MCJ August 12, 2015 Edition

COMMUNITY VOL.XL Number 2 August 12, 2015

The Milwaukee

Families have a fun (and safe) time at the National Night Out event

JOURNAL www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents

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Residents enjoyed a fun and family-friendly time that also promoted neighborhood safety at the recently held Milwaukee Police District Five National Night Out event at Hillside Resource Center, 1452 N. 7th St. It was an opportunity for families to foster a bond with local law enforcement to help make the district a safer place for all. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)

SDC’s Hinton critical of process that blocked its bid to keep energy assistance program

By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr.

The Social Development Commission’s (SDC) loss of a Milwaukee County contract to provide energy assistance services to low-income residents isn’t the only concern the anti-poverty agency’s CEO George Hinton has as he scrambles to keep the organization viable.

Hinton is also concerned about the way his agency lost its 30-year hold on the program for which it received $1.2 million yearly to help residents sign up for partial payments of utility bills George Hinton and reconnection charges, fuel oil deliveries and costs of furnace repairs.

Hinton feels the democratic process of checks and balances was violated when Hector Colon, the director of Milwaukee County’s Department of Health used “emergency authority” to award 12-month energy assistance contracts to Community Advocates, Inc. and UMOS Inc. Colon’s action overrides a recommendation by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors to extend SDC’s contract for six months even though the agency was not selected for renewal in a contract review process completed last April when Community Advocates and UMOS were selected.

“How does he (Colon) have the power to override the county board?” Hinton asked during a recent MCJ phone interview, adding there is no “emergency” as Colon stated to justify his action, calling the county health director’s claim a “fallacy.”

(continued on page 5)

PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

“With crime on the rise everyday in our community, what do you think should be done to stop the shootings and killings?”

DONALD JACKSON:

MARGARET V. TODD: “Educational and economic opportunities must be available for our young men and women. With God in their lives, any goal(s) are achievable.”

YVONNE MCCASKILL:

TONY HOLLOWAY:

“Create an economic situation where the employment of young people allows them to thrive and become positive members of the community.

They should be allowed to live their dreams and aspirations.”

“There is a need for stronger gun and drug laws for those who choose to bring this type of negativity to our communities. We need a strong commitment to a quality education and training that reflect 21st century employment needs.”

“There should be combined effort between parents, teachers, and government. Growing up is very difficult without direction. Without that direction, the streets are the only place they will learn.

Growing up on your own isn’t easy. Love, education and coaching can help with improving their future.”

THE 2015 FELLOWSHIP OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY

AUGUST 14 SILVER SPRING COUNTRY CLUB N56W21318 SILVER SPRING DRIVE

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI

THIS YEAR’S HONOREES:

EARNIE ELLISON

ELLISON CONSULTING GROUP, LLC

BUD SELIG

COMMISSIONER EMERITUS OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

JACQUELINE HERD-BARBER

CHAIR, MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS BOARD

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 2

THE PULSE

The WHO•WHAT•WHERE• WHEN of YOUR Community!

F o r m e r l y

t h e

4 W

C o m m u n i t y

H a p p e n i n g s

Two of the five winners: Jasmine Johnson (left) and Deanna Singh

UNITED WAY introduces the FABULOUS FIVE of Philanthrophy at its

PHILANTHROPIC

5Every AWARDS year, five in-

dividuals are awarded the United Way Philanthropic 5 award to celebrate and thank all for the work that they have put in to help make Milwaukee a better and more beautiful place to live and work.

MCJ Contributor Asada Njuguna with Johnson and P5 winner Neil Kiekhofer

Njuguna with Philanthropic Youth Award Winner Gopika Senthilkumar

These award winners are nominated by a colleague or friend. A letter of recommendation is then written for the nominees by a separate individual.

This year, congratulations go to: Neil Kiekhofer for the work he has done within his business Front Room Photography and his quarter an- P5 Awards attendees (left to right): Thelma Sias of WE Energies, Johnson, Cecelia Gore of the Brewers Community Foundation, nual project Charity Days.

Mary Lou Young, president of the United Way of Greater MilwauJasmine Johnson was rec- kee and Waukesha County; and Danae Davis of Milwaukee Succeeds. (All Photos by Yvonne Kemp) ognized as co-founder of 29eleven.

The organization addresses a variety of problems ranging from domestic violence to early cancer awareness and prevention.

Deanna Singh is Executive Director of the Burke Foundation and is a volunteer at Meta House, an organization dedicated to helping recovering subWay,” but she also serves on the United stance abusers move into everyday life suc- Way’s 2015 Campaign Cabinet as their cessfully. youngest member. She also donates her Rachel Hughes is the President of time to Froedtert Hospital and other charity WGIRLS and was honored for the continu- organizations. ous work she does to improve the commu“My inspiration is my dad,” Senthilkumer nity; and Leah Jepson, the Director of stated. “He comes from a very impoverFamily and School Services at SET Minished background, and where he is today is istry, Inc., was honored for the work she really inspiring.” puts forth in Milwaukee Succeeds initiative.

All five philanthropists were given $500 to Joining the fabulous five this year is the donate to a charity of their choice by the first ever “Philanthropic Youth Award” winevent’s sponsor, BMO Harris Bank. Gopika ner, Gopika Senthilkumar. was awarded a $500 college scholarship.

Gopika was recognized for the inspiring Congratulations to all of the winners and effort she puts forth at school and in the thank you for your endless aid in the develcommunity. opment and future of Milwaukee. --Asada Senthilkumar not only initiated a campaign Njuguna at school called “Donate Your Age to United

GarveyFest 2015 Showcasing Local Milwaukee Artists!

Africans on the Move (AOM) is celebrating its 27th Annual GarveyFest on Saturday, August 15th, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Parklawn YMCA, 4340 N. 46th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! The theme for this year’s celebration is “Ready for the Revolution: The Role of Women”! We all know that all people of African descent belong to Africa. We know that belonging to Africa does not mean that one has to return to Africa. Rather, it means that Africa’s wealth will be used on behalf of all African people no matter where they happen to be born or live in the world. A united Africa, whose wealth is used to benefit all of its people, will mean a powerful Africa, will mean that African people worldwide will view themselves with pride and beauty, will mean that Africa once again will serve as the beacon light of the world. But, of course this means a serious struggle to cast off the negative and embrace the positive in our all of our thoughts and actions in all spheres!

This year AOM will showcase the many talented local artists here in Milwaukee. Also, AOM will honor the significant contributions of African women globally who have contributed to our quest for liberation. It will also give special thanks to the co-sponsors GarveyFest.

Come and enjoy some of the positive messages in song and poetry. Bring the children to our Children’s Activity Center for science, art and history activities as well as free snacks and school supplies.

Experience the delicious foods for sale by Rain: The Cultured Vegan Chef and the many products offered by a variety of vendors at our African Marketplace.

Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs! (In case of rain, the event will be held inside the Parklawn YMCA.)

Alderwoman Coggs announces winner of Bronzeville Public Art Contest

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is pleased to announce the winner of the Bronzeville Public Art Contest, Mr. Ammar Nsoroma, who will receive a $20,000 grant to implement his proposal and maintain it for a period of at least 18 months.

“I’m astounded at the depth of talent displayed by those competing in this contest, and I’m grateful for their interest,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

“Mr. Nsoroma is an accomplished artist who has created works around the country.

“His new project in Bronzeville—the first of several such projects we have planned—is sure to be a source of pride for the neighborhood.”

Nsoroma will begin the process of installing his proposed bronze-colored statue on September 12, 2015 in the city-owned vacant lot next to 628 W. North Ave. A number of renowned local artists took part in the competition.

They were asked to submit a design sketch along with a proposed budget for the assembly and removal of their work, as well as samples of their previous work and a description of their connection to the Bronzeville area.

Finalists were called in for interviews where their preliminary design concepts were evaluated.

Nsoroma has more than 25 years of experience as a public artist, having studied at both the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

He has more than 80 murals to his credit, including pieces in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., as well as his hometown of Milwaukee.

“Bronzeville provided a space for me to learn and mature creatively as a young artist, and my work would honor that connection,” Nsoroma wrote in his proposal.

PERSPECTIVES Eight very, very bad things Charles SIGNIFYIN’ Barkley should know about slavery

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 3

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “WE ALL HAVE DREAMS. BUT IN

ORDER TO MAKE DREAMS COME INTO REALITY, IT TAKES

AN AWFUL LOT OF DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, SELF

DISCIPLINE, AND EFFORT.”--OLYMPIAN JESSE OWENS

By Mikel Kweku Osei Holt

Former NBA Star Player Charles Barkley is a cultural enigma.

Conservatives think he’s liberal; liberals think he’s conservative.

Some basketball fans think he’s an excellent basketball analyst. Others believe he’s an over-rated, semi-articulate buffoon.

From a purely cultural perspective, “Sir Charles,” aka the “Round Mound of Rebound,” aka “I’m Not Your Role Model” Barkley has left a lot to be desired, particularly to those of us who think he’s in a unique position to sway a general public that views Black Americans through a stereotypical lens.

Yet, every other time he opens his mouth in front of a camera, something stupid, denigrating or otherwise asinine seems to the come out of those Negroid lips.

Okay, occasionally, he says something humorous, but more and more he comes across as a Negro version of Donald Trump.

And I’m not just talking about his past decision to identify himself as a conservative Republican…or justifying police racial profiling…or the cornucopia of recent killings of innocent Black men by police.

Barkley’s past comments about ‘unintelligent Black people’ left me in awe, but even that doesn’t compare to his latest diatribe, which leaves little doubt as to his confused ethnicity, lack of historical relevance and general stupidity about his people and the impact of slavery.

How Barkley formed his lips to posit that: “American slavery wasn’t that bad,” and he’s tired of hearing about it!”

Well, I’m too frustrated to even deal with him, because images of Samuel L. Jackson’s “step-n’-fetchit” character in the movie “Django” keeps coming to mind.

Instead, I’ll stand by the comments of Alabama state Senator Hank Sanders who penned the following open letter to “Sir Charles”:

Mr. Barkley: I write you out of love. I write you out of profound pain. I write you out of deep concern. I hope you accept this letter in the spirit that I write.

Mr. Barkley, I understand that you said, in so many words, that slavery was not so bad and that you were tired of people bringing up slavery. I was shocked by both statements. Then I was mad. Then I was terribly disappointed. Finally, I was just in deep hurt and

great pain. Now, I am trying to help you and all those who may think like you.

Mr. Barkley, allow me to tell you why slavery was "not so bad," but very, very bad. First, African people were snatched from their families, their villages, their communities, their tribes, their continent, their freedom.

African people were made to walk hundreds of miles in chains. They were often beaten, poorly fed and abused in many ways. Women and girls were routinely raped. The whole continent was ravaged and still suffers to this day. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.

Second, African people were placed in "slave dungeons" for weeks and sometimes months until the slave ships came.

They were often underfed, terribly beaten, raped and stuffed together so tightly they could hardly move.

African people were packed in the holds of ships with little space to even move. They performed bodily functions where they lay and then lived in it.

They were oftentimes beaten, raped and abused mentally, physically and emotionally. Many died from disease and broken spirits. Some were so terribly impacted that they jumped overboard and drowned when brought to the deck of the ships. Millions died during the Middle Passage from Africa to the Americas. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.

Third, African people were broken like wild animals. They were stripped of every element of their identity.

Their names were taken. Their languages were

The Black Community is Like the Human Body And We’re Dying Within – Part 2

As I’ve tried to articulate in part one of this article, I liken the Black community to the human body which is made up of a host of systems with each system being essential to the life of the body and works in conjunction with the other systems and organs (i.e.

THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday

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Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communityjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net MCJ STAFF: Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Publisher, CEO Robert J. Thomas Assoc. Publisher Todd Thomas, Vice Pres.

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“Mr. Barkley, I understand that you said, in so many words, that slavery was not so bad and that you were tired of people bringing Sen. Sanders up slavery. I was shocked by both statements. Then I was mad. Then I was terribly disappointed. Finally, I was just in deep hurt and great pain. Now, I am trying to help you and all those who may think like Charles Barkley you.”--Ala. state Sen. Hank Sanders

Colleen Newsom, Classified Advertising Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Taki S. Raton, Richard G. Carter, Fr. Carl Diederichs, Rev. Joe McLin PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp

Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.

taken. Their religions were taken. Their histories were taken. They were forbidden to have family. They had no rights to own anything. They were considered property.

Their personalities were permanently altered. Their freedom was taken. They became chattel sold from "slave blocks." This crushing of identity impacts us to this day. I call it the psychology of the oppressed. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.

Fourth, African Americans were worked from "kin to can't;" that is from "can see" in the morning to "can't see" at night. There was no pay for their long, hard labor. Many were poorly fed. Most felt the lash of the whip. All felt the lash of the tongue. Many were repeatedly raped. Their children and other loved ones were sold at will. Some mothers killed their baby girls so they would not have to endure the ravages of slavery. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.

Fifth, African Americans had no right to defend themselves no matter what was done and how wrong it was.

By law, they could not even testify against their abusers. As U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Toney said in the 1857 Dred Scott case, "A Black man has no rights a White man is bound to respect."

This became the law of the land and its legacy bedevils us to this day. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.

Sixth, African Americans were perceived and treated as sub-human. The only way enslavers could square this terrible treatment with their Christian beliefs was see us as less than human. Therefore, they could proudly place such beautiful words in the Dec-

heart, liver, kidney, lungs, etc.), all under the direction of the brain (leadership). The systems of the body are: the skeletal, muscular, immune, circulatory, nervous, reproductive, digestive, respiratory, and senses systems with each one of the systems being essential to the survival of the human being – to be humanly and fully functional you can’t have one without the other.

Each of these systems perform precise functions together that allow the human to essentially be human beings (masters of the earth). The success and/or failure of any one of these systems can significantly alter the other systems and unless the problem of any one system is diagnose and remedied, they can cause the body to shut down and ultimately die.

The Black community is like the human body which is also made up of systems that all play distinct roles under some form of leadership (organization) which serves the community and its residents. Like the human brain, the community’s version of the brain is both the leadership structure (i.e. government, quasi-government, civic and business organizations, etc.) along with the community systems (i.e. family, political, religious, public safety, economic, education, cultural, etc.) supported by a general code of conduct that the majority of people adhere to.

All of the systems in the community are critical to the overall success of the community and its residents. Like the systems in the human body, they work in conjunction with each other and are inter-related and inter-connected. The failure of any one of these systems, can significantly jeopardize the overall health of the community.

For example, when the education system is failing it will produce less “qualified” candidates for the labor pool. When this occurs at the level that has in the Black community, businesses begin to close because the residents are getting poorer (discretionary income begins to decline) – this is referred as “disinvestment.”

With dis-investment, retailers and other potential investors (employers) don’t feel that their investment is justified and will instead put their resources in areas that have a highly qualified workforce pool. Both dis-investment and/or no “new” investment produces a lower level of job opportunities and ultimately produces a higher level of unemployment especially among males between the age of 18- 35.

The increase in unemployment and underemployment will ultimately begin to erode the family unit and the men will seek an “illegal” underground economy to survive.

With this produces young men that become more vulnerable to being trapped “crisp” of the mass incarceration of Black men. It is clear that these systems work with each other and support each other and the failure of any one of these systems will impact the success of the other.

While all of the systems are critical, none is more critical than the human “immune system” which I liken to the community’s culture. The human immune system protects and fights against any/all diseases that can enter the body in a number of ways. In most instances, the immune system is the biggest defender for the body.

If this system isn’t working properly, a common cold could kill you. Like the body’s immune system, the community’s culture also defends the community from unwanted and disease like ideas and values in its protection of the community.

In many cases one’s culture is defined by their community – they’re inseparable and if the community’s systems are failing they will impact and shape the culture of the community. I’m not sure how much the socio-economic conditions impact one’s culture but it’s fair to say that when the culture (community immune system) no longer works properly, we have a dilemma that we can call “cultural” AIDS – which represents the total failure of the Black community to defend against community diseases (i.e. immorality, violence, work ethic, self-respect, self-love, peace, etc.) – this puts the Black community out of position and uncompetitive.

The Black community is out of position because its culture (immune system) isn’t working properly. The Black community is out of position because the Black family is out of position and the Black family is out of position because, BY DESIGN, the Black

laration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution with impunity: i.e. - "We hold these truths to be selfevident that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

To them, African Americans were not human so these beautiful words did not apply. Even the U.S. Constitution designated us as 3/5 of a person.

That's why White terrorists, in and out of uniforms, can kill us without punishment. The legacy of being less-then-human lingers with us today. Black lives are worth much less than White lives. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.

Seventh, it required great violence to implement and maintain the worse form of human slavery known to humankind. It required unbridled violence by enslavers, slave catchers, local, state, federal governments and the entire society. Maintaining the institution of slavery created a very violent society that infests us to this day.

That's why the United States has far more violence than any country in the world. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.

Eighth, even after slavery formerly ended, we still had “Jim Crow”. These same imbedded attitudes generated state-sanctioned terrorism for nearly another 100 years.

The Ku Klux Klan and other terrorist groups hanged, mutilated, maimed and murdered without any punishment. It was state sanctioned terrorism because the "state" did not do anything to prevent it.

That's why even during the Civil Rights Movement murders took many years before even a modicum of justice was forged.

Just look at the deaths of Medgar Evers, James Chaney, the three little girls murdered by the bombing of a Birmingham Church, and so many others. That is why today Trayvon Martin could not walk the streets of his neighborhood and Jordan Davis could not play loud music in his car and Eric Garner was choked to death and Michael Brown was gunned down. Mr. Barkley this is very, very bad.

Mr. Barkley, if you knew your history, you would not say slavery is not so bad and you are tired of people bringing up slavery. The legacy of slavery is everywhere.

However, you are not totally to blame because you were deliberately denied the opportunity to learn your history. That is one more legacy of slavery. I hope you will seek the full history for yourself so that you will not ever say such things again.

In deep concern, Hank Sanders

man is out of position.

If you want to destroy a community, you take the man out of circulation and you begin to undermine the family unit at every level. The international human rights organizations sight America as the worst human rights violator on the planet because of this unfair “mass” incarceration of Black men – they understand that this act has significant community ramifications. We must come to grips with the fact that Black culture has been seriously harmed and eroded by the Black experience in America and it isn’t over yet – the legacy (sting) of the American Institution of Slavery is alive today.

What we see today in many Black neighborhoods is the impact of long-term poverty coupled with a class separation between the upper income Blacks and middle-to-low income Blacks. When we examine the Black culture, we must take a moment to reflect on the community we’ve lived in so that we can evaluate Black culture in the right context – where you start absolutely matters.

There are too many White people that are in total denial (i.e. believe, ignorant, etc.) about the “playing” field being leveled in America especially as it relates to the gains that they have made off the backs of Black people many don’t understand or believe in White privilege. Since the emancipation, Blacks have fought gallantly for full American citizenship but the opposition, being fully resourced and knowledgeable, has worked extremely hard to keep the Black man powerless and in a subservient position. Today, many profess that where you start is irrelevant.

If that’s true, let’s reverse roles and have the majority of White people inherit poverty while the majority of Black people inherit wealth, position, ownership, and control of every aspect of America’s institutions.

I guarantee you that there would be a different discussion in America. My fundamental belief is that the new racism is the denial that race matters and where you start doesn’t matter – we must stay focused on the facts and not let the emotions of this issue get in the way.

If we reflect back during the enslavement of the our people, nearly 100% of Black people lived in inferior and dilapidated housing settlements on plantations except those that lived in the White Master’s house or the less than 2-3% that were technically free men. The living and working conditions, coupled with the type of food that Blacks were allowed to eat, were absolutely inhumane and unbearable - this was the lifestyle that Black children, men, women, and families were accustom to for a number of generations.

This all took place while Blacks lived on extremely wealthy plantations but stayed in uninhabitable housing – the psychological impact has survived today where it’s become acceptable for Blacks to live in squalor while the Whites lived in absolute wealth and luxury only a few blocks away.

Because of the historical and immense wealth gap that exist between Whites and Blacks, most Whites lived in beautiful homes and stable neighborhoods, a billion times better than Blacks that live in “ghettos” or “hoods” not neighborhoods- where you start matters. After nearly 300 years of this type of lifestyle, survival mode kicks in and this becomes incorporated within the culture – BEING A SLAVE BECOMES THE CULTURE OF MANY BLACK PEOPLE. There has been a psychological stigma placed on the Black “brain,” Black neighborhoods, and pretty much anything related to Black people which supports the overwhelming media bombardment of White Supremacy (in everything) and Black inferiority (see how they live). For too many Black people this slave culture (branding) has created a deep rooted black “inferiority” generally held by all Black people in some form or fashion (how can it not). This inferiority produced a pent-up demand to jettison Black communities for the chance to live amongst Whites (Black flight) at the first possibility (socalled integration). Once segregation was legally abolished, why did so many economically mobile Blacks flee their neighborhoods to move into predominantly all White neighborhoods and what happened? Whites moved out when Blacks moved in (continued on page 5)

RELIGION

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 4

HALLOWED MBC HOLDS UNITY RESOURCE FAIR

Hallowed Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Pastor Aaron Morgan (shown at left with his wife Merdis), held a Unity in the Community Resource Fair recently. Hallowed Missionary Baptist is located at 3800 N. Port Washington Rd. There were booths featuring information on safety and education.

(Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Helen Wallace Marrow Registry Drive

A Marrow Registry Drive for Helen Wallace will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2015, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2207 North 2nd Street, Milwaukee. The drive is presented by Church Women United, Milwaukee Unit and is open to the public.

Helen Wallace at age 56 was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2014. She was shocked to hear the news since she had already beat breast cancer not only once but twice. Helen has been a part of the Tabernacle Community Baptist Church for over 50 years and still is an active member today. She worked for MPS for over 30 years while raising her two sons here in Milwaukee, WI and has since retired. Her life now revolves around her family, church and beating cancer for a third time.

She has been receiving various treatments for her blood cancer; however, the only chance of a cure is to have a bone marrow transplant. Her 2 sons have been tested but only 25% of patients will find a perfect match within their own family leaving more than 70% of patients turning to the Be the Match Registry in hopes for a cure. Helen is hoping to raise awareness and have her community, friends and family understand the need and importance of becoming a

registered marrow donor.

To register, you must be ages 18-44; complete the Consent Form and donate cheek cells on 4 cotton swabs. You could be someone ‘s cure. Sickle cell anemia and other life- threatening diseases like leukemia leave too many African Americans fighting for their lives.

A marrow transplant from someone outside their family is often their only hope. Patients are most likely to match donors who share their ancestry. But only 7% of the Be the Match Registry of potential marrow donors is African American.

Make this your time to step up and join the registry. If you are unable to make this event, join online: http://join.bethematch.org/BCW This year alone, 14,000 patients will need a life saving bone marrow trans- ( plant and half of them match will not find the match they need to survive .

Helen is one of those patients in desperate need and is looking for a life saving match. Save a lfe! a Church Women United is an ecumenical organization which shares a vision c of Christian unity and prayerful action. Its mission is to be a racially and theo- A logically inclusive Christian woman’s movement celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice. Marilyn Stone serves as President. For additional information, please contact Jenelle Elder-Green, 414449-9055.

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Not For Solace Only, But For Strength

The readings for Sunday, August 9, 2015 are: 1 Kings 19: 4-8, Ephesians 4: 30-5: 2, and John 6. 41-51.

The first reading takes up the story of Elijah after he won the contest with the priests of Baal and then had them all murdered. Jezebel was not too pleased with Elijah. He fled for his own life.

He is in the desert, a broken man, praying for death. God said he still had work to do, so miraculously bread and water appear.

Reluctantly Elijah eats and drinks and continues the fortydays journey to Horeb, the mountain of God. The simple food and fresh water sustained him. And Elijah lives on and proclaims a good and gracious God. The reading from 1 Kings was chosen, I’m sure, to fit with the Gospel story. The folks were still gathered around Jesus in Capernaum after feeding them on the other side of the lake. They found him and instead of giving them more bread that will perish, he told them He is the bread from heaven. After a little “murmuring” they listen.

They listened and Jesus preached. Jesus said: “No one can come to me unless DRAWN by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day.” So, not on our own can we see the light and come to God. We are “drawn” by God to see God. “And they shall be taught by God,” we are told. Again, what an awesome thought that our Father is our teacher and the creator of all is closer to us than we are to ourselves. And the teaching goes on as long as we live.

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BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS

‘ i t t

c

By Fr. Carl Diederichs, All Saints Catholic Church

And from the depths of our hearts we come to long more and more for the God who created and sustains us.

And God teaches us to go to Jesus, the Bread of Life. And from the Welcome Table, we not only receive the peace that comes from knowing we will be saved and live forever, but the strength to spread that message to all we meet.

“The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The bread and wine, the Body and Blood of Jesus, is not given only for our salvation, but to strengthen us to bring that Good News to others. You become the instrument that “draws” others to God through Jesus, “for the life of the world.”

And the “life of the world” is not just a spiritual life.

This bringing “Good News” to others is not just pious words and good feelings. It is truly bringing life were there is none or where it has been snuffed out. Jesus didn’t give us His Body and Blood to make us feel good.

He did it so we can bring life to the world.

Jesus did not get in trouble with the political and reli(continued on page 5)

In Loving Memory

Earnestine O’Bee-Founder

Quality Service... a tenured tradition sincere concern at your time of need.

Offering pre-need, at need and after-care services to families in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and other communities throughout our state.

Patterson, Connell L. Jr. Age 50 yrs. July 18, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 11AM. Visitation Tuesday 3-7PM(Family hr. 6-7PM) at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Hamilton, Charles L. Sr. Age 91 yrs. July 18, 2015. Beloved father of Ethel L. (Andrew)Key, Estrellia Parker, Jamon Hamilton Sr., Charles L. Hamilton Jr., Rosalyn H. McElvain, Katherine J. Davis, Lamont F. (Lavon)Hamilton and Brett J.(Geneva)Hamilton. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 27 at 11AM. Visitation Monday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Sumlin, Robert L. Jr. Age 67 yrs. July 19, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 11AM at Zion Rock Baptist Church 10230 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Visitation Friday 3-6PM(Family hr. 6-7PM) at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Meatheney, Louis R. Age 55 yrs. July 13, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24 at 5PM. Visitation Friday 4PM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Mallette, Robert L. III Age 37 yrs. July 14, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Thursday 1PM. Visitation Thursday 12 Noon until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director

Cherry, Sylvester Sr. Age 90 yrs. July 14, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24 at 11AM at Northside COG 4858 N. 19th St. Visitation Friday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave (414)462-6020 Wilks, James W. Age 82 yrs. July 16, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 21 at 11AM. Visitation Tuesday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Altheimer, Gwendolyn L. Age 61 yrs. July 31, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8 at 11AM. Visitation Saturday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Tucker, Mrs. Willie L. Age 69 yrs. July 29, 2015. Beloved mother of Steven Tucker. Also survived by a host of other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 7 at 11AM at Zion Rock Baptist Church 10230 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Visitation Friday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Cross, Jeremiah Age 79 yrs July 31, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8 at 1PM at Holy Redeemer COGIC 3500 N. Mothers Daniel Way. Visitation Saturday 12:30PM at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Families served by:

Northwest Funeral Chapel O’Bee, Ford & Frazier

Milwaukee 6630 W. Hampton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53218 Telephone: (414) 462-6020 Fax: (414) 462-9937

Racine 800 Barker St. Racine, WI 53402 Telephone: (262) 637-6400 Fax: (262) 637-6416

SDC’s Hinton critical of process that blocked its bid to keep energy assistance program

((continued from page 1) According to an earlier Journal Sentinel report, SDC tried to appeal the decision, but the appeal was denied and a subsequent review of the selection process concluded the contracts should be awarded to Community Advocates and UMOS. Community Advocates will receive a reported $1.4 million to oversee a larger share of the central and northern half of the county while UMOS will be paid nearly $660,000 to serve much of the south side of the county outside the city of Milwaukee.

Hinton said his agency’s appeal of the earlier decision was about more than SDC keeping a program that was synonymous with the organization.

“It had a lot to do with the ‘process’ (used to select the agencies), and the lack of transparency in that process,” Hinton said.

During an appearance on Eric Von’s morning show on WNOV last week, Hinton and SDC Board member Gerard Randall noted there were no hearings, focus groups or other processes conducted by the County Department of Health to see what would be the best way to develop a plan to serve the community’s energy assistance needs.

The SDC head believes Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele had a hand in Colon’s decision. On WNOV, Hinton and Randall questioned the county executive’s role in awarding the contracts to Community Advocates and UMOS despite the board’s recommendation of SDC, especially given its long history of providing energy assistance to the community.

Hinton found it funny that Abele spoke of there being ‘politics’ in the selection process (and the need to remove it to guarantee fairness). Yet ‘politics’ is exactly what Hinton felt was being used against the agency as it contested the process.

Hinton and Randall criticized Abele for making the decision without working with the board, saying the county executive displayed arrogance and a disregard for the process.

“This is not about Community Advocates or UMOS. They do good work,” Hinton said during the radio interview. (But) we should be working together—all of us— to serve the community.”

The Black Community is Like the Human BodyAnd We’re Dying Within – Part 2

(continued from page 3) at the fastest pace ever seen – some of these all-White neighborhoods became all-Black neighborhoods in a matter of only a few years.

Today, after all is said and done, very few neighborhoods remain integrated and Blacks are more segregated now than they were prior to the so-called segregation with nearly 75% of all Black people living in approximately 50-60 cities. And what’s even worse, not only was integration not achieved, but Blacks loss so much in that process, including their very limited economic base. Today, the final shoe has dropped and now, because of gentrification, Blacks are even losing their neighborhoods. The Behavior of our most accomplished has helped to not only weaken the neighborhoods that they once lived in, but the chasing of the “illusion of inclusion” has significantly impacted the Black culture. – CHASING WHITE PEOPLE EVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF YOUR OWN HAS BEEN THE CULTURE OF MANY “WELL-TO-DO” BLACK PEOPLE – ITS CALLED ‘GETTING OUT.” When most of us who were born in the 50’s or before, romanticize about a time when it appears that Blacks were doing better. In some categories this is true especially in the areas of economic empowerment and family structure. When making these assumptions, we must stay close to the facts because for many of us at that period in America, we were either children or young adults and didn’t have the capacity to understand truly the politics of what their parents were going through. I do believe that there was a general sense of community (working together) than it is today but we must come to know why. With nearly 90% of all families living in households with two parents and many with grandparents, the Black community was more structured and the elders had more reign on the direction of the community (they were the greatest pioneers and defenders of Black culture).

We must remember that our elders, at that time, saw up-close and in-person the real sting of White hate and racism unlike the younger generation that was in many cases at odds with the elders (this generational fight is a normal phenomenon).

Black culture, in spite of all of our challenges, was about achievement in face of tremendous odds and inability to be equal citizens under the laws of the country. In less than 100 years after emancipation (emancipation is somewhat of a measuring baseline for Black people), Blacks were able to secure landmark legislation that would give them the starting tools to be more competitive. I’ve written several times that this was to be a start and not a final destination and the Black civil rights movement should have morphed into a fight for “economic” rights but unfortunately the movement was disbanded.

Prior to the “so-called” integration, Black communities were populated by a “mix” of incomes – and I don’t mean poor Blacks side-by-side with rich Whites. I mean a wide array of high, middle, and low income Black people – this cross collateralization of ideas, thoughts, and feelings created a general code of conduct that allowed the best to lead and cement within the Black culture.

However, I contend that buried deep into the psyche of many Black people was a deep inferiority and the damage was evident in how Blacks compared “good” neighborhoods with White people and “bad” neighborhoods to Black people and where they lived – thus begins Black flight.

What ultimately would prevail is a culture that pitted poor

When they shared the previous contract, SDC provided services to 75 to 76 percent of the community. Community Advocates provided services to 20 percent.

During his MCJ interview, Hinton credited county board members—especially Board Supervisors Martin Weddle and Khalif Rainey—for seeing the same thing the agency saw: An organization the community knew and trusted that was a stable influence in the community.

“That’s why they voted the way they did,” said Hinton.

“If we didn’t have a case, it (the selection process) would have been over long ago.”

Hinton said SDC has not been paid by the county since May for the energy assistance work they have done. He said approximately $200,000 is owed to them.

With SDC’s current contract ending Sept. 30, Colon reportedly used the emergency authority in order to guarantee the contractors implementing the program (Community Advocates and UMOS) had the needed time to be in place and properly promote the service for the upcoming winter heating season.

In a letter to Abele and County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., Colon explained why he used the emergency authority: “Not having the department’s plan in place by Aug. 1, 2015, risks widespread confusion among eligible county residents and endangers approximately 20,000 elderly, frail or disabled individuals scheduled to be served in the early application process in August and September of this year.”

The Wisconsin Department of Administration also requires the county to provide a plan of services for a full year.

But Hinton scoffed at the rationale Colon used, noting the process Community Advocates and UMOS will use to service energy assistance applicants will be on an “appointment only” basis, not the “first come-first served” model used by SDC. “There is no advocacy of need in the new model,” Hinton said in the radio interview. Using an analogy of a medical emergency, the SDC CEO said a sick person needing medical attention immediately doesn’t want to hear the next opening to see a doctor is two weeks away.

“That’s my fear. People freezing because Community Advocates and UMOS don’t have an immediate slot to see applicants. As to the complaints by the agency’s critics of long lines of assistance applicants at SDC, Hinton suggested WE Energies stop flooding the community with service termination notices to residents in need.

“It’s impossible to meet that need; there is more demand then supply of labor at one given time,” Hinton said.

Hinton stressed SDC will continue to service energy assistance applicants until the contract ends next month.

Blacks against affluent Blacks (Black classism). There became different levels of Black culture that was a function of what economic class you belonged to.

The higher the economic station one attains usually means the closer assimilation that the Black person will engage – this created an exodus of talent out of the many Black neighborhoods creating very poor Black neighborhoods. Today, the confinement of Blacks continues. Only now, instead of slave quarters and the backs of buses, Blacks inhabit jails, public housing projects, and dilapidated neighborhoods.

Within the Black culture, assimilation is now paramount and there is a general disdain for anyone living in the Black neighborhoods – this is furthering the acceptance of White supremacy and Black inferiority.

Getting out of the community is the general charge and this message is passed down to our children at every juncture and reinforces the culture of assimilation.

When the human is sick, it’s the responsibility of the physician to diagnosis the problem first by understanding the symptoms and this cursory task will allow the doctor to determine what the next steps are to secure more in-depth analysis. The doctor is trained to search for and find the “cause” of the problem and not to rely just on the symptom because the symptoms could be misleading and the problems could be much worst Today, some of the worst forms of “abnormal” behavior has been adopted by our youth as “normal” behavior – this will have long-term ramifications. As a community, especially our leadership, we must develop a holistic solution with a heavy focus on restoring Black culture and addressing Black inferiority because the problems are holistic. The diagnosis must look at the following: • Currently, we don’t have the infrastructure (doctor) that can perform the examination of the Black community, therefore, the Black leadership must unite to establish some type of functional leadership and create a place where a strategic plan can be crafted, implemented and evaluated for its effectiveness; • The long-term psychological and emotional damage must be taken into consideration – an assessment must be made to determine the real damage; • The Black community must take over the education of its children – no real change will happen until we can teach them and correct the self-hating behavior before it really takes hold. As Malcolm X once said “anyone who takes his children to the oppressor to be educated is a fool.”

• The Black family must be restored by design which means that Black Male Initiatives must be bolstered and supported; • The neighborhoods must be re-engineered with the Black middle and upper class returning back to the neighborhoods that it abandoned; and • The Black community must seek a Black liberation theology – a theology that is consistent with what all of the great prophets would do today if they saw the condition of the Black man being made to become permanent “free” slaves.

Yes, the Black community has very serious enemies in the form of racist people, structural racist systems, and a general lack of understanding of our history, but none is more lethal than what we are doing and what we’re leaving for the next generation to work with. We are leaving them a climate and culture of “individualism” and “I got mine and you get yours” mentality – this approach is moving further and further away from what’s needed to challenge the issues that the Black man faces in America – we must begin to rebuild our culture for unity and working together.

As bad as things are outside of us (their very bad), that fight can’t be waged until we take on the fight within. I started this article by saying, like the immune system, Black culture is the system that is always on the defense fighting against the enemy that could kill him.

If that culture isn’t strong, like the immune failure, a common cold can kill it. The fight is not outside, the fight is within and were dying from within.

SDC FILES INJUNCTION AGAINST MILWAUKEE COUNTY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE CONTRACTS

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 5

“Hinton credited county board members—especially Board Supervisors Martin Weddle and Khalif Rainey—for seeing the same thing the agency saw: An organization the community knew and trusted that was a stable influence in the community. ‘That’s why they voted the way they did,’ said Hinton.

‘If we didn’t have a case, it (the selection process) would have been over long ago.’”

WE Energies Winter Moratorium

WE Energies cannot shut off your utility service from Nov. 1 - April 15.

If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their We Energies bill, encourage them to contact us at 800-842-4565. Also visit we-energies.com to learn about available resources, including: Energy Assistance – locations, hours, information customers need to provide Company programs for low-income customers – Early Identification program and Low Income Pilot Reducing energy costs – tips, brochures, energy saving kits Customers have the option to self-serve or speak with a representative: Automated phone assistance – For the most flexible payment plan options and to avoid wait times, call 800-842-4565. The system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and gives options for down payments and length of time to pay bills.

Online – Visit we-energies.com > Residential > Payment assistance for options. Plus, Wisconsin residents who can pay their current bill now and remaining balance within three months, can use WE Energies online Personal Payment Plan.

Phone – Speak to a representative at 800842-4565 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.--WE Energies

UMOS Home Energy Assistance

The mission of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is to assist lowincome households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy, primarily in meeting their immediate home energy needs.

UMOS, through The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy-crisis situations to residents of Kenosha County, Wisconsin. During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, UMOS staff assisted 7,071 residents with $3,132,049 in energy assistance.

WHEAP assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1 – May 15).

The funding pays a portion of the heating costs but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating a residence. The amount of the heating assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household's size, income, and heating costs.

For more information, call 414389-6000

Community Advocates Energy Assistance

Community Advocates partners with Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin to provide assistance for heating costs, electricity costs, and energy crisis situations. The assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of the heating costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of heating a residence. The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy costs. In most cases the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier. Call 414-270-6954

Family of Unarmed Black Teen Killed by Police Sues Madison

or visit communityadvocates.net

Tony Robinson, Jr., Shot to Death by Officer Matthew Kenny, Despite Posing No Threat

MADISON-The family of Tony Robinson, Jr., an unarmed 19-yearold killed in a hail of bullets by a Madison police officer, will lead a rally announcing the filing of a federal civil suit against the City of Madison and Officer Matthew Kenny. The rally will take place at 4:30 PM in front of the State Capitol Building at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and E. Main Street.

The suit, brought by Jon Loevy and David Owens of the Chicago civil rights law firm Loevy & Loevy Tony Robinson, Jr. Attorneys at Law, charges civil rights violations in the March 6th killing of Robinson. Police audio and videotape directly contradict the version of events given by Officer Kenny, demonstrating that Robinson posed no immediate threat to the officer or other civilians, despite Kenny's claims.

Police dispatch audio tapes, for example, record that Kenny was informed that Robinson was unarmed. And squad car video tape contradict Kenny's claim that Robinson was near him, or coming towards him, when he began firing his seven shots at the teenager.

The suit describes the deliberate method by which Kenny killed Tony without any lawful justification: "Defendant Kenny fired a first volley of three shots, and then stopped to pick up his flashlight, which he had dropped. Defendant Kenny then took a step back and fired three more shots into Tony Robinson. Then, Defendant Kenny took another step back, raised his gun again, and fired a seventh shot."

The suit derides the standard procedure by which the City of Madison "investigates" police shootings – for example, allowing officers to re-visit the crime scene and review all available forensic evidence before making their witness statements. Despite those considerable advantages, Kenny's story still was woefully at odds with the physical evidence, but Madison exonerated him anyway.

In short, Officer Kenny lied repeatedly, and Madison authorities allowed him to get away with it.

"The City’s investigation into the shooting of Tony Robinson is evidence of the City’s continued deliberate indifference to the use of unconstitutional deadly force against unarmed citizens. Rather than examine the evidence, and inconsistencies between Defendant Kenny’s account and the audio and video footage, the investigators accepted wholesale Defendant Kenny’s inconsistent and facially implausible version of events. Indeed, the City did not even speak to Defendant Kenny in the course of its investigation. Instead, policymakers for the City publicly spoke out endorsing Defendant Kenny’s actions…."

"Because of his status as a police officer, Defendant Kenny, like the City of Madison, has not been held accountable for his actions. Instead, despite the cries of a grieving community, authorities, including the City of Madison, have endorsed Defendant Kenny’s actions — an act of deliberate indifference to the senseless killing of Tony Robinson, Jr. and others at the hands of the Madison Police Department… Those actions have left a family and community irreparably harmed, and without other recourse."

Besides his parents, Tony Robinson, Jr. is survived by five younger brothers and sisters, ages 1, 10, 13, 13 and 16.

Loevy & Loevy is the largest civil rights law firm in the Midwest, with offices in Chicago and Boulder. It has won more multi-million dollar jury verdicts than any other civil rights law firm in the entire country over the past decade.

Social Development Commission (SDC) this week filed an emergency motion with Milwaukee County Circuit Court seeking a temporary restraining order against Milwaukee County.

The injunction aims to stop Milwaukee County from proceeding with an award of contracts to UMOS and Community Advocates for the 2015-16 Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Contract.

Earlier this month, Department of Health and Human Services Director Hector Colon issued contracts to Community Advocates and UMOS under “emergency authority.”

Colon violated state statute 59.52 (31), which requires that all contracts in excess of $300,000 receive approval from the full County Board of Supervisors.

County Comptroller Scott Manske, who is required to countersign the contracts and is responsible for issuing funds, refused to issue the full funding request citing that the contracts had not received approval of the County Board.

At the July 30 meeting of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, the board voted against approval of the contracts for UMOS and Community Advocates, and in favor of extending the contracts of the current providers, SDC and Community Advocates, for a six-month period.

The Department of Health and Human Services, who administers the WHEAP contract, was directed to obtain public input on the new service model they wish to implement and develop a new Request for Proposal (RFP) based on community feedback.

“SDC felt it was necessary to seek an injunction because the County’s administration blatantly violated what is clearly spelled out in our state statutes,” said SDC CEO George Hinton.

“The administration is setting a dangerous precedent by acting as though the law is something that can be applied selectively.”

Hinton went on to say, “Director Colon’s disregard for the decision made by our County Supervisors, and thus the will of the people, is deeply disturbing.”

A judge will hear SDC’s motion for injunctive relief on the afternoon of Friday, August 14.

Not For Solace Only, But For Strength

(continued from page 4) gious leaders because He went around saying “This is my Body, this is my Blood.” He got in trouble and got murdered because he said everybody is of value, everybody is God’s child.

He pointed out the selfishness and arrogance of the leaders, those who placed burdens on people and would not lift a finger to help. If He were here now He would say “Black Lives Matter.” Not for solace only, but for strength to speak out, do we receive the Bread of Life.

We must love others as we love ourselves. Paul says in Ephesians: “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Y&E

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 6

YOUTH&EDUCATION

The Milwaukee Bucks’ and its star Jabari Parker partner with Milwaukee Public Schools on new attendance initiative Bucks forward will appear in multi-media campaign urging students to own their future by being in school all day, every day

The Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) announced today a joint initiative to promote attendance among Milwaukee students.

The collaborative effort features Bucks forward Jabari Parker as a spokesman, and is aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of students being in school all day, every day.

“In every aspect of life, success comes to those who show up every day willing to work hard,” Parker said.

“You can’t learn if you aren’t in school. It’s my hope that every MPS student will realize the importance of making every day count.”

“Students who are in school all day, every day increase their academic success and that’s what we want for all of our young people,” MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver said.

“We are grateful to the Milwaukee Bucks and Jabari Parker for recognizing that everyone in our community has a stake in helping our students succeed.”

Students who regularly miss school don’t just struggle academically; chronic absenteeism can literally be life altering.

Studies have shown that missing just a single day each

K

month during a student’s first semester of high school can reduce the likelihood of graduating to 63 percent.

As early as sixth grade, absenteeism has been shown to be the leading predictor of whether or not a student will drop out of high school, and kindergarteners who miss two or more days of school per month have a much more difficult time learning to read.

As part of Parker’s involvement in the campaign, he has pledged to reward select MPS students each semester who have great attendance or have shown significant improvement in attendance by treating them to dinner.

He will also make visits to MPS schools that have shown attendance increases throughout the school year.

In addition to the multi-media campaign featuring Parker, MPS is taking numerous other steps to improve student attendance, including interventions with students who have an increased number of absences, follow-up calls home on days students are absent, increased staff training to help make the school experience and coursework more engaging, and an effort to develop even stronger relationships with parents to identify barriers to good attendance as early as possible.

Creative for the joint Milwaukee Bucks/MPS attendance campaign was developed in part by Milwaukeebased advertising agency STIR.

(Pictured top left): The Milwaukee Bucks’ Jabari Parker with students, Bucks officials, administrators and MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver at Frances Starms Discovery Learning Center, 2035 N. 25th St. (Pcitured above): Parker talks to students about the importance of school attendance. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)

t

“In every aspect of life, success comes to those who show up every day willing to work hard...“You can’t learn if you aren’t in school. It’s my hope that every MPS student will realize the importance of making every day count.”

--Jabari Parker

International honor organization brings over 1,000 college volunteers to Milwaukee and Waukesha to promote childhood literacy 2,500 local children benefit from day-long literacy-focused program

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, KPMG Foundation, KPMG LLP, and Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), came together for a one-day effort to support early education literacy throughout Milwaukee & Waukesha Counties.

With the help of more than 1,000 BAP student and faculty volunteers from across the world, over 2,800 elementary and middle school students were able to participate in the one-day Beta Alpha Psi International Day of Literacy event.

Volunteers started their day with a kickoff at The Wisconsin Center, where they were greeted by United Way President & CEO Mary Lou Young, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools Darienne Driver, KPMG Audit Partner Darren Goldstein, and President of Beta Alpha Psi Kevin Stocks.

Volunteers then went to four yearround Milwaukee Public Schools (Congress School, Metcalfe School, Hawthorne School, and Silver Spring School), five Boys & Girls Clubs (Daniels-Mardak, Pierce, MLK, Pieper-Hillside and Mitchell) and two youth-serving non-profits

“It is EASIER to BUILD STRONG Children Then REPAIR BROKEN Men!”

--Fredrick Douglas

Students and volunteers take a selfie break at Metcalfe School.

(La Causa, Inc. and La Casa de Esperanza) to engage students with the literacy program.

The literacy focused programming gave K4-8th grade students the opportunity to explore the earth’s seven continents by visiting interactive stations manned by the college student and faculty volunteers.

The students participated in edu-

cational games and activities and had their ‘passport’ stamped at each station.

At the end of the event, the children had a book read to them, and each went home with a brand new book.

“Beta Alpha Psi International Day of Literacy is a gratifying and memorable opportunity for our members to share their time and talents with

the children of Milwaukee. For many of our members, this will be the highlight of their summer, “says Kevin Stocks, President of Beta Alpha Psi. Additionally, visiting volunteers donated enough school supplies to stuff 200 backpacks, which were donated by the American Institute of CPAs. These backpacks will be donated to Milwaukee’s Auer Avenue School. Donations of clothing items representing each volunteer’s College or University will be donated to Hebron House of Hospitality in Waukesha.

Students take a photo with volunteers at MLK.

“Beta Alpha Psi International Day of Literacy is a gratifying and memorable opportunity for our members to share their time and talents with the children of Milwaukee. For many of our members, this will be the highlight of their summer...“

--Kevin Stocks, President of Beta Alpha Psi

KALEIDOSCOPE

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n l s e

the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section

e r

Sista Speak...Speak Lord!

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Zelda Corona

Tara R. Pulley

Sonya Bowman

“What I Know For Sure”

When Our Doubts Seem Strong…

It appears we are in a time where we hold on to grudges against others.

It appears we are in a time where Forgiveness is becoming a hard task for some of us.

It appears we are in a time where we are less understanding of others struggles.

What I know for sure, is no one knows your struggles until they have walked in your shoes.

What I know for sure, is We Need To Keep God First and He will not steer you Wrong.

Tara R. Pulley “Keeping It Real”

To Be or Not To Be

I may never run through a field of lavender as the sun warms my face.

I may never sit on a mountain top as my stomach flips with excitement.

I may never take a trip around the world and taste coffee from different regions.

I may never be a participant on a game show where I am asked to “Come on down!”

I may never chase storms and watch twisters form in the clouds as rain covers my face…

I will take time to smell the roses and allow the warmth of the sun to heal me.

I will take a ride on a roller coaster and feel the drop in my belly from the seat in the first car.

Sonya M. Bowman I will experience the Universe from that private “It Is What It Is” place, while I swallow His word.

I will be obedient when I am summoned to get down Grudges on my knees and show thanks to the Almighty.

It appears we are in a time where no one has any re- I will engage in the beauty of the seasons and welgard for how we talk to one another. come all elements, because each is a true blessIt appears we are in a time where we are so hung up ings. on self that we no longer show empathy towards These are the things that I am certain! others.

It appears we are in a time where we have lost reZelda Corona “Vision Represents Faith” spect for one another.

It appears we are in a time where we struggle with what iis going on around us.

We must trust Him with everything in our being, for our being is comprised of our souls. Our souls are His soul. He created us in His image…Feet like bronze, hair like wool that tends to kink, curl or dread. We are the original supreme beings. When our strength seems small, we must move beyond our fears and vibrate at the level of the gods we once were. We must recall that we were stripped of our true knowledge in the knowing of who we really are. When to simply trust Him seems the hardest thing of all…we must know, that we know, that we know… we are His chosen people.

PHI BETA SIGMA PLANS SECOND ANNUAL BLUE AND WHITE BALL

Fraternity Set to Announce its Newest Program Initiatives

Several initiatives to address the needs of young men of color in the Lake County area will be unveiled at this year’s Blue and White Ball to be hosted by the local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. The event, in its second year, will be held on Sept. 12 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Mundelein, Ill. As part of the evening’s festivities, the organization also will honor local community leaders in the areas of education, business, social action and military service. Awards will be presented by the fraternity’s twotime, past International President and Keynote Speaker, the Honorable Carter D. Womack. Award recipients will be announced at a later date.

This year’s theme, “I Am My Brother’s Keeper,’’ idemonstrates the fraternity’s commitment to President Obama’s community initiative: “My Brother’s Keeper.” The national initiative, announced by the president in his 2014 State of the Union address, is designed to help young men of color facing especially tough odds to reach their full potential.

The local fraternity’s efforts to help young men of color is in keeping with the vision of the founders of Phi Beta Sigma and is a continuation of a decade of service to the Lake County community, said Mark Jones, Director of Outreach for Phi Beta Sigma’s Nu Lambda Sigma Alumni Chapter.

“What better way to honor the men who have come before us than to serve the communities that have supported us, to that end, we stand by our national leader by helping to address issues impacting men of color in our communities,” said Charles L. Jones, President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Nu Lambda Sigma Chapter.

In solidarity with “My Brother’s Keeper,” the men of Phi Beta Sigma’s Nu Lambda Sigma Alumni Chapter plan to address issues that impact young men of color in surrounding Lake County communities. The fraternity’s efforts will fall under four of its main programs: • Sigma Beta Club • Scholarships for College Bound Students • Adopt-a-School & Mentoring Programs • March of Dimes-March for Babies & American Cancer Society-Relay for Life The Sigma Beta Club will focus on the principles of culture, athletics, social service and education and will help youth develop values, leadership skills and so-

cial/cultural awareness. The initiative will coincide with efforts of the national office and Sigma chapters nationwide to address issues impacting men of color.

The Adopt-a-School program is designed to put Sigma men into local schools as mentors/role models and help develop and support value-added activities at the schools with the ultimate goal of improving student literacy.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity has a long history of helping youth, dating back to 1950 when it became one of the first Greek organizations to start a youth auxiliary.

“The Men of Sigma in Lake County, Illinois, have worked very hard to make a difference and to be positive role models in our communities,” said Mark Jones, Director of Outreach for Phi Beta Sigma’s Nu Lambda Sigma Alumni Chapter.

This is evident in the chapter’s accomplishments for 2015. This year, local members of Phi Beta Sigma have the following activities in the Lake County area as part of the organization’s three main initiatives: Bigger and Better Business, Education and Social Action: • Bigger and Better Business: Hosted a community based Financial Planning Seminar and partnered with two minority-owned businesses for community service initiatives which included fundraising for scholarships and providing meals to families.

• Education: Awarded two scholarships to collegebound high school seniors. Sponsored students to participate in the local Historical Black College and University Tour.

• Social Action: Participated in the March of DimesWalk for Babies in Libertyville, Illinois and Relay for Life – American Cancer Society at Warren Township High School in Gurnee. Collaborated with a local church and food pantry/soup kitchen to feed the homeless.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend the Blue and White Ball and support the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. of Lake County in their continued service to the community.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is an international organization of college and professional men, predominantly of African- American origin. From its inception, Phi Beta Sigma has been open to men of all races, religions, classes and national origins. The fraternity holds as its motto, “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.”

The organization has its international headquarters in Washington, D.C., and has more than 175,000 alumni and collegiate members in more than 500 chapters in the U.S., the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

It conducts national programs in education; social action and bigger and better business; a youth mentorship program of Sigma Beta Clubs for young men from 8 to 18; and a Sigma Wellness program in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HEALTHWELL

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 7

Homework for Parents:

Your Child’s Back-ToSchool Health Checklist

WASHINGTON — Summer fun is almost over for millions American students. It’s time to put away the swimsuits, dust off the book bags and head back to school soon.

To ensure that students of all ages go to class in the best possible health, the nation’s emergency physicians advise parents and guardians to do a little homework of their own and go through a back-to-school health check list.

“Nothing is more important than making sure your child’s health is in check,” said Dr. Michael Gerardi, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “Make sure all of the necessary forms and information are organized and easily available to those who need it.”

Checklist: Organize your child’s medical history records and emergency medical contact information. Provide copies of this information to your child’s school and any day care providers with instructions to take it with them to the emergency department if your child is sick or injured.

The form should include information related to prescription medications, medical problems, or previous surgeries as well as pertinent family history and emergency contacts.

Free forms can be downloaded on the EmergencyCareForYou website. An emergency information form is also available for children with special needs.

Complete a consent-to-treat form and give copies to the school nurse and any day care providers to keep in your child’s record and to take with them if your child should need to go to the emergency department.

(continued on page 8)

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 8 2015 MILWAUKEE FILM FESTIVAL BLACK LENS We are proud to present this program featuring work solely from African-American filmmakers.

Fiction and documentary stories from both emerging and established voices put the focus squarely on the black community.

A Ballerina’s Tale (USA / 2015 / Director: Nelson George) Trailer: https://vimeo.com/124288652 Misty Copeland, the first African-American female soloist at New York's American Ballet Theatre, would be the first to tell you that, based on body type, pedigree and background, she shouldn't be a part of one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies. But her inspirational story of dogged determination (overcoming a debilitating shin injury, eating disorders and racial issues), filmed here in a raw, cinéma vérité documentary, will leave no doubt as to how this trailblazer shot her way up the ranks and overcame all obstacles to turn in breathtaking performances in Firebird and Swan Lake.

Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (USA / 2015 / Director: Stanley Nelson Jr.) Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F56O3kZ9qr0 Into today’s era still struggling with police brutality, racial discrimination and extreme poverty comes master documentarian Stanley Nelson's stirring portrait of the Black Panther Party. Following the party from its inception in the early ’60s to its bitter dissolution a decade later, MFF alumnus Nelson captures the essential history of the movement, elegantly mixing archival footage alongside Showcasing fiction and documentary films from emerging and interviews with FBI informants, journalists, supporters, detractors and lower-level members of the party. This is a profoundly resonant portrait of a period of time when impatience bred revolution established directors in the black community and a vibrant group rose up to bring civil rights issues to the forefront.

Wednesday, August 12th, 2015 – The 7th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival, presented by the Cincinnati Goddamn Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, announces the return of the Black Lens program for the second year.

(USA / 2014 / Director: Paul Hill and April Martin) Featuring work from both emerging and established African-American filmmakers, this program Trailer: https://vimeo.com/104340013 presents 8 fiction and documentary films.

It's a story that has become all too familiar — young, unarmed black men killed by law en“The level of films we were able to incorporate into the program last year as well as the incredible forcement agents who have sworn to protect them, followed by protests-turned-riots sparked by response we received from the community really solidified Black Lens program as an essential the men’s untimely demise. But before Michael Brown and Ferguson, there was Timothy Thomas, part of the Milwaukee Film Festival,” explains Geraud Blanks, programmer of Black Lens, also a Roger Owensby and Cincinnati. A powerful examination of a moment preceding the #BlackLivesbatterer’s intervention specialist for Sojourner Family Peace Center, music promoter, and former Matter movement, the documentary Cincinnati Goddamn presents a chilling and revealing look Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributor. into what one academic calls "urban genocide" — a volatile cocktail of systemic racism, widespread Celebrated documentary filmmaker, MacArthur Fellow, and National Humanities Medal winner poverty and unchecked police brutality — and the grassroots activism that took to the streets to Stanley Nelson Jr. will attend in person and receive a Tribute Award from the film festival prior to challenge it. a screening of his latest film, Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution. Stanley Nelson’s films A Girl Like Grace are very familiar to Milwaukee Film Festival audiences, as the 2014 festival featured Freedom (USA / 2015 / Director: Ty Hodges) Summer and the 2010 festival featured Freedom Riders. In addition to receiving the Tribute Award Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcmUzkC5WNI and presenting his latest film, Stanley Nelson will also conduct a Masterclass with local filmmakSeventeen-year-old Haitian-American Grace (newcomer Ryan Destiny, in a spirited breakout ers. performance) finds her dysfunctional existence thrown further into upheaval following the suicide Three of the program’s featured documentaries cover topics that have garnered national atof her best friend, Andrea. Grace is already a social pariah tormented by a clique of bullies (led tention in the past year. “In fact, the storylines behind A Ballerina's Tale, Cincinnati Goddamn and

by Raven-Symoné), and her desire to understand her friend's decision leads to Andrea's older Little White Lie are so timely, it gives new meaning to the phrase ‘art imitates life,’” explains sister Share (Meagan Good), who encourages Grace to embrace her sexuality, leading her down Blanks. a rocky road of discovery. This sensitive coming-of-age story anchored by a stunning lead perA Ballerina's Tale profiles ballet dancer Misty Copeland who, in June, became the first Africanformance captures the social hardship inherent in a young woman coming to terms with herself.

American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater's 75-year hisImperial Dreams tory. Tackling issues of race and identity, Cincinnati Goddamn spotlights several police shootings (USA / 2014 / Director: Malik Vitthal) of black men in Cincinnati over a 6 year period in the 1990s, while Little White Lie tells the story A redemption tale anchored by an amazing lead performance from John Boyega (star of the of a young African-American woman who passes for white as a child until a family secret forces upcoming *Star Wars* film), *Imperial Dreams* is a family drama with an astonishingly realized her to question her identity. father/son relationship at its core. Bambi (Boyega) is coming home to Watts; recently released The second year of the Black Lens Program, also brings expanded partnerships within the comfrom prison, he has designs on earning a living as a writer (having been published while incarmunity. In cooperation with Sojourner Family Peace Center's Beyond Abuse program, the Festival cerated) to provide for his young son Day. But he quickly realizes the deck is stacked against him will host a workshop on "healthy relationships," following a screening of In a Perfect World. The and it's going to take everything he has to achieve his dreams in this stunning, multiple awardworkshop will focus on intimate partner related issues like conflict resolution, co-parenting, and winning drama. maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner.

In A Perfect World “I wanted to present films that not only expose viewers to black filmmakers they might not al(USA / 2015 / Director: Daphne McWilliams) ready know but also films that explore issues and raise questions that are often not addressed by Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NthftfkGsBs other filmmakers,” explains Blanks.

Documentarian Daphne McWilliams was looking to craft a film about young men raised by The Johnson Controls Foundation has provided a grant to help underwrite the Black Lens prosingle mothers, so she turned to the strongest source she knows — her son. This courageous exgram, providing $20,000 in cash support. amination into modern family life, with McWilliams grounding her sociological study through exIn cooperation with Program Sponsor WJMR Jammin 98.3, a Black Lens launch event will take traordinarily intimate interviews with her son, Chase, as well as other men raised without a father place on Thursday, September 17. This is the first time Milwaukee Film will host a pre-festival refigure, is revelatory. A story of boys becoming men despite the absence of a male presence and ception for a film series. The event is intended to provide a sneak peek at trailers as well as an opthe utterly unique relationships they forge with their mothers, In a Perfect World is stirring, relevant portunity to engage with the program’s sponsors and community partners. The event is open to filmmaking. the public; details to be available at mkefilm.org. This event will also launch a Black Lens specific Last Night twitter handle run by Series Programmer Geraud Blanks.

(USA / 2015 / Director: Harold Jackson III) Twitter account: @BlackLensMKE Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8WOvlx9hKc hashtag: #BlackLensMKE A whirlwind romantic encounter perfect for fans of the Before Sunrise trilogy, Last Night pairs Presenting Sponsor: The Johnson Controls Foundation its mismatched strangers on a night of soul-baring disclosures and verbal sparring on the streets Program Sponsor: WJMR Jammin 98.3 & NAACP - Milwaukee Branch

2015 MFF Reveals Return of African-American-Focused BLACK LENS Program

of Washington, D.C. Gorgeous fashion model Sky is escorted on an unexpected evening-long adventure with impulsive businessman Jon — the only catch being that this is Sky's final night in D.C. before moving to North Carolina to live with her boyfriend. The film is a warmly shot, exquisitely performed look at romantic longing between two people who realize they may only ever have this extended moment between one another.

Little White Lie (USA / 2014 / Directors: Lacey Schwartz and James Adolphus) Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUr9TEsXlmcmorp8XHCj7Wtg&v=nHq3DevkXqA A documentary released at a perfect point in our culture when knotty intersections of race and identity are making headlines, Little White Lie tells one woman's remarkably intimate story of a life spent between two worlds.

Raised white with her dark skin color and curly hair explained away as an inheritance from her Sicilian grandfather, the director Lacey Schwartz can't fight the nagging feeling that her uppermiddle-class Jewish upbringing is hiding something, only to find she was the product of her mother's affair with a black man. After her biological father's passing, she cannot hold back this family secret any longer.

Your Child’s Back-To-School Health Checklist (continued from page 7)

The form will allow caregivers to authorize medical treatment.

Coordinate with the school nurse and your child’s physician to develop action plans for any health issues, such as asthma or food allergies. Communicate these plans to all appropriate care givers.

Schedule medical and dental check-ups before school starts.

Some children will need immunizations. Consider vision and hearing tests, since impairment can adversely affect learning.

Consider a sports check-up if your child will be playing in sports.

Review and do a dry run with your child of his or her route to school, explaining potential hazards along the way. If your child walks to school, make sure he or she understands potential traffic dangers.

If your child takes the bus, establish a safe, visible pick up/drop off spot, preferably with a group of children and in an area where they can be clearly seen by adults. If your child drives to school, make sure he or she obeys all laws and wear seatbelts.

Make sure your children know how to telephone for help.

Post emergency contact numbers by every telephone in your home. Have them practice how to call 911or the local emergency number and give their names address and a brief description of the problem.

Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens on the way to (or from) and while at school. Be aware of the emergency and evacuation plans for your children’s schools.

School children are not only head back to classrooms in a few weeks but they’ll also hit the athletic fields as well to participate in school sports. Find out from emergency physicians here about what they are seeing inside their emergency departments and what your children should do to protect themselves.

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine.

ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 9

The Staff and Management of YOUR Milwaukee Community Journal THANKS YOU, our Community, for helping make our 39th anniversary and TNT Scholarship Brunch a smashing success!

We look forward to celebrating our 40th year with YOU!

The Milwaukee Community Journal August 12, 2015 Page 10