THE
VOLUME 19 • NUMBER 4 MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16-28, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
A focus on ethnic equity in covid vacs
COMMUNITY, PG 36
Leading in Diversity for 18 years
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION
ANGELIA WILLIAMS Health care leader overcame challenges She thought of quitting, BLACK HISTORY HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS now she's in charge THREAD128 CREW By MIKE THOMPSON Recognizing Dr. Lawrence Angelia Williams followed a difficult path to her status as director of special projects at the anti-poverty Great Lakes D. Crawford Bay Health Centers, formerly Health Delivery Inc. By MB STAFF automotive parts supplier that supports She first dreamed of becoming Toyota operations in Indiana, Alabama, and a doctor, but she shifted quickly to n our 'Black History Hometown highlights' Mississippi. registered nursing. She began at Michigan Iseries we recognize Saginaw native, Dr. With Dr. William Picard, Dr. Crawford State University and transferred to Lawrence D. Crawford. co-founded VITEC-USA, a supplier of Florida A&M, where she achieved her Dr. Lawrence D. Crawford, a cancer plastic fuel tanks and systems to the 1979 bachelor's degree in nursing. survivor, has a noteworthy career in automotive industry. VITEC was the first healthcare, civic service, and business that major manufacturing business in the Detroit CONTINUES ON PG 38, ANGELIA WILLIAMS has spanned nearly five decades. At present Empowerment Zone and recorded annual he is the Chairman and CEO of Diversity- sales in excess of $150 million. Vuteq, LLC, an automotive supplier of Dr. Crawford has also been chairman of New ALPACT molded plastic parts and assemblies for the the Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Indiana, role for automotive industry. Diversity-Vuteq, LLC Parishioners on is an international joint venture between CONTINUES ON PG 2, Patrol founder Dr. Crawford and Vuteq, a major Japanese DR. LAWRENCE D. CRAWFORD COMMUNITY, PG 11 'Gospel Lady" moves forward BLACK HISTORY from a humble HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS start Hair replacement, COMMUNITY, PG 13 'natural woman' style Newcomer The life of Saginaw-born cosmetologist replaces long- Gloria "Gigi" Roberson time Delta trustee COMMUNITY, PG 14 COMMUNITY, PG 43 MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Cover Story, Dr. Lawrence D. Crawford and Ohio. He currently serves as immediate has included the following: Liaison He also received The Legends of Past Chair of the Delta Dental Foundation. to the I-75 Corridor Mayors at the Automotive Award from Rev Jessie Dr. Crawford is currently chairman Michigan Department of Commerce; Jackson and Operation Push. of the Booker T. Washington Association presidential appointment to the National Dr Crawford received an Honorary of Detroit, and of Real Times Media Inc., Advisory Board of the Small Business Doctorate of Entrepreneurism Degree the parent organization of numerous Administration; and Michigan Supreme from West Virginia State University in publications that include The Chicago Court Task Force on Gender and Racial 2012. Defender, The Memphis Tri-State Equity in the Courts. Dr. Crawford, and his wife of 40 Defender, The Pittsburg Courier, The Dr. Crawford is a native of Saginaw, years, Winnie, have two sons, Alan, and Michigan Chronicle, The Michigan Front Michigan. He is a member of Welcome Larry Jr., Howard Law and University Page, and Who’s Who In Black America, Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, of Massachusetts Law Alumni, with U of among others throughout 26 cities. Michigan. He is a life member of the Michigan undergrad degrees. Larry Jr. Dr. Crawford graduated from The NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Sigma works for Diversity Vuteq. He and his wife, University of Michigan, School of Pi Phi Fraternity, and The University of Dentistry in 1974, and practiced dentistry Michigan Alumni Association. His honors Krysta, grandsons, Lawrence III, William, in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan, for include Michigan Dental Association and Preston have returned from a three- many years. Dentist Citizen of the Year, Chamber year internship with Vuteq in Japan. In November 1983, he began a four- of Commerce Brick Award, Frontier’s Alan practices law in the Michigan I-75 year tenure as mayor. He was the third Businessmen of the Year Award, Alpha Phi Corridor. The Crawford Family Holdings, African American, following Henry Marsh Alpha Community Service Award, the Zeta LLC comprises the entire family and works and Joe Stephens. Emphasis was diversity Phi Beta Professional Achievement Award, throughout the USA to improve the lives of within the city's workforce and contractors. Saginaw High School Distinguished team members in all communities where Additional distinguished civic service Alumnus. the family has invested.
movement in the U.S. She is well known for her work and influence on racial justice, women's rights, and criminal justice reform. Davis is a professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in its History of Consciousness Department, and a former director of the university's Feminist Studies Department. In the 1960s and 1970s, Davis was known for her association with the Black Panthers Party—but actually spent only a short time as a member of that group—and the Communist Party. For a time she even appeared on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's "Ten Most Wanted" list. In 1997, Davis co-founded Critical Resistance, an organization working toward the dismantling SVSU to host virtual of prisons, or what Davis and others have called ANGELA DAVIS the prison-industrial complex. Through her activism and scholarship over conversation with many decades, Angela Davis has been deeply involved in movements for social justice around Angela Davis the world. Her work as an educator – both at the university level and in the larger public sphere As part of the Visiting Scholars and Artists “Social Justice & Ongoing Racism” will take – has always emphasized the importance of Series, SVSU is honored to present Angela place Thursday, Feb. 18, at 5:00 pm. building communities of struggle for economic, Davis - feminist, writer and advocate for social Angela Davis (born Jan. 26, 1944) is a racial, and gender justice. reform - as February’s Black History Month political activist, academic, and author, who To register for the virtual event visit www. Speaker. A virtual Zoom conversation on has been highly involved in the civil rights svsu.edu/angeladavis.
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MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER MICHIGAN BANNER 301 E Genesee Ave, Suite 201B Saginaw, MI 48607 989.992.2600 [email protected]
CEO/COO Jerome Buckley Change for the better [email protected]
PUBLISHER erhaps you have noticed that the format of The Michigan Banner has changed. A great deal of Jerome Buckley, Jr. Pthought went into the decision to upgrade. Changing for the better is an old phrase that recommends committing to the hard work now for EDITOR-IN-CHIEF improved circumstances or outcomes in the future. While it was very important to The Michigan Michelle McCoy Banner staff that we modernize our format for our circulation, it would not have caused harm if we [email protected] had waited to do so. There are other more important changes to be made that are critical to the safety and well-being of local communities and on a broader scale, to the betterment of the nation. These EDITOR EMERITUS changes will require us to roll up our sleeves and actively seek to maintain peace and bring about a Rae Lynn Buckley much-needed healing. Pulitzer Prize winner, social activist and literature great Alice Walker said, ‘Activism is my rent for living on the planet.’ In other words, the survival of this planet will require THE LATINO BANNER active participation from each of us but with the understanding, like Walker, it will cost us something PUBLISHER – we must pay the rent. Jerome Buckley Changing the world around us for the better is a process – it is not a single act or contribution to a [email protected] favorite charity or organization. It requires a willingness to listen to varying viewpoints for the purpose of learning more about other races, cultures, religions, and political positions or views. Maintaining OMBUDSMAN one’s integrity and long-held beliefs while recognizing the value of those who see the world differently Elaine Gregory McKenzie is not an easy task. Adlai Stevenson once said, ‘Change for the better is a full-time job.’ It is work – hard work and it is on-going. There are no quick fixes or short cuts to creating and maintaining lines MISSION of communication which will allow us to have courageous conversations and result in building better The Michigan Banner, Latino Banner and relationships. Motivating others to participate in this process requires commitment. I will share a few Youth Banner operates and serves as a tips which can be useful during any phase of the journey to change: print and online media venue committed to educating, informing and enlightening our • Read, read, read i.e., educate yourself. Read opposing points of view with the intention of readership regarding events and news that better understanding (not necessarily agreeing with) family, friends, and colleagues. We can directly and indirectly affect the communities get hooked on our preferred news reporter(s) and believe personalities with little regard for regionally and globally. Furthermore, to serve the truth. as a catalyst and a link for cultivating young • Speak up! Certainly, speak up for yourself but for others as well. Safely adults as entrepreneurial and business leaders refuse to allow hurtful expressions or actions to be shared in your for the future. presence. DISCLAIMER • Start now and prepare yourself to start again and again. This is not a The Michigan Banner and its staff are not sprint – changing the world for the better will take time. responsible and will not be held liable for any mistakes, error, misspellings and false The change list could go on and on. If we grasp and practice the basics to advertisements in part or whole that may a successful transformation, we will be off to a very good start. Maya Angelou be placed within its publication. Articles, said, ‘We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it information or comments printed in the has gone through to achieve that beauty.’ Changing for the better – costly and newspaper are not necessarily the views or challenging work. We are up to the task. beliefs of The Michigan Banner newspaper. Enjoy another Black History Month edition of The Michigan The Michigan Banner reserves the right to edit, Banner filled with educational, historical, and uplifting pieces. change, or delete any information, or refuse to It is our privilege to continue to serve the Great Lakes Bay Jerome Buckley print any information, article or advertisement Publisher, Michigan Banner region with enlightening and balanced news. which is believed to be inconsistent with or conflicts with the mission of the newspaper.
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301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG THE LATINO BANNER . FEBRUARY 16, 2021 VOLUME 9 NUMBER 4 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
LIDER EN LA atino anner DIVERSIDAD L B VAMOS ADELANTE
K?ONDA EVENT FLYER TERCER JUEVES BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT FLYER New date for Virtual Tercer Jueves 9th Annual business networking event K?Onda! oin The Michigan possibilities throughout the members by enabling access JHispanic Chamber of community. to business opportunities Awards Commerce on Thursday, Huntington is interested and developmental January 21, 2021 for in crafting solutions for resources through strategic th he date of the 9 annual their very first Virtual the unique challenges initiatives. TPremios K?Onda! Awards has Tercer Jueves Business faced by entrepreneurs Tercer Jueves events been changed from Saturday, April Networking event of the from all walks of life. No bring Chamber members 3, 2021 to Saturday, April 17, 2021. year! Connect with old unnecessary extras—just a together for networking The organizers apologize for any friends and get to know new streamlined plan aimed at and business development. inconvenience this may cause but ones! growth. Featuring a rotating still plan for an eventful evening. The event will feature Part of Huntington's program hosted by an Tickets are $40 per person speakers from Huntington $20 billion Community MHCC member company, and can be purchased at Maria's to discuss the Lift Local Plan, this program is they are a favorite of Mexican Restaurant (6090 State St., Business Program. looking out for you, so you Chamber members big Saginaw, MI). Huntington offers a can look out for what’s best and small and offer Join K?Onda for a night of program designed to create for your business, your extraordinary opportunities celebration as they recognize the more opportunities for family, and your customers. to connect with area contributions of Hispanic music in woman-, veteran-, and The Michigan Hispanic decision-makers and the state of Michigan. racially and ethnically Chamber of Commerce learn more about member For more information, call (989) diverse-owned businesses promotes economic businesses. 332-1107 in the hopes that more advancement, growth, To register for the event, opportunity generates more and sustainability for its visit bit.ly/3bgY5DA.
LATINO BANNER SPONSORED BY GREAT LAKES BAY HEALTH CENTERS 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG LB THE LATINO BANNER PAGE 2 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Hispanic Public Relations Association Announces National Board of Directors for 2021-2022 AFLAC, Mario Flores, Sportivo, Maggie Hernandez, Cision, Mayra Ramos Miró, Red Heels PR, Jennifer Morales, Amazon, Carla Santiago, Edelman, Oscar Suris, Zeno Group • BRAVO Committee Co-chairs: Andy Checo, Havas FORMULATIN, Brenda Mendoza, Guardian Life • Past Presidents: Stephen Chavez, Chavez PR, Andy Checo, Havas FORMULATIN, Yvonne Lorie, ReFresh PR
HPRA's professional development and leadership opportunities, including presence at key industry conferences, are also supported by the organization's local and regional chapters, which offer in-market professional development initiatives and exclusive networking activities with top journalists and industry thought leaders.
HPRA Chapter Presidents include:
• Los Angeles – Jaime Rojas, Rojas Communications Group PRNEWSFOTO/HISPANIC PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION • Miami – Erika Cruz, Edelman • New York – Erika Sanchez, Braid Communications Miami, FL – The Hispanic Public 17% of the workforce nationwide. The • Texas – Audrey Ponzio, APC Relations Association (HPRA) today gender gap at the executive level is much Collective announced that Sonia V. Diaz of Balsera wider with 70% of the industry's workforce • The Carolinas - Natalia Flores, APR, Communications will serve as president being female while only holding 30% of its Inspire PR of the HPRA Executive Board for its 2021- executive positions. • HPRA Collegiate - Catalina Santana, 2022 term. Diaz, who has been part of the "Our new executive board is comprised University of Florida organization for seven years, previously of a diverse set of communications leaders served as president of HPRA's Miami who are eager to share their best practices Additionally, every year, HPRA's chapter from 2014-2016. Jaime Rojas of for addressing critical issues that are Annual ¡BRAVO! Awards recognizes the Los Angeles-based Rojas Communications affecting our industry across all sectors, most innovative, creative, and cultural Group will serve as president-elect for such as the fast rise of disinformation campaigns across several categories 2022. online, organization diversity, equity and including technology, food & beverage, "As an organization of professionals inclusion, and fundraising in a virtual healthcare & nutrition, sports, automotive, that has been greatly impacted by a series world, among others," she added. digital, non-profit and integrated of economic and social crises within the marketing, honoring individuals who past year, we believe it is more important In addition to Diaz and Rojas, the HPRA are pioneers in their industry. The 2021 than ever to engage our industry in a way 2021-2022 Executive Board includes: ¡BRAVO! Awards are currently slated to that will ensure its continued growth and take place in New York City in September. development in 2021," said Diaz. • Treasurer: Elia Verduzco, OCTA For more information on HPRA, local According to a 2018 report from the • Secretary: Maggie Santos, City of chapters, ¡BRAVO! Awards and/or the Harvard Business Review, Latinos makeup Doral organization's scholarship program, please only 5.7% of the industry while representing • Directors at large: Darcy Brito, visit www.hpra-usa.org.
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Proud to serve our community.
Elvis Machul FINANCE DIRECTOR GARBER BUICK SAGINAW
OFFICE: (989) 497-6435 FAX: (989) 793-1125
5925 STATE ST, SAGINAW, MI 48603
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG LB THE LATINO BANNER PAGE 4 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper FEBRUARY 16, 2021
DIA DE LA MUJER LEADERSHIP AND EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE FLYER Spring 2021 Dia de la Mujer Leadership and Empowerment Conference
East Lansing, MI – We are excited to to empower, motivate, inspire, train, and Saturday (12:00-3:30PM), March 5th officially announce the dates for our Annual work collectively to expand opportunities & 6th 2021 DDLM conference that will be held this for Latinas and all women. Due to the spring. DDLM is a statewide leadership ongoing pandemic, this year's conference WHERE: The conference will be held and empowerment conference dedicated will be held virtually, in compliance with via Zoom, Registration will be opened to the advancement of Latinas. The Día de CDC and State of Michigan best practices. on February 19th, 2021, and can be la Mujer Conference is celebrating 28 years found on our website http://ddlm. of existence during the weekend of March WHO: You are invited to attend this ocat.msu.edu 5th and 6th. DDLM has become a hub in year's Dia de la Mujer Leadership and the Midwest region for the empowerment Empowerment Conference of thousands of Latinas that have We want to once again thank you for attended. The success of this community WHAT: This is the largest Latina your leadership and initiative to offer initiative is due to the hard work and Conference in Michigan solutions to social issues affecting Latinas dedication of our volunteers and sponsors and all women. We appreciate your support each year. The goal of the conference is WHEN: Friday(5:00-7:30 PM) & of the conference.
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COMMUNITY BOARD THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE, 3145 RUSSELL ST, SAGINAW, MI Submit your announcements and events at michiganbanner.org
¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues January 23, 2021 - April 18, 2021
The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History hosts the World Premiere of the Smithsonian's "¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues" traveling exhibit. Explore how Latinos/as have made the game what it is today, and baseball's profound influence on their culture. Witness how baseball unites all races, classes, and genders in this never-before-seen exhibit.
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LB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 11 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY
New ALPACT role for Parishioners on Patrol founder
By MIKE THOMPSON
ishop Larry Camel helped to launch BISHOP LARRY CAMEL BParishioners on Patrol as a citizens' coalition to combat and prevent crime. More than 10 years later, he will serve approach that Camel describes. Taylor's death in Louisville) generated as co-chairman of a group that aims to "It's all about communicating with national protest demonstrations, including promote improved police/community the community," Ruth says. "I've known a Saginaw march. Ruth was flanked in the relations. Bishop Camel for years. and he's going to police headquarters lobby by community The organization is ALPACT, Advocates be a great asset." leaders and ALPACT reps, such as Carl and Leaders for Police And Community The chief focuses on ALPACT's "Mac" Williams and Bobby DeLeon, while Trust. To reflect the link with law purpose: "to examine issues affecting he asserted that Saginaw would not stand enforcement, Camel's co-chair is Saginaw police and community relations to ensure for such terrible misconduct. He cited Police Chief Robert Ruth. equitable enforcement of laws including: ongoing officer training in culture diversity Camel, pastor of New Birth Missionary racial profiling, police discretion, use and mental health. Baptist Church at 3121 Sheridan, may bring of force, recruitment and training, A second news conference took place increased focus to the Saginaw ALPACT citizen complaint processes, community six weeks later, after Ruth terminated Committee, which has remained mostly in partnering, and police leadership." an officer who beat a 57-year-old female the background during its six-year history. Michigan's first ALPACT group was prisoner who had spat on him. Police He says he will not hesitate to bring formed in Detroit during the 1990s unions took a 46-1 no-confidence vote Parishioners on Patrol strategies to and models have spread to various toward the chief and staged a weekend the ALPACT table, ranging from peace communities, usually with open-minded of "blue flu" absences, but ALPACT stood marches to food giveaways to career police chiefs taking the lead. Chief Ruth behind the city administration. training in various trades. launched Saginaw ALPACT shortly after A local clergyman who works with "We can work on issues relating to taking the city's police helm in January Camel says the minister is an ideal choice Black Lives Matter," Camel begins, naming 2015. One of the reasons he cited was to serve as the Saginaw ALPACT co-chair. a national movement that is opposed by ongoing bad feelings that lingered after the "Bishop Camel is a very keen-minded some conservative police supporters. "We July 2012 police slaying of Milton Hall, a person who will be an excellent bridge should address social justice, education, homeless and mentally ill 49-year-old who to the community," said the Rev. Craig economic development. Police and the died in a hail of 47 bullets at Riverview Tatum, senior pastor at New Life Baptist community must work together for a Plaza. Police claimed he dangerously Ministries Church," 1401 Janes, and common cause toward reform." brandished a pocket knife. None of the president of Saginaw African American Aid to people in need may not seem part six officers involved was charged with any Pastors. "He knows how to work with young of an ALPACT mission, he adds, but the crime or misconduct. people through mentorship programs. He connection happens because poverty often ALPACT generated scant attention until will bring ALPACT to do great things." is linked to resulting police involvement last summer, when Chief Ruth called a press To contact Larry Camel, visit his with residents. conference after the Minneapolis police Facebook page, email [email protected] Chief Ruth says he sees potential in the killing of George Floyd (following Breonna or call Parishioners on Patrol at 401-6213.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 12 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY • Demonstrate a willingness to be transparent, fair and objective in the management of institutional matters. • Demonstrate an ability to be collaborative with assertive efforts to develop strategic partnerships and build strong relationship with community stakeholders, especially with, legislators, donors and those who can address the needs of the local workplace and the community’s quality of life. This must include strengthening the relationship with Saginaw Valley State University, the Intermediate School District and local school districts, especially urban schools. • Demonstrate an ability to develop and retain, within the local college
DR. JEAN GOODNOW community, leaders across all sub-groups (senior staff, cabinet members, faculty, students, etc.) NAACP Saginaw Branch with a mindset toward establishing organizational career pipelines. issues statement of qualities and • Demonstrate a willingness to characteristics for new Delta encourage and accept technology innovations that enhance learning College President and expand the ability of the college to pursue its mission and meet strategic objectives. • Be a visionary leader who is By TERRY PRUITT • Demonstrate the ability to function future-focused with a strong PRESIDENT NAACP SAGINAW in a leadership capacity in a communication and listening BRANCH diverse, multicultural institutional skills. Must be able to position the environment. college as a key driver and leader in he Delta College’s Board of Trustees • Demonstrate a sustainable addressing identified concerns and Thas initiated a national search commitment to institutional needs in the community. process to fill an important leadership diversity, equity and inclusion position with the announced retirement efforts. Must be committed to The Saginaw NAACP Branch also of President, Dr. Jean Goodnow. During walking the talk. Candidates should issued the following statement: the NAACP Saginaw Branch Executive have an ability to inspire optimism Committee meeting held on February and enthusiasm and demonstrate We expect that the Board of Trustees 6, 2021, they outlined a list of qualities the ability to be decisive. will extend every effort to appoint a and characteristics they felt should guide • Demonstrate the ability to develop, well-qualified individual to serve as the the search effort and decision-making lead and enforce the implementation President of the college. The NAACP of the Delta College Board of Trustees in of programs and services that Branch wishes to go on record that the the appointment of a new leader for the support the recruitment and search should also include a significant college. success of students of color. effort to identify minority individuals as • Demonstrate an ability to strengthen part of the pool of finalist candidates to These are the following qualities and the academic and global profile of be interviewed for the position. Although characteristics the NAACP Saginaw Branch the college through a willingness this not listed as an absolute requirement feels finalist candidates should have: to be visible on campus and in the for the next President of the college, this community (especially in under- step will certainly signal and confirm • Demonstrate strong and consistent served areas of the community). the Board of Trustee’s leadership and organizational leadership ability • Demonstrate an acute ability to commitment to the principles of diversity over a period of a minimum of 5 adapt to the cultural and political and equity in the development of the years preferably in an urban setting. changes occurring in the GLBR. senior administrative team.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 13 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY but it's simply to assure my listeners that BLACK somebody cares about them and that I too HISTORY may have been down that same road. I hometown know that the Lord can bring you through." highlight: She adds, "In fact, often people tell Vicki me that when they can't get out to attend Hill church, for whatever the reasons prior to the covid days, that I became their 'church' because of the uplifting and inspiring music that I play." Hill's strategy and her style have led to an array of awards. They include the Stellar Music Gospel Award at the Grand O'le Opry in Nashville, the Key to the City given by former Mayor Wilmer Jones Ham McZee, a proclamation given by former Mayor Dennis Browning, and a Certificate of Recognition from current Mayor Brenda Moore. Also, an Honorary Tribute was offered by former State House 95th Rep. Stacy Erwin Oakes, along with Woman of the Year from Women of Colors and a host of other honors, including one from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Hill’s management talents are also an asset, with a work career in the financial 'Gospel Lady" business that spans more than 30 years. She is a branch manager for Jolt Credit Union, once known as Catholic Federal moves forward from a Credit Union. Vicki has deployed these skills to put humble start together the Vicki Hill Gospel Fest for the past 20 years, which is conducted on the first weekend of August at Ojibway Island, with national as well as local artists. In By MIKE THOMPSON she declares, with the same exultation that August 2020, Gospel Fest was forced by we hear on the radio. the covid pandemic to go online, which icki Hill grew up singing in church Hill made her debut with R & B segments took place on Christmas evening live on Vchoirs, and continued as a young adult that she followed with an assortment of Facebook and still was a success. The in the late Jerry Redeemer's Saginaw Valley Gospel music. Gradually she moved more 2021 outlook still remains uncertain, but Mass Choir. She did not immediately and more into her first love, gospel, and she anticipates another virtual show if the consider the concept of becoming mid- became the successor to Dr. Christopher covid numbers remain high and if social Michigan's popular "Gospel Lady," a Banks at the station. distancing is still in place. Sunday morning staple on KISS 107 FM "I had always listened to gospel music As a community organizer as well as a since 1995. shows on the radio, especially to Chris radio personality, Hill keeps in touch with Encounters with a pair of radio Banks, and he became my inspiration," Saginaw-area ministers and makes sure personalities rooted in the initial "W-3- she notes. to promote their church programs and Soul," WWWS, got her started. Her benefactor, Dante Toussaint, was events. She aims for her fans, as well as Dante Toussaint expressed that her known as a smooth-voiced man of few community members, to always receive rich, cheery voice would be ideal for a words, but Hill doesn't hesitate to extend the information needed to enhance or public service announcement he was her encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring improve their everyday lives. And as she producing, and Station Manager Kermit points to her audience. ends her show each Sunday, she leaves her Crockett hired her on the spot, not only for "Whatever listeners may be feeling, audience members with a thought for the the 60-second PSA but for a part-time staff my theme is that they can gain strength day so that they may carry it with them opening. by trusting and leaning on the Lord," and meditate on it. Her KISS 107 airtime "Twenty-six years later, I am still there," Vicki explains. "I do sometimes talk a lot, is 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 14 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY BLACK HISTORY hometown highlight: Gloria "Gigi" Roberson Hair replacement, 'natural woman' style
By MICHAEL THOMPSON
rom styling and trimming women's hair Fto replacing their locks, Saginaw-born cosmetologist Gloria "Gigi" Roberson has seen virtually all aspects of her profession. Today, she equips and empowers the next generation. After four decades in California's Bay Area, she is the founding owner and operator of All About Non-Surgical Hair Replacement Training Center in Oakland. Just like men, ladies also lose hair, she notes. "But while men can simply shave their heads and still be stylish, women are expected to keep up appearances," she GLORIA "GIGI" ROBERSON explains. Roberson's clients do not undergo surgeries or scalp medications. Rather, and friends. her 1978 move to California with one of her she designs a custom cover, known in the She graduated from Saginaw High sisters, Jannie Johnson. She was 24 years trade as a prosthesis, with the hair styles of School in 1972 and enrolled at Saginaw old and a single mother with a 3-year-old their choice, that gives the illusion that it is growing right out of their scalp. Beauty College, finding herself as the only son, Deon Strother. She soon attained the Gloria is among eight children of Edd African American in her class, from which "Gigi" nickname, and in 1982, this was the Roberson Sr. and Zeola Roberson. She grew she graduated at the top. She started at moniker for her first Oakland salon. up observing her mother earn extra family what she says was an otherwise "all-white income as an at-home weekend stylist for salon" on the city's west side. After that, As her career evolved, she increasingly the family's South Side neighborhood, she was recruited to the downtown to the and by age 10 her mother noticed her gift, upscale Jacobsen's Beauty Salon. CONTINUES ON PG 15, spurring her daughter to practice on family Personal circumstances led Gloria to GLORIA "GIGI" ROBERSON
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 15 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY Continued from pg 14, Gloria This encouraged her to start her own "Gigi" Roberson hair and wig line for women of color, an underrepresented group, and to delve into hair replacements. encountered women who were struggling Between 1991 and 2010, she served with hair loss. Her first strategy involved mostly as a provider. In 1996, she also weaving to cover the bare spots, a skill she became a prosthesis designer for other had learned from Carlean Gill in Saginaw. manufacturers. She has grown to spread the women's hair replacement message as an expert trainer, a consultant, and an author. Her first book is entitled, "Pulling the hair “Don't Lose Your Clients Because They just seemed to cause Are Losing Their Hair," which educates cosmetologists to make informed decisions more hair loss," on hair replacements. Prices for a custom prosthesis can Roberson notes. begin in the $4,000 range, and may rise GLORIA "GIGI" ROBERSON "I want to be a upwards of $25,000 for customers with full insurance, veteran’s benefits, or elite causes. She also received an honorary solution, not the financial resources. Gigi offers financial masters degree in cosmetology from the aid through access to private insurance, Beauty Culture League. Her nonprofit problem.” and if necessary sometimes from her own agency is named "Locks to Give" because donated time and resources. supporters have lots to give. She assists patients coping with She says, "When a woman is losing Her resulting studies in hair- chemotherapy, radiation, severe burns, her hair, there's almost nothing more replacement prostheses took her to the Far Lupus, Alopecia, and so on. Some are important or gratifying than having a good East and the South Pacific -- China, Hong school age children. She has received hair day." Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines and honors from the American Cancer Society, You can learn more about Gloria "Gigi" South Korea -- for research and studies. Alopecia Foundation, and other worthy Roberson at hairreplacementbygigi.com.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 16 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY CREATIVE PERSPECTIVES BLACK HISTORY hometown COLORS highlight: Please don’t judge me by the color of Sammy my skin Coleman Dig a little deeper, search my soul within
None of us were born with a multiple choice Black, White, Red, or Yellow, We all have a voice
Today’s society is full of crime, all our people doing time What is the lesson, we’re teaching our children today To Fight First, ask questions later, Demand to have it their way
I don’t think this is how God intended it to be, For our babies to be watching all this violence on National TV
SAMMY COLEMAN We all need to stop, look, and listen, and hear all the cries Stop killing, Stop Raping, Put a stop to ammy Coleman is a Sales the Board at Glory House International all the drive-bys SProfessional at Labadie Buick Church. He also faithfully serves as a GMC Cadillac, located in Bay City, Trustee at HIS Restoration Ministries There are innocent people dying, on a alongside his wife Lisa who is Executive MI where he assists with new and day to day basis Director. There they provide a refuge They are White, They are Black, and pre-owned vehicles. He has been for homeless adult pregnant women. they are all different races employed at Labadie for 11 years. One of Sammy's passions in the A Native of Saginaw, Sammy marketplace is to facilitate and assist Why can’t we solve our problems, by graduated from Buena Vista High potential buyers in making the best sitting down and talk School. He has been married to his decision that Best benefits their needs. Learn to start stepping, add a little wife Lisa Coleman for 15 years, a feat Sammy never meets a stranger; he speed to our walk he calls a blessing. loves everyone and in everything he Let’s stop all the nonsense, let’s put Sammy is a Deacon and serves on does he serves with his whole heart. down the guns Let’s learn to relax, let’s have some safe fun
Let’s stop abusing our Women, Give them back their sense of pride Whether the answer be yes, whether it be no, Respect and Abide
Let’s teach our children values, and to look pass skin Let’s give them a sense of direction, Let them choose their own Friends
And when we lay down at night, let’s be quiet and still And know that peace, Can someday be real! 515 N. Washington Ave., 3rd Floor | Saginaw, MI 48607 P 989-752-7161 | [email protected] www.saginawchamber.org
Brigitte Johnson
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• In a Catch 22 type United Way of scenario, increased hardship leads to a higher need for finances, board chair but sources are less able feels right-at- to contribute, The consequence is campaigns have been home down over the past few years. To adjust, the By MIKE THOMPSON United Way of Saginaw County has held fundraisers such as "Over erence "Terry" Robinson, new board Tchairman for United Way of Saginaw the Edge" and "Saginaw's County, knows the value of community. Most Stylish." These He really didn't have one as a efforts helped United childhood "Army brat" in a military family Way allocate $650,000 that moved from place to place until they to 17 programs, among settled in Ypsilanti, but he found a home 41 applicants, in 2020. in the Great Lakes Bay region when he Supporters who wish launched a 30-year career at Hemlock to donate, or run a Semiconductor and Dow Corning, where campaign at their he held several positions in engineering place of business, may and manufacturing leadership. call 755-0505 or visit This explains why he was eager to accept a 2009 appointment to the United unitedwaysaginaw.org. Way Board of Directors after he learned Also, some activities about the organization through leading and outreach require several United Way campaigns at Dow little or no funds. A "21- Corning's Healthcare Industries Site (now Day Equity Challenge" DuPont) and taking part in Leadership that started on Feb. Saginaw. He is an alumni of the Class of TERANCE "TERRY" ROBINSON 15 encourages online 2008, which he describes as "the best class participants to do their ever." part to "dismantle "I learned to see the United Way as a in conference rooms and allocate the racism, shift attitudes, and change pillar in the community," Robinson says. donated funds. Robinson experienced this outcomes." The VITA program, Volunteer "I was impressed with their overall vitality expanded involvement two summers ago. Income Tax Assistance, is a tax preparation in serving people's needs." He engaged in a local United Way fund- For example, he points to a pair of outreach in which trained volunteers raiser, ”Over the Edge", where volunteer sudden crises during the past year -- first provide free tax preparation services to pledge-seekers rappelled in rope holders the spread of Covid-19, and then Midland those that qualify. The UWSC secures a from the roof of the six-story Covenant dam-break flooding that extended into grant and manages the effort, which has Healthcare facility at Mackinaw and northwest Saginaw County. In both returned millions of dollars in tax refunds Tittabawassee roads. He raised $1000. instances, Saginaw's United Way has to our citizens. Still, when finances become been there to provide services, supplies On the bottom line, Robinson asserts constrained, United Ways across the and support to those who have needed that when finances are short, people nation have experienced a fundraising assistance. still may donate their time. United Way Robinson gained skills in quality challenge. provides counseling upon request to control, teamwork, and leadership from interview potential volunteers and place his work and from his college studies in • Other worthy causes seek their own mechanical engineering at Michigan Tech support, creating more pitches for them in roles that best fit their skills, their University. These are ideal in his United donations. interests and their time schedules. Way role. • Reliable payroll-deduction sources, "It's not always about money," he says. United Way leaders who volunteer such as the auto plants, are sharply "Time and effort also contain value, often as board members do more than sit reduced in scope. more value than we may fully realize."
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 18 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY BLACK HISTORY hometown My View highlight: Henry of the Marsh Legacy of Henry
Marsh HENRY MARSH
whenever he was explaining how differing “educating citizens to be effective advocates sides would come together. Goodness, and change agents in the Great Lakes Bay we need “enlightened self-interest more Region.” today than ever!” “Enlightened self- I have seen references that a number interest” might draw democrats to work of recent cohorts have successfully sought with republicans; liberals to work with public office, and what better legacy to conservatives, and so on. Henry seemed to Henry Marsh could there be than that? attract opposites towards “middle ground” Henry served on City Council (1961) and by using their own self-interests to guide as Mayor pro tempore (1965). He became them. Such thinking keeps Henry Marsh Saginaw’s first African-American Mayor By CRAIG DOUGLAS relevant in 2021. (1967) and led the city through some of EDUCATOR There are the structures Henry Marsh the most serious civil rights challenges Bridge and the Henry Marsh Institute for ever faced. Thus, the legacy of the Henry enry Marsh passed away on May Public Policy, each alive and well today. Marsh Institute for Public Policy is a H11, 2011. Hard to believe we are These are landmarks aptly named after reflection of Henry Marsh the leader, our approaching ten years. It is because the Henry. Is that because of his strength or public servant. legacy of Henry Marsh is alive and well. what he stood for? Likely both, plus doses To make my final point about Henry Henry remains in our hearts and of Marsh’s characteristics of reliability, Marsh and his legacy, I will draw upon minds. I can still hear his deep voice as he honesty, strength, truth, courage, and my favorite quote. Very likely you know declared to me, “Mr. Superintendent, how dependability. Traits that are at the core it, too; it was offered by the late American of Marsh’s legacy and may explain why poet, Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) and is are you?” He said this every time he saw his name is associated with a precisely often cited. me. He made me feel far more valued and engineered structure~ a bridge~ winding important that I really was. upward to I-675 with grace, beauty, I’ve learned that people will forget what Here he was … attorney, community safety, and dependability. A bridge strong you said, leader & icon, and the former Mayor! A enough to endure over time. Worthy of the people will forget what you did, greeting like this, coming from Henry challenge offered by heavy semi tractors but people will never forget how you Marsh, meant something special. The way and trailers, loaded with grain, produce, made them feel. I saw it, I was just an educator. Henry and other goods, unwavering during all of – Maya Angelou made me feel more than that, and he never Saginaw’s weather extremes. missed a beat. At the “Bishop’s Breakfast” The Henry Marsh Institute for That is Henry Marsh in a nutshell. All (Henry was a founding member) and at Public Policy is at Saginaw Valley State who knew him remember how he made us the Saginaw Bay Symphony, anywhere University and is also known for Marsh- feel. It is a memory that has not faded and we interacted, Henry initiated his warm like attributes of strength, truth, courage, never will. Could it be that the more we wishes: “Mr. Superintendent, how are reliability, honesty, and dependability. It emulate Henry Marsh, the better people you?” is leadership in the form of Public Service. may remember us, as well? What better Many who knew Henry Marsh will The Institute is established to provide way to build a legacy could there be? It is recall a phrase that he coined. Marsh often ten-month experiences for emerging the legacy of Henry Marsh; I hope one day would cite, “enlightened self-interest” and existing leaders. The mission is, that may be ours, as well.
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301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 20 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY
Cuts & CONVERSATIONS with a popular local barber
By MIKE THOMPSON
The retired owner of Freddie's Barber Shop often sounds like an old-time bartender as well as a hair specialist. Freddie Hodges operated her enterprise first during the 1970s on Lapeer behind the downtown fire station, and later on the same street near Outer Drive. She since has practiced privately for the past 30 years, stopping only with covid's arrival last spring. She begins by explaining that her favorite aspect of trimming hair is "to meet people," and then she expands.
"The most important thing is trying FREDDIE HODGES to please your customer with the quality of the cut, and then the conversation," Hodges says "You hear all kinds of things. "But then a few will talk your ears off. You at Detroit's Michigan Barber College, and It's almost like being a psychologist." almost want to tell them to just shut up." gradually she assembled the experience But what if a customer is the shy, silent She sometimes styles ladies' hair, but and finances she needed to open her own type? rarely, because, "Women are hard to work place. "I'll just ask, how are you doing, and with, hard to please. I will cut their hair "I thought this was something I'd like then leave it go. I've had 'em like that," and do their brows, but that's about it." to do and it only required nine months Freddie notes. She is the daughter of Richard and of school, and so that was that," Hodges She adds, with total up-front honesty, Nellie Moton, who "blessed" her with recalls. four brothers but no sisters. One brother, She now visits hospitals and nursing Ron Allen, eventually styled for women in homes to care for long-time customers, the back of her shop while she would clip which allows her to schedule her own hours the fellows. Another, Dempsey Allen, is and workload without the responsibilities known for a term as director of First Ward of maintaining a candy-striped storefront. Community Center and now as pastor of Freddie still values the chit-chats, and Jacob's Ladder Ministries. she recalls one that took place away from Freddie attended Potter Elementary, the shop and the mirrors and the clippings then Houghton, then Central Junior. She on the floor. A childhood patron, now away graduated from Saginaw High School in at college, called her at night. He had been 1958, and soon after she wedded William a model honors student but had fallen into "Sonny" Hodges, who now is a retired campus drug sales, and he spoke of killing truck driver who worked for Sysco Foods. a relative who had swiped his personal She would occasionally trim her stash. She patiently talked the young man siblings' hair but she really didn't get into it down over the telephone, and potential until after her marriage to Sonny, aiming to disaster was averted. stay active and to supplement the family's "You never know," she says. "You listen income. She started out at Barbara's on to some of their stories, and after a while
FREDDIE GIIVING HER SON HIS FIRST HAIRCUT North Sixth in the First Ward, she enrolled the people become like family."
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 21 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY BLACK Williams HISTORY Promoted to hometown Midland Market highlight: President
Midland, MI – Lula R. Jerome Schwind, President of Isabella Bank Woodard LULA WOODARD announced the promotion of Mike Williams to ula has resided in the City of Saginaw City College. In addition to being an Lfor over 39 years relocating from her entrepreneur, mentor, facilitator and Midland Market original home of Tuscaloosa, AL and coach, Lula has studied outside the President. In his her second home Chicago, IL. She is the United States in Guadalajara, Mexico, is JEROME SCHWIND new role, Mike mother of two amazing adult daughters. involved in the community at multiple is responsible She has five inspiring young adult levels through various venues. She has for leading the sales and customer grandchildren and four fantastic great- completed training to become a Multi- service initiatives in Midland and the grandchildren that “Rock her World”. Cultural Competency Facilitator for MAX surrounding areas. A vital part of his role They call her ‘GG’. Systems of Care through Mental Health will be serving his commercial lending She is a retired teacher, teacher in Saginaw County. She is a Certified customers, while remaining engaged in consultant, social worker, served in Facilitator for Strengthening Families. the community. the Alabama National Guard and is an Lula is extremely passionate and “Mike positively impacts his team aspiring entrepreneur. Currently, Lula compassionate about the field of and community with his knowledge and is an Adjunct Professor at Delta College education, community involvement, and commitment to Isabella Bank. We look in Saginaw, Michigan in the English social justice. She provides parenting forward to the future as Mike continues Division, a Prevention Specialist, sessions, coaching, facilitating, and to build and deepen relationships in the facilitating the Botvin Life Skills along mentoring through Women of Colors in with Prime for Life programs which are area,” stated Schwind. Saginaw, Michigan with being a member evidenced based program and became Williams is a graduate of Albion of this group for over 20 years including a Certified Recovery Coach in order to College, Leadership Midland, and Great being awarded The Woman of the Year support individuals affected or infected Lakes Bay Region Alliance Leadership. 2012. She was awarded Adjunct of the by substance abuse in the Great Lakes Mike has 22 years of banking experience, Year in the English Division at Delta Bay Region as a resource or referral. spending the majority of his career College in 2017 and in 2020 received Furthermore, Lula has added two other in commercial lending and credit a Special Tribute from The State of endeavors becoming a Certified Notary underwriting. He is actively involved Michigan from our former 95th House and expecting to launch her business in his community, volunteering with of Representative Vanessa Guerra signed (PIP) Purposeful Intentional Parenting the Midland Noon Rotary, The Legacy by Governor Gretchen Whitmer along focused on parents of teens ages 12-15 to Center for Community Success, United with participating on many community help encourage, enhance, empower, and Way of Midland County, Midland promote skills that will hopefully, change forums including Delta Community Broadcasting and KISS 107. Business Alliance, Greater Midland parents lives intentionally for their child/ Community Center Operating Board, children. Lula exemplifies leadership in both Midland Center for the Arts NextGen She has an Education Specialist her church at Victorious Believers Council, Junior Achievement of Central degree in Education Leadership from Ministries under Pastor Christopher Saginaw Valley University, A Master V. Pryor, and her community, has held Michigan, Midland Center City Project of Arts degree from the University of various board positions with Women of Committee, and Midland Habitat for Alabama, (Tuscaloosa). She earned her Colors, The Underground Railroad and Humanity. He is an avid outdoorsman, Bachelor of Science degree in Special the Delta College Ricker Committee. enjoys watching girls fast pitch softball, Education from Chicago State University “I am a Trailblazer of Light and and college football. Mike and his wife, and an additional major in Mental Peace for these times along with being a Amy, reside in Midland with their two Health and Psychology from Chicago Lifelong learner.” daughters, Morgan and Caroline.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 22 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY Significance of Black History Month
a press release naming a week in February as Negro History Week. As ASALH also explains, Woodson was the son of former slaves and completed his undergraduate, bachelor, and master’s degree in just a few years. He attended Berea College and the University of Chicago. In addition to this, he also earned a PhD from Harvard in 1912. At the time, he was only the second African American By PASTOR DICK SAYAD to do so. SAGINAW VALLEY COMMUNITY The 2021 theme for Black History Month CHURCH/GLORY HOUSE is “The Black Family: Representation, INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES Identity, and Diversity.” According to the ASALH site, the 2021 theme for Black he month of February has been set History Month is all about the Black Taside nationally each year to recognize Family and how it has been “stereotyped Black History. and vilified from the days of slavery to our Before learning anything about Black own time.” King Jr. he was the leader of the Civil History, it’s important to recognize why According to the ASALH site, Woodson Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. the holiday exists. died in 1950 but we continue to believe in Another person I personally honor is For many of us, Black History Month is the Black History Week he had created. As Katherine Johnson, the mathematician, something we’ve grown up hearing about. an article entitled “The Origins Of Black who led the calculations of orbital If we were fortunate, we went to a school History Month” on the ASALH site says of mechanics, which were critical to the that even taught facts about Black History Woodson, “He pressed for schools to use success of NASA sending astronauts into Month and Black history as a whole each Negro History Week to demonstrate what space. Others I highly regard are Jackie February. Often, though, it’s easy to forget students learned all year. In the same vein, Robinson and Hank Aaron who led the that Black History Month was only first he established a Black studies extension way into baseball. Hank Aaron was a great nationally-recognized in 1969. That’s program to reach adults throughout the baseball player for 23 years and received barely more than 50 years ago. Before year” It wasn’t until the 1976 that Black the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I could learning anything about Black History, History Month was nationally-recognized. go on about others who have had influence though, it’s important to recognize why President Gerald Ford made Black History in education, politics, etc. The key I see the holiday exists. After that, it’s easy to Month a national observance. The month in their achievements was the spiritual understand why having a dedicated month of February was chosen for two specific influence of the families in spite of the to acknowledging and celebrating the reasons. many hardships they faced. accomplishments of Black Americans is so According to History.com, February The concept of family is extremely incredibly important. was chosen as the specific month for Black important in the Bible, both in a physical According to the Library of Congress, History Month because it’s the month of sense and in a spiritual sense. The concept National African American History Month both Frederick Douglass and Abraham of family was introduced in the very first began in 1915 when Dr. Carter G. Lincoln’s birthdays. beginning, as we see in Genesis 1:28. God's Woodson founded the Association for the Each year’s Black History Month has plan for creation was for men and women Study of Negro Life and History, which is a different theme and focus. “The Black to marry and have children. A man and now known as the Association for the Study Family: Representation, Identity, and a women would form "One-flesh" union of African American Life and History, or Diversity” is the theme for 2021. As I through marriage (Genesis 2:24), and they ASALH. consider the theme for 2021, I think of would with their children become a family, As the ASALH site says, Woodson was families where key Black men and women the essential building block of human urging other organizations to promote from diverse families have had an impact the achievements of Black Americans as on us individually and in America. early as 1920. He continued these efforts One such event was done by a son CONTINUES ON PG 23, through the 1920s and in 1926, he put out from a Black family, Rev Martin Luther BLACK HISTORY
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 23 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY Continued from pg 22, Black History society. many of the same commands and Savior. This is a family drawn "from every The importance of family can be seen in prohibitions. Jesus spoke on the sanctity nation, tribe, and language" (Revelation the provisions of the Mosaic covenant. For of marriage. The Apostle Paul talks about 7:9), and the defining characteristics of example, two of the Ten Commandments what Christian homes should look like this spiritual family is love for one another: deal with maintaining the cohesiveness when He gives the twin commands of "A new command I give you: Love one of the family. The fifth commandment "children obey you parents" and "parents, another. As I have loved you, so you must regarding honoring parents is meant to don't provoke your children" in Ephesians love one another. By this all men will know preserve the authority of parents in family 6:1-4 and Colossians 3:20-21. that you are my disciples, if you love one matters, and the seventh commandment So, what does the Bible say about another." (I John 13:34-35) prohibiting adultery protects the sanctity of family? The physical family is the most So, I congratulate my many African marriage. From these two commandments important building block to human American friends and their heritage. flow all of the various other stipulations society, and as such, it should be nurtured Together through the love of Jesus in the Mosaic Law which seek to protect and protected. But more important than Christ, we can together make a difference marriage and the family. The health of the that is the new creation that God is making regardless of race, color, or ethnicity - the family is important to God. in Christ, which is comprised of a spiritual love of Christ in our hearts will help us work This is not solely an Old Testament family, the Church, made up of all people together to bring healing, reconciliation, command. The New Testament makes who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ as and friendship!
The MLK program schedule features Ezekiel leaders:
• Willie Haynes and his pastor, Rev. A.J. Harris, New Mount Calvary
• Co-pastors Thomas Brown Jr. and Denise Brown, Word Ministries
• Co-pastors Charles Coleman Sr. and Elizabeth Walton Coleman, New Faith COGIC
• Pastor Sue Hand, Zion Lutheran FACEBOOK.COM/ THEEZEKIELPROJECTSAGINAW Church
• Co-pastor Joyce Seals, New Christ Ezekiel Project goes viral for Community Church • Pastor Hurley J. Coleman Jr, World MLK event Outreach Campus Church • Librado Gayton, director of churches, and the MLK event will feature By MIKE THOMPSON Hispanic ministry, Catholic Diocese clergy offering inspirational orations and of Saginaw hymns. The Ezekiel Project's 25th annual Martin • Pastor Emeritus Doug Loeffler, Luther King Jr. Celebration, a prime fund- Five "justice task forces" are the focus. First Presbyterian Church raiser for the organization, will go online They aim to address the economy, the at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27. environment, education, health care and • Pastor Emeritus Doug Mater, Ames Covid-19 restrictions are difficult for criminal justice. United Methodist Church all worthy causes, but none more than Ezekiel, which relies on people-to-people While finances are vital, supporters For information on the Feb. 27 event, interaction for community organizing may also contribute time and effort, in with pre-registration encouraged, visit efforts. Ezekiel is congregation-centered, general or to specific concerns of their theezekielproject.com or call the office, supported by an array of two dozen local choice. 714-2347.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 24 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY BLACK HISTORY hometown highlight: Charles L. McNair
By KAREN L. LAWRENCE- WEBSTER
r. Charles L. McNair was born on MSeptember 3, 1934 in Gadsden, Alabama and in 1973 made Saginaw, Michigan his home. Mr. McNair was a special man who loved people. He loved education, children, music, chess and sports. . . not to mention his attire. It gave him great joy to see young people succeed in all things related to education and the betterment of themselves and the community. He believed in the students even when they didn’t believe in themselves. His character was magnanimous as he had such a way CHARLES L. MCNAIR with words that he could scold and give you constructive criticism with such love that you would receive it as if it were almost in the City Park. His love for the Saginaw 1952 – 1954 and transferred to Tougaloo complimentary. African Cultural Festival and City of College graduating with a Bachelor of He founded the Booker T. Washington Saginaw Public School District students Science in 1956. He became an elementary Charles McNair Scholarship Foundation in 2011, holding the first reception at is matchless. After retirement, you could teacher in LaGrange, Georgia and after 12 Saginaw High School where he awarded find Mr. McNair in elementary libraries years he taught 8th and 9th grade science scholarships to several deserving students. teaching chess at lunch time. The Saginaw and math. Mr. McNair completed his He foundation, now endowed, is on pace African Cultural Festival’s children tent Education and Administration studies to distribution over $100,000 to deserving was not complete without chess sets. at Ohio State University in 1973 and high school graduates. The foundation Mr. McNair received his high school also made substantial contributions to diploma from Carver High School in 1952, CONTINUES ON PG 25, the Chess Park that is located at Mission attended Bethune Cookman College from CHARLES L. MACNAIR
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 25 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY Continued from pg 24, I felt like I was being hazed and had to I quickly realized, it took five people to Charles L. McNair remember that I had already pledged. It replace Mr. McNair … I was overwhelmed was in that year that Mr. McNair slowly with just delivering assignments. If he recruited me to do the work of the festival mentioned your name, I tried to contact in the same year was assigned his first and he never allowed me to turn back. you and suggest that you call him (that assignment in Saginaw as the principal of In 2010, Mr. McNair retired, James would mean less assignment for me). Potter Elementary School. His career in McDonald and I became his financial He would always ask about my family. Saginaw Public Schools included principal advisors and that is when he became my He recently asked if my youngest son was and assistant principal positions at Potter friend. Elementary, Saginaw High, Morley During 2011, Mr. McNair worked with still going to Xaiver in New Orleans. When Elementary, Houghton Elementary and and attorney Robert Miller to establish I told him that Daniel was thinking about Webber Middle schools. the Booker T. Washington Charles going to Michigan, he raised up, pointed Mr. McNair was a pillar in the McNair Foundation for the purpose of his finger at me and said “You tell Daniel community and will be missed by many, giving college scholarships to high school that he will go to Xaiver”. II said, “Alrighty across all age groups. Along with his students. The first year awardees had to Now” students and teachers, Mr. McNair be Saginaw High seniors who had attended I talked to Mr. McNair over the phone received numerous awards and letters of Morley Elementary School. That’s when I for the last time on November 12th . He recognition including science fair awards realized how much Mr. McNair loved the gave me a few assignments, one included and the Golden Apple Award. work, students and parents from Morley. asking the Saginaw Public School District He served his community in so many Scholarship awardees have to read Up from to allow the festival to use Morley Grounds ways. . .He was a member of SANKOFA, Slavery by Booker T. Washington. The in perpetuity. I said you want me to asked Inc. for 20 years; member of the Morley foundation recently contributed funds for them if we can use it forever, he said, yes Enrichment Center Inc for 7 years; active The Booker T. Washington life size chess … now you take your husband, Mr. Martin volunteer for the Boy Scouts for 35 years; park to be located at Mission in the City 20 year member and volunteer for the on 6th and Janes. Mr. McNair’s legacy will and just go down there and talk to Dr. Growth in Afrocentric Program (Program live on through his foundation and those Roberts … and that’s what I did. similar to the Boy Scouts of America of us who try to live up to his ideals. The final time that I saw Mr. McNair focusing on African culture and heritage). On August 4, 2012, the Saginaw High was the week before Thanksgiving. We He was a 50 year member of the Alpha Phi Class of 1982 made me a Honorary Trojan didn’t talk that day. Minister Corey Alpha Fraternity. during our 30th Reunion. I couldn’t wait Hamilton joined me on this visit and to show Mr. McNair my certificate. When spent some time talking with Mr. McNair. My Tribute to Mr. Charles McNair I proudly told him, he raised his voice Just as I thought I would leave without and said “No, No, No … who gave them an assignment, Corey came out of the My earliest memory of Mr. McNair permission to do that?” He said, “I knew room with a picture on his phone of some goes back to the 1970’s and the Saginaw I should have never allowed you to go drum sticks. He said, “Mr. McNair found Black Arts Festival. My favorite part of the on that senior picnic”. He never forgot out that I attended Mt. Olive and he festival was going into Morley School and about that and one day, years later, Mr. remembers being at Mrs. Louberta Little’s listening to the speakers and observing McNair said, “I guess I’ll give the class of lively debates. This is when I was exposed 1982 permission to make you an honorary funeral and our drummer was playing too to Mr. Carl Smith, Mr. Jessie Daily and member.” This was all in love. loud. Mr. McNair wants you to buy these many others. Whenever Mr. McNair summons me to drum sticks with rubber tips and I’ll give My next memory was in 1982. I was meet with him, I blocked off 2 ½ hours, at them to the drummer”. I said to myself, a student at Bridgeport High School. My a minimum. He would start off calling me Mrs. Little passed away over 5 years ago, Saginaw High friends and cousins (Lynda Mrs. Webster (when we talked finances) I then smiled, because deep down inside, Cooper, Barbie Hall, Hanneke Hall, Tina and by the end of the meeting I was I enjoyed getting assignments from Mr. Foster and Jayniece Surles) asked Mr. Karen (when he started giving me festival McNair. McNair if I could attend their senior picnic. assignments). I always left our meetings I am going to miss my friend and the After much thought, Mr. McNair said, “She with assignments. Check on Ralph Martin many stories he would share about his can participate, it’s not her fault that she and make sure he ordered the dumpsters childhood and his students. I am going to goes to Bridgeport, so she can come.” That for the festival. Don’t forget to call Gerald miss our debates and our long meetings. I was the opening that I needed. Kariem and see what he can do for the am going to miss his thoughtfulness and Years later in 2004, I was leaving Delta festival this year. Don’t just mail letters College Ricker Center and bumped into Mr. to Morley Companies asking for money, careful deliberation on every decision, McNair and Dr. Wilson Smith as they were go and see them and thank them for last small or large. Mr. McNair fought a good leaving a SANKOFA meeting. They held year’s contribution. Don’t forget to get fight and he kept the faith. me in the parking lot for two hours, going Rob Brown and the First Ward students to from one subject to another. All of my clean up the park and remember to thank Me and You Mr. McNair comments were challenged and debated. them. His list went on and on. And what Me and You
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 26 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY in a rehab center. He took full advantage of all of her imperfections, by gaining her trust, and subsequently gaining control of her mind, body and soul – pretending to accept her holistically and love her unconditionally. Thereafter, he became her god and savior. He walked on water. Whatever he told her to do she did it. He introduced her to a more nefarious demon second to her insatiable thirst for alcohol. He led my sister laughing down that dark hole of perdition as a sex slave for 10 years. I never believed I would come face to face with a sex trafficking situation. It only happens to girls and boys that are isolated and separated from their families, right? Wrong! In my sister’s case, it was years in the making, like a slow motion train wreck. Looking back, it was fueled by our collective ignorance, because we didn’t have the guts to stand up and look COURTESY PHOTO truth in the face. We were too prideful, too embarrassed and too ashamed to get help. Our biggest mistake was seeking to protect the guilty and live a comfortable lie, while SEX TRAFFICKING, it’s not we sacrificed our sister’s life. Make no mistake; there were signs all along the way of her being exploited as a what you think – it’s worse sex slave. But when I finally realized the extent of her particular abusive situation, the mental and physical damage to her By JOANN L. WASHINGTON She grew up in what seemed to be a loving body had already took its ominous toll; and God fearing family. Until all at once, it was too late. She died on January 23, he was trusting and full of life. I mean, in a single moment, it wasn’t. Everything 2020 of alcohol abuse and concurrent Sshe wasn’t a beauty queen, but had she thought she knew and understood medical illness related to her abusive and plenty of good qualities. She was small, about life shattered into a thousand pieces hard lifestyle. with long sandy-blonde hair that fell lazily beneath her feet. The bubble of protection down her back. She was funny, energetic they built up around her popped. They Signs of Exploitation and so full of life, back then. She was the did it to try and shield her from the harsh youngest of seven children, and yes you realities of life. With good intentions Watch out of sharp mood swings, could say she was spoiled. This Detroit because she was classified as “slow,” but depression, sleeping a lot, unhealthy or girl spent her early years peddling her it woefully backfired. Ironically the gut- inappropriate behavior, missing for long little pink and white bike, with the white wrenching betrayal that overtook her periods of time, increased signs of mental tassels, flying in the breeze with reckless innocence came not from a stranger, but illness, lack of memory, changes in diet, abandonment. She whizzed down the within her own family anxiety, signs of substance abuse and block, lickety-split, as fast as her bandy The aftershocks of this betrayal severely withdrawals, etc. legs could carry her up and down Clements damaged her family’s relationships. It street, on the cities northwest side between would take decades of psychotherapy Get HELP Petoskey and Livernois. sessions, violent temper tantrums, and She was the favorite. She was the one a battery of AA meetings to paint a true Michigan is ranked 10th in the nation all the siblings looked out for…they had portrait of her mental state. Unfortunately when it comes to human trafficking If better, if not, a beating surely lay in wait, she would never completely recover. She you suspect someone is a victim of sex from the menacing leather razor strap, consistently turned to alcohol for refuge trafficking, please contact: 1-855-444- their father hung on the bathroom door if and safety. She got involved in one abusive 3911 anytime day or night. National they didn’t. relationship after the other, until finally Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373- This laid the foundation of her life. she met the perfect storm. A man she met 7888.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 27 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 28 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY BLACK HISTORY hometown highlight: Q&AQ&A WOC with Evelyn McGovern, President/ Cofounder of Women of Colors
The Michigan Banner sat down for a one-on-one interview with Evelyn McGovern, the woman behind Women of Colors, the nonprofit organization that's been serving the Saginaw community for nearly 30 years.
EVELYN MCGOVERN
Please give a brief the Saginaw community. WOC recognize teaching social and life skills to develop the strength of diversity by not focusing young men and women of excellence. Q description of on our differences, but acknowledging WOC partnered with the Saginaw Women of Colors our similarities. Members and volunteers Community Foundation to establish the provide empowerment and quality Annual Women of Colors Scholarship Fund for those who are educational programs. WOC mission to give opportunities to well-deserving not familiar with the promotes multi-cultural diversity and students in the Great Lakes Bay Region. enhance community relations in the WOC also collaborates with area organization. Great Lakes Bay Region by empowering schools, churches, businesses, agencies, families, performing community service, and other organizations to make a Women of Colors (WOC) mentoring youth and collaborating with difference and WOC spends countless is an independent nonprofit other organizations. hours to enrich the culture of volunteerism A organization that has been In 2002, WOC developed the Great and service that makes the Saginaw an active community partner Empowering Motivational Sessions youth community a great place for individuals since inception in 1993. The organization mentoring program that consisted of Girl was developed with a diverse group of Pride, Sugar & Spice, and Young Men Who women sharing their ideas to improve Dare encouraging community service and CONTINUES ON PG 29, WOC
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and families to work, have fun, and live. school systems when compared to to motivate and empower other In 2017, WOC hosted the first “How I highly professional communities. people. Overcame” and “I’m Still A Man” for women WOC develop help develop an and men telling their personal stories accelerated program that introduces of how they overcame life challenges to sufficient conceptual science and How can become successful and productive adults social training at low enough cost someone become in today’s society. These events expanded Q with community support that into WOC hosting other events “Time To engage students and get them to a member of Have A Conversation” to address equity take charge in pursuing their social Women of Colors? and justice and “Your Voice Your Choice” and educational development. to give youth a voice to what matters to Women of Colors is them. always looking for more WOC is passionate about providing What would you members. To become a training and services to reduce people Q say has been member you need to attend two making high risk choices. A membership meetings, obtain Women of Colors’ recommendation and approval from the What are some biggest accomplishment Executive Board and pay annual dues of Q of the activities, to date? $100. events, and In 2017, WOC developed the initiatives Women life skills and substance abuse evidence-based prevention To learn more about of Colors has been A programs to service youth and Women of Colors, visit involved in? parents in Saginaw County. womenofcolors.org • The Annual Warm A Child What advice For Winter coat giveaway to A over 400 children 16 years old Q would you give to and under every year since 2015. • The Students and Future someone looking Technology program established in to start a non-profit 2015 to help under privileged youth learn about advanced technology. organization? Many of the support networks to further science education do not Persevere despite the exist in disadvantaged communities obstacles, hard work, and be when compared to communities A willing to learn and accept like Midland, Michigan or areas changes. surrounding Silicon Valley where high levels of professional Where do you see STUDENTS AND FUTURE TECHNOLOGY (SAFT), IS A WOMEN experience exist. The contrast is OF COLORS SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM TAUGHT IN Q Women of Colors COLLABORATION WITH FIRST WARD COMMUNITY SERVICES. stark. In the highly professional communities the support of parents, in the next 5 years friends, coworkers and industries provide school programs and other (future goals)? resources that support the growth in science education for students • Provide 15-20 certified living in these areas. Offer advanced professional trainers to help education to disadvantaged youth A prevent drug use and addiction given the huge economic differences throughout Saginaw County. that have contributed to a seemly • Partner with other communities institutionalized lack of advanced within the Great Lakes Region and training in low income areas. Parent nationwide to empower families. and other adult support are almost • Enhance partnerships and provide VOLUNTEERS ARE PICTURED WITH COATS THE 5TH ANNUAL non-existent in the disadvantaged additional resources and services WARM A CHILD FOR WINTER EVENT
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 30 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY steal ANY of The Divine’s Shine! Wednesday, January 6, 2021, was the day Congress was scheduled to meet and Reverend perform the Electoral College’s process of legally certifying the results of the 2020: a process established in Article II, Section Raphael 1 of the U.S. Constitution; a process that has been mostly perfunctory, never high- profile, until THIS particular congressional session. It was during this session, that Warnock: Congress convened to certify the electoral votes to elect Joseph R. Biden as the 46th Not A Mere President of the United States and Kamala Harris, Vice-President. At this point, it’s important that I make one slight caveat... Victory of Keep in mind that the devil has a degreed occupation also, masters of manipulation. Votes, But The And he’s so adept at manipulation and camouflaging lies that he has become the “Geppetto”, who blatantly uses Donald Manifestation Trump as his “Pinocchio”, to do his evil bidding. But one shouldn’t be surprised by Of A Vision this, especially Christians, because Jesus Christ tells us that “he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). And as Congress convened, the father of lies saw his perfect opportunity to slither in and use his evil devices of manipulation to make history. BUT...Omnipotent GOD, in His Divine Providence and Sovereignty, manifested the DOPEST history on Wednesday, SENATOR RAPHAEL WARNOCK January 6, 2021, too! And, thus, how it began... GOD blessed the late Rev. Jonathan Warnock, and his of his time and was a widely known and By REV. LATRELL BAILEY wife Verlene, with 12 children. And on July 23, 1969, GOD began to supremely well-respected teacher. Acts 5:34 says he orchestrate His sovereign plan with the was the rabbi “who was honored by all he entire world watched the vitriolic, birth of their 11th child; a son, whom they the people”. But unlike his fellow members hate-filled, events unfold at the T named, “Raphael Gamaliel Warnock”. of the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel was a man Capitol Building, the symbolic and sacred And to fully understand the divinity of of a tolerant and patient spirit. And this heart of our country, on Wednesday, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, one must, tolerant and patient man would also have January 6, 2021. And as an American, it first, understand the significance of a PROFOUND effect on the early church. was indeed shocking and hard to accept choosing “names” for our children. Names So, let us set the scene... John and Peter exactly what was occurring right before have lineage, names have meaning, names had to stand trial, before the Sanhedrin my eyes. But as an American woman, have power, and they encompass “what” Council, for preaching in the Name of who’s also unashamedly and proudly and “who” each of us will become. The Jesus. And the Sanhedrin sternly warned Black and Christian, it was gut-wrenching essence of our name is at the very core the apostles to cease preaching the gospel and caused a painfully nauseating ball to of our existence. A child’s name becomes of Jesus. But, Peter...the same Peter that form in the pit of my stomach. Because part of their “identity”, and a parent only Jesus declared as “the rock”, on which, He I knew that, what was occurring, was gets one shot to pick a good one. would build His church and all the powers the DIRECT result of “stand back and Raphael Gamaliel, Rev. Jonathan’s of hell would never conquer (Matthew stand down”...hate-filled words spewed and Mrs. Arlene’s 11th child; “Gamaliel” 16:18)...wasn’t trying to hear ANYTHING from the hate-filled, demagogic, lips of meaning “GOD is recompense, or the gift the Sanhedrin were saying. And to the the leader of our country. As disdainful, or reward of GOD”. Now, it’s essential Sanhedrin’s warning, Peter BOLDLY and disheartening and disgusting as what I that one know who Gamaliel was. Gamaliel and the world witnessed was, never do I was a first-century Jewish rabbi and forget Who created me and His Majesty. prominent leader in the Jewish Sanhedrin. CONTINUES ON PG 31, And I absolutely REFUSE to let the devil Gamaliel was also the most educated man REVEREND RAPHAEL WARNOCK
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DEFIANTLY replied, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29) Regardless of the possible repercussions for his actions, Peter was NOT about to stop preaching and teaching Jesus. And Peter’s open defiance enraged The Council; so much so, that they sought to have the apostles killed. And, thus, enters Gamaliel into the unraveling of this pivotal moment of the early church. He urged the Sanhedrin to be cautious in dealing with Jesus’ divinely- selected GOD-Squad when he said to them, “In the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39) And because of his influence, The Council pauses, rethinks their actions, and takes to his advice. In GOD’s sovereign plan, this Jewish rabbi saved the lives of the apostles and would go on to help equip the greatest Christian missionary in history: Saul of Tarsus; the man we would all come to know as “Apostle Paul”.
Which brings me back to the subject SENATOR RAPHAEL WARNOCK AND PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN at hand: Wednesday, January 6th, 2021. See, while the devil was wreaking havoc, GOD’s sovereign plan was manifesting yet again. Because in Georgia...a state with a deep-seeded history of racism, Pentecostal pastor, World War II the devil was making in the atmosphere prejudice, intimidation, suppression, and Veteran and salvaged abandoned on earth, on January 6, 2021, my Divine innumerable unconscionable and horrific junk cars, Daddy was reminding the world of exactly acts of violence against Black people; • a Black man whose mother spent “Whose Word” is FOREVER settled in a state which had been “red” since the her summers picking somebody Heaven, “Who” truly is in COMPLETE formation of the Southern Confederacy. else’s cotton and tobacco; control, “Who” truly holds EVERY one of “Red” not only as an expression of its GOP was elected, NOT “selected”, the FIRST our tomorrows, and “Who” truly brings political identity, but also “red” from the Black United States Senator of the state GREAT morning joy after all our dark saturation of the precious bloodshed of of Georgia…Sovereign GOD used a Black nights of weeping. And just as the world countless brave, innocent, Black lives who man to turn a traditionally “red” state watched the unfolding of the historical and were heinously and maliciously killed blue, while creating a “NEW” history for devilish events on Wednesday, January simply for the color of their skin. It is in the OLD South. And with that said... This 6, 2021, GOD will remind the world on this very same state that the Reverend Black, American, Christian woman who Wednesday, January 20, 2021, that Jesus Raphael Gamaliel Warnock; was also born and rooted in the every Christ defeated death, the grave AND the • Black man who was the 11th child aspect of the essence that is the South, devil. For the world will serve witness of the late Rev. Jonathan, and Mrs. proudly AND boldly sends the GRANDEST to GOD’s sovereign plan MIGHTILY Verlene Warnock, “Congratulations” to Georgia’s manifesting, yet again, through Kamala • a Black man from Savannah, Senator-Elect, Rev. Raphael Gamaliel Devi Harris; the FIRST Black, South Asian, Georgia, Warnock! woman to be elected, sworn-in, and serve • a Black man who grew-up in the In closing, I’d like to remind us all that as Vice-President of the United States of Kayton Homes housing projects, GOD is a GOD of kairos, or “divine and America! And for this, Father GOD, I give • a Black man whose father was a perfect”, timing. And in spite of the racket You all the praise!!!
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301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 33 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY was a pivotal that we should take advantage Remember of in order to improve the relationship do with policing issues between police and community. Note, in America. But what I I said community. I said that because am saying is that this George I knew that if this turned into another issue is more about an black/white issue that it would dissipate entire community and Floyd and we would lose that moment in time. an opportunity for A moment in time to make the murder of much more training George Floyd mean something more than to protect a citizenry just outrage. from those charged GEORGE FLOYD ART The issue as I saw it then and now is with protecting them. that too seldom its acknowledged that Police officers are too often overarmed, white men are regularly killed by the cops undertrained, and low on empathy. Some as well, and that occasionally the cops police officers are surely racist and act responsible are black. White people vastly like it. To be the George Floyd murder outnumber black people in America, so By JIMMY E. GREENE it should be no surprise that more white was a golden opportunity to bridge a people die at the hands of the cops each community together and talk about ways Something I thought would happen had year than black people. Nevertheless, it to address all of those issues and create a actually happened to my dismay. During remains true that black people are killed at safer community for both the police and the protests and agonizing discussions a rate disproportionate to their percentage the community they are paid to serve and about police brutality that followed the of the population. protect. Ask yourself how many of those death of George Floyd I said then that this I’m not saying that race has nothing to conversations are still going on.
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Trump received 31 percent. In Oakland County, which uses Hart machines, Biden received 57 percent while Trump received 41 percent, and in Macomb County, which uses ES&S machines, Biden received 44 percent and Trump received 54 percent. The audit exercise was conducted by generating a statewide manifest that included the number of ballots cast in every jurisdiction, and then using a randomly generated (by rolling 10-sided dice) 20-digit number to select 18,162 of them. Clerks then retrieved ballots that had been selected in their jurisdictions and shared if it had a vote for president and, if so, who it COURTESY PHOTO was for. Clerks retrieved a total of 18,084 ballots total. Twenty-one clerks did not retrieve 78 ballots in their jurisdictions, meaning the sample was 78 ballots short Michigan election audit of a complete sample. For this reason, the audit is being considered a pilot exercise. process affirms presidential Secretary Benson’s Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy legislative election outcome agenda would require a statewide risk- limiting audit to be carried out prior Lansing, MI – On february 12, Secretary participated in such an audit anywhere – to state certification of the election – of State Jocelyn Benson announced that a took part in Michigan’s statewide auditing which would both speed and simplify the statewide election audit process affirmed exercise, hand counting more than 18,000 process, as clerks would be able to retrieve Michigan’s vote-counting machines are ballots that were randomly selected the randomly selected ballots while the accurate and Joe Biden won the state’s throughout the state. election canvass in ongoing. Current law Nov. 3, 2020 presidential election. In the hand count, President Biden does not allow such audits to take place “This statewide audit process affirms received more votes than former president until after certification. Candidates can what election officials on both sides of Donald Trump, and the percentage of request hand recounts of all ballots prior the aisle have said since November – votes for each candidate was within to certification, but neither presidential that Michigan’s election was conducted fractions of a percentage point of machine- candidate chose to do so in 2020. securely and fairly, and the results tabulated totals. In the state’s three largest The Bureau of Elections is compiling accurately reflect the will of the voters. counties, each of which uses a different a full report of the results, which will be I congratulate our election clerks for voting machine vendor, the audit results published upon completion. Risk-limiting carrying out the most successful election were also all within one percentage point audits are considered the gold standard in our state’s history, and thank them for of the November results. Although a of post-election audits and provide an affirming the integrity of our elections by random sample of 18,000 ballots would extra layer of security when partnered participating in this process,” said Benson. not be expected to exactly match the with the traditional audit methods already “The work of elected leaders now is to tell percentages of votes cast for candidates utilized by election officials. The Bureau voters the truth and move forward with out of all 5.5 million ballots, the closeness of Elections and local clerks across the nonpartisan election policy to advance in percentages between the hand-reviewed state began piloting the audits in 2018 and the will of Michigan voters, who have ballots and the machine-tabulated totals 2019, and also conducted a pilot of the demonstrated clearly and unequivocally provides strong additional evidence of the 2020 presidential primary. The process that they want our elections to continue to accuracy of the machine count. was conducted with the assistance of be secure, strong and accessible.” In the statewide sample, Biden received VotingWorks, a nonprofit, nonpartisan Hundreds of Republican, Democratic votes on 50 percent of all ballots reviewed organization. It also drew upon the and nonpartisan municipal and county while Trump received 48 percent. In advice of the Election Security Advisory clerks from more than 1,300 local Wayne County, which uses Dominion Commission and an audit task force FAY MIRA jurisdictions – more than had ever machines, Biden received 68 percent, while composed of election clerks.
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MEMBERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS HONORING AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus applauds the Governor’s 2022 budget recommendations Lansing, MI – We at the Michigan million in several areas of K-12, Great Start Treasurer, added, Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) applaud Readiness Program (GSRP) education and “Over the last few Governor Gretchen Whitmer for putting childcare that our families so desperately months, MLBC has forth a thoughtful budget that addresses need. expressed concerns the needs of every community with State Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), for the 24 cities an intentional view through a socially MLBC Executive Vice Chairperson said, that were impacted equitable lens by allocating $6.7 million in “I am thrilled to see Governor Whitmer’s by their inability to funds to the Sickle Cell Disease Initiative, continued commitment to addressing collect much needed which we have championed for decades. racial equity and uprooting systemic and income tax revenue. We are thrilled to see $8.3 million institutionalized racism by building off I would like to thank towards providing broader coverage the work started last term with the Covid AMOS O'NEAL the governor for and access to healthcare, along with an Racial Equity Task Force, the Executive her announcement today in her budget investment to promote racial equity in our Order requiring implicit bias training for recommendation, and for her continued health and human service initiatives. Using Department of Licensing and Regulatory dedication, to help these cities recover the knowledge gained from the healthcare Affairs (LARA)-regulated healthcare disparities —an issue that became glaringly professions and the creation of the Black from this Pandemic. Representing one of magnified during the Pandemic – to make Leadership Advisory Council. The equity these 24 cities that were impacted, I know much-needed improvements in health and justice focus of the proposed budget first-hand how much this means for the equity is a smart and wise investment. shows that we have an excellent partner recovery of our city.” MLBC also supports the $70 million to in Governor Whitmer in working towards MLBC thanks the Governor for hearing assist communities around the state with uplifting Black Indigenous and People of the voices of our members, and looks vital support from income tax revenue lost Color (BIPOC) communities in the state, forward to partnering on many of our because of the impacts of the Pandemic. and investing in them as a budgetary priorities moving forward. Now, it’s time Finally, we applaud the incredibly priority.” for the Michigan legislature to act and vote substantial investment of over $800 Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), MLBC this budget into reality.
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above, starting with our most medically vulnerable, representing all races and ethnicities, as well as eligible essential workers. To date, Ascension Michigan A focus has administered over 80,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses. "Ascension Michigan leaders are on ethnic acutely aware of the need for COVID-19 vaccines to be distributed in a just and equitable way and will be conducting equity in outreach to high-risk groups, including African Americans and other communities covid vacs of color, to encourage and facilitate vaccination over the course of the coming weeks and months." By MIKE THOMPSON Among the critics have been longtime hen your turn arrives to receive a civic activists John Pugh and Monica WCOVID-19 vaccine, how might you Reyes, reflected in part by their posts on feel if you are asked to identify or verify their Facebook pages. Reyes says members your ethnic group? of a regional Latino coalition support the The Saginaw County Health racial IDs as a first step. Department this month has added such a Reyes explains, "We question, noting that leaders and staffers don't believe Saginaw are "aware of and concerned about SPSD EMPLOYEE ERIC BRADDOCK RECEIVES COVID VACCINE Public Health was doing skepticism surfacing among some black anything intentionally, and Hispanic members of the community but we felt it was regarding equity in the administration of are the Health Department, Covenant imperative to raise the COVID-19 vaccinations.” HealthCare and Ascension St. Mary's. alarm. We all know that minorities have Health Officer Other than vaccinating its own MONICA REYES Christina Harrington employees, Covenant receives referral been hardest hit by the states, "Ensuring patients from the Health Department and coronavirus. The national data shows this. equity and equal does not ask for ethnic information on its We expressed our concern that it appears access to health care own, says spokesman Larry Daly, that our community is being left out of is the very heart and "We do support the Health Department getting shots from the allocation that was set for 65 and older, but they had no data soul of public health. in asking about race and ethnicity," Daly to verify or dispel If we could, we would says. "This local statistical data will help to CHRISTINA HARRINGTON that.” give the vaccine to ensure that vaccines are provided in a fair In a written everyone all at once. We can't, of course, and ethical manner." statement, Pugh but we're doing everything in our power Ascension spokeswomen, Christine says, "There are racial to make the administration of scarce Bergman does not express a specific disparities in vaccine medical resources as fair as possible, so viewpoint on seeking individual ethnic access in Saginaw that everyone who wants a vaccine will get IDs for statistical analysis, but she offers a and it is alarming. one." prepared statement that says: It has created a Dr. Delicia Pruitt, "Ascension St. Mary's, and all vaccine program medical director, Ascension Michigan hospitals, are that is leading to adds, "We are proud to be partnering with our local JOHN PUGH real problems for working extremely health departments supporting the Black and Hispanic people who want to State of Michigan's plan for vaccinating hard to be fair in protect themselves, their parents and our statewide 65-plus population, area every aspect of this grandparents from the virus." complex process, healthcare professionals and eligible He continues, "I do feel that it is but we can always do essential workers. Ascension Michigan is consciously done. The representatives of better. We're course- DR. DELICIA PRUITT currently focused on providing vaccines to the Saginaw health system are not being correcting every our healthcare associates across the state, day.” as well as our over 150,000 Ascension The county's primary covid vaccinators Medical Group patients age 65 and CONTINUES ON PG 37, ETHNIC EQUITY
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 37 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + HEALTH Continued from pg 36, ethnic equity truthful. They know that the problem is "until Black and Brown are vaccinated at not that most Black and Brown people the same level as Whites." do not want to take the vaccine. The In another Facebook post, he adds, "A problem is that they have not and will not lot of people in the Saginaw Public Health set up a distribution system that will give are proving not to have a mission to treat proper access to Blacks and Hispanics. everyone with dignity and fairness. This is A testing site is set up at Saginaw Valley frightening.” State University but not in a Saginaw city community center or church in the 48601 Event Center startup zip code." (Editor's Note: St. Mary's is within 48601.) Pruitt and Harrington respond that
"These people work public health all the Health Department will not wait for MASS DRIVE-THRU VACCINATION CLINIC AT DOW EVENT year. I can't believe that they did not know compiling the new racial data. A first step CENTER (FEB 11) that building an infrastructure in the was a Feb. 11 "neighborhood-based mass under-served community to help eliminate vaccination clinic" at the Dow Event Center barriers was important." for an initial priority group, age 80 and offer an array of reasons for refusing the older. They promise similar large-scale covid vaccinate. According to a University Popping the question events in weeks to come across Saginaw of Michigan study, blacks are four times County, including on the East Side, as more likely to naysay, Hispanics twice at The only method to gain racial data, federal vaccine shipments increase from likely. of course, is to ask and survey individual an initial average of about 3,000 per week. To tackle the "vaccine confidence" patients. Peoples of color historically have Covid vaccinations began in January, concern, Dr. Pruitt has received her pair of been reluctant in this regard, but Reyes Pruitt notes, and they still mark new vaccinations live and online. So have such does not anticipate problems. territory for the Health Department, for luminaries as Saginaw NAACP President "I don't think this will be a deterrent" hospitals and for various agencies. Terry Pruitt and Mayor Brenda Moore, to Latinos seeking vaccinations, she says, "We are meeting weekly to coordinate along with Latino leaders who include "We were encouraged to take part in the efforts," she says. "I can't speak for every Ana Hidalgo and attorney Deacon Librado census, which was all about collecting provider, but we all 'own' the issue of equity Gayton. federal funding for our community, and and must demonstrate our commitment to Pruitt also has narrated media spots on we did so. it." KISS-FM 107, and the Health Department "The CDC (federal Centers for Disease Equity goes beyond ethnicity. The is mapping plans "to address vaccine Control) and the state assured us that Health Department is using the state's distrust in minority communities, focusing there would be a fair and equitable rollout Social Vulnerability Index, SVI, to guide on its safety, development, integrity, of the vaccine, but how do we know this vaccination efforts and administration to effectiveness, as well as its ability to protect is happening in our region if they are not ensure reaching population in high need. families and provide a path to normalcy." keeping that data?” SVI indicators include socioeconomic She says, “If there has been even a hint Indeed, Harrington and Pruitt note status, family composition and disability, of inequity, it hasn’t been on purpose. that the CDC does not ask for ethnic IDs -- minority status and language minority, On the contrary, the Saginaw County only for such basics as name, age, address, house type and transportation. This Health Department’s guiding principles phone and nowadays, email. The Michigan data is deployed in high SVI zip codes in for COVID-19 vaccination are expediency, Care Improvement Registry may ask for neighborhood clinics such as the event at effectiveness AND equity. We are working racial info, but does not share database Dow Center, with more planned in coming all day, every day to vaccinate this info with local health agencies. And so the weeks. community. And we will continue to do so County Health Department also had not Age testing priority gradually will move until we’ve gotten to everyone who wants asked, at least until now with local equity to the 65-79 group. Anyone with overall one. concerns coming forth. questions may call the COVID-19 hotline, “We need to manage everyone’s News analysis on national disparities 758-3828, or visit saginawpublichealth. expectations. We simply have far more has been widespread. Reports on Michigan org. For free rides to vaccination sites, the demand than supply right now. We hope inequities have emerged to varying degrees STARS phone number is 753-9526, with that changes soon. But, meanwhile, in statewide media, in particular in Bridge at least one-day advance notice requested. waiting is as much a part of the process as Magazine, bridgemi.com. Senior citizens may inquire at the County registering." Pugh writes that the ethnic data is Commission on Aging, 797-6880. Reyes concludes, "We want to work necessary and should have been compiled together to resolve any concerns and I from the start. Unlike Reyes, he says he Speaking to naysayers hope they will work with us. We don’t perceives conscious and intended bias. want to be left out and we don’t want to be "We cannot stop our efforts," he writes, Nationally, about one-third of adults an afterthought."
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Continued from Cover, Angelina Williams
At Saginaw St. Mary's and at Ann Arbor St. Joseph's Mercy during those early career years, she encountered what she perceived as several “qualified for promotions but denied" experiences, aka race bias. And so then came decision time. Should she remain in her initial career choice of health care, or should she pursue easier options such as real estate? Williams, the same as she has done often in life, relied on her religious faith to guide her path: "Regardless of personal adversities and sacrifices, stay focused on your God-given purpose." Medicine won the battle. Angelia returned to Florida, but this time, if she faced more prejudice, she would possess an undeniable resume. She resumed nursing while earning 1989 certification as an adult nurse practitioner, and eventually completed a 2000 master's in nursing from VANESSA GUERRA Florida International University-Miami. She already had advanced to an administrative position in the Miami with outreach to migrants working on member of Bethel AME Church. Her area for nearly a decade, but back in her mid-Michigan farms. parochial education concluded with her hometown, the best was yet to come. "When the Covid-19 virus came along," 1974 graduation from the former St. Health Delivery founder David Gamez Angelia says, "we reached out to collaborate Stephen High School, now a part of Nouvel hired her in 2002 with a key requirement with some our community partners to Catholic Central. She credits her parents to attain grant-writing expertise for special help us identify more creative innovations and mentors with “deeply embedding projects. She first deployed her in-house for meeting the needs of the community. Christian values and faith that have led training to win funds for school-based We overcame prohibitive costs that have me to never forget that I am standing on health clinics at Saginaw High and Arthur resulted from the need for covid testing, the shoulders of many who treaded the Hill, along with the Ryan White HIV health education related to the vaccine, nursing path before me and have made me Medical Service Program for Great Lakes outreach to support food insecurities, and who I am." Bay's 16-county region. other medical services education, with She adds she is "very grateful for the Her fulfillment comes not so much emphasis on keeping everyone safe during partnerships that Great Lakes Bay Health from all the paperwork, but from seeing this pandemic.” Centers have cultivated with people in our the results in action. Other projects range The most recent among many honors communities, in order to improve health from the HIV Hearth House on Hoyt over her 42-year career is the 2020 Avenue to teen pregnancy services to Lifetime Achievement Award from the outcomes." tobacco cessation. National School-Based Health Alliance. Her top guidepost comes from Sadie "All of these programs," Williams In addition to getting Saginaw High and Tanner Mossell Alexander, who lived says, "continue to demonstrate positive Arthur Hill started, she served in a lead to age 101 until her passing in 1989, an outcomes that meet the needs of persons role with Michigan colleagues to support African-American pioneer in the law and who might have had limited access to school clinics in President Obama's in economics, and the first president of services." Affordable Care Act. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (1919-1923): This has been the Health Delivery/ Williams is the eldest child of the late "Don't let anything stop you. There will be Great Lakes Bay mission ever since the George and Anna Williams, who now times when you'll be disappointed, but you 1960s, when Gamez first took leadership is 89. Like her parents, she is a faithful can't stop."
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 39 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + HEALTH HealthSource Saginaw Board announces new President & Chief Executive Officer Saginaw, MI – patients. of the lives we touch. I am committed to The Board of Trustees "I am thrilled to welcome Michelle as the HealthSource continuing to be a premier of HealthSource HealthSource Saginaw President and CEO. provider of innovative rehabilitation, Saginaw announced Her wealth of knowledge in healthcare quality nursing care, and behavioral health the appointment of and proven track record as an exceptional services." Michelle Trevillian as leader will help drive the change and A graduate of Eastern Michigan President and Chief momentum needed to lead through the Executive Officer challenges the healthcare industry faces." University, Michelle and her family are effective February 21, stated Tim Novak, Chairman of the Board lifelong residents of Saginaw County. MICHELLE TREVILLIAN 2021. of Trustees. Saginaw County Chamber of HealthSource Saginaw is the Great Ms. Trevillian has 30 years of experience Commerce President/CEO Veroncia Horn Lakes Bay Region’s largest and most in healthcare with 20 years of experience added these comments: "On behalf of the comprehensive behavioral and medical in Rehab Management. Before becoming Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce rehabilitation provider. Recent renovation the Interim President and Chief Executive Members, Board of Directors and staff, I of the facility provided expansion of the Officer in November 2020, she was the congratulation Michelle in her new role as therapy gyms including the addition of Post-Acute Care Services Executive at CEO of HealthSource. We welcome her an aquatic therapy pool, all private rooms HealthSource responsible for the Medical leadership and look forward to continuing in the Long Term Care Center, and the Rehabilitation Center and the Long Term addition of a Geriatric Psychiatric unit Care Center. our close working relationship with this for adults 60 and older to the Behavioral Ms. Trevillian said, "As President and great organization." Medicine Center which already services CEO, I am proud to say HealthSource has To learn more about HealthSource child & adolescent psychiatric patients an outstanding team working together to Saginaw please visit our website at www. ages 8-17 years old, and adult psychiatric improve the physical and emotional health healthsourcesaginaw.org
MDHHS announces new program starting March 1 to help enhance state's vaccine equity strategy Lansing, MI – The Michigan eligible to be vaccinated across the state. upon the experience and expertise Department of Health of Human Services Providers with specific plans to remove of leaders from historically (MDHHS) today announced a new barriers to access across the state will also marginalized populations. program to enhance the state’s equity be allowed to request vaccine for people • Communications are transparent, strategy to reach more Michiganders with age 60 and up. accurate, and frequent public the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, workers in food communications to build public Starting immediately, mortuary service processing and agricultural settings, about trust. workers, who routinely work with infectious 79,000 Michiganders, will be able to be • Data is used to promote equity, materials, will be able to be vaccinated as vaccinated as of March 1. This will help track progress and guide decision part of group 1A in accordance with CDC ensure the health and safety of Michigan’s making. and Advisory Committee on Immunization essential food and agriculture workers and • Resource stewardship, efficiency, Practices recommendations. In addition, keep the state’s food supply chain moving. and continuous quality 41 federally qualified health centers MDHHS recently announced the improvement drive strategic across the state will start receiving vaccine state’s strategy to get 70% of Michiganders implementation. allocations to help vaccinate individuals age 16 and older vaccinated as quickly as Updated vaccine prioritization age 65 and older. These community possible. The strategy is being guided by guidance can be found on Michigan’s health centers are located in medically the following principles: COVID-19 website. underserved areas to provide high-quality, • All Michiganders have equitable Information around this outbreak affordable and comprehensive medical access to vaccines. is changing rapidly. The latest services to everyone – regardless of who • Vaccine planning and distribution information is available at Michigan.gov/ they are, where they come from or their is inclusive and actively engages Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. ability to pay. state and local government, public To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, Currently persons 65 and older are and private partners; and draws visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.courtesy photo
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Board, and Associate for the American College of HealthCare Executives. Bruff has a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Industrial Relations from Michigan Technological University. Gene Pickelman, Chairman of the Covenant Board of Directors commented that, “Covenant has been truly blessed by Ed’s leadership. He has overseen such a well-run and efficient organization that has benefitted all its stakeholders- the employees, patients, healthcare partners, medical providers and the community.” At Bruff’s recommendation, and with unanimous support of the Covenant Board, Beth Charlton will transition from the Executive Vice President/COO/ CNO position, to President/CEO of the organization. “I could not be more pleased for Beth, and I take great comfort in knowing that the culture and the values we created will be continued into Covenant’s future; she will do an outstanding job.” says Bruff. ED BRUFF AND BETH CHARLTON Beth Charlton, a life-long Saginaw resident, began her career in May 1989 at the former St. Luke’s Hospital as a student Covenant HealthCare board nurse extern. Today, Charlton brings nearly 32 years of hands-on healthcare announces President/CEO Ed Bruff experience. She has served in many capacities through-out the organization, retirement and successor including bedside nurse in the pediatric ICU, clinical manager for areas such as Saginaw, MI – After a fulfilling 38-year Luke’s Hospital consisted of one building,” critical care, heart failure, and birth center, career, Ed Bruff, Covenant HealthCare says Bruff. In 1998, a merger between St. project manager for electronic medical President/CEO, has announced his Luke’s Hospital and Saginaw General records implementation, and Director of retirement on June 30, 2021. As such, the created Covenant HealthCare. “Now, there Critical Care, Progressive Care and Stroke Covenant HealthCare Board of Directors is a large medical campus with the CMU Programs. Since 2015, Charlton has been also shared that Beth Charlton will College of Medicine, construction of the the Chief Nursing Officer, adding Executive officially transition into the role beginning Mary Free Bed at Covenant rehabilitation Vice President/Chief Operating Officer to July 1, 2021. hospital, six urgent care locations, her title in 2019. Charlton has a Master of Bruff started with the former St. LifeNet air ambulance, the hybrid OR, Healthcare Administration from Central Luke’s hospital in 1983 as the Director and the entire Covenant Medical Group. Michigan University and a Bachelor of of Materials Management and shortly The evolution and adaptation of this Science in Nursing from Saginaw Valley thereafter was promoted to Vice President organization is amazing.” State University. of Support Services. In 1994, he advanced Throughout his career, Bruff has served Bruff states, “I consider Covenant as to Vice President of Inpatient Services. many roles with organizations in the one of the premier organizations in the Ed held that position until May of 2000, community including Vice Chairman of State of Michigan. This has been achieved and at that time he assumed the role of CMU Medical Education Partners Board, because of our extraordinary employees, Executive Vice President and COO. Then Vice Chairman of Mobile Medical Response medical staff and volunteers. As I reflect in January of 2015, he transitioned into Board, Past Chairman of Saginaw Valley back, I take great pride in what Covenant the role of President/CEO. Medical Control Authority, Past Chairman has accomplished over the years for the “To see the amount of growth since I of Saginaw Future, Inc., Member of benefit of our patients in the community began is incredible. When I started, St. Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce we serve.”
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Staff in the center will develop and maintain relationships with local and regional mental health and medical professionals. SVSU staff also will identify and establish a network of services accessible to students who have no insurance or limited resources. In hiring Bach, Muladore added “she will play an instrumental role in the development of our Campus Mental Health and Wellness Center. “Margie Bach is a proven and experienced professional in the mental health field who is well positioned to lead our new model,” he said. “Margie's career experiences provide her the ability
MARGIE BACH to communicate with and seek input from multiple university constituencies necessary for this initiative to be successful.” SVSU establishes, hires Director Prior to accepting her new assignment at SVSU, Bach had served since 2007 as for new on-campus Mental Health & president and chief executive officer for Child & Family Services in Saginaw. She Wellness Center was responsible for all program activities for the organization’s counseling center, employee wellness center and sexual Saginaw, MI – Saginaw Valley State mental health and wellness strategy and assault center. Before advancing to her University is responding to the growing define the role it will play in developing senior administrative position, Bach was demand for mental health services by relevant outreach activities and programs, the director of program and operations building a new model to serve its campus building relationships with internal and from 2002-2007, and the sexual assault community. external stakeholders, and ensuring center director from 1999-2002. The incidence and prevalence of mental compliance with all appropriate counseling Bach earned a Master of Social Work illness, substance use and emotional protocols,” Muladore said. degree from Western Michigan University. distress on college campuses have been A survey by the National Academies of She is a licensed clinical social worker trending up for years, and COVID-19 — Sciences, Engineering & Medicine reported through the State of Michigan Board of with its health and economic consequences 40% of students experienced a significant Social Work. — is compounding the problem. The mental health challenge. In 2018-19, their “I am eager to bring my experience American Council on Education reported survey found: in program development, relationship 68% of higher education presidents listed building, strategic planning and building student mental health as among the most • major depression affected 18% of counseling programs to Saginaw Valley pressing issues in academia. students compared to 8% in 2007; State University,” Bach said. “I believe SVSU students, faculty and staff who • severe anxiety affected 14%, mental health plays a central role in need professional support on mental compared to 6%; everyone’s health, including students, health matters will soon have a new on- • 2% made a suicide attempt faculty and staff. campus resource to turn to. compared to 0.6% in 2007. “As the CEO of an organization that SVSU is establishing a new Campus offers counseling, employee wellness and Mental Health & Wellness Center, and The new model is expected to sexual assault crisis services to the region, have hired the center’s first director, strategically respond to a wide range I believe I can bring my experience to the Margaret (Margie) Bach. of mental health concerns for students, campus and in turn learn from the campus James G. Muladore, SVSU executive faculty and staff to provide a range of community,” she said. “I look forward to vice president for Administration & short-term solutions and/or referral, as developing new initiatives that will support Business Affairs, noted caring employers appropriate. Education and training will the entire culture of Saginaw Valley State need to give more attention to the mental be made available for faculty, staff and University.” health and well-being of students, faculty students on topics such as alcohol and Bach will assume her new SVSU duties and staff. other drugs, substance abuse and suicide on Monday, April 5. Board of Trustees of “Our first steps were to establish a prevention. HealthSource courtesy photo
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 42 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper There’s nothing more extraordinary than a caring community.
Thank you from everyone at Covenant HealthCare.
Covenant HealthCare prides itself on delivering extraordinary care. But lately, we’ve been on the receiving end. Our community has given us:
• 20,000 N95 masks • 5,000 caps and hair nets • 11,000+ handmade masks • 4,100 shoe/boot covers • 10,750 face shields • Thousands of donated meals • 10,000 ear loop/tie masks • Thousands of dollars in gift cards and • 50,000 gloves monetary donations • 2,000 pairs of goggles • Countless prayers and messages • 312 gallons of sanitizer of encouragement
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has supported us. You are all extraordinary.
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By MIKE THOMPSON
rshen Baldwin, a local educator, will Areplace Karen Lawrence-Webster on the Delta College Board of Trustees. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to assist students in advancing their education,” says Baldwin, an instructor at the city's Success Academy. “I believe in the mission of community colleges to provide individuals with a solid educational foundation. Delta College does that and more by addressing ARSHEN BALDWIN the constant changing trends in our community through workforce development and technical training establishment of Delta's new downtown community and always seek opportunities.” building and campus. Lawrence-Webster In addition to teaching at Success opportunities to make it in the November Academy, Baldwin also serves part- better, not only for my own election had won her time as an adjunct faculty member at fourth six-year term, Saginaw Valley State University. Another children, but the children I and so her stepping portion of her ultra-busy schedule is serve daily,” Baldwin says. down so soon may as the founding owner of Education come as a surprise to Empowerment Solutions, a company that those beyond her inner provides K-12 students with supplemental She achieved a bachelor’s degree circle. KAREN LAWRENCE-WEBSTER instruction, academic assessment and She notes that her in exercise physiology from Central overall support. total time of service was approaching Michigan University, a master’s degree She says her vision for Delta is to form two decades when she began in 2019 in special education from the University stronger partnerships with neighboring searching for somebody else to replace of Phoenix and a master’s degree in school districts in drawing students to her on the board, but she found no educational leadership from Saginaw immediate candidate and so she kept her dual enrollment and post-secondary Valley State University. She holds several name on the 2020 ballot. And then, when education. certifications in the areas of learning Baldwin expressed recent interest, the disabilities and restorative practices. scenario was ideal for the seat to change The appointment expires in 2022, hands. “I am invested in creating a need for four-year election to Lawrence-Webster adds that a top complete the six-year term. Baldwin says achievement during her 20-year tenure is the Saginaw County she will be a candidate on the ballot.
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By MIKE THOMPSON
ost elected officials are given open Mwindows to pursue at least some of their own goals and dreams The scenario is different for Dr. Charles H. Coleman Sr., selected by his peers on the Saginaw Board of Education to serve as president during 2021. They are locked into a pair of main priorities that are set in stone.
1. Like virtually all districts, Saginaw faces the challenge of hopefully returning to old-time classroom education after a full year of straining and struggling with COVID-19 home-computer "virtual" lesson plans.
2. But at the same time, like scarcely CHARLES COLEMAN few districts, Saginaw offers a rare opportunity. Despite covid- era economic hardship, voters in a landslide (60 percent) last that a local elected body ever could receive, while Kim Hamilton is vice-president and November approved a $99.95 and he says the board will respond with Vera Harrison is secretary. million plan for buildings and unity that didn't always exist during the grounds that will call for each past decade. Tax-plan turnaround homeowner to sacrifice hundreds of He says the comeback took root under dollars in annual property taxes for his two predecessors as president, Ruth Under the millage, with a closing target the benefit of our children's future. Ann Knapp and Jason Thompson. of fall 2023: "Under Ms. Knapp, our strategic plan Pastor Coleman and his six fellow and came together, and then Mr. Thompson • Saginaw High and Arthur Hill sister trustees may tackle other challenges led the bond campaign" for the millage, would combine in a new facility that will arise along the way, but overall Coleman says. "I will be standing on both at the existing Saginaw Arts and they are wedded with a mixed Big Two of of their shoulders." Sciences riverfront site. corona virus and new buildings, featuring Thompson narrowly lost his overall • Most of the SASA building would a new unified high school. board seat in the election, but he remains He describes the tax referendum as an active supporter of the schools. Knapp CONTINUES ON PG 45, "one of the greatest votes of confidence" now will serve as the board's treasurer, CHARLES COLEMAN
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be demolished, with a move to a state takeover. Coleman describes Roberts' Hurley Jr., and then felt a midlife calling renovated portion of the Arthur Hill performance as "outstanding," and he to the ministry. He has studied and taken structure. says a revived school system will support local, regional and national leadership in • Handley School would move not only education, but also economic coalitions through the Churches of God from the aging former South development and more positive civic in Christ. His array of social activism has Intermediate to a new building on outlook. included the startup of the Houghton- vacant Arthur Hill land, unifying He acknowledges the ongoing Covid-19 Jones Neighborhood Task Force and the K-12 schooling for the gifted and challenge in a school system where ethnic re-establishment of the Ezekiel Project, talented. minority parents are most likely to reject and he is pastor of New Faith Temple • A portion of Saginaw High would vaccinations. What if they also decline for COGIC, 2118 Burt. become a middle school, providing their children to receive the medicine, and In local elective politics, Coleman's an East Side partner with the West then send their kids back to the school participation began in 1993 when he barely Side's Thompson Middle. buildings later this spring or this fall? missed a school board seat by less than • Elementary schools would be better Those questions remain to be answered. 100 votes. He accepted an appointment to maintained. But Coleman notes that a large group of city the City Council in 2000, was later elected, teachers received their first vaccinations and served for six years. He finally won a Coleman says the plan and the tax on Feb. 11. That was his day also, and he seat on the Board of Education in 2018, a referendum show the value of teamwork has posted a photo on his Facebook site quarter-century after his first attempt. that was lacking during most of the past as his way to offer encouragement to the He is father to six grown children, decade, which included some community community as a whole. two added when he wedded the former battles over a falsely perceived choice Dr. Elizabeth Walton of Jacksonville. between totally abandoning either Saginaw Saginaw background After she moved north, she taught special High or Arthur Hill. education for a decade in Birch Run and In addition, Superintendent Ramont Charles Coleman is an offspring in then another 10 years in city schools prior Roberts, a Saginaw product who is the prominent Pentecostal family of Drs. to retirement, after starting with 24 years wrapping up his second year, has received Hurley Sr. and Martha Coleman. He is in Florida schools. board support that was lacking for his a 68-year-old product of Saginaw High "I am not a professional educator," predecessors during the 2010-to-2019 School and Central Michigan University Coleman says. "I need a teacher's period. The district of 7,500 pupils no (business administration) who launched perspective, and she can help me as I aim longer faces annual debt nor threats of a a traditional work career, similar to to help the board."
PICTURED FROM L TO R: KIM HAMILTON, JOYCESEALS, CHARLES COLEMAN, JASON THOMPSON, MATTIE THOMPSON
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• Exercise your options. It is reported that some students have actually thrived in the virtual arena. If your Back to student is faring well and you need more time to feel safe sending him/ her back into the classroom setting, School take it. Your student can still work remotely if your family feels that is the best plan for you. • Enhance your technology skills. Take an on-line course (many are By MB STAFF uncertainty such as this? ‘Is now the time free), check listings of trainings for this district to go back to school?’ provided at the local library. We fter almost one full year of virtual So many unique factors come into will be better prepared to assist Aand/or a hybrid of remote and virtual play that it seems impossible to develop our young learners with a basic learning, students enrolled in Saginaw a time frame or process for all to follow. knowledge and understanding of Public Schools may be returning to the For example, according to the Center for the technology they use. District’s full, in-person learning model as Disease Control (CDC), there have been • Engage in adult concerns and soon as March 1, 2021. Understandably, 16,115 deaths due to COVID 19 in the state conversations with other adults. there are mixed emotions and concerns of Michigan while the state of Washington Airing our own grievances, surrounding the decision. Many students, has recorded a much lower number of fears and concerns surrounding staff, and parents long for a safe return to 4,675. The numbers are higher and lower decisions made by administrators the classroom. They are concerned about depending upon geographical locations. and in many instances our elected the quality of virtual learning and the A uniform return policy implemented at officials in the presence of children lack of social interaction for students and a national level could not possibly meet makes it extremely difficult for adults alike. On the other end of the debate, the needs of students and families in them to feel secure and concentrate students, staff, and parents recognize the these two states. A recent article in the on learning. Phone calls matter need to return to their buildings but are Detroit Free Press notes that in an on- – they are listening and unable to very much concerned about safety. This is line survey conducted, more than half process the information we share one of the rare occasions where both sides of the 22,500 teachers surveyed by the with other adults. are 100% correct! Students are falling Michigan Education Association say they • Expect a few ‘bumps’ in the road further behind and having trouble with the have already received at least one dose of – the best laid plans often need isolation associated with the lack of contact the vaccine. John Wisely, Detroit Free modifications. Plan, be willing to with family and friends while wearing Press February 10, 2021. Availability is adjust whenever possible and most masks and practicing social distancing. not on the scale needed but an estimated importantly, remember to model They want this all to end. Students, staff, 10% of Michigan residents are reported appropriate communications for and parents who oppose the return also to have received at least one dose of the your student. want an end to the current situation but vaccine. Unfortunately, those numbers are • Establish a routine as soon as consider the March 1st target much too not evenly distributed. There are counties possible. Many households have soon. More safety measures are needed with high rates of their teacher population extended bedtimes, allowed a great including providing the entire staff with having already been vaccinated and others deal more time on video games and the COVID 19 vaccine being at the top of struggling to secure enough of the vaccine basically ‘relaxed’ the much-needed the list of priorities. to meet the needs of their district(s). The structure or guidelines for students In one of her recent ‘State of COVID’ COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard page on the to experience the greatest level updates, Michigan Governor Gretchen Michigan.gov website provides accurate, of success. If schools return to in Whitmer recognized the challenges current, and educational data to answer house learning as soon as projected, associated with the total virtual learning questions and concerns. we have very little time to get back models, the very slow but steady tapering So, it is Back to School for Saginaw to basics. of new cases and the availability of highly Public School District. How can we mitigate effective vaccines and recommended that the very real trauma many students may While many districts nationwide have Michigan’s schools reopen – soon. States, experience as they navigate a safe return to already returned to full time in class counties, and locales across the nation an environment which has been the topic learning, it is now ‘back to school’ for are in the difficult position of having to of discussion and concern for such an Saginaw. Let us work together to make answer questions such as: Does one of the extended period? As parents, guardians, this year as healthy and positive a learning concerns far outweigh the other? How do caregivers, and service providers we experience possible under the current we alleviate the on-going fear and trauma must recognize the critical role we play in circumstances. Our students are counting children are experiencing during times of supporting students through this process. on us.
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Sabrina Beeman-Jackson
Saginaw ISD Head Start/Early Head Start About Saginaw ISD pregnant women and Program Director HE/EHS their families. EHS programs enhance Saginaw ISD Head Start children’s physical, social, Established in 1965, Claytor Administrative “Head Start Head Start promotes emotional, and intellectual development; Building school readiness for 3200 Perkins Street graduates are more children, ages three to assist pregnant women to Saginaw, MI 48601 five, in low-income access comprehensive likely to graduate Phone 989.752.2193 families by offering prenatal and postpartum from high school educational, nutritional, care; support parents’ Fax 989.921.7146 health, social and other efforts to fulfill their and less likely to services. parental roles; and help need special Head Start programs parents move toward Office Hours promote school readiness self-sufficiency. Monday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM education, repeat a Tuesday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM by enhancing the social and Together Head Start Wednesday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM cognitive development of and Early Head Start have grade, or commit Thursday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM children through the served tens of millions of Friday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM crimes in provision of educational, children and their Saturday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM health, nutritional, social families. adolescence.” Sunday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM and other services to At Saginaw ISD Head enrolled children and Start our attentive staff is available Monday through families. For additional information concerning Joe Baca, former Early Head Start, Friday to answer all your Saginaw ISD Head Start visit: launched in 1995, provides questions and make every www.saginawheadstart.org Dem. Calif. support to low-income effort to ensure you are Congrmn., Dist. 43. infants, toddlers, 100 percent satisfied. Source: www.saginawheadstart.org
“Our mission is to provide high quality services, developing school readiness and family empowerment for prenatal to age five children and families by working in partnership with parents and the community.” -Saginaw ISD HE/EHS
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 48 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + BUSINESS Upcoming Training Makes the Business Case for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Flint, MI – Diversity, equity and inclusion—also known as DEI—is an important topic for business and organizational leaders throughout Flint, Genesee County and beyond. To assist local employers in ensuring that DEI is treated as a top priority in the workplace, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is hosting a two-hour virtual training focused GRACI HARKEMA on the subject on Wednesday, Feb. 24. The Diversity & Inclusion Workshop, scheduled for 9-11 a.m., will make the environments where I couldn’t be my efforts in developing inclusive and equitable business case for implementing DEI efforts authentic self, which presented barriers workplaces,” said Brianna Mosier, director in the workplace. Attendees will learn how towards me reaching my potential,” of Organizational Development at the Flint to build more inclusive environments Harkema said. “Research shows that team & Genesee Chamber. “At the same time, where employees are able to thrive as their performance increases by 50 percent when we hope to see a positive, external effect on authentic selves. Additionally, they will everyone feels included. This workshop our community as we have more and more learn to check and control their implicit will provide a safe space for participants to businesses and organizations adopt this biases and effectively facilitate critical learn how to create a more inclusive and conversations. mindset.” equitable work environment.” This isn’t the only professional The two-hour training will be led The training is $40 per attendee, with development opportunity to be hosted by by Graci Harkema, who specializes in discounted rates available for teams of five the Flint & Genesee Chamber this spring. diversity, inclusion and implicit bias or more. According to Brianna Mosier, The organization will also host Leading training and talent management within director of Organizational Development at Fortune 500, small businesses and the Flint & Genesee Chamber, workplaces from Every Level, which begins March 2 nonprofit organizations. The owner of are bound to see a greater organizational and runs through April 13. The four-part Graci LLC, Harkema was recognized as a impact if they have multiple employees virtual series is designed to help attendees 2015 and 2020 ‘40 Under Forty Business participate. That way, they will have a find their influence and adopt daily Leader of West Michigan’ and named common knowledge around the subject leadership practices, regardless of role, a 2020 honoree of ‘200 Most Powerful and be better prepared to continue that title or seniority. Business Leaders of West Michigan’ by the discussion internally. To learn more or to register for Grand Rapids Business Journal. “We want to help businesses and these training opportunities, visit “I know what it feels like to work in organizations maximize their internal flintandgenesee.org/training.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 49 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + BUSINESS Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Michigan Chapter Honors Businesses Excelling in the Field of Safety Midland, MI – ABC Greater Michigan Blasy Electric Chapter is proud to announce the member Central Concrete Products BRONZE companies that won the 2020 Safety Fisher Sand and Gravel A/C Electric Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) G.E. Insulation Albin Hengesbach Carpentry & Custom Awards. STEP recognizes ABC member Great Lakes Bay Construction Cabinets, Inc. companies who consistently excel in the The Mackenzie Companies field of safety, but more importantly it Valley Electrical Contractors Laux Construction provides an evaluation tool to help identify areas to improve a company’s safety PLATINUM The highest honor recognizing a safety program. Architectural Metals program that demonstrates the highest “Our contractors work safely for Consolidated Electrical Contractors commitment is the diamond level. These thousands of hours every year and are Fisher Contracting companies must have an incident rate at always looking to improve. With the Magnum Construction least 50% below the National Bureau of continued focus on raising the bar it is RCL Labor Statistics average in their particular no surprise that the list of Diamond and Three Rivers Corporation Platinum winners is growing year over Town & Country Group NAICS code for the current year and each year. Congratulations to all the winners of the past two consecutive years and have and thank you for working hard to make GOLD an EMR (or “mod factor”) at or below sure everyone goes home safely each and American Plumbing 0.700 (0.800 for companies under 100 every day,” said Ken Misiewicz, ABC board Pleune Service Company employees). chairman and President & CEO of Pleune Windemuller Also, recognized was the 2020 “Pete Service Company, Inc. Crawford Memorial” Safety Leader of the The following ABC Greater Michigan SILVER Year award. The award was presented to Chapter member companies received Answer Heating & Cooling awards in the following categories: JE Johnson Devin Hill of Windemuller. The Tancor Corporation The Craft Professional of the Year DIAMOND United Electrical Contractors award was presented to Joe Zazo of Zazo Alloy Wolgast Electric.
Dow named 2021 Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by Human Rights Campaign consecutive year receiving a perfect score science company in the world.” on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, a Dow offers best-in-class policies and Recognition marks national benchmarking tool on corporate practices for LGBTQ+ colleagues, including th policies and practices pertinent to the equal benefits to same-sex partners Dow’s 16 consecutive LGBTQ+ community. for health, dental and life insurance, year receiving a perfect “Our work advocating for LGBTQ+ bereavement leave, relocation, dual-career rights and equality over the years has assistance, and survivor benefits. score on the Corporate served as a cornerstone of our larger The company also advocates for public Equality Index efforts to build a more inclusive society for policy around the world to help bring all,” said Amy Wilson, general counsel and fairness and equal treatment to the LGBTQ+ corporate secretary of Dow, and executive community. As part of this commitment, sponsor of the company’s LGBTQ+ and Dow continues to support the Equality Act, Midland, MI – In recognition of ally employee resource group, GLAD. “This a comprehensive federal framework that its inclusive workplace, Dow (NYSE: recognition is an honor, a validation of the ensures fairness and opportunity for all. DOW) has been named by the Human progress we’ve made, and encourages us Globally, Dow shares best practices with Rights Campaign (HRC) to its 2021 list to keep striving for our ambition: to be other like-minded organizations, leading of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ the most innovative, customer-centric, the way toward a more diverse, inclusive Equality.” This marks the company’s 16th inclusive, and sustainable materials and equal workplace and world.
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the vaccine can be administered. Or, new variants aspects of American society. A survey by the Center may emerge that the vaccine is not effective for Disease Control found that there is a threefold against, which would necessitate reformulating increase in Americans suffering from anxiety and The and re-administering the vaccine. This is feasible fourfold increase in depression compared to 2019, to do with the mRNA vaccines being used to fight COVID-19, but would involve substantial delays. with about 25% of respondents suffering from During this time period, there would likely be them. A quarter of respondents aged 18-24 had 2021 pressure from some policymakers and public health seriously contemplated suicide. Sixteen percent of professionals to shut the economy down again. The respondents aged 25-44 had as well. Diagnoses of United Kingdom is currently in a shutdown that is various types of cancers has fallen by double-digit scheduled to last until at least March. percentages as shutdowns and fear of the virus Economic A second shutdown would be devastating kept people away from the doctor. to the economy. Just because a business closes does not mean its costs fall to zero. Businesses continue The shutdown has been mentally and Outlook to face some overhead such as rent or mortgage economically devastating to the 60% of Americans payments on the building, taxes, and the cost of a who cannot work from home and the anger this has liquor license (if the business serves alcohol). The generated likely manifested itself in some of the civil By CHRIS DOUGLAS longer a business remains closed, the more likely it unrest witnessed over the last year, the unexpected is to run out of cash reserves to pay this overhead strength of President Trump in the November and fail. For instance, the American Restaurant he 2020 economy was the worst since the Great Association estimates that 110,000 restaurants election, and the January short-squeeze of Game Depression. Production of goods and services T were either permanently closed or closed long-term Stop stock that is at least partially motivated to decreased by over 33% in the second quarter, in December, representing 1-in-6 restaurants in the punish the hedge funds who seem to live under a a rate not seen since the early years of the Great United States. This is an increase from the 100,000 Depression. The unemployment rate increased different set of rules than everyone else. The visible restaurants that were permanently closed or closed from 3.5% in February to 14.7% in April. A double- flaunting of COVID-19 rules by those in power, long-term in September. Thus the economy will digit increase in the unemployment rate in a two such as the California governor’s infamous trip to exit the recession with fewer restaurants, and fewer month period had never occurred in the United the French Laundry, only added fuel to this anger. businesses in general, compared before COVID. States’ history. The hope is that 2021 returns the This will slow the economy the recovery The effect the shutdowns are having on American country to the peace and prosperity that existed as full recovery now will mean a new entrepreneur economy and society are not sustainable, and the prior to March. How quickly will that happen? entering the market rather than an existing business policy measures being undertaken by the federal The answer depends on the course of owner simply reopening his or her business. The government Federal Reserve are not either. COVID-19 and if policymakers respond with more longer the shutdown, the more businesses that shutdowns. The best case scenario is that the The economic recovery stalled in fall and permanently fail, and thus the slower the recovery. vaccines are widely distributed by spring and prove winter 2020. The shutdown caused 20 million jobs Even business owners who survive the shutdown to be lost, or twenty years of job growth, and only effective to new variants of the virus, such as those are likely to see their life savings depleted as from the U.K, South Africa, and Brazil, allowing they dip into them to cover overhead during the half of those jobs have returned. Employment in herd immunity to take effect which lets life get shutdown. A report by the Federal Reserve found Michigan plunged to the lowest level on record in back to normal. Under that scenario, I would a majority of business owners would do just that in April and how has only recovered to 2012 levels. expect a rapid economic recovery in summer and order to cover a period of lost revenue. Job growth for 2021 has already shown to be continuing through the rest of 2021. It is unlikely The Federal government and the Federal disappointing, with January only seeing 49,000 that the unemployment rate returns to 3.5% by Reserve have taken aggressive fiscal and monetary new jobs created. This would be a disappointing the end of 2021, but I would expect a substantial policy action to stimulate the economy through the decrease from its current level. shutdown. The first round of stimulus spending jobs report even if the economy was strong, let alone A bad, but not worst case scenario is that in March spent approximately $2 trillion. The recovering from the worst recession since the Great the vaccine rollout continues to be plagued by second round in December spent another $900 Depression. Fourth quarter economic growth was bottlenecks and coordination problems so that few billion on top of this. President Biden is proposing an anemic, resulting in the economy contracting people are vaccinated by the summer. This would a third round of spending that is estimated to cost by 3.5% in 2020. A 3.5% yearly contraction in represent a massive missed opportunity and a $1.9 trillion. Thus, $2.9 trillion has already been economic output is a significant contraction, on par substantial failure of public policy. Coronaviruses spent to deal with COVID plus another proposed with what was witnessed during the 2008-09 Great are seasonal, so one would expect a lull of infections $1.9 trillion in addition. To put this in perspective, in the summer before an uptick in the fall, which is $1.9 trillion represents approximately a year of Recession. The economy essentially moved from what occurred in 2020. Policymakers need to take federal income tax revenue. The first two stimulus the Great Depression in the spring to the Great advantage of the seasonal decline in infections by packages pushed the 2020 budget deficit to $3 Recession by fall and winter and remains stuck widely vaccinating the public during the winter trillion and the amount of outstanding federal debt there. and spring months to prevent a seasonal increase as a share of the economy to a level not seen since The forecast for 2021 resembles Harvey in infections in the fall. This would ease pressure World War II. The deficit will almost certainly as Dent, who was the villain “Two Face” in Batman. on hospitals and other medical resources, which large in 2021 and 2022. would further allow life to return to normal. If this The Federal Reserve has increased the Dent had a good and bad side to him, and it always does not happen, then expect 2021 to look similar money supply by 68% over the last year, meaning remained to be seen which face appeared. The good to the fourth quarter of 2020, meaning a sluggish, that 40% of all the dollars ever created were created forecast for 2021 involves a rapid economic recovery disappointing economic recovery. over the last year. As the Nobel Prize-winning by the summer and life returning to normal. The The worst case scenario is that the vaccine economist Milton Friedman famously pointed bad forecast involves a COVID continuing to is less effective in practice than in clinical trials or out, inflation always stems from an increase in disrupt American life, further waves of economic the vaccine proves less effective against variants of the money supply. We were fortunate not to see shutdowns, which pushes the American economy the virus. There is evidence that the vaccines are inflation in 2020. It is unclear how long this effective against new variants. However, variants expansion of the money supply can continue before and society down an unimaginable path. Which such as the U.K.one are more infectious than the we do. face of the recovery appears depends on the course original virus, so variants may spread faster than The shutdown has also devastated over the virus and shutdowns take in 2021.
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By MEL AND PEARL SHAW prepare for fundraising. Your data management people can provide your fundraising team ata managers are one with giving information for specific Dof the most under- donors over a three- or five-year period, or longer. They can run reports rated – and least engaged – fundraisers prepare for an ask. For showing who has given at the highest levels example, they can use publicly available members of a fundraising over multiple years. These can show giving information about which other nonprofits year-by-year, or cumulative giving. They solicitation team. Don’t your donors are affiliated with or give to. can let you know who gave last year but make the mistake of This can be part of the process of creating not this year; who attended your last gala; a donor profile for use in fundraising overlooking their value. and who has been a sponsor for events in by a staff member or volunteer. Such a the past and could be approached for a profile contains information about prior Sometimes we inadvertently gift or grant even if you can’t have your in- giving, interests, relationships, role in forget to include the most important person event. the community, event attendance, and people in our fundraising planning. In many cases the donor involvement with your organization. It We make sure we have top leadership, management team is also board members, community leaders, major also includes a suggested ask amount. responsible for stewardship. That donors, and local/regional influencers at Bottom line: don’t let preconceptions means they are the ones who craft and the table. We have our fundraising staff and get in the way of determining who should send out thank-you letters and emails; volunteers prepared and ready to go. But be part of your solicitation team. Your data they may be the people who take RSVPs we don’t invite the person responsible for people know more than you think they for events; and they might be talking with data management. That is a big mistake! do. And, if you make them a full member your donors by phone when they call into Here’s why. of your team, sharing your plans and your organization. The person or people responsible projections, they can add insights and data You can ask your data team to for data management within your you need to succeed. take on special projects to help your organization are very familiar with your donors. They spend their time looking at data – names, giving amounts, address changes… If your nonprofit takes the time to record known relationships between donors, volunteers, and board members then these staff members know a lot about who-knows-who. They observe trends in giving, such as when there is a “spike” in giving, and when you are in a “dry spell.” They know what data you are tracking, what you are not tracking, and how this impacts the information available for decision making. They know types of reports you can run and the different ways you can sort and review data as you
Copyright 2021 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 53 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + CHURCH DIRECTORY
Greater Williams Temple New Hope Missionary Baptist St. John Ev. Lutheran Church B 608 E Remington St Church Pastor Carl Ballard Saginaw, MI 48601 Rev. Dr. Willie F. Casey 915 Federal Avenue Bethel AME Church 989-755-5291 1721 Tuscola Street Saginaw, MI 48607 Rev. Dennis Laffoon Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-0489 535 Cathay St. 989-753-7600 stjohnlutheranelcasaginaw. Saginaw, MI 48601 J weebly.com 989-755-7011 New Life Baptist Ministries Jacob's Ladder Dr. Craig Tatum Bread of Life Harvest Center Bishop Elect Dempsey Allen 1401 Janes Ave. T Senior Pastor Rodney J. 1926 Fairfield Street Saginaw, MI 48601 McTaggart Saginaw, MI 48602 989-753-1151 Transforming Life Ministries 3726 Fortune Blvd. 989-799-6601 newlifelcm.com Pastor William Brown Saginaw, MI 48603 523 Hayden 989-790-7933 L New Mt. Calvary Baptist Saginaw, MI 48601 Church 989-754-9573 C Life in Christ Ministries Pastor Alfred "AJ" Harris Jr. 3610 Russel St. True Vine Baptist Church Pastor Dennis Cotton, Sr. Pastor Paul E. Broaddus Christ Disciples Baptist 2915 S. Washington Road Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-0801 2930 Janes Street Church Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw, MI 48601 Founder Pastor Eddie Benson 989-401-4465 989-752-0751 Pastor Genevieve Benson LifeInChristMinistries07@ New Way Ministries 3317 Lapeer Street gmail.com Pastor Dwight & Princess Saginaw, MI 48601 Dobbins V 989-754-2444 29200 Shiawassee St. M Farmington Hills, MI 48336 Victorious Belivers Ministries Christ Fellowship Baptist (248) 987-2434 Church Church Messiah Missionary Baptist thenewwayministry.org Pastor Chris V. Pryor Rev. Robert Davis, Jr. Church 624 S. Outer Dr. 818 N. Washington Ave. Pastor Otis Washington Saginaw, MI Saginaw, MI 48601 2615 Williamson Road P 989-755-7692 Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-4435 Prince of Peace Baptist [email protected] 989-777-2636 Fax: 989-777-2640 Church W [email protected] Pastor Robert C. Corley Jr. F messiahsag.org 825 North 24th Street World Outreach Campus of Saginaw, MI 48601 Greater Coleman Temple Faith Harvest Church Mt. Olive Baptist Church 989-754-2841 Ministries Bishop Ronald E. Chipp Pastor Marvin T. Smith Supt. H.J. Coleman Jr. 1734 N. Mason 1114 N. 6th Street 2405 Bay Rd. Saginaw, MI 48602 Saginaw, MI 48601 R Saginaw, MI 48602 989-799-4200 989-752-8064 Resurrection Life Ministries 989-752-7957 faithharvestministry.org Full Gospel Baptist Church office@faithharvestministry. N Pastor Carolyn L. Wilkins Z org 2320 Sheridan Avenue New Beginnings Deliverance Saginaw, MI 48601 Zion Missionary Baptist Faith Ministries Church 989-395-3142 Dr. Anthony Revis Ministry Church 3420 E Ashman St. Pastor Roy & Evelyn Baldwin Pastor Rodrick Smith Midland, MI 48642 2609 E. Genesee S 721 Johnson 989-837-7777 Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw, MI 48607 faithministrieschurch.org 989-777-8272 Saginaw Valley Community 989-754-9621 [email protected] Church Pastor Richard Sayad G New Beginnings Life 3660 Hermansau Changing Ministries Saginaw, MI 48603 Glimpse Of Hope Ministries Pastor Otis Dickens 989-752-4769 2211 S. Outer Dr. 2312 S. Washington Ave. Saginaw Michigan 48601 Saginaw, MI 48601 Saint Paul Baptist Church 989-755-9237 989-755-3650 Rev, Dr., Vincent D. McMillon [email protected] 120 North 15 St. New Birth Missionary Baptist Saginaw, MI. 48601 Grace Chapel Church Pastor Larry D. Camel [email protected] Pastor James Nelson 3121 Sheridan Facebook: St Paul MBC Family 2202 Janes Ave. Saginaw, Michigan Connection Saginaw, MI 48601 989-327-1755 989-755-3212 Second Baptist Church New Covenant Christian Pastor-Elect Marcelle T. Smith Greater Renaissance Center 1770 W. Youngs Ditch Rd. Pastor Cedric R. Cheatham Pastor Ron Frierson Bay City, MI 48708 1535 S. Warren Ave. 2395 S. Outer Drive 989-893-8631 Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw, MI 48601 989-752-1455 989-752-8485 260-515-6456
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301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 54 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + SPORTS
essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics. Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored during an online ceremony later this winter. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments. The Class C Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Meagan Lasky, Bronson; Sophia Rayes, Oscoda; Elizabeth M. Williams, Ishpeming Westwood; Nicholas Errer, Bad Axe; Finn Feldeisen, Ann Arbor Greenhills; and David Jahnke, Saginaw Valley Lutheran. The Class D Scholar-Athlete Award recipients are: Olivia Lowe, Leland; Sophia Stowe, Northport; Jäeger Griswold, Ellsworth; and Wyatt Sirrine, Leland. David Jahnke of Saginaw Valley Lutheran played three seasons of varsity football, wrestling on varsity for fourth season and will run his second season of varsity track & field in the spring. He earned all-league recognition and won a county DAVID JAHNKE championship in wrestling, and served as team captain. He also earned academic all- state in football. Participating in second David Jahnke, Saginaw year of student council and elected class treasurer. Jahnke participated in the second year of the National Honor Society Valley Lutheran athlete and four years in Saginaw Valley Lutheran’s Key Club, STEM club, Spanish club and receives MHSAA/Farm Global Awareness Club. He earned the Key Club Service Medallion and was elected to Bureau Insurance Scholar- organize group projects, also serving as STEM school Chief Science Officer. Jahnke will attend Michigan State University and Athlete Award study biomedical engineering. He attributes his continued East Lansing, MI – The Michigan by school classification and the number of participation in sports to the people High School Athletic Association has student-athletes involved in those classes; around him. selected 10 student-athletes from Class also, there are two at-large honorees who “Without the true sportsmanship C and D member schools to receive can come from any classification. amongst my teammates and the opponents scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Students applying for the Scholar- we faced, I would not have continued Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award Athlete Award must be carrying at least participating in those sports. In doing so program. a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average I would have walked away from a sport I Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 32nd year and have previously won a letter in a learned to love, and that has caused me to of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 varsity sport in which the Michigan High grow as a person by building my character. college scholarships to 32 individuals who School Athletic Association sponsors … If I had been shown unkindness represent their member schools in at least a postseason tournament. Other instead of goodwill, mockery instead of one sport in which the Association sponsors requirements for the applicants were to encouragement, selfishness instead of a postseason tournament. The first 30 show active participation in other school generosity, I would have missed all the scholarships are awarded proportionately and community activities and produce an valuable lessons taught to me by athletics.”
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 55 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
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301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER PAGE 56 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 57 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Michigan Banner VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 4 YOUTH
TeenQuest offers final chance to earn invite to 2021 Summer Youth Initiative Job Fair
TEENQUEST
Flint, MI – Tim Szary is a systems which teaches the skills needed to get and employers for actual job openings. Last engineer at Raytheon Technologies. Jelani keep a job, will run from Feb. 22 through year, nearly 260 students secured summer Taylor is a business analyst at McKinsey March 25. employment as a result of these programs.” Seattle. And Quanhyia Wade is now in This is the final TeenQuest session that Wade, an alumna of Flushing High her first year as a nursing student at will be offered before the SYI Job Fair, School, completed TeenQuest in her Mott Community College. Despite their during which teens are invited to interview freshman year and participated in SYI different career paths, these Genesee with local employers for summer job each summer through 2020. By the time County natives all have one thing in openings. The job fair, which will be held she started college, Wade already had the common: They are all TeenQuest graduates this spring, is open only to graduates of Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Asbury who gained important work experience TeenQuest. Methodist Church and Berston Field through the Summer Youth Initiative (SYI) “This is an ideal program for area high House listed on her resume. Not only did employment program. school students who want to develop high- the experience help build her confidence, Genesee County teens who are demand skills, including communication, it also helped her grow her professional interested in following in the footsteps of goal setting and conflict resolution,” said network. these students and young professionals James Avery, director of Education & “I met so many people through SYI are encouraged to register for TeenQuest’s Training at the Flint & Genesee Chamber, final session of the 2020-21 school year. which administers both TeenQuest and Held virtually, the session will kick off SYI. “What’s more, it guarantees them CONTINUES ON PG 57, with orientation on Feb. 18. The program, the opportunity to interview with area TEENQUEST
MYB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MYB MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER PAGE 56 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 57 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
TEENQUEST
Continued from pg 56, TeenQuest
that have given me resources to further today without TeenQuest and SYI.” graduate from TeenQuest, students must my career into nursing,” said Wade, who As part of TeenQuest’s current virtual also successfully complete mock interviews currently works at Berston and McDonald’s format, students must attend a 90-minute provided through the program. on top of her regular schoolwork. “One of orientation on the first day of program. TeenQuest is open to all Genesee my previous supervisors offered to review a Additionally, they must participate in County teens, ages 14-19 in grades 9-12. job application for me, and another put me three, one-hour online sessions weekly in touch with someone who set me up with and complete assigned projects—including For more information, or to enroll, visit a job shadowing opportunity at Hurley writing a resume and filling out a job www.flintandgenesee.org/teenquest or Medical Center. I wouldn’t be where I am application—outside virtual class time. To call (810) 600-1413.
MYB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MYB MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 58 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
PIC OF THE WEEK BUCKLEY BLACK HISTORY
Jerome Buckley, Co-founder and Publisher of the Michigan Banner is pictured with his sons and nephews.
"Our Black History was Built on Love and Support" - JEROME BUCKLEY
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE 59 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
Brittany Saunders is ready to pay it forward. The Chicago native enroIIed at SVSU with ambitions to pursue a teaching career. Brittany was encouraged and invigorated by other passionate educators who worked cIoseIy with her to ensure she wouId accompIish her goaIs. And she is. Even before she was set to graduate, Brittany couId boast a résumé with a paid internship in a schooI district aIong with K-12 cIassroom experience. Now she can’t wait to begin a professionaI career, inspiring students with the same kind of one-on- one attention she received from her professors at SVSU.
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 60 FEBRUARY 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper
The Great Lakes Bay Region Does Better With
GoGarber.com Saginaw Proud! "I am here for you. Looking forward to serving you on your next new or pre-owned vehicle purchase." Hurley Coleman III [email protected]
301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG