Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944
Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944
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In my introductory column a few weeks back I described the amazing experience of growing up on the Southwest Side. What I did not emphasize was how the families of River Rouge, Ecorse and Detroit 48217 came together to build a tight-knit, loving community that felt like one big extended family. The good old days are behind us, but that does not mean wonderful times are not ahead for our combined communities. Like many urban areas, we are struggling with crime, a shrinking tax base and concern...
Western Wayne County NAACP, local police and elected leaders invite your participation in an initial discussion among members of the Western Wayne community. Using a "fishbowl" discussion format, an opportunity to share and listen will begin our efforts in advancing the progress in our community. Fishbowl discussions are strategic in allowing participants to engage with each other. The discussion will be moderated by an independent facilitator. Following registration, you will be contacted by...
COVID-19 affects African American and the Latino population at a higher rate than White Americans. The demographic study for Wayne County states that the Cities of Inkster, River Rouge and Ecorse have the highest percentage of African Americans in Western Wayne County. If the research that was broadcast two months ago that African Americans only make up 14% of the Michigan population, but made up 40% of the deaths from COVID-19, then where are the test.?. A report from the Detroit Free Press...
I have been watching a lot of TV over the last three weeks and I have noticed something. A new group of activists has arisen. I have seen the passion, as they spoke so eloquently about things that are bothering them and things that they want to change. Some of them have been young teenagers and some have been young adults. They have found their voice. Not only have they found their voice, they have found their organizational and leadership skills. I am impressed and excited. I used to have my do...
Westland – The 18 Conference of Western Wayne (CWW) Mayors and Supervisors, Western Wayne County Police Chiefs and Western Wayne County NAACP today announced the "Partnerships for Progress Listening Tour", a new collaborative effort to bring open conversation and active listening to the Western Wayne County region in light of ongoing protests around S.E. Michigan seeking new discussions and reform in our communities. On Tuesday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. in Westland City Hall, the new Partnership f...
This week marks my 15th Anniversary as owner of the Telegram Newspaper. What an accomplishment for me and my family! Last year, I had this grand plan of celebrating my 15th Anniversary and the 75th Anniversary of the Telegram Newspaper. But the world had different plans. First there was COVID-19 affecting the entire world by shutting down the world and then there was the worldwide protest for justice for George Floyd who was killed by four police officers. I had a private celebration on Monday,...
Even Parker Johnson at three (3) years old, knows it is important to wear a mask. She wanted to take her baby doll (Sarah) with her outside. But she said Sarah needs a mask. Her mom, LaTasha Johnson, went to work to make a mask for her grandbaby - Sarah. If a three year old knows it is important to wear a mask, you should to. Follow her lead We are in this together! STOP THE SPREAD, WEAR A MASK!...
It is so important that we wear a mask or face covering when we go outside. The US Surgeon General said that we can protect others from getting the Coronavirus when we wear a mask. It has been reported that many people don't show any symptons of COVID-19, but they have it. (It is called being asymptomatic.) The way that we can beat the virus is to stop spreading it. We must wear a mask and keep at least a six-foot distance between you and the next person. I didn't think that was hard to do....
Have you completed your 2020 Census? No! Please take about ten minutes to be counted this year. It is very important for your family, kids and community to complete the Census. The Constitution says that every 10 years, every person is to be counted. Unfortunately, many people do not take the Census seriously. I don't understand why, but that is their truth. But we must change their mindset. The Western Wayne County NAACP has been partnering with several organizations and numerous Complete...
Oh how I would love for things to be back to normal; or just a little less confined. It has been about five weeks of being in the house and I seem to be having 'cabin fever'. I have watched some good movies on Netflix, BET+ and Roku. I have cleaned cabinets, recycled paper, cleaned windows, put up winter outfits and other little projects. I realize that those projects were going to have to be done at some point, however I have had enough. Now it is ZOOM calls, conference calls and email...
Wow! The times we are living in are really putting our government and mental stability to a test. What are we to do? One; we must pray and realize that there is a higher power in control. Two; We must follow the guidelines in place to keep us safe. Three; We must learn the lessons so we won’t be affected like this again and Four; We must prepare for life after the Pandemic. We will get through this together. As I focused on what the Telegram can do as part of the ‘We’, I decided to reach out t...
The Telegram Newspaper sat down for an interview with State Representative Tyrone Carter. Since he tested positive for the coronavirus last month we wanted to use this opportunity to share first hand with the community what it was like to survive Covid-19 First, how are you feeling today? I am almost 100% recovered. It's been a journey, but I am feeling fine. What symptoms did you have that made you think you had the virus? I had a fever of 102 degrees, chills (teeth chattering and I couldn't...
State Representative Isaac Robinson, who served Michigan's 4th District in Lansing, will be remembered as an advocate for those he represented. Robinson, who passed away Sunday from a suspected case of coronavirus, was 44. Robinson was serving his first term as state representative. His district included the city of Hamtramck and portions of Detroit. Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement saying, "Representative Robinson will be missed by many, including me. It was an honor to serve the...
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay at home order that took effect on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. She said, "This disease can't spread if we are not out there." Please take heed to this. You may feel that you are ok and you can go along with your normal activity, however that is not how the Coronavirus cases will decrease. People must stay home to limit the amount of people you come in contact with. The Stay at Home order is in effect for the next three weeks. The "Stay Home, Stay Safe...
As the celebration of Woman's History Month comes to an end, I want to shout out a group of ladies that have had an immense affect on my life. I normally write a column about my mom during this month because one, its Women's History Month and she was an awesome woman, but also because, this is the month that she died, March 15, 2001. This year I want to let my mom's sisters, Rosemary Burgess, Willa Royals, Dr. Ethel Burns, Hattie Jackson and Joyce Edwards know how much they mean to me. (I have...
There is so much going on that you have to be able to manage more than one thing as once. I have always bragged that I can multi-task, but even I am being challenged to stay focused. The Coronavirus has really changed the way we live, think and plan our future. My circle of friends and our parents are in the sixty year old and older category. So I am extra cautious of my interactions. We have cancelled many trips, events and meetings as to adhere to social distancing. When the schools closed...
ROMULUS – On Saturday, February 8, 2020 the Youth Branch of the Western Wayne County NAACP hosted a Founder's Day Trivia Competition. This was the first event for the re-established youth branch under the leadership of Youth Advisor, Jessika Kennedy. Youth from seven churches throughout the area participated. They were; Pentecost MBC – Romulus, New Jerusalem MBC – Inkster, Love Joy MBC – River Rouge, Christ Temple COR – Inkster, Christian Faith Ministries – Garden City, New Hope MBC – Taylor an...
For those of you that know me, you know I have a thing about The Black National Anthem' – Lift Every Voice and Sing. Last year2019, was the 100th year anniversary of the song/poem. Lift Every Voice and Sing was written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) and then set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) in 1899. It was first performed in public in the Johnsons' hometown of Jacksonville, Florida as part of a celebration of Lincoln's Birthday on F...
Do you know why I stopped you? That is what the police officer said to me the other day? Lights blarring and my passengers looking at me. No, I don't know why you stopped me sir. The officer says, 'Your license plate light is out. What?? Yes, your license plate light is out. My question was, how was I to know that? Is there a sensor on the dashboard that lets me know? So I ask, can I get out and look? No, my headlights are shinning on your car, so you wont be able to tell. OK. So for $7.00 and...
The League of Women Voters of Dearborn-Dearborn Heights will hold their Making Democracy Work Town Hall style meeting on Saturday, February 15, from 1 pm – 3 pm at the Caroline Kennedy Public Library (24590 George). Presenters will cover Michigan's new voting rights (resulting from passage of Proposal 3) the Citizens Redistricting Commission (created by Proposal 2 to end gerrymandering), and the 2020 Census. The event is partnering with the Western Wayne County NAACP. "The League of Women V...
I know it isn't February yet, but it doesn't have to be February for you to learn about your history. During 2020, the Telegram News will have a series entitled, 'Pioneers of African American History'. This section will focus on sharing information about unfamiliar African Americans. Most people know about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Madame C. J. Walker, but there are so many others that helped to shape our lives. I grew up in a household that focused on learning...
Good financial habits start with an effort. Do you have $260.00 in your savings account (or in the box under your bed)? If not, do you have a plan to get there by the end of the year? If you saved $5.00 per week last year, you would have saved $260.00. If you saved $10.00 a week, you would have saved $520.00. Taking control of your finances is a way of taking charge of your life. We MUST make financial decisions for our future, today. The goal is to have enough savings to cover your monthly...
The Western Wayne County branch of the NAACP is one of the eight County branches in the State of Michigan. They were named the 2018 Branch of the Year by Michigan State Conference President Yvonne White during the Annual meeting. The Branch has been experiencing continous growth over the past four years. One of their goals for 2019 was to build more partnerships with non-profit organizations, the faith based communities and local businesses as they work together to fight for the civil rights of...
The local community would be better if the residents supported the local businesses. Our buying power is just that...Powerful. When we spend our money with local businesses it keeps the doors open and prevent our cities looking like ghost towns. Here are five reasons why you should Think Local, Buy Local and Be. Local. 1. Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses,...
What do you get when you combine fresh food, good recipes, great service, and a comfortable environment? Drop this location in the heart of River Rouge; and you got the Soo Fraiche Grill. Owned and operated by Chef Steve Watkins, and master entrepreneur Darryl Folks. So Fraiche Grill celebrated its grand opening August 1st, the door seems to have been flying off the hinges since the ribbon was cut. Watkins was born and raised in Detroit. He spent his education in the Detroit Public School...
