Woman's nephew had accidentally burned down  original house

LANSING, MI --  According to owner, Julian Darden 621, a popular local eatery and stomping ground for those looking for jazz and R&B located at 621 E. Michigan Avenue is closing for 2 months.

I'm upset.  I'm actually livid right now.  Reality sets in when you realize that there's a person who ruined the lives of thousands if not millions.  The atrocities that he dealt demands a special assembly, a call for action, a verbal uprising, a civil march or something cataclysmic.

This cruel, insensitive man is 70-year-old Bernard “Bernie” Madoff (pronounce MADE-OFF).  He “made off” with 1 life and 50 billion dollars ($50,000,000,000) so far. In my opinion, he's a murderer and a thief.  He swindled both the extremely rich and the extremely poor.

Above:  During better times Bernard L. Madoff smiles.  More recently he has been accused of fleecing money from investors all over the world.

Governor Granholm Announces Two of TNCP’s Most Interesting and Influential to Judicial Appointments

Left:Donald L. Allen, Jr., 2008 Most Interesting and Influential

Right: Linda V. Parker, 2005 Most Interesting and Influential

I do not like the holidays. I do not like the fact that I do not like the holiday season. I have tried very hard not to be a Scrooge. When my mother died ten years ago everything I knew changed. I was nowhere near ready for the changes that would happen. No more Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners at my parent's house. My sister has since moved to Portland, OR. My father has since become a vegan-like raw food health food militant, except for special occasions like funerals and weddings then the man eats regular food like his life depended on it. It is hilarious watching this five foot seven ultra skinny man chow down on some “real” food. The stories he has about the aftermath to his body are stupendously amazingly intense. I will spare you the dirty details.

When Teen Murderers Go Home

Studio:  20th Century Fox
Plot: An alien arrives on Earth to stop man from destroying the planet.
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jaden Smith, Kathy Bates
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     *

Someday
By Alison McGhee and Peter Reynolds
ISBN:  978-1-4169-2811-9
Publisher:  Atheneum Books
Available:  Bookstores everywhere

 Paredes Public Hearing Could Make History

 The day she took on President Lyndon Johnson and put her career in peril

Mercury Mariner

The Raw Truth About Vegetarianism

Q:    I've recently seen advertisements for something called Spark Your Future 2009 at the library.  Could you tell me more about this?

Left:  Dr. Pierre Percy,  is recognized as the first African American to earn a doctorate in electrical
engineering. He will be
honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in February 2009. Courtesy photo

“Teachers respond to what parents demand.  The message is take math and science because you need the math and science as a base.  Biology is not medicine that doctors practice but you need biology to become a doctor,” said Dr. Pierre, “just as you need math and science to become an engineer.”

Left (l to r) - Gayle Jensen, Chris Jensen,Annette Fulwiley and her so, Devon and Tawana Anderson. TNCP photos

Boxing promoter Don King is raving over President George W. Bush's cat-like reflexes as he dodged two shoes hurled at his face by an Iraqi journalist during a press conference Sunday in Baghdad.

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS BUDDING CHILDREN'S AUTHORS

The holidays are a time for family members, celebrations, and mindless gorging of food. But what if you live too far away from most of your family.

In the last edition December 7, 2008 - December 20, 2008, my teenage son, Gianni, wrote about bike riding.  But it was not his article that sparked something in me, it was an e-mail that I received from Pastor Edward A. Thomas of Antioch Church in Lansing.

Mumbai Terror Attacks … Fateful days that shall Change India forever!

The Wright Stuff: Jeffery Wright Stars as bluesman Muddy Waters

An Angel Just Like Me
By Mary Hoffman – Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
ISBN:  978-1-84507-733-4
Publisher:  Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 

GRIEF by Sara R. Hill

DETROIT, MI – Except for the Mini, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a relatively flat sided vehicle that is as snazzy as Ford’s Flex. My hat is off to its designers.

SLEEP FOR YOUR HEALTH!

Q:    With our state experiencing such tough economic times, I'm wondering if there are any good industries in which to start a business right now?  Is there such a thing as a recession-proof industry or business?

Saper Galleries latest exhibit captures the inspiration and imagination of both children and adults alike.  For many, Dr. Suess is a household name.  His books hold most children’s eyes wide open with wonder and amazement while being read Oh the Places You’ll Go.  This creative and colorful collection of artwork also gives us new insight to who Dr. Suess really was.

While 50 Cent may not literally see his net worth dwindle down to the amount of his rap moniker, the mogul is worried about his financial assets as stock markets and real estate values continue to plummet.      

Sacha Baron Cohen got his biggest laughs in "Borat" when he ambushed everyday people. But Cohen isn't above hiring actors when reality just isn't funny enough. And that includes porn actor.

OWOSSO, MI -- Baker College is the largest private college in Michigan.  The non-profit higher education institution, serving more than 36,000 students on 12 campuses and in four satellite locations, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $6.5 million health science building on its main campus.

State to license use for patients who receive doctor approval.

As the summer months fade away and fall has fallen, winter is around the corner. This means that it's starting to get colder every day and less and less people will be riding bikes.

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.
**Please note that you will need to provide your full address, first and last name and signature.  If you send you message by e-mail please include your phone number.

A reveiw of the movies on DVD this week.

The Wednesday Letters
By Jason Wright
ISBN:  978-0-425-22347-5
Publisher:  Berkley Books
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 
 

DETROIT, MI-- It has been the best selling sports car in the U.S. for 22 years. And its success has fueled the resurrection of both the Dodge Charger and soon the Chevrolet Camaro. Without a doubt, Ford’s Mustang has ruled the Pony Car kingdom for more than a generation.go

Midwest Organization Heals the Soul through the Human Heart...

Q:    I've heard that blogging can be a great way to help promote my small business.  But I'm not quite sure how to go about creating a blog and I'm worried about keeping the content up to date.  Any suggestions?

World AIDS Day is on December 1st.  It's an important day of commemoration throughout the world to remember those who have died, to pray for those still suffering, and to come together in solidarity to fight the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world today.

Action and collaboration are the words of the day, especially at a press availability featuring human and civil rights activist Martin Luther King III, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Ismael Ahmed, director of Michigan Department of Human Services (not shown), and other conference partners. Courtesy photo

Please join J.G. Entertainment, WQHH POWER 96.5, Michigan State University Residence Hall's, Dino’s Barbershop, and The New Citizens Press in our effort to sponsor 100 underprivileged families. We will spend a $150 per family to make a difference in this holiday season.

After a string of erratic behavior over the past several weeks, including a Nov. 4 no-show on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and an arrest in New York on weapons charges, the comic had run-ins with both city and county law enforcement in Sumter – resulting in an alleged mental evaluation for a possible hospital commitment, at the urging of local family members, the Web site reported.

The Best Time to Quit Smoking is Now

November 4, 2008 will be a day that the nation and the world will remember forever. All of those who voted got to say they made history by voting in the nation's most controversial election. But what most people won't be able to say is that they worked the polls.  Most voters can't say that they were a part of the process to help get the President into the White House, like many of the people who worked the polls to make sure that the process went as smoothly as possible.

Holiday shopping is about to begin. As I read the stories in this edition,especially the one about the Nyaka School, I begin to cringe at the thought of overspending this Christmas.

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.
**Please note that you will need to provide your full address, first and last name and signature.  If you send you message by e-mail please include your phone number.

Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa
Studio:     Dreamworks Animation Plot:     A botched rescue attempt strands several animals in the middle of the African desert.
Cast:     Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer, Sherri Shepherd, Bernie Mac, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric The Entertainer
Rating:     PG
Bottom Line:     **1/2

Love Matters
By Delilah
ISBN:  0-373-89200-4
Publisher:  Harlequin
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 

FARMINGTON, PA., – Southwestern Pennsylvania is a great place for a test drive. It’s got steep rolling hills, well paved two lane highways, plenty of curves and, with fall leaves changing color, it was about as scenic as a postcard.

Still reeling from the murders of her mother, brother and nephew, Jennifer Hudson says she wants to use the tragedy to speak out against crime and gun violence in the urban community.

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Bill Zwecker reported Tuesday of Hudson's plans to "use the newly formed foundation she established with her sister Julia to try to reduce the daily killings in inner-city communities across the nation."     

Poverty Summit will reduce poverty and maximize economic opportunities for all
One medical emergency, one car accident, one missed paycheck, or one layoff notice and a working class family can descend into poverty. 

Because of this reality, I would like to personally invite you to join Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Martin Luther King III and me at the Voices for Action Network 2008 Poverty Summit on Thursday, November 13 at the Cobo Center in Detroit.  The summit will address reducing poverty and maximizing economic opportunities for all.

No state has been hit harder by the national economic crisis than Michigan. We have lost hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. Our communities are dotted by thousands of foreclosed homes. And too many of our fellow citizens face the daily challenge of how they will support themselves and their families.

New Auto Review Column... AboutThatCar.com

 AboutThatCar.com is dedicated to providing information about cars and light trucks to African-American consumers who are actively in the process of purchasing a vehicle, who aspire to own a vehicle, or who simply have a love affair with the automobile. In addition, the Web site provides information about automotive financing, automotive insurance rates and information about automotive safety.

Frank Washington has been writing about the U.S. automotive industry since 1988. He has won several awards for news gathering and automotive journalism.

Dear Readers,

       A new President will be in the White House.  It’s interesting to me that even in my short lifetime. I’ve seen so many things happen that show the world is changing for the better.

TNCP has been receiving telephone calls about the cancellation of the Tom Joyner Morning Show previously on WQHH 96.5 (FM).

E.J.  who works for WQHH 96.5 as a D.J. indicated some time ago that the radio station was looking to improve their ratings. E.J. who has worked at an Atlanta, GA  radio station said that it's his experience that ratings will improve when moved  from the Tom Joyner Show to the  Rickey Smiley Show.  The switch was also based on the demographics and the younger listeners of the radio station.

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.
**Please note that you will need to provide your full address, first and last name and signature.  If you send you message by e-mail please include your phone number.

Not Black President Obama, Just President Obama

President-elect Barack Obama never made race an issue in his presidential bid. Perhaps that's why he earned the endorsements of the likes of Colin Powell and Hollywood celebrities, and won over the media, writes NAM contributor Earl Ofari Hutchinson.

My Stroke of Insight
By Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
ISBN:  978-0-670-02074-4
Publisher:  Viking
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 

Studio:     Walt Disney Pictures
Plot:     Two seniors in high school struggle with the idea of being separated as college approaches.
Cast:     Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Olesya Rulin
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     **1/2

According to Black PR Wire, due to the overwhelming number of overweight and obese African Americans, Many African American women hope to achieve the quest for health and fitness this New Years. According to the American Obesity Association, African American women have the highest prevalence of overweight (78%) and obese (50.8%) individuals in the United States. The factors that contribute to this startling statistic are socioeconomic factors, cultural expectations and lack of diets and adequate exercise. African American women have become accepting of having larger body sizes and tend to practice unhealthy eating and exercising behaviors. While regular exercise is not a part of the lifestyle for many African American women there are alternates that can be done besides joining a gym or spending long hours lifting weights and working out. Below is a list of items that if followed carefully will promote health, prevent disease, prolong life expectancy and provide you with the gift of fitness for the New Year.

COLUMBUS, OH -- If you've applied for a business loan in the last six months, its a strong possibility that you were denied - even if you have good credit. This is because the current economic times have forced banks to be super cautious towards all loan applicants, even if you appear to be responsible.

President Bush Discusses Presidential Election

Growing Doubts About McCain's Judgment, Age and Campaign Conduct

Section 1: The Obama-McCain Matchup

Barack Obama leads John McCain not only in overall support but also in the intensity of his support. A sizable plurality of 45% says they are voting for Obama and that there is no chance they will vote for McCain. McCain’s “certain” support is much smaller: just 32% are certain to vote for him. Similarly, 36% say they strongly back Obama, while just 21% strongly support McCain.

Left - CTBA short for Cuatro Torres Business Area (Spanish for Four Towers Business Area) is a business park currently under construction located in the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid (Spain), on the former Ciudad Deportiva of Real Madrid. The area will contain the tallest skyscrapers in Madrid and Spain.

Terrence Howard says he found out about Don Cheadle replacing him in the forthcoming "Iron Man" sequel the way everyone else did – by reading it in the trade magazines.

There are many distinct differences between online education and traditional learning. For certain students, distance learning is a fitting option; for others, a campus-based school program is much more beneficial. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning you can decide if an online or campus program would be more helpful in achieving your goals.

LANSING, MI -- Calling all ghosts and goblins!   In lieu of their annual Haunted House, the Lansing Jaycees are having a Fall Fun Fest at the GM Lansing Delta Township Plant Habitat, 8175 Millett Hwy Lansing, MI 48917, on Thursday, October 30th for ages 12 and under.

I was recently reading an article on Black PR Wire and recalled an interview that I had with a reporter at the “State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People” symposium.  The reporter asked me which Presidential candidate, John McCain or Barack Obama had the best health care plan.  I said neither because we need a health care plan now to deal with issues that are escaping the politicians.  I don’t understand why Congress isn’t working harder to deal with these issues.  Readers, if you’re in a job and uninsured   or even if you’re in a job and insured by a third party, please note the best thing that you can do is to vote.  Readers, if you’re paying a large portion of your paycheck to a hospital because you waited too long to go to the doctor, please vote. 

On September 26, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travelled to Holt, Michigan, to tell the Nickless family that their 1860’s farmhouse will be remodeled in only seven days! After husband Tim Nickless passed away in January, Arlene Nickless and her three sons, Aaron, 11, Noah, 9, and Andrew, 7  were left to fend for themselves in the dilapidated home. Therefore, Ty and his designers demolished the Nickless’ old home and built them a brand new one!

New Resolution #41: Spell it with me …V - O - T - E!

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.
**Please note that you will need to provide your full address, first and last name and signature.  If you send you message by e-mail please include your phone number.

   Although I was a Republican State Representative I have decided to become a member of the Democratic Party.  My journey to change my political party was interesting and full of challenges as I grew to question my original positions.  I was brought up in a solid West Michigan Republican household. Over time I was drawn to Republican Congressman Jack Kemp's  focus on ensuring that economic growth includes groups who had previously been left behind.

Studio:   Fox Searchlight Pictures
Plot:    A moving tale of a girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother.
Cast:  Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Hudson, Tristan Wilds, Paul Bettany
Rating:  PG-13
Bottom Line:    ****

Junie B. Jones and some Sneaky Peeky Spying
By Barbara Park
ISBN:  978-0-679-85101-1
Publisher:  Random House
Available:  Bookstores everywhere

Breast Cancer - “A United Struggle”

“Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts successfully battled breast cancer.  She has written a book and has returned to the show.  For more information log on to www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/RobinRoberts/
GMA courtesy photo

Q:    I'm just starting to put together my business plan and it's been suggested to me that I come to the library to do the research I need for my market analysis.  What materials are available at the library to help me with this?

How many different ways is loved defined? It would seem that love is indefinable. Unfortunately I did not listen to my mother so I did not learn Latin. I am picking up a little as life goes on. I would like to bring your attention to the Latin word Eros which is partly defined as sexual yearning, love, or desire. One of my favorite things about this Eros type of love is seduction.

I am a waiter. It is not really by choice that I have this job. It is a necessity for me so I can make my car payment and other bills that are not covered by my moderately paying day job. It is a pretty good day job for not having a college degree. I am lucky. I live alone with a mortgage, car payment, insurance, and maintenance of everything that I own. I do not have any credit card debt and I do not want to begin to have any now, especially to pay things like utilities. I am not crying the blues, and I do not want you to feel sorry for me. For the most part I do not mind being a waiter.

Domestic violence homicide victims' names from calendar year 2006 are listed alphabetically along with a synopsis of the circumstances surrounding each murder as described in newspaper articles. We cannot be certain that we have included all of the domestic homicides in the state. Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (MDVPTB) contracts with a clipping service that provides newspaper stories reporting on domestic violence homicides printed in newspapers throughout Michigan.  The stories are then put into synopsis form for the purpose of creating this document.

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn

An economic downturn is a phase of the business cycle in which the economy as a whole is in decline.  This phase basically marks the end of the period of growth in the business cycle. Economic downturns are characterized by decreased levels of consumer purchases (especially of durable goods) and, subsequently, reduced levels of production by businesses.

 Panelists say decision  influenced heavily by secret audio tapes

Seven jurors from the O.J. Simpson trial say their guilty verdict was influenced more by secret audio tapes and surveillance video than eyewitness accounts, reports the Associated Press.

The Women of the Lansing Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
will be observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Tuesday, October 28, 2008.
The theme is "Knowledge to Save Lives" to be held in the Banquet Hall at the Hannah Community Center 819 Abbott Rd. East Lansing MI 48823 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The normally expansive Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was anything but that when she was asked if the Democrats should get some of the blame for the Wall Street financial mess. Pelosi answered with a terse “no.” But Pelosi quickly got expansive when she finger pointed Bush and the Republicans for creating the mess. This is the standard Pelosi line.

“Will you ever make change if you're always coining the same attitude?”

Run for your lives the sky is falling. The sky is falling! That's what Mr. Bush would have us to believe. Gloom and doom that's just what we need to hear from our leader or is it?

Shopgirl
By Steve Martin
ISBN:  1-4013-0827-9
Publisher:  Hyperion
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 

Movies that come out this week!

2006 Michigan Domestic Violence Homicide List

Q:    I'm preparing to start a business and am wondering about bookkeeping.  I've been thinking about hiring an accountant but I don't know if this is the right way to go.   I don't know anything about bookkeeping and am wondering if the library has any books on the subject?

LANSING, MI- The internet has enriched our lives but it also has become fertile ground for illegal activity.  Whether at home, the public library or at school children have access to the internet and are sometimes more computer savvy than their parents.  Unfortunately,     children aren't aware that posting too much online is becoming a popular way that child predators reach potential victims.  Internet crimes can also lead to kidnapping, sexual molestation, torture and death when the online predator is looking for
victims among the naive and unwary. 

_{Daniel Allen Everett, above, capture number 198 was arrested in a to “Catch a Predator” type sting in Michigan. Courtesy Photo}

EAST LANSING, MI --Over 20 Michigan State University students will transform into models during MSU's Homecoming Weekend in the second annual ICONZ Fashion Show. Hosted by PS Magazine and Purpose Student Organization, the show features clothing from local and national retail stores in the East Lansing area along with pieces from up and coming designers. The style driven production is different from the norm and the producers plan to tell a story to their audience on October, 5.

Cyrus McNeal, creator of the fashion show said last year  that the crowd was enthusiastic and very pleased with the end result of the fashion show.  Courtesy photos

The childhood photos of former Boys & Girls Clubs of America" members Denzel Washington, Shaquille O'Neal, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and others are featured in a new ad campaign for the organization, titled "BE GREAT."

RESPONDING TO  INJUSTICE
  featuring Prosecutor
  Stuart Dunnings
 
Sunday, September 28, 2008 (1-3pm)
 
Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, 855 Grove St. East Lansing, MI 48823
 
In May 2008, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing and Edgewood United Church of Christ hosted an event to welcome Claude McCollum back to our community.  Thank you for showing your support and sharing in the vision that our community will not tolerate injustice.
 

LANSING, MI -- At the end of September one lucky family will be surprised when ABC's “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” crew knocks on their door.   One of five families that live close to or in Lansing were nominated for the TV show.  This will be the third home built in the state.

 
Since the advent of the Reagan years, fiscal conservatives have constantly railed against any government assistance whatsoever for the middle-class, labeling the practice “wealth redistribution.”  But the national financial crises over the past three decades, including the current proposal by the U.S. government to bail out high-level Wall Street conglomerates, reveal the hypocrisy of their argument.  Conservatives are only against wealth redistribution when the funds are directed from them to the middle-class and poor. But they wholeheartedly support wealth that is transferred from the poor and middle-class to their coffers.

Off to school again for the 1st and 2nd grade children in the Risper household.  I think that summer dragged on this year and I was starting to feel it in my bones.  Labor Day marks less labor for me. It seems like I work harder in the summer.  I think that children get lazy and restless.  They stay up late and if you have the leisure, you don't have to worry about them getting up to do anything.  Early morning cartoons and late night features become a major part of their lives and then Labor Day hits.

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.

New Resolution #39: VOTE!

I love my life. God has blessed me. One of the greatest gifts that I have is the ability to be positive most of the time; however, this isn't one of those times. The reason why is, I'm sick and tired of people who could care less about the feelings of others around them. I believe that when given the opportunity to be a positive and motivating force in the life of someone who trusts and looks to you that you should as much as you can be responsible.

Studio:  Overture Films
Plot:  A pair of veteran New York City police detectives are on the trail of a vigilante serial killer.
Cast:   Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg
Rating:     R
Bottom Line: **

Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket
By Barbara Park
ISBN:  978-0-375-80040-5
Publisher:  Random House
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 

Some young men and women currently going as soldiers into the Bush Iraqi war were born during the first Iraqi war and now old enough to vote.  Iraq had marched its army into Kuwait stealing a huge oil field.  George Bush, Sr., an experienced diplomat, rallied support though the United Nations for a swift and decisive counter-attack driving the Iraqi army back into Iraq.

Winning the Obesity War - Part 3 of 3                                                              

 “Beverages & Calories at a Glance”

LANSING, MI -- To many who attended The State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People symposium, the day was filled with informative and engaging speakers and vendor tables.

Q: I've been encouraged to write a business plan for my new business idea and have no clue what to do.  Does the library have any books that can help me?

LANSING, MI -- With a lot of pressing issues facing us in today's world, health has always been at the top of the list, especially for African Americans and low-income people.

Left :Christine Johnson, speaker; Rina Risper, coordinator of the SOOH event; Monica Jahner from the NorthWest Initiative’s ARRO program and Jolinda Wade, speaker.
Photo by Michael Jennings

Left: Jerry Cullen, owner of Salem Medical provided foot exams for attendees.  Dr. Peter B. Wollschlaeger and Dr. Maher Al-Sheikh discuss their talking points for the diabetes panel.  Photo by Michael Jennings