Choze Powell

Michigan Treasury Urges Taxpayers To Use Online Services During Presidents Day Closure

As Michigan prepares to observe Presidents Day on Monday, February 19th, the Department of Treasury reminds taxpayers that state offices will be closed for the holiday. However, taxpayers with inquiries regarding their state individual income taxes are encouraged to utilize the Treasury eServices platform.

Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale emphasized the benefits of eServices, highlighting its accessibility and convenience. Taxpayers can access various services, including checking tax history, submitting documentation, and asking questions, all from the comfort of their homes and at any time of the day.

With the eServices platform, taxpayers can manage tasks such as checking the status of their state tax refunds, updating addresses, and requesting copies of documents. This online option provides a streamlined alternative to traditional customer service channels, especially during peak periods like Presidents Day.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate Black Culinary Heritage At Port Huron Museum’s Taste Of Soul Event

Join Port Huron Museums Saturday, February 24th for free a celebration of African American culinary heritage at the 2nd Annual Taste of Soul event. From the roots of Africa, Jamaica, and the enduring legacy of slavery, to the vibrant flavors of today’s Soul Food, this event traces the delicious journey of Black foodways through history.

Immerse yourself in a cultural extravaganza featuring live music, storytelling, and networking opportunities with local restaurateurs. Explore the From Whence We Came African American Exhibit at the Port Huron Museum and indulge in signature dishes from Africa, Jamaica, and generations-old Soul Food recipes.

Savor the flavors of African/Black cuisine and signature drinks from esteemed restaurants like Chef Chris Catering, Elle Symone Catering & Events, and Yum Village, among others.

Let’s come together to learn, taste, and celebrate Black History at this unforgettable event, hosted at the Port Huron Museums Carnegie Museum located at 1115 6th St Port Huron, festivities begin at 12 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Urgency Mounts As Deadline Approaches For Community Foundation Of St. Clair County Scholarship Funds

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is currently overseeing a diverse range of scholarship funds aimed at supporting students in pursuing higher education. Among these funds is the prestigious Come Home Award, alongside other traditional scholarships, all designed to assist students in fulfilling their academic aspirations.

With various criteria set by the donors, these scholarships offer students a valuable opportunity to fund their college or vocational education. The application process for traditional scholarships, which begin in early January, is quickly coming to a close, with a priority deadline of mid-March.

Eligible candidates include high school graduates, incoming freshmen, upperclassmen, and non-traditional students, with opportunities available for various academic levels and institutions, both in Michigan and out-of-state. Time is of the essence to submit applications before the deadline.

For more information, visit: stclairfoundation.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Community Foundation Sponsors 100 Family Memberships To Charles H. Wright Museum

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has announced an initiative to sponsor 100 annual family memberships to the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit. Over the next two weekends in February, families can seize this opportunity to gain unlimited access to the museum’s rich cultural offerings.

To obtain a membership, interested families must visit the Charles H. Wright Museum on February 17th, 18th, 24th, or 25th. The first 25 families to present a specified email on each of these days will receive a complimentary annual family membership.

These memberships provide access for two adults and up to four children, promising a year-round immersion in the museum’s diverse celebrations and programs, including Women’s History Month, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, and the annual African World Festival at Hart Plaza. Don’t miss out on this chance to honor Black History Month with your family at the Charles H. Wright Museum.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Hosts Annual National African American Read-In Event

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is set to host an enriching African American Literature Read-In event as part of the nationwide celebration of the National African American Read-In. 

Established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, the event at SC4 will take place on February 24th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. This event is free for all attendees.

Local K-12 students will share excerpts from children’s literature by African American authors, aiming to intertwine literacy with the essence of Black History Month. Notable features include a compelling conversation between SC4’s English professor, Chris Hilton, and Chief Diversity Officer Jessica Brown, exploring the event’s significance in promoting literacy and cultural understanding.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Strange Love, The Mysterious Origins Of Valentine’s Day

Scholars and historians speculate on the origins of St. Valentine’s Day, suggesting it may have roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Celebrated between the 13th and 15th of February, Lupercalia honored the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, according to history.com.

During Lupercalia, Roman priests would conduct rituals involving the sacrifice of animals, particularly goats and dogs, to promote fertility and purification. They would then use the hides of these animals to gently slap women and crop fields, believing the practice enhanced fertility.

Additionally, a tradition emerged where young women would place their names in an urn, and city bachelors would choose a name to become paired with for the year, often resulting in marriages. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell