AMERICA in
BLACK & WHITE
violence that followed. Blacks are about twice as likely as whites to say that the shooting of Michael Brown "raises important issues about race that need to be discussed." Wide racial differences also are evident in opinions about whether local police went too far in the aftermath of Brown's death, and in confidence in the investigations into the shooting. The new national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted Aug. 14-17 among 1,000 adults, finds that the public overall is divided over whether Brown's shooting raises important issues about race or whether the issue of race is getting more attention than it deserves: 44% think the case does raise important issues about race that require discussion, while 40% say the issue of race is getting more attention than it deserves. By about four-to-one (80% to 18%), African Americans say the shooting in Ferguson raises important issues about race that merit discussion. By contrast, whites, by 47% to 37%, say the issue of race is getting more attention than it deserves. Whites Divided in Views of Police Response to Ferguson Shoot(continued on page 8 )
COMMUNITY
Stark racial divisions in reactions to Ferguson police shooting Article courtesy of Pew Research via “The Rundown”
Blacks and whites have sharply different reactions to the police shooting of an unarmed teen in Ferguson, Mo., and the protests and
VOL. XXXIX Number 4 August 20, 2014
The Milwaukee
JOURNAL www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
W I S C O N S I N ’ S L A R G E S T A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N N E W S PA P E R
Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin and MICAH unveil new county bus routes leading to suburban jobs
Dr. Patricia McManus, president and CEO of the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin praises the creation of two bus routes to take central city residents to jobs in the suburbs thanks to a lawsuit victory over the state and federal DOT’s during a recent news conference in the MICAH parking lot. At far right is Rev. Willie Brisco, president of MICAH. (Photo by Robert Bell)
Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin (BHCW) and Milwaukee Innercity Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH) unveiled recently two Milwaukee County Transit buses that will take central city Milwaukee residents to jobs in the suburbs. The bus routes, which will take riders to industrial parks in Menomonee Falls and New Berlin, are the end result of a settlement of a lawsuit of the current Zoo Interchange project brought by BHCW and MICAH against state and federal transportation officials and agencies. The two organizations were represented in the lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Services. Over the next four years, $13.5 million will enable three new bus routes to carry workers and potential job seekers from the predominately Black central city to industrial parks and suburban employment hubs and connect suburban residents to shopping centers and connections to medical and social resources. “We’re excited about these new bus routes, stated Dr. Patricia McManus, president and CEO of BHCW during the news conference in the parking lot of MICAH’s headquarters. “Central city residents will no longer be land locked from much needed employment opportunities.” In addition to the bus routes, this funding will also provide for mitigation measures that will include public
A member of a group of peaceful daily demonstrators addresses the group as Ferguson, Mo. police officers dressed in full riot and para-military gear block their path. (File photo)
outreach, engagement and marketing. “This is an opportunity to move us closer to what has been missing, a regional approach to transit,” added Rev. Willie Brisco, president of MICAH. McManus and Brisco were flanked by members of MICAH, representatives of BHCW, Jobs Now Wisconsin, the ACLU, county and state political officials and a representative
of Mayor Tom Barrett. After the news conference, attendees boarded County Transit buses to experience the rides on the new Route 279 to Menomonee Falls and the new Route 6 to the New Berlin Industrial Park. The free rides acquainted elected officials, transit advocates and job seekers, with the route, the ride, and (continued on page 4)
(Pictured above): Representatives from FedEx, a staffing service, and Milwaukee County Transit System talk about the job opportunities awaiting central city residents and what they need to do to qualify for positions at the various businesses located at the industrial parks in Menomonee Falls and New Berlin during a Employer Information Session held at the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin offices Tuesday afternoon. There were resource tables with information on health insurance enrollment, transit and workforce information. (Pictured below): Two men listen to the information being provided during info session. (At bottom): Graphics of the two new routes provided by Milwaukee County Transit. (Photos by Robert Bell)
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668
(Photo provided by the Fellowship Open)
2014 Fellowship Open An Outstanding Success!
Pictured left to right: Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; 2014 Legends Award Recipient Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson; Community Leader Award Recipient, History Maker and Attorney Vel Phillips; and Congresswoman Gwen Moore, were among the hundreds of celebrities, business leaders and urban youth who attended this year's event. Since its founding, the Fellowship Open has raised nearly $1,000,000 to support education and open paths to successful careers for Milwaukee's children.
Rights coalition to challenge injustice, regressive policies during a Moral Week of Action in Madison
Other States Are Holding Similar Campaigns across the Nation.
MADISON -The statewide coalition of religious, social justice and labor organizations, Forward Together Wisconsin, is mobilizing for a Moral Week of Action at the Wisconsin State Capitol from August 21-28 to stand up against the flood of regressive social policies pushed and passed by legislators in the past two years. Across the nation, coalitions in other states will stand in solidarity with the Moral Week of Action by undertaking similar campaigns at their legislative houses to protest extremist lawmakers who champion laws that devastate the country's most vulnerable communities. "The policies and actions undertaken by the Wisconsin state legislature have set the stage for a path of pain and destruction that will be felt by the people of Wisconsin for years to come. Wisconsin, once a national leader in political reform and improving the human condition, has fallen short of the virtues of the Wisconsin Idea," said Gregory Jones - NAACP Wisconsin State Political Action Chair. Each day at the Wisconsin State Capitol East Entrance, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., the coalition will lift its voices for certain urgent issues while still recognizing the inherent connections between all social justice (continued on page 8)
New international AKA president Wilson honored
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority recently honored Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson (shown above second from right with guests, left to right: State Sen. Lena Taylor, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, and State Rep. Mandela Barnes) with a community reception celebrating her installation as the sorority’s newly installed international president. The reception was held at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, downtown. Wilson will set the leadership tone for 265,000 sorors and 986 chapters worldwide. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: At the celebration honoring Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson becoming the new international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. we asked four attendees... “What would be YOUR solution to the gun violence in Milwaukee?”
GLORIA M. MILLER: “I don’t know if there is one solid solution. But we need more jobs and more unity in our community.”
LIDDIE COLLINS-SIEGRIST: “We need jobs in our community to counter activities that bring about violence. A working person is too busy and would have too much to lose if they were to involve themselves in violent and unlawful behavior.”
JOHN MCCOTTRELL: “While there may not be one singular answer, we need fewer guns, less hate, more love and community spirit.”
LaROYCE CHAMBERS: “Economic empowerment and educational opportunities will help to decrease gun violence. People need to learn respect for each other and for life.”
The Milwaukee Community Journal August 20, 2014 Page 2
PERSPECTIVES P P
The Milwaukee Community Journal August 20, 2014 Page 3
OLITICS OLITICS & GOVERNMENT
WEDC: “Walkers Economic Disaster Corporation”
One of the worst kept secrets in Wisconsin is how badly our state is lagging in terms of job creation. While the rest of the nation surges ahead in terms of economic recovery, Wisconsin ranks dead last—10th out of 10 Midwestern states—in private sector job creation since 2011. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our state has fallen from 11th in the nation in private sector job growth all the way down to 35th just three years later. Just this month, a downward revision of June jobs numbers showed Wisconsin only continues to slide backwards when it comes to job creation. Last year was the worst for private sector job creation since the great recession—and this year’s pace is even worse. Scott Walker’s flagship job creation agency, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), was established to lead the way in achieving Walker’s central campaign promise to create 250,000 private sector jobs. Unfortunately, the agency has become much better known for being mired in scandal than for fulfilling its mission. At the start of 2013—which would turn out to be the worst year yet under Walker in terms of private sector job creation in Wisconsin—WEDC Vice President Lisa Thompson told the Capital Times newspaper, “We suck. We’re bad. Do we keep talking about it or do we take action?” More than a year later, WEDC is still bad, and 2014 is on pace to be much worse than the year before. After hearing about job creation throughout Walker’s entire first term, Wisconsin families are still wondering where the good paying jobs are. Filled with political allies to Scott Walker and his private-sector cronies, WEDC has been busier carrying water for Walker’s failed job creation agenda than working on real solutions to put Wisconsin back to work. Multiple audits of WEDC show the quasi-public jobs agency failed to follow basic standards in the
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Mary Burke
state law to ensure the clear and proper use of millions in taxpayer dollars. Over the course of its very short history, WEDC has failed to obtain financial statements for the companies it does business with, given rewards to ineligible businesses, awarded up to $1 million to companies for actions done before signing contracts with the state government, and neglected on multiple occasions to follow up to ensure jobs were created—even fudging the numbers on jobs that didn’t surface. Three years have proven Walker and WEDC have no real plan or strategy for job growth or economic turnaround—they believe saying the words “job creation” is as good as putting in the work. WEDC even found a way to break the law before it found an effective way to create jobs. Audits showed the economic development corporation let staff use credit cards to buy alcohol and football tickets. Much has been made of WEDC giving millions in taxpayer money to Plexus and Eaton Corporation, two companies which sent over one hundred jobs overseas to foreign countries, but Walker’s failed agency has clearly struggled to match it’s lofty rhetoric on development from the start. Given its most recent controversy, Walker is refusing to let out information on companies working with WEDC, citing security concerns. Wisconsin deserves a well thought-out plan for job creation, one that serious looks at what is needed to turn our state around and (continued on page 9)
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Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. MCJ STAFF: Joan Hollingsworth, Sales Rep. Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Publisher, CEO Taki S. Raton, Robert J. Thomas Rev. Roxanne Cardenas, Assoc. Publisher PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Teretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Webmaster Billing Dept./Publisher’s Admin. Assist. Colleen Newsom, Classified Advertising 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.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It’s lack of faith that makes people afriad of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.” --Muhammad Ali
The era of social regression and why the Black man and his community has not progressed in 40 years
By Taki S. Raton
Part One
This treatment will be a two-part series with a focus on the recent University of Chicago study by Derek Neal and Armin Rick, “The Prison Boom and the Lack of Black Progress after Smith and Welch.” The authors conclude that the growth of incarceration rates among Black men in recent decades combined with the sharp drop in Black employment rates during the Great Recession have left most Black men in a position relative to White men that is really no better than the position Black men occupied following only a few years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Citing the 1989 Smith and Welch findings, it is further noted that there are additionally concerns about the Black community’s future given researcher’s observation that the poor quality of today’s schooling serving Black children – particularly in Northern cities – are a barrier to continuing Black generational progress. It will shared that the period of the Neal and Rick study, 1970’s to the 2014 present, is unique within the historical corridor of the Black experience in America - even to include the period of enslavement - that these years from the 1970’s to the present is the only era in African Americana where a trend of Black social regression and an obvious pattern of voluntary Black male “inferiorization” in relationship to the mainstream character is evident. The unique significant feature of this writing that will differentiate this discussion from national print media reports heretofore on this study will be the historical culturally centered context in which this account is framed herein presented in Part I. African people are the Mothers and Fathers of humankind. Around 250,000 B.C.E. according to Dr. Molefi Kete Asante in “African American History – A Journey of Liberation,” we were endowed with the skills, creativity and intelligence to master and become one and in harmony with the universe of our God. Our ancestors of which we carry their bloodline, were endowed by our Creator with the skills, creativity, and intelligence to master and become one and in harmony with the stars above, with the earth under our feet, with the whisper of the winds, the flow of the rivers and with the currents of the sea. During the period of the Old and Middle Stone Age from 250,000 B.C.E. to 3400 B.C.E., Africans created the first stone tools, arrowheads and blades. Again, being one to master and become in harmony with all of life and energy around us from the heavens to the seas, Africans, note Asante, learned how to make pottery, polish stone tools, grow food, and raise animals. He says in his words, “They used everything in their environment to assist them in surviving. Stone Age Africans made medicines from leaves and plant roots, clothing from grass, and tools from stone.” And this mastery of the universe we took with us when in
35,000 B.C.E. we began our global migration lasting millions of years into unpopulated areas of what is now Europe, Asia and what would much later come to be known as North and South America. Our foundational accomplishment in civilizational growth and contributory presence in all phases of ordered humankind cultural activity – congenial communal living, agriculture, the raising and taming of animals, good gathering, healing of the sick, original systems of spirituality, the raising and training of our young, kinship patterns, monument and temple building to note samples – would be evident and clearly “In Black” wherever the African found presence on the planet during his migratory sojourn. It would be metaphysicist Dr. Phil Valentine where in Hidden Colors 2, for example, where he shares in opening remarks that, “The one thing we can say about African people is that we left evidence of ourselves all over the planet and throughout all annals of time starting with humankind beginnings.” He adds that, “The deeper European scientists dig, the Blacker the planet gets.” Clearly in this regard, Professor James Small also in Hidden Colors 2 posits that, “most of world history, or at least ninetypercent of world history, is African history. And within that ten-percent, the African was extraordinarily involved in making it (world history) what it is.” Dr. Kwame Nantambi in his June, 2001 essay, “Ancient Egypt’s Role in European History” records that, “Europeans were by no means the pioneer of human civilization. Half of man’s recorded history had passed before anyone in Europe could read or write.” And just to place both Small’s and Nantambi’s comments in perspective, according to an April 23, 2013 article published in National Geographic News, DNA recovered from ancient skeletons reveal that the genetic makeup of what would be called the “European” did not appear until around 4,500 B.C.E. But clearly, the ancient African would invent the world’s first and only 365 day calendar in 4236 B.C.E., only 264 years following the first arrival of the phenotype known as the “European” on the planet, and some 1,036 years prior to the beginning of the Egyptian (Kemetic) dynastic era under King Menes (Narmer) in 3200 B.C.E. Our African World bloodline of achievement, mastery and genius; our African World bloodline endowed by our Creator is also anchored by the African Egyptians – or Kemites – who were the earliest builders of monumental civilizations over the 3,068 years from 3200 B.C.E. to 332 B.C.E. to include the development of paper, script, spiritual systems, science, engineering, medicines, architecture, art, .music, advances in agriculture, the taming of animals, maritime science, astrology, astronomy, philosophy, cosmetics, board games, govern-
SIGNIFYIN’
(continued on page 8
Two local high school grads examplify the power of parental involvement, high standards By Mikel Kwaku Osei Holt
“Point of fact is that
Imagine if you can, living in a war torn country where life is as tenuous as your hopes of rising above poverty and despair. One night rebels invade your village, killing many of the residents. A handful of children are told to hide under a stack of bodies that are to be transported to a mass grave. ‘Buried’ beneath the stench, the horror of death, the blood and guts, they hide as the truck travels to its destination. Eventually, the truck parks and the children are led out into the night. Some are greeted by abolitionists and quietly ushered away. A few are lucky enough to be transported to sympathetic households and humanitarian agencies. Some find their way to the United States. Two sibling survivors of this surreal adventure end up in Milwaukee where they are enrolled in Messmer High School. One graduated last year. The second received her diploma this past June. As I assumed my normal position on stage next to Brother Bob Smith, he enlightened me on ‘Juwana’s compelling sojourn. The beautiful African princess not only graduated with honors, she was awarded over $2 million in scholarships. Yes, you read that right, $2 million. In many respects, Juwana’s story is unique, a made-fortelevision drama with a happy ending. But in some regards, her academic accomplishments are not as unusual as you might think. For if you study closely the so-called educational “Bell Curve academic measurement tool,” you’ll discover White children aren’t at the top of the curve, as many erroneously believe, but Asian Americans.
And following them are children like Juwana, immigrants who prize and value education far more than the average American of any nationality. That’s because for most immigrant children, education is not only a right, but also a God-provided gift not to be squandered. Point of fact is that immigrant children from China, Haiti, or the poorest Third World nation excel when provided an opportunity to attend schools in America. While many, if not most, African Americans take education for granted, the children of immigrants view it as a ticket out of despair and poverty. A perfect example of this paradigm is Rufus King’s Helen Fetaw, profiled last week in the Journal Sentinel. At 16 years old, Helen is heading to the University of Pennsylvania. Not by coincidence, the young lady is a native of Eritrea (in country in Africa). Her parents migrated to the United States 13 years ago. Helen’s mother took advantage of educational opportunities to overcome her condition. She is now a nurse. Helen’s father is also in the medical field. Both parents instilled in Helen the importance of academic achievement and as a result, they pushed and prodded her to excel. The Fetaw’s view education the same way my parents, grandparents and warriors of the Civil Rights Movement did. They bought into Malcolm X’s belief that “education is our passport.” And thus, the opportunities denied Black southerners could be redeemed in the north, where millions immigrated. Education provided the key to the
immigrant children from China, Haiti, or the poorest Third World nation excel when provided an opportunity to attend schools in America. While many, if not most, African Americans take education for granted, the children of immigrants view it as a ticket out of despair and poverty.
(continued on page 9)
A Note from the Editor...
A correction... (make that a clarification) of the official definition of the word “Picnic”
Below is a email from a reader who questioned the authenticity of our explaination of the origin of the word, “Picnic,” in our “Quiet As It’s Kept” article, printed in our August 13, 2014 edition. In the article, we noted that historians with the Smithsonian Institute’s African American Archieves reported the word is derived from “pick a N----.”
Hello. I just wanted to let you know that you printed some incorrect information in your August 13th edition. On page three, you printed information about the etymology of the word "picnic.” I was extremely fascinated and looked up more information online. It immediately became clear that the information you had printed was incorrect. At least two websites have "debunked" the idea that "picnic" originated in the way you described. In fact, after just one search, it was obvious that it predated the formal existence of the United States, and, thus predated the KKK. The word originated in France, about 1692, and is based on french words meaning, “to pick and peck.” I look forward to continuing to read your newspaper. I sincerely hope you are able to make a correction in an upcoming issue. After all, bad information is worse than no information. Thank you so much! Ms. H. Davis
We looked up the definition of the word on Google. According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary site, the word “picnic” is French or German in origin. According to the French version, the word reportedly was first used in that country in 1826 as a noun. The word is also used as a verb, which was reportedly first used in that fashion in 1842. The word “picnic” means: “A meal that is eaten outdoors especially during a trip away from home...” (or, according to the full definition, “an excursion or outing with food usually provided by members of the group and eaten in the open,” also “the food provided for a picnic”); “a trip or party that includes a meal eaten outdoors; something that is pleasant or easy.” First, I’d like to thank Ms. Davis for pointing this out to us. It is not our intent (or the intent of any news organization that values fair, balanced and fact driven reporting) to print inaccurate information. However, when one looks at the definition of the word “picnic,” it is easy to see how the word’s pronounciation and meaning could be misued by racists of the mid-19th century during and/or after the Reconstruction era that followed the Civil War. It seems to have been meant as a racist play on the word and its meaning. After all, southerners during the Jim Crow era in which lynching was most prominant (from mid-19th century to mid-20th century, with the highest number of lynchings occurring in the early 1900s), DID gather outdoors and made this hienous act “a party” or at least infused a party-like atmosphere to the horrific event, which likely included some food and/or beverages. We do know that post-cards depicting lynchings were bought and used by individuals all over the United States during the lynching period. Even burned or mutilated body parts of Black lynching victims were collected as souviners in some instances. Maybe racist mobs and the Klan didn’t randomly “pick a N----,” but I don’t think it is a stretch to believe racist white Americans “celebrated” (with or without food present) the lynching of Black men, women and children (yes, women and children were lynched as well). Was the information we provided incorrect? It seems it was...if you go by the “official” definition of the word “picnic.” As we noted above, it is most likely racists took the word and basterdized it to take on the venomous meaning it has worn for over one hundred years, and which still generates such contempt in the Black community today, especially among culturally aware segments of Black America.--Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., MCJ Editor.
RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal August 20, 2014 Page 4
Everner Ree Buck surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildre, great, great grandchildren, relatives and friends.
HEALTH & HOLINESS:
Religion associated with less depression in elderly Article courtesy of Reuters New Service via “The Rundown”
In a study of older adults, religious participation was correlated with better mood. People in the study who often attended religious services were less likely to report symptoms of depression during the two-year study, researchers found. And those with signs of depression at the start of the study were less likely to be depressed two years later if they engaged in frequent private prayer. This kind of so-called "observational" study, where researchers have no control over their study subjects, can't prove cause and effect. It can't say, for example, whether people became depressed because they didn't participate in religious activities, or whether the depression itself was the reason they didn't participate - or whether something else was at play. "It would be wrong to say 'religion is good for you' this paper is not saying that," Dr. Gary Kennedy, who directs the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, told Reuters Health by phone. Kennedy, who was not involved in the new study, added, "But from a clinical perspective, what I ask my patients is, 'Have you abandoned or have you given up your religious practice in association with your depression?'" He said that if the answer is 'yes,' he'd encourage the person to go back to their faith.
BHCW and MICAH unveil new county bus routes leading to suburban jobs
(continued from page 1) the employment opportunities and other resources along the routes. Flyers with route information and days and times of operation will be available at the event and updates on transit issues will be provided on the bus rides. The two routes begin on Sunday, Aug. 24. A third route to Germantown will be launched in January, 2015. On Tuesday of this week, both organizations held an employer information session at the offices of BHCW. The event featured a panel of employers from Menomonee Falls and New Berlin who have available employment opportunities.
PASSAGES Remembering Everner Ree Buck: 92 Years in the Making
The authors of the study say doctors should be aware of their patients' religious needs and that improving access to places of worship may be helpful for religious older adults. "Frequent service attendance is associated with more social connections, which can reduce isolation and loneliness, two risk factors for depression," Corina Ronneberg told Reuters Health in an email. Ronneberg is a graduate student and researcher with the Department of Gerontology at the John E. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies of the University of Massachusetts Boston. She led the study, which was published in The Gerontologist. "Private prayer may serve to cultivate hope and activate cognitive resources that eventually counter depression," Ronneberg said. Ronneberg and her colleagues analyzed survey responses from the large Health and Retirements Study conducted by the University of Michigan. Altogether they had data from 7,732 people: 1,992 who were depressed and 5,740 who were not depressed in 2006. Depression was measured with an eight-symptom scale - participants were determined to be depressed if they reported three or more symptoms of depression. The researchers found that depressed and non-depressed participants had similar religious affiliations, but non-depressed participants attended worship services frequently: 45 percent did, compared to 37 percent of depressed individuals.
“Oh Lord, my God! When I, in awesome wonder-Consider all the world thy hands hath made…”
How do you measure the life of a woman? Do you measure it in deeds? Do you measure it in notoriety? Do you measure it in wealth? Or do you measure it by considering ALL in the world her hands hath made? The lyrics of “How Great Thou Art” epitomize the life of Mrs. Everner Ree Buck. A life lived in humility and awesome wonder of the greatness of God. Everner Ree Buck was the seventh of 11 children born to the union of Margo Hall and Zarah Powell Hall on February 5, 1922 in Prentiss, Mississippi. Everner and her siblings accepted Christ at an early age. She was the first to go to the holiness church under the leadership of Reverend Richardson who was Martha Hall’s father. Her father, Margo, was the head deacon in the Baptist church. But it was on her visit to the holiness church when she was 12-years-old when Everner received the Holy Ghost. One night she was at home with her siblings as they washed their feet. It was then that Mother Buck stated of Everner: “these are holy feet.” At the age of 13, Everner joined Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God and Christ (“Triumph Church”). Everner acquired her love for music from her father, Margo. By Everner’s account, her father was literate – he could read books and music. These skills were passed on to his children. Everner had an exceptional gift for reading and performing music. In a 2007 interview, Everner said, “If I could live any dream I ever had, it would be to go to college and major in music. I would have loved to learn to play the piano, just so I could accompany myself when I sang.” Indeed, she sang…always in perfect pitch. Everner sang with the sophistication of Marian Anderson and the rawness of Mahalia Jackson. Her renditions of hymns and contemporary gospel moved and soothed souls in churches all over the nation. Accompanied by a band and background singers comprised of her children, Everner dressed in gowns and jewels that rivaled any modern day movie star. She sang her heart out and did not disappoint. In 1941, Everner married Roland Buck, Sr. Roland and Everner moved to Milwaukee, in 1946. From their union they were we blessed with 10 children. “God likes it when you use his gifts to service his people.” Everner lived (continued on page 9)
In Loving Memory
Human trafficking to be topic of August 23 CBC breakfast forum
The human trafficking of children will be the topic at the monthly breakfast forum, sponsored by the Community Brainstorming Conference, at St. Matthew CME Church, 2944 N. 9th St. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m. Titled: Kids Are Not For Sale: Stop Modern Day Slavery. The panelists for the forum discussion will be Bevan Baker FACHE, Health Commissioner, City of Milwaukee; Dana World- Patterson, Chairperson, Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee; Karine Moreno-Taxman, Assistant United States Attorney; Dr. Debbie Lassiter, CEO, Convergence Resource Center; State Representative Latonya Johnson, 17th Wisconsin Assembly District; Timothy Young, Director, Pinnacle Convergence Resource Center. A Fathers Story on Human Trafficking and Video Presentation. The forum’s moderator will be Martha Love. All are invited to come and participate. Parking is available on 8th St., off of Chambers.
Praise for peace program at Washington Park bandshell
A city wide day of prayer for peace worship concert will be held August 19, at the Washington Park Band Shell, 1859 N. 40th St. The event is being sponsored by a youth organization called “Club Kids.” For several years “Club Kids” has provided underprivileged children an outlet of safety, that keeps them out of jails and off the streets by creating a fun and safe alternative environment.
National Black Pro-Life Coalition Oppose Persecution of Christians in Muslim Nations
UNION CITY, Calif. /Christian Newswire/ -- The atrocities perpetrated against Christians in Muslim nations must stop. Christians are being crucified, beheaded, raped, and enslaved simply because they are followers of Christ. Christian churches are being burned and destroyed routinely in Muslim nations. To our horror these same Muslim nations are receiving multi billions of American taxpayer dollars. This administration and our State Department are currently participating in mosque restoration and refurbishing programs in Egypt, Afghanistan, and other Muslim nations. The National Black Pro-life Coalition is a network of ProLife and Pro-Family organizations representing thousands of people. We are committed to restoring Life, Family & Hope and maintain a strong position of nonviolence.
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.
J C Frazier Ernestine O’Bee Funeral Director Founder Services scheduled from Aug. 13 to Aug. 19, 014 6PM(Kappa Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Swan, Nevalle L. Phi Fraternity Inc. will hold a cereAge 70 yrs. August 13, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Au- mony at 5PM) at: gust 23, at 11AM at Holy Redeemer Northwest Funeral Chapel COGIC 3500 W. Mother Daniels Way. O'Bee, Ford & Frazier Visitation Saturday 10AM at the 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Hendree, Carolyn D. Age 60 yrs. August 19, 2014. Funeral Northwest Funeral Chapel services will be held on Monday, AuO'Bee, Ford & Frazier gust 25 at 12PM at Holy Temple First6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 born Missionary Baptist Church 4960 N. 18th St. Visitation Monday 11AM at Bartee, Allen E. Age 84 yrs. August 10, 2014. A Memo- the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: rial Service will be held on Saturday 11AM at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier Northwest Funeral Chapel 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Green, Frederick C. Age 65 yrs. August 19, 2014.Funeral services will be held Friday, August 22, at 6PM. Visitation Friday 3Families 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
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Milwaukee Postmaster Announces New Posting of Job Openings Job seekers urged to create online profile and apply between
AUGUST 15, 2014 thru AUGUST 22, 2014
The Milwaukee Post Office will post more of the new City Carrier Assistant (CCA) positions. Jobseekers in the community are encouraged to build their online profile and apply at http://usps.com/employment. The posting will open on August 15, 2014 and close at midnight on August 22, 2014. The CCA is a new category of non-career employee nand is the path to possible future employment as a fulln d s
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time mail carrier with Postal career employee status. Starting pay is $15.30 per hour. CCAs will be appointed for a term not to exceed 360 calendar days. At the end of the term, CCAs are eligible for reappointment for another 360-day term. CCAs will enjoy benefits including salary increases, vacation time, and an opportunity to enroll in a health benefits plan after 360 days of employment. Positions are posted online at http://usps.com/employment. All applications must be submitted online. Immediately after an application is accepted, applicants will be directed to information to assist in preparing for the Postal Entrance Examination 473. Although this is the only test support material made available by the Postal Service, applicants might also choose to acquire additional test practice material from outside sources such as a library, bookstore, or online search. A minimum score of 70 (excluding veterans’ preference points) is required to be considered for the position. Higher scores are given hiring preference, so it is very important to be prepared and do well on this exam. To be considered for employment, an applicant must also have a valid state driver’s license, demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record, and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
The Milwaukee Community Journal August 20, 2014 Page 5
KALEIDOSCOPE The Milwaukee Community Journal August 20, 2014 Page 6
the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section FAMILY TIME This lady is 2014 Annual truly a dieBlack Health Members Show hard BrewCoalition to hold September 5 – ers fan forum on foster from head October 4, 2014 to toe. She Walker’s Point Center for the Arts is care system was photographed by MCJ Photographer Yvonne Kemp before a recent homestand by the Brew Crew.
proud to present our 2014 Annual Members Show. The opening reception is Friday, September 5, 5 – 9 pm. The exhibition runs through October 4. This annual non-juried exhibition is dedicated to showcasing the artwork of our members. Over 150 pieces in a wide range of media are presented salon-style throughout our gallery, creating an exuberant display of color, texture, form and flow. The style of the artwork varies as much as the medium. The opening reception in itself is a creative salon. Art lovers and exhibiting artists, budding and esteemed, gather to converse, connect and share creative ideas and techniques. For many, WPCA’s Annual Members Show has become a tradition and among their favorite to show work.
Burleigh Street CDC announces racial healing book discussion, author signing Event presents the opportunity to meet radio talk show host/author Sharon E. Davis
The Burleigh Street Community Development Corporation (Burleigh Street CDC) will proudly welcome radio talk show host/author Sharon E. Davis as a guest speaker. She recently authored the critically acclaimed A Safe Place to Talk about Race: 10 Thought-Provoking Interviews. Sharon will facilitate a discussion on the topic of racial healing on Thursday, August 21st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Sherman Perk Coffee Shop, located at 4924 W. Roosevelt Drive. Sharon hosts the VoiceAmerica radio show A Safe Place to Talk about Race, through which she has interviewed several knowledgeable guests. Such guests include New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu, Yale Psychiatrist James P. Cromer, California State Professor Evaon Wong-Kim, and ‘Oprah’ guest Hugh Vasquez. Discussions pertain to a wide variety of topics; including hope, hate groups, LGBT and race, education, and leadership. Sharon will have copies of her book available for purchase at the event. The venue, The Sherman Perk, celebrates its 13th anniversary this month. “The Sherman Perk is a place where all people can come and live their belief in a united community,” said Bob Olin, owner of the popular Sherman Park establishment. Beginning at 6:00 PM on August 21, this event is open to the general public. Anyone interested in attending should contact Renée Lindner at the phone number or email address listed above. About the Burleigh Street Community Development Corporation Leading economic and community revitalization efforts since 1999 is the Burleigh Street CDC, a coalition of people who live, worship, work and do business in the neighborhood. Our mission is to enhance the business environment in the Burleigh Street Commercial Corridor by conceiving and implementing economic development and community revitalization projects through the leverage of public-private partnerships that link city, county, state and federal governments with private investors, local corporations and foundations. More information can
On Wednesday, August 27, 2014 Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin, Inc. (BHCW) will be hosting a community forum titled, The Foster Care Industrial Complex in Milwaukee 'Beware!' Part 1. The meeting will be held at BHCW, 3020 W. Vliet Street, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Dr. Patricia McManus, BHCW President/CEO, will be the presenter. This forum is free is open to the community. The topic of this forum is very timely as far too many families are losing their children to the child welfare system, child abuse tragedies are continuing and the recent reports of there being a backlog of open child neglect cases. The public forum will provide the community an opportunity to learn important facts about the child welfare system and provide an opportunity to get answers to their pressing questions. BHCW is providing this forum through its Milwaukee Healthy Beginnings Project's (MHBP) African American Infant Mortality Task Force. MHBP provides perinatal services to the most "at risk" populations in our community with the goals of reducing low birth weight babies and infant deaths. In recent years, BHCW has been working as advocates for families who have open child welfare cases.
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The era of social regression and why the Black man and his community has not progressed in 40 years The Milwaukee Community Journal August 20, 2014 Page 8
(continued from page 3)
ment, mathematics, temple building, education, and the creators of the world’s first university. Even Chancellor Williams in “Destruction of Black Civilizations” says of the Classical Africans of Kemet that in ancient times and later, “There were Caucasians who regarded the Blacks as a superior people” and any questions concerning the matter of an inherent inferior quality, in his words, “would have been absurd to entertain.” Not to discount the great African kingdoms of Ghana and Mali, but in keeping with this discussion, the Kingdom of Songhay in West Africa over the 119 years from 1475 C.E. to 1494 C.E. bears witness to a continuation of African World accomplishment, mastery and genius in the African bloodline. This proud legacy was spirited at the University of Songhay in Timbuktu. Attracting students and scholars from all of West African and from foreign countries, this university, describes Williams, consisted of a Faculty of Law and departments of medicine, surgery, grammar, geography and art, all headed and taught by African
Rights coalition to challenge injustice, regressive policies during a Moral Week of Action in Madison
(continued from page 1) struggles and movements. A march around the Capitol Building will immediately follow the days' speeches. The issues that this Moral Week of Action will emphasize are: Thursday, 8.21 - News Conference with Wisconsin Clergy and Moral Leaders Friday, 8.22 - Labor Rights, Fair and Living Wages, and Economic Justice Saturday, 8.23 - Education and Criminal Justice Sunday, 8.24 - Equal Protection under the Law: Call for Respect in the Law and in the Community regardless of race, creed, class, gender, sexual orientation and immigration status Monday, 8.25 - Youth Moral Monday Tuesday, 8.26 - Women's Rights Wednesday, 8.27 - Medicaid Expansion, Health Care and Environmental Justice Thursday, 8.28 - Voting Rights
America in Black and White
(continued from page 1) ingFully 65% of African Americans say the police have gone too far in responding to the shooting's aftermath. Whites are divided: 33% say the police have gone too far, 32% say the police response has been about right, while 35% offer no response. Whites also are nearly three times as likely as blacks to express at least
a fair amount of confidence in the investigations into the shooting. About half of whites (52%) say they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in the investigations, compared with just 18% of blacks. Roughly three-quarters of blacks (76%) have little or no confidence in the investigations, with 45% saying they have no confidence at all.
men. The distinguished African intellectual Ahmed Baba, reflecting a long line of Timbuktu scholars, served as the last academic head of the Songhay academy. His title today would be akin to that of a “Chancellor.” He was author of 42 books covering such topics as astronomy, law, science, theology, grammar, appropriate speech, and logic. It should additionally be noted that the decline and fall of Songhay was in 1594, only 24 years before the arrival of the first twenty Africans in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. And again be mindful that Songhay attracted and trained the likes of scholars, mathematicians, poets, musicians, engineers, architects, writers, artist, astronomers, philosophers, spiritualist and great thinkers from around the world. Our legacy of African World achievement, mastery and genius continues with the Moors’ occupation of Europe in the region then known as Andalus for 781 years from 711 A.D. to January 2, 1492 A.D. As a result of their occupation of Europe, the Moors, who were Black and of African descent with their civilizing modeling knowledge and worldly brilliance, brought this European population out of their Dark Ages. These Moors shared with Europe knowledge of their traditional African learned academies; shared knowledge of architecture, created cosmopolitan cities with lighted streets; shared with the European in the high order classical ways of culture emanating from the grand corridors of Classical African genius, mastery, accomplishment and contribution to include literature, the sciences, government, medicine, social etiquette, astrology, geometry, calculous, poetry, art, philosophy, history, language. religious studies, geography and their classical music traditions. And yes, “classical” music is an African tradition and not of European origin. To be clear, the concept of a “university” comes out of African practice. The areas of scholarship taught by the African Moor to the European provided the foundation for the development of the university on European soil. Europe’s oldest and finest universities were established during the same time that there was a flowering of Moorish scholarship. Therefore, again to be clear, there would not have been a Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519) or a Galileo (1564-1692) had it not been for the Moorish/African schooling, wisdom, and scholarship that had preceded them thereby providing foundational studies for their work. In like manner, there would not have been a Bach without the classical musical styles, instruments and instrumentations that the African Moor brought into Europe to include the ancestor of the modern day piano. A further case in point, what we today identify as the harp, or flute or stringed instruments are all ancient Classical African creations. Therefore, this writing takes the position that this glorious bloodline legacy of African World accomplishment, mastery and genius from humankind beginnings to African cultural foundations around the globe; into Kemet, through the Great African Kingdoms and into Europe via the African Moor were tightly huddled in the bowels of the slave ships sailing across the Atlantic towards North America. Within thee chained souls were the DNA of scholars, mathematicians, poets, musicians, writers, inventors, engineers, architects, artists, astronomers, spiritualist, thinkers, builders, and the like. This is evidenced on these shores where even during the period of enslavement, we produced inventor Norbert Rillieux (1806), David Peck, the first Black to graduate from an American medical school in 1847, James Forten who opened the first African American sail making shop in 1798, concert singer Elizabeth Greenfield who gave a command performance before royalty when she appeared before Queen Victoria on May 10, 1852, writer/historian William Copper Neil (1816), Thomas Greene Bethune known as “Blind Tom” who in 1858 had the gift of total recall or the more than seven hundred pieces that he played, or a Rebecca Lee Crumpler in 1864 became the first African American woman to earn a Doctress of Medicine degree. The enslaved African Onesimus developed in 1716 a cure for smallpox and Phyllis Wheatly at the age of 17 became in 1770 the first woman to publish a book of poems. Mastery, achievement and genius is in our blood. It’s in our DNA – and
still is. There is nothing unique that a Barack Hassein Obama could become the 44th and current President of the United States. African people invented the whole concept of governance. It’s in our blood. But during this era of integration, during this era of equality, the Black man had to present himself as not being unique, as not having any “special” talents, skills, gifts, genius, wisdom or world historical markers (outside of sports or entertainment) in Black, because he wanted to be seen as being the same as, equal to, included in and accepted by White folks. So for forty-plus years from the 1970’s to the present, the average Black man today in his effort to become “equal” could no longer be culturally and significantly “Great” in his own right. He had to become culturally generic. The Black man had to culturally mediocritized himself, culturally lower himself, and literally inferiorized himself in relationship to other people in order to be accepted and brought into mainstream’s ranks. All the above noted examples of African and Black intellectual authority and civilizational superiority that we modeled in Africa and around the planet over these past forty-plus years were rejected, abandoned, and negated by today’s Black man in America. And anytime those of us come to the fore to exalt, teach or further attempt to perpetuate these historical and ancestral qualities, we are labeled by our own as a militant, radical or separatist. We can’t talk, include in our 501programmatic agendas or be about our “Greatness” – even in our own communities - because, as Dr. Claude Anderson points out in one of his lectures, it’s “Too Black!!!” So for forty-plus years, the Black man in America has not given his children, his community or the institutions in his community the grand models and lesson of our great history and heritage. We have only “imitated” and passed on to our children exclusively other people’s image, programs, and vision outcomes which many of our children, especially Black males, are rejecting. Our young Black men, therefore, have not had, for well over a generation now, a future that belongs to them or one that they would be proud to grow into, become and carry forward. The reason being, unlike other people and particularly men of color, when the Black man integrated, he became visibly, socially and culturally a “non-being” or an inconsequential entity relative to the progressive growth, cultivation, survival and future of, collectively speaking, both himself and his people. His only worth is to have another people’s agenda pass through him. His entire preparation for participation in America’s multicultural pluralistic society was and still is to acquire, develop and season skill sets for another group’s interest, advancement, and future wellbeing while at the same time neglecting and abandoning duty towards his own. And at no time in recent memory, or in the history of Black people on these North American shores, has the Black man ever regressed, back stepped or has his community socially decayed as is evident in today’s 2014 present, evidence of which include but not limited to poor school performance for our children, a very frail Black family structure, high rates of unemployment, mental health issues that we have never seen before, freighting rising tides of Black homosexuality and lesbianism, Black-on-Black crime, economic indicators which place Blacks collectively on the bottom as comparted to other groups, and of course the high Black incarceration rates, all of which are now the reality in today’s Black community. And as the researchers above note, there is a serious concern about the Black community’s future given the poor quality of today’s schooling of African American children potentially creating a barrier to continuing Black generational progress. Taki S. Raton is an adjunct professor at the Springfield College Milwaukee Campus and a staff development consultant in the African Centered curriculum model. A founder and CEO of the exhibit, African Global Images, Inc. highlighting visually the achievement, mastery and inventions inherent in African world corridors, he can be reached for presentation, workshop inquires and comments at: blydendelany@yahoo.com
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Signifyin’: Local high school grads show what parenal involvement and high standards can do
(continued from page 3) doors of opportunity. That was a dominant theme in most Black households when I was growing up. That is, until 30-40 years ago, when we fell victim to the “oaky doke.” The mid-1970s witnessed a weakening of the cultural values that enabled Black America to survive and prosper. Not by coincidence that era saw Black men moving out of their households and being replaced by Uncle Sam, a spike in teen pregnancy, and an erosion of the traditional religious values and mores we held so dear. Today we see a sizable percentage of Black children coming from households where their parent(s) not only devalue education, they spurn it. Our communities are overflowing with uneducated children raising children, rap videos serving as baby sitters and heroes defined by the size of their car rims. Of course, poverty and family structure does not define all Black families. Many poor children, or those described as “at–risk” because they come from single parent households, do well and excel. But their percentage pales in comparison to the highly motivated immigrants, for whom education is a precious gem to be cherished. And it’s been shown time and time again what separates poor folks who achieve, from poor folks who lack enthusiasm or value education, is motivation and discipline. There have been numerous studies that support my hypothesis. While the impact of poverty can be devastating, discipline, motivation and strong support systems can be equalizing forces. An important note to consider is that the average Asian and immigrant child studies an average of 3.5 hours a night. White middle-income children study an average of two hours a night. Black American children from low-income families study an average of 38 minutes a night! And you wonder why we’re at the bottom? Some suggest including the study habits with two other factors inherent in what has been called the new “Culture of Poverty”: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 70% of all Black children entering public schools do so without the basic tools that middleclass students possess. In other words, the average White middle-class child has a vocabulary that is twice as large as the average poor Black child. And I venture to guess that if you eliminated words like ‘nigger, bitch, bastard, punk and heifer, you would knock that number down significantly. I’m no trying to be sarcastic here. The reality is that far too many poor Black children enter school hampered by
lower self-esteem and a vocabulary that is often rooted in verbal child abuse. Calling a child a nigger, bitch or bastard is, in my opinion, a form of abuse that cripples Black children. Research consistently shows children with a smaller vocabulary (often a result of a parent(s) with poor education themselves) start school at a deficit and rarely catch up to their middle-class peers. By fourth grade, they are generally locked into a bracket of underachievement that determines their future. A large percentage of children from impoverished households also enter school without the benefit of parent(s) who has instilled within them the power (and joy) of reading. That ties in directly with their vocabulary but also the quest for knowledge and information. Children emulate what they see. If they see a parent reading, or are read to, they will embrace that lifestyle. All of my children grew up watching me dedicating time to personal improvement and knowledge of world events. Indeed, that old adage that if “you want to hide something from Black people put it in a book” was not the case in my household, or that of any of my siblings. A recently revealed national research project provides a blue print for academic success, and failure for poor children. Children, who can’t spell their name, count to 20 or identify colors and spell simple words by the time they enter kindergarten, start at a deficit they may never close. If you recall, last year a national study revealed Milwaukee has the lowest percentage of Black fourth and eighth graders proficient in math and reading in the entire country. You don’t have to be a genius to provide a profile of those children. Nor do you need a fortuneteller to predict their futures. Despite a consensus on the reasons why many poor Black children fail (some blame teachers, others blame parents and institutional racism), little progress has been made to close the achievement gap in recent years, What cannot be disputed, however, is that children from poor families with strong support mechanisms, educational discipline and high expectations generally achieve. Not by coincidence, those are the qualities exhibited by Juwana and Helen. Hotep.
Vendor space still available for Sunday’s Heal the Hood event
There is still vendor space available for Sunday's Heal the Hood event. For those wishing to reserve booth space or seeking additional information, please contact Ajamou Butler at 841-5493.
Remembering Everner Ree Buck: 92 Years in the Making
WEDC:
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(continued from page 4) by this statement and left this life with these words as her legacy. It is how we measure the life of Evener Ree Buck. We need not measure in net worth, assets acquired or notoriety. We measure her life in hands held, hugs given, love shared and lives changed! Mrs. Everner Ree Buck is survived by 8 of 10 children, 29 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren, and a host of extended family members, friends and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.
“Walkers Economic Disaster Corporation” (continued from page 3)
get families back to work. Luckily, we have one. Walker’s rival in the gubernatorial election, businesswoman and former Commerce Secretary Mary Burke, introduced a economic development plan called “Invest for Success” that promises to turn Wisconsin into a top-ten, thriving economy. Using knowledge from her success in business, Burke says she’ll tackle the state’s economic problems on day one as Governor. Instead of lip-service, Burke plans to execute a real job-creation plan, using proven private-sector strategies and transparent metrics to ensure greater accountability. Wisconsin families could use Mary Burke’s common-sense, businesslike private sector approach, WEDC’s first few years have been a trainwreck and Walker’s failed economic policies have only made the ride worse for struggling households. With the primary completed, as we get closer to November, voters should choose to move forward, not backward, and send Wisconsin in a new direction with Mary Burke.
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