SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR I met Mike Jones while walking through Ypsi one morning while he was selling Groundcover News. Interviewing Mike helped to highlight my thought process in regards to music development. I have a personal interest in music development and we talked about Mike's music, showcasing his personal journey. As we were walking through Mike Jones, Groundcover vendor No. 113 In one sentence, who are you? I am healthy, wealthy and wise. Where do you usually sell Groundcover? The YMCA and Ypsi Food Co-op. Where are you from? I was born at U-M Hospital and was raised in downtown Ann Arbor. What is one place in Ann Arbor that feels like your own personal sanctuary? Liberty and 4th. What’s your life motto? Mean nobody harm and be nobody’s fool! What advice would you give to your younger self? Listen more than you talk. Books or movies? "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen. If there was a theme song for your life, what would it be? "The Lord Knows" by 2 Pac. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Africa. What is your favorite thing about yourself? I am loving, caring and kind. Would you make a good world leader? Yes — because I am dedicated to seeing good prevail. What is the best day of the year, in your opinion? Juneteenth! June 19. A celebration of freedom from American slavery. Who’s your favorite superhero? Superman — because Clark Kent was a news reporter! the Ypsilanti streets, we got into the development behind the music. I asked Mike about the name of his music group. Mike responded "Yeah, Getcha Mind Right Crew, and that was inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan. How different acts came together to form one group. You know, people who gather in different parts of our neighborhood, making music for people to enjoy." I find personal inspiration in the arts and it is often the case that many people in the homeless community have strong creative talents. I have often contemplated how to give more relevance to those facets of our society through art groups and creative outlets that would release them from creative stagnation so they can use their abilities to challenge themselves. In other words, how to build a creative empire on the ability of the people. Which leads us to the question: what opportunity are we creating for those interested in music development while facing socioeconomic hardship? Mike and I broke through some barriers with regards to socioeconomic issues like homelessness and the impact music can have GROUNDCOVER NEWS A music empire development for personal betterment. "Yes, absolutely I have. In my youth, my uncle always said, ‘Music will teach you.’ Ultimately, the arts are the foundation for creating a better place." Mike went on to talk about HANNAH SNOW Groundcover contributor on them. I asked Mike about his experience with homelessness. "Yes, I was homeless while working two jobs and struggling to pay my child support," he said. I commented on how a person can be making moves to do the right thing, be working a job and still come into hard times. We need to understand these real life struggles behind homelessness. We know faces, but we don't know their stories. According to Mike, the widespread socioeconomic issues that affect so many people now are becoming more and more common, to the point of it being difficult for many people to keep their mouth above the water. This does not mean we should not continue to strive to teach people how to use their skills to swim. A better-taught fish will move easier through the water. I could see the use of music in a growth-centered setting being more beneficial than not for the esteem of a community that starts with an individualistic basis. What can YOU build with your creative ability right where you’re at, just like he did? how music is a form of therapy for him. I have contemplated starting a music artist development group, free to anyone passionate about music and fostering a desire to do something with it. Don't despise the land of small beginnings. In the case of Getcha Mind Right Crew, it started with a meeting with an artist in a session that promoted a feeling of therapeutic involvement. The inspiration grew from there. I believe we can see great results when we are believed in as creative individuals. I also see the potential of a greater development for Ann Arbor's small artists who want to grow into their "it's time now" era. That's something I aspire to see happening for my community and those involved in it. Involvement therapy instead of escape therapy. A beautiful concept. A last piece of advice from Mike for individuals like me who are just starting out: "Take steps and move towards it every day." What about you? Would you I inquired if there was a time he thought of music as a tool to use benefit from joining a music development group? Potentially, you could be a foundational stone to a self-made music empire of independent and flourishing artists. 3 Denise Shearer Groundcover's next special edition magazine "Respect Your Elders" will be released September 25, highlighting issues, resources and stories about our senior community members!
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