Page 2 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
The Way I See It
An open Letter to the community
To the Black Men that are locked away in Wisconsin By: Insider News Racine Publisher This month’s article is dedicated to the many African American men that are locked away in the Wisconsin prison system. This article is attributed to the continued suffering of African Americans as we celebrate Black History Month. I’m continually reminded of why we need our criminal justice system reformed. Special thanks to Deacon Robert Bagley, who is the featured writer for Insider News Racine monthly editorial, “The way I see it.” Restoring Our Communities (ROC) Wisconsin- Fixing Wisconsin’s Broken Criminal Justice System: Need to Establish Mental Health Courts Bob Bagley Co-Chair Racine Interfaith Coalition- ROC Wisconsin Committee. Fifteen years ago Congress established a system to create local Mental Health Courts in the states. When Congress passed the federal law- entitled “America’s Law Enforcement and mental Health Project, it cited the following findings: 1. 16 percent of all inmates in State prisons and local jails suffer from mental illness. 2. 25 to 40 percent of America’s mentally ill will come in contact with the criminal justice system. 3. An estimated 600,000 to 700,000 are booked into local jails each year. 4. 75 percent of mentally ill inmates have been sentenced to prison at least once prior to their current sentence. Like other treatment alternative and diversion programs- like the Racine Alcohol and Drug Treatment Court – mental health courts seek to keep the mentally ill out of prison as they monitor and treat their underlying mental health disorders. There are several positive outcomes from treating offenders in the community. First- it saves taxpayer money. Not having to confine, house and care for the physical needs of the offender saves money. Second-Recidivism rates are reduced as subjects get the appropriate treatment in a familiar environment. Participants respond better when they do not have the physical and mental stresses added by prison life- and they reoffend at lower rates. Third- not being exposed to the influences of the regular prison inmates means that the work done by professionals to alter behavior isn’t negatively impacted. Lastly- the fact is most mentally ill inmates never receive the appropriate treatment for the disorders that caused them to be sent to prison. They are merely warehoused in facilities that do have adequate resources. Many times that is because the bulk of the expense of keeping prisoners incarcerated is in physical plant infrastructure and maintenance, personnel to guard and protect prisoners from each other and themselves, and providing food, clothing and medical care. Most of that expense is reduced or eliminated- while time, effort and tax dollars are used to modify patient behavior and teach healthy self-monitoring skills. Behavioral health treatment courts integrate recovery and treatment services with justice system case processing. While other states have taken the opportunity to promote Mental Health Courts to keep the men-
A campaign to silence my voice in the community In response to the challenge against my nomination papers for Racine County Board Supervisor, there is no doubt in my mind, or the minds of others familiar with the situation in Racine, that I am a target of the established power structure for my role in resisting what could most accurately be labeled, “A covert effort to silence leadership in the black and minority community.” I have proof that the local community access TV station, (CAR25), was dismantled by the city government to remove the broadcasting of black church services as well as make it more difficult for citizens to observe their government. City officials have been caught using the “n” word and other derogatory terms in emails and non-public conversations. They have systematically and completely defunded community programs like the Urban League, Abundant Life, Racine County OIC and recreation centers such as the George Bray Center that served primarily inner city blacks. In February of 2015, we watched on Milwaukee TV Station Channel 58 as the mayor declared that an investigation was under way that would quickly and completely exonerate city officials of the charge that they had ever used racist’s terminology publicly and in city emails. Despite courteous reminders from others and myself during the last year, we are still awaiting the results of that so-called investigation and no such results have ever been released. I and others do not believe any such investigation ever took place and could not possibly prove their innocence. I have copies of emails and other evidence that proves they are guilty. Recently, the city “settled” a lawsuit where several minority businesses accused the mayor and his cronies of blatant racist intentions in closing down their businesses. The plaintiffs settled the lawsuit because they felt they had proven their point and the process had already cost the taxpayers 4 million dollars, mostly in attorney fees. Their goal had always been justice, not money for themselves. It's clear to me that this attack against my integrity as an elected official, is an attempt to silence my voice against their racism and fiscal incompetence in managing this community. My opponent, Kaprelian-Becker, the former partial term alderman, and the corrupt officials that she enabled with her voting record, likely fear that I could expose little known evidence about their activities which they hope will be overshadowed by the distraction of this attack against my candidacy to continue as a member of the Racine County Board. They will regret the day that they decided to embark on yet another racist campaign against another member of the black community. I refuse to be silenced and will continue to speak truth to power until we rid ourselves of this scourge and build a truly just and diverse community. I have chosen to not inconvenience my constituents by requiring them to amend their information on my nomination papers in response to this frivolous and petty challenge to their wishes for me not to run for a ninth term as their representative. I will instead run as a write-in candidate and fully expect to be re-elected.
Turn to page 14 Locked up Page 3 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Rev. Melvin Hargrove, center upper photo, Pastor of Zoe Outreach Ministries, located 2130 Racine Street, pastoral celebration drew close to 200 guests, Friday, January 22. His guest list included members from his church family, elected officials, businessmen and members of the school board, where he serves as president. The elegant event was held at Infusino’s Banquet Hall, 3201 Rapid Drive. Rev. Hargrove was chosen Racine Insider News “Man of the Year 2015”
Rev. Hargrove celebrates 17 years in ministry
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Page 4 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
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David Campbell to Head Ken Lumpkin’s Re-Election Write-In Campaign Racine County Board Supervisor Kenneth Lumpkin says he has asked David Campbell, a long time GOTV Specialist, to head his reelection write-in campaign to be held Tuesday, April 5, 2015. Voters for Lumpkin will be required to write-in his name in and connect the arrows in order to receive a vote. “We know it will be a little difficult, but our voters will be well informed between now and Election Day,” Lumpkin said. The 4th District is a majority minority District and Lumpkin has held the position for more than 16 years. Melissa Kaprelian-Becker, a former Racine alderman who is running for Lumpkin’s 4th supervisory district seat, challenged his 110 signatures for a variety of reasons, including 17 that seemly appeared to be from residents outside the district. “We are not going to let the system hold us back from being a loud voice for the voiceless in our community,” says Lumpkin. Campbell says that he will organize Lumpkin’s campaign the same way as if his David Cambell name was still on the ballot. “He has been there for the residents of the 4th District, now it’s time for the citizen to be there for him,” Cambell explained. Election will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Spring General Election.
Pastor/Founder Fred L. & 1st. Lady Barbara Richmond
Page 5 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Primary Election: February 16, 2016 John Bryant Center Vote to Elect
Mollie Jones Alderman 2nd District “As your Alderman, I will continue to work hard for the 2nd District and the City of Racine.”
STACEY DASH
“…we need to get rid of channels like BET and the BET Awards.” Actress and political commentator Stacey Dash is not a fan of exclusively black networks like BET and is speaking out about what she perceives to be a racial double standard. Tuesday, the ‘Clueless’ actress paid a visit to Fox News’ Fox & Friends to share some of her thoughts on race and provide a counter argument to actors speaking up against #OscarsSoWhite. “We have to make up our minds,” she opined. “Either we want to have segregation or integration. And if we don’t want segregation, then we need to get rid of channels like BET and the BET Awards and the Image Awards where you’re only awarded if you’re Black. If it were the other way around, we would be up in arms. It’s a double standard.” “There shouldn’t be a Black History Month,” she added. “We’re Americans. Period. That’s it.” She was then asked, “Are you saying there shouldn’t be a Black History Month because there isn’t a white history month?” “Exactly,” she replied. “Exactly.”
√ Second District Alderman since August 2015 √ Second District Resident and homeowner for over 45 years √ Working with community leaders to improve life in Racine √ Fundraising for community revitalization √ Working with law enforcement for a safer District and City √ Working with programs to increase home ownership Paid for by Friends of Mollie Jones, Mollie Jones Treasurer
Our Front Cover Thelma Sias, a vice president at We Energies, makes a point as she delivers the keynote address during Gateway Technical College’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the college’s Kenosha campus.
Don and Cheryl Mueller, who have spearheaded a resurgence of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Racine and have engaged in a prison ministry, and Alexis Aiello, a fourth-grader in the Racine Unified School District who works as a peer mediator and tries to help students who face bullying, are 2016 Gateway Technical College Humanitarian Award winners. They received the honors Monday during Gateway’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. St. Paul Church Word In Motion Praise Dancer peformed at the 25th Annual Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, January 16, The keynote speaker was civil rights activist, Dr. Boise Kimber. Page 6 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Page 7 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Page 8 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Please come to our annual fundraiserr.
Racine Interfaith Coalition Love & Justice Breakfast (Doors open a t 7:30 a.m./ Breakfast ser ved promptlly at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: Miracle Centerr,, 1100 Grand Ave., Racine, WI Tickets: $15.00 Ages 5-12続$5.00 $5.00 Under 5続Free Please RSVP by Jan. 29 to the RIC Offfffice ice 262-635-9532 9532 or e-ma mail: ricwi@tds.n @ net
Speaker: Police Chief Art Howell Community Award Presentation Also Clergy Bakery Auction & Paella Dinner ffoor Six Auction Silent Auction fo for Gift Cards/Certificates
Page 9 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
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Page 11 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Daniel Holtzclaw's Victims Say Their Lives Are Forever Changed
Jameel Ghuari A teenager raped by an Oklahoma City cop on the front porch of her mother's home says she doesn't know how to react when she sees law officers now, even though the man who attacked her is going to prison for the rest of his life. An Oklahoma judge sentenced former patrolman Daniel Holtzclaw to 263 years in prison Thursday and ordered the terms be served consecutively, meaning the former college football star will never again be free. "Every time I see the police, I don't even know what to do," the teenager, now 18, told Oklahoma County District Judge Timothy Henderson at Holtzclaw's sentencing hearing. "I don't ever go outside, and when I do I'm terrified." Another victim - a grandmother in her 50s whose 2014 complaint triggered a police investigation - said her life has been changed forever. "The stress of the case and fear of being sexually assaulted again has caused an increase in my blood pressure," Jannie Ligons said. "I so desperately want my life back." The Associated Press does not identify victims of sex crimes without their consent and is not naming the teenager, but Ligons spoke publicly about the case and agreed to be identified. Jurors last month convicted Holtzclaw on 18 counts, including four first-degree rape counts as well as forcible oral sodomy, sexual battery, procuring lewd exhibition and second-degree rape. Prosecutors said since the sentences will be served one after another, Henderson essentially imposed a life sentence. Jurors acquitted Holtzclaw on 18 other counts
Armintta Franklin
Kenneth Lumpkin
Three honored by Pastor’s group at MLK event Jameel Ghuari, director of Racine’s Bray Center, Armintta Franklin, a community activist and Kenneth Lumpkin, an elective official received Community Spotlight Awards from the Southeastern Wisconsin Baptist Pastors Fellowship. The plaques were presented at the group’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Dinner held Friday, Jan. 15, at Fountain Hall in Sturtevant. Pastor Joseph Thomas of the New Brighter Day Baptist Church in Kenosha and the groups recent appointed moderator, said the pastors
want to recognize those who have labored for justice and non-violence in the community in the manner of Dr. King. Ghuari has been executive director of the Bray Center since 1993. Before that, he managed the Urban League’s alcohol and other drug abuse prevention programs. He also has worked with the Racine Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. A Park High School graduate, Ghuari attended UW-Parkside, earned a degree in communication, and played professional basketball for several seasons.
Franklin works for the Community Action Agency, focusing on healthy birth outcomes. She also has worked for fair housing and homelessness issues, and has been part of the Southside Revitalization Program. Lumpkin has served as a Racine County Board member, a student mentor, and his former work on the Insider News Community newspaper. “He has and continues to shine a spotlight on problems in the community,” Thomas said.
Charlie Luther Sifford was born on June 2, 1922 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the son of a factory worker. As a youth, he worked as a caddie at the Carolina Country Club in Charlotte. He earned 60 cents per day and gave 50 cents to his mother to help out with household expenses (he used the remaining dime to purchase cigars, his trademark over his career). While working as a caddie, he was given tips and guidance by a local white pro named Clayton Heafner. As a teenager, he became so adept at his golf game that on Mondays, when caddies were allowed to play the course, he was able to break par. Despite his talent and success, not everyone was please to see a young Black kid navigating the golf course. At the age of 17 he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he began to play against the areas top Black golfers. “A drunk began calling me names and saying things about my mother,” he remembered. “I picked up a Coca-Cola bottle and hit him upside the head. That’s when I left North Carolina. I took a freight [train] to Philly with another caddie, Walter Fergus. No plans. Just get out of town.”
Blacks Absent from History Books We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Born to parents who were former slaves, he spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated within two years and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. The scholar was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population-and when blacks did figure into the picture, it was generally in ways that reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the tim
Page 12 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Adrienne Moore
Five African American seeks four seat in primary election Five African Americans will try to get pass a Tuesday, February 16, 2016 primary election in order to enter the April 5, 2016 general election. Ernest Ni'A, a first time candidate, who is the pastor of Wayman AME Church, will seek to ward off John Heckenlively and Jim Venturini vying for the RUSD District 6 seat. This election is the district's first use of a by district system rather than electing members at-large. Board candidates are required to live in their election districts. The change was enshrined into state law through legislation sponsored by State Sen. Van Wanggaard (R) and State Rep. Tom Weatherson (R), who represent districts that include Racine. The election districts was approved by the school board on October 27, 2015. Adrienne Moore, first assistant for the State Public Defender's Office, Racine Region, an African American will seek to be elected to the seventh school district, but will not have to participate in the primary election. Second District Alderman Mollie Jones, appointed by the City Council in August to serve the remaining months of Krystyna Sarrazinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s term, has decided she will run for the 2nd District position. She will face opposition from two opponents causing a run-off election. Yasin Mahdi, an African American and Bob Anderson, both are seeking the seat that Jones holds.
Daryl Carter Sr.
Mollie Jones
Jones says she has served the district well and looks forward to continuing the job she has started. She says she will spend much of her second term seeking to attract small businesses to the area. Mahdi said he also want to attract development to the area. He says he favors a grocery store or pharmacy in the District. Daryl Carter ran unsuccesfully for the 4th district alderman seat in 2014. Carter is a RUSD employee as a hall monitor at Case High School. Carter is also the head freshman football coach, advisor for the Sentinel Mentor program, ( a peer mentor program) and
Ernest Ni'A
Coordinator for the Black Male Innitiative program all at Case High School. Carter
Yasin Madi has been a long time community youth activist in Racine.
VOTE Primary Elections February 16, 2016 8AM - 8PM
Geise Elementary School basketball cheerleaders Geise Elementary School basketball cheerleaders performing cheers is a great way to share the fun of America's favorite indoor sport even before high school. The excitement of the basketball players on the court can be echoed by the fifth and sixth graders who cheers from the sidelines. Page 13 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
AARL hosted forum at Gateway Julie Landry, right, Chief of Human Capital, Racine Unified School District, listen to former RUSD principal Lawrence Terry, left, tell members of the African American Roundtable of Leaders the importance of enhancing diversity in the Racine District. Landry explained the multiple ways she and her staff is approaching unique problems recruiting minority teachers and other staff positions. She told about 50 individuals one of the major factors that hinder recruitment in southern states is Wisconsin’s climate. With school districts all over the country competing for people of color, it can become difficult in convincing teachers to move to cold Wisconsin. AARL held the forum Saturday, January 23, at Gateway Technical College. In addition, Rodney Prunty, President and CEO of United Way of Racine County also gave a power-point presentation on the various programs of United Way.
Black Republican group endorses Donald Trump A group of black Republicans endorsed Donald Trump on Friday, saying the Republican front-runner is the best candidate to "free black communities" from Democrats. "Black Americans across America are beginning to wake up and see clearly the reality of what is happening in black neighborhoods," the National Black Republican Association said on its blog. "We believe that Mr. Trump has demonstrated that he can push back against the mainstream media, end political correctness and free black communities from the destructive grip of socialist Democrats." Frances Rice, co-founder and chairman of the group, wrote that Trump shares the association's values. "As citizens who happen to be black, we support Mr. Trump because he shares our values," she wrote. "We are deeply concerned about illegal immigration, a major cause of high black unemployment, especially among black youth." The real-estate magnate, who previously told CNN that he's going to win the African-American vote, announced the endorsement Friday on Twitter. Trump has not shied away from discussing issues about race popular with black Americans. He recently spoke about the lack of diversity among Oscar nominees and previously criticized Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's statements
Rochelle Anderson-Moore, Dominique Pritchett, Adelene Greene, Tamarra Coleman, Audrey and Garrett Williams were six of about 250 people who attended the UAW Local 72 Civil and Human Rights Committee’s 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program: “We May Have All Come On Different Ships, But We’re In The Same Boat Now.” The keynote Speaker was U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver
From page 3
about black students performing better at less selective schools. But throughout his campaign, Trump has often been criticized for his words and actions toward black Americans. The same day as the Republican group's endorsement, Trump recirculated a tweet from a Twitter user with the handle "WhiteGenocideTM." He has attracted negative attention in the past for retweeting racially charged crime data. Earlier this month, Trump attacked Tavis Smiley, author of "The Covenant with Black America: Ten Years later," calling him racist after the political pundit called Trump a "racial arsonist." And Trump suggested last fall that perhaps a Black Lives Matter protester should have been roughed up after the activist was physically assaulted at a Trump rally. Even former allies, including hip-hop legends Russell Simmons and KRS-One, have criticized Trump's words about minorities. Because of those criticisms, a high-profile attempt by the Trump campaign to garner support from black pastors did not end as planned. Late last year, the Trump campaign trumpeted a meeting with "a coalition of 100 African-American Evangelical pastors and religious leaders who will endorse the GOP front-runner after a private meeting."
Locked up
tally ill out of prison and to treat and monitor their underlying mental health needs, our state has lagged behind. As an example, today- fifteen years after congress passed the law, Racine County has no functioning mental health component in the criminal justice system that works to treat an offender’s mental health disorder and keep them out of prison.
Fortunately, we have two Wisconsin counties that have operational mental health courts which could serve as models for our own. Both Eau Claire and Kenosha Counties have programs that have advanced beyond the pilot stage. Both courts are fully operational. Next month we’ll discuss how these and other mental health courts are structured.
VOTE Primary Elections February 16, 2016 8AM - 8PM But in the end, more pastors ended up criticizing Trump's past statements related to black Americans. "It's very unfortunate the way he has talked to not just the African-American community but the things he has said about women, Mexicans and Muslims," Pastor Victor Couzens of Cincinnati, Ohio, told reporters. "What's more discouraging than the things that he has said is the fact that in the face of him saying all these things, he continues to surge in the polls. That really concerns me."
Page 14 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
DaMarcus Bell posted this picture of his family.
Seen On Sarah Mogren posted: Cuz Eric Lloyd with Minnie awe Kay Tee posted this photo of her brother Kenny and
Larnell. Daryn David Crenshaw posted:Leaving the #YMCA #great #workout today Lee Lee posted: When ur sister & niece got hella selfies in ur phone.... Fix it Jesus.
Carolyn McKnight posted this photo on her page.
The committee for Adrienne Moore for School Boardi Page 15 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016
Page 16 Insider News Racine, February 1-29, 2016