Obituary of Mrs. L. Bennett, THEE Urban Farmer of Detroit Michigan 1923-2019

Obituary for Mrs. Luella Bennett 

Luella (Johnson) Bennet was born on January 8, 1923 in Uniontown Alabama to Jule and Aran (Dickens) Johnson. Luella professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age with the teachings of her beloved grandmother, Elvira Johnson. Luella attended Perry County Training School in Uniontown Alabama.

Her nickname was “Sis” and along with her big brother David and her baby brother Tucker, they would hunt fish and play in their little corner of Uniontown knows as “Johnson Quarters”.

Luella met and married Joe Cleveland Bennett of Uniontown in 1943. They were introduced by her future sister-in-law, Gertrude. They would move to Highland Park, Michigan in 1944 where she took a job at the Chrysler plant installing brake shoes.

Luella decided to leave Chrysler to focus on raising her children. Joe and Luella settle in Detroit on San Juan Dr. in 1960, where they raised their six children.

Luella attended New Providence Baptist Church in Detroit under the leadership Rev. Solomon and sang in the Gospel Choir. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and she would often say…. “I bought with me from Alabama my Jesus and southern hospitality”.

Luella was a devoted wife and mother. She took pride in whatever she did, whether it was her vegetable garden or the flowers she planted.

She was “Thee Original Urban Farmer” and was a self-taught seamstress and was also known for her down-home cooking (fried chicken). Luella and Joe passed on their work ethics to their children.

Luella quietly departed this life the night of Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, (1979), daughter Eula, her firstborn (1943), brother Tucker (1942) and brother, David (1999).

Richard Bennett and Associates

Luella leaves to cherish and carry on her legacy children Joanne, Richard (Teri), Gregory, Flora, Betty and John; Grandchildren Garret and Joane; nieces and nephews in Detroit, Huntsville, and Seattle. Cousins in Middletown, Uniontown, and Fort Wayne.

Luella’s influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

"I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, thought he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”

-John 11:25 – 26

Friends of Cushingberry Statement:

We mourn the passing of Mrs. Luella Bennett of Detroit Michigan on Wednesday August 21st, 2019. She was 96 years old and a  8 Mile legend of urban farming.

.

Richard Twice is Double Nice....
Richard Clement and Richard Bennett....

She was known around the neighborhood as the original urban farmer of Detroit Michigan. Mrs. Bennett could put a whupping on ANY agribusiness, farmer, or anybody else who thought they could grow anything! She had the best farm in the city protected by a dog name Duke since 1962. She had no need to go to a grocery store for anything but milk, meat and, washing detergent.  She will be missed and the ancestors have gained another urban farmer. 

 cc: Richard Bennett and Associates Website

Why #WeToo are Voting For George Cushingberry as State Senator

The Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. State Senator District 2. Press Release.

The Man For You In District 2

The August Primary election is a very important election to participate in. As in all elections the direction of your community and the quality of life is at stake. We are experiencing now the game plan of the opposition as we pursue your vote and trust to send us to Lansing to get the job done. The insurance companies have contributed to the downfall of Michigan through outrageous rates and price fixing. This is the main reason people are running from accidents to avoid prosecution. We have City of Detroit leadership wanting to build more buildings on the grounds of Detroit City Airport shutting it down while there are massive amounts of buildings available to do what he wants.  We have people endorsing candidates who have aided and abetted in the creation of the Educational Achievement authority that was raided by the Federal Government for fraud.

When George Cushingberry Jr. gets to Lansing MI, this is what he will do.

• Implement Common Sense Insurance Rates
• Restoring Accountability in Public Education with caps on the creation of charter schools
• Re-Investing in the Mt. Elliot Development Project that includes a working Detroit City Airport for General, Educational, and Commercial use.
• Taxation, Regulation of Marijuana including expunging ALL convictions in Michigan.

For example, as a State Representative, George Cushingberry sponsored a bill for good times credit for non violent offenders. As a Detroit City Council member, he was responsible for the upgrade of Livernois Avenue through implementing grants for streetlights, sidewalks, and supporting local businesses on the Avenue of Fashion.

The Sexual Harassment and the manipulation of the #MeToo movement is the new strategy to sabotage political campaigns. Just like the Ebola crisis that disappeared after the 2014 election, the sexual harassment and other negative "news", we are fully expecting this play call from the opposition. Sexual Harassment is gender neutral and all legitimate claims should be investigated. We feel that the timing of the filing was to get maximum damage from the City of Detroit and to derail the Cushingberry campaign.  When you examine the record of the other candidates, George Cushngberry has the documented proof of getting the job done.

Bear Bryant was quoted once as saying "In order to catch a fast negro running the ball, you have to hire another one to catch them" because he finally acknowledged the fact that you needed to include the black players he did not want on his team.  Distraction politics is only going to carry you so far and blitzing the campaign with charges and innuendo will not work. 

Therefore do not be confused by watching Fox News, just screen out their blitz with your vote for George Cushingberry Jr.

Fact: 

• George Cushingberry Jr. still has his law license
• The traffic stop was deemed to be unprofessionally handled by two patrol officers who wisely deleted the tape of their misconduct. 
• We chose not to press charges against filing a false police report because we respect the men and women of the Detroit Police Department, especially the retirees. 
• We want an apology written to Sgt. Smith by media reporters for promoting insubordination because of race.
• The City's finances are no longer under the control of a State Appointed Manager under the direction of George Cushingberry Jr as the chairman of the Budget Audit Finance Committee.
• George Cushingberry Jr. is the ONLY candidate on the ballot who has supported the legalization of marijuana and has history and evidence to prove it.
• Will take on President Trump and Bill Schuette and scold them on their brand of exclusionary racist politics.

Don't get blinded by the blitz of bad news coming from media outlets like Fox and other haters.  Screen them out with your vote!

From now until, Tuesday August 7th, and again in November 6th, Elect George Cushingberry Jr, the man for you in District 2.

Save your home and apartment complex
from fires caused by faulty wiring
by hiring a PRO!

If you need a grow wired right for you,

just hire a Member of the I.B.E.W.!

George Cushingberry Jr.  Supports Electricians and loves their work!

Bro Wayne Hicks - Black Bill Gates Makes His Transition 1959-2018

By Richard C. Clement

Pioneer in Technology in the Community - An African American Bill Gates Indeed.

For those who don't know, Wayne Hicks was a pioneer in Technology in America, especially the African American Community. He was one of many Hidden Figures that gave back to his community without question.  Brother Wayne was uploaded by his maker to the cloud of our ancestors. He will be truly missed by all.  

"Some of our heros came in ones and zeros!"  - Richard C. Clement.

Website: Electronic Village Started by R. Wayne Hicks

From Facebook Post of Wayne Hicks:

Memorial Announcement for Richard Wayne Hicks, Jr

It is with enormous sadness that we announce that Richard Wayne Hicks, Jr. passed peacefully at home on June 7, 2018.

For more than thirty years, Wayne was a tireless champion of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) and promoting diversity in technology and expanding STEM experiences for youth in under-served communities. 

For the last twelve years, Wayne was the Executive Director of the Black Data Processing Associates Education and Technology Foundation. He also held various leadership positions within the IT professional organization, Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), including President of the National BDPA, 2004-2005.

Wayne started his career with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS), starting as a summer intern and progressing to a member of the Senior Executive Service. Later, Wayne led the Cincinnati Business Incubator as president (2003-2008).

Wayne is survived by his daughters Laura Hicks and Nailah McCloud, son Khalis Hicks, granddaughter Amara McCloud, his mother Elizabeth Hicks, sister Kyra, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, other family, friends and colleagues.

The memorial service, with viewing, will be held Saturday, June 23, 2018, 1pm, at Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home, 11400 Winton Road, Forest Park, OH 45240, (513) 742-3600.

 — with Wayne Hicks.

What Does It Take to Make A Great City and State? A Working Coleman Young International Airport and Marijuana Reform

By Richard C. Clement 

What can 5 million dollars’ worth of weed do for neighborhood improvement?

Currently, the City of Detroit is in possession of $5 million dollars of Marijuana taken in a raid at Mound and 8 Mile Road on March 16^th, 2018 by the Detroit Police Department.  This medicine will be destroyed along with the $5 million dollar opportunity for desperately needed revenue.  While no one has filed a claim as of yet to return the property, if this medicine is sold at a Detroit Police Auction, where do you want the money to go?

Mayor Mike Duggan
emailmike@detroitmi.gov

One asset of the City that has been maliciously neglected is the Historic Coleman S. Young International Detroit City Airport. Potential customers of the airport are 4.5 miles or 7 minutes from Downtown or live within 10 miles of the complex. Currently, the main runway at Detroit City Airport is in dire need of repair to the tune of 3.5 million dollars. This would allow newer and faster aircraft to use the facility for private and public purposes, increasing business and tax revenue for the City of Detroit. And there you go, one fixed runway with 1.5 million left for other needs.

Website:  Coleman Young International (KDET) Air Traffic Live


Website: A Flight From Detroit City Airport to Toronto Canada - The Contrast in Use

The dismantling of the Benjamin O. Davis High School and neglect of City Airport was a criminal act that can be attributed to the work of Managers and Financial review boards appointed by State officials.  Just like the management job done in Flint MI, students were poisoned by the removal of equipment, teachers, and educational opportunities to support the Educational Achievement Authority which has turned out to be a criminal business enterprise that achieved lower test scores, empty school buildings, and a large financial debt.

Free KDET! - Call and Complain to Mayor Duggan Today!

The damage from these people is very correctable by electing and selecting people who have the best interests of the children at heart.  With new ordinances and State Laws, students in Public Education must have the opportunity to study aviation and auto mechanics careers if they are interested. The area around Detroit City Airport will allow the construction of a new runway and drag strip complex built for students gaining FAA/FCC and Auto Mechanic certifications that will help build careers.

If you want change to happen, then you must communicate to your elected officials to do the right thing. The way to do it is to call Mayor Mike Duggan and all nine council members and tell them to “Free the Weed for the Jobs We Need” by doing the following steps:

• Re-Investing into the Airport as an Airport with a historical designation, commercial air service, and educational institution
• Returning the medicine to their rightful owners or selling at auction with restricted funding for airport re-development.
• Ending the moratorium by the City of Detroit on Marijuana Businesses and process applications for Marijuana related businesses.
• Immediate Expungement of all prior and current Marijuana convictions in the City of Detroit by ordinance.

If the people’s wishes are carried out, then citizens will have regained the confidence of their government doing the right thing for them.

Contact Information - Fire Them Up TODAY!

Name	Phone Number	Email Address
Mayor Mike Duggan	(313) 224-3400	dugganm@detroitmi.gov
Council Pres. Brenda Jones	(313) 224-1245	JonesB@detroitmi.gov
Council Pres Pro Tem Mary Sheffield	(313) 224-4505	sheffieldm@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Janee Ayers	(313) 224-4248	ayresj@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember James Tate	(313) 224-1027	tatej@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Roy McAlister	(313) 224-4535	McalisterR@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Scott Benson	(313) 224-1198	bensons@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Andre Spivey	(313) 224-4841	spiveya@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Raquel Castenada Lopez	(313) 224-2450	councilmemberraquel@detroitmi.gov
Councilmember Gabe Leyland	(313) 224-2151	bensons@detroitmi.gov
City Clerk Janice Winfrey	(313) 224-3260	winfreyj@detroitmi.gov
Corporate Counsel Lawrence Garcia		GarciaL@detroitmi.gov

A Nov 8th, 2017 Marijuana Petition Ballot Drive Is Underway In Detroit

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst


With the new state law regarding Medical Marijuana allowing local units of government to regulate businesses within their borders, local Ordinances regulating these businesses have to be redesigned. Currently, there are 4 Petitions circulating by two user organizations that will accomplish this task. The Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform and The Sons of Hemp (Website: www.sonsofhemp.org) have undertaken the challenge.

Richard Clement
Marijuana Policy Analyst
City of Detroit

All signatures on petitions need to be gathered by June 15, 2017. At least 5000 valid voter signatures are required on petitions submitted to the Detroit City Clerk’s office. For the four petitions listed above, signatures must be of voters who live IN the City of Detroit. When the signatures are certified by the City Clerk, these petitions will be given letter designations and, appear on the November 8^th, 2017 ballot to be voted on.

•           Petition 1 is to repeal the current ordinance outright
•         Petition 2 is to redesign the Licensing Ordinance
•         Petition 3 is to redesign the Zoning Ordinance
•        Petition 4 is to redesign the Licensing Ordinance with residency requirements

Petitions 2 through 4 will accomplish the same basic goal of removing liquor stores, parks, and reducing the distance between valid churches to 500ft. These proposals will open up more areas by giving the Board of Zoning Appeals wide deference to approve qualifying business.  Testimony from residents will be limited to people who live within 300ft of the proposed new business. Closed schools will not count in the Drug Free Zones along with Day Care Centers that don’t exist.  Waivers may be granted if the property owners grant their approval such as a Pastor or,  Day Care Center owner. 

Petitions 1, 2, and 3 are sponsored by the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform, Petition 4 is sponsored by the Sons of Hemp, a group of African American Marijuana Business owners who has language modeled after the proposal in Oakland California that required 51% ownership by Detroit residents. The overall goal of all of these efforts is to improve the quality of life at the local level. For instance neighborhoods using revenue from retail sales can re-open Recreation Centers and Schools in the City of Detroit.

The people have spoken loud and clear on Marijuana with their vote many times. Look for a petition to sign at your local place of business for these local petitions and, the statewide initiative to regulate Marijuana like Alcohol to be placed on the November 2018 General Election.

Business owners reading this article are strongly encouraged to list your place of business as a petition signing center in the comments section.

So take the time to sign Petitions A, B, C, and D.  

Whatever it takes to keep the Weed Free.

   

Congratulations President Elect Donald Trump - Your People Have Spoken, Now Its Time To Quit Joking

By Richard Clement - Legislative Aide to Councilmember Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr.

President Elect Trump

Congratulations President Elect Donald Trump you ran an excellent campaign. Your voters wanted the change to make America great again and they are getting it. You were able to convince people that you could build a wall and make another country pay for it. You have emboldened hardened racist behavior from middle school students in Royal Oak Michigan and adults everywhere else. Open season attacks on minorities and selective treatment on people of color is becoming an accepted standard of conduct now. People are being run over in the streets of Detroit by drivers who run from the scene of an accident because of insurance liability and, just a total disregard for another human being’s life.

Mr Trump, people are wondering about your position on the 25 states who chose to use Marijuana for medical and recreational use, cultivation, and manufacturing. We are concerned that instead of building schools, we are building prisons with no material value as quasi-mental health facilities. We are concerned that you are taking cement that could be used to fix the horrible roads in Michigan to build a wall with Mexico. Consequentially, We will have to build a wall 3 times the size on the Canadian border to compete the set. The bottom line is that there are a lot more jobs in road repair instead of building a wall that can be breached at any moment. 

One of the ways to promote unity among the races is that you tell your supporters to practice Jury Nullification on Marijuana cases in a court of law.  A juror has the right to vote on the guilt or innocence of a defendant and, we are asking you to tell your "Trumpster Friends" to vote not guilty to anyone who is arrested for Marijuana despite instructions from judges who hate weed. Especially for people like me of color on the way to places in Northern Michigan like Traverse City that run into a racist police officer in places like Gaylord Michigan.

This will help immensely with race relations then you can answer these questions:

• Will all of the people in Flint be afforded clean water by their government?
• Will  the President Trump FBI/Justice Department prosecute all of the perpetrators who poisoned the water in Flint Michigan? 
• In 2017 will Gas Prices will stay as low as it was during President Obama’s terms in office?
• Will relations with Cuba be put back on ice instead of having direct flights from Detroit?

Meanwhile in Detroit, we pledge to work with our constituents to give them the right of determining the quality of life in our community.  The rebuilding of homes and the re-opening of closed recreation centers is a key goal in our management of our city. Children and senior citizens will have a public place to meet within walking distance. 

We want our Michigan citizens to seriously consider signing a ballot initiative in 2017 to allow the voters to decide on a Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Law for redrawing congressional district lines instead of the winning party enabling gerrymandering. By doing this your vote will count for your quality of life because the district lines will match the population.

In 2017 we are committed more than ever to remove the last vestiges of State of Michigan Emergency Management by eliminating ALL of the orders that came from the Emergency Managers appointed by the Governor.  State of Michigan Management was a complete financial disaster with closed schools, empty buildings, and retirees who took the blow for everyone with their health care deductibles and taxed pensions.

We don’t care if the Ku Klux Klan supported you or not. You have up to 4 years to come correct with the people of the United States of America. If you disavow them because of their race, sex, lifestyle choice,  you WILL face the consequences of the Voting Booth in 2020.

Detroit Business Owners Unite to Re-Write the Detroit Marijuana Ordinances passed by City Council

by Richard  C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

        Canna-Business owners feel slighted by the new and proposed ordinances to “regulate” all the Marijuana shops in the City because, they were left out of the planning phase. To correct that issue and others, the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform is sponsoring a petition drive to place the issue on the August 2^nd, 2016 ballot as a referendum. 

         Business owners feel that this ordinance was designed to eliminate ALL Marijuana businesses in the City of Detroit. The remaining few spots that are eligible are already owned by people that are waiting for the ordinance to take effect and eliminate the competition.  The focus on shutting down 211 Marijuana Care Centers through zoning laws is creating an adverse effect on owners who want to get fair and equal opportunity to be a part of the 100+ Billion dollar pie of Marijuana.

         Currently, the City of Detroit has over 11,000 empty buildings within its limits. As always businesses that are owned by African Americans will be the first ones to be shut down. Places like G3 on 8 mile and Hubbell will be closed down and, the buildings will become vacant again.  What the business owners want is fair treatment as a legitimate business and Sensible Cannabis laws in the City of Detroit. The business owners are proposing that there only be one regulation cana-businesses with a 1000ft buffer regulation that only includes Schools and, Libraries.

The current regulations like 1000 feet from a church is un-constitutional and may face a court on the issue of separation of church and state.  The ordinance gives the appearance of collusion with specific owners to eliminate the completion to drive up prices for everyone.  We want transparency in our operations as a Government, and as a service organization to the citizens of Detroit. Therefore starting on Feb 24^th, through February 29^th, the Woodward Avenue Business Owners Association is sponsoring a petition drive at 3 of the four locations on the strip. 

• Miles Green Acers  19010 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48203
• Tribute Detroit 18830 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48203
• Green Cure 18002 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48203 

Other Locations in The City of Detroit:

• Green Zone Wellness 13707 W McNichols Detroit MI 48235
• Peace of Amsterdam 18665 W 8 Mile Detroit MI 48219

At these locations, you can find petitions to address the Zoning and Licensing issue so that they can be placed on the ballot as a referendum question in the August 2^nd, 2016 Primary Election. Register to vote forms may be available at these locations also to let your voice be your vote. 

The Presidential primary on March 8^th, 2016 is ready to take on people that are interested in voting early at the Detroit Elections Bureau at 2978 Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48203 or the 2^nd floor of the Coleman Young Municipal Center at 2 Woodward Avenue Detroit MI 48226. You must declare your party preference before you cast your vote for as a Democrat or, a Republican so vote early and don’t be late.

How to Comply with New Voter Photo ID Laws with your Selfie Stick and Cell Phone

by The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

With your cell phone, you can make your vote count if you do not have proper ID. All you need is your Cell Phone, Selfie Stick, and a ballot to cast.  As soon as you are denied the right to vote because of lack of proper id, you then demand to vote with a provisional ballot.  Ask to take a selfie with the precinct captain with your ballot in hand, shoot picture and cast your vote. You may want to shoot a picture of the ballot while you cast it if you feel like it.  When court action is necessary to have your vote counted because of your identity is being challenged, you have video evidence to present to dispute the claim.  Voter fraud must be stopped and, this method will aid in your voting right being protected by law, and your vote being counted.

A Historic August Weekend in Detroit on 8 Mile Road

By Richard C. Clement

Like a fine bottle of Wine
Getting better with Age

The Office of District 2 Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. wants to commend all of the participants of People for Palmer Park, The Annual 8 Mile Gathering Fellowship, Crusin in the D, and all the people at Peterson Park who partied in the Spirit of Detroit this August. I want to give a special shout out to the 40^th year reunion of the Mumford Class of 1975.

Some of the Class of 1975

WMUM Radio Personalities
Gerald Mc Bride and Richard Clement

It was an extreme pleasure to see old friends, classmates, neighbors, and the reason that all of us became who we are now. It was good to know that some of us are still alive and well.  To those of my Mustang classmates who are resting in heaven, I was honored to be your friend, teammate and drinking partner.  It has been 40 years graduated from Mumford High School and, to all of you all may the Spirit of Detroit inside you live on.

More class of the Class of 1975

Clement and Lake

The Annual 8 Mile reunion on the grounds of an old civil war camp was an extremely awesome event of unity. Old and new neighbors get together and fellowship in the most awesome manner at this location. There are never any acts violence here and it is nothing but love and respect for each other.

Pasteur School in the House

It was an extreme pleasure to introduce some of my friends to current Detroit Fire Department employees of Engine 44, with a brand new door. We were glad to see the support from Wayne County Sheriff, Detroit Fire and Police Departments.  They should feel good about covering a District with a strong history and a great future for the children that live there. Everyone knows the Neighborhood Police Officer but very few know the Neighborhood Fire Fighter. Want to give a big shout out to Sheriff Benny Napolean for his support and he is a proud product of Pasteur School.

Stop The Violence

The Gathering at Peterson Park was a true blessing of the neighborhood again in the Spirit of Detroit. This large city park accommodated three different groups who all played together in harmony.  A Winship Junior High School reunion, a Stop the Violence Rally, and a church group all used the park to fellowship together.  A deputy sheriff from Wayne County came to Stop the Violence and speak about the importance of education and reading. 

Wayne County Sheriff & Cush

Most of the prisoners in Wayne County Jails have the same trait in common regarding their reading skills. They are the most repeat offenders and the deputy sheriff did a wonderful job in communicating with the audience about police and community relations. This is another shout out to Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napolean and the employees that work under his command.

Cush and the Church
Working Together in District 2

Cruisn the D at Palmer Park

The effort to make Woodward South of 8 Mile road a part of a Cruise weekend was a smashing success. The span of Woodward between 8 and Mc Nichols (6 Mile for Native Detroiters) was populated with by the Crusin the “D” event that went around Palmer Park, 7 Mile, Woodward, 8 Mile and back.  This area has its own uniqueness because there are few restaurants and a park with a lot of trees where people parked their cars, stayed cool and watched the other cars go by.  It was a pleasure to welcome cruisers to the area.  

Crusin at Palmer Park

Participants at Woodward and Golden Gate drank cool vegan lemonade at the Golden Gate Café and watched the cars go by. Our office wants to send a thank you to Jerry White, Ms. Litita White and LG Graphics for participating in the inaugural classic car show held on the parking lot at Woodward and Golden Gate.  This location is a prime property for watching cruisers, especially the motor bikers go up and down Woodward.

Thank you Mejiers 

In 2016 a cruise from Campus Martius and Back is very doable. In collaboration with bikers, cruisers, and track clubs, this annual event will morph into an international celebration of the automobile.  Is a Cruise weekend marathon with runners running from 26 miles out to a finish line located at Campus Martius possible? This would have to be done before the Saturday of the event maybe on a Friday morning. Otherwise, the bikers and automobile group can do the cruise from Campus Martius to Pontiac in 2016 with proper time, planning and, support.

Cruiser(Left) with Organizer/CEO
Gregory Reed(Right)

Detroit is coming back and we are helping to keep it on track to progress.

We thank you all for your participation in these events in the Spirit of Detroit.

Keep up the good work in Detroit!