Black History In Radio: Jack L Cooper

The month of February is set aside to remind America of the contributions and impact that African Americans have had on shaping this country. 

Jack L. Cooper is considered the first African American radio announcer in the U.S. Cooper was a veteran stage performer and columnist for the Chicago Defender. His radio career began in the 1920’s as a comedian at WCAP in Washington DC. Cooper realized there was a large population that was under-represented in radio. 

He later became the host, producer, and announcer of The All-Negro Hour at WSBC in Chicago, a show created specifically for black performers who were trying to avoid the perpetuation of negative stereotypes. 

Cooper went on to utilize radio as a social force on behalf of the black community. He created the Search For Missing Persons show as well as Listen Chicago, a program that focused on current events. 

Cooper passed away in 1970, and was later inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

Source: radiohalloffame.com

Conagra Brands Recall Canned Meat And Poultry Products

Conagra Brands Inc., is recalling approximately 2,581,816 pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect. The defect may cause products to become contaminated without showing signs of contamination. 

Conagra Brands supply canned meats and poultry products under brand names such as Armour Vienna Sausage, Kroger brand, Prairie brand, Great Value, and others. The products were shipped to retail stores nationwide. 

The products in question were produced between December 12th and January 13th. Recalled products bear the establishment number “P4247” on the product cans.

The damaged cans may not be visible to those who may purchase them, but can still allow foodborne pathogens to enter. There have been no confirmed reports of people suffering from adverse reactions, but if you do experience adverse symptoms after consuming, be sure to contact a physician immediately.

For more information on particular brands affected, visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Veteran Homes Seek Volunteers For No Member Dies Alone Program

When they were called upon to defend our country, our veterans were there serving and protecting. When it comes time for the hero’s farewell, many of our vets spend their last days alone.

The Michigan Veterans Homes (MVH) is seeking volunteers to join the No Member Dies Alone (NMDA) program. This one-of-a-kind program allows volunteers to provide bedside comfort when friends and family are unable to be there for their loved ones. 

Volunteers will partake in acts of kindness such as having conversation, reading or playing music, or just holding the hand of one of our veterans so that they don’t have to transition alone.

MVH needs volunteers at their facilities located in Grand Rapids, Chesterfield Township, and Marquette. They will provide all necessary training such as bedside protocol, communication skills and self-care, as well as privacy regulations. 

For more information, visit: michigan.gov/nomemberdiesalone.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Detroit Pistons HBCU/NPHC Night Coming Soon

The Detroit Pistons will be gearing up to play the Phoenix Suns and the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) is inviting you to join the Detroit Pistons HBCU/NPHC Night at Little Caesars Arena.

The NPHC is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American international Greek lettered fraternities. Their primary purpose and focus is camaraderie and academic excellence for its members and serving their respective communities through educational, economic, and cultural service activities.

On Saturday, February 4th, starting at 7 p.m., guests are welcome to hang out at Little Caesars Arena to watch the Detroit Pistons take on the Phoenix Suns for a night of fun for a good cause. The event is a fundraising opportunity for the Detroit, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, and Lansing NPHC organizations. 

Tickets are $45 dollars and include a long sleeve Pistons/Divine 9 shirt, post game celebration with the Pistons, and surprise guests. 

For tickets, visit: pistons.com/nphcnight.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Danielle International LLC Ready-To-Eat Sausage Products

We all hope and expect our food to be free of anything that would make us ill, but due to modern processing methods or just human error, things sometimes slip through the cracks. 

There has been a recent recall for ready-to-eat sausage products from Daniele International LLC. The company is responsible for foods under the names of many other brands including Boars Head, and Frederik’s.

Products are said to have been adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and diarrhea, as well as other symptoms. 

Products were shipped nationwide between December 23rd, and January 17th. Products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST.54” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

For a full list of products that may be contaminated, visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Reporting For WGRT – Choze Powell

Extra Covid-19 Food Assistance Payments Ends After February

To address the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2020, many Michigan residents began receiving additional food assistance each month. Due to new federal legislation that will end after February.

Individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were receiving an extra food benefit of $95 or more per month, but due to the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which was signed on December 29th, those individuals will have to look for other means to offset the loss. 

Options that are suggested include local food banks, free and reduced-priced school lunches, the WIC program, and Double-Up Food Bucks. 

“Now that we know the additional benefits are going away, we want to make sure our clients are prepared for this change, as we realize inflation is affecting all of us,” says Chief Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lewis Roubal.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell