Category: Community - Original Written by AJ Williams, Chronicle Web Editor
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers host the franchise’s eleventh annual Negro Leagues Weekend April 26-28 as the Tigers host the Atlanta Braves at Comerica Park. On Saturday April 27 the Tigers will suit up wearing throwback uniforms of the Detroit Stars and the Braves will suit up as the Atlanta Black Crackers during the 19th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game. The Annual Negro Leagues Weekend marks the first – and longest running – three-day celebration of its kind in Major League Baseball.
The Detroit Tigers will pay tribute to several former Negro Leagues players as current and former Tigers players, as well as special guests, all come together for a weekend full of events celebrating the contributions of Negro Leagues players to the game of baseball.
Friday, April 26 – Atlanta Braves (Probables: Sanchez vs. Maholm) @ 7:08 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.)
The Tigers have partnered with Radio One Detroit for the 7th Annual Detroit Stars Singing Competition. The competition will be hosted by Tune Up of Radio One and will take place at the Big Cat Court starting at 5:30 p.m. The top 10 finalists will be judged by celebrity judges Duke Fakir of The Four Tops, Drew Rives, Midwest Marketing Director of Island Def Jam Music Group and Lee Thomas, Entertainment Anchor and Reporter from FOX 2 News. The winner will receive $1,500, will be recognized at Comerica Park and will have the opportunity to sing the national anthem prior to the Tigers vs. Royals game on August 15, 2013.
The Tigers are continuing their celebration of African Americans and their numerous contributions to the game of baseball with a special pregame ceremony. The ceremony will include the “Passing of the Bat” ceremony featuring former Detroit Stars player Walt Owens, Tigers alumni Ike Blessitt, FOX Sports Detroit broadcaster Rod Allen, Tigers Hitting Coach Lloyd McClendon and Johnny Slater of Southfield Lathrup High School. Slater is one of the top senior high school baseball prospects in the state of Michigan who is committed to play at the University of Michigan. The “Passing of the Bat” ceremony embodies the past, present and future contributions of African American ballplayers to the game of baseball and includes ballplayers from all eras of Detroit baseball - Negro Leagues players, former Tigers players, current Tigers players/coaches and youth baseball players.
The national anthem will be performed by Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Norman-Brown, daughters of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, a Hall of Famer who was one of the Negro Leagues’ most feared hitters and played for the Detroit Stars from 1923-31, 1933 and 1937, during a baseball career that lasted from 1920-45. In 2007, the Tigers unveiled a plaque recognizing Stearnes, who was a league leader in nearly every category. The plaque is located near the Gate C entrance at Comerica Park.
Son-in-Law of Hall of Famer Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Malcolm Thompson, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Negro Leagues merchandise will be sold throughout the weekend by Tony Dee’s Negro Leagues Baseball Store and Apparel near Gate A.
Saturday, April 27– Atlanta Braves (Probables: Porcello vs. Medlen) @ 1:05 p.m. (Gates open at 11:00 a.m.)
The first 10,000 fans to enter Comerica Park will receive a Prince Fielder Detroit Stars Fathead, courtesy of Comerica Bank.
The Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves will suit up wearing the throwback uniforms of the Detroit Stars and Atlanta Black Crackers.
Several former Negro Leagues players will participate in a special Q&A Roundtable on the Main Concourse, near the Big Cat Court, from 2:20-3:30 p.m.
The Tigers will pay tribute to 12 former Negro Leagues players during a special pregame ceremony which includes Frank Crosson, Charlie Davis, Melvin “Buck” Duncan, Minnie Forbes, Bill Hall, Gene Johnson, Walt Owens, Jake Sanders, Henry Saverson, Pedro Sierra, Ron “Schoolboy” Teasley and Johnny Walker. The ceremony will be hosted by famed radio announcer John Mason of WCHB AM 1200.
Comerica Bank Representative Larry Bryant, District Manager of Comerica’s East Oakland Region and Co-Chair of Comerica’s African American Initiative Team will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The Tigers will honor former Negro Leagues players Joe Douse and Elton King with a moment of silence.
A $10,000 donation check will be presented to Don Bosco Hall by Comerica Bank during a special pregame ceremony.
Sunday, April 28 – Atlanta Braves (Probables: Fister vs. Minor) @ 8:06 p.m. (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
> · All kids 14-and-under will receive a Miguel Cabrera Triple Crown Hat, courtesy of Belle Tire.
> · 10,000 Larry Herndon Photo Cards will be distributed as fans exit Comerica Park.
> · The national anthem will be performed by The Brazeal Dennard Chorale.
The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by former Tigers outfielder and 1984 World Series Champion, Larry Herndon and McDonald’s Representative and member of the Black McDonald’s Owners and Operators Association John Campbell.
A special pregame ceremony will honor former Tigers outfielder and 1984 World Series Champion, Larry Herndon. He will be presented the Detroit Tigers African American Legacy Award, sponsored by the Black McDonald’s Owners and Operators Association. The ceremony will include a presentation of Testimonial Resolution to Herndon by Council President Pro Tempore Gary Brown. The African-American Legacy Award is designed to celebrate the contributions of African-American Detroit Tigers players to the rich history of Detroit Tigers baseball. The award was first presented in 2009. The on-field ceremony and award presentation serve as the culminating activities to the Detroit Tigers annual Negro Leagues Weekend celebration. The Detroit Tigers African-American Legacy Award honors current or former African-American Detroit Tigers for their influence on players of all races who followed in their footsteps.
Former Negro Leagues Players Appearing
> · Frank Crosson – A pitcher for the Memphis Red Sox and former roommate of 1956 Negro League All-Star Charley Pride.
> · Charlie Davis – Played for the Memphis Red Sox and Birmingham Black Barons. He managed the Rockdale Rawhide team (1958-1959), in the Georgia/Alabama Amateur League.
> · Melvin “Buck” Duncan – From 1949-56, he pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs and the Detroit Stars. Before his Negro League career, he posted a 19-1 record while pitching for the United States Army baseball team.
> · Minnie Forbes – She was the fourth woman to play in the Negro Leagues when she played third base for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1958. She was a secretary for the Grand Rapids Black Six, Detroit Stars and Kansas City Monarchs before becoming only the third woman to own a Negro Leagues team when she became owner of the Detroit Stars in 1956.
> · Bill Hall – He pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1955 and was named the Negro Leagues East/West All-Star. He went on to play in the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Giants farm systems.
> · Gene Johnson – Played both first and third base for the Detroit Stars from 1956-57. He was selected to play in the East/West All-Star Game in 1956.
> · Walt Owens - Nicknamed Coach "O," was a pitcher, outfielder and first baseman for the Detroit Stars from 1953-1955.
> · Jake Sanders – He was an outfielder that played for the Detroit Stars and Kansas City Monarchs from 1955-1958. He played in the 1957 East/West All-Star game.
> · Henry Saverson – He was an infielder who played for the Detroit Stars from 1956-1958.
Pedro Sierra – Pitched for the Indianapolis Clowns and Detroit Stars and participated in the East/West All-Star Game in 1955. He went on to play in the Minnesota Twins and Washington Senators organizations.
Ron “Schoolboy” Teasley – A Detroit native, he played for the Detroit Cubs, Toledo Cubs, Toledo Crawfords, Toledo Rays, Detroit Wolves and New York Cubans from 1938-48. He is a member of Wayne State University’s Hall of Fame and has worked for 20 years as an educator and baseball coach at Northwestern High School in Detroit.
Johnny Walker – Played second base for the Grand Rapids Black Sox, Detroit Stars and Kansas City Monarchs from 1957-61.
Last Updated on Friday, 26 April 2013 08:30
Hits: 741
Category: Community Written by Huffington Post
Wayne County took possession of the Temple, the Detroit News reports, following a prescribed waiting period after owners defaulted on 2010 taxes. Scheduled events, like a highly-anticipated, sold-out concert from musician Rodriguez, will go on as planned.
To read this story in its entirety please visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/25/masonic-temple-detroit-foreclosure_n_3154429.html
Last Updated on Thursday, 25 April 2013 17:37
Hits: 480
Category: Community Written by Roz Edward, National Content Director
Photo credit: Monica Morgan
Three heavy hitters took the stage at the Detroit Athletic Club on Thursday, April 25, to address an audience of state and local officials and business men and women at the Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes and Politics. The event, which has in the past included mayors, governors and Fortune 500 CEOs focuses on the commitment of state and local leaders to the revitalization of Detroit.
Developer and Quicken Loans chairman, Dan Gilbert, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation president and CEO George Jackson and Midtown Detroit Inc., president Sue Mosey discussed a variety of topics ranging from Detroit’s Emergency Manager Kevin Orr to mid and downtown development.
When Pancakes and Politics moderator Carol Cain asked Jackson how the city’s financial manager might impact DEGC projects, Jackson responded that he was hopeful about the EM’s progress. “We have to make change. We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. … but our expectation is that he will help us address some very critical issues that have not been addressed. … We have to do something about the defenders of a dysfunctional status quo.”
Gilbert added that excitement was building around several key developments, particularly employment and business opportunities in Detroit’s inner city. “We have walkable communities downtown now, and that has positively affected 9500 people, and what is even more important to note is that 4500 of those jobs were created in the city, they are not jobs moved from somewhere else. … Innovation and creativity is at an all-time high.”
During the open question and answer segment, one Pancake and Politic patron said that Midtown Detroit was becoming a city in and of itself. Mosey, who has been a critical player in the area’s development, said there were several key indicators at work. “People are coming in and seeing businesses at work as well as significant activity. We have to leverage that … to benefit neighborhoods as the downtown core gets better.”
Gilbert, Jackson and Mosey all affirmed rumors of Detroit’s demise were greatly exaggerated. “I never thought Detroit was dead. The city needed to see hope and there is nothing like hope to get people going … You can’t get discouraged. … I always tell these entrepreneurs if you care about yourself and you’re a capitalist, this is the place to be.”
“I think we are on the cusp of something great,” concluded Jackson.
The Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes and Politics series will feature the regions ‘Big Four,’ Detroit mayor Dave Bing, Wayne County executive Robert Ficano, Macomb County executive Mark Hackel and Oakland County executive L. Brooks Patterson. The event will be held on May 16 at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, MI.
Last Updated on Friday, 17 May 2013 11:39
Hits: 3197
Category: Community Written by News One
In a bid to spark development in low-income and under-served communities, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Wednesday that it will award $3.5 billion in tax credits to several organizations. The New Markets Tax Credit will be distributed among 85 organizations that will channel the credits through 28 states and Washington, D.C. The Treasury Depatment’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) hopes this credit will assist in President Barack Obama’s commitment to spur economic growth across the United States.
From the press release:
...The New Markets Tax Credit addresses one of the most significant obstacles to economic development that low-income communities face: a lack of access to patient, private investment capital,” said Treasury Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions Cyrus Amir-Mokri.
The $31 billion worth of tax credits awarded in past years have gone
Last Updated on Thursday, 25 April 2013 17:49
Hits: 441
Category: Community - Original Written by Michigan Chronicle Staff
Museum invites Detroit community to see restored piano and celebrate the history of Motown
The Motown Museum is proudly offering free admission for the community to celebrate its annual Esther Gordy Edwards Community Day this Thursday, April 25, 2013.
Community Day is held to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Mrs. Edwards, who is best remembered as a Motown executive, sister of Motown records founder Berry Gordy and the founder of the Motown Museum. Her career in the music industry was followed by an illustrious second career as an entrepreneur, business leader and influential member of several Detroit and nationally recognized institutions. She was also a nationally recognized philanthropist, mentor to women in business and a staunch advocate for the city of Detroit.
This year’s Community Day celebration promises to be particularly momentous as it falls on the heels of the recently restored 1877 Steinway grand piano’s return to the Museum and the opening of Motown: The Musical on Broadway.
The internationally documented story of the restoration of this historic Motown piano—played by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Earl Van Dyke of the original Funk Brothers, Stevie Wonder and Edwin Starr—began when Paul McCartney visited Motown Museum in July of 2011 and was so moved by its musical aura that he later declared it to be the “Holy Grail.” The next day, after his concert in Detroit, McCartney called the Museum to offer his support in restoring the historic piano. It was then transported to New York in the fall of 2011 where it was restored to professional recording quality with all of its internal components—including its soundboard, keys, hammers, pins, and strings restored at the Steinway & Sons factory.
The newly-restored piano made its official debut when it was played by Paul McCartney and Berry Gordy for the first time at an event to benefit the Motown Museum in September 2012 at Steinway Hall in New York City with 100 patrons of the Museum in attendance. The piano returned to its home inside the Museum earlier this month.
Community Day will also feature musical performances by Detroit Public Schools performing arts students, many of whom were sent to New York City last weekend for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Motown: The Musical on Broadway and meet the cast, courtesy of the Motown Museum and the Gordy Foundation.
“This is a chance for the community to revisit the birthplace of Motown and experience the Museum’s rare collection of artifacts—including our newly-restored piano,” said Robin R. Terry, granddaughter of Mrs. Edwards and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Motown Museum. “We welcome the voices of these talented students, Detroit’s next generation of performers, artists and creators, as we celebrate the living legacy of Motown.”
The Museum is open on Thursday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The students will perform from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
About Motown Museum
Founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. The Museum is committed to preserving, protecting and presenting the Motown story through authentic, inspirational and educational experiences.
Last Updated on Thursday, 25 April 2013 00:01
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