SDC Commissioner Monique Taylor Announces Candidacy for 15th District Aldermanic Seat
Milwaukee fifth grader visits Ivy League university
COMMUNITY
Monique taylor has been officially added to the ballot of the 15th aldermanic district. The primary election will be April 1st and the general election will be April 29th. Taylor is a Community Organizer and Family Advocate who directly connects with families and victims of injustices here in the city of Milwaukee. Taylor is a Concordia University of Wisconsin graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management. Taylor’s major concern is working hard to improve the quality of life and working Monique Taylor for and with the constituents to bring about change. “As a potential alderwoman I think it’s important to communicate with my constituents to keep them informed, ask for their insight and hear their concerns,” Taylor said. “As an elected official I plan to work hard to make sure residents of my district know who I am, where I stand on issues facing the district and what I’m working on.” “I’m very fortunate to be in a position in my life where I have the time and energy to continue to make a difference in my community,” Taylor said. “I’m excited about the possibility of serving on the council and helping move Milwaukee forward.” Taylor’s campaign website is www.taylorforchange.com. Taylor has been placed #4 on the ballot.
VOL. XXXVIII Number 33 March 12, 2014
JOURNAL
Justin Shumpert a Milwaukee 5th grader is pictured with Logan Powell, Director of Admissions at Princeton University in Trenton, New Jersey. Justin recently made the 900 mile trip with his mother and little brother to tour the University as a promise made by his parents if he achieved a 3.5 gpa or higher for the first two semesters of the school year. Justin first became interested in Princeton in third grade when he and a group of classmates won a medal in the Lindsey Heights Math Competition. He is currently testing at a 8.7 Math and Reading level in 5th grade. Justin was toured around the University with Shawon Jackson, a Chicago native who will graduate in 2015. When asked if he is gifted he says "No, there are lots of kids like me in Milwaukee, stories just aren't written about them.
The Milwaukee
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Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Secretary Eloise Anderson (seated center between AACC President Dr. Eve Hall--far left--and Wanda J. Montgomery of the Milwaukee chapter of the National Black Child Development Institute) met with a small group of women before the luncheon to discuss issues pertaining to her agency and opportunities for businesses and agencies dealing with children. The women behind Hall, Anderson and Montgomery are (left to right): Adrieane, Sharron Jewell, Tammy Belton-Davis, Rose Sprang, June Perry, Nina Johnson, Ngozie Omegbu, Sue Eick, and Barbara Tucker.
READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY! AT M.L.KING ELEMENTARY
The Milwaukee Urban League Guild and Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School joined forces to tout the advantages of being a good reader for hundreds of King students last week. With the help of area business leaders, students, parents and community members, the students were read to and taught why it is important to be a good reader. This year’s theme was “Cat In The Hat,” written by Dr. Seuss. All the students and volunteers wore the Cat’s famous hat. The event kicked-off with the Milwaukee Brewers sausages (top photo posing with King students and the school’s principal, Dr. Christlyn Fredrick-Stanley), Mayor Tom Barrett (shown above right (center) wearing a “Cat Hat” with Milwaukee County Zoo head Dr. Robert Davis (left) and Mark Wade (right) of African World Festival). Among the volunteers who went to individual classrooms to read to the students was a woman dressed as a popular community clown. (More photos on the Youth and Education page).--Photos by Yvonne Kemp
View of the AACC’s Women in Business luncheon held at the Milwaukee Yacht Club, 1700 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. Women business leaders...and business men talk business and catch up on what’s happening with their respective businesses and trends in the area.
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
GOLDEN YEARS
Exercise and Fitness—It’s Never Too Late to Start
F
or about the past 20 years, the baby boom fitness market has been slowly growing. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association, older adults are hitting gyms and health clubs at record rates.
The group says the number of health club members over 55 grew by 343 percent from 1987 to 2003, while the number of members in the 35-54 age group increased by 180 percent. Those numbers are expected to continue to increase. Trend-watchers attribute much of baby boomers’ interest in physical fitness (the same generation that once believed "never trust anyone over 30") to their determination not to grow old. Boomers want a better quality of life, they want to be active in their later years and they realize that being fit helps accomplish that goal. Lisa Williams, broker/owner of Williams & Associates Realty, is one of many Milwaukeeans who has bought into the notion of physical fitness as a means to ensuring longevity and a better quality of life. The busy realtor has a hectic professional life that can
Women in Business Lunch features Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Secretary Eloise Anderson
be stressful and sometimes has her burning a candle at both ends. She is committed, however, to making room in her schedule for the ‘down’ time that she needs to take care of herself. “On a daily basis I try to stretch and walk up and down steps. I also do some cardio exercise at least five days a week. I enjoy Zumba, so I try to take in a class at least once a week. I’d like to do that more because Zumba incorporates so many arm and leg muscles, but usually my schedule doesn’t allow for it,” said Williams. Indeed, studies show the merits of an active lifestyle. (continued on page 5)
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “Are you satisfied with the progress of Black women in the business sector? Why or why not?”
NINA JOHNSON: “Although we can always do better, I think the AACC’s Women In Business Initiative is paving the way (for Black women). Yes, we have a ways to go, but we will get there.”
JUNE PERRY: “We have a long way to go; and unless we own and operate as many (or more) successful businesses as white women and men, I can’t be satisfied.”
BARBARA TUCKER: “I think there is tremendous opportunity in the business sector for Black women. I don’t think these opportunities (to progress) are always easy to find. I don’t think any of us should be satisfied, until we do what we can do to assist in the progress of Black women.”
WANDA J. MONTGOMERY: “I am not satisfied because I believe there are so many more opportunities for us. I think we can get further when we work together. We need to connect and support each other. The world is waiting for ‘you!’
Sec. Anderson Eloise Anderson, the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, was the keynote speaker for the recent African American Chamber of Commerce’s “Women in Business” Series, a quarterly event recognizing and showcasing women entrepreneurs and leaders. The event was held at the Milwaukee Yacht Club, 1700 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. The theme for this luncheon was, “Igniting Your Passion for Success and passion is the fuel that ignites success.” Anderson was appointed by Governor Scott Walker in 2011 to lead the department. Secretary Anderson is nationally and internationally known as a leader in public policy creation and implementation. She has extensive experience in child welfare and work support issues. Secretary Anderson began her career in Milwaukee as a social worker before joining state government, she has over 20 years in state service in a variety of roles including serving as the Administrator of the Division of Community Services at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services. AACC president and CEO Dr. Eve M. Hall states, “Having passion for a particular goal, whether personal or professional, provides the energy and motivation to take the actions necessary to achieve that goal. Successful entrepreneurs and business leaders must have the drive and passion to be successful.” --Luncheon photos by
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 2
P OLITICS & G OVERNMENT
C i t y • C o u n t y • S t a t e • N a t i o n a l GOP Effort to Roll Back Early Voting Creates Additional Barriers to Franchise for Elderly, Persons With Disabilities and Urban Voters ‘Especially Despicable for Making it Harder for the Most Vulnerable in Our Society to Exercise Their Constitutional Right to the Franchise’
MADISON, WI — Legislation before the state Senate today to severely restrict early in-person voting and ban weekend voting in Wisconsin could create more hurdles for minorities, seniors and persons with disabilities who want to exercise their state constitutional right to vote. State election regulators and nonpartisan watchdogs have reported serious issues with the accessibility of physical locations used for voting on Election Day and serious delays to vote in many polling places in urban areas. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross commented, “There has been an unrelenting assault on voting rights in Wisconsin under Gov. Walker and the Republican legislature. But the legislation before the state Senate today is especially despicable for making it harder for the most vulnerable in our society to exercise their constitutional right to the franchise.” Under the terms of Senate Bill 324, municipalities would be prohibited
from allowing more than 45 hours of early voting per week in the weeks leading up to elections. Clerk’s offices could not be open for voting before 8am or after 7pm and weekend voting hours would be outlawed. In recent years early in-person voting has become increasingly popular with voters. Nearly 700,000 used early voting in 2012 and the major cities of Wisconsin are all seeing sharp increases in early voting. Milwaukee increased 17 percent from 2008 to 2012, Madison 9 percent. Even more conservative cities like Waukesha and Green Bay saw increases of over 20 percent. Early voting can be especially important for seniors and persons with
disabilities as many Election Day voting locations present accessibility challenges. A June 2013 Government Accountability Board (GAB) audit report indicated it had identified 10,488 problems at 1,614 polling places over the last 3 years. More disturbing, 3,786 were found to be of such severity that they would “likely to prevent an elderly voter or a voter with a disability from entering a polling place and casting a ballot privately and independently.” Well over half (56%) of polling locations audited by the GAB did not have an accessible entrance that was easily identifiable by voters with disabilities Early in-person voting can help to
County Executive Abele Praises Passage of Bills to Improve Mental Health Care and Create Jobs
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the State Senate for the passage of two bipartisan bills that will strengthen Milwaukee County. The Milwaukee County Mental Health Board bill passed unanimously, 33-0. The bill will create an independent board of experts to oversee the Behavioral Health Hospital and help facilitate progress toward the community-based model of care used across the country. “The fact that every Republican and Democratic State Senator voted for this bill is an inspiring reminder Cnty Exec. that on issues as important as this, everyone can come together. This legislation ensures that providing the best system of care will no longer come second to any other priority.” The Lake Michigan shoreline bill approved today affirms the 1913 shoreline created by an agreement between the City of Milwaukee and the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.
The boundaries established in 1913 have long been recognized by the DNR, the state legislature and others as the lake bed boundaries, and as a result, have been used for a century of real estate development in Milwaukee. This bill is also a critical step in the development of the Downtown Transit Center site, an underutilized concrete building. The project is expected to add over $10 million to the local tax base as well as create 2,600 direct and indirect construction jobs. “Not only does this bill provide Abele important legal clarity for the Downtown Transit Center project, it also creates certainty for future downtown developments and prevents the need for future unnecessary delays. “When developers are considering significant investments in our community, anything we can do to clarify the process makes us a more attractive place to do business and create jobs.”
P&G FIRST PERSON
SB324 approval wrong for Milwaukee, wrong for voters
Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy on approval of SB324, restricting the ability of residents to vote: “Using twisted logic and the power of the majority, the GOP-controlled Legislature in Madison today approved regressive legislation restricting the ability of Milwaukee residents to vote. The legislation – which also negatively affects voters in other communities across the state – will ultimately discourage voters (elderly, disabled, working poor, and many African Americans and Latinos) who have a limited ability to vote during normal business/work hours. “Supporters of the legislation (SB 324) claim it was drafted to “level the playing field,” so that communities such as New Berlin (population approximately 40,000) could provide the same access to voting as Milwaukee (population 600,000). They say the intent of the bill is to make it fair between communities, but how is it fair that Milwaukee has to serve more than 300,000 voters in the same amount of hours at one site as Chenequa with 500 voters? If they want to set standardized hours then they should give us the ability to have more than one site. That’s how we are able to do it on Election Day -- we operate multiple sites between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. This bill is just a blatant attack on voters’ rights in larger municipalities. “To me it is obvious the legislation is meant to rein in successful early voting in mostly Democratic-leaning larger cities, especially Milwaukee and Madison. So instead of finding a solution to the perceived “level playing field” problem – such as finding a few hundred thousand dollars from the state surplus to allow smaller towns and villages across Wisconsin to provide extra voting hours – the GOP and Governor Walker have chosen to punish hard working urban residents in Milwaukee and other cities. “Worse yet, Governor Walker would rather hold a special session of the Legislature to look at new Voter ID measures that could likely cost millions of dollars to implement across the state (measures that may not even pass legal muster!).”
Tom Ament
Former County Executive Tom Ament passes
Former Milwaukee County Executive F. Thomas Ament, who served in county government for 34 years, 10 of which was spent as County Executive, died Monday of lung cancer at a Milwaukee area hospice. He was 76. Ament attended Marquette High School and Marquette University, graduating with a law degree. He got into politics reportedly at the urging of Thomas J. Duffey, a labor lawyer who served on the state Assembly and the Milwaukee County Board. Ament ascended to the position of County Board chair in 1976. He was elected to the board in 1992 after then County Executive Dave Schulz left office after one term. Ament left office in disgrace in 2002 after a pension scandal was revealed.
reduce Election Day congestion at polling places in urban areas with high concentrations of voters. According to the bipartisan Commission on Election Administration, as a general rule, no voter should have to wait more than half an hour to vote. Yet in the 2012 November election Wisconsin Election Protection received a significant number of calls about poll sites regarding long lines. Ross concluded, “Election Day is the one day we are all supposed to be equal and have a say in the direction of our communities. “This latest Republican attempt to restrict early voting would undermine the state constitutional right to vote and the fundamental idea of democracy by making it harder for minorities in urban areas, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to exercise their right to the franchise.”
Milwaukee County Supervisor Khalif Rainey criticizes bill limiting early voting hours
Milwaukee County Supervisor Khalif Rainey said today that a proposal to limit early voting hours, calling it "a broadside to the ability of minority voters to turn out at the polls." "This is one of the most anti-democratic proposals ever cooked up by those who want to limit minority participation in the election process," Rainey said of Senate Bill 324. "Who benefits from eliminating early voting hours? The very people who are proposing this legislation. This is a Sup. Khalif Rainey piece of legislation that should be rejected by anyone who believes we need to expand access to voting, not restrict it." SB 342, currently under consideration in the Senate, would limit early voting to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Currently, early voting is available two weeks before an election, ending on the Friday before the election. "This bill limits accessibility to the polls, and it will create longer lines and more difficulties in getting out the vote," Rainey said. "While this bill is, according to its supporters, aimed at creating more uniformity between urban and rural counties, it is actually aimed at suppressing the urban vote, especially the minority community. "We need to make elections more inclusive, not more restrictive. This bill will do damage to minority participation in elections, and I can only believe that is its main purpose."
State Sen. Harris comments on attempt to eliminate Wisconsin’s Common Core standards
P&G FIRST PERSON
State Senator Nikiya Harris (D-Milwaukee) made the following statement after the Senate Committee on Education held a public hearing yesterday on SB 619, which would eliminate Wisconsin's Common Core standards and replace them with model standards generated by a board of political appointees:
"Our children's everyday learning should not be subjected to the political whims and partisan gimmicks of a politically appointed board. Sen. Nikiya Harris “Our children deserve better than that. Our children deserve academic standards that are developed by experts in education, standards that will allow for our students to be challenged every day and prepare for college. “The Common Core standards, although not perfect, provide school districts, teachers, and local educators with the flexibility to design and implement curriculum that best suits their particular school district. The Common Core standards set the floor, not the ceiling. “Who better knows the needs of our children than those that spend every day with them- their teachers, their administrators and principals, their parents, school boards, and superintendents? “These dedicated individuals have spent years refining our educational standards, and will spend years continuing to refine our academics. Our academic standards should not be subject to the precarious uncertainty of what political party is in power. “As a state, we should be guaranteeing that students across the state are prepared for college and are prepared to compete nationally. Under this bill, I fear that our students could be subjected to standards that do little to prepare them for a college education and for their future careers."
PERSPECTIVES
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 3
“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave me, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I RISE. I RISE. I RISE” --Maya Angelou
Why Doubling the Minimum Wage will create an Economic and Moral Crisis in the United States
GUEST COMMENTARY
nothing was going to be handed to EDITOR’S NOTE: While our them. Less than 250 years later editorial policy is not to print unsomething has happened to the ensigned commentaries or letters subsuing generations of Americans mitted to the Community Journal, “Minimum wage--and often the jobs attached--are who have not had to face such this well-written and thoughtful designed as entry level starting points for teenagers daunting beginnings. commentary prompted us to make What we refused to address is the an exception. It is from an individwhose only real worry is getting the latest sneakers attitude of entitlement that has ual who, as you will read, has been or the best seats at the concert...they should know swept the nation and people have on both sides of the employment that our country stands united in our collective ex- come to believe that their mere exfence and makes a compelling arguistence entitles them to the same ment in support of their opinion. pectation that they work to achieve more than the wages and amenities of others even A few months ago I sat in one of minimum. Minimum skills, minimum education or when they have not worked for my favorite casual dining spots with minimum relevant work experience equals minimum them. a dear friend. We laughed and enA fifteen dollar an hour minimum wage. Perhaps it is time to take a look at why one joyed being able to escape the dewage translates to a $30,000 a year mands of our busy lives and careers makes the starting point the finishing line then income based on a 2,000 hour work in order to catch up. Suddenly, the wants a trophy for a race they didn’t run. “ year not factoring in overtime. So restaurant was surrounded by a litleral busload of protesters. The restaurant grew still and uncommonly silent in theory, a household with two full time fast food workers would gross eas we all looked out of the windows to see what cause, what social ill, what $60,000 annually without so much as a high school education. How would you convince teenagers to finish high school let alone go to dilemma was being dealt a public, bullhorn led blow by those who were decollege if they could make $30,000 working the milkshake machine? What scending upon us. Soon one of the protesters aimed their signs right at us as would you tell the new teacher who spent countless hours in college and it became clear that the restaurant, a small but notable national chain, was subsequent practicums and continuing education classes who makes just the target of the protest. “$15/hr minimum wage,” read the large black and over what the kid on the milkshake machine makes when they have to pay white letters of the sign. The manager, who we knew well, came over to our back student loans for the next 10 years. windowed table and explained that the protesters were fast food workers In a country that is already struggling educationally, creating a lucrative who want that national minimum wage raised to fifteen dollars an hour. career out of what should be a stepping stone to management in the fast Immediately I cycled through a range of emotions from intrigue to indigindustry or a bridge to an outside career endangers our entire way of food nation. I reflected on their demands from two distinct vantage points; emlife. ployee and employer of which I have been both. I know what it is to wait Surely this nation’s leaders cannot think that they will give fast food for my check to almost magically “appear” in my account at midnight from workers and unskilled laborers a 100% pay raise and not have to do the my employer and I know what it is to be other end of the transaction and same for every industry fueled by skilled (and often multi-degreed) laborers knowing concretely that there is nothing magical about the process, the that protest and they, unlike unskilled laborers, would have good grounds payroll, the taxes, or the urgency of payday for my employees. their argument because they have worked for such an increase. for Until I became an employer the entire process of pay rate, raises, promoImagine every teacher demanding double. They would site the fact that tions and payroll seemed to be nothing more than my boss making a decimany spend as many hours working at home on grading papers and creatsion in my favor. “Hey, what’s another dollar or two?” I thought until I ing lesson plans as they do interacting with students; so certainly they learned as an employer that those two dollars an hour on my check was should be paid double. matched on the other end in fees, payroll taxes and other things I hadn’t They would also site the thousands of dollars of their own money they considered and that my raise would demand more than the seemingly have put into their respective classrooms over the years. Consider every measly two dollars I was asking for. I understood the ignorance behind the worker demanding double because of the danger attached to their highway demand. These protesters simply could not fathom the depth of the ecowork. nomic and moral impact a $15 minimum wage would have on this country. Picture police officers refusing to deal with crime until, they too, had After leaving the restaurant I turned on the television and heard the protheir salaries doubled. They would point out that the person on the milktesters who had been filmed by an area television station and listened to shake machine is not in any danger while they risk their lives every day to their concerns about feeding their families and how tough it was to take protect and serve the community. To them, bullets trump burgers, so they care of a family on minimum wage. too will be waiting for their increase. In the following months I began to see more and more newspaper articles The truth is this nation is on an economic ventilator, floating loans from and television news reports on the issue and it seemed as though no one countless countries. If the nation is struggling, how do leaders think that wanted to wade into the deep of this issue and I understand why. business owners have the economic capacity to pay all of its workers douTo deal with this issue one has to give a hard and cold truth to tens of ble on demand? thousands of people who, for varying reasons, may not want to hear it. AdThe truth is a budgetary review would prove that even Washington D.C. dressing the demand for a $15 minimum wage demands a certain level of could not double the pay of all of the nation’s federal workers and stay in truth and somehow this nation has marginalized truth and made it shameful business. So why do they want entities far smaller and less funded then and therefore silenced even the most astute for fear of being castigated as they to attempt to do so? “politically incorrect.” A $15 minimum wage says that no one has to start from the ground floor. The fear of dealing with this issue and speaking openly about it may acThat by your mere birth you are entitled to live as those who worked to get tually cause it to surge ahead leading to an economic and moral crisis of where they are without you having to achieve or do anything to earn it. Just which this nation has not seen. This issue is our bleak Monday before our show up, day one and $30,000 a year is yours. Pure nonsense. Black Tuesday. We have to make a good decision here or prepare for a sets a bad tone, would gut our high schools of children we are desperIt market that cannot right itself economically or morally. ately trying to retain through flimsy compulsory education statutes and in When this nation was founded, through all of the undeniable social and certain industries would do little more than endanger already vulnerable moral failures and ills, it was founded on hard work. People worked hard populations as many people would fire citizens and hire undocumented physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually to make this workers they could pay under the table and keep their costs low enough to country great. survive. Hard work was a part of life and nothing to be avoided. Toil was seen as To the worker that feels it’s too hard trying to raise a family on minimum a rite of passage and without it one was looked down upon by those who wage, you are right. We agree with that statement 100%! However, what had actually worked to get where they were. As new immigrants came to that worker fails to understand is that minimum wage was never meant to this country – they worked. The Irish, the German the Italian and others all subsidize a family. came and –worked. Minimum wage--and often the jobs attached--are designed as entry level They worked tirelessly and were often treated poorly, but they pressed starting points for teenagers whose only real worry is getting the latest their way and kept working. None of the groups demanded the system be sneakers or the best seats at the concert. It wasn’t designed to support an changed, they fought through the system with the sweat of their brow and entire household. If someone wants more than minimum wage we are all provided for their families, educated their children and went from immifor it! grant to entrepreneur because they were not afraid to work. African AmeriHowever, they should know that our country stands united in our colleccans had to fight on innumerous fronts to be free then to be equal all while, tive expectation that they work to achieve more than the minimum. Miniyou guessed it, working! mum skills, minimum education or minimum relevant work experience They worked from sun up to sun down to provide for their families and equals minimum wage. Perhaps it is time to take a look at why one makes make sure that their children were educated even if it meant facing water starting point the finishing line then wants a trophy for a race they the hoses, attack dogs and imprisonment. They, like so many other cultural --Anonymous didn’t run. groups, worked to secure their place at the table because they knew that
Give Common Core a chance to work Article by Urban Media News
In 2010, Wisconsin joined 45 states across the country to adopt the Common Core educational standards for what students should learn in english and math. The standards won’t be fully implemented until next year, but a chorus of Tea Party Republicans are already looking to end Common Core before it reaches Wisconsin classrooms. A proposal created by Gov. Scott Walker’s office to undo the Common Core standards would create a brand new 15 member state board appointed by the governor and state superintendent of public instruction. The board’s function will be to create standards for english, reading, social studies, science, and math. The proposal gives the board an incredible amount of power in shaping
education standards - including the ability to completely ignore any suggested changes that may come from the Department of Public Instruction. Putting legislators in control of what gets taught in schools makes educators and parents nervous - fearing that the plan will lead to a partisan takeover of schooling decisions. Education should have a long-term focus, but with a committee of legislators calling the shots, it’s likely that Wisconsin’s education system will be at the whim of the next election cycle. The growing chorus in opposition to the bill includes Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke. Burke knows a thing or two about education, she serves on the Madison School Board and helped create the highly praised AVID/TOPS program, a unique public-private partnership that works to close the achievement
gap. Burke fears that the proposed plan will not only politicize education, but that it will also waste three years of work and resources. Since adopting Common Core, Wisconsin’s school districts have spent an estimated $25 million creating curriculum to fit the standards. A move to scrap Common Core would mean school districts shelling out even more money to train teachers, review instructional materials, and review curriculum. In districts that receive little or no state general aid, the cost will largely fall upon the taxpayers, not the state. The bill essentially makes taxpayers pay more to implement education standards tiers below the national model. Ultimately, this plan hurts children the most. The rigorous Common Core standards make sure educators
Is Ben Carson the new Herman Cain? Herman Cain (L) and Ben Carson (R)
Opinion article by David A. Love, courtesy of theGrio.com
By all accounts, Ben Carson wowed them at the CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, this past weekend in Washington. The retired Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon rallied the troops with a fiery speech and he came in third place in the CPAC straw poll behind Senators Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and Ted Cruz (R- Texas), a strong showing. Might Dr. Carson be the conservative movement’s political reincarnation of Herman Cain? It certainly looks that way. I should begin by saying I liked Herman Cain when he ran for president. Although I did not agree much with what he had to say, he was a showman, with an affable personality. If nothing else, he was entertaining, with his “99-9” tax plan, and his ability to put a smiley face on the most abhorrent Tea Party policies imaginable. And in the end, he had about as much of a chance of winning a ticket to the White House as one of those pizzas he used to sell, and we all knew it. Nevertheless, the party faithful like to keep at least a few articulate black folks around, individuals who position themselves as the living embodiment of Horatio Alger up-from-your-bootstraps folklore, and cheerleaders for the government’s retreat from any positive role in advancing society, in helping the vulnerable, and promoting the common good. After all, they did it all by themselves, they made it up the ladder, so why can’t you (you meaning government-dependent black people)? In the end, Cain and others of his ilk were never really intended to attract more African-Americans to the conservative fold, as their primary purpose is to validate bad policies in the eyes of those who already subscribe to those policies. Perhaps they will even attract a few unsuspecting moderates and swing voters who want to be reassured the GOP is a safe place. Herman Cain provided the entertainment the last presidential election cycle, but Ben Carson is a step above. As an acclaimed neurosurgeon and pioneer who was the first to separate conjoined twins joined at the head, Dr. Carson is no joke. Back in my younger days I remember reading about Dr. Carson with a sense of pride. From a career standpoint, he is the real deal, which is precisely why he ought to know better. When you’re born and raised in Detroit and you’re sent to Yale, you have an obligation to know better. Dr. Carson is not necessarily the most compelling or gifted speaker, but he comes off as far more substantive than Cain, which is why he will likely get some mileage in 2016. In his 20-minute speech, he railed against political correctness and the liberal media, and claimed that a number of his past statements had been distorted. Carson referred to America as “a land of dreams,” as if the U.S. is some type of Disneyland where magical things happen. He proclaimed marriage is between a man and a woman, adding that “Of course gay people should have the same rights as everyone else. But they don’t get extra rights,” which drew enthusiastic applause from the CPAC crowd. Carson provided the standard Tea Party fare, reiterating his comparison of homosexuality to bestiality, and prior remarks that Obamacare is the worst thing to happen since slavery. “I miss what medicine used to be,” Carson lamented.”’I don’t miss what it has become.” Dr. Carson said that people on the left “repeat these lies over and over again because they cannot argue the actual facts.” And he called for unity among conservatives, urging the crowd to vote Republican even if their candidate fails to win a primary. A black doctor who is against people having medical care, and tries to make intolerant, discriminatory policies acceptable by putting a black face on them? Dr. Ben Carson is made to order. A political action committee to draft him for president has raised $2.8 million in six months. Like Herman Cain, he may be unelectable, but Dr. Carson could make the 2016 primaries all the more interesting.
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Mary Burke
understand what will prepare children for college and a career. A plan to halt the implementation of new and improved standards only makes that harder to do. Without any upside to the bill drafted by Scott Walker’s staff it’s a no-brainer to give Common Core the chance to work.
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RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 4
A QUOTE FROM THE BIBLE: And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.”--1 Corinthians 13:13
Mt. Olive Minister of Music honored
Nine-year-old Samuel McClain hands a bouqet of flowers to his grandmother Viney J. Wilbon as she was honored for her service as Minister of Music at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 5277 N. 36th St. Rev. John K. Patterson is pastor. Choirs from Mt. Olive and other area churches paid homage to Wilbon in gospel song. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Living a life “transfigured”
My friends, this coming Sunday, March 16, Catholics around the world hear these readings from Sacred Scripture: Genesis 12: 1-4a, Psalm 33: 40-5, 18-20, 22, Second Timothy 1: 8b-10, and Matthew 17: 1-9. On this, the Second Sunday of Lent, the Church wants us to deepen our understanding of the "call" each of us receives at our Baptism. Just like Abram, just like Paul and Timothy, just like Jesus, we are called and we receive a "call." And we are "transfigured." The Lord said to Abram: "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you. Abram went as the Lord directed
if we are faithful to the grace we have received, we will be like Jesus, and we will be transfigured! In each of the Synoptic Gospels, we read about the Transfiguration. Matthew, By Fr. Carl Diederichs, the reading for this All Saints Catholic Church year, places the story him." immediately after Jesus speaks about Abram was called and received his the Cross and Self-Denial. calling to be the father of a "great naAnd how would the story of the tion." And Abram was faithful. Paul Transfiguration fit into the message tells Timothy that God has "saved us of the "call?" Could it be that and called us to a holy life, not ac- Matthew wants us to know that Jesus cording to our works but according is faithful to God and receives God's to his own design and the grace be- approval with the words: "This is my stowed on us in Christ Jesus." And Son, the Beloved; with him I am well
BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
Have the Talk of a Lifetime Northwest Funeral Chapel is Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Love Ones
Northwest Funeral Chapel invites you to share with us in having the “Talk of a Lifetime.” You talk about many things with your loved ones: From day to day details to big events. Sharing stories with those who matter most isn’t just important today; it will be especially significant when it’s time to honor and commemorate your lives. Join us on Saturday, March 15th from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. or from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at our Family Activity and Events Center at 4034 W. Good Hope Rd. Please bring with you a family member or friend with whom you would like to share your talk of a lifetime. To reserve seats, please call us today at 462-6020 or 540-9630.
pleased; listen to him!" Like the apostles, we too receive the great mystery of God's light and love and we are transfigured by the miracle of our Baptism and anointing in the Spirit. The grace of God is everywhere and our presence in this world must bring the splendor of God's love into the hearts of all we touch and all we pray for. And like Jesus, we hope and pray that our Father God is well pleased with us too. We are "called" to be like Christ, to be "Christed," and to take on the loving heart of Jesus in our daily lives where the "call" is played out. "God has saved us and CALLED us to a holy life," a life lived so that others will see us as a "light" of Christ in the darkness. And that "light" comes when we serve other, forgive others, and are prepared to spend our lives for others. May our lives be transfigured by the power of God. And flowing from the Baptism that has changed us radically, we can in turn, bring the love of God that has claimed us, to others.
A QUOTE FROM THE QURAN: “Allah does no burden a soul beyond that it can bear...” (From the Quran-Surat alBaqarah: 286)
EDITOR’S NOTE: We will begin using reliious quotes on the Religion page below or to the right of the section masthead. The quotes will be from the Bible and the Koran, and will alternate weekly. If we have space for two quotes, one will be from the Bible and the other from the Quran.
House of Peace announces Holy Week presentation serving Christ’s poor: “The Spirituality of St. Francis
The House of Peace will be presenting a special Holy Week Lenten presentation, Noon, April 16, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1927 N. Fourth Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212. Capuchin Friar Perry McDonald, House of Peace pastoral director, and Gerri Sheets-Howard, executive director of the central city ministry, will be presenting a reflection Serving Christ’s Poor: The spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. All are invited to this special Holy Week program. A simple lunch of bread and soup will follow the reflection. “The House of Peace was born at St. Francis of Assisi parish over 46 years ago,” Gerri Sheets-Howard explains. “We are coming home for this presentation as we prepare to celebrate Easter.” Father Perry McDonald adds, “Everyone is excited about Pope Francis’ initiatives to serve the poor. We thought people would like to learn more about St. Francis’ spirituality which our new Pope has referred to so often. The teachings of St. Francis can show us how to serve the poor.” There is no charge for the event but a donation of hygiene items is appreciated. The items will be distributed to the House of Peace guests, many of whom are the working poor or chronically poor. Based on Gospel values, the House of Peace has served the central city since 1968 and assists families and individuals in meeting their spiritual, material, and emotional needs. The House of Peace helps families to remain together and to promote self-sufficiency. It provides food, clothing, and pastoral care to the poor plus houses a medical clinic and legal clinic that serves the same population. The House of Peace is a Capuchin ministry and is part of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, which is headquartered in Detroit, and serves Capuchin ministries worldwide. www.HouseOfPeaceMilwaukee.org www.TheCapuchins.org
In loving memory of Eddie James (Martinez) Martin, Jr.
We miss the comfort of knowing you were there when we needed you. You left a great impression on those who knew and loved you. You encouraged anyIt has been four years one who entered your since our beloved Eddie life to do their best, to passed away (March 13, believe there was noth2010). ing they couldn't do if It is hard not to miss they tried, to follow someone who enjoyed Eddie J. (Martinez) their dreams and to life and fought hard for never give up. Martin, Jr. what he believed. You Always in our hearts, were a man of your word and your wife Teretha, children, famnever made promises you didn't ily and friends. (Photo courtesy of keep. USAToday)
Brentwood Church of Christ will hold their 4th Annual Black Marriage Day Event on Saturday March 22, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the church, 6425 N. 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI. The theme of the event will be Marriage: Building A Strong Foundation. The event will include entertainment by Andre' Lee Ellis, Actor & Artistic Director of Andre Lee Ellis & Company. Evangelist David Kimmons, Sr., assistant minister at Brentwood Church of Christ, will provide an inspirational message. A dessert social will be held following the program. Black Marriage Day is a national observance on the 4th Sunday of March each year that celebrates marriage in the Black community. This event is open to everyone who believes in and supports the value of marriage in the Black community, this includes singles and individuals from all cultures. Tickets are $15 for individuals and $20 for couples, tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event. This event is supported in part by the VOW to Succeed program. Please contact Thomas & Clarene Mitchell at 414-736-1546 for more information and tickets.
Sharing the gospel of organ donation
The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 5
Brought up in a strict Church of God in Christ (COGIC) household, Darrell Heart transplant heartbreaking.” Hines was raised to believe in shunning traditional medical treatment. God would recipient DoIronically, 20 plus years later, Bartolotta found himself in an identical situation minique Johnson take care of the sick, his family believed. to his father’s. Whether because of genetics or lifestyle, he faced a life of uncerThe future COGIC bishop adhered to that interpretation of biblical scripture holds his old tainty and most assuredly dialysis. until his wife, Pamela, suffered from complications of childbirth and required a heart, which grew He brought up the subject during a family dinner last year, and was surprised to two times its blood transfusion. Without it, she could possibly die, physicians told him. when his brother-in-law offered to give him one of his kidneys. Kidneys are one normal size before of the few organs that can be transplanted from a live donor. Hines prayed extensively over the matter and ultimately agreed to the transfuhe received his Today, Bartolotta is healthy. And thankful. sion. new heart. IroniThe experience prompted him to join the Organ Donor Network advisory comThat seemingly simple medical procedure saved his wife’s life, he told clerics cally his father, mittee and to volunteer time, energy and resources to promote awareness about and community leaders during a recent luncheon at the Bacchus restaurant, lo- noted community organ donation. cated inside the Cudahy Towers, which rests on a bluff near the lakefront. activist and alderThe luncheon was coordinated by the Blood Center of Wisconsin and sponsored manic candidate During his first meeting with the group (I’m also a member), the restaurateur questioned what was being done to educate African Americans on the subject. by renowned restaurateur Joe Bartolotta. Its purpose was not only to satisfy the Ray Harmon was Even though he was impressed by the marketing and educational strategies being palates of the 45 invitees with one of Bartolotta’s signature dishes, but also to himself a heart employed, he recognized that much more needs to be done. He immediately volfeed their minds with the knowledge that through organ donation and blood drives transplant recipient in 2007. He unteered his business for the luncheon and helped organize the discussion with they could save hundreds of African American lives. died of natural Black leaders. Organ, blood and tissue donation is a noble gesture that has not resonated causes several enough in the African American community where a disproportionate number of years ago. DoOne of the most impactful—and personal-- presentations was provided by people of color are in desperate need of a transplant or transfusions. Even as the minique is now a Kitchy Johnson whose son Dominique recently followed in the footsteps of his father, Ray Harmon, and received a heart transplant. numbers of those in need swell, African Americans rank at the bottom of ethnic student at CardiDominique and his father’s “heart” wrenching sojourn (no pun intended) ingroups when asked to consent to donation. nal Stritch College tercepted with my life’s journey at several intersections. Bishop Hines, who along with his wife is an “Ambassador for Organ Dona- and plans to play Dominique and I bonded when I served as a teacher’s aide for Malik’s fifth tion,” opened the program with his personal testimony on the importance of blood on the school’s grade class at the Young Leaders Academy for the remainder of the school seand organ donation. In addition to his wife, who needed nine units of blood, he basketball team. mester following his death in March of 2003. Malik died on his 27th birthday in said his father later suffered from leukemia and required blood and marrow transa car accident. fusions. That procedure added 19 years to his life. Dominique was a member of what he and his fellow students called, ‘Holt’s Bishop Hines’ mother also required blood for a major medical procedure. Kids of Kemet,’ and like all of Malik’s students, they shared a love for their men“We are a people of faith,” he told the audience, “and I personally thank God tor, and partly because of him, a true appreciation for education and African culfor the organ donor network. We must spread the word to our congregations about ture. the importance of organ donation.” My work in Malik’s classroom served as a mechanism to ease our grief and to The pastor of one of Milwaukee’s largest Black churches, Christian Faith continue the Africentric educational paradigm my son had introduced, which COGIC, Bishop Hines said he frequently engages his congregation on the imporearned him the 2002 teacher of the year award. tance of donation, and has sponsored numerous blood drives. Prior to and after that period, I worked with Ray on several political education Recognizing that many African Americans shun organ donation out of a misinterprojects. pretation of scripture (including the belief that they must be ‘whole’ on Judgment By Mikel Kwaku Osei Holt In 2007, Ray’s personal story of survival against the medical odds garnered naDay), Bishop Hines said, “We need to get rid of the (spiritual) fear. As spiritual leadtional attention. He spent over 360 days in Sinai St. Luke’s Medical Center attached to a Cardio West Total Artificial Heart ers, we must show that information is life.” Little new information was shared during the luncheon that I hadn’t heard before, although the personal testimonies were machine while he waited patiently for a heart transplant. As each day ticked away, his odds of survival diminished. emotionally moving and in one case, tearful. Jay Campbell, long time head of the local organ donor procurement program, told the gathering how his relationship As a donor parent, I have worked as an advocate for organ donation for over a decade. It is not only an issue of critical with Ray grew during Ray’s emotionally draining medical sojourn. Ray ultimately received his new heart, but his journey concern to the African American community, both nationally and locally, but also a personal crusade that is dear to my didn’t end there. Several months after leaving the hospital, Ray called Jay to reveal his mother was dying. He wanted to donate her heart. As you read this, there are over 300 local African Americans in desperate need of kidney transplants in Milwaukee. Yet organs when the time came. The story didn’t end there, however. Dominque’s mother told the audience how the young man refused to give up hope and his enthusiasm for life even as he less than 20% of us are on the donor registration list. Nationally, thousands of people of color face unnecessary deaths in learned two years ago that he was to follow in his father’s footsteps. Last year he was informed that his deteriorating conpart because less than 50% of us are willing to even consider donation. The reasons for that dichotomy have not changed over the years: Religious superstition and false biblical interpretations, dition had reached a critical stage. distrust of the medical community and a misguided fear that physicians will terminate Black lives prematurely to secure Though his condition threatened his life, Dominque never succumbed to depression. In fact, his most frequently anorgans are among the most cited reasons African Americans refuse to participate in the life saving program. nounced complaints were about how his condition derailed his college studies, and his hopes for playing college basketball. After months as a patient at Children’s Hospital (he was the oldest patient in the hospital and often brought laughter to Ironically, I used to criticize my people for their ignorance or misguided beliefs. That is, until my son died and some of those same superstitions crossed my mind. Fortunately, just prior to Malik’s death, I had authored an article on donation, younger patients), he was given the gift of life when a heart was made available. and the information I had provided to others about the possibility of a life saving gesture flooded my muddled mind as I The story of his perserverance and dashed hopes to play college basketball reached the Milwaukee Bucks, and shortly after leaving the hospital, he was invited to a Bucks’ practice where he was given VIP treatment. sorted through the emotional trauma of losing my oldest child. Dominique has since enrolled at Cardinal Stritch, is working out with plans to play for that college’s basketball team Donation helped relieve some of the pain of my tragic loss. Malik dedicated his life to education and service to our community; my God spirit told me he would have agreed to that next fall. final gesture. Sadly, his father won’t get an opportunity to see him play. He died of natural causes at the age of 47. I don’t know everyone who benefited from Malik’s donation, but I was told of several, including a little girl who now There are dozens of stories like Dominique’s, Joe Bartalotta’s and Bishop Hines’. Unfortunately, there are hundreds that don’t have such happy endings in part because the overwhelming majority of our people don’t understand that when ‘African views the world through his corneas. Hopefully, she can see the world as he did. Americans give, African Americans live.’ Following Bishop Hines, Bartolotta himself provided an empowering story about how donation impacted his life. That’s the motto that new organ donation outreach marketing manager Alicia Moore is spreading throughout our comLike his father before him, Bartolotta suffered from kidney failure and had to undergo dialysis. He recalled as a child sitting with his father during dialysis and “looking around and seeing many mostly African Americans in the treatment munity. Alicia was introduced at the luncheon, and there was unanimous agreement that she brings a deep-seated passion for her job. That may rest in part on the fact that she once dated Malik and was motivated by his donation. room. First on Alicia’s agenda is creating a Black network of volunteers, starting with the community leaders and clerics who “It didn’t dawn on me then why so many of the patients were Black,” he told the audience, “but now I know, and it’s attended the luncheon. From that core group she hopes to develop additional educational tentacles to reach into every segment of our community. It’s a Herculean job, but the rewards that come with success are greater than any I can think of--the gift of life. Hotep.
SIGNIFYIN’
Black Public Relations Society Teaches Easy Social Media Tips Free to the Public
The Black Public Relations Society (BPRS) will host a social media workshop as part of its signature event, How to Get Your Story Told. This session will focus on effective social media strategies and answer all your questions social media. This session takes place on Saturday, March 15th from 11:00a.m.-1 p.m. at the Capital Drive Library, 3969 N. 74th St. This event is free and open to the public. The How to Get Your Story Toldseries is designed to benefit nonprofits, churches, schools and small businesses by teaching them why public relations and media relations is important to your business or organization. “We’ve found from the feedback of previous sessions that many in attendance had questions on every aspect of communications,” said Faithe Colas, BPRS board president. “We want to give those in attendance information to help communicate their message.” This BPRS signature event will offer also offer a Q&A segment.
GOLDEN TIMES:
It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercising
(continued from page 1) For example, research recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that inactivity doubles the risk of mobility limitations as we age, while vigorous activity has the opposite effect. In another study, published in the Journal of Neurology, doctors found that exercise can slow cognitive declines -- meaning our minds can stay sharper longer with physical exercise. "No matter what area you look to, be it heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, research shows that being physically fit into your senior years will keep you healthier and active longer," says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist at the American Council on Exercise. Williams didn’t commit to a regular exercise routine due to any personal health concerns, but because there is a history of diabetes in her family, she opted to proactively take control of her health. “I’m not on any medications. My health is good and, as we get older, we do tend to develop illnesses that may prevent us from being as active as we like, but I try to keep moving. “ I take the stairs instead of the elevators. If I travel, I try to find hotels that have gyms or exercise rooms, and I drink healthy smoothies and protein shakes, and take ginger root to help with my digestive system,” she said. According to Web MD, baby boomers are running to the gyms and other places to get in their workouts. Some are using personal trainers, others rely on the buddy system to encourage each other to get their workouts in, and still others— through personal experience—have experienced, first-hand, the benefits of exercise and are making it part of their lifestyle. In addition to her daily exercise routine, Williams also uses a personal trainer at Elite Sports Club, the facility where she works out three to four times a week. “I try to mix up my exercise routine. It motivates me to get the advice and encouragement of a personal trainer. I don’t like the large gyms where hundreds of people are
working out. I like to go at my own pace and be able to get on the workout machines without waiting,” she said. Like Williams, more and more adults, 50 and older, are taking preventive steps to ensure they are healthy. In addition to physical activity, they are eating better, exercising and scheduling the necessary screenings to proactively combat health issues. Combined, these important steps can prevent many of the health problems that sometimes come with age. Some physical activity is better than none. While 150 minutes of exercise each week sounds like a lot of time, it is not. It amounts to 2 hours and 30 minutes; about the same amount of time you might spend watching a movie. The good news is that you can spread the 150 minutes of exercise over the course of the week, so you do not have to do it all at once. You can even break it up into smaller chunks of time during the day. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 10 minutes of exercise at a time is fine. Your exercise routine should be about what works best for you, as long as you are doing physical activity at a moderate or vigorous effort for at least 10 minutes at a time. Milwaukee offers a variety of opportunities for individuals 50 and older to become active. The Interfaith Older Adult Program, which is funded by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, offers a variety of programs and workshops to get and keep older adults active and socially engaged. The centers offer everything from Tai Chi, yoga classes, get fit classes, low impact aerobics, dart ball, dance and a myriad of other activities. The centers are open to anyone 50 + years of age and are free, but some classes may require a nominal registration fee. Personal training is also available for a nominal fee. For more information about the Interfaith Older Adult Programs and classes, call 414.291.7500 or visit the website at http://home.interfaithmilw.org/fun to request additional information.
YOUTH&EDUCATION The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 6
More Photos from the Read Across America Day at M.L. King School
The world-renowned Morehouse College communityjournal.net Glee Club Takes its Spring Tour to city
The celebrated Morehouse College Glee is making a stop in the mid west on their annual spring concert tour. They will perform at Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 7 p.m. The concert, which is free and open to the public, is made possible via personal support from Charles Harvey, chief diversity officer for Johnson Controls and his wife Cheryl, Morehouse Trustee Dale Jones and Morehouse alumnus Greg Martin, vice president and general manager of Lena’s Food Market, in partnership with the Milwaukee Public School System. One of the goals of the concert is to raise visibility about Morehouse College among prospective students
and their families to create a more robust environment for recruitment of top students from the Milwaukee area. In 2012, Morehouse College and the Milwaukee Public School System formed a partnership to create The Wisconsin Scholars Program. The program aims to address the nationwide problem of declining enrollment at colleges and universities for African American men. The program launched with more than $800,000 in scholarship support for the first cohort from the Milwaukee Public School System. That support came from corporations and philanthropic leaders in the Milwaukee area.Currently, there are 15 young men from Wisconsin attending Morehouse as part of The
Wisconsin Scholars Program. About Morehouse College... As the nation’s largest, private liberal arts college for men, Morehouse College offers 26 majors in three academic divisions: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Business Administration and Economics. Morehouse offers a number of programs and activities to enhance its challenging liberal arts curriculum through the Leadership Center at Morehouse College, Morehouse Research Institute, Andrew Young Center for International Affairs and the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. In 2007, Morehouse launched a new Journalism and Sports concentration, which will one day grow into a major course of
The Running Rebels Community Organization and the Milwaukee Public School system are once again collaborating to advance the opportunities of school-aged youth and adolescents. As an organization that believes every child deserves equal access to opportunities, RRCO formed their intramural basketball teams to capture those who may be ineligible to play due or attend a school without a
team. The participants generally come from the Violence Free Zone Program, the RRCO Monitoring Program, the Mentoring Program, and other programs for at-risk youth. Collaborating with MPS has afforded several youth the opportunity to reap the benefits of being a part of an organized team. Victor Barnett, the founder and executive director of Running Rebels
Community Organization states, “When a student is involved in our teams, there is shared accountability and responsibility to others and themselves, and we engage them in positive activities during peak times where they may otherwise be exposed or engaged in negative behaviors or even worse, illegal or gang related activities. The players receive guidance and mentoring from volunteers and the
Running Rebles and MPS team up to provide sports outlet for central city youth
study. Upon his return to Morehouse, John Silvanus Wilson Jr., the college’s 11th president, has said the central goal of his presidency is to ensure that Morehouse achieves both capital and character preeminence. About The Wisconsin Scholars Program at Morehouse College... Founded in 2012 through a partnership between Morehouse College and the Milwaukee Public School System, the program offers $25,000 in academic support to each student annually. Students also are engaged in professional and leadership development opportunities, advanced technology training workshops, corporate executive mentoring programs and summer internship opportunities. dedicated staff of the Running Rebels, who truly want to see them succeed.” The league currently has 6 teams with youth from different area high schools. It is the third week of competition. At the conclusion, an awards banquet will be held to recognize the accomplishments bothon and off the basketball court. The Running Rebels will also continue to assist players on perfecting their skills and being productive and active in their communities. Although it is only the second year of the league, there are many success stories to be told. Some are smaller than others, but all are significant. Last year we worked with 2 athletes who are now eligible to play on their high school teams, Carl Thomas at South Division High School and Rodney Oliver at Washington High School. With continued success, we may have the next Kevon Looney in the making.
KALEIDOSCOPE
The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 7
the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section
Editor’s Facebook photo pick of the week
Dana WorldPatterson: I am truly thankful for all the teachers, Principals, and staff that allow me to come into their schools and teach what I know so far to encourage girls and boys to rock!!! #GoodStuff
Sista Speak...”Speak Lord!”
REBORN!
Pure Transformation
March is bringing the city of Milwaukee and its residents into the renewal of spring. There is a purity to the melting away of the old snow as it transforms itself into fresh water, washing away winters debris. Three months into 2014 and my mind has also unthawed, allowing me to compile my thoughts along with pictures and ideas for my vision board. It’s okay that it took me this long to get it all together, because the first two months I was shedding old things and situations that no longer serve a purpose in my life. To a degree…I died in January and February. Resurrection is now here. As I prepare to paste my aspirations to my board, my fingers are nimble, my faith is stealth and my heart is filled with excitement! The anticipation of how God is transforming me is purely overwhelming. Sonya Marie Bowman
MONDAY’S
It is something how we feel on certain days of the week A lot of us look at Monday’s as a New Start or for Change If we want to make any changes, start a project, or stop a bad habit We say "I will start on Monday" It appears once we get through Monday, the rest of the week is a breeze I know when Wednesday "Hump Day" comes I start feeling pretty good as
I'm halfway to TGIFridaaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!!!! In the long run...It is what you make it to be Every Monday we can look to make a New Start or Change Overall, I Thank God for all seven days in the week as we can use any day for a New Start or Change Always Keeping It Real Tara R Pulley
Coming Back
If I was reincarnated, I would want to come back as me. The lively little girl who loved to play jacks. The sheltered teenager who played with Barbie dolls. The naive 17 year old who liked bad boys. The young adult who was excited to become a mom. The committed woman who married for love. The supportive wife who needed to be strong when her husband couldn’t. The scared patient who was diagnosed with Cancer. The strong survivor whose body was healed. The stubborn individual who struggled to forgive. The hopeful friend who wants to rebuild relationships. The big-picture dreamer who can visualize the painting of my destiny. The predictable spirit who is becoming more comfortable with spontaneity. The optimistic person who believe in second chances. The faithful parishioner who strives to become a better person. The child of a higher power who seeks him first. The excitable person who meditates to find calming energy. If I was born-again, I definitely want to come back as me! Zelda Corona
Stop Diabetes! Free Health Screening Event
Are you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Come find out for FREE! The YMCA’S Diabetes Prevention Program will be hosting a free health screening on Saturday, April 5 from 10 AM – 2PM at the Northside YMCA, located at 1350 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI. At the screening event individuals will be have their height, weight, body mass index, blood sugar ( A1C test) and blood pressure taken. If found at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, qualifying individuals* may be given the opportunity to enroll in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program at no cost. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 33% of adults are prediabetic and less than 10% have been told they have prediabetes. That is over 79 million Americans who are at risk for developing this disease. Risk factors include age, weight, family history, inactivity and race. Prevalence of prediabetes was found to be higher among certain ethic groups, including African Americans. People with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years unless they take steps to prevent or delay the disease. The good news is that the YMCA’S Diabetes Prevention Program can help! The program is led by a trained lifestyle coach who will introduce topics in a small classroom setting and encourage participants as they explore how living a balanced healthy lifestyle through healthy eating, physical activity and behavior change can benefit their health and prevent, or delay, the onset of type 2 diabetes. Meeting topics include, Be a Fat Detective, How to Eat Less Fat, Move those Muscles, You Can Manage Stress, and Ways to Stay Motivated. The 12-month group-based program consists of 16 weekly one-hour core sessions, followed by 7-8 monthly maintenance sessions. During the screening event child care, light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Reservations are strongly encouraged. To register for a time please e-mail or call Denise Lyman, Diabetes Prevention Program Manager, at dlyman@ymcamke.org or 414-357-2849. For more information about the YMCA’S Diabetes Prevention Program visit www.ymcamke.org/diabetesprevention
Delta Memorial Endowment Fund’s 38th Annual Literary Luncheon to Feature Author of “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” Edward Kelsey Moore
The Delta Memorial Endowment Fund (DMEF), which raises money for scholarships awarded by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.-Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter, presents its 38th Annual Literary Luncheon featuring Edward Kelsey Moore, the author of the best-selling novel The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat. The luncheon takes place Saturday, April 26, at 11:30 a.m. at the Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St. Tickets cost $50 and should be made payable to Delta Memorial En- Edward Kelsey Moore dowment Fund and mailed to: DMEF, P.O. Box 1162, Milwaukee, WI 53201. The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat is set in Plainview, Indiana. Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat Diner is a home away from home for Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean. Dubbed "The Supremes" by high school pals in the tumultuous 1960s, they’ve weathered life’s storms for over four decades and counseled one another through marriage and children, happiness and the blues. With wit, style and sublime talent, Moore brings together three devoted allies in a warm-hearted novel that celebrates female friendship and second chances. The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat has received critical acclaim from the "BBC Radio2 Book Club," South Africa’s Exclus1ves Books "Best Reads of the Month", Amazon’s “Best Book of the Month” for 10 months, twice on the Independent Booksellers' "IndieNEXT" list, and "The Power List." The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat debuted last year on the "New York Times Best Seller List" (in a tie) at #15. Moore was recently named the winner of the 2014 "First Novelist Award" from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. The novel is available in seven languages with more translations in production. For more information about DMEF’s Literary Luncheon, call (414) 3393070 or send an email to dmeftickets@yahoo.com.
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The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 9
The Milwaukee Community Journal March 12, 2014 Page 10