Failure to Indict White Cop in Ferguson will Not Derail Movement for Justice By Jazelle Hunt NNPA Washington Correspondent
WASHINGTON (NNPA) – The failure of a St. Louis County grand jury to indict Ferguson, Mo. Police Officer Darren Wilson of the killing of 18year-old Michael Brown will not halt the movement for police accountability, key activists say. A mass meeting was held on Saturday at a church in Ferguson to define and chart a course toward these broader goals. But the overall goal is already outlined in an open letter supported by “numerous” unnamed citizens, but bearing the sole signature of DeRay McKesson, one of the more prominent protesters in Ferguson. The letter reads: “So you will likely ask your-
COMMUNITY
Photo by Robert Rodriguez/EPA via Daily News
VOL. XXXIX Number 19 December 3, 2014
The Milwaukee
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY
Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
self, now that the announcement has been made, why we will still take to the streets? …Until this system is dismantled, until the status quo that deems us less valuable than others is no longer acceptable or profitable, we will struggle. We will fight. We will protest.” In August, McKesson helped create a daily Ferguson newsletter, and a website that lists nine demands. The evolving list currently includes “political accountability” for Brown’s death; the creation of an assessment tool to gauge racial bias within police departments; and an end to “provocative police behaviors” that suppress First Amendment rights. No timeline has been placed on agitating for these demands. There is also little sign that Mis-
souri authorities are interested in considering them. Faith leaders plan to continue using their unique positions in society to advocate for peaceful solutions. Rev. Cassandra Gould, for example, has been active in Ferguson since August and was in front of the Ferguson Police Department with protesters and Brown’s family when the grand jury decision was announced. “There was an incredible amount of pain, and also some agitation,” she said. “To see young people screaming out in agony…young people were coming up to us, hugging me – because I was wearing my collar – when they see us [clergy], we are kind of a sign of hope. But that night, I felt
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Debutantes reign during holiday weekend
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
We asked four AKA debutantes: “Why is it important for our young Black girls to participate in the Christian and AKA debutante cotillions?”
CHRISTLYN FREDERICK-STANLEY, ED.D.:“It is extremely important for our young Black girls to participate in the AKA and Christian cotillions because they serve as a rites of passage. They allow our young women to interact with femaile leaders in our community who willingly share their knowledge and experiences. The cotillions allow our young women to gain confidence and poise. Milwaukee should be proud to have two wonderfully organized cotillions to formally introduce our young, talented, educated and beautiful Black women to society.”
St. Louis Rams players showed solidarity with protestors in Ferguson by holding up their hands as they came out during player introductions before last Sunday’s game in St. Louis. (AP photo)
St. Louis Rams’ players Display “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” gesture before game; NFL says it wont’ Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 41st annual Debutante Cotillion discipline the players During the first St. Louis Rams' home game since the grand jury's decision
Though turkey held court on last Thursday, the weekend belonged to some of our community’s most talented, poised and lovely ladies at two popular and eagerly anticipated debutante balls. Pictured above are the debs of the AKA’s 41st annual cotillion held Saturday at the Pfister Hotel, downtown. Taj D. Myles (standing back row, second from right) was crowned its queen. (Below): Debutantes and their escorts after the 34th annual Christian Business and Professional Alliance Cotillion held in the Grand Ballroom at the Milwaukee Hilton, also downtown. Jonesa Chisom (wearing crown and holding flowers) was crowned its queen for 2014. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
ALEXIS STANLEY, first runner-up in the 2008 AKA cotillion: “As a former participant in the AKA cotillion, I saw first hand how important the cotillion is for young women of color. In the Milwaukee community, I believe that it is extremely important for us to focus on positive things going on in our community. The cotillions are also a great opportunity for the girls to foucs on community service and scholarships. As long as the cotillions continue to guide young ladies in the right direction, I will continue to support them.”
JUDGE CARL ASHLEY: “It is so important for our young ladies to know what they can accomplish. You will find very successful young women profiled at the cotillion. They are accomplished academically, volunteering in various ways in our community and are driven to be leaders. It is extremely important for our girls to have examples of what they can achieve. These events have an impact on the participants, but as important is the message they send to other girls to reach for their goals.”
DAVID PRICE: “Our young women need and deserve to be connected to events like this for their professional and personal enlightenment. They will meet mature adults who can offer advice and even a guiding hand to move upward to the next rung of success. Additionally, they are exposed to others whom they may never encounter in their day to day life. Probably the most important reason to participate is to gather the knowledge and skills to be intelligent, mature, socially conscious young women.”
Christian Business & Professional Alliance’s 34th annual Debutante Cotillion
Giving Your Family a Healthy Head Start Article courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Mealtime might just be the most challenging part of being a mom. Healthy kids require healthy foods. But how do you choose nutritious foods – and how do you get your kids to eat them? Lashell decided her daughter would start getting the right nutrition even before she was born. She’d heard that the Wisconsin WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program would be there for her before, during and after her pregnancy – to teach her how to make mealtimes healthier, and to provide help to buy nutritious foods. “I started with WIC when I was pregnant,” Lashell says. “They give you one-on-one coaching. I learned more and more. It was really helpful to me, especially when I was breastfeeding. I wanted to know what I’m supposed to eat and drink, and what I was not supposed to. Like, I didn’t know that when I was pregnant I shouldn’t eat things like hot dogs, fast food, or canned food because of the preservatives. They’re experts at knowing the right foods.” Baby Londyn is ten months old now,
WIC Mealtime Tips
• Families who eat together tend to eat healthier meals. Set a family goal to eat at least one meal together every day. • Serve meals at the table. • Sit at the table with your child during snack time. • Talk about happy or fun things during meals. • Children eat better with routines – offer 3 healthy meals and 2 snacks at about the same times each day. • Offer children child-size servings. • Allow your child to serve themselves from the serving bowls, whenever possible. • Ask your child to taste foods, but don’t force them to eat all of it. • Let everyone decide how much to eat. Your child is learning to eat when hungry and to stop eating when full. • Allow your child to spit out a food they do not prefer. • If your child refuses to eat a certain food, a similar food may be offered at the next snack. • Even if your child is not eating, make sure they are at the dinner table during mealtimes. • Eat with the television off.
and WIC has been there for Lashell every nutritional step of the way. The monthly food vouchers, she says, help create a healthy family menu. “You get vouchers for things like bread, peanut butter, milk, juice, tuna and eggs – and fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmers market. I usually didn’t eat fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. WIC provides so much healthy food, and a lot of variety, so Londyn will
know more different foods. Squash is one of her favorites, and now she’ll even eat broccoli, the hardest vegetable to get a kid to eat.” It’s a menu that is ever-changing. “I’ll have to figure out what she might like,” she says. “If it’s something I never had, I’ll get it and try it. If she doesn’t like it, I’ll let them know on our next visit. They work with me to find things that work for us.”
last Monday, five Rams players stood with their hands raised before trotting on to the field for pregame introduction. It was an apparent show of compassion and solidarity for Ferguson protesters. Some witnesses said Michael Brown had his hands up before being fatally shot by Wilson. Wilson told a grand jury that investigated the case that he feared for his life when Brown hit him and reached for his gun "I just think there has to be a change," tight end Jared Cook said after the Rams' 52-0 rout over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. "There has to be a change that starts with the people that are most influential around the world. Wide receivers Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt came out together first, with the move obscured by a smoke machine in the upper reaches of the Edward Jones Dome. Cook, Stedman Bailey and Chris Givens then came out and stood together with hands raised in the fog. Coach Jeff Fisher said he'd not been aware the gesture had been planned by the players, all of them black. A spokesman for the Rams says the team was unaware of the demonstration before the game. The NFL said it will not dicipline the five Rams’ players. A League spokesman said they will not adhere to a equest from the St. Louis Police Officer's Association to discipline St. Louis Rams players. The St. Louis Police Officers Association released a statement Sunday evening condemning the St. Louis Rams football players who entered the field displaying the "hands up don't shoot" pose. "We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a recent statement to USA TODAY Sports.--Sources for this article were the Portland Scanner and USA Today Sports. Above photo courtesy of AP.
Countdown on for the 25th Annual Christmas Family Feast Salvation Army Set to Feed 8,000
WAUWATOSA--There are just 24 days and counting until this year’s 25th Annual Christmas Family Feast, hosted by The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County. More than 1,400 volunteers will help prepare a home style dinner of turkey, ham, yams, mash potatoes & gravy, green beans, dessert and beverages for more than 8,000 people in the ballroom of the Wisconsin Center District, located at 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. on Christmas Day from 11:00 to 2:30 p.m. The event is the largest feeding program hosted by The Salvation Army on Christmas Day in the country. Christmas Family Feast is free and open to the public. “Christmas Family Feast is a Milwaukee tradition bringing together those in need and those of means for a day of fun, food, friendship and fellowship,” said Major Dan Jennings, Salvation Army Divisional Commander for Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Volunteers are still needed for December 23rd through the 25th . Christmas Family Feast is sponsored by the Forest County Photo of server from a previPotawatomi Foundation, Brewer’s ous Christmas Family Feast. Community Foundation, Pick n’ Save and WE Energies, with support from Brownberry Bread,Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Feeding America of Wisconsin, Levy Restaurants, Milwaukee Community Journal, Milwaukee County Transit System, the Milwaukee Courier, the Milwaukee Times newspaper, Molina Healthcare, WJMR 98.3 FM, WNOV 860 AM, Universal Companies and Wisconsin Center District. Guests receive gifts while supplies last. For more information visit our website at www.SAmilwaukee.org or call 414-302-4300.
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 2
THE PULSE
Journalist and wife receive CBC’s Baker Award
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
Journalist and former radio talk show host Joel McNally (far left) and his wife Kit (far right) were the recipients of the 2014 James Baker Award, presented by the Community Brainstorming Conference (CBC) at the Radisson Milwaukee North Shore Hotel on Port Washington Rd. recently. The McNally’s have been longtime advocates for the community in many capacities, Joel worked for the old Milwaukee Journal as a reporter and columnist. He is now a columnist with the Sheperd Express. Kit is the retired CEO of the Benedict Center. The keynote speaker was Congressional Black Caucus chair, Cong. Marcia L. Fudge. Joining them in the photo are (starting second from left): Cong. Gwen Moore, legendary former Alderwoman and former judge Vel Phillips, Cong. Fudge, and Dr. Pam Malone, chairwoman of the CBC. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Mark Weddle sworn in as supervisor
Family and friends congratulate newly sworn in Milwaukee County Supervisor Mark Weddle at the County Courthouse. Weddle won the November special election to replace former Supervisor now Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper, II. Weddle defeated community organizer Charlie Fox. Before becoming a supervisor, Weddle worked as a legislative policy research analyst and legislative aide. Weddle believes his experience in county government working with the board will give him a huge advantage as he tackles the myriad of problems facing the county enlight of the soon to be reduced staff and pay for supervisors next year because of a new state law. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Nominations sought for 2014 Dr. James G. White 6th District Difference Makers Awards
Four awards will be presented to 6th District residents, one to a community organization and one to a block club, all of which will have contributed to making their neighborhood a better place. Nomination forms are available online at Alderwoman Coggs’s website (milwaukee.gov/district6), or by calling the Alderwoman’s office at 286-2994 to receive a hard copy of the form by mail. Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is “It’s an honor to be able to recogseeking nominations for the 2014 Dr. nize the people who help make the James G. White 6th District Differ6th District such a unique and vibrant ence Makers Awards, and invites resplace to live,” Alderwoman Coggs idents to submit the names of “Every resident can contribute said. individuals or groups that work dilito strengthening the fabric of their gently to improve and strengthen the neighborhood. But there are those quality of life for themselves, their who go above and beyond in their neighborhood and the City of Milworks and deeds to help others and waukee. the community in which they live, The awards are named for Dr. and they are the Difference Makers.” James G. White, a resident of the 6th Dr. James G. White Nominations for the Difference District who served as a county suMakers Awards will be accepted from now through Fripervisor and the regional vice president of WestCare Wisday, January 9. Alderwoman Coggs will announce the consin Harambee Community Center. honorees at the 6th District Town Hall meeting on He facilitated countless neighborhood projects and proJanuary 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the Martin Luther Wednesday, grams and always used his gifts, talents and knowledge King, Jr. Library, 310 W. Locust St. to improve and empower his community.
Bucks join Milwaukee County and City of Milwaukee Veterans Drive 2014
Fans encouraged to help with donations to benefit Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative The Milwaukee Bucks organization is joining the Eighth Annual City-County Holiday Drive this year, which benefits Milwaukee’s veteran’s service organizations, including the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative. The team will enlist its employees and all fans attending the next three home games – Wednesday, Dec. 3 vs. Dallas, Friday, Dec. 5 vs. Miami, and Saturday, Dec. 13 vs. the Los Angeles Clippers – to bring basic household items and personal hygiene products to the games for packaging into Home Starter Kits. Items can be dropped off at collection barrels located at the four BMO Harris Bradley Center gates. The drive participation is part of the Milwaukee Bucks/NBA
Miami HEAT’s Dwyane Wade makes gift to Marquette U. to enhance literacy for inner-city children
Cares Season of Giving which began on Nov. 24 when Head Coach Jason Kidd provided 150 guests of The House of Peace with full Thanksgiving Dinner Packages at a special meet-andgreet session. The Bucks/NBA Cares Season of Giving continues through Dec. 23. Needed items include: toothpaste, dental floss, disposable razors, shaving cream, bar soap, deodorant, shampoo and mouthwash. Dish soap, salt, pepper, baggies and plastic wrap are also encouraged. A complete list of needed items and donation locations other than Bucks games is available at milwaukee.gov/veteransdrive. Financial contributions, which allow the purchase of items not donated, can be made here: indiegogo.com/projects/veteransdrive-2014.
Hartman Center is a teaching, research and service site where Marquette University undergraduate teachers in training tutor inner-city Milwaukee school children who struggle with reading and math. Wade will donate $65,000 a year for three years and is challenging others in the Marquette community to match that amount to fund the program for a full six years. The program will begin in 2015 through Marquette University alumnus 2020. and Miami HEAT star Dwyane Wade “While Dwyane has made an imhas given a gift to the university’s Dwyane Wade pression on basketball fans across Ralph C. Hartman Literacy and the world, there is no greater gift and impact one can Learning Center to help improve the region’s literacy gap make than in giving back to the community for an imporamong inner-city children. Wade, who attended Martant cause,” said President Michael R. Lovell. quette University from 2000 to 2003, made the gift Earlier this fall, President Lovell met with Dwyane’s through his Wade’s World Foundation which provides sister, Tragil, who is the executive director of Wade’s support to community-based organizations that promote Foundation. World education, health and social skills for children in at-risk “I was impressed with how Tragil, Dwyane and the ensituations. tire foundation staff have adopted literacy as a core focus “We believe that every child deserves a shot, and I am area,” President Lovell said. proud to impact children on the very same campus of The foundation has supported several communityMarquette University where I was a student,” said based organizations focusing on literacy. Wade previDwyane Wade. ously donated 18,000 books to the Miami-Dade and “My hope is that the children will envision themselves Chicago Public Schools libraries (1,000 books per point as future Marquette students where they can one day scored during a 2013 Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls transform their lives through higher education.” game). Wade is providing the lead gift to launch the Dwyane In 2012, he became a New York Times bestselling auWade “Live to Dream” Summer Reading Program. The thor with the release of his first book, A Father First: program, to be hosted by the Hartman Center, will be How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball. Addiopen to second- and third-graders from Milwaukee. The (continued on page 5)
Failure to Indict White Cop in Ferguson will Not Derail Movement for Justice
(continued from page 1) more helpless than I’ve ever felt in this role.” Gould, who serves as pastor of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Jefferson City, Mo., spent the rest of that night tending to tired and tear-gassed demonstrators at a few church-based sanctuaries around town. Despite a deal between clergy and police to leave the sanctuaries undisturbed, she says, police raided several, confiscating supplies and dispersing those inside. “I’ve spent my life in St. Louis. I don’t remember much about the Civil Rights Movement…my mom marched to Selma. I thought that was part of a historical narrative, and I never thought I would see anything close to it,” she says. Gould is also a member of the PICO National Network, a nonpartisan faith-based social justice organizing network working with 1,000 religious congregations across the United States. Its members, and other unaffiliated clergy, have been working behind the scenes in Ferguson to protect protesters’ safety and First Amendment rights. Gould says that moving forward, people of the cloth will continue to support the movement by bearing witness to police response, holding vigils and providing spiritual support, and meeting with authorities to advocate for policy reform and just solutions. “We as clergy have an opportunity for a particular number of reasons…we have access…our voice is able to be heard where many others are not. There’s no agenda, it’s just about right and wrong. It’s about what is equitable,” she explained. “I’m encouraged by the number of my Caucasian colleagues that show up with us, and care as much as we care. I’ve gotten calls from people around the country…they
realize this is an American problem, not just a Ferguson problem.” Human rights activists are also documenting militarized police responses around the country to build a human rights violation case against the United States. The Ferguson to Geneva delegation, which presented testimony to the United Nations Committee Against Torture in Switzerland last month, has invited United Nations investigators (called Special Rapporteurs) to launch their own investigations into the matter. “The UN rapporteurs are from the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights. They’re independent investigators tasked with looking into human rights issues all across the world. Citizens often request their presence, and the Office has to agree to visit,” says Meena Jagannath, a human rights attorney and member of the Ferguson to Geneva delegation. The investigators are akin to the Justice Department lawyers who monitored civil rights marches and voter registration in the South in the 1960s. The delegation is funneling their eyewitness accounts to the rapporteurs to encourage United Nations involvement. “One [rapporteur] wrote us a long letter talking about how he has sympathy for us. Another one, we have a meeting with him in New York in early December,” says Justin Hansford, human rights law professor at Saint Louis University and lead organizer for Ferguson to Geneva. “We have countries around the world speaking out about Ferguson. We tried the local level, the state, and federal government. We have to take this to the court of global opinion now. Jagannath adds, “Michael Brown’s killing really catalyzed a movement to change how police interact with people, especially peo-
(continued from page 3)
PERSPECTIVES
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 3 QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “How can I be expected to believe that this same racial discrimination which has been the cause of so much injustice and suffering right through the years, should now operate here to give me a fair and open trial?...consider myself neither morally nor legally obliged to obey laws made by a Parliament in which I am not represented. That the will of the people is the basis of the authority of government, is a principle universally acknowledged as sacred throughout the civilized world.”--NELSON MANDELA
President Obama deserves kudos for his MCJ MCJ leadership following Ferguson verdict; stake EDITORIAL holders must join to take action for positive change
We applaud President Barack Obama for taking a leadership role in the examination of police-community relations in the aftermath of the ongoing protests after the Grand Jury ruling in the Michael Brown death at the hands of Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren in that suburb just outside of St. Louis last August. This crisis is one that has been brewing throughout the country for several years. A long-time understated concern has been racial profiling, “stop and frisk,” “Driving while Black,”as well as an over representation of Black Americans (especially Black men and juveniles) within the criminal justice system, statistically weighted by the inability to hire expensive lawyers, along with the many other ravages like single-parent households, absent male role models (particularly Black fathers), under representation of recreational facilities in central city neighborhoods, which results in at-risk behavior, along with under achievement in too many schools. The disparities have been a travesty for far too many years. We knew that, sooner or later, with the tidal wave of the aforementioned negative life factors, as well as the sense of hopelessness, insufficiency and inadequacy, we as a country would be swept away in its currents and
Failure to indict will not derail justice movement
(continued from page 2) Another one, we have a meeting with him in New York in early December,” says Justin Hansford, human rights law professor at Saint Louis University and lead organizer for Ferguson to Geneva. “We have countries around the world speaking out about Ferguson. We tried the local level, the state, and federal government. We have to take this to the court of global opinion now. Jagannath adds, “Michael Brown’s killing really catalyzed a movement to change how police interact with people, especially people of color. Moving forward, people are not looking at this thing like let’s switch out the police chief or let’s switch out the governor. People are not naïve, they know that the structure is the problem.” Those who are unwilling or unable to join the protests also have a forum to impact the ongoing movement. Six publications, led by U.K.-based The Guardian, have collaborated to call for solutions from the public via FergusonNext.com. The project has collected thousands of citizen suggestions so far, ranging from police body cameras to better inner-city schools. While the state of Missouri will not indict Darren Wilson for any crime in connection to the shooting, Gov. Jay Nixon has created an independent 16-member commission to study the “underlying social and economic conditions” fueling the community’s response. The committee is scheduled to release its findings next year. The U.S. Department of Justice has two investigations underway, one into whether Wilson violated Brown’s civil rights and a second one into the larger practices of the Ferguson Police Department. Brown’s parents are also considering bringing a civil action against Wilson. “The end game…has to be accountability,” Justin Hansford says. “Michael Brown’s killing was a flashpoint, but the end goal is not just a resolution of this case. “We’re tying to make sure future Mike Browns don’t happen again.”
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
3612 North Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 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. Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Teretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Webmaster Billing Dept./Publisher’s Admin. Assist.
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undertow. Ferguson and other cities now have sympathizers from throughout the country, most of whom are determined to address the undercurrents that diminish our country’s potential while, unfortunately, the protests in Ferguson has allowed agents of chaos to take advantage of the situation to cause anarchy and destruction. The actions of these troublemakers is deplorable and detracts needed attention on the reasons for the protests and explosions of anger in the wake of the shooting and the disappointing verdict. Photo courtesy of Scott Consistent with the civil unrest of Olson of Getty Images the sixties, the protests--for the most part-- continue to be non-violent in New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. While the solutions to eradicating this cancer will not be rapid, patience, tenacity, funding of much needed social services and collaborations between the disaffected community, civic and political leaders, and the business and faith-based community must be enacted to ensure reaping of a positive harvest. Individual responsibility and accountability and upward mobility are doable and desirable. We support the President on this matter and we commit ourselves to our Black males.
UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING
By Rahim Islam
The Black Male – A Targeted Group, Part 6
Rahim Islam After five articles focusing on the state of the Black male, I hope you’ve developed a better understanding of the severe trauma experienced by the Black man as a result of the American institution of slavery and how the legacy of slavery defines how we behave and what we believe about ourselves. We are only four to five generations removed from one of the worst and most painful period (nearly 300 years) in modern history. Our ancestors were severely traumatized by the barbaric and purposeful treatment of the slave owners. I contend that during this period and through the socialization process, we transferred from one generation to another the ongoing pain and trauma associated with the enslavement of our ancestors. The socialization process put into effect during the enslavement of our ancestors created then and continues to perpetuate innumerable social pathologies. Many of these social pathologies produce outcomes that cripple our families and our community’s ability to achieve self-determination. Of the many social characteristics our ancestors incorporated during this period, none is greater than institutional and structural poverty we inherited coupled with the destruction of the role of the Black man as a father, leader, provider, as a man. I contend that all of these issues and many more are tied to our group hurt and pain as the result of trauma, which has many forms, inflicted against our people. Our trauma is shrouded in secrecy, denial and often ignored. Today, our Black men, while undiagnosed, suffer from extreme levels of low self-esteem, depression, and poverty. This condition has significantly undermined the overall health of the Black community, specifically the Black man. Today, not only has the Black man experienced the trauma of past generations, but his current state is riddled with ongoing challenges that impact his comprehensive and total health (mind, body and
spirit). An individual’s experience of trauma impacts every area of their functionality as a human - their physical, mental, behavioral, social, and spiritual. With the type of distress inflicted on our ancestors, and which continues to be inflicted on the black community at large, what else could we have but what we see today? We look at, and are devastated by the outcome, but it is an illusion to believe that we were born this way. The Black man’s mind has been significantly altered and challenged by an onslaught of images of black inferiority and white supremacy. Our culture, language, attitudes, insights, and behaviors all point to a centered position of black inferiority. It’s generally communicated and understood by both white and black that being black is a negative. The vehicle (body) of the Black man is also challenged because of lack of quality health care, very poor diet (soul food), and generally lack of understanding of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The Black man is more diseased than any other group in America. Lastly, if you gauged the mental status of our people (psyche) you will find extreme levels of hopelessness. This is even exhibited by some of our most successful members of society. There are very few examples of successful Black people working in the poorest Black communities in America. There is a general belief that the plight of the Black man is not fixable. All of these factors are traumatizing to us as individuals, but more importantly on us as a group. The Black family continues to inherit a disproportionate degree of trauma as part of the legacy of enslavement of our ancestors (its real and its alive and strong). However, I want to begin to define the current levels of trauma experience by Black men and boys daily and how it affects their total well-being by briefly focusing on two areas: environment and lifestyle. If we start with the massive incarceration of our men and the pipeline from schools to the industrial prison complex, there is a common denominator associated with many of the victims (i.e. education levels and drug addiction). Ever since I can remember, education has been a factor. Either the amount and type of education has been deficient in the Black community or, as both Malcolm X and Carter G. Woodson have eluded, the quality of education is woefully lacking. Where is the education that upholds the values and the greatness of the Black experience? What does our education system really teach us about who we are? Even the enslavement of our ancestors is treated like
an event that occurred in the past, but has no relevance in today’s black America. Malcolm X stated that anyone who takes their children to the oppressor to be educated is a fool because the oppressor will only teach their children that the oppression is the right approach because white is superior and black is inferior. While everyone has talked about the inequities of education to nauseous levels, very few have connected this struggle to its traumatizing impact on millions of our children only to further damage a damaged people. Numerous studies, show a correlation between trauma and drug addiction. These studies indicate that men and women currently receiving treatment for substance abuse frequently report a history of trauma, often occurring during childhood. Another study found that nearly 75% of all drug addicts experienced physical and sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and family dysfunction. As I’ve tried to articulate, where you start matters, and our people have primarily inherited poverty and dysfunction that creates massive disparities for our children. This is trauma. Recently, social scientists expanded “emotional neglect” to include father abandonment. The impact of the father not being in the home and in the life of a child is traumatizing and continues to lay the foundation for the pathology of alcohol and drug addiction. In fact one study showed that children who experience high levels of emotional neglect are seven times more like to become addicted than those that don’t. With Black men representing approximately 5% of the nation’s population but representing nearly 55% of the prison population, this phenomenon has had a traumatizing impact on our community – not just the sheer numbers, which are overwhelming, but the psychological impact (trauma) as well. Today, nearly 70-80% of our children live in homes with females as the headof-household which, if the scientists are correct, will ensure that our group will continue to represent the majority of the prison population. The massive incarceration of our black men is fueled by drug addiction and poor education, both considered representative of the environment. While these are compelling factors, for too many black men and boys this is just the tip of the iceberg because the environment is riddled with risk factors associated with trauma (i.e. poverty, violence, institutional racism, discrimination, gentrification, relocation, decimation of the family, portrayal in the media, etc.). Yes all of these issues are traumatizing to both the Black community and its chil-
dren. As I’ve tried to explain in previous articles on this subject, one of the most crippling issues regarding the enslavement of our ancestors was the emasculation of the man. In my studies, I couldn’t find many examples of our women being lynched while there were tens of thousands of our men being lynched. During the enslavement of our ancestors, the slave owners would purposefully hang our Black men to induce fear (trauma) into the Black community and show the black woman and the black child that her man was useless and that all power derived from the slave owner and if she played her cards right (did the right thing) she could possibly save her sons (she would have trained them to fear the slave owner as well). And, let’s not overlook the media, a very powerful weapon that and continues to be used to traumatize the Black community. I look at the Michael Brown murder as the 21st century lynching that is played out in the media everyday all day. In fact, this story has dominated the news waves for more than three solid months only to find that the police officer who murdered in cold blood an unarmed black boy was not indicted for one single infraction. I can’t believe that very few black people were shocked. Many were hoping for a different outcome but in our heart we knew this would be the verdict. What was the message that was being communicated in the media from the Ferguson fiasco? I believe it was a deeper message than whether the white police officer was justified or not; this was about the value of black people. This was about the low value of black men and boys. This was about a demonstration of power and who has and who doesn’t have it. Did it really take 100 days to tell the world that the white police officer was in the right? That was just the buildup. The message to the Black community and specifically to our Black boys is that no matter how right you are and how wrong we are, you have no power and we will prevail. This is the highest level of trauma. I promise to wrap this article up and discuss the destructive lifestyle that contributes to this vicious cycle and how it continues to target Black males and to traumatize our community. Rahim Islam is a National Speaker and Writer, Convener of Philadelphia Community of Leaders, and President/CEO of Universal Companies, a community development and education management company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Follow Rahim Islam on FaceBook(Rahim Islam) & Twitter (@RahimIslamUC)
RELIGION PASSAGES
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 4
WHAT’S HAPPENING
In your faithbased community St. Mark to host first ever “Blue Christmas” worship service
St. Mark AME Church is holding its first ever “Blue Christmas Worship service” Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, from 4 to 6 p.m. St. Mark is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. The aim of the service is to help individuals who are spending their first Christmas without a beloved family member who recently died or it may just be a time that has always been difficult to cope with given the constant refrain in the media, malls and churches about the happiness of the season getting together with family and friends. For more information, call St. Mark at 414-562-8030.
Christmas Candlelight concert at Ascension Lutheran
Ascension Lutheran Church invites the community to join them in discovering the joy of Christmas at its annual Christmas Candlelight Concert. Ascension is located at 1236 S. Layton Blvd., Sunday, Dec. 7 starting at 2 p.m. The concert will be performed by the Senior Choir, Handbell Choir, various youth groups and “Kids of the Kingdom.” They will be accompanied by organ, brass, woodwinds, and strings. The concert will be directed by Cynthia Bettine, Roxanne Carloni, Wong Thao, Ar Lee and Ariella Catillo. For more information, call 414423-0776.
Celebrating the Season of Advent
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”--Luke 8:11 As we enter the Christmas season, it is easy to forget what is really important. Amid the presents, decorations and parties it is easy to get priorities misplaced. The truth of the matter is Christmas is not found in the number of presents under the tree or the beautiful wrappings, but in the sacrificial “Gift” God gave to the world. (John 3:16). In the musical animated television special which debuted in December 1965 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Charles Schultz touches on the overcommercialization of Christmas and reminds its viewers of the true meaning of Christmas. By: Rev. Judith T. Lester, In the cartoon, Charlie Brown se- B.Min., M.Th. lects a lonely tree with only a few branches as the tree for the Christmas program. When Charles Brown brings the tree back, the gang mocks him for selecting such an ugly tree. The ridicule causes Charles Brown to become even more depressed. In despair, Charlie Brown admits he does not know what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. It is at this point that his good friend, Linus, explains the true meaning of Christmas (paraphrasing Luke 2:8-20) is the birth of Jesus the Christ. The First Coming of the Christ is known as Jesus’ First Advent. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (December 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown. “Advent” means an arrival or coming. During the season of Advent, it is a time to look back to the First Coming of Jesus the Christ and remember and celebrate what the Christ has already accomplished. We celebrate the fact that Jesus the Christ came into the world to save persons from the guilt and condemnation of sin, offering His blood as atonement and making that atonement available to all who exercise that faith. For “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Advent is also a time to look forward to the future Second Coming of our Christ the King in His Second Advent with great hope and expectation what the Christ will accomplish. The dual focus on the past (First Advent) and the future (Second Advent) also is symbolic of the spiritual journey of individuals as well as congregations as they affirm the Christ has come, that the Christ is present in the world today and that the Christ will come again in power. This acknowledgment provides a basis for holy living arising from a profound sense that we are called to be faithful stewards of all God has entrusted (continued on page 5)
Biblical Counseling for Today’s Christian Family
Funeral service for David and Tanny Ford at Wis. Memorial Park Services will be held December 5 at Wisconsin Memorial Park for David (Dave) E. Ford, Jr. and his wife, Anna (Tanny) Ford. The couple died in their home of natural causes before Thanksgiving.
Together in life and death for 61 years, the Fords married in October 31, 1953. Both were born in Indiana (David in Hammond and Tanny in Franklin) and moved to Milwaukee in 1952. After graduating from high school, David attended the University of Illinois where he recevied his Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering in 1948. He received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in the Radar Division at White Sands, New Mexico. David was the first African American to be employed at Allen Bradley in 1952. During his tenure with the company, he rose to director of research and development and retired in that position in 1996. David’s job at Allen Bradley allowed him to travel the world. He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Beta Chapter, joining in 1946. David was also a Past Polemarch and Dean of Pledges in the Milwaukee Alumni Chapter. Tanny attended Franklin Community College upon graduating high school and went on to attend the Chicago Art Institute, where she majored in dressmaking. For 50 years, she owned and operated “Tanny’s Dressmaking Shop,” and was also employed as a seamstress at Talbots and Harleys clothing stores. She was also an avid golfer and bridge player. The couple were active members in the church and community. They were members of St. Mark AME Church, where Tanny served in the Sunday School, and the pantry fellowship. She was also active locally and nationally in the Girl Scouts of America and was a member of Jack and Jill of America. Dave was active with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, a member of Beta Alpha Boule, Sigma Pi Chapter and the Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
By Fr. Carl Diederichs, All Saints Catholic Church any chance of being the hands and feet of Jesus today. John tells us that he came to baptize in water only, but Jesus will come (has come) and has anointed
us with the Holy Spirit to be the walking, talking, loving, caring people that will announce the good news to others by loving words and powerful actions.
“Tanny is remembered as a quiet person who was lady-like at all times. Known to have an infectious laugh, Dave is remembered for being a very knowledgeable person who enjoyed public speaking.”
Tanny is remembered as a quiet person who was ladylike at all times. Known to have an infectious laugh, Dave is remembered for being a very knowledgeable person who enjoyed public speaking. The couple is survived by a loving son and daughter, Ronald Ford of Dallas and JanElla Ford of Pasadena, Calif. The family will receive friends at 12 noon the day of the funeral. Services will begin at 1 p.m. The visitation and service will be at Wisconsin Memorial, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of the Fords would be greatly appreciated. You are directed to use a website that has been set up: fordfamilyfunderalblogspot.com--Edited by MCJ Staff
In Loving Memory Quality Service... a tenured tradition sincere concern at your time of need.
Preparing the way for the Lord
Sunday December 7 is the Second Sunday of Advent. Advent is that all too short period in which we prepare for the coming of the Lord into God's creation, as a baby poor and homeless. The readings are from Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11, Second Peter 3: 8-14, and Mark 1: 1-8. The Isaiah reading is among the most quoted scriptures. And one of the most beautiful as it describes how our God will come to us with words of comfort, tenderness and glad tidings. A voice cries out to all: "In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! And in our Gospel we place these words in the mouth of John the Baptist who is preparing the way for our God, who has come to us as a human being. And he comes to us like a shepherd: "Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the little ones with care." How are we preparing the way of the Lord? We know we are already the children of God and with our baptismal anointing we have been saved. But, how little do we value that precious gift of being "another Christ" bringing his message of peace and justice to the poor and powerless? Do we give off a certain aura of peace? Do we champion the poor and the powerless like Jesus did? Do we invite into our homes the homeless and hungry? We know that for many, we will be the only Gospel people will read! The scripture says that God is coming to us, whether we are ready or not. And if we are not ready, that too is a blessing since it is only when God comes and dwells in us that we have
David and Anna (Tanny) Ford
Ernestine O’Bee, Founder
Offering pre-need, at need and after-care services to families in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and other communities throughout our state.
J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director
6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462Paskel, George Earl 6020 Age 66 yrs. November 26, 2014. A Memorial Service will be held on Ford, David E. Friday 11AM at Tabernacle CommuJr. Age 88 years nity Baptist Church 2500 W. MedFord, Anna L. ford Ave. The family is served by: Age 89 years Died peacefully Northwest Funeral Chapel together on NoO'Bee, Ford & Frazier vember 24, 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)4622014. Funeral 6020 services will be held on Friday, December 5, at 1PM at Wisconsin MeRiley, Carl morial Park "Chapel of Chimes" Age 56 yrs. No13235 W. Capitol Dr. Visitation Frivember 26, 2014. day 12 Noon at the "Chapel of Funeral services will be held on Sat- Chimes" until time of services. The family is served by: urday, December 6, at 11AM at ParkNorthwest Funeral Chapel lawn Assembly of God 3725 N. Sherman Blvd. Instate O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462Saturday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. Visitation Fri- 6020 day 3-7PM (Family will receive guest form 5-7PM) at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 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
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 5
Wade makes gift to MU to enhance “To ensure their (childrens’) success in today’s world, we need to literacy for inner-city children
(continued from page 2) tionally, Wade and bestselling author James Patterson have teamed up numerous times for a series of discussions about their love for books and the impact reading can have. “Marquette has always been a champion of literacy, and this significant gift from Dwyane Wade and his foundation will give more children at risk of reading failure a much greater chance at a high quality of life,” said Dr. William Henk, dean of the College of Education. “To ensure their success in today’s world, we need to help them become skilled and confident in terms of their ability to read, write and listen.” The “Live to Dream” Summer Reading Program will provide free transportation for children to and from the Hartman Center on Marquette’s campus. It builds off the center’s existing school-year reading program for second- and third-grade students. More than 800 prospective Mar-
help them become skilled and confident in terms of their ability to read, write and listen.”
quette teachers have tutored approximately 2,800 kids in the Hartman Center’s 20-plus years on campus. In addition to the free tutoring services to approximately 150 lowincome children annually, the center -Dr. conducts research related to children’s growth and learning. To kick-off the “Live to Dream” Summer Reading Program, a book drive will be held in conjunction with the December 6 Marquette vs. Wisconsin men’s basketball game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. New and gently used books appropriate for elementary-age children will be collected and provided to the Hartman Center and partnering schools. Interested donors for the “Live to Dream” Summer Reading Program can do so through an online site, marquette.edu/livetodream, or by contacting Kelley McCaskill, director of development at Kelley.McCaskill@marquette.edu.
Celebrating the Season of Advent
-(continued from page 4) eto His people. Thus, Advent is more than an incident that marks a 2,000 year old historical event in history; it is a celebration of a truth about God, and that is the revelation of God in Christ where all creation might be reconciled to God! As individuals and the church celebrate the First Advent of Christ and santicipate a future coming for which awe “…groan inwardly as we wait ea-gerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23); may we also accept responsibility to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:3031). Beloved, it is this writer’s prayer
that during the Advent season you will set aside your hectic and busy schedule of shopping and holiday parties and focus on what is really important, the blessed gift of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and the blessed hope for the future given to us by the Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” -John 3:16The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in these articles, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
William Henk, dean of the College of Education
BUSINESS CORNER Got
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 6
Does Your Sales Team have a Battle Plan?
• What are you trying to sell and most importantly, why? Sounds simAs a principle of your organizaple enough until you actually try to tion, you clearly understand the imquantify it. portance of sales in the organization. • Is the project funded? What if You are wearing too many hats to there’s not enough? Who has discreplay sales manager as well but do tionary use of the funds? Who can you really know how they are doing? get more? Are we speaking to the If they aren’t hitting their revenue right person here? goals do you know why? Is it a viable • What is the sale worth to the orreason? Do they have a battle plan to ganization? Does the ROI justify the change that? investment of time, money and efYou have two challenges when fort? your sales force prepares for battle: • Have we sold this prospect anyChallenge 1: Like any kind of warthing in the past? Who? What? fare, you have a distinct advantage Greta Schulz Where? When? How? Why? when you can tap good and reliable • How many contacts have you already had with this intelligence. Here's the problem: Your salespeople don’t get enough accurate intelligence about their prospects. contact? How many phone calls, face-to-face meetings As a result, their pipelines are filled with flaky opportu- and so on? Do you have a clear next step? • Do you have an organizational chart? Do you have an nities. And your sales managers don’t have enough guts inside coach? to call them on it. • What has been (or will be) your sales strategy? Here’s the litmus test. When your sales people submit • Where are you in the selling process? Here is a checktheir forecasts, do you or your managers “adjust” them down for realism? It’s typically easier for salespeople list: 1. Were you invited in or did you beg for an appointand their managers to discuss why they didn’t win business, instead of asking themselves the right questions be- ment? 2. What were the prospect’s reasons for seeing you? fore going to battle. 3. What were the challenges, problems, and frustrations Here are some of the right questions: 1. “Can we win and should we pursue this opportu- that you identified in the interview? 4. How important is it to the prospect to fix those probnity?” 2. If yes, how do you know? What is the reasoning? A lems? 5. How committed is the prospect to fixing those probguess? A hunch? 3. “Which strategy should we adopt to ensure that we lems? (Time, effort, money, willingness to fail?) 6. What is the agreement you and the prospect have win and why? To begin, ask your salespeople: "How much does it reached concerning the decisions that will be made each cost to win a new account?” Calculate the actual costs step of the way? Few salespeople understand the cost of pursuing sales associated with generating a lead, a contact, an appointment, a proposal and a sale. Now add in the opportunity and often fill their funnels with bad business. Fewer think cost of missed business they could have won if they through winning strategies before going into sales “batweren’t wasting time on business that won’t close tle”. Ask your sales people these fundamental sales quesquickly. If you’re like most selling organizations, the cost per tions before committing resources to a battle you cannot pursuit is several hundred or even thousands of dollars. win. Successful sales professionals qualify vigorously and Multiply that by the number of opportunities you chased and didn’t close in the last 12 months. Staggering isn’t religiously before committing time and energy so their closing ratios are 90% or better. it? So, what are yours? Before your sales people charge off to fight the next Greta Schulz is president of Schulz Business SELLubattle, ask them, “If this was your money, would you tions in West Palm Beach, Florida. She is the best-selling spend it?” Challenge 2: Your sales people don’t do enough plan- author of "To Sell is Not to Sell". Greta does corporate training for fortune 1000 companies and she has an onning work before going to battle. Before going into battle again, make sure your sales- line training course for entrepreneurs. For more tips go to: www.schulzbusiness.com people can answer these questions (honestly):
By Greta Schulz
Customers are king! Customer service is not! By Antoine Miller
spent in developing the area of sales and marketing upfront. When you are starting out in business, most customers will not know who you are. They cannot buy from you because they don’t know you exist. You grow your customer base by reaching these potential customers through marketing. After gaining a potential customer’s attention you are then in a better position to convert that person to a customer and complete the sale of your product or service. Only after you have the attention of the customer and have them sold can
More customers should add up to more dollars for your business. Most business owners would tend to agree with that statement. However, at a recent seminar I conducted, over 80% of the participants were confused over the importance of marketing, sales strategy and customer service for their small business. Marketing makes your phones ring and sales is what you do after you answer the phone. Customer service keeps the customer happy and coming back Antoine Miller for more. you begin service. In order of importance to growing your business, in what As I mentioned to the participants at my seminar, if you order would you rank marketing, sales and customer service? think too long on the philosophy you’re trying too hard. The Think for a moment and answer that question before readidea is simple. You can’t service customers you don’t have. ing on. Most of the participants in my seminar believed cusA business can have the greatest customer service in the tomer service was king. Somewhere after customer service, world but what good is that if the business has no customers. sales and marketing would get an honorable mention. I openly The key is to market and sell to as many customers as you share my philosophy with business owners that marketing can if your goal is to grow your business. While customer should be ranked first, followed by sales and finally customer service at some point will be king, it should be viewed by service. Yet many business owners think of the order in rebusiness owners as an heir to the throne after marketing and verse. These business owners struggle with growing their sales. business because of this reverse thinking. TDS Telecommunications Corp. Account Executive, Antoine While customer service is definitely important, it is far Miller, provides the best value on phone and internet services more important to first have customers to actually service. As for small businesses throughout the Greater Milwaukee area. any seasoned business owner will tell you, your business He is also the Founder of 99 SALES iDEAS LLC for Business won’t magically start out with customers; you have to win Development. He can be contacted by phone at 414-219-1989 every customer you get. Therefore, time and energy should be or email at amiller@99salesideas.com
Debt? By Shawn Ward
Let’s face it most of us have some debt that we need to address. You may have wondered if bankruptcy is your only way out. The answer is NO! I’ll share some information with you about a non-bankruptcy option called Chapter128. Chapter128 is NOT A BANKRUPTCY it just has that Chapter word in front. Don’t worry, Chapter128 is actually a Wisconsin statue that has been in place since the 1930's. I like to call it Wisconsin’s best kept secret because it has been around so long and 85% of Wisconsin’s population doesn’t even know about it. Chapter128 will stop interest, penalties and legal action. However, Chapter128 is only effective against unsecured creditors such as PAYDAY LOANS, CREDIT CARDS, and HOSPITAL BILLS. It will not work for a car loan or a mortgage be-
Shawn Ward
“Chapter128 is NOT A BANKRUPTCY it just has that Chapter word in front. Don’t worry, Chapter128 is actually a Wisconsin statue that has been in place since the 1930's. I like to call it Wisconsin’s best kept secret because it has been around so long and 85% of Wisconsin’s population doesn’t even know about it.”
cause those would be examples of secured creditors. When it comes to your unsecure creditors, Chapter128 is a fantastic alternative to bankruptcy. Wisconsin is the only state that has this law. Not
only will the Chapter128 stop interest and penalties it will also stop legal action such as wage garnishment. Once you enter into Chapter128 it is a 3yr 100% repayment of you debt interest and penalty free. This program has very minimum effect on your credit. Unlike bankruptcy where you have to list all your debts the Chapter128 can consolidate all your bills or allow you to get rid of the creditors that cause you the most problems. The only requirements you need to qualify for Chapter 128 are: 1. Be a Wisconsin resident 2. Have employment. If used correctly I can even show how to use PAYDAY loans to your advantage by executing Chapter 128. Using Payday Loans to your advantage is huge! If you need extra money for the holidays give me a call. I would consider it an honor to help you become financially sound and debt free. Shawn Ward is a Debt Consultant at the Wisconsin Debt Clinic. With 13 years of legal and debt consolidation experience, Ward is happy to provide information to people looking to get out of debt and make a financial comeback. Ward can be reached at debtfree@wisconsindebtclinic or 414-455-0905.
KALEIDOSCOPE
t h e M C J lif esty l e & ente r tain men t sec tion
Vida Washington is a survivor who has a tale to tell, one she hopes will help and inspire others who have experienced the pain and turmoil she has growing up in Milwaukee. “People will read my story and ask themselves, ‘Who is Vida,” said the 54-year-old mother of four and grandmother of 15. “The simple answer would be I’m a once damaged little girl who transformed herself into a kind-hearted, outgoing, loving nurturer who loves her life and values her experiences and the lives of others.” Washington’s book is titled “Vida,” which in Spanish means “life.” And Washington has lived a life: Teen pregnancy, physical, sexual, emotional, mental and social abuse; some of which came from people she didn’t expect to mistreat her. “Telling my story wasn’t the easiest thing to do. It will take you to a place that the human mind could never imagine, let alone admit to.” Washington said writing the book has allowed her to face the fear, shame and embarrassment of her ordeals. “I realize now that we live in a world surrounded by deceivers we don’t recognize until it’s too late.” A year after running away from home, Washington became pregnant, which she described as a huge relief. “Because I knew I that I would finally be loved unconditionally, with-
BOOKSHELF
Self-described survivor Vida Washington writes book to give hope to those in despair
Author Vida Washington (inset) and the cover of her book.
out harm, which led to three more beautiful baby girls, followed by 15 precious grandchildren. From her up and down experiences, Washington has found God, who she credits with giving her what she describes as “a daily supplement” that gives her encouragement and strength. “Using the life lessons and strength that God gave me, I use my life story and how God has delivered
me from my trials as a testimony to the young and old, family, friends, even strangers in the streets. “I take every opportunity to motivate and encourage someone to seek God just as I have.” Washington is currently negotiating the final details with her publisher and hopes to have the book on local bookstore shelves early in the new year.—MCJ Editor Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr. contributed to this story.
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 7
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 8
“Mister Speaker, I am proud that the Milwaukee Community Journal hails from the 4th Congressional District. It has consistently informed, analysed and entertained readers for nearly 38 years. I am pleased to give praise to Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo and her staff for providing a voice to the community and providing educational opportunities to students. I wish them many more years of success.”--a segment from
Cong. Gwen Moore’s remarks she made on the Congressional Record paying tribute to the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Dr. Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Annual Brunch
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 9
The Milwaukee Community Journal December 3, 2014 Page 10