Michigan Chronicle Vol. 88 - No. 32 by Real Times Media

Is Detroit’s $400 Million Investment in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Accessible for Black Detroiters?

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Comerica Celebrates New Generation Grand Opening of $26M of Black Tennis Stars 35 Years of Supporting theInn Nation’s Largest The Anchor at Mariners HOMEFRONT City.Life.Style. B1 UNCF Walk for C

Marks a Milestone in Detroit’s RecoveryEducation Services Scholarship Roots. A3 Roots. A3

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Vol. 87 – No. 2 | September 13-19, 2023 Vol. 88 – No. 32 | April 9-15, 2025

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Vol. 87 – No. 3 | September 20-26, 2023 Powered by Real Times Media | michiganchronicle.com ‘18-Year-Old Lifers’ UAW Get Renewed Hope After Michigan ATriple NightStrike of Elegance and Excellence at the 10th Annual Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Against Detroit Supreme Court’s Automakers New Ruling By Ebony JJ Curry

By Ebony JJ Curry SENIOR REPORTER SENIOR REPORTER

Late Thursday night, Sept. Under harsh fluorescent lights and a 14, a historic moment unfolded courtroom heavy with silence, John Antoin American labor relations as nio Poole stood at 18 years old as a judge the United Auto Workers (UAW) pronounced life without parole. His face union initiated a strike against was barely past adolescence, yet the system Ford, General Motors (GM), and saw him only as an adult deserving of perStellantis. For the first time, manent punishment. That moment became the union took simultaneous a defining stamp on a life many believed was action against all three major Debeyond repair. Poole’s case, rooted in a 2002 troit-based automakers. The action act of violence for which he was paid $300 involves approximately 13,000 by his uncle to carry out a fatal shooting, ulUAW members in assembly plants timately became the catalyst for the Michiacross Michigan, Ohio, and Misgan Supreme Court to examine the legal gap souri, who walked jobs troiters. The symbolism of Black beekeepers revitalizing niably commendable. By Ebony Curryoff their that excludedJJ18-year-olds from protections after existing labor contracts extheir city is a powerful testament to the resilience and Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event also showSENIOR REPORTER previously granted to minors. Now 42 years pired at 11:59 p.m. ingenuity of ourPublisher community. Hiram E. Jackson (center), of Michigan Chronicle and CEO ofcased Real Times Media,ofistalent honored at the Boys & Girls Club the diversity within our community. From old and incarcerated at Richard A. Handlon Shortly before of of HighlandAsPark, the club was renamed in his honor on Morgan Photography the as night unfolded, we had the privilege ofApril hon-7, 2025. Paris T.PHOTOS: Prichard,Monica a forensic scientist pushing the boundCorrectional Facility,midnight Poole is noon longer n a breathtaking celebration of just talent, determinaGM released a statement aSept. case14, number—he the reasonspirit a pathway tion, and the is unyielding of Black excellence, oring other outstanding individuals, each carving their aries of her field, to math wizards like Donna Laster, who expressing disappointment with to reconsider justice for hundreds has been the Michigan Chronicle marked its 10th Annual own path to success. Clement “Fame” Brown, the crethe strike action,40despite opened. 40 Under event offering Thursday evening. This year’s ative mind behind Three Thirteen Detroit’s Brand Name, See 40 UNDER 40 page A2 what it drenched termed anin“unprecedented soirée, theme “Allsaid Black with received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Poole’s attorney, the Maya Menlo, in Everything a economic package” that included Gold Accents,” transcended expectations statement: “Eighteen-year-olds are less cul- and essential- Brown’s commitment to empowering the city through historic wage increases. Stellantis ly illuminated the golden gems within the true essence fashion and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark. pable and more amenable to rehabilitation of Black excellence. Hosted by the develcharismatic duo of “Entrepreneur of the year – that’s a big deal,” said than adults whose brains are fully AndreMr. Ash andand Lynzee Mychael Michigan Chroni- Brown. “It’s always an honor to be honored and it’s oped. Poole others like himfrom deserve cle’s Finally Friday, theto night was a triumph for the city always a blessing to be in a room full of so many talentan opportunity to return the community.” of Detroit and its vibrant community of young Black pro- ed, accomplished, and popular people that look like me. fessionals. I’m Allen geeked. I started making andreceived selling clothes as aofkid the honor a lifetime, as his dedication to the club led him to a seat By Jeremy I always knew that I would have a business, but I childhood Boys & Girls Club – where he on the BGCSM board, and ultimately, he The evening sparkled with a golden promise EXECUTIVE as we and EDITOR brandaname business, became member in 1971 at the age of became the White first Black chairman of the celebrated remarkable individuals from various walks never knew it would be Detroit’s DPD Chief James Says Increased so I take a lot ofDetroit pride in the fact our business 6 that – was renamed inrephis honor follow- BGCSM board, where he served for more of life. Among the honorees were the brilliant and As vi-a teenager attending CounPresence Violence resentsHiram our city’s pride.” once ing a $2 million renovation. With Police the than five years Culled and helped select the orsionary co-founders of Detroit Hives, Nicole Lindsey tryand Day School, E. Jackson dedication, the Hiram E. Jackson Club ganization’s current president and CEO. Timothy Paul Jackson. Their work has not only changed Taking home the Corporate Excellence Award was got into a fight after another student By Andre Ash“Everything that I’ve ever done and is the first of all the Boys & Girls Clubs the landscape of beekeeping and urban farming disparagingly in De- Dannis Mitchell, Director of Community Engagement at said to him: “You can take of Southeastern Michigan to DIGITAL be named ness district that had been the lifeblood ofANCHOR towards mending the hoped wounds inflicted troit expressed but also disappointment exemplified thein transformative impact Barton Malow. everything that I’ve to do is rootedon By Ebony JJ Curry them out of Highland Park, but you can’t also after an African American. Black Detroiters and as restoring aatsense of bethe community. Black professionals can have on their communities. in the time I spent a youth the Boys “It is so important to recognize that there are young take the Highland Park out of them.” SENIOR REPORTER a statement, saying the company A string of shootings in longing that was so callously torn away in For the past five decades, Jackson and Girls Club. It’s something that is very history marred “Togetherwent we have created a social, environmental, across the 7, country, are born herebyin pain, injusBut onleaders Monday, April 2025 many –It’s a that immediately into contingenGreektown inmuch mid-April leftmy DNA. I’ve witnessed the past. has been an “all-in” member of the club. a part of For many Detroiters, Interstate 375, or tice, and economic devastation. More than and financial impact through bees,” said Jackson. LindDetroit. I represent our city nationally and I tell people, standing in front of hundreds of friends, cy mode to protect its operations. both visitors and residents a child, he attended Boys the thatofit canProject have on children, I-375, has long been just another stretch of from Theimpact I-375 Boulevard is about more to athat unanimous decision seyThanks followed sentiment with,from “It isthe through our local 130,000 residents, Black,The were ‘Yea I’m mentors, a D-girl I’m theAswest-side ofprimarily Detroit,’”daily. family members, colleagues, The UAW has branded the inthis bustling downtown des- on & Girls Club of Highland Park was his on families, and communities. That’s urban highway, a concrete artery connectthan just correcting historical injustices; it’s Michigan Supreme Court, Poole’sefforts case and partnerships and collaborative that we exist in Mitchell expressed. “But more importantly, I’ve been able forcibly displaced. Families were uprooted, elected officials, and other dignitaries at dustrial action as the “Stand-Up tination as inabout awe. first job, where heobliterated, started working whyOne I’mofsothese committed to Itit.will It’s connect really ing different parts of the city. Toofsome, it’s redefining the future. the of more than 250 individuals, all overcases 28 plus locations managing the health of 4.5 milto have experiences within an industry that not many of generational wealth was and a the Boys & Girls Club Highland Park– Strike,” focusing on specific plants shootings tragically claimed coat checker in the room where downtown how I got to Detroit Country Day and mere convenience; to others, it’s an unreDetroit to surrounding neighborsentenced to life –without for crimes lion honeybees humblyparole speaking oura movement has said us, specifically women color, ahave the opportunity toasunder. thriving community was tornvery The Jackson that hearing that ofexact within each automaker. UAW the life of a popular and be- gap that he spoke during the club’s renaming on how I got to Cornell,” Jackson said. “It’s markable part of their daily commute. Howhoods, bridging the was placed upon committed at age 18, will be granted a internationinspired others locally, nationally, and even engage in and I’ve been the youngest person in the room, wounds inflicted by I-375 run deep, tranphrase today would be a compliment of President Shawn Fain stated, “This loved as security guard followMonday. He returned frequently a thekind of like when ever, there’s a proportions. deeper, far more troubling city decades ago. you build a house, you second Notsimilar a guarantee of release, but ally to look. take on missions.” the only Black person in the room, and the only Sistah in scending the physical barrier of a freeway to epic strategy will keep the companies a dispute with abasement patron. first as your foundayoung adult, volunteering hising time and build story founded beneath the of this seemingly a requirement thatatheir cases beorganization reviewed the of room, I really had to articulate thesoul importance penetrate the very of Black Detroiters. Today,a allegedly the resurgence of Paradise Valley DetroitItHives, pioneering by surface The CEO Realand Times Media and guessing. will give our nationThe male suspect money to support programming and tion. The & Girls to Club much ordinary freeway—a story of pain, to determine if they’veharnesses changed, matured, up,displacegiving chances others won’t, standsbefore as aBoys testament theis very indomitable Lindsey and Jackson, bee- of Thiswhen painful legacy can and be traced back Publisher ofshowing the Michigan Chronicle al negotiators maximum leveragethe power of urban shot the guard fleeing community initiatives. Later, Jackson’s my foundation, and the things that have ment, and the lasting impact on Black Detroiand are capable of returning to the commubeing persistent.” As a trailblazing Black woman thrivof Black Detroiters and the enduring keeping to revitalize neighborhoods in the Motor City. to the nation’s interstate highway program and flexibility in bargaining. And the scene, spirit while female comeofhis after that have been successful beters. issues like ing in a predominantly male-dominated industry, her nities that once turned their addresses backs on them. legacy Black excellence. This historic disTheir initiative not only critical of 1956—a program that aimed to companion connect if we need to go all out, we will. iscause accused of have con- an amazing foundation I just unwavering commitment to fortifying the connections The tale begins in what is now Lafayette trict, once a vibrant hub for Black businessThis ruling expands on previous court environmental conservation but also provides valuable DPD Chief James White the country but often did so at the expense Everything is on the table.” Union cealing the weapon in her not justbra. wonderful parents, but businesses and Detroit’s communities is undePark,toonce known Black Bottom—a neighes from and culture, ismy experiencing a renaissance decisions that had only extended such coneducation andalso employment opportunities Black De- as between of marginalized communities. In the case of incidents leaders have indicated that These unfolded during an days. unseasonably from being a Club kid.” borhood rooted in African-American culture that harkens back to its glory The desideration to those under 18. The court additional plants could be targetI-375, it meant carving a path through the warm spring, leading to increased pedestrian traffic and He explained that onemay of the first and history. Named after its dark, fertile heart of Black Detroit, reinforcing segregastruction of Black Bottom have torn made 18-year-olds—only ed in clear futurethat waves if negotiations one year tensions in populated downtown people hethe metdensely while at thebut club was the soil, Black Bottom flourished during the mid- tion, and perpetuating inequality. heightenedapart a thriving community, the resolute removed from childhood in legal terms— remain stalled. area. late George Browne. Browne, 1900s, nurturing the dreams and aspirations determination of a new generationaofcamp entredeserve the same chance. They must now Fain clarified the union’s stratFor one to aptly recognize the harm The surge in crime and the influx visitors tothat Decounselor, helped provide opportuniof prominent Detroiters like Coleman Young, preneurs and visionaries isofreclaiming be given the opportunity to prove whether egy: “I want to give a major shoutcaused by such projects, it is vital to note that troit’s downtown core theheattention of the Deto thegarnered boys, and was the catalyst Joe Louis, and numerous other Detroit leglostties legacy. their time behind bars has brought about out to the thousands of members behind Police Department (DPD), catching them somewhat for encouraging develop a ends. But in the name of urban renewal in some of the planners and politicianstroit rehabilitation. In the heart of Jackson Paradise to Valley, Blackwho are on the picket lines right those projects built them directly through off guard. relationship with a young Courtney B. the 1950s, this vibrant neighborhood was opportunity the form of Housing Helpline in communi- owned businesses are not just flourishing now fighting for allcomes of us.inThe ByThat Andre Ash the heartResource of vibrant, populated anfor Emmy nominee and systematically dismantled, erased from the response James White, ChiefVance, ofoffering Police the Detroit Police Deresentencing hearings. Each person affected butVance. thriving, diverse services, prodto the challenges that Stand-Up Strike is a new approach ties—oftentimes to reinforce segregation and said: DIGITAL ANCHOR Tony Award winner, is a native Detroimap, and replaced by a lifeless stretch of aspartment, “We were caught somewhat flat-footed will now have the chance to stand before a ucts, and experiences that pay homage to the residents face in navigating the to striking. Instead of striking all sometimes as part of a direct effort toright replace ter who alsothe a member of the phalt. out the gate. Bywas design we wentforinto theHighspring judge and showselect whether taken repast while paving way a prosperous complex system of neighborhoods. housing serplants at once, localsthey’ve will be or eliminate Black Homelessness continues to land From Park Boys & the Girls Club in therestaulate deployment, which is less than mid-summer deployWhile the residential areas bore the brunt sponsibility, grown past the violent choicfuture. jazz clubs to soul food vices. The helpline provides a called to stand up and walkwith out plagueonurban communities, 1960s and the early 1970s. But now, after decades of enduring the ment, and saw we say an uptick in violence that of this demolition, the heart of Black Bottom, es of youth, andis demonstrated potential to rants, the Black Press, and art galleriesfirst to single point of contact for people on strike. This our generation’s families and individuals grappling scars of I-375, there is a glimmer of hope warm weekend.” Vance, now athis Boys & Girls Club of its thriving business center, remained largely rejoin society with purpose. fashion boutiques, revival is breathing seeking housing assistance and answer to the movement that built with the challenges of making on the horizon. Plans have been unveiled to White of Fame of member, became untouched. Restaurants, theaters, clubs, and connects Chief attributes violence in Greektown to lifeAmerica into the Hall verythe essence what once made This shift challenges a strikes long-standing legal them with the resources our union –inthe sit-down of ends meet today’s economic clitransform this once-divisive freewaya combination into a thisa of mentor to Jackson, as he also matricubars—the very places that brought Detroit’s weather conditions and a surge in popneighborhood a vibrant cultural epicenboundary that drew a hard line at the age 1937. We told the Big 3 that Sept. they need. mate. Whether it’s struggling to of the ter.lated the club attending Black community together—were concen- vision that seeks to right the wrongsulation. It’s through a resurgence thatbefore extends beyond of 18. That line ignored growing 14 was the deadline and we meant research Support for the helpline comes meet monthly mortgage payments past while heralding a new era of inclusivity Country Day anditgoing on to graduate trated around Hastings Street, the epicenter brick and mortar; represents thethat resurHe explained, “ We saw numbers downtown we showing that brain development, especially it. We gave the companies our ecofrom the Gilbert Family Foundaor coping with soaring rental costs and community revitalization. from Ivy that League college, just like of African-American culture in the city. gence of aanspirit refuses to be subdued. have not seen, ever. People are emerging from COVID in the areas responsible for impulse control, nomic demands eight weeks ago tion, which has pledged $10 milin a housing market marked by by more than $100 million Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Hastings lion Fueled andfrom there’s a Detroit feeling that in a post-COVID era… and it took more than a month to City we’re Councilman Fred Durhal over three years to fund the shockingly high prices, a variety See BOYS &and GIRLS CLUB the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act the Street, too, was obliterated a few years later, program. and with venues downtown the reasons to come get to the table.” III, representing District 7, where Eastern See NEW RULING Page A-2 Wayne Metro Commuof factors contribute to the growPage A-2 project making way for the Julie construction of I-375. and other partners, this ambitious down withMarket all the resides, activities that going on, we saw told theare Michigan Chronicle, union is pushing for a comSchneider nity Action Agency manages the ingThe issue of people becoming un- Meagan Dunn aims to create jobs, remove barriers to ecoThis marked the final blow, sealing the fate hundreds of more people and, in particularly, young “It’s still very early in the process, MDOT is prehensive list of demands. This helpline, making it accessible to housed. of Black Bottom and signaling the beginning nomic growth, and reconnect the neighborfolks, teenagers that we hadn’t seen.” all Detroit residents. This initiative simplifies access to the See INVESTMENT Page A-2 Historically, shelterspage have provided a temporary respite of the end for Paradise Valley, the Black busi- hood with the rest of Detroit. It is a Responding step See UAW STRIKE A2 swiftly to the surge in violence, DPD for those in need, often serving as the first or second option City’s various housing services, ensuring that residents in adjusted its deployment plans. Rather than waiting for after exhausting alternatives like staying with friends or need can easily find assistance. mid-summer, they deployed officers in the spring itself changing. Whileoffer major gro-of great services family. Shelters offer a place toBy restAmber one’s head and a warm “Thetroit city isand its partners a lot Ogden to address the situation. cery chains have largely abandoned meal, albeit sometimes for extended periods. For others, to help Detroiters with their housing needs, but they don’t STAFF WRITER The rise in visitors to the Greektown area is evident the city over the years, independent being unhoused means living in cars or makeshift outdoor mean much if people don’t know how to access them,” said in data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company markets, urban farms, and commusettings. Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners Detroit’s long-standing struggle becauseand of discrimination, but they specializing in visit trends demographic insights nity-led initiatives have attempted By Lynzee Mychael and the generous support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, The causes of homelessnesswith are as diverse and complex food insecurity is set to deepen were also coming because Black through geolocation-enabled mobile devices. From fill athe void.process to guide residents to the right MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST weofnowto have simple as the individuals experiencingas it.new In response, the up Citythe of cost tariffs drive people was doing some stuff. When May 1-Aug. 27, 2022, there were 1.3 million visits and For decades, hadnumber a glar- of programs to housing resource and aDetroit growing Detroit has adopted a holistic approach combat thisweek, issue.making importedtogoods this did Black people starttodoing things 655,000 visitors to Greektown, according Placer.ai. From the days of the Greathelp Mi- them.” ing lack of major supermarket fresh andhousing affordable groceries even “Providing services and high-quality to persons inyear, the these city?numbers They started doing In the same period this increased to gration when thousands of Black chains. By 2007, national grocers harderhomelessness to access. Already labeled The Gilbert Family Foundation’s broader commitment at risk of or who are experiencing is a key this area in the 1800’s. 1.4 million visits and things 670,000invisitors. families flocked to Detroit in search such as Kroger and Meijer had a a “food desert” due to its limited pledging $500 million to support projects across priority of the City of Detroit, said Julieand Schneider, In the 1800’s the major thingboth that of jobs a betterDirector life, to theinvolves pivAs Detroit’s downtown area continues to attract exodus from city, with with the grocery options, the city’s mostDetroit vul- mass over the next tenthe years, housing initiatives of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department. they were doing in Detroit is they otal role they played in the city’s exception residents and visitors, the police department has impletwoofMeijer in nerable the residents now face rising being a significantofpart their locations contribution. were the leaders in fightthe against “This means focusing on building pipeline of supcultural and musical heritage, mented various enforcement measures to the manage inthe city limits, citing crime, high inprices that could push healthy food slavery. metal The Underground Railroad Notably, Detroit has witnessed a consistent decrease in portive housing and coordinating with the Continuum of an inBlack Detroiters have left creased population. Notably, detectors have been surance costs, and operational chalfurther out of reach. With economis the rootGreektown in the city to of deter Detroit recent years, number of unhoused Care What on the a delivery of critical resources suchon as the emergency delible mark city. However, strategically placed throughout theto Federal lenges.with Thisthe left residents to rely onresidents steadiic pressures mounting, the question all of this Black innovation that you ly declining. In 2019, approximately 7,847 people were unshelter, rapid rehousing, and diversion prevention in recentand years, Detroitprohas expeillegal carrying of firearms. remains: can Detroit overcomehoused its smaller stores, many of which had Government Shutdown see coming later.” Historic grams. It Cross-Country also means preserving and expanding affordable rienced significant gentrification, and entered the City’s community response system. “We have strategically placed them keyGreening points, “of to fresh D-Town Farm and at The food access crisis, or will these tar- limited fresh produce and higher ence, improving access In 2021, about 5,687 people experienced homelessness. housing options for Detroiters of all incomes and improving Could Mean which has raised concerns about Aretha Chiefdevelopments White explains.Detroit, It Musical has been alegends deterrent for some, prices. A 2014 study by the Fair food. While these Ride from Black Wall iffs make survival even tougher? provide fresh like produce to housing stability though comprehensive service of offerings the displacement long-standing Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and the According to the City of Detroit, since the start of the and some testedneighborhoods it. If you are legally carrying a Food Network found that only 8% of have helped, residents couldhave argue that lack grocery for Detroiters? The USDA defines food deserts Street to Wall Street available through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine Black residents. Similar to a setting Motown sound emerged Defiscal year 2019 food to 2021, Detroit saw a 28% decrease in the andremain carryingstores. a CPL, have a great day. Iffrom you’re Detroit’s retailers were full-serthat large swaths weapon of the city as low-income communities and Detroit within HRD.” sun, there’s a rising spirit, andwhere Black vice grocery stores, while more than underserved and are still paying un- troit, providing a soundtrack for the to Housing Close Services Division Nonprofits, including food inspirbanks aDetroiters significant of their the popuSee POLICEcivil PRESENCE Page A-2 are portion reclaiming placeSee COMBAT HOMELESSNESS page A2 rights movement and In May Capital 2023, the City of Detroit launched the Detroit Racial Gap and local food co-ops, have Records, also siglation than from 1,000 convenience stores and liquor affordable prices. in the lives city,more despite thea mile challenges ing generations. Motown Detroit’s residents have respond- nificantly fresh to aposed supermarket in urban areas (or stores dominated the landscape. by gentrification. founded bybrought Berry Gordy Jr.,food was not However, recent investments ed toafter foodour access issues with cre- underserved communities. For inmore than 10 miles in rural areas). and west sides. Over time, these long current phase of genjust a record label but a symbol of During the Great Migration, have changed the landscape. Meijer ativity and resilience. According stance, the Detroit Black CommuniAccording to a 2017 report from neighborhoods became centers of trification. Black excellence and empowerment. thousands of Black families from reentered Detroit in 2013, opening to Keep Growing Detroit, the city ty Food Security Network has develthe Detroit Food Policy in Council, Black culture and entrepreneurship. people were coming to Dethe South came to Detroit search two However, as Detroit faced and ecolocations, followed by Whole has“Black of the most robust urban oped food-buying cooperatives nearly 30% of the city’s residents According to Historian Jamon troitone because Black churches were nomic decline and population loss of jobs in the booming automobile Foods in Midtown. More recentmovements in the country, lacked easy accessfacing to grocery stores. Jordon Black resilience in the city farming here, black schools were here, and in the late 20th century, many industry. Despite discriminaly, chains such as Aldi and Fresh with See FOOD DESERT over 1,500 urban gardens and Yet, food landscape in DehasScan roots thatexpanded extend fartheir before the Up its was BlackDigital businesses here,” said the QR Code to presSign for These the Daily Newsletter tion andthe segregation, they built vi- Thyme have farms. urban farms, such as $1.00 Page A-2 brant communities on the city’s east Great Migration and will persist Jordon. “They were coming of course $1.00 See LEGACY page A2

Boys & Girls Club Renames Highland Park Location After Michigan Chronicle Publisher Greektown Had 1.4 Million Summer and Hiram E. Jackson FollowingVisits $2MThis Renovation

No Shootings Can Reparative Investment Finally Heal the Wounds Left by I-375?

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

WHAT’S INSIDE

Is Detroit Still a Food Desert?

Black Resilience Amidst Gentrification: Reclaiming Detroit’s Legacy

Ride for Equity: Money. A5

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