COURIER
The Flint
NEWS
Flint, Michigan
We give thanks for all of our readers and advertisers! -The Staff of The Flint Courier News Annual Senior Citizens
Thanksgiving
Dinner
The 38th Annual Thanksgiving dinner for seniors hosted by Floyd and Genesee County Commissioner Brenda Clack will be held Tuesday, Nov. 20 at Foss Avenue Baptist Church, 1159 E. Foss Avenue, Flint, MI 48505. This year’s event is co-hosted by the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department. Dinner starts at 11:00 a.m. This event is FREE to seniors. Reservations are not required.
Published by Courier Inc.
Volume 43
Pot Legalized, But Not Tolerated on Campus
Issue 46
November 18, 2018
Downtown Flint Seeing Dramatic Increase in Retail Businesses
By Sheri L. Stuart, Staff Writer
What Happens Next?
Michigan voters who wanted to legalize the recreational use and possession of marijuana for persons 21 years of age or older saw their wish come true during the recent midterm elections. Michigan Proposal 1 passed by a wide margin, as anticipated. Results from a September poll found a majority of Michigan voters supported Mike Naddeo | Flintside legalization. By Marjory Raymer, FlintSide
Notice anything different about downtown Flint lately? After While the proposal has passed, employees and their employers should be mindful of the 15 years of targeted investment and development, there has a dramatic (and long sought after) shift in the last year or so. policies and procedures governing drug use said Vanessa G. Nelson, president of Expert been Human Resources based in Flint. Downtown is experiencing exponential growth in retail. “You may have a medical marijuana card, but you cannot violate policy,” said Nelson. If It was just less than a year ago that GoodBoy Clothing your company policy is zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, you still cannot use marijuana took on its second-floor retail space in the packed 500 on the job or be high on the job,” she said. block of South Saginaw Street. Then, the clothing-home “If someone comes to work and is suspected of being under the influence, you have a right goods-flowers-kids-fun stuff boutique Shift opened with to ask them to submit to a drug test. If they fail that drug test then you can follow your pro- lots of fanfare and fandom in the Capitol Theatre in May. Just last week, a retail space with 13 pop-up shops and cedures on how to deal with that,” said Nelson. a convenience store debuted in the Dryden Building. Likewise, officials at college campuses across the state have said even though the proposal has passed, smoking weed will not be tolerated on campus. For example, Michigan State Add to that recent additions including Bedrock Apparprohibits the use or possession of marijuana on any property owned or managed by MSU, el in the Capitol, Peace Barn Vintage Shop in the Patterand by MSU’s faculty, staff, or students on any MSU property or during off-campus MSU son Building, Brush Alley Skateshop around the corbusiness or events. ner, and Flint Trading Co. just down Saginaw Street. Similar policies are in effect at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Central Michigan University.
“There is a real buzz about Flint. More people are venturing downtown and, quitefrankly, (Continured on page 7.)
Lt. Gov. Elect Garlin Gilchrist Begins Transition Talk
Hamady Hawks Make School History with 10-0 Season
Lt. Gov.-Elect Garlin Gilchrist II visited the Executive Office in Lansing and met with Lt. Gov. Brian Calley on Tuesday, Nov. 13, continuing the collaboration on transition to the next administration. “Serving as Lieutenant Governor during Michigan’s comeback has been the honor of my lifetime and I’m all in on helping the next administration hit the ground running to keep moving Michigan forward,” Calley said. “I was honored to welcome Lt. Governor-Elect Gilchrist to Lansing today and I will remain available to him and Governor-Elect Whitmer as the transition process continues.” Calley hosted Lt. Gov.-Elect Gilchrist in the Romney building and showed him around the state Capitol, where Gilchrist will become President of the Senate on Jan. 1.
2100 LINDEN RD. FLINT TWP. 888-PATSY-LOU – WWW.patsylou.com
The Hamady Hawks seen here playing in an earlier regular season game have made the playoffs four years in a row. They finished the regular season undefeated.
See the full story on page 7.
COURIER INC. - Page 2
November 18, 2018
Religious Notes Vernon Chapel AMEC 5802 Dupont St. Rev. Douglas Banks, Pastor Vernon Chapel AMEC presents their “Annual Ushers & Nurses Service” November 18, 2018 @ 3pm theme: “Working For The Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24) Guest Speaker: Bishop Neal Roberson of Church of the Harvest International Church Mt. Calvary MBC 4805 N. Saginaw Street ~ Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr., Pastor Welcome to the 73rd Church Anniversary Month of Celebration: Through God’s grace, we have come this far by faith! We praise God for 73 years of blessing our church family. The month long celebration continues with: - Sunday, November 18, 4:00 P.M. – Community and Thanksgiving Fellowship with our guest Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, Rev. Dr. Herbert Miller, Pastor - Sunday, November 25 – Church Anniversary Mt. Hermon MBC G-5283 Clio Rd,. Pastor K. D. Yarber We will be celebrating our 59th Church Anniversary November 18th, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. and at 4:00 P.M. With our Special Guest speaker, Rev. Kim Yarber II, Pastor of Jerusalem M.B. Church in Evergreen, Alabama. This will also be Friends and Family day. All are welcome to attend and celebrate this great occasion with us and welcome Rev Kim Jr., home. Everlasting MBC 45212 Dupont St. Rev. Ryan K. Mixon, Pastor
Everlasting Missionary Baptist Church will observe their 13th Pastoral Anniversary on November 18, 2018 @ 3:30pm. Guest Speaker will be Rev. Daniel Bridges and New Israel Church, with special guest Rev. Morris Collins and the Mt. Sinai Church. Everyone is welcome as we honor our Pastor Ryan Mixon and First Lady Tywnette Mixon on this glorious Pastoral Anniversary service.
Cross MBC 3065 W. Coldwater Rd 785-1899 Pastor Oscar Wm. Hare First New Life MBC 605 E. Gracelawn Ave. 789-6563 Pastor Fletcher Johnson 742-1556 First Union MBC 7004 Fleming Rd. 787-2731 Pastor. A. Powell, Jr. 787-5679 Upper Room MBC 6009 N. Saginaw St. 789-6445 Pastor Alvin Bradford 223-6680 The New St. James C.O.G.I.C. 2229 W. Carpenter Rd. 787-7752 Elder E. Parrish
St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 771 E. Pierson Road Rev. Llewellyn V. Jones, Pastor 97 Years of God’s Faithfulness Musical Celebration Come and join us in celebrating our 97th Year Church Anniversary November 18, 2018. Our 3:00 p.m. Theme: “Growing Stronger, Growing Deeper and Reaching Higher”, Isaiah 40:31 This spiritual service will feature the Church Without Walls Choir.
Gethsemane M.B. Church 1258 E. Humphrey Rev. Terry Randolph, Pastor We invite you to our Men’s and Women’s Day Program on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Our Women’s Day Program will be held during our 11:00am Morning Worship Service. Our guest speaker s Sis. Denise Harris, 1st Lady of Saints of God Church, Rev. Alfred Harris, Pastor. Our Men’s Day Program will be held at 3:30pm, Rev. A.J Harris and the New Mt. Calvary M.B. Church of Saginaw, MI will be our guests. We look forward to having a blessed time in the Name of Jesus. Call the Church at 810-789-4131 for more information. Church of the Harvest International 2202 West Dartmouth St. Bishop Neal Roberson, Pastor It is with great joy that Bishop Neal Roberson & The Church of the Harvest International extend a special invitation to you to the Initial Sermon of Minister Gail Cooper on Sunday, November 18, 2018 during our 10:30 am Worship Service. As you know, there is nothing quite so encouraging as the support of brothers and sisters in Christ, especially during such a special occasion as the presentation of a first sermon! I know without a doubt Minister Cooper would appreciate your presence here as this great journey in her ministry continues. Mt. Calvary M.B.C. 4805 N. Saginaw St. Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr., Pastor Mt. Calvary’s “Alpha House” a ministry to assist in the area of providing clothing for the family is open each week on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and can be reached at (810) 787-2563 from 9:00 a.m. – to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mt. Sinai MBC 1215 E. Downey 787-7099 Pastor Morris A. Collins, Sr. New Israel MBC 3417 N. Saginaw St. 785-1702 789-3646 Pastor Daniel Bridges N.O.W. Minisries 1200 Stocker Ave. Pastor Janice McHaney 235-7977 Quinn Chapel AME 2101 Lippincott Blvd. 238-5636 Rev. Sharinese Jackson, Pastor RockMBC 1388 Louis Ave. 810-787-8884 Pastor Theodore Jones St. Peter CME 771 E. Pierson Rd. Pastor Dianne Beverly 785-6321
Call 810-234-8770 To Place Your Ad Here
St. Paul Baptist Church 2115 W. Coldwater Rd Pastor Michael Pettigrew
THANKSGIVING House of Prayer MBC 1851 W. Carpenter Rd. Pastor Kenneth L Stewart
Vernon Chapel AMEC 5802 Dupont St. Rev. Douglas Banks, Pastor Please join Vernon Chapel AME Church “The Point” in observance of their Fifth annual Celebration of Advent - The exciting period of waiting for the Birth of the Blessed Baby Jesus on Sunday, November 25, 2018 @ 4:00pm.
The Foss Ave. Baptist Church 1159 E Foss Ave Pastor Reginald G. Flynn, Minister We cordially invite you to join us as we Commemorate and Celebrate our 62nd Church Anniversary on December 2, 2018 at 11:00am. Our guest speaker: Pastor Blake Strozier, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Saginaw, MI Our Theme: “Generosity: The Propeller of our Vision and Mission.” Scripture: Nehemiah 2:20. We welcome all past members to join us as we celebrate.
The Men of the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church will sponsor a Thanksgiving Dinner for the needy on Wednesday November 21, 2018 from 12Noon till 4 PM....All those in need are invited to come Musical guests include: Mrs. out. For more information Pia Broden-Williams, Mr. We will be celebrating the please call 810-787-3931 Harold Woodson, The Se13th Pastoral Appreciation nior Choir of Clarkston Conhonoring Pastor Michael Pettigrew and First Lady Debra Galilean Baptist Church gregation Choir, The Rose 109 W. Holbrook Christopher Hand Bell Choir Pettigrew on Sunday, NoRev. Sean D. Payne, Pastor and more…”Donations will vember 18, 2018 at 3:30PM. be accepted”. (Light refresh- Dozier Memorial C.M.E. The theme for this glorious ments will be served). Spon3212 S. Saginaw Street day is “Use Me Lord, Send sored by: “The Senior Choir Me Lord, I Will Go!” The Rev. Dr. Phillip D. of Vernon Chapel”. guest church will be Prayer Washington, Pastor Garden Church of God in What a milestone! What a Christ. Pastor, Administrator Antioch MBC joyous and spiritual celebraJerry L. Givens Sr. will bring 1083 E.Stewart Ave. tion to be held! The Dozier the message. Special Guests The Antioch Missionary Memorial Christian Methodon program will be the Dynamic Voices of Flint and Pastor Andre Williams Sr. & 1st Baptist Church family cor- ist Episcopal Church Family Foss Avenue Baptist Church, Lady Tracie Williams dially invite you to be our will be celebrating the 71st Moderator Reginald G. Fly- What better place to be on special guest as we celebrate Church Anniversary Sunnn, Pastor. Everyone is wel- Thanksgiving Day than Family and Friends Day, day, December 9, 2018. come to come out to Worship the house of God. Join us Sunday, December 2nd at and to have a glorious time on Thanksgiving Day at The Rev. Douglas Banks and in the name of Our Lord and 10:00am for our O Give our 10:45 am worship ser- the Vernon Chapel African Savior, Jesus Christ! Dinner Thanks Praise and Worship vice. Methodist Episcopal Church will be served. For more in- Service. We will be lifting The anointed speaker for the will be our guest pastor and formation, please call St. up the name of Jesus, giving service is Rev. Chris Taylor, congregation for our AnniPaul Baptist Church at 810- testimonies and feasting off Trinity Missionary Baptist 789-4382 or 810-280-0161. the Word of God. Come out Church, Pontiac, MI. Dinner versary Service at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Banks bringing and share with us. will be served after mornThe Word. Their choir will Grace Cathedral ing worship. We welcome render selections. You are Community Church you to join in with us as we Family MBC invited to join us in this cel1709 Nebraska Ave. praise and thank God for his 2520 Dupont Street ebration of 71 years as a conRev. Kelly C. Richards, Pastor Charles W Levy Sr, Pastor many blessings.To God be gregation in the Flint ComWe would like to extend an the glory for the great things invitation to our gospel mu- Thursday November 22, he has done! If you have munity. Call: 810.234-7892 for additional information. sical entitled “Lifting the 2018 at 10:00 am Hapadditional questions, please Name of Jesus in Praise” py Thanksgiving!!! Come on Sunday, November 18, One, Come All and join in call the church office at 810Church of the Harvest 2018 at 4:00pm. The musi- with us as we give thanks to 789-2931. International cal will be held at Grace Ca- our Lord and Saviour Jesus 2202 West Dartmouth St. thedral Community Church. Christ for all He has done. Family MBC Bishop Neal Roberson, We would be honored to This will be a powerful ser2520 Dupont Street Pastor have your choir and church vice for our Almighty God!! Charles W Levy Sr, Pastor family join us. Come expecting a Miracle! It’s Prayer Time! Join Us Each Tuesday at 12:00 Noon at Church of the Harvest For additional information please contact Sis. Shirley please join us for TNT Bible every 1st and 3rd WednesJones at (810) 610-7120 or Study. Bring your lunch and day of the month for Early Sis. Gwen Shelby at (810) Quinn Chapel African Metha friend to learn God’s Awe- Morning Prayer at 5:00 odist Episcopal Church 240-9440. We pray that you 2101 Lippincott Blvd. some Word. will be able to attend, we AM. All are Welcome to Rev. Sharinese Jackson, Pastor look forward to your presEach 2nd and 4th Wednes- come and Pray. Prayer ence. Start Holiday Shopping at day at 6:00 pm. please join Changes Things. Quinn Chapel’s Black Frius for WOW Service. Come Grace Deliverance COGIC day Sale. There will be new CALLING ALL 1969 items (from boutiques & and Worship and Praise 759 E Pierson Rd stores) and like-new items God with us for His Mighty NORTHWESTERN Paul Richmond, Pastor to purchase for that special Works. Various guest speak- GRADUATES! Great Giant store located G. someone on your Christmas ers will be delivering The We are planning our “50 5204 N Saginaw St. in Flint list, or for you! The sale will Word. has joined Grace DeliverYear Class Reunion” on ance & Holbrook Commu- include clothes and shoes for June 14 & 15 2019 and nity Outreach to give toys the entire family, household we are looking for You! If Vernon Chapel Water to 200 youth in Beecher for items, electronics, tools, and you have moved within the much more! Sustain shopDistribution will be Christmas. last 5 years, please contact: ping energy by purchasing TUESDAYS AND You may drop off toys at chicken wing snacks and THURSDAYS FROM Francine (Moore) Dyes @ Great Giant Store G. 5204 fries and take home one of 10AM-2PM. 810-610-5515 or Marilyn N Saginaw St Flint, Monthe desserts from the dessert Kennedy @ 810-964-1515 day - Sat 8 am - 8 pm and table. So, come one come all Sun 8 am -7 pm. on Friday, November 16th THE FLINT COURIER NEWS You can also drop off toys from 1:00pm to 6:00pm (810) 234-8770 • Fax (810) 234-6369 at Grace Deliverance Tab- and Saturday, Novem109 Welch Blvd, Flint, MI 48503 ernacle COGIC 759 E. Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1268, Flint, Ml 48501 Pierson Rd Sundays 10 am ber 17th from 10:00am to E-Mail: The FlintCourierNews@gmail.com 6.00pm. Info: 238-5636. -12 noon. Website: www.TheFlintCourierNews.com We would like to thank DebWhen sending stories, ads or announcements to bie at Steves Heating and The Flint Courier News, they must be completely typed, no Mt. Calvary M.B.C. Plumbing & Moon Funeral exceptions. Please do not type the ads or announcements in 4805 N. Saginaw St. Home, Joe Richalsky & Sons all capitals. Photos that are unclear and blurry will not be Reverend Dr. Henry L. Realty and Sabrina at Sumused in publication. Fuller, Jr., Pastor mit Rentals for their support. For more info contact NapoACCEPTED FILE TYPES: PDF, TIFF or JPG leon. 810 213-3276. Mt. Calvary’s “Alpha for all ads and/or pictures. House” a ministry to asSTORIES, ANNOUNCEMENTS, NEWS RELEASES: sist in the area of providing We request files be submitted using Microsoft Word via e-mail. The deadline for clothing for the family is DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS submissions to open each week on Tuesday Ad files can be e-mailed, dropped off or mailed in The Flint Courier News is every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 one of the above formats. by noon. a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and can be The deadline for all stories, annoucements and ads is reached at (810) 787-2563 Please send to: Tuesday at 12 Noon weekly. from 9:00 a.m. – to 5:00 TheFlintCourierNews p.m. Monday through FriWe reserve the right to edit all materials submitted @gmail.com day. for publication in The Flint Courier News. Sincerely, The Flint Courier News Staff
COURIER INC. - Page 3
November 18, 2018
Around Town
Defeating Trumpism Will Take Years
It’s a Battle We Must Win! Noah Berlatsky Measured purely by votes cast, Democrats won a decisive election victory this week. In House races, Democrats beat Republicans by 7 percent of the popular vote ― about the same margin of victory as the apocalyptic 2010 Republican wave. Democrats picked up around 30 seats in the House of Representatives, giving them about a 225-197 edge. With that comes the ability to stymie Republican legislation and investigate presidential wrongdoing. Democrats also gained at least seven governor’s offices, including a shocking upset in Kansas. Elections aren’t just vote counts, though. They’re also narratives. Democrats won the vote count, but the narrative of 2018 is mixed. And that narrative sends an ominous message about America’s long-term ability to repudiate authoritarianism, racism and President Donald Trump. In 2016, Trump lost the popular vote, but won the electoral college by narrow victory. Unfortunately, this shifted attention away from the rest of the working class, which is in fact quite racially diverse. Meanwhile, Republicans doubled down on the politics of divisive paranoid partisan grievance and resentment, with former supposed moderates like Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins indulging in hypercharged conspiratorial anti-left rhetoric that Trump has made his own. Democrats won the vote count, but the narrative of 2018 is mixed. And that narrative sends an ominous message about America’s ability to repudiate authoritarianism. Similarly, the mixed results of 2018 will be seen as only a partial repudiation of Trumpian politics. Trump’s final pitch to the American people involved disgusting fearmongering racist propaganda about a small caravan of refugees from Central America seeking asylum in the U.S. That blatantly fascist effort to scapegoat and target marginalized people wasn’t a resounding success. But it wasn’t such a failure that Republicans will necessarily be afraid to use such appeals again. Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about billionaire Democratic donor and Holocaust survivor George Soros, have become mainstream Republican talking points under Trump.. Part of the problem is that racist conspiracy theories and hatred appeal to many white voters. But another part of the problem is structural. The Senate gives a huge advantage to rural voters, who are overwhelmingly white (in part because of a history of racist terrorism that drove black people to flee to cities). Trump’s white supremacist appeals to white voters. Democratic voters ― poorer than Republicans and less likely to be white ― are also often targeted for voter suppression. This cycle, voter suppression was most egregious in Georgia, where Secretary of State Brian Kemp engineered a massive effort to
suppress black votes on behalf of his close friend, gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp. Kemp purged 1.4 million voters from the rolls since 2010, cutting people who had not voted in previous elections. He also used the Exact Match law to cull 53,000 people because of typos on their registrations, 80 percent of those affected were black. Since Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams was only down by about 63,000 votes ― 0.6 percentage point ― there is a good chance that Kemp effectively stole the election. Trump’s blatantly fascist effort to scapegoat marginalized people wasn’t a resounding success. But it wasn’t such a failure that Republicans will be afraid to use such appeals again. There were some promising signs that Democrats, and voters, may be able to rectify some of these structural problems through legislation and ballot initiatives. Florida approved a ballot resolution to restore felon voting rights, a major victory that affects more than 1 million voters, including almost 18 percent of the state’s black voting-age population. If the initiative had been passed in 2016, it could well have affected this year’s gubernatorial and Senate races. Michigan voters approved a ballot initiative that should end gerrymandering in the state, and other House gerrymanders that benefited Republicans in Pennsylvania and North Carolina were struck down by courts earlier this year. Steps like these will help Democrats compete on a more level playing field. Other moves ― such as pushing for statehood for Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories, or passing federal laws ensuring voting rights to replace the gutted Voting Rights Act ― could even help redress the imbalance in the Senate. But the fact that these measures are necessary creates a painful catch-22 situation. Democrats have trouble winning electorally because the current system is flat-out racist. But they can’t change the rules until they win electorally. Many Democrats hoped 2018 would provide a sweeping victory, showing Trump’s fascist tactics were bankrupt, electorally and morally. Instead, the partial victory, for candidates and for election change, suggests that repudiating Trump and what he and the GOP stands for will require a long, slow trudge. It will mean fighting for every vote to make structural changes and every structural change to increase the vote. Winning, even under unbalanced rules, is always seen as an electoral mandate and a moral one. Trumpism in 2018 received a check. But racism, sexism, conspiracy-mongering, lying and hatred ― in short, fascism ― remain for Republicans a viable electoral path. Defeating Trumpism means outvoting fascism, and simultaneously changing the system so that outvoting fascism actually has an effect. To do both will require fighting for many years beyond 2018.
An Update on Mayor Weaver’s FAST Start Initiative
Since Mayor Weaver’s FAST Start began in March 2016, crews from area companies have completed excavation at 17,243 homes. As of April 2018, 8,410 homes have been checked. According to reports from contractors, crews have identified copper service lines at a total of 7,050 homes, 1,360 homes have been identified as having lead and/or galvanized service lines. Overall, to date, service lines to 7,050 homes have been identified as lead and/or galvanized and have been replaced, including 1,360 homes found this year. The efforts are a part of Mayor Karen Weaver’s plan to determine if water service lines are made of copper and replace service lines made of lead and galvanized steel. Mayor Weaver is determined to restore safe, clean drinking water to Flint residents. To be eligible for service line replacements, residents must have an active water account. They also must sign a consent card giving permission for the work to be done (consent cards are being delivered to residents). In rental homes, both the owner and the tenant must sign consent cards. Residents are urged to sign the consent cards as soon as possible, so crews working in their neighborhood can replace their service line. The goal is to have all of Flint’s lead-tainted service lines replaced by the end of 2019. More information about the FAST Start initiative can be found on the City of Flint website www.cityofflint.com as well as the City of Flint FAST Start Facebook page, along with Instagram and Twitter. Questions about FAST Start may be directed to the FAST Start office by emailing faststart@cityofflint.com or by calling (810) 410.1133.
Genesee County Commissioner Brenda Clack Spreads Christmas Warmth with Blankets
Genesee County Commissioner Brenda Clack (D-Flint), along with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, has kicked-off her 2018 Blanket Drive, which will run through Thursday, December 20, 2018. The Blanket Drive is collecting new and gently used blankets that will be distributed to Catholic Charities, Shelter of Flint, Inc. and My Brother’s Keeper. Commissioner Clack has supported this project for the past seventeen years after discovering how valuable a new blanket is to families who have family members sleeping on the floor of whatever shelter they can provide. “It hurts to know that little children are sleeping on a cold floor during these very hard winters in our community. Whatever I can do, I will”, said Commissioner Clack. In addition, this is the second year that Commissioner Clack will be collecting small lap blankets for the animals at the Genesee County Animal Control Shelter. Blankets, children’s gloves and hats, or monetary donations can be brought to the Genesee County Administration Building, Room 312, 1101 Beach Street, Flint, MI.
Connect with The Flint Courier News
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CHEA Male Post-Incarcerated Academic Training Program
The Center for Higher Educational Achievement (CHEA) is accepting enrollment for its North Flint Adult Education Program and the CHEA Male Post-Incarcerated Academic Training Program until December 3, 2018. Females who are currently on parole or on probation may also participate. The program provides basic
reading and math training; pre-GED and GED training; job readiness training and life skills straining. Students must be at least 25-years-old to participate and live in the following zip codes: 48504, 48505 or 48506. Classes are held at the CHEA Adult Skill Center. Please call the CHEA Adult Skill Center (810) 265-7766 for additional information.
May the Lord God Bless Ya real good! LAW OFFICES OF
William D. Smith
611 W. Court Street, Suite 200 Flint, Michigan 48503
wdsmithlawfirm@gmail.com
(810) 265-7067 Fax: (810) 339-6414 www.wdsmithlawfirm.com
TheFlintCourierNews@gmail.com For updated news on the go.
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COURIER INC. - Page 4
November 18, 2018
Foss Avenue Baptist Church
N E V A E H h c r u W h E tC
NMissionary Baptis
810-640-1400
lVIT. CA.LV"A.R.Y-
MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. Dr. Henry L. Fuller Jr., Pastor 4805 N. Saginaw Street• Flint, Ml 810.787.2563 • Fax 810.787.0770 • www.mtcalvaryflint.com Rev. T.J. Lee Pastor
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Church School 9:30am Radio Broadcast - WFLT 1420 AM 11 :OO am Morning Worship 10:30 am Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer Service 9:30am & 6:00pm
"The End Of Your Search For A Friendly Church" ( "Exalting God and Reaching People")
COURIER INC. - Page 5
Charlie Nelms, Ed.D. formerChancellor UM-Flint Dear HBCU Graduates, Although most of us have never met, we share a special bond as graduates of one of America's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). With few exceptions, these are the places that sprouted from sweat-soaked seeds planted by the sons and daughters of former slaves, sharecroppers and subsistence farmers whose belief in the power of education confounded the plans of plantation owners, straw bosses and Southern white politicians.
HBCUs were the places that accepted us because they wanted to serve us, not because they were forced to do so or wanted to "diversify" their enrollment. They welcomed us with open arms and did not need to establish black culture centers or persuade faculty and staff to accept or embrace us.
HBCUs never characterized us as high-risk or academically or culturally disadvantaged; they chose instead to focus on our assets. Thankfully, we were the reason that HBCUs existed and not a special project on diversity and inclusion.
November 18, 2018
A Clarion Call to HBCU Graduates
dent referral. The ice at PWIs really isn't any colder than it is at an HBCU! In fact, many black students who initially attend PWIs end up graduating from HBCUs.
Most of us would agree that our alma mater enveloped us in a culture of caring from which it was nearly impossible to escape.
As a consequence, we developed the intellectual, social and leadership skills that allowed us to compete with anyone in the world. All of this HBCUs did with only a fraction of the fiscal resources available to predominately white universities (PWIs). I am sure you must have read by now that HBCUs are at a major crossroads. Enrollment is declining, in part because of increased competition from PWIs, online universities, proprietary schools and community colleges. In fact, according to the Oct. 9, 2014, edition of Diverse Issues in Higher Education, the University of Phoenix Online Campus is the largest producer of African-American recipients of bachelor's degrees in all disciplines.
In addition, leadership and fiscal instability, problems with accreditation and growing discord between presidents and boards of trustees are affecting even the strongest HBCUs. In all fairness, I must note that many of these same challenges afflict PWIs as well. The difference, in my view, is the fact that failure at HBCUs has disproportion-
ate implications for African-American students, families and the communities in which they are located. The failure of HBCUs is not an option; we have too much riding on them to let that happen.
Fellow HBCU graduates, we can and must come to the aid of our institutions while there is still time to make a difference. Fiscal insolvency and the loss of accreditation are two insurmountable challenges from which I have not known any institution, HBCU or PWI, to recover. What follows are some concrete steps we can and must take to support
HBCUs. 1. We must stop complaining about the imperfections of HBCUs and fretting about the few things that didn't go as well as we would have liked when we were students. There are neither perfect schools nor perfect people. 2. We must be willing to serve as ambassadors for our alma mater by referring prospective students, including our own children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends, to the admissions office.
3. We must be willing to share with our alma mater our expertise -- without charge. That expertise is just as diverse as the careers that we have, or have had, and can be used to improve curricular offerings, university operations, and marketing and facilitate job placement for graduating students, among other things.
4.We must be willing to provide access to our vast netWe shouldn't be persuaded work of people, programs solely by the size of a PWI and services that will allow scholarship or its marketing our alma mater to achieve prowess when making a stu- levels of excellence and responsiveness not otherwise possible.
By activating our collective networks, we can do more than imaginable to strengthen HBCUs and enhance their competitiveness. The soul singer Jerry Butler was correct when he proclaimed, "Only the strong survive."
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5. We must be willing to invest our money in the places that produced us, and we
must be committed to doing so every month of every year. I never quite understood how HBCU alums expected their alma mater to achieve and sustain excellence without money! Have you ever noticed that there are no poor schools on the U.S. News and World Report's national rankings of excellent schools? Many years ago, to emphasize the importance of investing in what we value, my friend and pastor, the late Dr. Robert Lowery, reminded his parishioners that life is like a bank account: "You can't make a draw unless you make a deposit." Unless we as alums make a deposit (invest), our alma mater cannot offer competitive scholarships, purchase state-of-the-art equipment, hire top professors, or offer study-abroad opportunities for students, among other things. During the course of my long career in the academy, I made a lot of speeches and listened to even more. There are two comments that I vividly remember from the many speeches I've heard. The first came from the late Dr. Elias Blake, who served as president of Clark College. He opined that HBCUs succeed in educating lowwealth, less-well-prepared students because they provide a psychologically supportive environment. The second comment came from Dr. Patrick Swygert, who served for a decade as president of Howard University. He noted that there is a difference between a graduate of a university and an alumnus. A graduate is one who simply holds a degree from the institution, while an alumnus is one who holds a degree and is invested in the institution's success and well-being. All of us who profess to love our alma mater should ask ourselves, "Am I a Graduate or an Alumnus?" In future blog posts, I will discuss in greater detail what HBCU alums can do in each of the five areas referenced above. Meanwhile, we can all demonstrate our support for HBCUs by referring at least three prospective students to our alma mater or another HBCU for 2015 admission. One final piece of advice: Refer students -without regard to race, sex or sexual orientation -- who are academically prepared and can benefit from the opportunity to study in an environment where caring still matters.
COURIER INC. - Page 6
Rev. Clifford W. Burks
God’s Blessing
Genesis 30:22-32, 43 Golden Text: God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. Genesis 30:22 Lesson Outline: I. Increase of Family Genesis 30:22-24 II. Increase of Flocks Genesis 30:25-32, 43 Lesson Context Following Jacobs dream at Bethel (last week’s study), he traveled on to Haran. There he met Rachel, Laban’s daughter (and Jacob’s cousin) when she came to water her father’s sheep. Rachel ran back home to tell her father about Jacobs arrival; and Laban hurried to meet Jacob, welcoming him with great excitement. Then followed the series of events that resulted in the master deceiver, Jacob, being deceived in turn by Laban. As a result, Jacob first married Leah, then Rachel (whom he truly loved). The Bible then records how Jacob began to build a family that would grow to 12 sons and a daughter (Dinah), with the sons becoming the source of the 12 tribes of the nation of Israel. Leah gave birth to Jacob’s sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah (Genesis 29:31-35). Then Rachel, who was barren, determined that she would build a family through her servant Bilhah, who gave birth to Dan and Naphtali (30:4-8). Leah’s servant Zilpah then gave birth to Gad and Asher (30:9-13). Later, Leah gave birth to sons Issachar and Zebulun plus daughter Dinah (30:17-21). Rachel voiced her anguish to Jacob with great emotion (Genesis 30:1). She must have grown increasingly discouraged as she watched the three other women in her household provide children for Jacob while she remained barren. The sibling rivalry between Rachel and her sister, Leah (30:7, 8, 14-16) must have reminded Jacob of the friction that had developed between him and Esau back home. But circumstances were about to change. I. Increase of Family Genesis 30:22-24 22a. And God remembered Rachel. When Scripture says God remembered something
or someone, that does not imply something that had slipped His mind now pops back to memory. God does not need to have His memory jogged as we do. He needs no reminders. Rather, when the text says that God remembers, the meaning is that He is about to act to fulfill a promise (compare Genesis 8:1; 19:29; Exodus 2:24, 25; etc.). 22b. And God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. It is interesting to compare this statement with Genesis 25:21. There the text says that God listened to the prayer of husband Isaac on behalf of his barren wife, Rebekah. Here, however, God responds to the barren wife’s own expression of anguish. Perhaps she has been praying about her condition, but the text does not specifically say that. 23. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach. Barrenness is a source of reproach in biblical times (compare Isaiah 49:21; 54:1; Galatians 4:27). When Elisabeth is allowed to conceive in her old age, she declares, “Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men” (Luke 1:25). With the birth of a son, an especially heavy burden has been lifted from Rachel’s shoulders, and she is grateful. 24. And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son. The name Joseph comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to add.” Rachel hopes that her child-bearing prowess is not limited to bearing him. Her statement may also be seen as a prayer request, that God will be gracious enough to add yet another son. In either case, Rachel recognizes the Lord as the source of the son she now holds. II. Increase of Flocks Genesis 30:25-32, 43 25. And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. Joseph’s birth seems to serve as a signal to Jacob that it is time that he should return to Canaan, his homeland. A woman’s status is very uncertain if she has no children. A barren woman is probably in better surroundings if she remains among family members who will care for her; otherwise she risks being ostracized and possibly mistreated. But now that Rachel has a son of her own, Jacob seems to feel more at ease about making the request we see here. 26. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let
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me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. Another factor influencing Jacob’s desire to return home at this point is that the 14 years for which he had agreed to work in order to marry both Rachel and Leah have apparently been fulfilled. That work represents what Jacob has “paid” for both Leah and Rachel: 7 years initially for Rachel (only to be given Leah instead) and then 7 additional years for Rachel, though Jacob was allowed to marry Rachel before his second 7-year obligation was carried out (Genesis 29:18, 2628). 27. And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. Laban has been as much of a deceiving “heel-grabber” as Jacob. This is seen in Laban’s sister-swap of Leah in place of Rachel (Genesis 29:23). His deception has been rewarded by 14 years of labor from Jacob, and Laban is hesitant to let good help get away. Laban’s deceiving and manipulative ways cause us to be suspicious about the sincerity of his declaration that he has learned by experience that the Lord has blessed him for Jacob’s sake. Is Laban merely “playing the Lord card” as a further attempt to manipulate Jacob? The Hebrew word translated experience is an interesting one. Its nine uses in the Old Testament are variously translated “enchantments)” (Leviticus 19:26; 2 Kings 17:17; 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6) and divinations (Genesis 44:5, 15). These suggest attempts to discover hidden information by means that are tied to pagan religious practices. This is the first time the term is used in the Bible; the practice will later be clearly spelled out as forbidden in the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). This provides another example of God’s guiding or superintending human efforts (as misguided as they may be) to accomplish His sovereign will. Just as God can use pagan rulers to further His divine program (as He used Pharaoh during the exodus), so He can use a sinful human practice such as divination (whatever it may have involved) to accomplish His ultimate plan. That plan is to return Jacob to his homeland as God promised He would (Genesis 28:15). Of course, the real reason for Laban’s being blessed has nothing to do with divination. The blessing that Isaac had given to Jacob (under the assumption he was Esau) included these words: “Blessed be he that blesseth thee” (Genesis 27:29).
Ultimately that promise is rooted in the Lord’s covenant with Abraham (12:3). 28. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. Jacob’s presence has been very profitable for Laban; he is reluctant to lose that expertise. So he uses the promise of a blank check in an attempt to persuade Jacob to stay. The offer found in the verse before us is the same offer Laban made after Jacob had been in Laban’s household a month (Genesis 29:14, 15). The offer worked before may work again, or so Laban seems to hope. 29-30. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also? Once again Jacob mentions the service he has already rendered. Jacob repeats Laban’s observation regarding credit to be given to the Lord for the blessing that has resulted. Laban has indeed prospered well because of the Lord’s blessing after Jacob’s arrival. But Jacob adds that he needs to think about his family and what is best for them. 31. And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. Laban offers Jacob a blank check, giving the appearance of being more than fair. Jacob responds with a proposal that will allow Laban to keep Jacob in his service for an unspecified amount of time. This immediately makes us wonder why Jacob yields to Laban’s desire after Jacob has voiced his desire to return to his homeland. Does the “heel-grabber” see at this point an opportunity to enhance his own wealth by means of the plan (scheme?) he is about to propose? Is Jacob already thinking ahead to what he will do to outsmart Laban at his own game? It is tempting, with someone like Jacob or Laban, to try to discern some ulterior motive for his actions. Perhaps Jacob simply has had a change of heart. 32. I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire. Sheep (and lambs) are usually all white, while goats are all black. Speckled or spotted animals (and brown sheep) are far fewer in num-
ber. Essentially, Jacob is proposing to keep for himself the least numerous animals among the livestock for his hire, or pay; Laban is to retain all the rest. In the verses that immediately follow those in our lesson text, Jacob further proposes that any unspeckled or unspotted livestock found among Jacob’s flocks will be assumed to be stolen. Laban immediately (and understandably!) agrees to Jacob’s suggestion (Genesis 30:33, 34). 43. And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and men servants, and camels, and asses. The ultimate result—when Jacob uses a combination of selective breeding and superstitious beliefs (Genesis 30:37-42)—is that Laban is outsmarted, and Jacob increases his holdings greatly at Laban’s expense. Laban’s desire to retain Jacob’s expertise proves the validity of the old warning, “Be careful what you ask for because you may just get it!” The man (Jacob) later acknowledges to Rachel and Leah that God has been the source of the blessings and the abundance he has received (Genesis 31:9-12). It appears that the tree branches Jacob uses in 30:37-42 have an impact similar to mandrakes on the ability of females to become pregnant (30:14-16, 22). However such things work (or people believe they work), God is, in truth, the source of the desired fertility. Both Rachel and Jacob attest to this fact (30:23, 30). The results God desires are obtained, above and beyond what Rachel and Jacob do or desire. Throughout all of this, God has been keeping the promise He made to Jacob in his dream (Genesis 28:14, 15). That increase will also apply to Jacob’s descendants, the children of Israel, while in Egypt (47:27). Consider 2 Corinthians 6:410 and the characters of Hebrews 11 in your conclusion. Genesis 31 records how Laban’s sons begin to complain about all that Jacob has obtained at the expense of their father. The relationship between Laban and Jacob becomes much more strained. Genesis 31:3 includes a detail that is missing from Jacob’s earlier plan to return home: the Lord’s personal command for him to do so. Included with the command is repetition of the promise given to Jacob during his dream of last week’s lesson: “I am with thee” (28:15). Much still lies ahead for Jacob. He has a vow to keep (28:20-22) and a brother to encounter. Conclusion: Facing Laban’s
November 18, 2018
We’ve all heard the quip “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That lighthearted advice offers perspective in surviving difficult circumstances that are not of our own making. The idea is to try to make the best of a bad situation. What do we do when life gives us “Laban’s”? We have seen Jacob’s “heel-grabbing” ability on display in the previous lessons of this unit, but Laban was just as crafty as Jacob. Each man learned to live by his wits, to “do unto others before they can do unto you.” Having two “heel-grabbers” in such proximity to one another was bound to create a constant atmosphere of tension. Even Laban’s own daughters, Leah and Rachel, admitted that he had not treated them fairly in denying them what they were entitled to receive as an inheritance. They felt more like “strangers” than daughters in the household (Genesis 31:14, 15). We may come across people who remind us of Laban. We may meet them in the workplace, at school, or perhaps (sadly) even in the church. They are always looking to gain an advantage over others. They may even use the Lord’s name as Laban did with Jacob. We want to think the best of people, but the track record of some may cause us to be cautious. When life gives us Laban’s, what do we do? Our main desire should be to maintain a God-honoring attitude and conduct. We do so as we are “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Spiritual maturity and tact are important in knowing when and how to confront a Laban in a way that does not make matters worse. It is easy to allow life’s Laban’s to sour our relationship with God and with other people. We may think that we have to become Laban’s in order to survive. We end up leaning on our own understanding rather than trusting in the Lord, contrary to Proverbs 3:5. True, life’s Laban’s are not easy to face or easy to love. Perhaps a long, hard look in the mirror will remind us that at times we are not all that easy to love or deal with either. We all need God’s grace on a daily basis—grace to avoid being like Laban and grace to love the Labans who cross our paths. Being Jacob Jacob would not seem to be someone to emulate as we face life’s Labans. But we should not allow Jacob’s massive flaws to cause us to miss what was right about him: his awareness that God was watching over him to fulfill His promises. The same is true for us. Thought to Remember: Count your Blessings and Thank the Blesser.
Reverend Dr. Phillip D. Washington, Pastor/Presiding Elder
COURIER INC. - Page 7
November 18, 2018
Hamady Hawks Make School History with 10-0 Season
Nutcracker Ballet Brings Joy and Memories to Flint
By Alex LaGrone, Staff Writer
Running back DeVante Bedford scored four touchdowns to help the Montrose Rams trounce the Hamady Hawks 37-6. Montrose clinched the Division 6 regional championship and will now face Jackson Lumen Christi in the state semifinal game. The win ended the Alex LaGrone Hawks’ undefeated season. The Hawks, led by head coach Gary Lee, has made the playoffs for four straight years. This was a historical season for the Hawks going 10-0 for the first time in school history.
(Continued from page 1.) they are falling in love with the vibe,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Flint in the last 15 years has undergone a dramatic transformation, but successful growth has mostly focused on food and drink or office and residential spaces — with the Flint Farmers’ Market as a notable (and massive) exception.
Next season will be a challenge for Lee and his Hawks. The Hawks will lose most of its offensive firepower in Ali Brewster, DeShawn Gibson, Tre Davis, and Koriante Moore. Traditional family favorite to include Hamady will lean on new starters on offense and defense to collaborative performance try and keep their string of playoff appearances intact. The Flint Institute of Music invites the public to revel in the joy and magic of the Nutcracker ballet, a holiday classic and Beecher Bucs Finish Season 8-4 family favorite with professional dancer, Ingrid Silva. The The Beecher Buccaneers’ season came to a halt as the Bucs annual production, presenting the combined talents of Flint lost to a tough Harbor Beach team, 35-0. Beecher’s high School of Performing Arts, Collage Dance Collective and scoring offense was derailed by a tough defensive team the Flint Symphony Orchestra, will take the stage at The while battling tough, snowy, weather conditions. Beecher Whiting on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, finished the season 8-4. December 2 at 3 p.m. Beecher, led by head coach, Courtney Hawkins, has changed the perception that they’re just a basketball and track school. The Bucs played a tough schedule and made a lot of strides with good, overall, team effort all season. The Bucs should be competitive next year. They have a good group of players returning on offense and defense. Earnest Sanders, Deonte Redwine, Jacoby Sanders, and Zy’mere Gee should provide leadership to help propel the Bucs back into the playoffs. Big Ten Title On The Line With most of the college football season in the books, the results haven’t been good for the Big Ten. Traditional powers Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State have all had non-conference losses. Michigan also had a non-conference loss, but it was against undefeated Norte Dame. Guess who’s playing in the Big Ten championship game? The Northwestern Wildcats. Yes, that’s right, the (6-4) Northwestern. The Wildcats are not your prototypical champion. The last time the Wildcats played in the Rose Bowl was 1995. They are a team with flaws and scars. I mean, they lost to (4-5) Akron and won the Big Ten West. That doesn’t make sense. The Wildcats will play the winner of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game for the outright Big Ten title. The Wolverines are in great shape. They should beat the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes were blown out 49-20 by a Purdue team that has a 5-5 record and they barely escaped a 3-7 Nebraska team, holding on for a 36-31 win. The Michigan vs. Ohio State game will definitely be the game of the year in the Big Ten. More than likely the winner of this game should go on to beat Northwestern for the Big Ten Title, and hopefully be selected by the NCCA Committee to play for the National Championship Title.
Downtown Flint Seeing Dramatic Increase in Retail Businesses
The Flint Farmers’ Market marked the first major retail development downtown in decades when it opened at its First Street location in 2014. It remains the largest retail location and a huge draw on the three days a week it is open. Other retail additions had been few and far between, but have included the likes of Sutorial bootmakers in Buckham Alley, Healthy Dollar Holla convenience store on First Street, and Chrysa Studio clothing design and alterations on Saginaw Street. They added to Saginaw Street staples such as the famous Paul’s Pipe Shop, J. London Apparel and Mad Hatter.
Retail was an often talked about, but rare commodity downtown. Compare that to the development within the Dryden Retail space alone. It is the new retail home of Skyward Clothing, This year marks the 44th anniversary of the Flint Institute of Flint Trading Company, Julie Abbott Art, Red Fox OutfitMusic’s presentation of the Nutcracker for the greater Flint ters, Article One eyewear, Shea Lavelle beauty products, community. More than 90 dancers from the central region of Kalm Clothing, Bedrock Apparel, Sutorial, The Machine Michigan and beyond participate in the production. Dancers Shop merchandise, Detroit Muscle, GoodBoy Clothing and are from Burton, Davison, Fenton, Flint, Flushing, Gains, Glam Box Boutique — plus a revival of the Ground Floor Grand Blanc, Holly, Lapeer, Mt. Morris, Montrose and Market convenience store. Swartz Creek. These are largely an expansion of currently existing busiThis year’s holiday tradition features professional dancers nesses that are choosing to make downtown Flint a shopIngrid Silva & Dylan Santos, and Collage Dance Collective, ping option. a professional company dedicated to increasing diversity in classical ballet. Kevin Thomas, Artistic Director of Collage The advancement of retail is an important one, says MeeDance Collective, will be performing the role of Dross- gan Holland, vice president of the Michigan Retailers Aselmeyer. Ingrid Silva, Principal Ballerina of Dance Theatre sociation. Retail directly impacts the local economy, adds of Harlem in New York City, will performing the role of jobs, boosts other local businesses, and creates a greater sense of vibrancy. Sugar Plum Fairy. “It’s meaningful. If you keep your shopping dollars in FSPA dancers perform under the artistic direction of KarFlint, it is totally going to help your community,” Holland en Mills Jennings, Collage performs under Artistic Direcsays. tor Kevin Thomas, and the Flint Symphony Orchestra will be led by guest conductor Laura Jackson. These Nutcrack- Plus, shopping is fun and adds to a community’s ambiance er performances incorporate collaboration, not just within with beautiful storefronts and unique displays. Holland the school but within the larger area of Central Michigan calls retailers “some of the most creative people I know.” and beyond—a truly special experience for both performers Sitting at the corner of Second and Harrison streets, Shift and audience members alike. was the first retail space in the renovated Capitol Theatre. The Flint School of Performing Arts is one of the larg- Owned and operated by women, it is the epitome of a est community arts schools in the United States, teach- downtown boutique. ing students in music and dance in a welcoming, stu- “I’ve worked downtown for 19 years and I’ve been waiting dent-focused environment. FSPA’s Dance Division and waiting for there to be some place to get a gift or pick faculty have earned the high distinction of certification in something up on the way to someone’s home for dinner the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curricu- or even a new dress to wear,” said Shannon Easter White, lum. The program combines high quality artistic training co-owner of Shift. with the basics of dancer health and child development. It is one of those entrepreneurial ventures that White Tickets for these performances are available online or by mulled for years. She had thought about creating a retail calling The Whiting Ticket Center at 810-237-7333. Tickets side of her firm Funchitecture, which provides both archirange from $10 to $31, with a $2 student/senior discount. tecture and interior design for clients. Then came the renovated Capitol Theatre.
Give Thanks to the Lord for he is Good, His Love Endures Forever. Psalms 107-1
Jury Convicts in Flint Airport Stabbing
Man Who Fired at Black Teen Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison
And its 25,000 square feet of office and retail space. “I am a big believer that downtown is more than just Saginaw Street.” White said.
With the prime corner location still available, White joined forces with co-owner Heidi McAra to launch Shift by knocking down three interior masonry walls, bringing Meghan Hoffman and her business Floradora onboard to share the space, and developing a business plan that combines retail with entertainment including classes, special A jury has convicted Amor Ftouhi of terrorism A white retired firefighter who burst out of his events, and sometimes wine. charges for the stabbing of a police officer at Rochester Hills home and shot at a black teen- Flint Bishop International Airport in 2017. ager who was asking for help to find his way to The store — which brands itself as a “fashion forward retail experience” — opened in May, about six months after Fthouhi, a native of Tunisia who was living in Canada, was school was sentenced to at least four years in prison. the Capitol Theatre’s grand opening. charged with committing an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, committing an act of violence at an Jeffrey Zeigler said he has “full remorse and regret” over the Along with the expansion of retail, the last year has seen international airport and interference with airport security. incident last spring wherein he fired at 14-year-old Brennan the addition of Eight Ten Nail Bar and the speakeasy X in Walker who had missed his school bus. Video from a home the Wade Trim building and the addition of office space for After the attack, Ftouhi told law enforcement agents that he was a “soldier of Allah” and that he was a follower of security camera showed Walker running away and a shirt- 40 small businesses in the Ferris Wheel. al-Qaeda and Usama bin Laden. Ftouhi faces a maximum less Zeigler firing a shotgun. A jury convicted Zeigler last And, more is on the way. The $19 million housing developmonth of assault and a gun crime. of life in prison. ment at the former YWCA location in downtown Flint also (810) 391-2962
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will feature additional retail space. And, the state of Michigan announced Tuesday a $200,000 grant to support the restoration of $1.4 million restoration of the former Perry Drug building on Saginaw Street at Second Street, which will include six retail spaces including Elga Credit Union. The more the merrier, says White.
“I think the importance is that you have to give people choices. In the beginning, people were only coming downtown to work. Now, we’ve given them a reason to stay downtown,” White says.
COURIER INC. - Page 8
November 18, 2018
Urban Movie Channel To Premiere New Family Dramedy Film, “Nothing Like Thanksgiving”
Silver Spring, MD -- A heartwarming new release just in time for the upcoming holiday, UMC - Urban Movie Channel, the go-to streaming service for the best in Black film and television, is excited to present the exclusive premiere of NOTHING LIKE THANKSGIVING on Thursday, November 22, 2018. A new family dramedy from director Mark Harris (Black Coffee, No Regrets), the film stars William L. Johnson (Blue Hill Avenue), Tiffany Addison (Chicago Med), Darrin Henson (Stomp the Yard), Dawn Halfkenny (Saints and Sinners) and Richard Gallion (The Ideal Husband). Addison also serves as the writer and producer of the project. In Nothing Like Thanksgiving, Clayton Rockwell (William L. Johnson) is a successful, self-made businessman. Suddenly diagnosed with a terminal illness, he masterminds a plan to recruit someone he can groom to replace him upon his passing. But when his replacement seems to be working out a little too well, Clayton realizes he must decide what’s truly important - preparing a long-term replacement or cherishing the short time he has left with the ones who matter most. “Media, entertainment, and other forms of popular culture play a significant role in shaping society’s perception of different people,” says Nothing Like Thanksgiving writer/ producer, Tiffany Addison. «With this film, our aim is to contribute to the existence of positive content and positive images of African American culture. Nothing Like Thanksgiving is a family-based film about a well to do Black family who struggles with loving and truly connecting with each other. It will make you laugh, cry, smile, and scream. We are excited to see our vision for this film come to life on UMC.» Nothing Like Thanksgiving is produced by Road2Freedom Productions in association with 1555 Filmworks. The film stars William L. Johnson (Blue Hill Avenue), Tiffany Addison (Chicago Med), Darrin Henson (Stomp the Yard), Dawn Halfkenny (Saints & Sinners) and Richard Gallion (The Ideal Husband). Premieres Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 22, 2018
1 in 6 children face hunger. There’s more than enough food in America for every child who struggles with hunger. Help get kids the food they need by supporting Feeding America, the nationwide network of food banks. Together, we can solve hunger™. Join us at FeedingAmerica.org