Chrysler rewrites standard for Super Bowl commercials, #1 for second year in a row


DETROIT (Tell Us USA) - Again, like last year, Chrysler Group LLC aired a commercial titled “It’s Halftime in America” during Super Bowl XLVI. It’s a two-minute tribute to America, that featured actor, director and producer Clint Eastwood as our gristled cheerleader. It’s a great speech with even better delivery, and the closing lines at the end are inspiring as the year before.

Chrysler did not release teasers of the ad this year, so viewers had no idea what to expect from the automaker. The company raised eyebrows prior to last year’s big game when word got out that it planned to run a 2-minute ad, which seemed too long and like too big a gamble.

But last year’s spot, “Imported from Detroit,” starring rapper Eminem, was a huge hit for Chrysler and became part of its comeback story in 2011.

The latest commercial, which aired just before the second half began, is all about a national comebacks. Eastwood, famous for drawing parallels those that have to come from behind in the second half and people struggling in hard economic times.   

16th African American History Day Begins Black History Month

DETROIT - African American History Day brought over a thousand visitors to the Detroit Historical Museum Saturday to kick off Black History Month.

The entire museum was devoted to events designed to celebrate the lives and contributions of African Americans, from Fredrik Douglass to Tuskegee Airmen.

Visitors to the Second Baptist Church of Detroit set-up were amazed to meet abolitionist Fredrick Douglass who spoke at the church in 1859. A Harriet Tubman re-enactor shared a little known black history fact: A public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was delivered at the Second Baptist church on January 6, 1903.  

WSU expects incoming students to know how to read and write before admission

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Wayne State University officials have unveil a proposed tougher new admissions policy that is expected to reduce the student population by about 5 percent.

Under the proposal to be presented to the Board of Governors, incoming freshmen in 2013 would be evaluated on their entire academic record, along with an essay, instead of the current policy of using a student's grade point average and ACT score for determining admissions. 

The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority announces businessman Louis James as new chairman

DETROIT -  The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority has a new chairman and is looking to become a key source of job growth in the next decade.

Detroit businessman Louis James was elected chairman recently by the Board of Directors, replacing Art Blackwell who has had a long history with the Port.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve as the chairman of an entity that is positioned to play a pivotal part in the resurgence of Detroit,” said James. 

Take someone special to a special place on Valentine's Day, help support The Parade Company

DETROIT - The Parade Company is opening its doors Valentine’s Day weekend for a truly unique and magical experience. Couples can now book a private tour of the company’s Parade Studio in Detroit. The guided tour will provide a look back at the history of America’s Thanksgiving Parade® as well as an up close view of the larger-than-life characters and floats, from a 12’ tall Cupid to the historic Mother Goose float and new favorites. Each tour includes a commemorative photo taken in the larger than life Parade Studio, as well as a special gift bag featuring a bottle of champagne or sparkling juice, flowers, chocolates, beads and our signature clown noses.

The Detroit Historical Society continues film series "The Freedom Train" February 11 & 12 at the Detroit Historical Museum

DETROIT - The Detroit Historical Society continues its monthly Film Series with “The Freedom Train,” showing Saturday and Sunday, February 11 & 12 at 1 p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum. Each screening is free with regular admission to the Museum.

This documentary film, produced in 1996 by Kingberry Productions in association with WDIV Local 4, chronicles the National Negro Labor Council (NNLC), formed in 1951, and its mission to advance blacks in the workplace and eliminate racism inside labor unions.

President Obama has it right: America needs education

Op-Ed by Tom Watkins

ANN ARBOR - Regardless of one's politics, it is always good to have a smart POTUS (President of the United States) visiting your state.

Sure there are the inevitable traffic jams, police overtime costs and logistical headaches. But there is nothing better than commanding our president’s attention, as well as that of the nation and the world, on your hometown. To have his focus on education is icing on the cake. 

Lenovo Receives Top Industry Awards at 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show

CES 2012, Las Vegas - Lenovo, in January announced at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that it has received 22 awards and honors highlighting innovation, design and versatility in the PC industry. Most notably, the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga won 11 awards from prominent industry publications including PCMag.com, Popular Mechanics, LAPTOP and Tom’s Guide all highlighting its groundbreaking hybrid functionality, distinctive design and innovative engineering. 

College scholarships available to Detroit students through the Coleman A. Young Foundation

DETROIT - The Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF) is accepting applications for the prestigious 2012 CAYF Scholars Program. The Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who are Detroit residents, attending a Detroit public, private or parochial school, a minimum 2.5 grade-point average and demonstrates financial need. 

Detroit Children’s Museum reopens to DPS students

District explores options to reopen museum to the general public

DETROIT - Detroit Public Schools today announced that operations have resumed at the Detroit Children’s Museum, allowing DPS students to continue to experience and learn from the rich curriculum provided at the country’s third oldest children’s museum.

DPS, which owns the museum, has severed its 10-year services agreement with the Detroit Science Center to manage the museum.  

Free tax preparation for those who can't afford it

DETROIT - Members of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) will volunteer their tax preparation expertise to help low income individuals and families in Detroit as part of the Accounting Aid Society’s (AAS) 2012 “Tax Assistance Program”. The MACPA will once again participate in the AAS Adopt-A-Site program by preparing taxes at Focus: HOPE on Saturday, January 28, Saturday, February 4 and Saturday, February 11.  

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AMERICAN BLACK MEN: Disconnected, Desensitized, Disenfranchised & Desperate

My America? By Artist Jon Onye Lockard

FOXWORTH REPORT: - In 2012, we are still witnessing cyclical social issues that have never been seen by any other generation. Given the history of those that were once spat upon, bitten by dogs, whipped, dragged behind trucks and often just for the sport of it all, lynched, what exponential progress has been made?

Post Emancipation Proclamation, black men in particular, have been expected to fulfill the titles of providers, being invincible, leaders and head of households to name a few. For one reason or another, including pride, a lack of skills, racism, distractions, momma boys, and so on, many have been unable to achieve and sustain this role.   

New Finney Crockett High School nearing completion


DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - DPS gave the media a sneak peek at the new Finny High School under construction on the city's eastside, preparing parents of the upcoming school changes for next year.

The new $46.5 million, 221,000-square-foot high school is being constructed at the site of the former Finney High School.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan HQ displays red heart to fight heart disease


DETROIT - In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds. Cardiovascular disease is a serious medical condition, while heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, claiming one in every three women annually. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is asking Michigan residents to know your numbers this February to support the American Heart Association’s Heart Awareness month. Knowing your numbers – body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol – can help to keep your heart healthy and safe from cardiovascular disease.  

Motown Winter Blast set for festivities and entertainment


DETROIT - Family fun and exciting entertainment return when the Motown Winter Blast presented by the Ambassador Bridge kicks off at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit, Friday, Feb. 10 – Sunday, Feb. 12. Festivalgoers will enjoy a lineup of favorite returning attractions and can expect a number of new activities as well. Making a welcome reappearance will be free snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmaking.  

Detroit produced Powerbag is perfect recharging station for electronic devices on the go


LAS VEGAS, NV - We've all been in that situation when you are on the go and your treasured electronic - phone, iPad, computer - dies at the most inopportune time.

You aren't at an office or home so you can't just plug in to a wall outlet, but instead appear to be out of luck with no battery life remaining in your treasured iPhone 4S.

DPSL National Letter of Intent Signing Day


DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - In conjunction with college football’s National Letter of Intent Signing Day, DPS football scholarship recipients were assembled before their parents and the media as they each announced their college choice. The eventtook place Wednesday. Feb. 1 at the Marcus Garvey Academy in Detroit.

Chief Godbee urges Detroiters to make the right call for public safety

Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - The City of Detroit continually work to improve the 9-1-1 system with multi-language and Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) support, staffed by trained dispatchers. When a citizen calls 9-1 -1, police resources are sent out based on identified threats to Life, Safety and Property. 

Achievers and achievements provide insight into Black history Month

Op-Ed By Edward Foxworth III

DETROIT (Tell Us USA) - Whether it was Tulsa Oklahoma’s “Black Wall Street”, depicting how African-Americans could create and conduct business with each other successfully or efforts made by “The Tuskegee Airmen” and their ability to showcase their desire, teamwork and respect for one another, historical acts provide lessons on how we can live our lives today.