By Eric T. Campbell The Michigan Citizen DETROIT — Opening a successful and enduring bar establishment often times involves keeping a finger on the latest trends. Other times it simply means keeping the doors open and letting the so-called trendsetters find you. If you stay open long enough, the cycle of life dictates that you’ll be fashionable even a few times. Robert Jones celebrated his 60th birthday las ...

By Michael D. Wynn, CFE Special to The Michigan Citizen An “Open House” could provide Cash “FLO” (Cash and Financial Literacy Ownership) for a young person who will soon take their first step into adulthood with financial responsibilities. During the summer months, many of us will give a Graduate, a “Graduation Party”, or “Open House” more commonly called. This unique gathering could be more than just a cel ...

By Eric Campbell The Michigan Citizen The Corktown district is generally known for its historic architecture and contributions to the downtown restaurant scene. But nestled in a cottage, that is an almost visually perfect setting, is a new boutique dedicated to children’s books. Lauren and Debra Thomas, daughter and mother, have transformed a former pub into a space that could, itself, easily be found in a ...

By Eric T. Campbell The Michigan Citizen The larger than life technicolor murals of Chazz Miller are the first signs that you’re nearing the Artist Village. The numbers of murals indicate a rooted commitment to the neighborhood. The enclave of artists and that make up the ‘Village’ have been slowly expanding their vision of community workshop and art sanctuary throughout a cluster of buildings that sit on t ...

By Eric T. Campbell The Michigan Citizen There’s a new spot in Highland Park that has already made a name for itself as a place to gather for the nurturing of the mind and the body. Open just a month now, Nandi’s Knowledge Café is the collaboration of Nandi and fiancé Ray McDonald. Their storefront, located on Woodward just south of Glendale, is a seamless combination of used bookstore in the front and a sm ...

By Eric T. Campbell The Michigan Citizen The story of Glover Meeks Cleaners is one that could be told about many of the struggling Black owned dry cleaners throughout Detroit. Starting in the 1970’s, original owner John Meeks operated up to seven stores throughout the metro area. He began to sell his stores in the 90’s. Tony Miller bought two of them in 1996, including the ‘plant’ on Forest and Van Dyke. Fo ...

By Farrah Gray NNPA Columnist You are the single most important factor that can influence your child’s growth and development. Your love and support can help put your child on the path to great success. You can teach your child the art of survival and how to solve the problems he or she will inevitably face. You may not be able to give your child money or connections, but you can give them the values to liv ...

By Eric T. Campbell The Michigan Citizen Understanding the long term success that Waterman and Sons Printing has enjoyed as a business means recognizing four generations of the Waterman family. It also means going back to the year 1916 when William A. Waterman, grandfather of current operators Homer E. Waterman and William O. Waterman, first started the family business on old Vernor Highway. Waterman and So ...

By Eric Campbell The Michigan Citizen Norman Thrasher is an entrepreneur who likes to keep his hands in several different ventures. It’s the restaurant business, however, that allows him to practice his belief that visible restoration and the healing provided by good food can reinvigorate a community. Located on Detroit’s west side, Thrasher’s Shabazz Fish Supreme is due to open on the first of May and will ...

By Eric T. Campbell The Michigan Citizen Amidst the hustle and bustle of university students quickly getting from one class to another, slowing down only to grab a sack of fast food or cram for an upcoming examination, sits a tiny oasis of calm and serenity. Curiously located on the first floor of the Wayne State Student Center, Naim’s Unique Designs offers the young scholars a serving of African culture. K ...