Take Back Our Neighborhood With A NEW Johnson Recreation Center - Built by Union Skilled Trades Members and Neighborhood Supporters.

by Richard C. Clement  
     The  Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

Johnson Recreation Center has to be rebuilt from the ground up because it will cost more per month to operate.  Jonson Center looks new on the outside but when you go inside, the pool and other construction issues become more apparent. The pool was a former outdoor pool that served the neighborhood before, during, and after normal working hours of 12-7:45pm. 

Currently the pool at Johnson Center is not code compliant to today’s Building Safety Engineering Department standards(BSEE) and, cost ineffective because the Johnson Center pool was built around the existing outdoor pool. During the project the contractors built the new face around the old structure and kept the old plumbing in place.

At this moment Johnson Rec Center is being used as a storage facility for unused and paid for things like signs, games, etc. You do not go inside with a suit on, more like blue jeans and a t-shirt because of the dust.

Solution?   A number of solutions were being floated around the neighborhood. One involved a special assessment on all residential property within a 2 mile range of Johnson Center.  This self-imposed fee on your property tax of an additional $50 per are restricted funds that cannot be touched or diverted to anything else by law.    Another solution is to seek out a grant as a non-profit to receive funds to build a new center that is economically feasible to manage.  Features like tank-less water heating and lights connected to sensors will greatly reduce the electric and light bills to the taxpayers.

Once the new center is built, then the residents will have membership privileges and will be able to use the center along with other citizens.  The neighborhood association in charge of managing the funds use on recreation will have a great say in the direction of their investments.

If you are interested in supporting this cause please contact our office so that we can set up a meeting to make an action plan.  We also plan to be at the annual 8 mile gathering behind old Beaubien Jr. High School a.k.a. Bates Academy.

We feel that Johnson Center is a vital asset to the neighborhood and if we can reopen this facility, this will lead to a rebirth of our community in District 2, especially for the children.

What Does it Take to Make A Great City? Re-Opening Neighborhood Recreation Centers like Tindal in Northwest Detroit

Raising The Roof on Tindal Recreation Center
by Marie Adams Lawton Executive Director
     and Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.



Nestle snugly in the northwest side of Detroit, this once vibrant recreational center was the "hub" for young people in and around the City of Detroit. However, it wasn't long before cutbacks, layoffs, and fund reduction forced Tindal to close its doors in 2007 eliminating a safe haven facility that previously taught children the true meaning of teamwork. Tindal Recreation Center located at 10301 W. Seven Mile consist of a multipurpose room, gymnasium, classrooms, and a weight room. UAW-Ford has been so generous to replace the gymnasium floor, lighting and kitchen. However our main problem is the ROOF.

(Click Here for Map and Directions)

The roof on the building has never been replaced and has now passed it life expectancy. The roof consists of a built up material and it is in two sections, a sloped portions and a flat section. Numerous issues have occurred in the flat section with the perimeter being the worst area where most of the water leaks occur. The ridge perimeter at the top ash split, is showing signs of water penetration, and the membrane around the eave and drains is failing. Over the years, the roof has become worn and is need of a complete tear off and replacement.

In 2015, under an operational agreement for the next fifteen years, Tindal Recreational Center was given to Health Kidz Inc., a youth based sports organization with a successful and pulsation reputation for keeping kids of the streets and teaching them the true meaning of sportsmanship both on and off the court/field/course. Maria Adams-Lawtom the founder & CEO of Health Kidz inc. acquired Tindal from the City of Detroit Parks and Rec Department with one mission in mind, opening the doors to the community and young people who need a safe and productive place to be with physical and mental activity to stimulate overall growth.

During the 9 year period of inactivity of the Tindal Building, time was not on the side of the building as it experienced water damage, resource theft, intrusion, and lack of overall attention. Although the task appears enormous, Maria Adams-Lawton says it's not impossible and those will do what she can while she can, for as long as she can, with whatever resources are donated her way. In a short period of time, she has replaced most of the plumbing, purchase new restroom fixtures, acquire recreational games like pool and ping pong tables, and solicit help for painting and structural repair..... 

However, that is not enough, WE NEED THE COMMUNITY'S HELP!

If you the public would like to assist in this effort please contact 
Maria Adams-Lawton at (313) 995-0607

Fall Fellowship Internship Opportunities With The Michigan Democratic Party

By  Friends of Cushingberry



The Michigan Coordinated Campaign Fall Fellowship is an opportunity to be a part of history and work at the grassroots level to elect Hillary Clinton and Democrats up and down the ballot.

Fellows will be trained on organizing tools and tactics as well as grassroots fundamentals, and will work alongside organizers in communities to support voter outreach and registration, volunteer recruitment and development, team building, and community engagement.

Fellows commit to spending at least 15 hours per week for eight weeks working to elect  Hillary Clinton and other Democrats. 

Our Fall Fellowship Program will officially kick off with a training in Detroit on Sunday, September 11 , however applicants who are interested in starting early can be accepted for August start dates on a rolling basis.

Fellows will be expected to:
● Meet ambitious goals and deadlines to reach and register voters and recruit volunteers;
● Organize in a specific neighborhood, community, or group of communities alongside
grassroots volunteer leaders and coordinated campaign staff;
● Engage new potential volunteers through phone calls, canvassing, and community
outreach;
● Participate in training on field organizing, messaging, and other activities;
● Hold organizational meetings to recruit new volunteers and supporters in communities;
● Use social networks to help amplify our message and to talk about the work that we do
and
● Continue to build the movement to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket this
November.

Apply by August 28th! Apply Today By Clicking Here

www.hillaryclinton.com/FallFellowship
Amira Perryman

Michigan Democratic Party

Regional Organizing Director

404.295.2487 | aperryman@mivictory2016.org

Free Child Support / Divorce Help From Concerned Community Organizations

by Friends of Cushingberry


       During a divorce,  the symptom of "Baby Mama Drama" with a spouse reaches an all time high with two people dogging each other out and, children are caught in the middle of it. Often times a spouse feels that there is no one to turn to that will listen to their issue.  The good news is that there are many places in Detroit that provide legal help to citizens who are going through a divorce with the children. All of them are free of charge and just takes a few moments of your time to utilize their services. If you have any questions on these programs please contact the coordinator of each program. From August until the end of the year, organizations like the United Auto Workers and others are assisting people in need legal services regarding their children.  These dates are not just for August 2016 because the hyperlinks and information are good all year round. If you have any questions, we recommend that you call the agency directly.

	Free Child Support Help Dates:
Fri, Aug 5, 2016:	UAW Region 1A Center 15140 Livernois Detroit MI  48238	9am-3pm
Fri, Aug 12, 2016:	ACCESS 6450 Maple Street Dearborn MI 48216	9am-3pm
Tue, Aug 16, 2016:	Resource Network 11816 Jos Campau Hamtramck MI 48212	10a,-3pm
Wed, Aug 24, 2016:	Focus Hope  1200 Oakman Boulevard  Detroit MI 48238	9am-3pm
Thu, Aug 25, 2016:	Wayne County Legal Resources Consortium  645 Griswold, Detroit MI 48226	12pm-3pm
Thu, Sep 15, 2016:	Wayne County Community College District
Sat, Oct 22, 2016:	Wayne County Child Support Help Program 5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48202	1pm-4pm
	MONTHLY MEETINGS - CHILD SUPPORT HELP
1st Thusday of Month:	William Booth Legal Aid Clinic 2 Woodward Ave Room 1901 Detroit, MI 48226   Default Divorce Judgment	10am
2nd and 3rd Thursday of the month:	William Booth Legal Aid Clinic 2 Woodward Ave Room 1901 Detroit, MI 48226   Legal Aid Clinic	12pm-2pm
4th Thursday of the Month	Wayne County Legal Resources Consortium  645 Griswold, Detroit MI 48226	12pm-3pm
	Michigan Legal Help Self-Help Centers
Monday through Thursday	Penobscot Building SMART Detroit 13th Floor 645 Griswold, Suite 1300 Detroit, MI 48226	9a-4p
Mondays and Wed.	Southwest Detroit Family Alliance for Change (Spanish/English) 3627 W. Vernor Detroit, MI 48216	9a-3p

Detroit Marijuana Business Owners Challenge New Ordinance in the US District Court of Eastern Michigan and Gets Results!

Richard Clement  - Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

On July 12, 2016 Judge Avery Cohen of the United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan Southern Division agreed with plaintiffs Sons of Hemp against the City of Detroit regarding the new Medical Marijuana Ordinance 3-15. (Case# 16-11492 - Sons of Hemp v City of Detroit) The court deemed this matter appropriate for a decision without an oral argument. Judge Cohn ordered that this case be remanded back to the Wayne County Circuit Court to re-hear the plaintiff’s arguments.

The Sons of Hemp are a group of African American Marijuana Business owners in Detroit who are being adversely affected by this new ordinance going into effect. %100 of all African American owned businesses would be shut down if this ordinance was put into full effect.

Judge Cohn remanded the case back to Wayne County Circuit Court to allow the Sons of Hemp to bring up their arguments regarding their Federal and State Claims of:

• Unconstitutional taking of property
• Violation of equal protection laws
• Violations of due process per U.S.C. 42 of 1983 and State Law (MCL 600.2918)
• Violations of 1st Amendment protections from Freedom of Religion

Detroit City Attorney Eric Gaabo agreed with the plaintiffs’ claims to argue these points based on Title 42 U.S.C. 1983 and 1985 because the ordinance violates their right to equal protection because it treats them differently than pharmacies.  Judge Cohn concurred with the plaintiffs and remanded this case back to Wayne County Circuit Court.

It is currently legal for a caregiver to dispense medicine to their patients and transfer to other patients from any private home in Detroit. Given the unpleasant choice of conducting business in the neighborhoods, the City prefers to have the traffic on the B1-B4 Zones to keep it out of the neighborhoods.  Federal law prohibits the use of religion in the zoning of property because it violates the 1st amendment regarding religious freedom. 

The ordinance as it is written is un-constitutional and cannot be enforced in it’s current state.  The ordinance adversely affects Marijuana Business owners in Detroit with over-regulation and, it must be re-written to remove any vestiges of racial and religious discrimination. Additionally arguments regarding the use of Drug Free Zones to specifically attack Medical Marijuana businesses in Detroit can also be brought up in a State Court of Law. As it stands now, the Detroit Marijuana Ordinance is suspended until it can be re-heard in Wayne County Circuit Courtroom at a date to be named later. 

Something to Do in Detroit in August and September of 2016

By Richard C. Clement
Friends of Cushingberry


The following is a list of things to do in our City of Detroit in August 2016 and September. We have a lot of things going on to keep you busy and involved in our community.

Event Name Start  End  Beg. End. Place Woodbridge Merrick’n Summer Aug 12 Aug 14 5pm 2am Woodbridge Pub  5169 Trumbull Ave Detroit, MI 48208 Sonora Missionary Baptist Church Back To School Picnic Aug 13 Aug 13 1pm 5pm 7738 Sylvester Detroit, MI 48214 Corktown Criterium at Roosevelt Park Aug 13 Aug 13 8am 5pm Cadieux Bicycle Club Roosevelt Park Live Aug 13 Aug 13 4pm 10:30pm Roosevelt Park Detroit, MI 48216 African World Festival (34th Annual) Aug 19 Aug 21 11am 11pm 315 E. Warren  Detroit, MI 48202 MECCA Street Fair Aug 20 Aug 20 12pm 5pm E. Outer Drive between E. Warren and Chandler Park  Detroit MI 48224 Back To School Community Empowerment Rally Aug 20 Aug 20 12pm 4pm 8809 Schoolcraft Detroit, MI 48238 Crusin the "D" Aug 20 Aug 20 9am 9pm 8 Mile Road Palmer Park and perimeter  Detroit, MI 48203 Councilmember Spivey's Annual Family Fun Day and Community Health Fair Aug 27 Aug 27 12pm 12pm 14723 E. Warren Ave Detroit, MI 48215 Dally in the Alley Sep 10 Sep 10 11am 11pm Forest and Second Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Mercy Midnight Bicycle Tour Sep 16 Sep 16 8pm 12am 400 W Mc Nichols Road Detroit, MI 48203

If you have any questions on any activity listed above, we recommend that you contact the event organizers.

Make Lives Matter by Showing up to Vote Early. Turn up the Turn Out this Summer in Detroit.

By  Friends of George Cushingberry  Jr.

Black Lives won’t matter if you do not show up to vote!  Councilmember Pro Tem Cushingberry is very adamant about that. If people want change they must speak up with their decision on who is going to run their government. The tragic events in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Minneapolis this weekend is collateral damage of failing to engage in the direction of the leadership of your community.  

When you vote, start from the back of the ballot so that you don’t miss out on the Judges, and ballot proposals that will determine where your money is going. Voting for judges is more important than voting for Presidents and Representatives because a judge has an immediate impact on your day to day life.

Issues of self-determination, education, law enforcement, and neighborhood economic empowerment can be settled at the ballot box. For instance we have one of the best County Prosecutors in the United States in Kym Worthy because she does not tolerate any B.S. in Wayne County from anyone. Therefore, we are on a mission to turn up the turnout for in August by encouraging people to vote early at the following locations:

• Detroit Elections Bureau on 2978 W. Grand Blvd
• Wayne County Community College East and West Campus at 5901 Conner or 8200 West Outer Drive 
• Coleman Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave  (2^nd Floor)

These locations are open right now until August 1^st, from 8am to 4pm to vote early and be done with it. If you are a Michigan resident and a felon, you can vote by just showing up TO VOTE. As long as you are not physically incarcerated you can vote early and be done with it. If you are 60 years old or more, you get a free pass to vote early absentee. Others people from ages 18 to 59 can vote early too.  For people who do not live in Michigan and require a picture ID, take your cell phone and shoot a selfie with your ballot in your hand and vote like your life depended on it. 

Finally we are encouraging you to Get it Right in Black and White by declaring July 21, 2016 get out and vote early day.  The headquarters for the day will be Desmond's Elegant Affairs Lounge on 12924 Puritan Detroit MI 48227. We will be organizing and taking people to vote early at Wayne County Community College West Campus at 8100 W. Outer Drive Detroit MI 48227. 

Then enjoy the evening at the White Party with Councilmember ProTem George Cushingberry Jr. and friends for an elegant evening of networking and socializing. Come and meet candidates who are running for office in while you are enjoying the elegant service of Business Owner Desmond Gibbons that has put time, effort, and money into his business.

Mr. Gibbons is the kind of business owner that we need in the City of Detroit and we strongly encourage you to support him and other entrepreneurs like the ones on the Livernois Avenue of Fashion and many more businesses in our city.