INSIDER
Primary vote could mean no Black Detroit member in Congress
Read full article: Primary vote could mean no Black Detroit member in CongressState Rep. Shri Thanedar has won Michigan’s 13th Congressional Democratic primary, topping a field of nine candidates in a district that covers most of Detroit and a number of surrounding suburbs.
Live primary election results: Michigan US House District 13 on Aug. 2, 2022
Read full article: Live primary election results: Michigan US House District 13 on Aug. 2, 2022The field of candidates includes Shri Thanedar, Portia Roberson, Adam Hollier, John Conyers III, Sharon McPhail, Sam Riddle, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, Lorrie Rutledge and Micheal Griffie.
Having uncomfortable conversations about race: How do we start?
Read full article: Having uncomfortable conversations about race: How do we start?It’s a recurring theme hearing that we should have difficult conversations about race. The questions is: “How do we start?”Local 4′s Devin Scillian sat down with former Detroit City Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel and Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson to talk about how people can engage with others on the topic. You can watch the full conversation in the video above.
Flashpoint 12/20/20: Michigan health leaders discuss managing limited supply of COVID vaccine
Read full article: Flashpoint 12/20/20: Michigan health leaders discuss managing limited supply of COVID vaccineHow do you manage a limited supply of a medicine everyone needs? Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief deputy director for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Denise Fair, chief public health officer for the City of Detroit discussed the enormous task of getting the vaccine distributed. Dr. M. Roy Wilson, President of Wayne State University and an epidemiologist; Christina Zilke, a registered nurse and the nursing supervisor at the Washtenaw County Health Department; and Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE also spoke about health concerns Sunday on Flashpoint. Segment OneDr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief deputy director for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Denise Fair, chief public health officer for the City of Detroit. Segment TwoDr. M. Roy Wilson, President of Wayne State University and an epidemiologist; Christina Zilke, a registered nurse and the nursing supervisor at the Washtenaw County Health Department; and Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE.
Retired Wayne County Judge Dalton Roberson dies at 83
Read full article: Retired Wayne County Judge Dalton Roberson dies at 83DETROIT – Retired Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Dalton Roberson has died at age 83. Roberson is a legal legend in Michigan and was originally on the bench for 25 years from 1974 to 1999. For the past five years he was still presiding over cases as a visiting judge. Roberson served on the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, was named chief judge of records court in the late 1980s and was named judge of the year by the National Conference of Black Lawyers in 1992. He was a graduate of Michigan State University, a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and an avid golfer.
Flashpoint 11/8/20: Election fight continues with allegations of chicanery stretching into Detroit
Read full article: Flashpoint 11/8/20: Election fight continues with allegations of chicanery stretching into DetroitDETROIT – While Joe Biden was declared the projected winner of the White House race, many Republicans are raising concern over the voting ballot process and calling for investigations. The fight appears poised to go on with allegations of chicanery that stretch right into Detroit’s downtown convention hall. Is there any end in sight for an election that drew more American voters than ever before? Segment OneChris Thomas, senior Detroit election directorSegment TwoChad Livengood, senior editor, Crain’s Detroit Business; Attorney Dennis Cowan; Zoe Clark, program director of Michigan Radio and Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE. Segment ThreeFlashpoint host Devin Scillian wraps up this week’s episode.
Trump debate comment pushing Black Americans, others to vote
Read full article: Trump debate comment pushing Black Americans, others to voteBlack Americans and other people of color say President Donald Trumps refusal to outright condemn white nationalists during this weeks debate has strengthened their resolve to vote in November. Roberson, a 51-year-old Black woman who lives in Detroit, found the comments chilling — but also felt a renewed resolve to vote. Eric Sheffield, a Black real estate developer in Atlanta whose parents hail from the Deep South, said Trump’s comments reminded him of the Jim Crow era. It’s just warmed over now.”It's not just Black Americans who took notice — and umbrage — at the president's debate comments. While Trump's comments — and his record on race — may have unsettled many Americans, for some Black people they evoke a particularly dark history.
Black community leaders weigh in on debate over whether Black-on-Black crime should be protested
Read full article: Black community leaders weigh in on debate over whether Black-on-Black crime should be protestedThe increase in crime has sparked a quiet, but spirited debate within the local Black community. The question being raised is whether Black-on-Black crime should be protested the same way crimes against Blacks involving police or people of other backgrounds has been. Some think the Black community also needs protest Black-on-Black crimes. Those other two are racial injustice among Blacks and Black-on-Black crime. Some believe Black-on-Black crime is also killing Blacks, but theres very little outcry.
Flashpoint 8/16/20: Kamala Harris picked as Joe Bidens running mate ahead of Democratic National Convention
Read full article: Flashpoint 8/16/20: Kamala Harris picked as Joe Bidens running mate ahead of Democratic National ConventionAll rights reserved)DETROIT As schools continue to scramble to reopen, the coronavirus pandemic knocks out college football, a staple of autumn in Michigan. On Sunday, Dr. Francis Collins, head of the National Institutes of Health will make an appearance on Flashpoint and discuss the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has selected US Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. Harris was selected as Democrats prepare for this weeks Democratic National Convention. Segment OneDr. Francis Collins, head of the National Institutes of HealthSegment TwoMichigan Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE; Bankole Thompson, editor-in-chief of The PuLSE Institute and Jill Alper of Alper StrategiesSegment ThreeFlashpoint host Devin Scillian wraps up this weeks episode
Flashpoint 6/14/20: Calls to defund or abolish police departments gain momentum
Read full article: Flashpoint 6/14/20: Calls to defund or abolish police departments gain momentumDETROIT Calls to abolish, defund or reform police departments are growing louder across the country. What should be done to make the system more just for everyone? Well talk about it with Democratic Rep. Brenda Lawrence. There will also be a discussion on how racial disparities affect health, wealth and so many other aspects of life here in Metro Detroit. Segment One:Democratic Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigans 14th Congressional DistrictSegment Two:Portia Roberson, CEO, Focus: HOPE and Michael Rafferty, president and CEO of New DetroitSegment Three:Flashpoint host Devin Scillian wraps up this weeks episode.
Metro Detroit nonprofits look for new ways to deliver services during pandemic
Read full article: Metro Detroit nonprofits look for new ways to deliver services during pandemicDETROIT The coronavirus has brought along tough times for pretty much everyone, including organizations that depend on donations such as nonprofits. We offer showers, washer and dryers, they have access to a computer lab, food pantry, clothing closet, virtual programming, she said. Portia Roberson with Focus: HOPE also talked about how organizations are coming up with unique ways to serve the community. We were able to pivot very quickly and I think it made all the difference in the world, said Roberson. Those donations played a huge factor during the crisis, but as always donations especially for nonprofits are needed.
Flashpoint 10/13/19: Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, the Trump impeachment inquiry
Read full article: Flashpoint 10/13/19: Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, the Trump impeachment inquiryDETROIT - Here is what you missed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, of Michigan's 11th District made an appearance Sunday on Flashpoint. Next, the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump has led to a constitutional clash. Segment One:Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens. Segment Two:Follow a roundtable discussion featuring attorney and former Royal Oak Mayor Dennis Cowan, Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer, pollster and analyst Steve Mitchell and Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson. Segment Three:Follow a roundtable discussion featuring attorney and former Royal Oak Mayor Dennis Cowan, Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer, pollster and analyst Steve Mitchell and Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson.
Flashpoint 5/19/19: Debating the future of Detroit's Eastern Market
Read full article: Flashpoint 5/19/19: Debating the future of Detroit's Eastern MarketDETROIT - Here is what you missed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:An iconic lunch spot in an even more iconic neighborhood is sparking a debate about the future and soul of the Eastern Market. And is the promise of District Detroit being fulfilled or falling short? These topics were discussed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint. Flashpoint is hosted by WDIV Local 4 anchor Devin Scillian. Watch Flashpoint on WDIV at 10 a.m. on Sundays.
Focus Hope event encourages Metro Detroiters to participate in 2020 census
Read full article: Focus Hope event encourages Metro Detroiters to participate in 2020 censusThousands of people converged on the Focus Hope Headquarters on Sunday for the 45th annual March 4 Hope. "This is about encouraging people to know about our programs, food for seniors, youth development, early education and workforce," said Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson. Historically, the indigenous people of this country weren't counted in the Census before the 1900s," said Jasahn Larsosa, with Focus Hope. That's why Focus Hope and the city of Detroit want to make sure your all voice are heard, and they're not alone. Some heavy hitters stopped by the event including Sen. Jewell Jones, Rep. LaTanya Garrett and Sen. Adam Hollier, Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Lt. Gov.
Flashpoint 10/13/19: Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, the Trump impeachment inquiry
Read full article: Flashpoint 10/13/19: Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, the Trump impeachment inquiryDETROIT Here is what you missed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, of Michigan's 11th District made an appearance Sunday on Flashpoint. Next, the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump has led to a constitutional clash. Segment One:Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens. Segment Two:Follow a roundtable discussion featuring attorney and former Royal Oak Mayor Dennis Cowan, Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer, pollster and analyst Steve Mitchell and Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson. Segment Three:Follow a roundtable discussion featuring attorney and former Royal Oak Mayor Dennis Cowan, Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer, pollster and analyst Steve Mitchell and Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson.
Flashpoint 10/13/19: Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, the Trump impeachment inquiry
Read full article: Flashpoint 10/13/19: Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, the Trump impeachment inquiryDETROIT - Here is what to expect on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, of Michigan's 11th District will make an appearance Sunday on Flashpoint to weigh in on national issues. Next, the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump has led to a constitutional clash. Segment One:Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens. Segment Two:Follow a roundtable discussion featuring attorney and former Royal Oak Mayor Dennis Cowan, Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer, pollster and analyst Steve Mitchell and Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Flashpoint 9/28/19: Lansing budget crisis; UAW strike against General Motors
Read full article: Flashpoint 9/28/19: Lansing budget crisis; UAW strike against General MotorsDETROIT Here is what was on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:As we close in on the budget deadline in Lansing, are we headed for a shutdown? Next, it's now day 14 of strike signs and picket lines in the UAW strike against General Motors. Segment One:Dennis Darnoi, Densar Consulting; Stephen Henderson, host, WDET's Detroit Today; Zoe Clark, program director, Michigan Radio. Segment Two:John McElroy, host, "Autoline Detroit." Segment Three:Eleanor's March for HOPE with Focus Hope CEO Portia Roberson
Flashpoint 8/4/19: A discussion on the Democratic presidential debates in Detroit
Read full article: Flashpoint 8/4/19: A discussion on the Democratic presidential debates in DetroitThis Flashpoint web special features a discussion on the two night Democratic presidential debates in Detroit. Guests include Michigan Democratic congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Democratic strategist Jill Alper, WDETs Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson, and Focus: Hope CEO Portia Roberson.
Flashpoint 3/24/19: Detroit police chief addresses race relations; Mueller investigation complete
Read full article: Flashpoint 3/24/19: Detroit police chief addresses race relations; Mueller investigation completeDETROIT Here is what you missed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:The Detroit Police Department is grappling with race relations. Some believe the department is dealing with a race problem and want the issue to be looked into more closely. Detroit Police Chief James Craig made an appearance on Flashpoint Sunday to discuss race relations among officers and the community. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan wants more Project Green Light cameras in neighborhoods. Watch Flashpoint on WDIV at 10 a.m. on Sundays.
Flashpoint: Sen. Gary Peters talks confirmation hearings, foreign policy, Trump's first 2 weeks
Read full article: Flashpoint: Sen. Gary Peters talks confirmation hearings, foreign policy, Trump's first 2 weeksSenator Gary Peters joins Devin Scillian to talk confirmation hearings, foreign policy, and President Trump’s first two weeks in Washington. Then the roundtable’s take on it all. Watch at 10 a.m. Sunday. This week’s guests are:Sen. Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters)Roundtable:Portia Roberson, Detroit Div. of Civil Rights & EthicsDaniel Howes, Detroit News business columnistRandy Richardville, Former Michigan Senate Majority LeaderBankole Thompson, Detroit News columnistMore: Flashpoint Page
Flashpoint 12/11/2016: Michigan recount drama, Pistons to move downtown, RTA failure
Read full article: Flashpoint 12/11/2016: Michigan recount drama, Pistons to move downtown, RTA failureIts been a long week of drama in the Michigan recount and the outcome will not change, but it revealed some major issues in the voting process. The Pistons will be making a move downtown and sports fans are excited. The shortcomings of RTA caused the ballot initiative. Devin Scillian was joined by Steve Neavling, writer for Motor City Muckraker, Portia Roberson, Detroit Division of Civil Rights and Ethics, and Sheila Cockrel, former Detroit City Council member, to discuss the recount. An Detroit City Council Members Raquel Castaneda-Lopez and Scott Benson talked about the Pistons move to Detroit and the failure of RTA.