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VOL. XXXIX Number 16 November 12, 2014
The Milwaukee
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Annette Polly Williams, the “Mother of Parental School Choice,” passes
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W I S C O N S I N ’ S L A R G E S T A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N N E W S PA P E R
Compiled by MCJ Staff ormer Wisconsin State Representative Annette Polly Williams, nationally and internationally known as the “Mother of Parental School Choice,” a revolutionary, groundbreaking program that allowed parents of any income level—particularly low-income—to send their children to private schools in the Milwaukee and other parts of the state, died Sunday at age 77.
Annette Polly Williams--1937-2014 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.... Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." --Proverbs31, in Honor of former State
Rep. Polly Williams, courtesy of Urban Cusp.
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Williams represented the predominately Black and Democratic 10th Assembly District in the Legislature from 1980 when she was first elected, until January 3, 2011. When she retired, Williams left as the longest serving woman in the history of the Wisconsin state Legislature, serving in that body for 30 years. The official cause of death has not been publically released. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov. 18, at 12 Noon at Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. at the church until the start of the services. In a statement, Cong. Gwen Moore, who served with Williams in the state Assembly before moving on to the state Senate and eventually the U.S. Congress, called Williams “a political powerhouse in Wisconsin and throughout the nation, leaving behind a proud, historic legacy of public service. “She was fiercely independent,” Moore continued, “a free thinker whose determination was only matched by her compassion and concern for her constituents. “I knew Polly not only as a colleague and mentor, but as a cherished friend,” Moore recalled. “Polly, however powerful, perfected the ‘servant leader’ model. She inspired me and other legislators across Wisconsin, demonstrating honest leadership through service.” As an example, Moore recalled how Williams prepared meals for bereaved families stricken by tragedy and provided her entire community for the annual free holiday feast. “She was an example not only to those who wished to serve, but also to all who shared her eagerness to make a difference in their community.” Former state Senator, now City Treasurer, Spencer Coggs remembered Williams as not only a colleague, but as a maternal figure who counseled and mentored him and other Black members of the Legislature. “She had gone gray early and she used that to her advantage,” Coggs re-
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Veterans enjoy their day during annual PULSE OF THE parade saluting their service and sacrifice! COMMUNITY
Veterans representing several of the nation’s wars joined together downtown Saturday to bask in the salutes of parade watchers who cheered them on during the annual Veterans Day Parade. Veterans marched through downtown and to Veterans Park on the lakefront to continue the celebration. Veterans Day was officially Tuesday around the nation and locally, but various entities in business and sports honored the veterans with special observances and services during the course of last weekend. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
called during a Sunday television interview with WITI-FOX 6 News. “She’d talk to people and say, ‘baby, you gotta do this a certain way,’” Coggs recalled during the interview. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who served with Williams in the Legislature in the 1980s before he too became a U.S. congressman, called Williams, “a fierce fighter for what she believed was right for African American children living in poverty. “She was relentless on the education front and would go up against absolutely anybody and fight for what she believed in. She was the mother of ‘School Choice.’” Another former fellow legislator, state Rep. Leon Young, called Williams a “mentor and a trusted colleague, who was always willing to impart some sage advice for the asking. Noting that Williams will always be remembered for her myriad accomplishments and as the mother of School Choice, Young believed Williams’ greatest attributes was “her unbridled compassion and commitment to the issues she believed in. “Our community and state has lost a spirited statesperson and advocate.” Former Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent and education reform advocate, Dr. Howard Fuller, who carried on the Choice revolution in education after he stepped down from that position, reacted to Williams death in a Twitter post: “Our hearts are broken by the death of Polly Williams. Her life meant something to all of us who care about the plight of poor children. “There would be no parent choice movement had it not been for the courage of Polly Williams. She was the definition of a warrior. May she RIP.” Kenneth Campbell, president of the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), which honored Williams for her courage and leadership in the Parental School Choice movement in 2013, said his organization fights everyday to ensure communities have access to high-quality educational options. “Polly believed that too and she showed us by never giving up. We are who we are because of her bravery, her compassion and her strength. We will miss her.” Educator Taki S. Raton, who founded and was principal of Blyden-Delaney Academy, a private Choice School located in the community, called Williams a true icon not just for Milwaukee, but the nation in the field of education, with a focus on African American children in particular. "What the public school sector needed most was strong, uncompromising and straight forward open competition for area students and Williams' historic School Choice bill provided that thrust,” Raton said in a statement.
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Photos and Question by Yvonne Kemp
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
During the recently held Veterans’ Day Parade, we asked four veterans who fought in different wars and branches of the military, “recall a memorable moment you had while in the service?”
ABRAHAM MCKINNEY (Army/Korean War):”My memorable moment was constant night patrols to keep the enemy from attacking us in the bunker and trenches.”
VERNON C. TOWNSEND (Army/WWII), who recently participated in a September 13 “Honor Flight” to D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial): “My memorable moment involves (legendary actress Bettie Davis). She and I grew up childhood friends. Bettie came to Columbia, South Carolina for her birthday party the USO was giving her. When she found out I was there, she asked me to come and (help her) blow out the candles on her birthday cake. That didn’t happen because at that time, Black soldiers were not allowed in the USO (facilities). So she asked me to come around to the back door and blow the candles out. My special memory was bing a member of the ‘Honor Flight’ last September.”
AZEEZA ISLAM (Daughter of a Korean War/Marine veteran): “My father shared many stories about his time in the service. One of my favorites is his time in Japan, where he learned who he was and his personal growth.”
ANNA MAE ROBERTSON (U.S. Army-WAC {Women’s Army Corp, Unit 6888}/WWII. Also participated in the “Honor Flight” that took place November 1 to Washington, D.C.): “Leaving home to join the military was one of the proudest sacrifices that I made. Whenever I think about the experiences I had, I refelct on the voyage by boat to Spain and France. That (voyage) was so amazing because I felt free and empowered as a 20-year-old knowing that I had the opportunity to travel to countries that I knew I would (otherwise) not be able to afford. Although I did not serve on the frontlines, I was proud to be an American because I provided medical attention to soldiers who had terror and despair in their eyes. All I could do was show them the compassion and care they deserved. The color of my skin didn’t seem to matter, only the gratitude that was shown to me for caring for them. My commitment to the Army showed my loyalty, sacrfice, strength, and my love for my country. I’m proud to be an American.”
PhotoOp: Focusing the Lens on Polly The Milwaukee Community Journal November 12, 2014 Page 2
Photos on this page and page three courtesy of Pat Robinson, Robert Bell, Harry Kemp (deceased), Al Stergar (deceased), Mikel Holt, Isaac Ghimena)
ANNETTE POLLY WILLIAMS Remembering...
The Milwaukee Community Journal November 12, 2014 Page 3
Community remembers
Former legislator Williams, the mother of Parental School Choice, passes at 77
(continued from page 1) “I am highly grateful and deeply honored that I had the opportunity to both participate and support the Milwaukee Parental Choice School initiative. (Williams’) work, dedication and vision will most certainly be remembered as a major contribution in the option to allow parents a choice in the education of their children." A native of Belzoni, Miss. Williams graduated from North Division High School (where, according to noted community activist and historian Reuben Harpole, she got her nickname “Polly” from a classmate), which produced many Black leaders in government, law enforcement, business and sports. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and worked various jobs including, according to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel typist, cashier, mental health assistant and counselor before her election to the state Assembly in 1980. It was the same year the push for educational options began, according to a book by MCJ Associate Publisher Mikel Holt on the battle for school choice titled, “Not Yet Free At Last: The Unfinished Business of the Civil Rights Movement.” In an excerpt from his book, Holt notes that out of the disappointment a majority of Black parents had for the 1976 Milwaukee Public School’s desegregation plan emerged, in 1980, newly elected state Representative Williams, a North Division, graduate who he described as: A “former Welfare mother and Urban Day (School) parent…(and) fiery social activist who cut her teeth fighting for predominately Black electorial districts under reapportionment.” In another excerpt, Holt described Williams’ ambitious vision of education for Black children that became the foundation for the revolutionary reform initiative: “Polly Williams’ vision was the most ambitious of all. She wanted to expose and force the public school system into accountability, but she was also guided by a belief that the public school system as it was structured would never serve the interests of Black and poor people. “As a result, Williams saw as her mission the creation of a separate Black public school district that would complement a private consortium of nonsectarian and parochial schools. An unwavering advocate of Black independent schools, Williams saw community control of institutions—public or private—as the ultimate goal.” This ambitious vision would eventually be fashioned—with the help of her legislative aide and friend Larry Harwell, a brilliant strategist and thinker who brought Williams vision to life on paper as legislation—earning her the wrath of her political party, the Democratic Party, and even some of her Black colleagues in the Legislature, MPS and the community. But it was embraced across the aisle by her Republican colleagues and championed by then Gov. Tommy Thompson. This alliance further strained to the near breaking point Williams’ relationship with her party. But Williams wouldn’t let partisan politics, nor criticism from segments of her own community and people, deter her from her mission and ultimate goal. “My fight is for our, for my black children — to be able to access this system and get the best that this system offers,” Williams reportedly said about her fight for School Choice. The vision (albeit altered and somewhat reduced in size) became reality when it was passed by the legislature in 1990—with the backing of Republican lawmakers and Thompson and, ironically, with the opposition of her own Democratic colleagues. The program spurred other education and community activists around the nation to push for a similar program, which was seen as revolutionary and on a level of importance with the historic U.S. Supreme Court Brown vs. Board of Education decision. The Parental Choice revolution trail blazed a path that allowed for the creation of other unique education models such as charter schools and schools run by the private sector. Choice is seen by many who were involved in the movement or who observed it from the periphery as igniting debates on race, class and quality within American education. In the years following the landmark legislation and enactment of Choice, Williams focused on improving the educational outcomes for children within the Milwaukee Public School district, the very same district she butted heads with before and during her Choice crusade. She formed an organization of retired educators, parents and concerned citizens called the African American Education Council, which gave the community a voice in the recent and ongoing efforts to reform MPS. More recently, Williams took to the airwaves with her own radio talk show on Monday Mornings still addressing the issues of importance to the community from education, to politics, to the accurate representation of Black history and culture. Also contributing to this story: May 2010 MCJ article, WITI-FOX 6 News website, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Twitter, the office of Cong. Gwen Moore, the Book: "Not Yet Free At Last: The Unfinished Business of the Civil Rights Movement," by Mikel Holt.
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
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Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communityjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net
Colleen Newsom, MCJ STAFF: Classified Advertising Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. Publisher, CEO Joan Hollingsworth, Sales Rep. Robert J. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Assoc. Publisher Taki S. Raton, Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Rev. Roxanne Cardenas, Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Troy A. Sparks, Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Sports Editor Kia Marie Green, Mang. Editor Teretha Martin, Technical PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp Consultant/Webmaster Josephine Joki, Billing Dept./ Publisher’s Admin. Assist. Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.
Polly... Courtesy of Facebook
Stephanie Deena Findley: R.I.Paradise Annette Polly Williams. She was the former state representative for the 10th district for 30 years and she served her constituents well. When it came to serving the Black community she was the truth. She stood alone on a number of issues. I loved her independence and her ability to stand toe to toe with others to fight for what was right. Our politics today has such a groupie mentality I long for the day when we elect more independent thinkers to office. Thank you for your dedication and service to our community. Shirley Butler: I too had numerous several golden moments with Assemblywoman Annette Polly Williams. She was an forceful angel demanding equal educational opportunities for Black children. Thus, I concur with my cousin Thomas Mitchell Jr. , Her spirit will be missed !
Robert Earl McCoy: I never knew her but I heard about her over years ago. She became a local Hero and Living Legend. She was an outstanding Leader and her leadership will be missed in the Milwaukee community. R.I.P.
Victoria Edwards: Not only was she a force for education, she was a warrior for bringing great things into our community. She gave so much to our sewing seniors at COA GOLDIN Center, help create a bridge for minority women at WAAW, encouraged unity between the police and troubled neighborhoods, fostered the dreams of children desiring a career in politics.
“My fight is for our, for my black children — to be able to access this system and get the best that this system offers...” --Polly Williams
Thomas E. Mitchell,Jr., Editor, Community Journal: I'd be remiss if I didn't include any thoughts on the passing of former State Assemblywoman Annette Polly Williams, the Mother of the modern Education Revolution known as Parental School Choice! I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Polly in my capacity as a reporter, Managing Editor and Editor with the Milwaukee CommunityJournal for 30 years. I saw first hand the revolution she created grow unto an unstoppable force for the future of our Black children in Milwaukee and nationwide. She had an impact, as evidenced by the fact she was one of the honorees in Time Magazine's edition recognizing the important change agents of the 20th century. She BELONGED in that pantheon of influential individuals of the last century. Yet she was a down to earth person who truly cared about people and who was looked upon as a nurturer, confidant, advisor, mentor and friend...even a mother figure, which she was to all of us, as well as a fierce warrior for justice and equality. She will be missed! God Bless Polly! Rest In Peace!
RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal November 12, 2014 Page 4
Cong. Gwen Moore holds the award she received, the Re-entry and Second Chance Champion honorary award presented to her after her keynote address to members of Word of Hope Ministries, (WHOM) Inc. at the Italian Community Center recently. Moore spoke at the WHOM’s “Training 2 Work Generation 2 Kick-off event. Standing with Moore (third from right) are (from left to right): Milwaukee County Executive Chris Able, Ella Mahaley, First Lady Prentiss McClelland, Bishop C.H. McClelland, and Rev. Leondis Fuller. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp) the U.S. Department of Labor and it is our hope that we are able to boost a strong infrastructure for this project ensuring successful results of an emerging diverse workforce geared to industry-related occupations,” said Dr. C.H. McClelland, Pastor of Holy Cathedral COGIC and President of WOHM. WOHM has established a Career Pathways Collaborative Leadership Team including key agencies such as: the Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. (WOHM) hosted a WI Department of Corrections, Milwaukee County Training 2 Work Generation 2 Kick-off Event on Thurs- House of Correction, WI Community Services, Milwauday, October 23, 2014 at the Italian Community Center. kee Area Workforce Investment Board, MATC, MilwauThe event informed the City of Milwaukee employers kee County Departments of Health & Human Services and key stakeholders of its awarded $2 million national and Child Support Services, UMOS, M & S Clinical grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for a Career Services, Legal Action of WI and Center for Veterans IsPathways Collaborative, Milwaukee’s Home 2 Stay proj- sues. ect. Along with over 40 participating employers willing to As the keynote speaker, Congresswoman Gwen Moore share their workforce needs and identify company’s despoke highly of the benefits of the program and its rele- ficiencies in filling the skill gap in Milwaukee. vance to intensify work productivity for the Greater MilWOHM’s goal is to provide training opportunities that waukee area, along with being presented with the will result in competencies leading to industry certificaRe-entry and Second Chance Champion honorary award. tion to diminish the skills gap in the area of manufacturThe Career Pathways Collaborative aims to provide the ing in Southeastern Wisconsin. This project will identify resources for incarcerated citizens returning to Milwau- and map out career pathways in demand sectors and supkee to gain the skills, services and support needed to suc- portive services providers. ceed personally and professionally. This collaborative The ultimate end goal of this cross-systems collaborayields successful results by following the Education tion is for every Milwaukeean returning from incarceraReentry model. tion will be home to stay and avoid recidivism. This model features education and training opportuniThis Training to Work Adult Reentry program is an opties to support career advancement for offenders who portunity for industry employers and community partners have the potential to benefit from career pathways, edu- to join together and become a part of the solution through cation and job training. recruitment and offering support services. “We are privileged to receive this national grant from
Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. Awarded $2 Million Grant for Training 2 Work Adult Reentry Program
WHAT’S HAPPENING!
Mount Mary to Host Lecture on Catholic Social Teaching and Racial Justice I n Y O U R F a i t h - B a s e d C o m m u n i t y. . .
Mount Mary University’s Theology Department, in conjunction with the Black Catholic Ministry Commission of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, will host a lecture presented by Rev. Bryan N. Massingale, S.T.D. on Wednesday, November 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Rev. Massingale, a renowned theologian specializing in social ethics, will present “Unconscious Racial Bias and the Challenge of Solidarity: Catholic Social Justice Post Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and . . ." to examine what racism means today in the wake of recent deaths of young African American men, and how religious beliefs can serve as catalysts for social change. Rev. Massingale regularly presents
at colleges and universities, religious education symposiums, and theology and ethics conferences across the U.S. and the world on theological subjects including racial justice and the Catholic Church, gun violence, and health care ethics. His lecture at Mount Mary is made possible with funding support from the Black and Indian Mission Grant. The event on campus concludes several weeks of student activities developed to explore the impact of gun violence. Mount Mary’s Shalom Club, a student organization, will host “Let’s Talk: Conversations on Gun Violence,” for students who have been personally impacted by gun violence in their communities. A candlelight memorial ceremony
hosted by Campus Ministry will honor victims of gun violence and offer prayers for healing, peace and racial justice. Rev. Massingale’s lecture is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Alumnae Dining Room, located on the second floor of Bergstrom Hall, on Mount Mary’s campus. Pre-event registration is required. To register, visit mtmary.edu or contact Meghan Rozema at rozemam@mtmary.edu. For more information on the event contact Sr. Shawnee Daniels-Sykes, SSND, Ph.D., at (414) 258-4810, ext. 473 or sykess@mtmary.edu, or Sandra Melcher from the Black Catholic Ministry Commission at (414) 6878310.
Women of Destiny to hold “Chat and Chew” Nov. 22
The organization, “Women of Destiny,” will hold a “Chat and Chew: A Pre-Thanksgiving Gathering,” Saturday, Nov. 22, starting at 10 a.m. The theme of the event is: “O, but I thank You.” The “Chat and Chew” will be held at God’s People Temple of Praise, 2201 N. 35th St., on the corner of Garfield and 35th Street (lower level). Individuals attending are encouraged to bring their favorite dish and share their testimonies of praise. For more information, call Margaret Adams at 414-554-3888. Everyone is welcome.
CBC Chair, Cong. Marcia L. Fudge to keynote 25th Annual James Howard Baker Award dinner
On Friday, November 21, 2014, the Community Brainstorming Conference (CBC) will hold its 25th Annual James Howard Baker Award dinner. The Keynote speaker will be the Honorable Marcia L. Fudge; Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. CBC is honored to have such an esteemed speaker. In addition to being Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; she represents the Eleventh Congressional District of Ohio. Congresswoman Fudge is an attorney and has served the people of Ohio for over 20 years. She was the first African American and the first female mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Congresswoman Fudge is a Past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is a member of the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from the Ohio State University and law degree
Cong. Marcia L. Fudge
from the Cleveland State University-Marshall School of law. The Community Brainstorming Conference is proud to announce that the recipients of this year’s award are Joel and Kit McNally. Both
have been longtime advocates for the community in many capacities. Joel was a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal for 27 years. He currently writes a weekly column for the Shepard Express, and teaches a course at UW- Milwaukee. Kit is the retired CEO of the Benedict Center. Her work with the Benedict and the Day Reporting Centers has benefited thousands in the African American community. The price of tickets for the event is $30.00 (checks or money orders). They can be purchased at the Milwaukee Workforce Investment Board at 2342 N 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53210 Monday through Friday during business hours. For more information, call (414) 507-2123 after 4:30pm or on weekends. Since Congresswoman Fudge is the speaker; and Joel and Kit have contributed so much to the Milwaukee Community; it is ad that you purchase your tickets as soon as possible.
The talent or the "talanton" in Greek doesn't mean human abilities or brains. It means money and a lot of it. Two talents would be as much as 15-20 years of wages and 5 would be equivalent to 75 years of wages! By Fr. Carl Diederichs, The crowd must have snickered All Saints Catholic Church when Jesus used these unbelievable numbers. He was speaking to a crowd that probably didn't have two pennies to rub together. So, you can imagine that the crowd was not on the side of the two who were given such huge amounts and then doubled what they were given. Insane. Their hero was the guy who took the one talent, The scripture readings for November 16 are: maybe just 10 years wages, and would not participate Proverbs 31: 1-13, 19-20, 30-31, Thessaloniin what looks like a Ponzi scheme or Wall Street short ans 5: 1-6, and Matthew 25: 14-30. sales. The reading from Proverbs calls to mind a Yes, the folks who today gain 100% increase on painting I saw showing a woman seated at a their investment are pulling a fast one. So were the spinning wheel surrounded by wonderful coltwo in the parable. orful threads and fully made garments resemThe one who buried the talents would not particibling the amazing colored dream coat of pate in the scheme. The rich get richer and the poor Joseph the dreamer. even have what little they have taken from them. She works hard at her craft with loving hands and Sound familiar? she shares the wealth by reaching out her hands to the And much like the hero, today folks on the bottom poor and extending her arms to the needy. She is an end up "wailing and grinding their teeth." Unbelievexample of a person who has it all -- charm, a good able suffering for no good reason except the greed of wife, industrious and caring and sharing. others. Paul reminds us that we don't have an infinite This parable should shake us up. For later in the amount of time to get things right. We need to be preGospel Jesus will make a judgment on the nations pared because the "day of the Lord will come like a and the wealthy may end up with the goats, because thief at night." We need "to stay alert and sober." they had it all and horded it while Jesus suffered in The take away could be that we need to be attentive the poor and powerless, the great masses of humanity to the works of justice and charity. We can't amass dying for lack of the mere necessities of life; food, wealth for ourselves and not be attentive to the needs water, health care, a living wage, or a decent house. of others. We can't sleep knowing that others are in What will we hear Jesus say to us: "come you who pain and dying from things that just a little money are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom precould prevent. pared for you from the foundation of the world," or And this leads me to the parable of the talents. So "Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire often we have heard preachers water down this paraprepared for the devil and his angels?" ble by substituting human abilities, brains, for the "What ever you did for the least, you did for me." "talent" Jesus is speaking about.
BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
“The rich get richer and the poor get poorer”
In Loving Memory
Ernestine O’Bee, Founder
Quality Service... a tenured tradition sincere concern at your time of need.
Offering pre-need, at need and after-care services to families in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and other communities throughout our state.
J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director
Services scheduled from November12 to November 19, 2014
Williams, Annette Polly Age 77yrs. November 9, 2014. Beloved mother of Winston III(Lynette)Williams, Mildred Williams, Kimberly Burns and Krystal Williams(Joe)Oby. Loving sister of James Wade. Also survived by 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 18, at 12 Noon at Parklawn Assembly of God 3725 N. Sherman Blvd. Visitation Tuesday 9AM at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
May, Charlene Age 90 yrs. November 9, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 17, at 1PM at Metropolitan Baptist Church 1345 W. Burleigh St. Visitation Monday 11AM at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Bolden, Terry C. Age 75 yrs. October 26, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6 at 11AM. Visitation Thursday 10AM until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Thomas, Shirley A. Age 61 yrs. October 26, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 11AM. Visitation Saturday 11AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Allen, Paul Age 73 yrs. November 3, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8, at11AM. Visitation Saturday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Phifer, William D. Age 53 yrs. October 28, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 11AM. Visitation Wednesday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel
Johnson, Alyson R. Age 54 yrs. October 22, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 29, at 11AM at Mt. Zion Healing Temple 4300 N. Green bay Ave. Instate Wednesday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. Visitation Tuesday 37PM(Family will receive guest from 67PM) at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Families served by:
Northwest Funeral Chapel O’Bee, Ford & Frazier
Milwaukee 6630 W. Hampton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53218 Telephone: (414) 462-6020 Fax: (414) 462-9937
Racine 800 Barker St. Racine, WI 53402 Telephone: (262) 637-6400 Fax: (262) 637-6416
Milwaukee talk show history was made in a musical extravaganza Remember when…
What Will You Find During
Medicare Open Enrollment? October 15 December 7
Your health needs change from year to year. And, your health plan may change the benefits and costs each year too. That's why it’s important to review your Medicare choices each fall.
Compare your current plan to new options and see if you can lower some costs or to find a plan that better suit your needs. Open Enrollment is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage. Whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now: • Certain preventive benefits – including cancer screenings – are available at no cost to you when provided by qualified and participating health professionals. The annual wellness visit lets you sit down with your doctor and discuss your health care needs and
the best ways to stay healthy. • Medicare will notify you about plan performance and use its online Plan Finder to encourage enrollment in quality plans. • In 2015, if you reach the “donut hole” in Medicare’s prescription drug benefit, you’ll get a 55% discount on covered brand name drugs and see increased savings on generic drugs. It’s worth it to take the time to review and compare, but you don’t have to do it alone. Medicare is available to help. • Visit Medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change. • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227) 24-hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. • Review the Medicare & You 2015 handbook. It’s mailed to people with Medicare in September. • If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get Extra Help paying your prescription drug coverage costs. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov/i1020 or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-3250778. • Get one-on-one help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit Medicare.gov/contacts or call 1800-MEDICARE to get the phone number. This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
The Milwaukee Community Journal November 12, 2014 Page 5
as our “Music, Music, Music” show -- we outdid ourselves with a landmark broadcast. Before it was over, camera crews from three TV stations had arrived to film what was happening. I originally got the idea for the show a week or so earlier after learning that Jarreau -- my old boyhood pal -- would be in town Nov. 11 for a concert the Riverside theatre. Seeking to uplift the spirits of our listeners after airing so many heavy programs, I called one of his out-of-town phone numbers and extended the invitation. His response: “Richard Carter? For you? Absolutely.” That was it for Alwyn -- his actual first name -- until he called me at home from his hotel the night “I remember the night, when first we met, our hearts before the show. We recalled our days in the neighborhood, at Lincoln High were young and gay…” The Spaniels “Doncha’ Go” School and New York City in 1983, when he yelled “Dickie Carter” as we met crossing 7th Avenue near Carnegie Hall. (Vee-Jay Records-1955) During the next few days, I called Gary, Ind. and By Richard G. Carter invited Pookie -- with whom I had worked closely on my authorized biography: “Goodnight Sweetheart, Twenty years ago this month, Al Jarreau, James Goodnight: The Story of the Spaniels” (August Press“Pookie” Hudson, Mel Rhyne, John Taylor and Willie 1995) -- and Taylor, my old Milwaukee friend. At Higgins crowded into the studios of WNOV radio to McGee’s suggestion, I also invited Rhyne and Higexchange stories and perform on the most popular, gins. highest-rated Black talk show in Milwaukee’s history. When Jarreau and I spoke the night before the show, The date was Friday, Nov. 11, 1994 -- observed by I told him we’d be joined by Pookie, along with noted millions nationally as Veterans Day -- commemoratlocals Taylor, Rhyne and Higgins. And he was deing the sacrifices made by the men and women of lighted. America’s military. But the veterans we honored that “You mean they all gonna’ be there?” he asked. bright morning in Milwaukee were a different brand “Uh-huh,” I replied. “I can’t wait,” he said. After -- an eclectic group of accomplished musicians with telling him where the studio was located, he said. local roots. And what a morning it was. “See you in the morning.” The program was the thought-provoking “CarterAl Jarreau As many readers remember, the four opined on muMcGee Report” -- which I co-hosted in 1994-95 with ex-alderman Michael McGee Sr. It had been going strong for seven months sical and human interest topics and recalled the halcyon 1950s and ‘60s. and was the city’s best call-in talk show ever. It was better than Charlie Sykes Backed by Rhyne’s organ stylings, they joined on “Goodnight Sweetheart, on WTMJ, Mark Belling on WISN and garnered much higher listener ratings Goodnight” and improvised words on a blues tune he wrote that very morning called “I Want to Slash and Burn and Slish-Shosh all Night Long.” than WMCS. But on that memorable 8-10 a.m. 20 years ago -- which came to be known (continued on page 7)
BUSINESS CORNER
Signature dance ministry to S m a l l B u s i n e s s present annual you calling out cold? Well certainly it is but you still needs the same attention to process as you always did. Getting somebody performance
The Milwaukee Community Journal November 12, 2014 Page 6
Formerly
NOW WHAT? Is social media killing our sales skills?
to call you is only the beginning. So, what are the other steps: What are we doing when we contact them or they call us. Are we using the process properly? Here is what we typically see; By Greta Schulz When we get them on the phone, they will typically ask you Recently, I spoke to an organization that spent an ungodly a simple question that I call a "Wall Question" which is they put amount of time, energy and money on Social Media to create up a wall and the question sounds something like this "Hey, I Lead Generation. So my question was, "Now what?” they said, see you guys sell widgets. Can you tell me if I bought a hundred "What do you mean?" I said “Okay, so you got a whole bunch widgets what that would cost?" and we say, "Sure, let me look. of people calling you or contacting you through a web form, What can of widgets you are looking for?” "We're looking for email etc. How's your closing ratio?” widget A or widget B." "Okay well, They looked at me like I had three heads. widget A would be $75,000 for a hundred The issue is a simple one, just because widgets and widget B would be $82,000. we believe that we have found a new way "Oh, that's a lot of money. "Well, maybe to generate business, it is not generating I can do a little better." You negotiate a business…alone. Lead generation is Inprice and they say "Okay sounds good, terest, lead generation is getting people to ah we'll call you back” Or “Sounds good, the door. Are they coming over the can you send me a proposal / price sheet/ threshold and are you closing the door some more information?" behind them? That's a very Important We get their email, we send that inforstep. One without the other results in no mation in writing and cricket, we never revenue. hear from them again. We try to contact Between Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, them back, they don't contact us. We try Google and Bing ads on any of the Social to call them, they don't take our call, and Media sites, Blogs amongst other things we leave messages. we do today to build leads is it really Greta Schulz Sound familiar? Of course, it does. The working? That's one question. If we’re same situation that happened before when you did your doing all of the things that we need to do in Social Media and prospecting more proactively occurred. Prospecting hasn't all the ‘white noise’ is going out, what is it bringing us? Well, it changed. Sales and the sales process hasn't changed just because should be bringing us Leads. It should be bringing us Emails, they're contacting you. In fact, I would say that it is more diffilling out contact Information or a website, web forms and ficult now because we are not as on top of our game since they phone call, and if that's happening, Great you have reached step contacted us we feel it is a ‘hot’ lead. one. This is a very important step but it is ONLY step one. Not only do you need to do a good job on working on the The million dollar question is "Now What?" sales process in closing the sale, you need to do a better job than It's important to make sure that we know once people contact you ever have before because remember, they have control. us or when we contact them back, we are using the right process They're the ones that are calling you but they're also calling your to follow up from any kind of lead generation that we get. Are competitor. So they've done a little homework, they know we setting some ground rules at the beginning of the conversawho's out there and they know what the pricing is out there. tion? Are we asking good. Thought provoking open-ended quesThat's where the sale process comes in. If you don't have a tions to engage them and truly understand their needs beyond process, you're going to fail. Whether they're lead generating what the told you? through Social Media or not. DO we have a true picture of all of this before we have the Greta Schulz is President of SchulzBusiness, a sales Concost conversation and do you clearly understand the next step sulting and Training firm. She is a best selling author of “To and what that means as opposed to just “checking back” or folSell IS Not To Sell” and works with fortune 1000 companies lowing up with them? and entrepreneurs. For more information or free sales tips go It's important to understand that when someone contacts you, to www.schulzbusiness.com and sign up for ‘GretaNomics’, a they are often contacting several people within your industry. weekly video tip series or email sales questions to You don't have a relationship built, there were just some low greta@schulzbusiness.com levels of interest that got them to contact you. Is it better than
By Taki S. Raton
The highly acclaimed Signature Dance Company (SDC) will hold its Annual Free Fall Thank You Show on Saturday, November 22 at the Fitzsimonds Boys & Girls Club, 3400 West North Avenue beginning at 2 p.m. Established in 2004, SDC is a Milwaukee-based dance ministry for women and girls ages 4 and up. The company is comprised of member from local churches addressing the need, as noted on their web site, “to create a new expression of dance where creative expression of God’s spirit explode in an exciting and uplifting signature of dance. “My daughters have been dancing with Signature Dance Company for over 5 years,” says parent Malina Young. She adds that, “I have to admit, the mentorship, accountability, and technique training from the instructors have been phenomenal. I’ve said it once, but I must say it again – ‘Every Girl Should Be A Signature Girl.’” Company artistic director Tecia Sellers says that, “Outside of caring for my own family, I have not found anything to be more rewarding than working with the girls and staff of Signature Dance Company. Being born and raised in Milwaukee, it has also brought myself and other directors great pleasure to give back to own city in such a significant way.” For more information on the November 22 “Thank You” dance recital, please call SDC at (414) 2139640.
Fall Back & Spring Forward By Antoine Miller
"If you're cold calling and you hear the prospect say something along these lines "thank you but we don't really need...” you've got approximately 5 seconds before you get hung up on." Take this seriously. Once you've spoken with the decision maker and she hangs up on you, it really hurts your ability to follow up with her again anytime soon. That is, unless you don't mind annoying the hell out of the prospect which isn't the best way to get on anyone's good side. As I mention on the 99 SALES iDEAS Facebook page, you can buy yourself more time before being hung up on. In many cases, you can convert the call into a sale by using the Fall Back and Spring Forward technique. The Fall Back and Spring Forward technique is when you bend back a little to allow the prospect to do what she wants which is end the call. You actually agree with her. However, just as the prospect is gearing to hang up, you pop back with another ques-
Antoine Miller
tion. The prospect for that brief moment in time has her defensive guard down and you can address her potential need one last time. For example: Prospect: Thanks for calling. We're fine with what we have. Salesperson: No problem and thank you for your hearing me out. But I'm curious. How do you handle...? What would happen if...? You literally force the conversation to go
on with another quick question. If you sit there like a deer in the headlights, the call has ended. If you think quickly and execute by asking the right questions at the right time, you will keep the dialogue flowing. And that's all you want is more time to convince the prospect that you have the solution she needs to buy. Cold calling isn't easy. You have to bring your best stuff on every call. Sometimes you are going to get roughed up and knocked back. No retreat, no surrender isn't always going to work. As Chinese military strategist Tzu teaches in the book the Art of War, learn to retreat and survive to fight another day. Learn to Fall Back and Spring Forward. Antoine Miller is Founder of 99 SALES iDEAS for Business Development. Miller is excited to help business owners sell more of their products and services. Contact Miller at 414-219-1989 or amiller@99salesideas.com with your sales and marketing or business startup questions.
Artistic Director Tecia Sellers
Q&A with LaShawndra Vernon: Third generation Milwaukeean making a difference for the most vulnerable in our community
LaShawndra Vernon is a third generation Milwaukeean who is devoted to strengthening the city’s African American community. Vernon is currently the director of the Milwaukee Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families Collaborative and a staff member at United Way of Greater Milwaukee, which serves as the backbone agency for the effort.
Where does your passion for Milwaukee come from? I was born and raised in Milwaukee. My grandfather worked for American Motors, and was a proud member of UAW. My grandmother worked for the Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. My mother worked in the Safety Department of Milwaukee Public Schools and retired as a board member for the National Education Association and an activist with Wisconsin Education Association Council in 2010. As long as I can remember we have been advocates for the community. LaShawndra Vernon, director of the Milwaukee LifeWorking on improving commu- course Initiative for Healthy Families Collaborative, speaking at the kick-off of the “Strong Babies” effort. nity conditions in Milwaukee is very personal for me. These are my friends and family members in this city. My roots here run deep. I consider many of the people who struggle with these poor conditions to be a personal responsibility. I can’t change the world if I cannot influence the city I am from. What drew you to United Way and the infant mortality prevention work? An indicator of a civil society can be measured by the success of its most vulnerable members, the babies. In the social service community we have always used the analogy of the babies being thrown into the river. Babies in Milwaukee are being thrown into the river by our lack of systemic change that sets people of color up to fail. I want to make a difference in this system design. I want to speak directly to the root causes of poor health in communities of color. United Way gives me that opportunity. What do you see as the greatest challenge that the Milwaukee Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families will have to overcome in order to be successful? Milwaukee has to believe in itself. If we can overcome the notion that we are unable to solve the problems we face, we will change this environment. We are waiting for someone to come save us. No one is coming. We are going to have to roll up our sleeves and save ourselves and our babies. This can only happen if we stop making the work we do about ourselves. It is on each of us to change this environment. Every business leader, every family member, all the common folk, we have to come together and make a difference. If we can do this, we will change the narrative, change the scope of the problem and reduce the poor health in this community. This will only happen if we get out of our own way. Vernon attended Rufus King High School and earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Human Services from Springfield College. She holds a Master’s in Public Service and Dispute Resolution from Marquette University.
Milwaukee talk show history was made in a musical extravaganza
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(continued from page 5) The second hour of the program was given over to a flood of listener calls -- each of which was effusive in their appreciation for what they were hearing. Several callers expressed amazement that we were able to bring such talented artists live to our show. Following is the editorial I wrote, and read on air, that historic morning: “In the last few years, I’ve devoted much of my writing to original Black rhythm and blues -- a truly American musical form. But like many music lovers, I also love jazz and pure-dee blues -- some of which you’ve heard this morning on this program. This makes today’s show so very special to me and Mike and, I hope, to our countless listeners. “The awesome talents of Milwaukee’s own Al Jarreau, the incomparable one. Along with the great John Taylor, Mel Rhyne, Willie Higgins and the legendary James “Pookie” Hudson” makes this another unique day on our program. All of these men are nonpareils in the music business. I’ve known Alwyn since we were kids. In fact, our families once lived next door to one another on Fifth St., between Walnut and Vine.” “I met John Taylor as a teenager, marveled at his lilting voice, the times his group opened for the Spaniels at the Colonial theater and his success when he joined the original Ink Spots. Mel Rhyne, of course, is a familiar name to jazz buffs. His fine work with a number of jazz greats place him in very select company. And Willie Higgins? What can you say about the man? This is his encore performance on this program. “In 1954, the Spaniels, led by Pookie, released “Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight” and changed the landscape of popular music in America. More than any other song, this one helped R&B evolve into rock ’n’ roll and the nation has never been the same.” “What a great pleasure it is for me, and I know for Mike, to be able to talk to such artists -- each and every one with strong links to Milwaukee…” It developed that our “Music, Music, Music” show was so popular that, owing to a huge demand, we offered, and sold, individual tapes for the bargain price of $5. With our time winding down, I asked Jarreau, onair, his thoughts about the morning‘s festivities. “This was like church,” he said. Indeed it was. And I’ll never forget it. As we signed off -- amid taking photos, pats on the back and hugs -- McGee put the proceedings in perspective when he shouted: “We’re on the map!” And indeed we were. Milwaukee native Richard G. Carter is a freelance columnist
“Both tears and sweat are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; Sweat will get you change.”
--Rev. Jesse Jackson
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