38 ANNIVERSARY
COMMUNITY VOL. XXXIX Number 2 August 6, 2014
The Milwaukee
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JOURNAL www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
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R E V I E W W H E N
Inspiration M E E T S Aspiration!
Above are some of the INSPIRING senior honorees and Terence N. Thomas Scholarship recipients who ASPIRE to attain the wisdom of their elders. Inspiration and aspiration came together during the Community Journal’s 38th Anniversary Jazz Brunch Sunday at the Italian Conference Center. The honorees and scholars were coupled together and introduced one another. After each introduction, the honorees modeled their personal fashion favorites for the audience at the sold out event. “Guest Model” Thelma Sias of We Energies modeled a unique, yet elegant black dress she wore at the recent Milwaukee Urban League Black and White Ball that was all the rage at that event AND at this year’s MCJ brunch! Showing the “fit” and “fun” sides of being a “seasoned citizen,” the Roselettes and Golden idol winner performed. Music was provided by “Christopher’s Project.” The Master of Ceremonies was former MillerCoors Executive Larry Waters. See more photos from the event on pages two and five. (Above photos by Yvonne Kemp)
THE 2014 FELLOWSHIP OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT
FRIDAY
AUGUST 15 SILVER SPRING COUNTRY CLUB N56W21318 Silver Spring Drive Menomonee Falls, WI
THIS YEAR’S HONORIES:
VEL PHILLIPS
Community Leader Award
FRANK ROBINSON
Fellowship Open Legends Award
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MCJ 38TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW
When Inspiration Meets Aspieration
( P h o t o s
b y
Y v o n n e
K e m p )
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RELIGION
The MIlwaukee Community Journal August 6, 2014 Page 4
Mt. Zion MBC to celebrate 95 years with four days of events
Join the ministers and congregants at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (MBC) as it holds four days of celebrations commorating 95 years in Milwaukee. The theme of the celebration, which runs from Aug. 14 to Aug. 17 is: “We Press Toward the Mark, 95 Years...” (The
ADVERTORIAL
Q&A with John and Erickajoy Daniels
theme is taken from Philippians 3:14: “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Mt. Zion MBC is located at 2207 N. 2nd Street. Rev. Louis E. Sibley, III is the pastor. On Thursday, Aug. 14, Mt. Zion will hold a music ministry concert, starting at 7 p.m. The featured choirs will be the Mt. Zion Chancel and Gospel Choirs. On Friay, Aug. 15, A Black Tie dinner will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 10499 Innovation Drive, Wauwatosa. The reception will start at 6 p.m., with dinner starting at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 16, a health fair and
block party will be held. The health fair will start at 11 a.m., followed by the block party, starting at 2 p.m. There will be food, fun, and a “Back to School” rally. That evening, starting at 5 p.m., there will be a Tent Revival. The guest minister will be Rev. Jarrett Williams of Alive In Christ Church of Milwaukee. The celebration weekend will conclude with a 10 a.m. service. The guest minister will be Rev. James Adams of St. Stephens Baptist Church and Hammond Grove Baptist Church of Memphis, Tenn. For information about the events and Mt. Zion, call 414-372-6174.
Couple follows their passion to plant seeds for a stronger community
J
ohn and Erickajoy Daniels believe in giving back. In addition to running a nonprofit John founded and the many boards Erickajoy serves on, the couple also lead a committee of the Milwaukee Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIFH)*, a community-wide collaborative led by United Way of Greater Milwaukee aimed at improving birth outcomes in the African American community. They discussed their passion for giving back in a recent interview.
What drives your desire to give back? We find our community involvement following our passions. We have both grown up in households with strong Christian values that have shaped our sense of responsibility for the communities we live in. We stay connected to the community to understand needs, and then look for creative ways to contribute back. You’re very busy? Why United Way? United Way is a sound organization, with a vision that aligns with our values. We wanted to see how we could be involved. We have a passion for collaboration and we saw an opportunity to be a bridge within the network we serve. What has your involvement taught you about United Way? This is a nationally regarded entity aimed at enhancing the lives in our community. United Way is truly touching lives, even the lives of those we personally know, through supporting
In Loving Memory
Quality Service... a tenured tradition sincere concern at your time of need.
Offering pre-need, at need and after-care services to families in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and other communities throughout our state.
J C Frazier Ernestine O’Bee Funeral Director Founder Services scheduled from Aug. 6 to Aug. 13, 014
LEE, FRANKLIN D. AGE 56 YRS. AUGUST 3, 2014. FUNERAL MONDAY 1PM. VISITATION MONDAY 12 NOON UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES AT: NORTHWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL O'BEE, FORD & FRAZIER 6630 W. HAMPTON AVE. (414)462-6020 HARGIS, BEATRIX S. AGE 50 YRS. JULY 29, 2014. VISITATION ONLY WEDNESDAY 1PM AT: NORTHWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL O'BEE, FORD & FRAZIER 6630 W. HAMPTON AVE. (414)462-6020 CHANDLER, MARIE AGE 77 YRS. JULY 30, 2014. FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11AM. VISITATION WEDNESDAY 10AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES AT: NORTHWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL O'BEE, FORD & FRAZIER 6630 W. HAMPTON AVE. (414)462-6020 WILLIAMS, LESTER AGE 63 YRS. JULY 26, 2014. FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 1PM. VISITATION WEDNESDAY 12 NOON UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES AT: NORTHWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL O'BEE, FORD & FRAZIER 6630 W. HAMPTON AVE. (414)462-6020
YOUNG, RUBY A. AGE 101 YRS. JULY 23, 2014. MRS.YOUNG WAS A RETIRED ADMINISTRATOR FROM MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. SHE IS THE BELOVED SISTER OF CHERRYE JANET TROTMAN. LOVING AUNT OF DR. ENID TROTMAN(LEWIS)ANYANWU, EUNICE(WAYNE)FRANCIS OF BLACKJACK, MO; EDWINA BEANUM, ANITA MURRELL OF FORT WORTH, TX; SUSAN JONES OF ATLANTA, GA AND MARK BALLARD OF MONTGOMERY, AL. ALSO SURVIVED BY A HOST OF NEPHEWS, NIECES AND OTHER LOVING RELATIVES AND MANY FRIENDS. A MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014, AT 11AM AT ST. MARK AME CHURCH 1616 W. ATKINSON AVE. THE FAMILY IS SERVED BY: NORTHWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL O'BEE, FORD & FRAZIER 6630 W. HAMPTON AVE. (414)462-6020 MANNS, DELTON P. AGE 44 YRS. AUGUST 3, 2014.FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY 11AM AT GREATER LITTLE HILL COGIC 2840 W. LOCUST ST. VISITATION SATURDAY 10AM AT THE CHURCH UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES. THE FAMILY IS SERVED BY: NORTHWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL O'BEE, FORD & FRAZIER 6630 W. HAMPTON AVE. (414)462-6020
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
John and Erickajoy Daniels
many of the same programs we support. Many are here in our backyard. Tell us about the urban garden you started as part of your work with Milwaukee LIHF? Jasmine Johnson developed a model for bringing urban gardens to churches as a way of educating people about healthy life options. It aligns so well with the mission of Milwaukee LIHF because we know having access to healthy food is critical to improving birth outcomes for the families in our community. We hope that by serving as a pilot we will be able to provide guidance as United Way rolls out seven gardens next year. What would you say to young people about the importance of volunteerism? Volunteerism is a way to pour out what's been poured into you for far-reaching impact. Our generation has had access and opportunity via doors that were never open to the generation before us. It's a privilege and responsibility to ensure those doors stay open. In addition to their involvement with United Way, John founded a non-profit called ALIVE (Administering Life in Vocational Experiences), that works to strengthen individuals’ connections to their passion through career options. Erickajoy serves on numerous boards including, Mount Mary University, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, International Youth Department for COGIC and The Links, Inc. *Milwaukee LIHF is funded through a grant from the Wisconsin Program Partnership.
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2014 SUMMER PRIMARY ELECTIONS ON PAGE SIX!... Special POLITICS & GOVERNMENT Section on
Part 3: We’re All Accountable to the Movement
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More Photos from the Community Journal’s 38th Annual Jazz Brunch
n r a -
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. , Photos by Yvonne Kemp and Wendell Harris
W
hen we start to examine the economic and social state of the Black community in America, today’s Black people are the first to come up with idea after idea on how to we should be doing this or how we should be doing that?
UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING
But guess what? Nothing is getting done. Nothing is really happening and nothing of any meaning is even being presented. By Rahim Islam Nearly 50 years have passed, since we reached our pinnacle in this country with the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement, and we’ve lost significant ground. Many experts say that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the single most important piece of legislation passed by Congress in American history because these laws so dramatically altered American society. We must always put these things in context and reacquaint ourselves with with this legislation. Brothers and sisters, this was no “gimme” legislation. This was the closest thing we’ve had to a settlement between the American government and the Black community and to achieve it required the highest level of leadership from both the Black and White communities. We must remember that this was Rahim Islam done at a time when there were groups of very powerful senators and congressman pledging to “fight to the death” for segregation, launching the longest filibuster in American history in an attempt to defeat it. The bill's passage has often been credited to the political leadership of President Lyndon Johnson, and/or the moral force of Martin Luther King, Jr.. I contend that the battle for the Civil Rights Act was a story much bigger than those two men. It was a broad, epic struggle, a sweeping tale of unceasing grassroots activism, ringing speeches, backroom deal-making and finally, hand-to-hand legislative combat. The legislation would have never been presented, let alone passed, with(continued on page 9)
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Special Politics & Government Section
B
2014 SUMMER PRIMARY ELECTIONS
His willingness to speak truth to power and refusal to play party politics makes Sheriff Clarke the community’s choice lack folks are justifiably paranoid when it comes to Black leaders coming under attack from the status quo media and other special interests.
That’s why the hairs stand up on the back of our necks when the major media, abated by the special interests, tried to infer that Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Communist and a womanizer and Malcolm X was a hate monger. Closer to home, former State Rep. Polly Williams was a separatist. And President Barack Obama is a Muslim, a socialist and a foreigner. Now we witness the unrelenting attacks against Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. His sins? He refuses to follow the script provided by our Democratic Party benefactors. He’s uppity. The Shepherd Express, that beacon of liberalism that always knows what’s best for Black people, tells us that David Clarke is not Black because he dares speak out in support of Black nuclear families, educational options and traditional Christian values. And of course, some representatives of the “Negrocracy” say Clarke is not a member of their fraternity and thus should not be supported by the Black masses. How dare he question their inaction on poverty, crime and closing the academic achievement gap? How dare he indeed. Clarke questions if our Black politicians have moved the Black community forward; whether they have advanced policies that improve the quality of
SIGNIFYIN’ By Mikel Kwaku Osei Holt
life for Black people or merely advocate policies and programs that keep Black folks trapped in poverty and despair. Is he right? There is a reason why most Black folks view Clarke as a folk hero of sorts and why the aforementioned entities are working overtime to defeat him in his bid to retain his position as County Sheriff. Clarke is a threat to the status quo. He refuses to remain quiet as our community deteriorates and our traditional values are undermined. I’m not saying that I agree with everything David Clarke says. But while we can disagree with some of his rhetoric, or question whether he sometimes paints with a broad brush, we cannot deny he raises questions that need to be addressed. Nor can we dismiss his competency as a law enforcement aficionado, with over 30 years on the front lines.
And that’s the real issue here. Is he an effective law enforcement leader, not whether he speaks out about teen pregnancy or the competency of Black politicians? Nor should we forget that while the mayor, chief of police and district attorney were hiding out after the death (ruled a homicide) of Derek Williams, David Clarke was at the rally. In fact, Clarke, unlike most ‘leaders’ can be found at Black churches nearly every week, or addressing Black organizations about self-defense or speaking out on television or on radio. Like I said, you don’t have to always agree with David Clarke. I don’t. But I respect him for taking a stance, for advocating solutions and for standing up against the status quo, which has, by most measurements, failed us. I also question why a special interest has invested a quarter of a million dollars for advertising opposing his candidacy a few weeks after Clarke declared that this city couldn’t move forward until the political leaders address the poverty problem. Incidentally, the Black poverty rate was 40% when President Lyndon B. Johnson declared war on it in 1965. Nationally, today, it is 42%. And Milwaukee holds the distinction of having the highest Black male unemployment rate in the country. Those who know me probably assume I support David Clarke merely because he’s an African American. And to be honest, that’s part of the equation. If all things are equal, go black has been my motto. But David Clarke deserves your vote next week for many complimentary reasons. We should vote for him not only as a signal to those special interests that are orchestrating a concerted attack against him, but also because he’s the best man for the job. Most of all, he’s been an effective sheriff. And if he questions the status quo when not patrolling our streets, that’s OK with us.
The Milwaukee Community Journal Endorses... Moore
For U.S. Congress: Cong. Gwen Moore
For State Legislature-16th Assembly District: Leon Young
Johnson
17th Assembly District: LaTonya Johnson 18th Assembly District:Evan Goyke
Ozanne
10th Assembly District: Bria Grant For Governor (Democratic Party): Mary Burke
For State Attorney: General Ismael Ozanne
Grant
For Milwaukee County Sheriff: David A. Clarke, Jr.
Wisconsin won’t move forward with Scott Walker
Despite Scott Walker’s central campaign promise in 2010 to create 250,000 new private-sector jobs, Walker has rejected thousands of clean energy jobs that our state desperately needs. Clean energy opportunities don’t just represent new jobs; they represent the new industries of the 21st century. Manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of the Wisconsin economy, and our abundant natural resources allow us to harness that skilled and talented workforce to create a diverse energy profile and be a leader in clean energy in the years ahead. Local communities like Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha, which once served as an economic catalyst for the state, would see revitalization through an influx of goodpaying clean energy jobs that would both protect our state’s natural resources and put people back to work. Pursuing clean energy jobs should be a no-brainer for any governor, let alone a governor whose central campaign promise was to create jobs. Walker ignored the conventional wisdom of clean energy jobs as the jobs of future, and instead launched attack after attack on the burgeoning renewable energy industry. Walker, who received at least $1.5 million in campaign cash directly from interests opposed to wind energy and much more indirectly, almost immediately after taking office created some of the most restrictive wind siting rules in the country. The new rules require wind turbines to be at least 1,800 feet from property lines, making it nearly impossible for wind turbines to be built anywhere in the targeted areas. The Republican-controlled legislature would eventually rollback our statewide wind siting rules, causing industry uncertainty, disrupting 11 planned wind farms totaling $1.8 billion in investments, and chasing away approximately 1,000 jobs. But even before sticking it to the wind industry, and in fact before even taking office, Walker shut down high-speed rail in Wisconsin, sending $810 million in federal dollars and thousands of jobs to other states that would build and operate trains. According to the Sierra Club, high-speed rail would have brought thousands of jobs to Wisconsin, in addition to $173 million in additional household income, and $704 million in increased property values. Not only did Scott Walker’s rejection of the $810 million federal stimulus package for high-speed rail cost the state big bucks, it also prevented the state from connecting people in western Wisconsin and Madison to economic centers
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL
(continued on page 7)
Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
3612 North Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communityjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net MCJ STAFF: Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Publisher, CEO Robert J. Thomas Assoc. Publisher Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Teretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Billing Dept./ Publisher’s Admin. Assist. Colleen Newsom,
Classified Advertising Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Taki S. Raton Richard G. Carter Fr. Carl Diederichs Rev. Joe McLin Rev. Roxanne Cardenas PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp
Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.
Ismael Ozanne:
Fighting for Justice Across Generations
Dane County District Attorney and candidate for Wisconsin Attorney General Ismael Ozanne has a great role model when it comes to fighting for justice and fighting for those who may not be in a position to fight for themselves. Ozanne’s mother, Gwen Gillon, was a civil rights leader in the 1960s, joining the fight against segregation and lynchings in the deep south. In 1963, Ms. Gillon decided that enough was enough and that she had to do her part to bring about justice. She joined the staff of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). While working for SNCC, she was part of the historic Freedom Summer Campaign of 1964. Her son, Ismael, grew up hearing the stories and being raised with the values of his parents. He learned that liberty and justice for all was not just a catch phrase, but a value that is worth personal sacrifice to achieve. Throughout his career, he has applied those values. As an assistant district attorney and now as district attorney of Wisconsin’s second largest county, Ozanne has brought those values to the table. He has focused on justice, and not just convictions. From the day that he took office as district attorney in 2010, Ozanne began to take steps to address the problem of racial disparity in the Dane County justice system that he inherited. While always putting public safety first, he has developed innovative programs that are more effective at keeping the public safe than just locking people up without doing anything to actually change their behavior for the better. He meets regularly with community and restorative justice groups and leaders of the faith community as he works to address these important issues. Shortly after taking office, Ozanne was faced with a political firestorm. The Legislature had passed a controversial law. More importantly, it had done so without following the very clear rules that require the public to be given notice and have an opportunity to be heard when laws are passed. The rights of the people of the state were being violated. As the district attorney, he was the only one in a position to stand up for the people, speak truth to power, and sue the Legislature to force it to follow the law. The current attorney general also could have done so, but he chose to serve as a rubber stamp for the Legislature and ignore the rights of the people. Ozanne showed leadership and a commitment to justice. As a candidate for Attorney General Ozanne has once again taken a leadership role on the issue of justice. He is the only candidate in the race who has proposed creating a division of civil rights within the Office of the Attorney General. Right now, Wisconsin citizens who feel that their civil rights have been violated can only take their concerns to the federal government or in some cases, their local government. A state division of civil rights, which most states already have, would give all citizens of Wisconsin a place to bring their complaints to seek justice. The commitment to justice that Gwen Gillon and Ismael have shown across generations proves the old adage that the apple does not fall very far from the tree. Wisconsin needs an attorney general who is not only willing to fight for justice, but for having a track record for doing just that.
Thanks COMMUNITY For 38 YEARS of supporting YOUR COMMUNITY JOURNAL’Sefforts to put a finger on the PULSE of OUR COMMUNITY! We look forward to MANY, MANY, MANY MOREyears of INFORMING, EDUCATING and --more importantly--INSPIRINGYOU!
14TH-ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP OPEN AUGUST 15 For the fourteenth straight year, the Fellowship Open will feature golf, a silent auction and an awards luncheon as it raises tens
The MIlwaukee Community Journal August 6, 2014 Page 7
of thousands of dollars to support education and open paths to successful careers for Milwaukee’s children. The event will take place on August 15 at Silver Spring Country Club in Menomonee Falls, where this year’s proceeds will bring the total raised over the years very close to the million-dollar mark. As in past years, every available slot in the golf tournament has been filled. More than 300 golfers, from more than 20 states, will include business, civic and sports officials. Each year, several nonprofit organizations are identified as the current beneficiaries of the Fellowship Open’s fundraising efforts. For 2014, the recipients are the Zoological Society, Al Moreland Boxing Club, Freedom Expressions and Lissy’s Place. Over the previous 13 years, more than 65 local nonprofits have received similar financial support. Local and national sports celebrities are also expected to participate, including former Green Bay Packers Leroy Butler and George Koonce, Milwaukee Brewers color commentator Davey Nelson and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee basketball coach Rob Jeter, among others. In addition to its fundraising activities, the Fellowship Open honors various celebrities, business leaders and other role models for their accomplishments as well as for the examples they set for youngsters to follow. This year, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member Frank Robinson will receive the 2014 Legends Award, and groundbreaking judge and political activist Velvalea Phillips will receive the Community Leader Award during the luncheon following the golf tournament. “It’s important for every community to support the arts, local businesses and sporting activities, especially ones that help those who are less fortunate,” said Robinson. “I am happy to spend some time with some of these groups from the Milwaukee community, and I am honored to receive this year’s Legends Award.” Past recipients include Hank Aaron, Wayne Embry, Junior Bridgeman and Herb Kohl, among many more. As part of this year’s Fellowship Open events, Vel Phillips attended the Gallery of the Arts @ Large, Inc., which includes an exhibit created by Milwaukee Public School students who traveled to Mississippi to record the history of the civil rights struggle, 50 years ago. The gallery was created as part of the Arts @ Large Freedom Expressions program, which is one of the 2014 beneficiaries of the Fellowship Open. Phillips said, “It is touching to see these youngsters, 50 years later, capture the importance of the achievements of our society. We salute not only their terrific artistic abilities but their commitment to maintaining the dream of an equal society.” Thelma Sias, board member of the We Energies Foundation and supporter of the event since its inception, said of the honorees, “We couldn’t be prouder of the fact that Vel Phillips and Frank Robinson are our guests of honor. The incredible things that they have done in their careers speak for themselves, but for youngsters in our community to see what is possible through the lives of these legends is what we hope sparks a similar drive to succeed throughout our community.”
Wisconsin won’t move forward with Walker (continued from page 6)
like Milwaukee and Chicago. Walker took a second swing at rail by removing the $100 million in bonding authority for the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail. The governor’s myopic decision cost southeast Wisconsin the chance to reduce traffic, stimulate development, help workers whose job opportunities are limited by lack of affordable, reliable transportation, and create 4,700 new construction jobs at the same time. Walker’s budgets haven’t been friendly for green jobs either. The governor’s 2011-2013 budget gutted funding for the successful “Focus on Energy” program. “Focus on Energy” exists to save both residents and businesses
money on their monthly energy bills. In its first 10 years, the programs created 24,000 jobs and nearly $2 billion in additional sales for Wisconsin's businesses that would not have existed otherwise. The same budget that gutted “Focus on Energy” cut recycling funding by 40 percent, putting in jeopardy a program which created 97,000 jobs and eliminated the need for five landfills in the state since 1990. Since 2011, Wisconsin is dead last in the Midwest in terms of job growth. We can’t afford to send more jobs and opportunities to our neighbors in places like Iowa and Illinois, who are reaping the economic benefits of green jobs and clean energy. While Walker talks big on job creation, his track record shows a commitment to jobs that only extends as far as the interests of the big, corporate donors who line his campaign coffers. Wisconsin will never be a leader in job creation or clean energy with Scott Walker as governor. It’s time for a new direction in our state, one that focuses on creating jobs today, and invests in the technology and industry of tomorrow.
See the sample ballot of the candidates running in next week’s Aug. 12 primaries on page 10 and 11!
The Milwaukee Star blazed a trail for Black weeklies in early 1960s The MIlwaukee Community Journal August 6, 2014 Page 8
Remember When...
By Richard G. Carter
“Those that tell, don’t know. And those that know, won’t tell…” Ossie Davis, “Do the Right Thing” (1989) There was a time when Black weekly newspapers were rare in this city. In the post-war 1940s, the weekly Milwaukee Globe -- published by my late father Sanford Carter, Vincent Bevenue, Lawrence Saunders and John Williams -- was one of the first.
Located on the south side of W. Walnut St. near N. Ninth, the Globe’s community leaders carried the ball. With the Chicago Bee -- hawked up and down Walnut by Dan Travis, known as ”The Bee Man” -- they were the only Black papers readily available. In the late ’50s, the Milwaukee Recorder and Milwau- In November, 1986, the 1962-64 Milwaukee Star staff gathered for a local reunion. From left: kee Gazette briefly appeared. In 1957, the iconic Mat- Jay Anderson, editor; George F. Sanders, art director; Rueben Harpole, advertising mantiebelle Woods -- who published the short-lived weekly ager, and Richard G. Carter, associate editor-sports editor. (Photo by Janice Carter) Recorder -- gave me my first newspaper job as I majored “We got the JFK news in a phone call from Mildred Harin journalism at Marquette University. pole -- Reuben’s wife -- who’d seen a television bulletin. The Milwaukee Star, at 2334 N. Third St., burst on the scene in the early 1960s. Recognizing the need for an enWe had no TV and were in shock. We looked at each during, first-rate Black weekly, enterprising publisher Kenneth C. Coulter wrested control of the paper from other, but nobody spoke. Finally, I said ‘He’s probably not Cinco Forte and began assembling a talented staff that hurt bad.’ How very, very wrong I was.” was to break new journalistic ground for the next two years. taking accompanying photos on busy weekend nights. In April 1962, while working full-time at the U.S. Post office despite my Some nights after work, Anderson, Sanders and I relaxed by taking-in journalism degree, I was hired by Coulter as associate editor-sports editor -- movies at the Century theater two doors away. There, we often discussed our joining co-editors Jay Anderson and Walter Jones, and photographer William coverage and layout plans. Stitt This experienced, core group aggressively covered the city’s growing The paper was published on Saturday, which routinely meant working all Black community with breaking news, in-depth local sports, man-on-the day and night Friday and into Saturday morning to meet the deadline. Since street interview-photos and a wildly popular tavern page. The Star had no printing facilities, Coulter, and selected staff members loaded In 1963, I quit the Post Office and we added Reuben Harpole, (advertising); our finished product into a car for the weekly trip to Port Washington, where George F. Sanders (art director); Les Harris (newsboy manager); Roger Belton the paper was printed by a small, White-owned company. (circulation); Rev. Kenneth Bowen (church editor); Sally Nash (varitypist); The high points of those early years was coverage of the Nov. 22, 1963, Mattibelle Woods (columnist); Marilyn Moreheuser (reporter); Welton Brady murder of President Kennedy, and our Jan. 28, 1964 staff interview of the (artist); Cathy Nickel (production); Bert Mallory (classified); Ken Bedford Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Schroeder Hotel, at N. Fifth St. and W. (darkroom), and and Reginald McGhee (photography). Wisconsin Ave. In 1963 and 1964 -- touted as “The Voice of the Negro in Wisconsin” -We got the JFK news in a phone call from Mildred Harpole -- Reuben’s The Star really made its mark. With the “Miss Milwaukee Star” contest; its wife -- who’d seen a television bulletin. We had no TV and were in shock. support of the Northside Voters Voice; expanding the tavern section to four We looked at each other, but nobody spoke. Finally, I said “He’s probably not full pages of photos and 4-inch-square ads; coverage of the assassination of hurt bad.” How very, very wrong I was. President John F. Kennedy, and our historic, in-person, downtown interview We ran a full front-page flattering photo of the martyred president in our n of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we changed the local Black newspaper ext issue -- framed by a thick, black border -- with an in-depth report inside. scene. And things would never be the same. Many readers called, knowing JFK was set to enact the civil rights legislation Our small staff collaborated on reporting, writing, photography, graphics that Lyndon B. Johnson later signed into law. and selling ads. My time included writing news stories, covering Sunday Two months later, we got word that Dr. King would be in town to address morning softball games of the fun-filled Tavern League at Lapham Park, vis- a fund-raising rally for his Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Couliting many neighborhood taverns to sell the small ads for a mere $8 -- and (continued on page 9)
co m m un ity jo ur na l.n et
We’re All Accountable to the Movement
(continued from page 3) out pressure from the streets, the marches, the speeches, the leaders, and the tens of thousands of people who kept the pressure on the American government (organized and unorganized resistance) that helped create a mountain of public opinion for a deal to be developed. Today we have not only lost our momentum but we have lost the public opinion (WE’RE ALL ACCOUNTABLE TO THE MOVEMENT). Some people say that the deal that was negotiated wasn’t good enough and lacked the economic “teeth” needed to address the real issues that the Black community faced then and even now (resources). While I agree with the general premise, I don’t believe that this legislation was supposed to be the end of the movement. The movement wasn’t supposed to stop. The movement never stops and if this legislation lacked the economics we needed, we should have continued the fight (movement) and to secure more historic legislations in 1970, 1980, etc. We took our foot off the pedal. While this bill has fundamentally improved the quality of life for Black America, it should not have been our final destination because that same energy that so desperately fought against its passage, has morphed into either undoing the “teeth” of the legislation or redirectingthe attack to other areas (i.e. war on drugs, elimination of social programs and entitlements, affirmative action, etc.). LEAST WE FORGET – WE’RE ALL ACCOUNTABLE TO OUR MOVEMENT. Today we are all guilty of being ignorant of the facts and rely on myths and rumors when we discuss the conditions
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of the Black man in America ( follow the timeline since emancipation). We must have a better context of the tremendous leadership of one of America’s greatest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, who singe-handedly ended the American Institution of Slavery with issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the outome of the American Civil War. While he had a number of enemies, his assassination can’t be overlooked as it relates to his historic position. Just for the record, the Proclamation did not itself outlaw slavery, and did not make the ex-slaves (called freedmen) citizens. Around 20,000 to 50,000 slaves in regions where rebellion had already been subdued were immediately emancipated (as the Union army took control of Confederate regions, the Proclamation provided the legal framework for freeing more than 3-4 million enslaved Black people). The civil war was fought from 1861 to 1865, after seven Southern slave states (South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas) declared their secession and formed the Confederate States of America (the "Confederacy" or the "South", which grew to include eleven states). The Proclamation only applied to slaves in Confederate-held lands; it did not apply to those in the four slave states that were not in rebellion (Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, and Missouri, which were unnamed), nor to Tennessee (also unnamed), and specifically excluded counties of Virginia soon to form the state of West Vir-
ginia. Also specifically excluded (by name) were some regions already controlled by the Union army? Emancipation in those places would come after separate state actions and/or the December 1865 ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, which made slavery and indentured servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was passed by the Senate on April 8, 1864, by the House on January 31, 1865, and adopted on December 6, 1865. Though the amendment formally abolished slavery throughout the United States, factors such as Black Codes, white supremacist violence, and selective enforcement of statutes continued to subject some Black Americans to involuntary labor and brutal and harsh treatment. The states that remained in the Union were known as the "Union" or the "North". The war had its origin in the issue of slavery MAINLY THE EXTENSION OF SLAVERY INTO THE WESTERN TERRITORIES. After four years of bloody combat that left over 700,000 Union and Confederate soldiers dead and destroyed much of the South's infrastructure, the Confederacy collapsed, slavery was abolished, and the difficult Reconstruction process of restoring national unity and guaranteeing civil rights to the freed slaves began. Let’s be clear: The ramifications of the American Institution of Slavery, and the ultimate freedom of the enslaved Black man has never been adequately addressed (where you start is absolutely important). (To be continued in next week’s edition of the Community Journal)
Milwaukee Star blazed a trail for Black weeklies in the 60s
(continued from page 3) ter, Anderson, Moreheuser and myself met his plane at Mitchell Field, and I took photos of him with Black police detectives Dewey Russ and Leroy Jones, who provided security for his visit. After traveling in separate cars to the Schroeder, we crowded onto a couch in a VIP suite -- with Dr. King and I seated side-by-side. As he held a copy of The Star, these moments were captured in a historic photo by Stitt that appeared prominently in our paper, and others, over the years. Sadly, everyone else in the photo has passed away. In November 1967, as a reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, I was fortunate to interview Dr. King a second time at downtown hotel. To my surprise, he remembered me. “I know you, don’t I? Milwaukee a few years ago, wasn’t it?” And I recall saying, “Yes, that’s right. An interview with a Black paper -- The Milwaukee Star.” That was the essence of my Milwaukee Star -a pioneering, memorable Black weekly newspaper whose mantel has been successfully picked up by the Community Journal. Those were the days, my friends. We thought they’d never end. Milwaukee native Richard G. Carter is a freelance columnist
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