club is owned by African Americans, Stanley and Cheryl Campbell. The event SOLD OUT early January. The golf event started with a group of Michigan Snowbirds desire to get together on a weekly basis to fellowship and play golf. The first year, the organization made a $25,000 donation to support a young PGA circuit golfer of color who had no sponsorship. The second year, in light of the hurricane damage to Bethune Cookman-Cookman University, the Snowbirds made a $25,000 donation to support the rebuilding of its golf program. During year three, a $25,000 donation was made to Cass Tech High School, Detroit, MI.

After learning of the need to support the building of a pipeline for African American golfers into Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the organization is working with a number of committed organizations to determine collectively, how to best utilize funds from this event to support this mission. Renee Fluker, CEO of Midnight Golf advised that “The Snowbirds donation directly support Midnight Golf’s mission of providing Detroit area high school students with access to mentorship, college and career guidance, along with life changing opportunities that shape their futures for the better”.

This year the Snowbirds again hosted members of the Cass Technical High School (Detroit, MI) girls’ golf team, who made history by becoming the first Detroit team to qualify for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 Girls Golf Tournament Championship, after having a golf team in place for only three years. The students were excited to attend and participate (did not compete). Lisa Phillips, Principal of Cass Tech High School, indicated “Cass Tech is appreciative of the financial, spiritual and mentorship that has been an everlasting impact on the Cass Tech team.

The Snowbirds raised approximately $150,000 this year to support its mission. The funds raised from this year’s event will support the programs of Midnight Golf, First Tee, Cass Tech and the NAACP. Carl Bentley, CEO of First Tee Detroit indicated “the Michigan Snowbirds are a living example of how opportunities are created through golf”.

Major sponsors include, AARP, Chemico, Bridge Philanthropic Consulting, Comerica Bank, Henry Ford Health System, CIBC Bank, Ervin Policy Group, Christy Walls, Donald Manvel, Byna Elliott, Rosa Randolph and a long list of hole sponsors and in-kind donors.

Derrick Johnson, President of the National NAACP summed up the weekend by indicating “we must never waver in our fight to ensure diverse opportunities whether in the boardroom or on the golf course – are available to those who have been traditionally left out. The generosity of the Snowbirds will go a long way in helping sustain that fight.

About Michigan Florida Snow Birds, Inc.

The Michigan Florida Snowbirds is a 501-C3 organization, with a mission of increasing the opportunities for African American in golf.

About Martin Downs Golf & Country Club

Martin Downs Golf and Country Club was designed by legendary Treasure Coast Golf Architect, Charles Ankrom in the late 70’s. It is situated on 83 acres in Martin County, Florida. The Club is owned by an African American couple, Cheryl & Stanley Campbell.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Grades PK-12 (Ages 4-18 yrs.)

Universal Academy 4833 Ogden St Detroit, MI 48210 (313) 581-5006, www.universalpsa.org

Accepting Applications:

M-Fri 03/01 - 3/31/2025, 9 AM–3:30 PM Fri 3/07/2025, 9 AM–5 PM & Sat 3/08/2025, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM PUBLIC LOTTERY Fri 4/11/2025 @ 1 PM

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Grades PK-12 (Ages 4-18 yrs.)

Star International Academy 24425 Hass & 24480 George St Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 (313) 724-8990 & 45081 Geddes Rd Canton, MI 48188 (734) 331-3081 www.starpsa.org

Accepting Applications: M-Fri 03/01 - 3/31/2025, 9 AM–3:30

Fri 3/07/2025, 9 AM– 5

& Sat 3/08/2025, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM PUBLIC LOTTERY Fri 4/11/2025 @ 8:30 AM

Grades

4/11/2025 @ 3:30 PM

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Grades PK-12 (Ages 4-18 yrs.)

Universal Learning Academy 28015 Joy Road Westland, MI 48185 (734) 402-5900, www.ulapsa.org

Accepting Applications:

M-Fri 03/01 - 3/31/2025, 9 AM–3:30 PM Fri 3/07/2025, 9 AM–5 PM & Sat 3/08/2025, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM PUBLIC LOTTERY Fri 4/11/2025 @ 11 AM

fiscal year 2026 as required under Act 51 of the Public Acts of

as amended, and for federal assistance as required under the

laws, as amended. The DTC is requesting a total of $6,848,734 through the following funding program(s): Section 5307 ($660,502) for infrastructure and equipment upgrades; Section 5337 ($1,778,489) for maintaining the DTC system, equipment, and facilities in a state of good repair; and Act 51 ($4,409,743) for operating assistance.

The DTC ensures that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information regarding our Title VI obligations or to file a complaint, please contact the DTC at the address listed below.

Detroit Transportation Corporation 500 Griswold, Suite 2900 Detroit, MI 48226

Written comments or requests regarding the application and/ or written requests for a public hearing to review the application must be received by Tuesday, March 4, 2025. If a hearing is requested, notice of the scheduled date, time, and location will be provided at least ten (10) days in advance. Submittals should be sent via email to DTCGrants@thepeoplemover.com. This document will become final, barring any changes made in response to the written comments.

How to Dodge Fraudsters When You’re in Financial Distress

(StatePoint) Although fraudsters will prey on anyone, many tactics specifically target those facing financial hardship in the wake of a natural disaster.

in various stages according to GVDP, while collaborating with engrg, packaging, human factors, &tooling teams to assure minimum radii/draft, tooling &safety reqrmnts in compliance w/ U.S., European &China standards. Bachelor, Transportation or Industrial Design. 60 mos exp as Digital Sculptor, Digital Modeler, or related, designing or developing 3D Class A surfaces of full vehicle psgr vehicle exterior cmpnts incl. fascias, grills, head/taillamps, doors, fenders, ABCD pillars, &liftgates,

To help you avoid becoming a victim when you’re most vulnerable, Freddie Mac is providing these tips and insights: Watch Out for Common Disaster-Related Scams

As the intensity of severe weather events increases, understanding common disaster-related scams can help you avoid them. These include: High-Interest Loans for Repairs: In this scam, someone may offer to loan you money for home repairs, often at a high interest rate, while you wait for your insurance money. In return, they ask for a post-dated check, your auto title or your tax refund. Although this may provide short-term relief, it’s an example of predatory lending because the high interest rates could end up costing you more in the long term. Read any contract before signing it, and make sure you understand the total cost of the loan, including its terms and fees.

or due to other circumstances and you are facing foreclosure, be on the lookout for two common types of fraud.

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud: In such a scheme, someone may falsely promise to be able to save your home from foreclosure. The fraudster will commonly:

• Require you to sign the title to your home over to them.

Vehicle Validation Engineer Warren, MI, General Motors. Perform &execute electrical validation of BEVs in GVDP for Vehicle Motion Embedded Controls (VMEC), Body Electronics, Active Safety

Fraudsters

Repair Contractor Prepayment: In this scam, your home repair contractor may ask you to sign a “direction to pay form” that allows your insurance company to pay the contractor directly, even before the repair work is completed. This can leave you vulnerable to incomplete or poor quality work. To avoid this scam, read your contract carefully and do not authorize the full payment amount until you are satisfied with the final product.

&infotainment embedded ECUs, using Tc &vSpy tools, or related. Mail resume Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI

Requests for Financial Information: In this scam, a person claiming to be a government employee or disaster relief professional may request financial information, saying they need it to help you recover from a crisis. Protect yourself by never giving anyone your personally identifiable information by phone, email, text or in person without confirming their identity. For example, ask for identification and independently call the entity the person claims to work for.

If You’re Struggling to Pay Your Mortgage, Beware of Fraudsters

If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage after a natural disaster

Michigan Chronicle

APPLAUSE!

and amplifying their

Learn more and reserve your ad today at the below, or call 313-963-5522. michiganchronicle.com/applause2025

THANK YOU!

The Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media express our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their support in bringing the story of Ruby McCollum to life.

Your partnership is invaluable in helping us keep our history alive through creative storytelling. Thank you for being part of our mission to preserve and celebrate our shared history. We look forward to continuing this important work.