David Bowen to run for 10th Assemby District
COMMUNITY
On Monday, April 7, 2014, life-long Milwaukee resident and local elected leader David Bowen announced his candidacy for Wisconsin’s 10th Assembly District, which includes Milwaukee’s North Side and the Village of Shorewood. He released the following statement regarding his announcement: “As a life-long resident of Milwaukee and local elected leader within our community, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the residents of the 10th Assembly District,”
David Bowen VOL. XXXVIII Number 37 April 9, 2014
The Milwaukee
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Question and photos by Yvonne Kemp
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: During the recent Pastor’s United dinner gala and awards banquet, we asked four ministers: “What can be done to help our young people stay out of trouble this summer?”
MINISTER CRAIG A. SANDERS: “With all the programs we have facing reductions, we have to embrace our youth with our love and wisdom. While lending an attentive ear to what they are saying.”
Sandy Pasch to Not Run for Re-Election to 10 th Assembly in 2014
JOURNAL CIRCLE OF WOMEN Life-long resident of Milwaukee and local elected leader pledges to expand economic opportunity, build healthy and thriving communities
Sandy Pasch
By Kyle Maichle, Editor of Wisconsin Election Watch MADISON – On Friday, Representative Sandy Pasch (D-Shorewood, 10th District) announced that she will not run for re-election in 2014 to the Wisconsin State Assembly. The Assistant Minority Leader said in a statement: ““After extensive discussions with close confidants and my family, as well as extensive thought and reflection on my part, I have made the decision to not run for re-election in the 10th Assembly District in 2014. This decision did not come lightly, as having the honor and privilege to serve the greater Milwaukee area since 2009 has been one of the most humbling and meaningful experiences of my life.
said Bowen. “In the State Assembly, I will continue my steadfast efforts to create family-supporting jobs, promote quality education and services for our children, build healthy and thriving communities, and expand economic
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PASTOR DOROTHY WOODS: “I think if we form a parents group, do things in the neighborhood like Barbeques, block parties and GED programs. Bring our kids back to church.”
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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
CIRCLE OF WOMEN
YWCA holds its annual event showcasing the accomplishments of organization
Paula Penebaker (pictured at right), president and CEO of the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin greets nearly 1,000 business leaders and community members who attended the recent Circle of Women event held at the Wisconsin Center, downtown. (Pictured below), Penebaker talks with Mayor Tom Barrett and businesswoman and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Mary Burke. The Circle of Women allows business leaders and community representatives to network and learn more about the YWCA’s programs, as well as show their support of the organization through financial contributions. Donations to the YWCA help those in need access resources and employment training to help them achieve economic success.
Black Unemployment Climbs to 12.4% in March
Jobless rate for black men is down, but it is up for black women. The African-American jobless rate is much higher than other racial and ethnic groups. By Frederick H. Lowe, courtesy of Northstar News
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
ELDER MALCOLM L. HUNT: “Create jobs for the kids; let them clean up the streets and parks. Let them make that money!”
PASTOR DR. BETTY QUIN: “Our parents need to train their children in the right way; spend time with them. Then they won’t forget how they are supposed to act.”
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opportunity for all.” One of Bowen’s hallmark achievements while serving on the Milwaukee County Board was shepherding passage (continued on page 2)
De-Cluttering and Downsizing
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
By Kathy Gaillard
“If your house is full of stuff, all the blessings that could fill your house can't get in. The stuff takes over. It robs you psychologically. “You can't be at peace,” according to Peter Walsh, television clutter organizer. And, certainly while that is true, when it comes to parting with those precious possessions drenched in memories that have accumulated over the years, de-cluttering and downsizing can still be an emotional experience. As adults age, the need to downsize occurs for a variety of reasons: divorce, couples become empty nesters, a desire for a smaller home with fewer home maintenance responsibilities or selling a home and moving because of a disability, illness or death of a loved one. For others, the decision to downsize may occur when a senior decides to move to be closer to family or to experience a new lifestyle in an assisted community. Call it downsizing, paring down, or cleaning house, letting go of personal belongings can be a difficult process for older individuals. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 9 out of 10 seniors want to remain in their own homes as they grow older. While today’s generation of elderly are more or less in better health than previous generations, aging may present many challenges. Moreover, a cluttered physical home can become a barrier to longevity and safety. Whether downsizing or simply de-cluttering in existing
GOLDEN
YEARS
homes, getting rid of stuff, while sometimes overwhelming, can be freeing. In fact, cleaning out and discarding items can result in a positive psychological boost—generating a feeling of lightness or lifting of weights. An article in ChicagoNow states that, “clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile), causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren’t necessary or important.” Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic reported that when we are surrounded by more than we can manage, it sends a visual message that our life is out of control. Many home organizing experts promote the “three pile” system to start the de-cluttering process. Simply put, designate items for 1) keeping, 2) trashing or 3) donating. Organizational experts suggest sticking to this system and being honest with yourself throughout the process. If an item has been hanging in the closet for a year, chances are you no longer need it. One longtime Milwaukee resident who asked not to be (continued on page 7)
The nation's nonfarm businesses hired 192,000 workers in March, but the overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for African Americans rose to 12.4 percent compared to 12 percent in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday morning. The jobless rate for black men 20 years old and old was 12.1 percent in March compared to 12.9 percent in February. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for black women 20 years old and older, however, rose to 11.0 percent in March compared to 9.9 percent in February, BLS reported. Although the jobless rate for black men dropped in February, the unemployment rate for African Americans exceeds all the other major worker groups except teen agers 16 to 19 years old, which was 18.3 percent in March the same as February. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for white men 20 years old and older was 5.3 percent in March compared to 5.5 percent in February. The jobless rate for white women was 5.3 percent in March, up from 5.1 percent in February. The unemployment rate for Hispanics continues to decline, according to BLS. The unemployment rate was 7.9 percent in March compared to 8.1 percent in February. The Asian unemployment rate, which was not seasonally, was 5.4 percent in March compared to 6.0 percent in February. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not provide an explanation as to why the jobless rate increased for blacks overall, but Dr. Heidi Shierholz, a labor force participation economist for the Economic Policy Institute, a non-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C., gave an explanation. "The increase was entirely among women. But this is one of those cases where I wouldn’t make much of it, because there is so much month-to-month volatility. I don’t think the labor market for black workers is deteriorating right now, but it is getting better very, very slowly," Dr. Shierholz said. The number of unemployed persons was unchanged at 10.5 million and the unemployment rate remained at 6.7 percent. The number of long-term unemployed or those out work 27 weeks or more was 3.7 million and there were 698,000 discouraged workers in March, which was slightly down from a year ago. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that construction, food services and drinking places, health care, mining, logging, professional business services, architectural and engineering services added jobs.
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 9, 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 Finalists for 15th aldermanic seat Bowen to run for 10th Assemby seat to participate in a candidates forum at Wisconsin African American Women Center April 24
Russell Stamper II
Eyon Biddle, Sr.
The two finalist running to replace former Common Council President and Alderman Willie Hines will discuss the future of the 15th aldermanic district at a special candidates forum, April 24, starting at 6 p.m., at the Wisconsin African American’s Women’s Center, 3020 W. Vliet St. Invited candidates Russell Stamper II, who received 724 votes in the April 1 primary and Eyon Biddle, Sr., who received 616 votes. Also invited are the candidates who did not advance to the general election: former candidates Monique Taylor (191 votes in primary); Patricia Ruiz (123 votes); Vera Davis (114 votes); as well as Deshae Agee and Edgar Brooks. The Questions that may be asked (Audience members may also submit questions upon their arrival): 1. What is your interpretation of real, identifiable poverty? What is your interpretation of police chief's Flynn's claim that "crime leads to poverty." Or do you believe that poverty leads to crime? 2. The City of Milwaukee has the worse black business leadership in the country. What can be done that has not been done before to assist in creating better black business leaders and more economic growth within the Inner city? 3. Do you feel that there is sufficient coordination between different levels of government in dealing with the Inner City and its problems? If not why? What do you suggest might be done? 4. Do you support the recent NAACP complaint to the Department of Justice against the city of Milwaukee ? Why? 5. Do you think there ought be more coordination within different levels of government as per city, county and state? Why? 6. What does the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) do? Are you familiar with the Environmental Justice Task Force? 7. Do you think the federal Community Development Block Grant ought be kept as a citywide program, or do you think the program ought to return to its original purpose of being targeted to specific areas? Why? 8. The city government has been getting HUD funds for years designed to finance the cleanup of so-called Brownfields areas. Can you comment on why these largely vacant areas have not been selected for new low-income housing after they have been cleaned up? 9. What do you say about city government taking over the schools when itself is troubled by joblessness, high taxes, hundreds of abandoned dwelling, thousands of potholes and an apparent inability to take care of itself?
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of a living wage ordinance for the lowest paid workers at Milwaukee County. “While I am proud of my achievements to support everyday families in Milwaukee County, much work remains to be done on the state level to support good family sustaining jobs,” noted Bowen. “Milwaukee’s hard working families deserve a long overdue raise, and I will fight to expand economic opportunity to Milwaukee and Wisconsin workers alike.” Bowen made his announcement in light of State Rep. Sandy Pasch (D – Shorewood) recently announcing that she will not seek re-election to the 10th Assembly District seat, which she currently holds. “Rep. Pasch has been a champion for Milwaukee and its communities throughout her time in office, and I thank her for her tireless dedication and service,” said Bowen. “I am excited to fight for our shared values and priorities. “I look forward to earning the trust of our neighbors throughout the 10th Assembly District as I talk to thousands of community members beyond those I already represent in the County Board’s 10th District.” Born and raised on Milwaukee’s North Side, David attended Milwaukee Public Schools and was an honors graduate of Bradley Tech High School. As a teen and young adult, David completed Urban Underground’s youth leadership program and later become its Program Director while pursuing an undergraduate degree in Educational Policy and Community Studies at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He is a National Americorps Service Alum, a two-time graduate of the Americorps program Public Allies, and a Legacy Foundation Youth Activism Fellow. A nationally recognized trainer for intergenerational community improvement strategies, David served on the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Violence Prevention Initiative Steering Committee and the City of Milwaukee’s Homicide Review Commission. In 2012, he was elected to the Milwaukee County Board as Supervisor for the 10th District, becoming the youngest member of the Board and one of the youngest Black elected officials in Milwaukee's history. David serves on several County Board committees including Finance & Personnel, Health & Human Needs and Economic & Community Development as Vice-Chair.--Article provided by Sup. Bowen’s campaign
Sandy Pasch to Not Run for Re-Election to 10th Assembly (continued from page 1)
However, due to personal matters and family health circumstances, I believe it is in the best interest of my district, my caucus, and me personally to not run for re-election this year.” Pasch was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2008 representing the 22nd District and was re-elected in 2010 before moving to the 10th Assembly District in 2012 due to redistricting. She also ran for the 8th District State Senate seat in 2011 in a recall election against incumbent Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills). Darling defeated Pasch 53.6 to 46.3 percent. The 10th Assembly District is located in Milwaukee County and includes parts of the North Side of Milwaukee and Shorewood.
The Republican Legislative Session Failed Wisconsin Article courtesy of Urban Media News
Last week marked the end of another legislative session that was supposed to be all about jobs. And for good reason. Month after month, key economic indicators show Wisconsin continues to fail at creating sustainable job growth. The most recent economic data released by the state Department of Workforce Development (DWD) show unemployment rates rose in 69 of the state’s 72 counties during the month of February. During the same month, Wisconsin was second in the nation in job losses. Scott Walker and the Republican controlled legislature apparently had no real strategy or plan to create job growth when they entered the 201314 legislative session. Wisconsin lags behind the rest of the U.S in private sector growth - creating jobs at half the national average. We’re only 35th in the nation in job growth, and 45th in projected job growth. Wisconsin has no real economic clout due to Republicans’ inattention to job creation and failure to create a plan that would create long term economic growth. Instead, state Republicans used the session to push forth an extreme, partisan agenda all the way down to the last few hours legislators were on the Senate and Assembly floor. Republicans gave plenty lip-service to job creation this year, but instead of bringing jobs bills up for deliberation, they pushed an extreme plan to make it harder for people to vote - all while making it easier for lobbyists to donate to campaigns. During this session, Scott Walker, the standard bearer for the Republican party in Wisconsin, made it clear he would a call a special legislative session on Voter ID if the law is struck down by the courts. Republicans were laser focused on using this session to change voting rules in time for this year’s elections, showing they care more about keeping their jobs more than creating jobs for Wisconsinites. Meanwhile, Democrats have put forward more than a dozen jobs bills focused on important issues like job training, promoting Wisconsin manufacturing, helping start-up businesses receive needed capital, Buy American and Buy Wisconsin and clean energy. And Republicans wouldn’t give any of the commonsense job creation proposals the time of day. If Republicans focused nearly as much on creating jobs as they did protecting their own, Wisconsin would likely be model economy, a national leader in job growth rather than 35th. Scott Walker may be satisfied with
“Republicans gave plenty lip-service to job creation this year, but instead of bringing jobs bills up for deliberation, they pushed an extreme plan to make it harder for people to vote - all while making it easier for lobbyists to donate to campaigns.”
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PERSPECTIVES
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “When a white (man) undertakes a task, it is taken for granted that he will succeed. On the other hand, people are usually surprised if the (Black man) does not fail.” --Booker T. Washington
Reconnecting our African legacy of mastery and genius with America’s Black “First” – Debunking the myth By Taki S. Raton
African Americans along with the Western world have been taught only the presumed achievements of the European and Asian from an exclusionary European perspective. All said cultures – and in particular, the African American – have been oriented and conditioned never to question the indigenous nature, foundation, origin or beginnings of European or Asian groupings on the world stage of time and achievement.
However, in a critical historical and factual world accounting of these cultures, we come across the European and to some extent the Asian, says Ivan Van Sertima in “Egypt – Child of Africa,” only as they are evolving towards their respective heights of global civilizational dominance or in the author’s phrasing: “In the flower of their ascendancy.” On the other hand, the world, and in particular the Black man in America says Van Sertima has “been trained to see and to imagine only one kind of African that of the primitive, the slave, the colonial” or the colonized African/Black; the tragic outcast and misfit “on the edge of the modern world.” He would add that anytime we find the African at the center of world civilization, the matter then becomes “highly suspect.” Such a mythical conclusion and fabrication of the world historical matrix has origins from the pens and letters of the Eurocentric worldview regarding the African presence in the chronology of humankind development on the planet. Says Chancellor Williams in “Destruction of Black Civilizations,” much of the history of African has been written by anthropologist whose primary objective “is to make (ancient) Africa Caucasian from the beginnings of its history, and to give the Blacks not just a subordinate role, but no significant role at all in that history.” He adds that this particular worldview would receive “favorable reception by the White audiences to which they address themselves,” not to mention the Eurohistorians and academicians whose work relies almost entirely on such false racial classification. We might also want to include within this category of academicians those Black PhD’s who would reflect in their teachings this same false Eurocentric worldview in their quest for tenure track and the “nod” to be published. But indeed, just the opposite was the case. To contextualize this point to yet another level, Williams tells us that in ancient times and even later, “there were Caucasians who regarded the Blacks as a superior people.” Any questions concerning the matter of an inherent inequality in his words, “would have been absurd to entertain.” Prof. Small posits that, “most of world history, or at least ninety-percent of world history is African history. And within that ten-percent, Africa was extraordinarily involved in making it (world history) what it is.” Dr. Kwame Nantambi in his June 15, 2001 essay, “Ancient Egypt’s Role in European History” records that, “Europeans were by no means the pioneer of human civilization. Half of man’s recorded history had passed before anyone in Europe could read or write.” To this point, it is noteworthy to cite that the ancient African had invented the world’s first 360 plus five-day calendar 6,250 years ago in 4236 B.C.E., some 1,136 years prior to the beginning of the Egyptian (Kemetic) dynastic era. There is absolutely no evidence anywhere on the world stage of presence and accomplishment; nowhere within the factual annals of the European world, nor the Asian world; nowhere within the Christian or Islamic religions is there any indication reflecting an indigenous contribution towards the physical foundational advancement of primal world civilizing activity, growth and progress above, apart from, beyond, separate, and independent of an African cultural influence, African falsification, African re-imaging and/or African displacement by said cultural entities over the expansive corridors of time. This is where the myth of the Black “First” has to be dealt with, challenged, debunked and destroyed. Were Black people to adopt the mythical and falsified view that it was the Caucasian who was at the sunrise of civilized history, then it would automatically and psychologically be falsely assumed that anything that the Black man accomplished here in America was a direct imitative reflective copy of Whites and that we thereby are “proved worthy” of equal consideration and placement in his American “house” because of such “up from slavery” accomplishments. When the European came over to West Africa and kidnapped the African, he did not just capture what he stereotypically viewed as a “savage,” a “primitive” or a grouping of uncivilized human beings eternally marginalized on the periphery of civilized man and just ripe for lifelong bondage. No, no, no! He captured, kidnapped and brought to these North American shores a long standing African World bloodline of doctors, artists, merchants, builders, scientists, astrologers, astronomers, bankers, architects, heavier-than-air flight technologists, engineers,
The Republican Legislative Session Failed Wisconsin
(continued from page 2) being 35th in the nation in jobs as long as he wins reelection in November, but the people of Wisconsin are not. Democrats came to Madison this session ready to strengthen Wisconsin’s middle class with a real agenda that would help workers receive much-needed job training and improve our economy so that everybody has a fair shot at success. But Republicans decided to ignore real people’s needs, priorities, and longterm economic security for the sake of partisan gamesmanship. Restricting people’s basic freedoms – like exercising their constitutional right to vote – does not create a single job or improve our economy. Had the Republicans chosen to work with Democrats on fixing problems instead of just fixing elections, Wisconsin could be well on the path to again leading the nation in ensuring better opportunities and more freedom for its citizens. Unfortunately, they didn’t. Their inattention to jobs, coupled with their disturbing assault on democracy, has
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put the American Dream further and further out of reach for working Wisconsin families. Recent public polling shows that only 35 percent of Wisconsinites describe the state's economic performance in positive terms and 70 percent say their personal financial situation has stayed the same or gotten worse since Scott Walker took office. And the latest Wisconsin Economic Scorecard poll shows that, among working-age residents, only those from households with a total annual income of $80,000 or more are likely to describe their personal financial situations in positive terms. If they really wanted to fight for Wisconsinites, Scott Walker and Republicans in the legislature would have used this session to put aside partisan political games, repair the damage they’ve done, and attempt to make life better for Wisconsin families. Scott Walker and the Republicans are all talk, but no action when it comes to helping Wisconsin’s middle class - and their failed legislative session is proof.
State Senator questions GOP Strip Search Bill
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 9, 2014 Page 3
Editor’s Note: The MCJ neglected to continue this article on Sen. Lena Taylor expressing concern about a bill granting law enforcement officers the power to strip search any person who will be detained for more than 12 hours. We are presenting the story in its entirety below. We apologize to our readers for this oversight.
(MADISON)--State Senator Lena C. Taylor is concerned a bill passed in the State Assembly grants law enforcement officers too broad a power to strip search any person who will be detained for more than 12 hours. Current Wisconsin law allows jailors to conduct strip searches if an inmate has been arrested for a felony or a number of different misdemeanors. The
Republican bill would permit them to strip search anyone who will be locked up with other prisoners. Supporters say the change would create safer jails. Opponents have complained the bill would allow children to be strip searched and open the door to abuses. The Assembly amended the bill in February to exclude children and make the searches visual unless touching is necessary and passed it on a voice vote. The Senate is set to take it up Tuesday. Approval would send the bill on to Gov. Scott Walker. Like the opponents of the bill, Taylor believes the measure reaches too far and has the potential to subject citizens who have no criminal records or have not even committed a criminal act, to a strip search. Under this bill, even those who fail to pay forfeitures may be subject to strip searches. Although minors are excluded and touching is prohibited unless the detainee fails to cooperate, the version the
Fifty years after Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize, his sons, Martin Luther King III and Dexter Scott King say they urgently need to sell the Nobel medal to raise money to perpetuate his legacy. The proposed sale, which has landed the brothers in a court battle with their sister, Bernice King, has — not for the first time — put the focus squarely on the finances of the three surviving King children and the institutions they control. Much of that information is shielded from public view.
But federal tax records show that Dexter King has derived by far the greatest income from the nonprofit side of their collective enterprise, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Although he has lived in California since 2000, Dexter King was paid by the Atlanta nonprofit through at least 2012, with his salary and benefits averaging a little more than $175,000 a year. He stepped down as president and CEO in 2010 but remained as chairman. He has drawn more than
Senate passed today goes much further than the more measured bill that was passed by a Senate Committee. “This bill is an invasion of privacy and (is) a blatant disregard for some of the Constitutional rights we hold dear in the U.S.,” Taylor said in a press statement. “No person who has only been arrested, but not convicted, should be denied these basic protections against unfair search and seizure. Any search, not to mention a strip search.” “Not only is this an unstandardized process, but the bill opens the door for many ‘ifs,’” Taylor continued. “If a person is arrested on a minor traffic violation late at night they may be detained beyond 12 hours. If they are arrested on a weekend, they could be held for more than 12 hours. If a person is arrested on a holiday, they may be detained for longer than 12 hours. If a person has a fine or forfeiture and doesn’t have the means to pay, they could be detained for more than 12 hours.” “We should be supporting legislation that helps our public safety officers conduct law enforcement responsibly and this legislation takes us in the opposite direction, violating the privacy of the citizens of Wisconsin.”
Kings’ Spat Puts Finances in the Spotlight
$400,000 in severance pay since then. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution examined IRS Form 990s provided by the King Center covering the years 1996 to 2012. They show that Dexter King, who held a variety of titles, was the only member of the family to get paid, in some form, every year. His total compensation since 1996, including perks and benefits, totaled about $3 million.--Articlecourtesy of NNPA--BlackpressUSA
RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal April 9, 2014 Page 4
Two celebrations of life
RELIGIOUS QUOTE: “If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if he forsakes you, who is there after him that can help you? And in Allah (alone) let believers put their trust.” (The Quran: Aal-E-Imran, Chapter no. 3, verse no. 160)
Pastor’s United hold first annual dinner gala and awards banquet
Ann Bozeman-Nicholas (seated center holding flowers) celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends at the Savoy Club, 2901 N. 5th St. (Kemp photo)
U.S. Congresswoman from Wisconsin Gwen Moore (pictured above, second from left and at right) was the keynote speaker for the first annual Pastor’s United Dinner Gala and Awards Banquet held recently at the Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St. Pictured with Moore in the top photo are (left to right): Milwaukee Ald. Ashanti Hamilton, State Sen. Lena Taylor and Rev. Andrew Calhoun, pastor of Grace Fellowshop Church, located on Port Washington Rd. Pastor’s United is an or-
ganization of pastors and faith leaders who are committed to seeking God for guidance in organizing and mobilizing for solutions to
the social, economic, and spiritual problems facing the urban Milwaukee community. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
Some Churches Struggle to Break the 200 Attendance Mark (Part 2 of 3)
Last month we shared with you the Barna Group’s study conducted with regard to small churches and the difficulty they have in growing. They cited problems with demographics as well as its alleged theographic limitations. This month we will look closer at why some churches struggle to grow. Carey Nieuwhof notes while social media and even traditional media are still preoccupied with mega churches and multi-site churches; the reality is that most churches in North America are quite small. There’s nothing wrong with being small; but most small churches do have a desire to grow and reach more people for Christ. Nieuwhof notes, however, many churches remain small because they think small. In his article “8 Reasons Why Churches Never Break the 200 Attendance Mark” he notes why many churches, while they may want to grow, end up remaining small and then offers a few radical solutions: 1. The Pastor Is The Primary Caregiver. When the pastor has to visit every sick person, do every wedding, funeral and make regular house calls, he/she becomes incapable of doing other things. If you’re good at it, you’ll grow the church to 200 people and then disappoint people when you can’t get to every event any more. Or you’ll just burn out. The answer is to teach people to care for each other in groups. 2. The Leaders Lack A Strategy. Many churches are clear on mission and vision. What most lack is an agreedupon strategy! Your church’s vision and mission answers the why and what of the organization. The strategy an-
Biblical Counseling for Today’s Christian Family By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min., M.Th.
swers the “how.” And the “how” is very critical. The pastor and leadership must spend time working through a strategy and then be absolutely clear on “how” they plan to accomplish the mission and not rest until the mission, vision and strategy are clearly defined and resides in every leader. 3. True Leaders Aren’t Leading. In every church, there are people who hold the position of leadership and then there are people who are truly leaders (who may not hold any position in your church). Release people who hold titles but aren’t advancing the mission and hand the job over to real leaders. The pastor must look for people who have a track record of handling responsibility in other areas of life and give them the job of working with them to lead the church into the future. 4. Volunteers Are Un-Empowered. Once the pastor and leadership have identified the true leaders, and once they are clear on their mission, vision and strategy, the pastor and leadership must then release people to accomplish it. When pastors try to do it all by themselves, they will burn out or simply be ineffective. Empower volunteers
IN MEMORIAM
10-20-82 TO 04-10-13 Gone But Not Forgotten!
“E Mad”
LOVE ALWAYS! Miss You
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“MBBM,” “NIKKI,” “LIL E”
Anna Mae Wilson-Robertson (pictured inset at left and above) was presented with a Congressional proclamation recognizing her 90th birthday. She celebrated her special day with family and friends at the Italian Community Center on East Chicago Street in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate 94 years of spiritual service to community April 27
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 on Matthew 16:18b. The dynamic guest speaker is Rev. Walter J. Lanier, MDIV, JD, pastor of Progressive Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the last two years. 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, Advising and Career Planning at Milwaukee Area Technical College. In the city of Milwaukee, he is also recognized for his phenomenal preaching and teaching. For 94 years, GGMBC has provided ministries for all ages to win souls for Christ and assist members to live a Christ-centered victorious life. The church will focus in the future on expanding those ministries and providing more evangelistic and community outreach programs. The inner-city church already offers a youth scholarship program, children and youth ministries annual Career Options day that has educated over 1,700 youth, and Saturday Hot Meal
Program that feeds approximately 1,200 persons a month. GGMBC also sponsors an annual community back to school give-away and toy give-away for hundreds of local res-
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Rev. Walter J. Lanier
BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
By Fr. Carl Diederichs, All Saints Catholic Church
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. Our Readings start with a Gospel proclaimed at the beginning of the service, before we form a solemn procession to commemorate the entry of Jesus into the Holy City. The reading is from Matthew 21: 1-11. Immediately following the joyful entry of Jesus, as we return to our seats, the mood changes radically, from joyful hymns of praise to somber readings narrating the passion and death of Jesus. Our first reading for the mass is Isaiah 50: 4-7. We can imagine Jesus praying about his impending cruel death using the words of Isaiah: " I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame." And Paul tells us in Philippians 2: 6-11, "He emptied himself taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Sunday is Palm Sunday
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 9, 2014 Page 5
And finally, the church hears proclaimed the entire "Passion Narrative" from Matthew's Gospel: 26:14-27:66. How does all of this change us, when we hear about the cruel passion of Jesus, his being led to Calvary and then nailed to a tree and hung until he breathed no more? First of all, we observe that Jesus never once fought back or made any move to retaliate.
National Baptist Candidate Calls Black Church Too Quiet, Passive, Disconnected Pastor Dr. R.B. Holmes is running for president of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
By Hazel Trice Edney of the Trice Edney Wire.com via The Northstar News Service
(TriceEdneyWire.com) --- Tallahassee, Fla., Pastor Dr. R. B. Holmes, a leading activist working against hazing and “stand-your-ground" laws, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., the nation’s largest black Baptist convention.
Larry Love
Old School Gosepl and R&B concert at Rose Senior Center
The Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior center will be “jammin’” to the sounds of gospel and R&B compliments of “Larry Love & Friends” on Thursday, April 17, starting at 12:15 p.m. Seniors will be entertained with a variety of old school gospel and Rhythm and Blues. The Rose Center is located at 3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr.
Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate 94th anniversary
(continued from page 4) idents. Pastor Johnny C. White, Jr. shared, “Greater Galilee has a rich past as trailblazers and pioneers in the central city of Milwaukee, having compassion in our outreach within the community”. He added, “But also, we look forward to a richer future in Christ Jesus through continued teaching biblical truths for spiritual growth and sustainability of our members. Colossians 3:16 reminds us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord". Pastor White and the congregation invite the public to join in this powerful, spiritually-charged open door worship celebration. For more information, please contact the church office at 562-1110.
At a National Press Club announcement last week, Holmes called on the black church to take back its historic role in fighting for social justice issues. “The black church has become too quiet, too passive, too disconnected when it comes to challenging policies programs and persons that degrade and devastate our people” said Holmes, who was flanked by dozens of church and community leaders. He also announced the formation of a 40-member National Pastors' Task Force to repeal and repair "stand-your-ground" laws. “We have come here today to say to Black America and to the country that we as a people of color and faith are now ready to step forward to address some of the most urgent and critical needs impacting the black community,” Holmes said during a news conference on March 25. “We can and must lead the way to resolve and solve the present problems in our communities. We have come here also to launch my candidacy for the National Baptist Convention, which is one of the nation’s oldest and largest religious organizations.” The National Bap-
tist Convention is based in Nashville, Tenn. Holmes, who is pastor of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Holmes, is not new to the national stage. He is former president of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. He also owns the Capital Outlook, a newspaper that is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Others who participated in the press conference were civil rights Attorney Benjamin Crump; Judge Glenda Hatchett, Baltimore Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant, the parents of the late Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Michael Jiles, and Robert Champion. “We stand with you because we understand the magnificent power of the potential collectively that is among us,” said Judge Hatchett. “And we’re going to manifest it in ways that you can’t measure.” Holmes also indicates he intends to establish multidenominational alliances. Bryant, from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will co-chair the Na-
tional Pastors’ Task Force, Holmes announced. Bryant says he stands behind Dr. Holmes, largely because of his vision. Reflecting on the “historic black church,” he said it “has always been on the front line, realizing that we are the voice for the voiceless. And so many who have become disconcerted and disenfranchised are really trying to discover has the Black church contracted laryngitis? Because we’ve not heard a voice,” Bryant said. “Historically it’s always been a black Baptist preacher to correct America and put us back on track; it’s always been the voice of a black Baptist preacher to speak truth to power uncompromising…unbossed and unbought.” He added that Dr. Holmes is not “trapped behind denominational lines but caught within a unifying vision.” Two years ago, Holmes joined with NNPA to announce a national initiative against hazing, which resulted in the National Anti-hazing/Anti-violence Task Force. His church is viewed by black
Churches Struggle withAttendance communityjournal.net
(continued from page 4) around an aligned strategy and the church will likely begin to see progress and growth. 5. The Governance Team Micromanages. If you need permission every time you need to buy paper towels or need a requisition for a roll of toilet tissue, then you have a governance issue. You need a board that guards the mission and vision, empowers the team to accomplish it and then gets out of the way! 6. Too Many Meetings. Nieuwholf notes he once led a church with a grand total of 50 people in attendance and the church was in evening meetings 2-3 times a week. If the church is going to meet, meet on purpose for the future. The pastor needs to free up his/her time so they and the leadership team can accomplish something significant. 7. Too Many Programs That Lead Nowhere. Activity does not equal accomplishment. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you are being effective. Most small churches have a lot programs that accomplish little and lead nowhere. So stop them! 8. The Pastor Suffers From the Desire to Please Everybody. Many pastors are people-pleasers by nature. Courageous leadership is like courageous parenting. Even though you don’t do what your kids want you to do; you do what you believe is best for them. Like the church culture, eventually, many of them will thank you. May – Why My Church Won’t Grow! (Part 3 of 3) The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in these articles, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
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Colleen Newsom, MCJ STAFF: Classified Advertising Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. Publisher, CEO Joan Hollingsworth, Sales Rep. Robert J. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Assoc. Publisher Taki S. Raton, Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Rev. Roxanne Cardenas, Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Troy A. Sparks, Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Sports Editor Kia Marie Green, Mang. Editor Teretha Martin, Technical PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp Consultant/Webmaster Josephine Joki, Billing Dept./ Publisher’s Admin. Assist. Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.
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“And while we meditate on the passion and death of Jesus during the Holy Week, let's try as best we can to see how we are to live without retaliation, without lashing out at someone who hurt us badly.”
He truly was a "scapegoat" dying to show us that we have no more need for scapegoats. We have no need to lash out. And while we meditate on the passion and death of Jesus during the Holy Week, let's try as best we can to see how we are to live without retaliation, without lashing out at someone who hurt us badly. We have become another Christ through our baptism, so we need to be faithful to the central virtue we have learned from Jesus--non-violence and universal acceptance of everyone as a child of God. Let's also think about our own deaths, not in a morbid way but to come to the realization that we shall all go from this earth and we should be prepared so that our passing over will be peaceful and, like Jesus, a Passover to Eternal Life. Please join us at 10:30 AM on Palm Sunday as we begin our journey to the Cross and Resurrection.
YOUTH&EDUCATION The Milwaukee Community Journal April 9, 2014 Page 6
ACLU Names Youth Civil Libertarian of Year Darlene Johns, Rufus King High School, Recognized
Rufus King High School Junior Darlene Johns is congratulated by Lucy Rosenberg, whose name--along with her husband’s--adorns the Jack and Lucy Rosenberg Yough Civil Libertarian of the Year Award presented annually by the ACLU of Wisconsin. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
The ACLU of Wisconsin named Darlene Johns Youth Civil Libertarian of the Year. Out of several hundred other students in ACLU student alliances, Darlene rose above all of these young people to be recognized. Johns, a Rufus King High School junior, knew from a very young age that she wanted to “be the change…” in the world. She leads workshops, participates in many events and volunteers with community organizations that focus on educating and standing for the rights of the people. As president of the Rufus King ACLU Student Alliance, Johns makes sure student rights are protected and upheld not only within her own school but in all schools. “It was an absolute honor to receive the Jack and Lucy Rosenberg Youth Civil Libertarian of the Year Award from the ACLU!” said Johns. “The ACLU staff has supported me all the way! The work that they do is incredible! They’ve shown me that the voices of the students matter.” “Darlene is a wonderful young woman who will continue to be a credit to Milwaukee in the future,”
said Emilio DeTorre, Youth and Programs Director. “She has had a tremendous impact on other students within her school, and the larger Milwaukee community to whom she has presented. “She’s volunteered over 150 hours with the ACLU to present for hundreds of other high school students, Darlene has worked with middle school students on civil liberties art projects, and shared an important youth perspective with adults at other ACLU events like our Banned Book Reading, where she recited poetry for an audience of more than 80 people.” Milwaukee County Supervisor Khalif Rainey will be honoring Johns with a citation at the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday April 24, 2014 at 9:30am in the County Board Room at 901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233. State Senator Nikiya Harris and Representative Latonya Johnson will recognize Johns at the Rufus King Awards Program on May 15, 2014 at 6 pm.
More MPS students meeting reading standards
More Milwaukee Public Schools students are meeting standards in reading, according to the latest state test results released Tuesday, though the data continue to show the need for greater improvement. The results show steady gains as MPS implemented and continues to implement its Comprehensive Literacy Plan, which ties instruction in classrooms across the city to rigorous standards that prepare students for college and careers. The percentage of MPS students rated proficient or advanced in reading in fall 2013 is up about one percentage point compared to fall 2012 and about two percentage points compared to fall 2009. Each percentage point of students in MPS represents hundreds more students meeting standards. MPS 7th and 8th graders showed a stronger rate of improvement than the rest of the state in reading and 10th graders showed a stronger rate of improvement in math. Tenth-grade students in MPS posted substantial gains, with reading proficiency in fall 2013 up more than three percentage points from fall 2012 and up more than four percentage points from fall 2009. Gains were seen in a number of the district’s historically lowest-performing schools as well as those that have traditionally performed at higher levels. “We are beginning to see the positive impact of our Comprehensive Literacy Plan, though overall achievement is still too low,” MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton said. “We are regularly monitoring our progress in reading and mathematics as we work to both improve outcomes for students and close the achievement gap for all students, especially children of color. There is both the room and the opportunity for us to grow.” The results continue to underscore the need for schools scoring in the lowest category on the state report card to have first access to critical additional supports. In addition to reading growth, MPS saw year-to-year gains in the percentage of students meeting math proficiency standards in most grades tested and gains from fall 2009 to fall 2013 in grades 7, 8 and 10. MPS began implementing its Comprehensive Math and Science Plan in 2011-12 and that plan continues to be bolstered by a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the district. STEM efforts include programs bringing STEM education into early grades, a large number of schools utilizing the rigorous Project Lead the Way program, an expansion of aquaponics efforts and alignment of science instruction to rigorous college- and career-readiness standards. Growth figures listed above represent increases in the data used by the state for accountability purposes: the percentage of all students – those taking the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) and those taking the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment (WAA) – rated proficient or advanced who were students in the district for the full academic year.
Our African legacy of mastery and genius with America’s Black “First” (continued from page 3)
spiritualist, musicians, writers, metallurgist, teachers, scholars, thinkers, philosophers, cosmetologist, warriors, historians, poets, mathematicians, inventors, statesmen. This African World bloodline of achievement, mastery and genius is anchored by the ancient African Egyptians (to whom we ancestrally refer to as the Kemetic people of the “Black Land,” Kemet) who were the earliest builders of monumental civilizations over the nearly 3000 years from 3150 B.C.E. to 332 B.C.E. to include the development of paper, script, spiritual systems, science, engineering, medicine, architecture, art, music, advances in agriculture, the taming of animals, maritime science, astrology, astronomy, philosophy, cosmetics, board games, government, mathematics, temple building, education, and the creators of the world’s first university. Williams tells us that, “The strength and greatness of African people can be measured by how, in the face of what at times seemed to be all the forces of Hell, they fought through and survived it all and reconstructed kingdoms and empires, some of which endured for centuries.” Not to discount the predecessors of Ghana or Mali, but for the purpose of this exploration, most symbolic of such a reconstructed empire was the kingdom of Songhay in West Africa which endured over the 119 years from 1475 C.E. to 1594 C.E. It would be here during this era that we see a continuation of African World accomplishment, mastery and genius in the African bloodline. This proud legacy was spirited at the University of Songhay in Timbuktu. Attracting students and scholars from all of West Africa and from foreign countries, this university, describes Williams, consisted of a Faculty of Law, and departments of Medicine and Surgery, Grammar, Geography, and Art. Distinguished African intellectual Ahmed Baba, reflecting a long line of Timbuktu scholars, served as the last academic head of the Songhay academy. His title today would be akin to that of a “Chancellor.” He was the author of 42 books covering such topics as astronomy, law, science, theology, grammar, appropriate speech, and logic. It should be noted that the fall of Songhay was in 1594, only 24 years before the arrival of the first twenty Africans in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. Again, be aware that Songhay attracted and trained the likes of scholars, mathematicians, poets, musicians, engineers, architects, writers, artists, astronomers, spiritualist and thinkers. Therefore it would be more than conceivable that at the end of the Songhay empire – if not during its reign given the migration, movement and mixing of Africans in and around its West Coast – scholars, mathematicians, poets, musicians, engineers, architects, writers, artist, astronomers, spiritualist, thinkers, builders and the like would very well be among the population of West Africans who would be captured and forcibly shackled on slave ships just 47 years later when in 1641 Massachusetts became the first colony to legalize enslavement. It’s in the blood! Our legacy of African World achievement, mastery and genius continues with the Moors’ occupation of Europe (in the region then known as Andalus/Spain) for 781 years from 711 A.D. to January 2, 1492 A.D. The Moors, who were Black and of African descent, due to their occupation of Europe, brought this population out of their Dark Ages. The Moors shared with Europe their learned academies, architecture, created cosmopolitan cities with lighted streets; instructed in the ways of their culture, literature, sciences, government, medicine, social etiquette, astrology, astronomy, geometry, calculus, poetry, art, philosophy, history, language, religious studies, geography and their classical music traditions. And yes, classical music is an African creation and not European. Europe’s great university traditions grew out of the scholastic tutelage of the African Moor. In fact and indeed, the concept of a “university” is also an African tradition, not European. Europe’s oldest and finest universities were established during the same time that there was a flowering of Moorish scholarship on European soil. It is further highly believed that there would not have been a Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519 or a Galileo (1564-1642) had it not been for the Moorish/African schooling and wisdom that had preceded them thereby providing foundational studies for their work. Thus, this bloodline legacy of African World accomplishment, mastery and ge-
nius could have been tightly huddled in the bowels of the slave ship sailing across the Atlantic towards North America. The pattern that is now clearly emerging is that historically, wherever the African presence is on this planet throughout corridors of time, civilization, mastery and genius follows, even under the most horrific, oppressed, brutal, and subjugated of circumstances. During the period of enslavement over the 224 years from 1641 to 1865, the period of Reconstruction from 1866 to 1877, and during the period of Jim Crow over the 87 years from 1877 to 1964, the African in America remained resilient, resistant, masterfully adaptive, masterfully creative, masterfully skilled and masterfully equalizing. By “equalizing,” it is meant herein that the African (Colored/Negro/Black) during this time was able to match, improve upon, compete, excel, and master any and all progressive North American humankind societal and professional engagements. And this was due - knowingly or unknowingly - not because of the drive to be this Black “First” as though the Caucasian was the “supreme model” of achievement, but due to the fact that such accomplishment, mastery and genius was naturally already within our DNA. We therefore produced scores of doctors, artists, merchants, builders, scientists, astrologers, astronomers, bankers, architects, pilots, engineers, spiritualist, musicians, writers, metallurgist, teachers, scholars, thinkers, philosophers, cosmetologist, warriors, historians, healers, poets, mathematicians, inventors, statesmen and more on these shores from 1641 through the Jim Crow era. Even during the era of enslavement, we still had numbering over 60,000 free Africans (Blacks) who had developed enterprises in almost every area of the business community to include merchandising, real estate, manufacturing, construction, transportation, extractive industries, service, and carpentry. As of 1838 (still during the era of enslavement), the “Register of Trades of Colored Peoples” in the city of Philadelphia listed 8 bakers, 75 blacksmiths, 3 brass founders, 15 cabinet makers and carpenters, 5 confectioners, 2 caulkers, 2 chair buttoners, 15 tailoring enterprises, 31 tanners, 5 weavers, and 6 wheelwrights. Even in 1865 at the moment of Emancipation Proclamation, according to published accounts, despite having no more than a 3rd grade education in most cases, Blacks following their freedom, became blacksmiths, bricklayers, carpenters, merchants, teachers, doctors, lawyers, farmers, ranchers, cooks, soldiers and more. Blacks back then also built houses, towns, communities, businesses, families, schools, universities, institutions and strongly invested in their collective future. Social compliments, civilizing activity, entrepreneurial endeavors, the pursuit of knowledge, independence, creativity, inventiveness and the desire for selfreliance were moving forward driving forces. Born in 1843, Elijah McCoy at the age of 29 during the Reconstruction period in 1872 invented the first version of his lubricator for steam engines. This was the first in a series of forty-two patents, most of which were designed to facilitate machine lubrication. Engineering technology is no stranger to the African bloodline Edward Alexander Bouchet at the age of 24 became the first African American to earn a doctorate in the United States earning a Ph.D. in physics at Yale in 1876. Bouchet was also during this Jim Crow era nominated to the esteemed honor society, Phi Beta Kappa in 1884. Grandville T. Woods is recognized as one of the most prolific American inventors in history for his over 50 patients which revolutionized the transportation and communication industries. One of his major accomplishments is the invention of the railway telegraphy system between trains in 1887. In 1893, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first open heart surgery
at Provident Hospital which he founded in Chicago and in 1923, Garrett A. Morgan invented the traffic light. A people who over millennium populated the earth and through migratory patterns out of Africa and laid the foundation for all of the world’s civilizing activity in Europe and in Asia beginning around 32,999 B.C.E; created the world’s first calendar in 4236 B.C.E., formed the world first civilizations in Kemet, established a world class university in West Africa, brought the European out of the Dark Ages - these people can certainly and most assuredly survive and master the peculiar circumstances that befell us on these shores over the 345 years from 1619 to the end of Jim Crow in 1964. This phase of our history should also be prominent in our classrooms, in our homes, from the politician’s podium and from the pastor’s pulpit. And again in the words of Williams to paraphrase - the strength of African people is measured by how, “in the face of what at times seemed to be all the forces of Hell,” we fought through, survived, and reconstructed our greatness. It’s in our blood. What should we do? We have to first extract the exclusive placement of our history from its North American captive sojourn, scholastically and culturally liberate it, and reconnect African American history with our total African World historiographical existence on this planet. In this regard, the legacy of African World achiement, mastery and genius is not severed and remains connected from an
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KALEIDOSCOPE
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 9, 2014 Page 7
USHER TO HEADLINE SUMMERFEST 2014
“The World’s Largest Music Festival” in Milwaukee is the only stop for Usher in the U.S. this summer Usher with special guest Bebe Rexha will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Sunday, July 6. It is the ninth major show slated for Summerfest 2014. Challenging himself creatively and testing musical boundaries are characteristics that have defined Usher's career since he was first discovered twenty years ago on Star Search. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Assn. of America as one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold over 46 million albums worldwide. He has won numerous awards including 8 Grammy Awards and was named the #1 Hot 100 artist of the 2000s decade. Billboard named him the second most successful artist of the 2000s decade, with his career-propelling 2004 album “Confessions” being ranked as the top solo album of the 2000s decade. Usher has attained nine Hot 100 #1 hits (all as a lead artist) and 18 Hot 100 top-10 singles. This year will prove to be a big year for Usher not only in music but also film and TV. Musically, Usher is getting ready to release his much anticipated eighth studio album that is due out Fall 2014. He will also star as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in the upcoming film “Hands of Stone,” a biopic of boxer Roberto Duran played by Edgar Ramirez that co-stars Robert De Niro due out late 2014. Usher is also currently enjoying his second season as a coach on NBC's Emmy award winning hit reality TV show "The Voice." Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 12 at 11:00 am CST and include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Summerfest Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“Ticketmaster Express” automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize “ticketfast” at Ticketmaster.com to print barcoded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases. PLEASE NOTE: To purchase Marcus Amphitheater tickets in person at the Summerfest Box Office on the day of the on sale, patrons must visit the temporary location at the Mid Gate on the corner of Harbor Drive and Chicago Street. Parking will be available across the street. Summerfest fans get access to “Stay Connected” Pre-sales before tickets go on sale to the general public when they subscribe to receive Summerfest News email alerts at Summerfest.com, “Like” Summerfest on Facebook or follow Summerfest on Twitter. The Usher Pre-sale will run Friday, April 11 from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm CST or until pre-sale inventory has been exhausted. Summerfest 2014 will take place June 25 - 29 and July 1 - 6 from Noon until Midnight and will be closed Monday, June 30.
the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section Reconnecting Editor’s Facebook photo picks of the week our African legacy of mastery and genius (continued from page 6)
MSBU Steppin’ with the stars mixer at 3041 North, located at 3041 W. North Avenue, March 14, 2014 (Photo by Harrison Kern)
National Baptist Convention candidagte challenges group to be more proactive (continued from page 5)
community leaders as a headquarters for rallies and organizing. The National Action Network’s Rev. Al Sharpton has been among speakers at the church. Holmes is president of National Action Network in Tallahassee. Election scheduled for September The National Baptist Convention election will take place between September 1 to 5, during the organization’s 134th annual convention in New Orleans. Current president, Dr. Julius R. Scruggs, is not seeking reelection. There are a total of six candidates running for the presidency. The NBC, which has millions of members from churches, district associations and state conventions worldwide, could broadly impact issues affecting African Americans inside and outside the church. “The National Baptist Convention must become more visible and vibrant as it relates to saving, sustaining and strength-
ening African-American families in particular and all families in general,” Holmes says. “Now is the time for renewed action. In our 12-point action plan, we will take the leadership to save our boys and girls, to build schools in our own neighborhoods, to repeal and repair stand- your-ground laws across America in our own neighborhoods and to support the importance of historically black colleges and universities.” The controversial “stand-your- ground” laws were catapulted to the forefront of America’s civil rights agenda in the February 26, 2012, with the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman. An allwomen’s jury acquitted Zimmerman of murder charges. Since then, other cases have heightened the issue, such as the killing of unarmed teenager Jordan Davis by Michael Dunn and the incarceration of Marissa Alexander who unsuccessfully pled “stand-your ground” when she fired a warning shot during an altercation with an abusive husband. All three of these cases took place in Florida. Holmes says: "Enough is enough! We need to take a deeper look at this legislation to make it abundantly clear that StandYour-Ground laws are not being used unfairly and unjustly, in reference to poor and minority communities.”
De-Cluttering and Downsizing in your Golden Years
(continued from page 1) identified to protect her parent's privacy, just went through the de-cluttering and downsizing process. Her aging parents are selling their home and have moved into an assisted living community. She offered some advice to adult children who find themselves facilitating the downsizing process and moving their aging parents. “Getting my parents to downsize was a nightmare, which is why my basement is filled with stuff. I would advise that those involved start the downsizing process as early as possible and give themselves more time than they think they need to clean and empty the house before putting it on the market. “I started packing for my parents seven months before the move. Leading up to the actual move, I spent another 6-11 hours a day—over a couple of weeks—moving, sorting and giving away items. “It is very difficult for adult children, in fact depressing, to realize your parents are at the point in life where they need to make the transition. It is also difficult for the parents. So much of what they have accumulated is engulfed in treasured memories, plus they are giving up some of their independence,” she said. She also noted that adult children might find themselves in the precarious role of needing to stand firm on decisions while respecting their parents. She advised that if aging parents are selling their home, it helps to make the realtor your ‘buddy.’ The realtor may need to step in and become the ‘voice of reason’ to help adult children facilitate some of the more difficult decisions. Regardless of the reason for downsizing or de-cluttering, the process can be an exhausting and emotionally draining experience. If you or your aging parent are not emotionally ready to move to a smaller home (and it is not yet a physical necessity), downsizing or de-cluttering may be the best route to take for now. Should a crisis occur, you have already prepared ahead and most treasures are ready to be packed. A gentle beginning to and preparation for this change of life time will save you or your aging parent a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
How you can start de-cluttering
How to Get Started • Start de-cluttering in the rooms you use the least: If there are rooms that are not used on a daily basis, such as guest bedrooms, basements, attics or living rooms, start the sorting process in these rooms. This way, you won’t feel pressured or overwhelmed by the piles you accumulate in the rooms that you regularly use. • Start with large items: So that you feel as if you are making progress, start removing or getting rid of with the largest items in the room and move towards the smallest. For example, identify what you will do with the furniture before you start on sorting through your collection of angels. • Document family history: Take time to write down special memories or any family history that may be connected to special items and include the documentation with the items, especially if you plan to pass them on to other family members. This information will be cherished for generations to come and contributes to the value of family heirlooms. • Work in scheduled blocks of time: Sort items for short periods; no more than two or three hours at a time. As you de-clutter, you will be reliving memories and making decisions about items you have lived with for many years. This process can be emotionally draining. You will feel less overwhelmed and make better decisions by taking regular breaks and allowing time to deal with your emotions. • Start early and don’t rush yourself: Make de-cluttering an adventure. Plan plenty of time for the sorting process. It’s okay to take time out to laugh at old pictures, read old letters, reflect on memories or grieve for losses. When it’s difficult to decide what to do with an item, put it aside for later. What to Do With All This Stuff • Keep the items that you treasure the most: As you de-clutter, make decisions about those items that you refuse to part with and keep that list in sight as you sort. You may need to change your list as you come across new things but it will help you prioritize what is important to keep and why. • Consider bequeathing items now: Perhaps there are certain items you want family members to have now. It is entirely possible that you will get more pleasure out of seeing your family enjoy your lamp or table at the next family gathering than knowing she will have it after you are gone. • Get rid of things you no longer need: Be realistic about what items you use regularly and what items you are just used to having around. The electric carving knife you use once a year during the holidays may not be as necessary as the coffee pot that you use every morning. • Consider having a garage sale or yard sale: Having enough items that are likely to put a little extra cash in your pocket, such as furniture, antiques, electronics, may make holding a garage or yard sale worth the time and effort. • Donate to charity: Consider donating items (especially clothes) to a charity for a tax-deductible donation. Some organizations (e.g., Purple Heart, Salvation Army) will pick up donated items. Also, give thought to donating to specific items to specific organizations. For example, donate professional attire to an abused women’s shelter or employment assistance program, donate books to the library or give old instruments to a school or nonprofit organization’s music program. • Have the kids remove their ‘stuff’: If you are an empty nester, tell your adult children to pick up their childhood belongings and mementos, if they want them. Give them a deadline that fits your schedule and warn them that anything not picked up will be discarded.
African perspective. This also avoids defining African American “First” as being a false replica of another person’s non-existent historical imagery. Secondly, the Black man in America must cease to see himself as being the sole product of his enslavement past. He therefore should remove/separate himself, his family, and his children from belief systems, practices, organizations and institutions in his community that would keep him and his children in a perpetual state of being less-than their true African potential, dependent upon others, colonized by and mentally operating within the mindset of other people, intergenerationally inferior, and perpetually ethnohistorically non-existent. This we must do for ourselves as these ailments (being less-than, dependent upon others, acting from the mindset of other people, etc.) are now a practice that is cultivated and reinforced within our own culture. Neither racism nor White Supremacy is imposing these conditions on us. We are doing this to ourselves. In this regard, our esteemed scholarwarrior ancestor Dr. Asa Hilliard used the term “Conceptual Incarceration” to describe the mental conditioning affecting the thinking process of millions of people of African descent. Due to the consistent presence of Eurocentric myths and fabrications, Blacks remain historically confused, experientially isolated on the global arena of civilized contributory presence, and disoriented and disconnected as to a collective group sense of identity, purpose and direction. Thirdly and lastly in this particular sharing, we need to identify and continuously train master teachers and set up institutions of learning, research, scholarship, and reorientation not just for our children but certainly and clearly also for the adults, parents, community leadership and community stakeholders. We know the model for these teachers, who they are, where they are and the manner in which they should be prepared to teach. A twofold objective is to first and foremost return African people to their rightful place on the world stage of time and achievement and secondly to properly prepare our African American cultural membership, and in particular our young, for a dignified, self-respecting, confident, competent, successful and competitive participation in America’s multicultural pluralistic society. We must feel comfortable with our history – all of it – and build upon the greatness which is ours to rescue, reclaim, reinterpret, reconstruct, restore and redeem. Only then will our children have a proud future into which to grow and one that they will be proud to claim as their own. Taki S. Raton is an adjunct professor of African American History at Springfield College Milwaukee campus. A staff development specialist in the African Centered curriculum model, Raton is also President and CEO of African Global Images, Inc.
Usher
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