NAACP declares pollution is a civil rights issue
COMMUNITY
JOURNAL
Wisconsin NAACP joins affiliates across the nation in unveiling report calling for a reduction of pollution and creation of jobs
On the eve of the nationally observed Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, the NAACP Wisconsin State Conference joined state NAACP conferences around the nation in holding news conferences April 17 to declare the problem of pollution is a civil rights issue. The joint news conferences also unvield a new report by the civil rights organization that assesses the nation’s energy policy in all 50 states from a civil rights lens. “The NAACP views clean energy as a civil rights and social justice issue,” said NAACP Wisconsin State Conference First Vice President, Wendell Harris.
VOL. XXXVIII Number 39 April 23, 2014
The Milwaukee
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY
Harris made his statement during the state NAACP’s news conference held at the offices of the Milwaukee Branch of the civil rights organization, located at 2745 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. “Our youth need just opportunities within the energy sector,” Harris continued. “Our plan is to engage them further in 2014 to prepare them for the new economy, the Green Economy,” Harris said. The report, titled: “Just Energy Policies: Reducing Pollution and creating Jobs--Wisconsin Report,” provides analysis of each state’s energy sector policies based on both the envi-
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Milwaukee Brewers Second Baseman Rickie Weeks, along with the Brewers Community Foundation (represented by the foundation’s Executive Director Cecelia Gore, far right), presented a $50,000 gift to The Center for Resilient Cities during the recently held meeting of the Downtown Rotary meeting at the War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. Receiving the check on the behalf of the Center is Marcia Canton Campbell. The gift will fund the restoration of a T-Ball field at Johnson Park, 1919 W. Fond Du Lack Ave., a key initiative of the Center for Resilient Cities. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
EASTER TREAT!
Olivia Spence, 3, of Milwaukee, sat on the bunny’s lap at Breakfast and Lunch with the Bunny on April 12. Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles, the event drew 763 visitors. Guests also enjoyed live music, a chance to pose for a picture with the bunny, and a plush-toy bunny to take home. (Photo by Richard Brodzeller, courtesy of Zoological Society of Milwaukee)
Bitter-Sweet end of 20132014 season for Bucks
It was a bitter-sweet last day of the season for the Milwaukee Bucks as they ended it with a loss to the playoff bound Atlanta Hawks. After the game Bucks Rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo signed one of his shoes to give to a lucky fan, an end of the season tradition. While the Bucks rookie start will return, the same can’t be said for Bucks Coach Larry Drew (pictured above right) and Bucks player Ramon Sessions (pictured at right). However, the team has new owners in Marc Lasary and Wesley Edens, with a possible stadium on the horizon.
FREDERICK WILLIAMS: “I’m thankful for being alive. I’m thankful for my job. But most of all, I’m thankful for my mother.”
CHESTER GANDY: “I’m thankful for seeing another day. I also am blessed to have family and friends.”
Community observes Earth Day with neighborhood clean-up
The first phase of a neighborhood clean-up and beautification effort took place April 19 to celebrate Earth Day. The clean-up was a collaborative effort involving Ald. Milele Coggs, Urban Grass Roots Inc., CYD, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful and Ina Onilu Dance and Drum Ensemble, which provided the entertainment. Ald. Coggs said the event helps bring the community together while also taking care of the environment. (Above photo by Yvonne Kemp. Photo at right by Cy White)
All three photos by Bill Tennessen
BARBARA MABRA-WILLIAMS: “I’m thankful for God’s Son who died on the Cross and saved us from all our sins. Most of all, I’m thankful to be alive.”
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668
Weeks and Brewers Foundation present donation to Center for Resilient Cities
We asked for individals who attended the Easter Sunday dinner sponsored by the Voice of the Fatherless Child:
GEE GEE SIMMONS: “I thanked the Lord for life and his shed blood. It’s just a blessing to be alive today.”
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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
Question and photos by Yvonne Kemp
“What were you thankful for this past Easter?”
ronmental and economic impacts. “Our report is a call to action for our community and our leaders,” stated national NAACP Interim President and CEO Lorraine C. Miller in a news release. “This is both a monumental moment and an opportunity for civic engagement. The decision made about energy by public utility boards and local officials have a direct impact on our community. We must know who the decision makers are and spur them into action with our votes.” The report assesses Wisconsin and other states on five different criteria: Renewable portfolio standards, Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, Net Metering Standards, Local Hire Provisions, and Minority Business Enterprise provi-
Martin Luther King Economic Development Corp. wins MANDI Award
Golden Years/ Meditation and Learning to Relax, in spite of By Kathy Gaillard
File photo
Welford Sanders (pictured at left, on the left) holds his Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) award given to the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation, which he heads. The organization was awarded for its disciplined and incremental approach to economic revitalization in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. Standing next to Sanders is Anna C. Benton, assistant vice president at BMO Harris Bank. She presented the award to Sanders. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
For thousands of years, meditation has been used in healing and spiritual practices. More recently, scientists have found that meditation practices have specific, measureable and positive effects on the body, including treating physical and mental problems, and producing beneficial changes in the brain. This research is particularly useful for older adults. Meditation is a practice that helps people achieve balance mentally, physically and emotionally. It is also used to treat depression, stress and anxiety. The deep rest that individuals achieve through meditation can rid them of stress and enable them to make better choices by allowing them to think more clearly.
GOLDEN YEARS
There also have been reports of higher self-esteem in people who meditate. While meditation started in the East, it took thousands of years for it to spread to Western societies. In about the mid-20th century it gained popularity in the West. Many researchers and professors in the 1960's and 1970s learned of the benefits that meditation had to offer as they began testing the effects of it. Meditation has been used to help individuals quit smoking and to put a stop to
alcohol and drug addictions. It can also be used to help reduce blood pressure and greatly lower the symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome. Meditation also helps to lower the heart rate and blood pressure by slowing down breathing which lowers the amount of oxygen the body needs. Even though meditation has been found to have healing benefits, some Christians continue to reject it because the roots of meditation lie in non-Christian influences such as Buddhism. However, while meditation has been widely used in Eastern spirituality for centuries, there is nothing non-Christian about the practice of meditation, and it is increasingly being accepted in promoting well being and mental health. In fact, (continued on page 5)
Milwaukee Community Journal April 23, 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
TIGHT JEANS DO NOT CAUSE RAPE Sen. Taylor Recognizes the Importance of Denim Day
April 23rd marks the 15th annual observance of Denim Day, giving men and women around the country the opportunity to wear denim clothing as a symbol of protest against the destructive presumptions our society holds regarding sexual assault and its victims. Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee), a staunch advocate of sexual violence prevention, encourages all Wisconsin’s citizens to participate in this important day. The campaign was sparked by the Italian Supreme Court’s overturning of a rape conviction due to the fact that the victim was wearing tight jeans. The argument was that the victim must have helped her attacker to take them off, implying consent. The following day, the women of the Italian parliament wore jeans as a show of support for the victim and in protest of the court’s decision. Taylor has long dedicated herself to reversing the backwards assumption that a victim’s clothing or behavior can serve as an excuse, noting that
Community leaders from government, courts, religion and education show youth they care
“what happened in Italy is not an isolated incident. It happens around the world, including here in Wisconsin. My heart is overwhelmed when I think about the mental and physical toll that rape takes on victims, and on our community as a whole. It shocks me that we still today tell the victims that they are to blame. We place the responsibility on young women, telling her to travel in groups, carry a rape whistle, and not to dress provocatively, as if it is her duty alone to prevent sexual assault.” “Every two minutes another American becomes
State Sen. Lena Taylor talked to youth gathered about law and how impacts on their everyday lives at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2433 W. Roosevelt Dr. Taylor was one of seven panel speakers addressing important life areas young people have and will confront during their lifetimes at a Youth and Teen Summit, whose theme was, “Do We Care?” The summit was attended by youth/teens ages 12 to 18 and focused on their future growth development, education, mentoring and developing lifelong lessons. Other panelists were Judge Charles Clevert, Jr. (“Decisions and Choices”), Minister Darlene Harper (“Health and Wellness”), educator Damita Bordeaux-Osley (“Education”), Pastor Dr. Archie Ivy (“Religion”), Milwaukee County Sup. Khalif Rainey (“Community Leader”), and mentor Nicholas Dillon (“Life Coach”). (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
the victim of sexual assault,” Taylor continued. “Sexual violence is not limited to any singular group, and victims come from all genders, ages, sexualities, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Denim Day is about fighting back against the rape culture that leads only 39% of victims to report their assault. It is about telling survivors they are not to blame for what happened to them. It is about moving forward, collectively healing from the trauma of rape and dismantling the rape culture that victimizes us all. Today, let us make it clear – tight jeans do not cause rape.”
P&GFirstPerson: FirstPerson Mayor Tom Barrett’s Statement
on Today’s Public Service Commission Ruling
“We’re not surprised that the Public Service Commission continues to politicize a local public works improvement project. The PSC and State Legislature believe that private investor-owned utilities, which use publicly financed roadways for free, should be given special treatment when it comes to public improvement projects in Milwaukee. We disagree. Despite the PSC and Legislative actions to curtail local control of local streets and roadways, we’ve made significant progress in reducing the project’s associated utility costs. Before entering final engineering, the utilities’ original claim of $55 to $70 million in costs has been reduced to approximately $20 million. In addition, last week the City received a $3.18 million streetcar grant, approved by Federal transportation officials, the regional planning body and officials from the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources. In order to drive the costs down further, we expect even more cooperation from the utility companies than we have had to date.”
Why I Support Mary Burke For Governor P&G OPINION
By Sen. John Lehman
In 2010, Governor Walker rode a wave of promises to victory, the biggest of all being to create 250,000 jobs and get Wisconsinites working again. Four years later, after all his attacks on public sector unions, teachers, and the middle class, those promises have been in vain. Our great state trails the rest of the nation in job creation, just 35th in the country at adding private sector jobs; and 9th in the Midwest since taking office in 2011. In over twenty years in public service, from my years as a high school teacher to today as a state Senator, I’ve never seen a governor willfully cause this much destruction to the state of Wisconsin. I entered the race for Lt. Governor because I cannot sit on the sidelines while we fall further behind. What I’ve seen Scott Walker do to this state has depressed many people, and some have lost faith that the Wisconsin C we all knew is gone forever. S Our state, the home of the Progres- Sen. John Lehman m sive movement, Fighting Bob La Follette and the Wisconsin Idea, has seen our reputation as a laboratory of democracym tarnished by Scott Walker’s pay-to-play culture of corruption that prioritizes the needs of a wealthy few over the greater good. While the governor talks of “prosperity,” families from Racine to Superior stillq struggle to get by each month. I think it’s time they had someone in the CapitolM fighting for them, creating jobs and providing relief that truly helps them getg ahead. d No longer can we have a governor who believes the path to prosperity is built on a “divide and conquer” strategy that pits worker against worker and neighborw against neighbor. Families cannot afford a governor who lets all the gains go tof the top and can offer only a trickle for working class. m It was not too long ago when my plans included retiring home to Racine after a long and fulfilling career as a public servant and champion for middle class isD sues - but then I met Mary Burke. Mary inspired me to get in this fight alongside her and turn Wisconsin around.a I know that Mary has what it takes to grow our Wisconsin economy andp strengthen the middle class. She has a real vision to create a top ten economy, not h just a jobs number that will play well during the 10 o'clock news report. She supports workers and wants to restore collective bargaining rights for our public em-h ployees. Mary understands the importance of marriage equality, is a staunch defender of the environment, and will fight to ensure women's health care deci-c sions are made by a woman and her doctor. c Seeing eye-to-eye on the issues is just half the battle. We both know that we have a long road ahead of us to beat Scott Walker and his political war chest,a pumped full by out of state billionaires like Sheldon Adelson and the Koch Brothers. However, I have an unyielding belief in the people of Wisconsin because ofb what were able to do in 2012 in Racine. That year, we stood up against the Republican agenda and big money. We were outspent, but it did not matter; we hads the power of the people on our side, we organized, and we won. I have the utmostw faith that we can do that again this year. I am running not for myself or because of political aspiration; I’m running for a the future of our state. Despite the last three years, I’m still optimistic, and I believe the way to end the division and return Wisconsin to greatness is to electS Mary Burke our next Governor. I look forward to serving as her Lieutenant Governor and getting to started right away to put people back to work, to level the playing field for our middle class families and moving this state forward. With your help, we will turn our state around and make Wisconsin a leader once again.
PERSPECTIVES
Milwaukee Community Journal April 23, 2014 Page 3
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAS TO BE FACED IS THE PROCESS OF WAITING TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM, HOW MUCH WE HAVE GOT TO FIND OUT WHO WE ARE, WHERE WE HAVE COME FROM, AND WHERE WE ARE GOING.”--ELLA BAKER
Candidates similar in many ways and would do a good job; but we endorse Stamper in what will also be a referendum on community’s determination to vote
The April 29 special election between Milwaukee County Supervisor Russell Stamper II and former County Supervisor and union leader Eyon Biddle to succeed former Common Council President and 15th district Alderman Willie Hines will be a close one. The two candidates are almost equal in ability and qualifications for the position. Both are born and raised Milwaukee Black men who have the passion, intelligence, ability, and integrity to do the job of alderman and deal with the myriad of challenges facing the district they want to represent: Crime and safety, affordable housing, foreclosed and abandoned housing, business development, quality education, and clean streets. Both men would do more than articulate the problems. During his brief tenure on the county board, Biddle created a “Ready to Work” jobs initiative, pushed domestic partnership legislation and the “Ban the Box” initiative to help released felons get jobs, as well as find funding to help minority small businesses. During his short time on the board, Stamper has focused on issues ranging from co-sleeping, a joint city/county effort to fix pot holed streets, county transit, and park safety. Stamper also comes from a respected family that has been deeply involved in the community. His father Russell is a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge who is still deeply involved in community issues. His late mother Virginia was a respected educator and activist who once headed the well regarded Urban Day School.
I
E L E C T I O N W AT C H 2 0 1 4
15TH ALDERMANIC
ENDORSEMENT
Eyon Biddle
Russell Stamper, II
Biddle and Stamper are also devoted family men whose efforts have always been geared towards making life better for their children; to give them a city where they can fulfill their potential. Given all the above, we endorse Stamper for the position. As we noted the candidates are close in comparison. But we believe Stamper will work hard with his colleauges on the council to address the issues facing the city, particularly in education where he supports public
schools, but would be open to the city chartering more schools. He would also focus needed attention on promoting homeownership, which could go a long way in reducing foreclosed and abandoned homes, of which there are many in the contested district. But the election will be close for another reason. We predict the turnout at the polls will be low...embarrassingly low given the importance of this election to the 15th district and the community as a whole. We hope the residents of the district have attended the forums held in the area and have learned about the candidates and what they offer. We also hope they take that knowledge to the polls and exercise a right that is being threatened on the state level where legislation has been passed--and which some is still pending--to limit Wisconsinites ability to VOTE. The April 29 election will be a test of the myopic election policies that have been passed, and our community’s resolve to ignore those policies and go to the polls enmasse. We call on the 15th aldermic district residents to VOTE! If the race between the candidates is close, let the final result be based on a close race due to a high turnout, not a low one. If you--the residents of the 15th--care about the challenges facing your district, VOTE for the candidate you feel will meet those challenges. A large turnout will send the winner a message that you care, and that you demand and expect change for the better!
It’s time Black folks wake up to the realities of politics in America...and locally opened the candidate’s forum with what some audience members took as an affirmation of my growing cynicism with partisan politics. And before diehard political agents and party loyalists could fully digest my opening salvo, I hit them with another political reality that set the parameter for the next 90 minutes.
My first comment cast a cold---albeit disparaging -- -light on partisan politics in America that few Black leaders are willing to acknowledge, much less embrace. I provided a story that has lingered in the back of my mind since my tour in Vietnam a lifetime ago. I was stationed at a base where Vietnamese would gather after mess (meals) to collect the scraps we would leave. By our standards, the leftover food was garbage—refuse. But to the obscenely poor Vietnamese they made up a banquet. I felt sorry for the Vietnamese, not only because they had to struggle just to survive, but also because they always seemed to relate to the brothers with greater empathy than they did White military personnel, some of whom looked down their racist noses at them. Over time, I developed a friendship with one of the poor farmers, giving him unspoiled rations when I could sneak them out. We soon began to talk about our different worlds and how the war impacted the locals. Through his broken English (a form of Vietnamese Ebonics), he told me a startling story that could have gotten him in deep trouble, with both the North and South Vietnamese governments had they known. He said he had two sons. As a family, they made the decision to have one son fight for the North Vietnamese and the other for the South Vietnamese. As he explained it, either way the war turned out, he would have an inroad to the winning side. His logic was made all the more rational by his concluding statement: He was a poor rice farmer, who if lucky would have meat once a week (and that may include rats and dogs). But no matter which side won, his status wouldn’t change. History proved him correct. Those on the bottom rarely see any significant change as a result of war or political upheaval. But don’t just take my word for it, read your history book. Oh yeah, sorry. I forgot for a second most Black folks have been caught to be afraid of the printed word in general and books in particular. That being the case, let me relate another historical fact that should hit home (and won’t require a book). When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and followed it with a declaration of war against poverty in 1965, Black Americans were at the bottom of the socioeconomic totem pole. The national Black poverty rate was 40%, Milwaukee was one of the most segregated cities in the United States and the gap between Black and white academic achievement was as wide as the 16th Street viaduct we marched across to supposedly integrate the Southside a half-century ago. Fifty years and $15 trillion on so-called poverty programs later, the Black poverty rate is 42%, Milwaukee is still segregated and we’re still at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. We’ve lived through Democrats and Republicans dominated Congresses and presidential administrations and little has changed. In fact, a case can be made that outside of the Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”), we’ve not moved forward under our first Black president. Blame whom you want to. Point fingers until your arm gets tired. But the reality is, when Democrats controlled the federal and state governments, little was done to address our plight. That’s just the way the system is set up.
SIGNIFYIN’ By Mikel Kwaku Osei Holt
“Obviously, I didn’t tell the audience not to vote. I offered instead that they should make informed choices, and understand the limits and limitations. Understand that regardless of what candidates promise, they will be armed with an ice pick and not a sledgehammer. In other words, they can chip away at an iceberg, but don’t expect them to smash it.”
Republicans are out of touch and believe that people should take responsibility for their conditions, work hard to break the cycle of poverty, get a solid education. Forget the barriers that impede our ability to have an equal chance. Forget institutional racism, poorer schools and the lack of business opportunities. Pull yourself up by your worn-out bootstraps, and forget that you’re standing in cement. Democrats sound much more liberal in their pronouncements, but their “solution” to the poverty crisis seems to be restricted to making people comfortable in their plight. Make it possible for a poor family to own a flat screen color television and wrestle the remote from the roaches. You’re still poor, but you can watch “Family Feud” and “Search for Tomorrow” in living color on your Rent-A-Center television. And in case you didn’t notice it, absent from the Democrats’ agenda are efforts that truly empower people. They don’t’ want us making our own choices, or be outfitted with tools to seriously compete. Their agenda seems to focus more on ensuring their buddies get the poverty dollars and government grants so they can tell us Black Nuclear Families are obsolete and having four babies by four different men before you’re 18 is the “new norm.” The second story I relayed to the audience dealt with a scenario that occurred a dozen or so years ago when a candidate for office showed up at my office unannounced and “demanded” an interview. Unfortunately, I was scheduled to be somewhere else, and tried to convince the candidate that if she provided me with a couple of quotes, I could do the story without much effort The candidate seemed confused by my comment, until I explained. “Essentially, every candidate who has come through these doors has recited the same speech,” I explained. “You’re interested or concerned about crime, Black unemployment, education and poverty. It’s the same old script. I have the template already written in my head. I just have to add in a few quotes.” She seemed taken aback by my assertion until I asked if she had a plan or platform to resolve any of the aforementioned socioeconomic ills. She didn’t, which prompted me to assess later that Black people elect candidates not based on their solutions to century-old problems, but on their ability to articulate those concerns (or blame someone else). The next time a candidate comes to your door espousing those same old tired lines, ask them to offer a solution, any solution--real or imagined--I instructed the audience. Of course, there’s more to political office holding than creating laws. And you can’t legislate attitudes, or buck the system without the power of numbers
or the support of the masses. Politicians at every level control budgets, prioritize projects, resolve complaints and promote the general welfare. But when it comes to those major issues? Just remember what my Vietnamese friend told me. Obviously, I didn’t tell the audience not to vote. I offered instead that they should make informed choices, and understand the limits and limitations. Understand that regardless of what candidates promise, they will be armed with an ice pick and not a sledgehammer. In other words, they can chip away at an iceberg, but don’t expect them to smash it. Along those same lines, many Black politicians holding partisan seats generally will put the interests of the party before the people, even if the party platform they are championing is contrary to our needs or desires. In fact, you’re seeing that dichotomous situation being played out right now at the state capitol in Madison. As if it wasn’t bad enough demigods like Chris Larson dictate who should represent us, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious he’s pulling the strings on the Black and Latino Caucus leadership as well. And with the exception of State Senator Lena Taylor, our representatives are either naïve or too afraid to challenge this new status quo. That was abundantly clear when Larson and other Democratic lechers ..err leaders, told Black voters not to vote for people who look like us, and the Black representatives sang that same song as if it was gospel. The end result was our losing four Black representatives. If that’s not a backward step in the quest for Black empowerment, I don’t know what is. Somewhere down the line, Black folks are going to wake up to the political realities that keep us trapped in socioeconomic and political limbo. Only then can we expect meat with every meal…Or, at least a rat or dog in every pot. Hotep.
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
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MCJ STAFF: Colleen Newsom, Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Classified Advertising Publisher, CEO Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. Robert J. Thomas Joan Hollingsworth, Sales Rep. Assoc. Publisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Taki S. Raton, Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Rev. Roxanne Cardenas, Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Troy A. Sparks, Kia Marie Green, Mang. Editor Sports 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.
RELIGION Milwaukee Community Journal April 23, 2014 Page 4
RELIGIOUS QUOTE : “AND BE PATIENT. SURELY ALLAH IS WITH THOSE WHO ARE PATIENT.”--QURAN 8:46)
Poll: Religion trumps belief in Big Bang Theory for most Americans
Article courtesy of NBC News via “The Rundown”
Few Americans question that smoking causes cancer. But they express bigger doubts as concepts that scientists consider to be truths get further from our own experiences and the present time, an Associated Press-GfK poll found. Americans have more skepticism than confidence in global warming, the age of the Earth and evolution
and have the most trouble believing a Big Bang created the universe 13.8 billion years ago. Rather than quizzing scientific knowledge, the survey asked people to rate their confidence in several statements about science and medicine. On some, there's broad acceptance. Just 4 percent doubt that smoking causes cancer, 6 percent question whether mental illness is a medical condition that affects the
brain and 8 percent are skeptical there's a genetic code inside our cells. More - 15 percent - have doubts about the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccines. About 4 in 10 say they are not too confident or outright disbelieve that the earth is warming, mostly a result of man-made heat-trapping gases, that the Earth is 4.5 billion years old or that life on Earth evolved through a process of natural selection, though
New Book Spurs Dialogue on the State and Future of the African American Church
VALLEY FORGE /Christian Newswire/ -- The African American church is a rich and complex phenomenon. Historically, it has played a major role in the advancement of the African American community. But, what is its future? How does it serve the present age? In The Future of the African American Church: An Invitation to Dialogue, authors Ralph Basui Watkins and Justin G. West offer a new and thought-provoking perspective on the state and future of African American church life. Watkins and West address the highly debated question "Is the black church dead or alive?" They also invite readers to consider what the church can be, offering multiple ways for different church traditions, like prophetic and praise churches, to dialogue with and benefit from each other. In addition, this book features: • Two distinctive voices offering readers cross-generational perspectives and experiences • Responses to recent critiques of the black church by scholars, pastors and authors On April 19, 2014, at 85 years of • Current and future church models age, Lorine Phifer, departed this life for effective witness in society • Discussion questions for small- to eternal rest. The devoted wife of Henry Phifer and loving mother of group dialogue This resource intends to strengthen Sherman Jackson leaves to cherish the connection between older and her memory a grandson, William younger generations, between tradi- Sherman Harrington, a granddaughtional and contemporary cultural ex- ter Deborah Torrence, 10 great pressions, and between prophetic and grandchildren, other loving relatives, extended family members and praise-based church traditions. It is an essential resource for pas- many dear friends. Arrangements Lorine Phifer tors, lay leaders and seminarians entrusted to Leon L. Williamson The Repass will follow at Canaan seeking to improve the prognosis of Funeral Home, 2127 N. 12th St. on Baptist Church, 2975 N. 11th St. Monday, April 28, 2014 at 1 p.m. the black church. This resource is supported by a series of videos to aid in facilitating dialogue. (See vimeo.com/channels/163594.) About the Authors: Ralph Basui Watkins, PhD, DMin, MA, is Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. With more than 20 years of pastoral, teaching, and administrative experience, Dr. Ralph Watkins is an active teaching scholar with more than 250 publications and conference presentations to his credit, including five books, three with Judson Press. In recent years, Watkins has received a Governor's Teaching Fellowship, Lilly Teaching Fellowship, Fulbright Hayes Fellowship for a study in Ghana, a Wabash Teaching Fellowship, and various awards and study grants to study in Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Mexico, and Ethiopia. He is ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Justin G. West, MDiv, is executive director of the non-profit organization Agape Connection, Inc. He is an ordained minister in the AME Church and serves as youth minister of St. John AME Church in Aurora.
Funeral services set April 28 for Lorine Phifer
most were at least somewhat confident in each of those concepts. But a narrow majority - 51 percent - questions the Big Bang theory. Those results depress and upset some of America's top scientists, including several Nobel Prize winners, who vouched for the science in the statements tested, calling them settled scientific facts. "Science ignorance is pervasive in (continued on page 5)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Greater Galilee to hold 94th anniversary worship fete
Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church (GGMBC), 2432 North Teutonia Avenue, will hold its 94th Year Anniversary Worship Celebration at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 27. The anniversary theme is “Standing on The Rock Together; Working, Praying and Spreading God’s Word” based scripturally o on Matthew 16:18b. The dynamic guest speaker is Rev. Walter J. Lanier, MDIV, JD, pastor ofo Progressive Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the last two years.w Prior to his call as pastor, he served as an associate minister at Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. Lanier maintained his own business law practice for over a decade before taking his current position as Director of Counseling, AdvisingA m and Career Planning at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Galilee invite the public to join in this powerful, spiritually-charged open door worship celebration. For more information, please contact the churchf office at 562-1110. e
Rust College A’ Cappella Choir to perform May 3 at Tabernacle Community Baptist Church
M a R
The World Famous Rust A’ Cappella Choir of Holly Springs, Mississippi will be in concert Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m. at Tabernacle Community Baptist Church, 2500 W. Medford Ave. Rev. Darius Butler is the pastor. The concert is sponsored by the Rust College Alumni-Milwaukee Chapter. Proceeds from the concert will be used to support scholarships for students( who would like to attend Rust College or are presently attending the institu-t tion. t Scholarships are also available to students who wish to transfer to Rust College, per the atriculation agreement between Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and Rust College. l For more information, call the Milwaukee Alumni Chapter President Charlotte Patterson at 444-9212.
Brentwood COC to hold annual Spring Gospel Revival starting May 4
o a Brentwood Church of Christ will hold its annual Spring Gospel Revivalm starting with the church’s Sunday morning service, Sunday May 4, untilt p Thursday, May 8. The revival speaker will be Evangelist Wesley T. Leonard of SouthsideI t Church of Christ in Orlando, Fla. t Following morning worship, a Fellowshop Dinner will be served, followed
by a 2:30 p.m. afternoon program. Starting Monday until its conclusion, the revival will start nightly at 7 p.m. Brentwood COC is located at 6425 N. 60thg t St. For more information, call 353-6757. t ton will address members of the community and answerT questions about the agency. Board members scheduled toa participate include Board Chair Gerard Randall, Stephanie Findley, Dr. Demond Means, Jim Sullivan, andt The April Community Brainstorming Conference ViAnna Jordan. m Forum will focus on the anti-poverty agency Social DeThe Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast velopment Commission. Forum begins with an 8 a.m. breakfast with the programt The morning-long discussion will be held Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. April 26 from 9 am to 11 am at Saint Matthew C. M. E. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more Church at 2944 N. 9th Street. Members of the SDC about the Forum, visit the website www.communitybrainBoard of Commissioners and agency CEO George Hin- storming.org/. s
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Poll: Religion trumps belief in Big Bang Theory for most Americans
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(continued from page 4) our society, and these attitudes are reinforced when some of our leaders are openly antagonistic to established facts," said 2013 Nobel Prize in medicine winner Randy Schekman of the University of California, Berkeley. The poll highlights "the iron triangle of science, religion and politics," said Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication. And scientists know they've got the shakiest leg in the triangle. n To the public "most often values and beliefs trump science" when they conhflict, said Alan Leshner, chief executive of the world's largest scientific society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Meditation and Learning to Relax, in spite of
(continued from page 1) throughout the Bible you will find references to meditating. Christian meditation is a peaceful focus on God. Over the years, meditation has been studied more and more, particularly in regards to its positive benefits with older adults. One sad fact of aging is a lack of companionship as loved ones pass on and children scatter. Experts say loneliness resulting from these losses can be linked to emotional stress and declines in physical health. Loneliness is not just an emotional issue; it is a form of stress that has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression and early death. And it is particularly prevalent among the elderly. In fact, a 2005 study found nearly 60 percent of people 70 and older experience some type of loneliness. To that end, interventions to relieve loneliness are increasingly in demand-that is one of the reasons why recent research such as that from the University of California Los Angeles is so significant. In the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, Steve Cole, Ph.D., and his colleagues report that the twomonth program of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), which teaches the mind to simply be attentive to the present and not dwell in the past or project into the future, successfully reduced the feelings of loneliness. Inflammation is a natural component of the immune system and is integral to tissue repair and restoration. Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to many diseases and psychological disorders. In the study, adults between the ages of 55 and 85 were assessed at the beginning and the end of the study using an established loneliness scale. Participants in the meditation group attended weekly two-hour meetings to learn the techniques of mindfulness, including awareness and breathing techniques. They also practiced mindfulness meditation for 30 minutes each day at home and attended a single, daylong retreat. These MBSR participants self-reported a reduced sense of loneliness, while their blood tests showed a significant decrease in the expression of inflammation-related genes. The list of benefits for meditation among those 50 years and older is much too long to ignore. The benefits, which are both physical and mental, according to Jeffrey Greeson, PhD, a clinical health psychologist at Duke University who researches meditation and practices it. “As people age, even if they age with attitude and great aspirations, the system wears down,” said Greeson. There are various types of meditation. Briefly, they are: Mindfulness meditation which encourages individuals to,”become aware of what is already there,” observing thoughts but not judging them. Mindful breathing teaches individuals to focus on breathing, while letting go of thoughts and other “stuff.” Buddhist style meditation is in the mindfulness camp and has the same benefits. Transcendental meditation, or TM, encourages practitioners to transcend their normal state of consciousness, to use a prayer-like mantra to block out distracting thoughts and gain pure awareness or ”transcendental consciousness.” Some of the reasons for meditation are Inflammation Meditation can fix inflammation. People between the ages of 55 and 85 who participated in an eight-week meditation program had a reduction in inflammation, as measured by their protein levels. Insomnia Meditation can improve insomnia, a problem of many older adults. University of Minnesota researchers found that meditation improved sleep just as well as prescription medicines do, reducing the time it took insomniacs to fall asleep by 20 minutes and boosting total sleep time by more than 30 minutes. Infections Meditation can also reduce the number of respiratory infections in adults 50-plus and ease chronic symptoms such as back and neck pain, other studies suggest. How to Meditate To meditate, choose a quiet place and time where you will not be disturbed. Sit down. Sit still and upright, comfortable and alert, with your back straight. Close your eyes lightly. Breathe calmly and regularly. Silently, interiorly, begin to say a single word. Christians might be more comfortable saying a prayer-phrase such as maranatha.* Recite it as four syllables of equal length - ma-ra-na-tha. Listen to it as you say it, gently but continuously. Do not think or imagine anything—spiritual or otherwise. If thoughts and images come, these are distractions at the time of meditation: keep returning to simply saying the word. The history of meditation has proven that this practice of the mind and body can help a person in many ways. It can be practiced in the comfort of one’s own home or with a local meditation group. No matter how individuals choose to incorporate meditation into their lifestyle, they will be sure to discover a fountain of benefits. *Maranatha is an ancient Christian prayer word. It means 'Come, Lord' from the Aramaic language of Jesus' time, and is found in the New Testament. When meditating, use it simply as a focus for your attention, without thinking about the meaning of it.
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NAACP says pollution a civil rights issue
Milwaukee Community Journal April 23, 2014 Page 5
(continued from page 1) sions. Additionally, the report lays out the potential for each state to become a leader in clean energy. In Milwaukee to help unveil the report was Jacqueline Patterson, the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Director. Patterson said the report lays out a vision, supported by practical data, of the path to transitioning from energy production processes that are harmful to communities of color--particularly Black communities--in the nation, to a energy efficiency and clean energy policy landscape that reduces pollution and creates new jobs. “Given double digit unemployment and staggeringly stark wealth differentials for African Americans, the report explicitly details mechanisms for ensuring economic gain for our communities and businesses,” Patterson said. Fossil fues accounted for just over 81% of Wisconsin’s total energy consumption in 2010. Wisconsin’s renewables hovered around one-tenth of consumption in the same period, thereby meeting its 2015 goal in 2010. In spite of its abundant in-state clean energy potential, at $840 million in expenditures, Wisconsin spent the 10th most, out of 50 states in the nation, on coal imports in 2012. Wisconsin had four failing coal plants according to environmental justice scoring, in the “2012 Coal Blooded Report.” Lille Wilson, President of the NAACP Wisconsin State Conference, noted while Wisconsin does a
good job assisting families with their utility bills and winterizing homes, the state must put more money into research and create renewable energy and stop depending on coal to produce electricity. “The coal that we use to produce electricity causes pollution in our communities, rivers and streams and a vast majority of those facilities are located in or close to African American and poor communities,” Wilson said. “These plants cause health issues such as lung disease and the governor (Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker) has not extended Medicaid to many of those individuals who need insurance
coverage that live in those areas. Therefore, many will die early from exposure to pollutions if we do not change now.” The state NAACP officials stressed Wisconsin has tremendous potential to meet the NAACP’s recommended standards while increasing job opportunities and energy affordability for its residents. More aggressively tapping into its vast renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal will help Wisconsin become a more resilient state. Additionally, the state could expand on its current hiring and procurement policies to ensure that all residents are benefiting from the energy sec-
tor’s expansion. The organization plans to use the report’s analysis of energy efficiency and renewable energy potential and policies, in tandem with economic development and equity models, as tools for the continued transformation of the energy sector. The Wisconsin NAACP plans to hold a series of meetings and events aimed at mobilizing its branches, collaborating with its partners, and working with stakeholders in implementing the report’s recommendations, as outlined in the soon-to-be released, “Just Energy Policies Action Toolkit.” --Article compiled by MCJ staff from information via NAACP
YOUTH&EDUCATION Milwaukee Community Journal April 23, 2014 Page 6
EDUCATED QUOTE: “The tragedy of life doesn’t like in not reaching
your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”--Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
College Basketball Bound!
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) have announced today that club member, Jarvis Garrett, a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee (seen above surrounded by other club members) signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the University of Rhode Island at the LaVarnway Boys and Girls Club. With both of his parents working for the clubs, Garrett has been an active member since the age of 4. Jarvis credits much of his success to his strong relationship with his family, as well as his mentors from BGCGM.
Mone appointed UW-Milwaukee interim chancellor
MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross today announced that Mark Mone [MO-knee] will serve as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee interim chancellor following the departure of Chancellor Michael R. Lovell next month. Lovell announced on March 26 that he had been named the first lay president of Marquette University in Milwaukee. Mone is a professor of management within the UWM Lubar School of Business and for the past two years has served as the Chancellor’s Designee for Strategic Planning and Campus Climate. The latter is a cabinet-level appointment in which Mone works with the university’s senior leadership and governance groups, and all university stakeholders to develop UWM’s 2020 strategic plan, and develop and implement university-wide programs to improve organizational climate (collectively known as Best Place to Work). Mone has been a member of the UWM faculty since 1989, serving for more than 15 years as the Lubar School of Business Associate Dean for Executive Education and Busi-
ness Engagement. His responsibilities involved external relations for the Lubar school, including partnerships with business, medical, legal, government, and not-for profit organizations. Mone was responsible for the Executive MBA program, the longest running program of its kind in Wisconsin; career services; and other financial and marketing functions. "Mark's academic credentials, leadership experiences, industry background, and long-term tenure with UW-Milwaukee make him an excellent choice for interim chancellor," said Cross. "Mark has been actively involved in developing UWM's 2020 strategic plan. The relationships he has built in this effort, together with his extensive knowledge of the university and wider community, will keep UWM's significant research and academic initiatives moving on an upward trajectory." Cross will work with the Board of Regents and the UW-Milwaukee community to begin a national search for the university’s next chancellor, aiming to have a permanent appointment made by Jan. 1, 2015. That process will commence when
Cross appoints a search-and-screen committee comprised of UW-Milwaukee faculty, academic staff, classified staff, students, and community representatives. That committee will lead the search and recommend a slate of finalists for consideration by Cross and a special committee of Regents. “I greatly appreciate this opportunity to continue to advance current UWM initiatives,” said Mone. “Under the heading of ‘Moving Forward Together,’ I intend to work with all constituencies to complete and begin implementing our strategic plan, continue work on strengthening student enrollment and educational quality, further engage our university partners through research, education and service, and identify and obtain additional resources for our campus.” Mone holds a Ph.D. in management (organizational behavior and organization theory) from Washington State University, a master of business administration degree from Idaho State University, and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Central Washington University. As Wisconsin’s premier public urban institution, the University of
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Mark Mone
Wisconsin-Milwaukee enjoys a growing national reputation for excellence in research, teaching and community engagement. On an operating budget of $705 million, it educates more than 27,000 students and is an engine of innovation for Southeastern Wisconsin. The 104-acre main campus and satellite sites are located in the economic and cultural heart of the state. The university’s recent expansion includes new academic and research facilities and the creation of the only School of Freshwater Sciences in the United States and the Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health.
MPS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS PREPARE FOR TALENT SHOW Student showcase set for April 30
Milwaukee Public Schools’ after-school programs will host a student talent showcase called Turn on the Talent on Wednesday, April 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Audubon Technology and Communication Middle School/High School, 3300 S. 39th Street. Ten student groups will perform for an audience of their peers, teachers, parents, and community leaders. The acts will include choreographed hiphop routines, spoken word, and vocal performances. Due to limited seating, Turn on the Talent is closed to the public, but media representatives are encouraged to attend. Inspired by popular television programs like American Idol and America’s Got Talent, Turn on the Talent will allow audience members to vote for their favorite performances. Following the event, the general public will be invited to watch the performances at MilwaukeeRecreation.net and cast their votes online. This is the eighth Turn on the Talent showcase. To watch performances from the last event, visit www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net/talentshow-2013. Milwaukee’s Turn on the Talent event is part of a nationwide effort to highlight the importance of quality after-school programs. According to the Afterschool Alliance, 33% (317,993) of Wisconsin K-12 youth are responsible for taking care of themselves after school. When surveyed, 31% (265,861) would be likely to participate in an after-school program if it were available in their community. For thousands of Milwaukee children, after-school programs represent a safe place to go for homework help, enrichment activities, healthy snacks, and positive social interaction. The Milwaukee Public Schools’ after-school programs serve more than 15,000 students each year at over 100 locations. These programs prepare youth to succeed in the classroom and become productive members of tomorrow’s work force.
MAWIB accepting applications for EARN & LEARN Milwaukee’s Summer Youth Jobs Program
The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) is now accepting applications for the Earn & Learn Summer Youth Jobs program. Young people throughout Milwaukee County interested in a summer job are encouraged to apply, 14- to 21-year-olds are eligible, but due to limited funding, priority will be given to 16- to 21-year-olds. The goal of the program is to help young people enter the world of work, build their resume and be introduced to a potential career. “As a result of Earn & Learn, I’ve achieved many accomplishments. I learned that hard work pays off,” says Alexandria Millet, Earn & Learn youth worker. DEADLINE EXTENDED: The deadline to apply for the Earn & Learn program is Friday, May 9th at 4 p.m. Youth are encouraged to apply early. If you have questions, call the Earn & Learn program at (414) 270-7550.To apply, download the application from www.milwaukeewib.org or pick one up in person at MAWIB, 2342 N. 27th Street. A completed application includes submitting the following required documents: Earn & Learn Application Packet • Proof of Date of Birth (copy) • Social Security Card (copy of front and back) • Proof of Income (i.e. pay stub, SSI, TANF, Food Stamps, most recent tax return, etc.) • Proof of Address (i.e. State ID, mail, report card, etc.) Return your application and materials to: Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board 2342 N. 27th Street Milwaukee, WI 53210 Between the hours of 8:30AM - 4:00 PM (Monday-Friday) Between the hours of 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Saturday) No faxed applications will be accepted. If an applicant is a male, 18 years of age or older, he must be registered with Selective Service. If he is not registered and is chosen to participate in the program, then he will be required to register on-line at www.sss.gov.
KALEIDOSCOPE
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Legendary R&B romance singer Keith Sweat performed in concert Saturday, April 19 at the Milwaukee Theater, downtown. Also performing were the phenomenal Mint Condition, RL and Rodney Poe. (Photo by Francesca Guyton-Johnson)
Strut to Healing: Benefit For Hit & Run Victims
A committee of volunteers from Kohl’s Corporate is taking action to bring awareness to the issue of hit-and-run accidents. The Strut to Healing Benefit will take place Friday, May 2nd at The Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, 901 W. Juneau Ave, at 7:00 p.m. There will be prizes, silent auction, live music, appetizers and a cash bar. The committee was formed after two Kohl’s employees, Alicia Crawley and Heather Turrittin were struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing the street in downtown Milwaukee; leaving both with an overwhelming amount of medical bills. As a result of the accident, the women were just able to return to work part time after being out for over two months, they still face an unknown amount of surgery and physical therapy bills. The group is not only seeking to raise funds to alleviate some of the medical debt these women are facing, but also to raise awareness for the issue of hitand-run accidents in the city of Milwaukee; an identified growing issue of concern. Tickets for the event are $30 and can be purchased on http://struttohealing.eventbrite.com. In addition to the event, you can show your support through in-kind donations. All proceeds go to Alicia Crawley and Heather Turrittin.
PLACE YOUR BETS ON FUN AND EXCITEMENT: POTAWATOMI BINGO CASINO CELEBRATES 140TH KENTUCKY DERBY MAY 3
The 140th Kentucky Derby, the most exciting two minutes in sports, will be the featured event at Potawatomi Bingo Casino on Saturday, May 3. Hundreds of racing fans are expected to visit the Casino to enjoy all the fun and excitement of the Kentucky Derby in the spacious, smoke-free Off-Track Betting Room, or in the 500-seat Northern Lights Theater. “Potawatomi Bingo Casino is the only place in southeastern Wisconsin where guests can wager on the Kentucky Derby,” said Paul Lurenz, Jr., offtrack betting manager for the Casino. “We get a good mix of avid and casual racing fans here because they know we’re the ideal location to watch the race and experience some of the traditions that make the Kentucky Derby the most popular thoroughbred racing event in the U.S.” Doors for the Off-Track Betting Room will open at 8:30 a.m., and at 9 a.m. in the Northern Lights Theater on the day of the race. The theater will show the race on a 20-foot screen, as well as two 10-foot screens, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that will make them feel like part of the action as they sip their traditional mint juleps, available for $6 in both the theater and Fire Pit Sports Bar & Grill. Guests are also invited to take part in the Casino’s Second Annual Kentucky Derby Hat Contest, where those with a flair for fashion and creativity have a chance to win cash prizes or Reward Play. Guests can register at the OffTrack Betting program sales booth located near the Casino’s skywalk area between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. All contestants will need to have a Fire Keeper’s Club card and a valid photo ID to enter. The hat contest judging will take place at 4:30 p.m. in Bar 360. For more information and complete rules, visit http://paysbig.com/promotions/hats-off-to-the-derby/. As in previous years, Fire Keeper’s Club members will receive a commemorative Kentucky Derby mint julep glass when they present their wagering ticket at the Off-Track Betting program sales booth (while supplies last). And since it’s the Year of the Horse, guests can also receive 20 percent off at RuYi May 3-31 simply by presenting their Kentucky Derby wagering ticket (excludes Peking Roast Duck and Wok-Fried Fish). For more information about the 2014 Kentucky Derby festivities at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, visit http://paysbig.com/promotions/the-kentuckyderby-2014/.
Celebrity Hairstylist Kim Kimble is Back with a Sophisticated Salon Makeover, a New Stylist and Star-Studded Clientele
Kim Kimble
NEW YORK – WE tv’s hit series L.A. HAIR, following celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, returns for an explosive season three on Thursday, May 22 at 9PM ET/PT with 12, one-hour episodes. Kim is back and hotter than ever, as some of the most dynamic star-studded clients stop by her posh West Hollywood salon including actress Gabrielle Union, songstress Macy Gray, R&B trio SWV, reality star Gretchen Rossi, supermodel Janice Dickinson, TV personality Rocsi Diaz, actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, R&B crooner/reality star Ray J, rapper Too $hort, rapper/producer Akon and many more! In addition to dealing with demanding, A-list clientele, Kim has lofty plans to expand her business to another city. But too much too soon could bring her empire crumbling down. Kim’s luxurious West Hollywood salon undergoes a sophisticated upgrade and in a bold business move, Kim hires a new barber, Lisa, with a celebrity roster and an explosive personality that sends shockwaves through the salon. Meanwhile, rumors run rampant when former protégée-turned-enemy Angela is looking to open her own high-end salon and is threatening to take one of Kim’s top stylists, Dontay, as her partner. With Angela on the prowl, Kim must watch her back at all times. Will Kim’s other stylists remain loyal as a darker menace emerges? This season no one is left untouched as Kim’s growing ambition even threatens to destroy her relationship with her sister Leah and drive her mother Jas to the brink. Is Kim willing to turn her empire into an almighty hair dynasty at any cost, or is she in danger of being dethroned? For more information on L.A. HAIR, visit WEtv.com to find sneak peeks, exclusive blogs, deleted scenes, photos, polls and more! Like us on Facebook, follow @WEtv on Twitter (#LAHair) and check us out on Instagram (IG: @WEtv) for inside information and special giveaways.
Adolphus A. Ward
Local actor, author, Adolphus A. Ward releases second book in trilogy about African American family
Adolphus A. Ward, a seventy-Nine year old Independent Writer, released the second edition of an African American Family Trilogy. His fascinating stories examine how conflict, both inside and outside a family, influenced individual behavior and continued to affect behavior in the generations that followed. The stories, he said, are connected yet they stand alone – each with themes of its own – each with a clear beginning, middle and end. “HARVEST THE DUST” is the first of the trilogy. “MILK THE IRON COW” is the second. “STAND UPSIDE DOWN” is the third and final book. Mr. Ward’s captivating stories follow the lives of three successive generations of the Tallman Family. Ward admits he is unaware of another trilogy, in print or ebook, of African American Family life and assumes his to be unique, both in structure and story content. His stories begin on a cotton farm in Colt, Arkansas, 1934 – a time of the Great Depression and Jim Crow Laws. The stories end in two Wisconsin Cities: Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1941– a time of World War II and job discrimination, based on race; and Kenosha, Wisconsin 1984 – a time when Affirmative Action was under siege. Ward was unequivocal when he said, ‘My stories are an acclamation to the resilience of African American People.’ The trilogy is available at his website in print and ebook. He believes readers will finish his novels with an enlightened understanding of African American life. www.adolphusward.net
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