Five local Black business leaders form group and join Bucks ownership team
model of pri“We have a significant opFive prominent Black National BasMiller Brewing development vate, commuportunity to positively imbusiness and community ketballAssociaCompany and renewal, nity and pact an organization that leaders have joined forces to tion (NBA). Charles which positively potentially pubcares about giving back to create a group that will be The members Harvey: Chief benefit diverse lic partnership. our community off the court part of the Milwaukee Bucks of PCI are: Diversity Officommunities. The Bucks oras much as they care about ownership team. Michael cer and Presi“PCI is exganization can winning on it. Called Partners for ComBarber: Chief dent of the cited to be innow announce “The Bucks organization munity Impact LLC (PCI), Operating OffiJohnson Convolved in what that PCI’s ownis an important cultural and the group represents a bold Daniels-Carter cer, GEHealth- Charles Harvey trols Foundation truly is a trans- Michael Barber Cory Nettles Virgis Colbert ership bid has economic asset to our comnew model of private, comcare Cory Netformational economic development project that will been approved by the NBA. munity, and all of Milwaukee will benemunity and potentially public partnerValerie Daniels-Carter: Co-Founder, tles: Founder and Managing Director, benefit the entire community,” the Bucks “We are extremely excited to become fit from the team’s success. We look ship. President and CEO, V&J Holding Com- Generation Growth Capital a part of the ownership team to support forward to supporting the Bucks’ deep The Bucks made the announcement panies In a press statement, the Bucks lauded statement read. “This partnership between the Bucks something truly transformative for our commitment to economic development, of its partnership with PCI last Friday Virgis Colbert: Former Executive the new group and its entrepreneurial accommunity,” said Cory Nettles. after the group’s bid was approved by the Vice President of Worldwide Operations, tivities, often focused on urban economic and members of PCI is a bold new (continued on page 7)
COMMUNITY
JOURNAL www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
VOL. XXXIX Number 13 October 22, 2014
The Milwaukee
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY
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
During the recent MillerCoors 2014 United Way kick-off luncheon we asked for participants this question: “Why do you think this upcoming election (November 4) is important to the Black community?”
TANGIA STEGALL: “I believe it’s important because our basic civil rights are under attack. We are under a current (state) administration (Gov. Walker’s) that wants to make it harder for us to vote. They are trying to take our voice as they continue to change and make laws that are not in our best interest.”
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668
Black Milwaukee men--young and old--answered the call of the Milwaukee Nation of Islam Mosque #3 to reaffirm their commitment to themselves, their families and their community by participating in the commemorative march through the community in honor of the 19th anniversary of the historic Million Man March, which first took place October 16, 1995. That first march was called by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakkan that attracted nearly two million Black men from around the country to the national mall in Washington D.C. and which inspired a renewed commitment to uplifting the Black community. The march in Milwaukee--which encouraged Black men and boys to “Stop the Killing”--was one of many anniversary observances that took place around the country by the Nation of Islam. It started and ended at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, where a panel discussion was held on how far the community has come since the historic march in 1995. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
Nation of Islam, Black men and community leaders commemorate the 19th anniversary of the
MILLION MAN MARCH
GEORGE WALKER: “This election and all elections are important to make sure our voice is heard and not taken for granted. Too me, people died for us to have the right to vote and be heard. If you want true change, make sure you are part of the process to make it happen.”
DENISE THOMAS: “The upcoming election is critical as the outcome has a direct impact on not only the state of Wisconsin, but also the greater Milwaukee area. Traditionally Black voters place emphasis on presidential elections, which are important. However, the direct impact of our vote (or not voting) occurs within local and state elections. Therefore, we must use our right to vote.”
ANDRE VOSS: “The upcoming election is important for the Black community because the community cannot be heard if people don’t express the voices. The best way to be heard is to vote.”
MillerCoors joins United Way of Greater Organization hands out “R.U.B.I.E.S” Milwaukee in “Brewing Change” in the community! to deserving women of community who
Thelma Sias (third from right), vice president of Local Affairs for We Energies, helped MillerCoors kick-off their 2014 United Way campaign. She was the keynote speaker for the brewing company’s luncheon/presentation, sharing her thoughts on the role of United Way in the community and the importance of “Brewing Change,” which is MillerCoors United Way campaign logo. Sias, who is serving as a United Ways 2014 Community Campaign co-chair, spoke on the fundraising goal of $53.8 Million that United Way has set, the role that MillerCoors plays in helping achieve that goal, and how those dollars help many in the community. With Sias are (left to right): Mimi Laflin, United Way account manager for major campaigns; Michelle Nettles, MillerCoors chief officer for human resources; George Walker, MillerCoors project manager for business transformation; Carla Smith, MillerCoors financial analyst; and Jeriah Ebling, United Way Senior Account manager. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
impact the lives of women and girls
Ten women representing faith-based and community organizations that help women, and who are survivors of sex trafficking were presented their “R.U.B.I.E.S” (Rare Unique Beautiful Intelligent Excelling Sisters) awards as part of a yearly community giveaway of clothes, shoes, household items and food baskets. The community giveaway is sponsored by The God Project. The award honors women who, through their professional or personal efforts, are making extraordinary differences in the lives of women and girls. The “R.U.B.I.E.S” award winners are (back row, left to right): Anique Ruiz, founder and CEO of the Journey of Women, Inc.; Pastor Fisk, who accepted the award for her mother, Dr. Joyce Thronton; Cheryl Adams, Eloise Jones, Sharon Jewell, April Brantley, the host of the event and founder/creater of “The God Projectoutreach and missions ministry. (Front row, left to right): Delisha Moore, Izmira Aitch, Nicole Tynan, Keziah Love, Serita Campbell. The giveaway and awards ceremony was held at the UWM Zelazo Center, located at 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd. There was also an education and awareness presentation on sex trafficking that focused on whether or not society was “prepping” children to be trafficked and the phenomenom of “peer to peer” trafficking. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Ald. Joe Davis, Sr. announces run for Milwaukee mayor Compiled by MCJ Staff
Ald. Joe Davis, Sr.
Milwaukee Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. announced Wednesday afternoon that he would seek the office of mayor of Wisconsin’s largest city. Davis will challenge Mayor Tom Barrett and fellow Alderman Bob Donovan in the 2016 mayoral race. Donovan announced several months ago his intention to run for the office.
Davis made his announcement first on 860 AM WNOV’s morning radio talk show, “The Forum with Sherwin Hughes.” He then made it official diuring a news conference at Meticulous Auto, 8800 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. The alderman formed an exploratory committee last July. Davis and the committee spent many days and hours collecting feedback from
local businesses and the citizens in the city about their concerns on the current leadership and general direction of Milwaukee. Based on what he heard, Davis reportedly made the decision to throw his hat into the ring. Before he entered politics, Davis was a member of Steamfitters Local 601 and a member of the Milwaukee
Joint Apprenticeship Committee of Pipefitting Industry. His first foray into politics was as a member of the Milwaukee County Board. He then ran for alderman and won a special election in 2003. Davis’ is noted for leading efforts to create international relationships with cities around the world, especially the nations of Africa.
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 2
THE PULSE
The WHO•WHAT•WHERE• WHEN of YOUR Community!
F o r m e r l y
t h e
Paralee Brooks Jones
4 W
C o m m u n i t y
H a p p e n i n g s
Members of the Milwaukee chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW), a national non-profit committed to economic empowerment and leadership development of African American women, hosted its second annual “Big Hat Brunch” at the Milwaukee Athletic Club, 758 N. Broadway. This year’s event featured a celebration of Milwaukee County’s unsung “She-roes” in the fields of law enforcement, firefighters and the military. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Burnell Brooks Sutton
Sisters honored by city, faithbased community
The Brooks sisters: Paralee Brooks Jones and Burnell Brooks Sutton were honored by their respective families, their church family and Mayor Tom Barrett for their contributions to their city, community, and faith-based community for their service and devotion to family during a tribute luncheon in their honor recently at the Women’s Club of Wisconsin, 813 E. Kilbourn Ave. The mayor presented both women proclamations from the city. St. Mark AME church presented a proclamation to Jones and Monumental Missionary Baptist church presented Sutton with a proclamation. (Photos by Kim Robinson)
Join Creative Alliance Milwaukee for the 3rd Annual Creative Milwaukee@work Summit:
Moving from aspiration to activation
Creative Alliance Milwaukee will host its 3rd annual CreativeMilwaukee@work Summit. The Summit allows Milwaukee's creative community to come together to get inspiration, mingle with peers and enhance their skills. This year the focus will be on creative problemsolving as a tool for innovation and value creation in every industry as participants dig deeper and dissect the creative problem-solving process. The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 24th at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1721 W. Canal Street, where more than 300 individuals from a variety of creative disciplines including design, performing arts, culinary arts, social entrepreneurs and recruiters will be in attendance. “The goal is for attendees to experience an optimized community that applies creativity, creative processes and create problem solving across disciples, professions and issues,” Maggie Kuhn Jacobus, president and executive director of Creative Alliance Milwaukee. The event is open to all community members with a limited number of scholarships and volunteer opportunities available. One highlight this year is reporting on the Creative Alliance initiative. There’s a city-wide, interdisciplinary team initiated by Creative Alliance Milwaukee working to design concepts for the redevelopment of 4th and
West Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee. “We believe the project can serve as a catalyst for activating the downtown area,” said Jacobus. “As part of that, it must first serve all citizens and we need input and ideas from all of our communities.” The Summit is about diverse voices participating in conversations about the future of the Milwaukee community including a proposed arena, job training, social justice and more. “Too many of these conversations are taking place in silos or without the engagement of the cross-section of our community. As the executive director of an organization representing 70,000 people who work in the creative, cultural and entertainment industries, it's my job to make sure this voice is heard.” More than 25 industry professionals will present and facilitate sessions at this year’s Summit. Attendees will get hands-on experiences, putting our newly-honed creative problem-solving skills to work in facilitated sessions that show us how to use the tools of story-telling, pattern language and prototyping to ideate solutions. The cost to attend the Summit is $175. For more information or to register, visit http://creativealliancemke.org/CMAW/registration/. To apply online for a scholarship or volunteer, visit http://creativealliancemke.org/CMAW/scholarships/.
PERSPECTIVES FIRST PERSON
A call to fathers to attend 9th annual Fatherhood Summit By Mayor Tom Barrett
Fatherhood Summit Helps Dads Make a Better Milwaukee By Mayor Tom Barrett It’s been nearly ten years since I launched the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative to improve the wellbeing of our children by promoting responsible fatherhood. Since 2005, it has connected more than 9,000 men to resources to better meet the emotional and financial needs of their children and families while improving their life outcomes. The 9th annual Fatherhood Summit, which is a part of the Fatherhood Initiative, will take place Friday, October 31st from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 1st from 7:30 a.m. to Noon at Destiny Youth Plaza, 7210 North 76th Street. The goal of this free twoday public event is to create more effective dads and, in turn, stronger families and communities. As we gear up for this year’s event, let’s give a shout out to dads. Although there is nothing like a mother’s love, the impact of a present father cannot be overstated. Why Are Dads Important? A significant body of research conducted by the academic and medical communities, government agencies, children’s groups and others document the vital role of fathers. Let’s look at the facts. • Children with fathers present tend to have higher achievement levels and lower levels of behavioral problems. • Individuals whose fathers showed more involvement in their lives early on tend to achieve higher levels of education. • Adolescents who have positive relationships with their fathers are less likely to abuse alcohol and drugs. • Teenagers who have positive relationships with their fathers are less likely to engage in delinquency. • Growing up with a father significantly reduces the likelihood of incarceration in later life. Now let’s look at the flip side. There is no question that when a child grows up in a fatherless home, the child is placed at an increased risk of a host of poor life outcomes. They include: • 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Department of Health and Human Services/Census Bureau) • 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes (US Department of Health and Human Services/Census BuMayor Tom Barrett reau) • 85% of children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) • 71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (National Principals Association Report). • 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes (US Department of Justice) Father absence is the most consequential societal issues of our time. It impacts every corner of our city and people from all walks of life. According to U. S. Census Bureau data, 2 in 3 African American children, 1 in 3 Hispanic children and 1 in 4 white children live in fatherless homes. We must come together at our annual Fatherhood Summit and year-round to combat the crisis of absentee fathers and transform the way we view the role of fathers in their children’s lives and in our community. Better dads make a better Milwaukee. I applaud all of the agencies, groups, businesses and individuals who will gather together to support dads at this year’s summit. At the summit, Milwaukee County Child Support staff will review cases to reduce eligible child support interest debt. Center for Driver’s License Recovery staff will help men restore driving privileges. Information on new Milwaukee County bus routes that provide fathers the access to employers and jobs in area suburbs will be highlighted. Affordable Health Care Act enrollment that starts November 15th will also be a summit topic. Saturday morning will feature a special session on skilled trades training and job opportunities arising from the construction of the new Northwestern Mutual headquarters and other large economic development projects. The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board and Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP will lead the session. A job and resource fair will be offered both days and feature employers who are hiring as well as resources in the areas of health, housing, financial empowerment, education and public safety. Other summit topics will include the importance of good health, credit repair, starting a business, healing broken relationships and changing one’s life direction. How Can You Help? Please plan on participating and help us spread the word. To preregister, please visit the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative or Social Development Commission websites at www.MilwaukeeFatherhood.com and www.cr-sdc.org.
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 3
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“OUR FLAG IS RED, WHITE AND BLUE, BUT OUR NATION IS A RAINBOW- RED, YELLOW, BROWN, BLACK AND WHITE- AND WE'RE ALL PRECIOUS IN GOD'S SIGHT. “
-- JESSE JACKSON
Now is the Time for Us to Cooperate
UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING
I believe that there comes a time within every generation when it is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and mighty thing that is unique to Rahim Islam their gifts, talents, and time. What a tragedy if that moment finds us unprepared, unqualified, or uninspired for what could be our finest hour.
By Rahim Islam
The time is now for our community to stand up and heed the call of the spirit of change that is percolating throughout the city. That spirit is asking us to acknowledgethat current strategies are not working for us and that we are falling further and further behind. Many of us are sick and tired of being sick and tired and want to see real change happen in our lifetimes. For that to happen, we must really want it. The time is now for our finest hour but it can’t be achieved until we begin to cooperate with each other. We must change our behaviors. My father once told me that if you really want something, find a way to achieve it. If you don’t, youwill find excuses not to achieve what it is you want (you really don’t want it enough). Our success will not be achieved by an individual. It will only come when we begin to work collectively. We all want to see a better education system for our children; we all want to see the prison system release our men and stop locking them up; we all want to see our communities cleaned up and revitalized; we all want to see the senseless murders of our Black youth eliminated; we all want to see Black businesses opening and thriving in our community; and we all want to see unemployment reduced with full employment for every able Black man and woman. While these issues are daunting, there are many, many more that we must address. Achieving success for any of these issues is a process and we can’t jump over any of the steps. While we all see the “promised land” (we know what we want), to get there, we will have to earn it. This means that we must be on the path for change. That path is communication (conversation), cooperation (functional unity), and coordination (strategy). • Communication (Conversation): Because we haven’t had too many “wins,” we have become very cynical as a people. There is so much cynicism now that we must challenge it and overcome its impact one day at a time (we must build up a resistance to its hold on us). Like those who have long-term addiction (i.e. drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.), we must face our demons one day at a time. The demon of cynicism is so entrenched that hopelessness engulfs our community and paralyses our every effort before we even get started. There is no way we can tackle the issues we face without first discussing them; an orchestra (multiple people that are working to produce one sound), before it actually performs, must tune up. What does our tune up look like? It looks like having a number of conversations that attempt to get us on the same page. We must not only understand the key issues facing our community, but we must understand why those issues are not getting fixed. No matter what people say, when they try to argue against this process it’s their long-term addiction speaking versus their sobriety. Many of our people are so hurt, overwhelmed and sometimes delusional that they believe we can achieve real solutions without first having significant discussions.
• Cooperation (Functional Unity): Many times when we call for unity amongst our people, we are calling for something that is unachievable, especially at our current stage of development. Why? Because, many times the call for unity is an emotional one usually in response to some outrage that we just experienced (were sick and tired of what is happening to us). Calling for unity when there hasn’t been real and sustained dialogue will produce what we have now: nothing. I, like you, want to see our people unified, but it will never happen if we’re not talking to each other. This type of unity is so abstract, like love; it’s so subjective that it has stymied our ability to make any progress. How do you quantify it? How do you measure it? As a people, we are diverse in our thinking and our solutions which require a hefty dose of dialogue. Unfortunately, we’ve wasted so much time trying to obtain unity that we have gotten nowhere. We must change our thought processes and focus on achieving a goal that is measurable and achievable: cooperation versus unity. Cooperation is basically when we are united around a common agenda, a common cause. Our cause must be that each and every Black man, woman, and child, be about an upliftment of our people in America that involves the reduction of the massive disparities in critical areas of wealth, education, and poverty. We must all be able to cooperate around a sound plan of action regarding these issues no matter where we are in the socio-economic spectrum of life. Can the Black religious community get behind this? Can the Black political community get behind this? Can the Black educators, businesses and civic organizations get behind this? I believe so, especially if we stop calling for unity and call for cooperation.Unity will come. • Coordination (Strategy) - Because of the unbelievable challenges that we face, our solutions must be balanced, sober, and as best as possible, without emotion, rhetoric and theatrics. Our coordination must be near perfect for us to mount any sustained campaign. As a people, we must grow up and do the hard work. We must get past the fantasy of unity and the reality of cooperation. We must coordinate the unbelievable talents and skills of our people if we are to have a fighting chance. I liken the resources and power that exist in our community to the electrical energy that is running through the wires representing thousands of watts of energy. Guess what? Unless that energy is captured and contained, it can't be used. It becomes a potentially deadly force. In order to use the electrical energy, we need input the appropriate current and ground it at the output (electrical socket) - infrastructure and coordination. Together we must build the socket. Don't get it twisted, the issues we face are hundreds of years in the making. I know some don't believe this (okay you don't have to). The fact remains that the systems we must correct and or adjust has no history of serving our people and, therefore, require the best strategic thinking and planning. How is it that we believe we can just march our way out of this mess? We can holler and scream all day long and nothing will get done. Nothing will get done until we do the work of building the infrastructure (socket) to corral the unbelievable talent and resources that exist in our community and use it to eradicate our problems. We have so many issues which require that we must determine which issues have the biggest impact and how they can be addressed with the greatest impact. Brothers and sisters we have work to do and no one will give it to us, unless we earn it. Earning it requires that we take one step at a time and at no time will we be able to skip through the process. “There comes a time when silence is betrayal”--Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Black Unity - Progress through Organization!! Rahim Islam is a National Speaker and Writer, Convener of Philadelphia Community of Leaders, and President/CEO of Universal Companies, a community development and education management company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Follow Rahim Islam on FaceBook(Rahim Islam) & Twitter (@RahimIslamUC)
fixed fees. This is not acceptable. WE Energies is using its monopoly to take money from the poor and give to the rich investors and executives! WE Energies is Wisconsin’s very own regulated monopoly with a guaranteed customer base of over two million. Having this “guaranteed pool of customers” is extremely profitable for them. For example, in 2013, WE Energies increased its gross income to $1.5 billion and had a net income of $577.4 million. (Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/wec /financials) To regular folks who work and/or struggle daily to make ends meet, this looks as if WE Energies would win the Lottery every day of the year. For example, in 2013 WE Energies cashed in a daily profit of more than 1.5 million dollars, or $66,000 thousand dollars each and every single hour. In just one hour, WE Energies brings in more profit than most Wisconsin families will take home in an entire year. To add insult to injury, the executives at WE Energies the people who are seeking to
age income to 385 families in Wisconsin, WE Energies saw fit to only pay these five executives. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is supposed to monitor the state’s utilities and ensure that utility companies like WE Energies do not use their monopoly status to obtain “unjust enrichment.” According to the Wisconsin Legislative Council, the Wisconsin government allows a utility like WE Energies to operate a monopoly on providing services in certain areas of the state. This means that no other company can provide energy services in certain areas (such as the Greater Milwaukee Area) and all consumers of energy must pay WE Energies for service. In exchange, WE Energies agrees to have their business regulated by the PSC. In other words, the PSC is supposed to ensure WE Energies does NOT benefit by using its monopoly status at the expense of Wisconsin consumers. But unjust enrichment seems to be embedded in the framework of WE Energies’ business model. From the little information
GUEST COMMENTARY: WE Energies is messing with your money By Jackie Ivy
Community Organizer WE Energies wants to increase your monthly energy bill and is proposing its cus-
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL
tomers pay $16 each month before we even turn on a light. This unfair billing proposal will force families to pay close to $100 more each year in
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increase our rates – have annual compensation in the millions of dollars. According to the company’s proxy statements filed in 2013, the annual compensation of WE Energies’ Chief Executive Officer Gale Klappa was $9,741,656. Assuming that there are 2,080 workable hours in a year, Klappa was paid an hourly rate of $4,683/hour and $37,467/day in 2013. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article by Cary Spivak, published June 15, 2013, Klappa received a total compensation of $34,740,244 from 2010-2012, and was the second highest paid CEO in Milwaukee. (Note: According to http://people.equilar.com/bio/galeklappa-wisconsin-energy/salary /60554#.VERlSxY3-18, over the past three years, Klappa has been selling WE Energies stock and took home a total of $72,724,104. His fellow executives at WE Energies are also given handsome compensation packages. The total amount paid to WE Energies’ top executives in 2013 was approximately $19,845,729. Instead of supplying an aver-
we’ve been able to access, WE Energies’ regulated monopoly seems unreasonable and unjust. While the rest of us were suffering job losses during the recession, WE Energies used its monopoly status to keep and grow its profits. While the rest of our salaries were cut in half and/or eliminated, WE Energies used its monopoly status to increase the compensation of its executives and tells us that, “it’s a bargain!” While this might be a great business model for a “normal” business operation, it may be unlawful for a regulated monopoly. The community must demand tougher oversight of the WE Energies regulated monopoly. With such high profits and shocking executive compensation, WE Energies should not be allowed any more rate increases by the PSC. Instead, the PSC should use its regulation authority to tell WE Energies NO MORE RATE INCREASES! Please call Chairperson Phil Montgomery, Commissioner Eric Callisto, an Commissioner Ellen Nowak (608)267-7898. And ask them to stop the rate increase.
RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 4
J.J. HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE TO RELEASE 7TH LIVE CD “I SEE VICTORY” IN STORES EVERYWHERE OCT. 28
saying you have to see what you want before you can go after it. I see myself with the victory over everything so I’m going after it and I believe I can have it because I can see it and all of the songs revolve around that theme. That made the writing easier and the songs have a little more depth because they come around a theme.” Leading the spirited choir is also easier than it ever has been for Hairston. “I never set out to be a leader,” says the man who took over Youthful Praise circa 2003 when its founder Shawn Maurice Brown retired from the group Soul Stirring Album Features Collaboto became a pastor. “I joined just to sing tenor. Looking back, Youthful rations With Donnie McClurkin, Karen Praise taught me to be a leader. I didClark Sheard, Vashawn Mitchell, Jason n’t form the group. Nelson & More! It was already there when I got The Soul Train Award nominated there but they made me a leader and urban inspirational music ensemble that’s why I appreciate the group as J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise is a whole. prepped for the world to hear its most People always ask me if I’m going ambitious CD To date. The 17-track to go out on my own and do my own collection “I See Victory” (Light thing. I think Youthful Praise is a part Records) was recorded at The First of what I do so I’d never make a J.J. Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT and Hairston record. It will always be J.J. boasts performances by gospel greats Hairston & Youthful Praise.” such as Donnie McClurkin, Karen The dynamic CD highlights the Clark Sheard, Vashawn Mitchell, J.J. Hairston motivating track “It Pushed Me” that Jason Nelson and Deon Kipping among others. The recently rose to #13 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart album releases to online portals and retail stores every- and “Bless Me” (boasting a cameo by Donnie Mcwhere on October 28, 2014. Clurkin) is #27 on this week’s Gospel Airplay chart. The iTunes deluxe version of the project includes a For over a dozen years, Youthful Praise has been one bonus song and is now available for pre-order with three of the most popular contemporary gospel choirs in the instant gratis tracks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i- USA. Their hit songs “After This,” “Lord of All,” “Restsee-victory-deluxe-version/id919206665?ls=1 . ing on His Promise” and “Incredible God, Incredible “This is the first record where I had a theme before I Praise” have served as the soundtrack to the lives of had a song,” Hairston explains. “Usually I start writing scores of Millennial-age churchgoers. songs and I find out what the common theme is but this The group has appeared on national TV programs such time I came up with the theme of I See Victory long be- as “Good Morning America,” BET’s “Celebration of fore I wrote any songs. Gospel,” “Conan O’Brien,” BET’s “Lift Every Voice,” “Years ago, I heard a message Bishop Joby Brady (Pot- “Lady Gaga & The Muppets Holliday Spectacular” and ter’s House North of Dallas, TX) preached and it was just BET’s “Sunday Best.”
Called to the Welcome Table BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
Our readings for Sunday October 26 are: Exodus 22: 20-26, I Thessalonians 1: 5c-10, and Matthew 22: 34-40. Love of God and neighbor are really one commandment. In fact, claiming love for God and dissing our neighbor, especially the poor and powerless neighbor, is an empty claim. If we won't love the person we see, how are we to love the God we don't see? The power of the love we have for our neighbor will influence the way we honor all the other "commandments" And because of our "love," following the will of God will not be so much a "commandment" as an "opportunity" to lavish the love we have received on another. We know that when we use the word "love" in the context of God and our neighbor, we are not talking about a romantic love or a love based on our emotions. The love of God that made us and keeps us in existence is a love that we share with others. The love that we are talking about expresses itself in deeds and not words. Among the various groups of people that we are meant to include in our love are the folks who come to our shores in search of a better life, or just to save their lives. We know the debate going on in our society now is not often based on love. Many of our citizens are angrily opposed to letting anyone into our country. Some were even upset that mere children were coming to us from the south.
By Fr. Carl Diederichs, All Saints Catholic Church
An undocumented immigrant could easily be in the same category as the widow and orphan mentioned in the Exodus reading. Our love for the weak and the powerless must include the immigrant. Even though our church has not always been a voice for the poor and powerless, our bishops have spoken quite clearly about the need for us to love and care for the immigrant in our midst. Our love must also include lobbying our elected officials to do the right thing. This is not easy in the present climate in Washington or in many states. But we keep on trying. One way to keep on trying is to vote for those running for office that has immigration reform as an important part of their agenda. And certainly we must acquaint ourselves with the issue and speak and write about it. Love with out deeds is dead. We hope and pray that all of God's children are called to the Welcome Table that we have made ready for them in our country.
WHAT’S HAPPENING! I n Y O U R F a i t h - B a s e d C o m m u n i t y. . .
Tabernacle Community Baptist and Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid join for special concert event
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid will present, “Go Down Moses: Songs of Freedom and Kinship,” Sunday. November 2, 7:30pm at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, 6880 North Green Bay Ave. in Glendale, WI “Go Down Moses” is a concert featuring music of freedom from slavery, a storyline shared by Jews and African Americans. These two distinct peoples have drawn strength and inspiration from the book of Exodus and created diverse musical interpretations rooted in this shared narrative of deliverance from oppression. This music reminds us of our common bond which we need to nourish in order to make it grow stronger. Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid and Tabernacle Community Baptist Church join together in this evening celebrating the journey to redemption and the joy of freedom in song. This program will include spirituals, traditional Jewish texts in Hebrew and English, as well as Dave Brubek’s rarely performed masterpiece, The Gates of Justice, the composer’s musical reflection on the unique bond shared by Jews and African Americans. Special guests include renowned cantor, Alberto Mizrahi of Chicago, and acclaimed baritone and Milwaukee native, Jason McKinney. This concert is free and open to the public—Donations kindly accepted. For more information, please contact Jeremy Stein at 414-352-7310 or hazzanstein@cbintmilwaukee.org
New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church to honor its pastor, Rev. F.L. Crouther
The New Covenant Baptist Church family invites the community to join them in honoring Dr. F. L. Crouther for 35 years of dedicated service as pastor of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. The celebration will be held Friday, Oct. 24, at the Davian Banquet Center, N56 W16300 Silver Spring Drive, Menomonee Falls. The reception starts at 6 p.m., with dinner starting at 7 p.m. This semi-formal dinner will honor Crouther for the many contributions he has made to the New Covenant Baptist Church community and the city of Milwaukee. The cost for the event is $50 per person/$500 per table of 10. For more information, call New Covenant at 414-873-1221.
Rev. Crouther
Milwaukee Birthright marks the start of 45 years of service to women faced with unplanned and crisis pregnancies
Milwaukee Birthright will begin its 45th year with its annual meeting and auction Friday, November 21, at WG’s Banquet hall, 3200 S. 103rd St, Greenfield, WI. The Most Reverand Donald J. Hying, auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee, will address the meeting. He has long been a spokesperson in defending the rights of unborn babies. Newly ordained Deacon Gary Nosacek of Milwaukee will offer the invocation. He offers strong support to women in need in unioin with his wife, Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek, the Birthright medical director. Milwaukee Birthright, Inc., is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization, located at 2025 W. Oklahoma Ave. It is funded by individuals, various churches and organizations, including Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, and grants. The program offers non-judgemental, unconditional support and help for women faced with crisis pregnancies. This enables them to carry their babies to term with peace of mind and dignity. Volunteers are on duty 24 hours every day of the week hosting office hours and on-call at home services. Volunteer opportunities are available.
Min. Ava Muhammad to return to Milwaukee Nov. 8
Minister Ava Muhammad, student national spokesperson to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, will return to Milwaukee Saturday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m., at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center (WAAW), 3020 W.
Vliet Street.She will be speaking on “Justifiable Homicide!: The Ultimate Solution for Justice.”Her visit is being sponsored by Muhammad Mosque #3. For more information, call 414-755-2006.
NORTHWEST FUNERAL CHAPEL PRESENTS
Truth and Treat: Sunday, October 26, 2014, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A Safe Halloween Alternative At the NORTHWEST FAMILY ACTIVITY AND EVENTS CENTER 4034 W. Good Hope Road
“TRUTH AND TREAT” provides children ages 12 and under with an opportunity to participate in a safe alternative to Halloween activity that provides them not only treats, but with wholesome information that can be helpful to the children and their parents or adults who participate with them. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Community based organizations will be on hand to share informative flyers, tracts and other useful information for children and the adults. The organizations are asked to bring individually wrapped treats for at least 100 children. Northwest Funeral Chapel staff asks that organizations bring NO home baked or cooked treats for the children.
For more information, call 414-540-9630 or 414-462-6020.
POLITICS &G OVERNMENT
City•County•State•National
Black Vote Seen as Last Hope for Democrats to Hold Senate
WASHINGTON (The Washington Post)— The confidential memo from a former pollster for President Obama contained a blunt warning for Democrats. Written this month with an eye toward Election Day, it predicted “crushing Democratic losses across the country” if the party did not do more to get black voters to the polls. “African-American surge voters came out in force in 2008 and 2012, but they are not well positioned to do so again in 2014,” Cornell Belcher, the pollster, wrote in the memo, dated Oct. 1. “In fact, over half aren’t even sure when the midterm elections are taking place.”
“A Fair Shot, A Stronger Wisconsin” Mary Burke
By Mary Burke
The Democratic leader of the Georgia House, Stacey Abrams, second from left, denounced as “voter suppression” the failure to process 40,000 new applications. (John Locher/Associated Press)
Article courtesy of Sheryl Gay Stolberg, The Washington Post via BlackPressUSA
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 5
Mr. Belcher’s assessment points to an urgent imperative for Democrats: To keep Republicans from taking control of the Senate, as many are predicting, they need black voters in at least four key states. Yet the one politician guaranteed to generate enthusiasm among African Americans is the same man many Democratic candidates want to avoid: Mr. Obama. Now, Democrats are deploying other prominent black elected officials and other surrogates, buttressed by sophisticated voter targeting efforts, to stoke black turnout. At the White House, the president is waging an under-the-radar campaign, recording video advertisements, radio interviews and telephone calls specifically targeting his loyal African-American base.
Wisconsin voters face a clear choice in the race for governor this November. I know Wisconsin can do better. And by ensuring that everyone gets a fair shot, we will do better. But Governor Walker sees things differently. Recently he said, “We don’t have a jobs problem.” He’s wrong. The failures of the last four years are all too real for far too many – they affect everyone. Over the last four years, the typical Wisconsin family has seen their income drop by nearly $3000 a year. Too many people are working harder than ever with less to show for it. It’s not fair, and it’s not good for our economy. Wisconsin is dead last in Midwest private sector job growth, and we’re facing a projected $1.8 billion structural deficit in the next budget. That’s a jobs problem. Rather than cherry-pick a few winners at the top, I want to give every Wisconsin family a fair shot to get ahead. A fair shot means great, affordable public education, from kindergarten all the way through university – I’ll invest in our schools, not cut them, and I will make college more affordable. A fair shot means a leading economy with more good paying jobs, growing small businesses and raising the minimum wage. A fair shot means reducing taxes for those being squeezed, because growing the
middle-class creates jobs, not giveaways to millionaires. A fair shot means government that is accountable, fiscally responsible and working for the people of Wisconsin, not the powerful special interests. Think about what a fair shot means for you and those you love: a better neighborhood school for your child, more affordable college education, and greater economic security for your retirement. Along with ensuring a fair shot for those willing to do the hard work, we need to set a very different tone. Governor Walker’s approach, in his own words, has been to divide and conquer. That is not the Wisconsin Way. At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team. That’s who we are in this state. I know that we can put aside the division, get past the fighting for fighting sake, and
get the job done. My career has been about seeing the possibilities, taking on the challenges and getting results. From leading European Operations and strategic planning for Trek to expanding the Boys & Girls Club – from serving as your Secretary of Commerce to founding an education partnership that provides greater opportunities for teens – I’ve seen the tremendous possibility that lies ahead for Wisconsin when we focus on getting the job done. I can’t wait to get to work as your Governor. We have everything we need to be a growing, thriving, innovative state that stands out as a leader. I would be honored to have your vote on November 4 and ask you to join me in building a Wisconsin that works for everyone.
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 6
ADVERTORIAL
Arletha (on right) credits Progressive Community Health Centers for saving her life. Like many, Arletha did not have a primary care provider, but was referred to Progressive. After a routine exam, she followed up with a mammogram, and discovered she had breast cancer. The clinic connected her to a program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin for treatment. Today, Arletha is a breast cancer survivor. Progressive is just one of several community health clinics supported by United Way of Greater Milwaukee’s Community Health Clinics Initiative, a partnership with the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership.
Expanding Access to High Quality Primary Care
Community Health Clinics Serve to Improve Health and Reduce Disparities
For many years, our community has recognized the vital role that neighborhood -based health clinics play in providing accessible, high quality care to Milwaukee families. The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (Partnership), a public/private consortium of health systems, community health centers, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the City, County and State health departments, has been committed to building the capacity of community clinics to expand access to primary care, dental, behavioral health and prevention services to medically underserved Milwaukeeans. So, too, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee has supported the important work of community clinics in meeting the health care needs of vulnerable individuals. It is once again teaming up with the Partnership, to bring greater recognition – and financial support – to our community health clinics. An important giving option in this year’s United Way campaign is the
Community Health Clinic Initiative. With a $1.7 million challenge grant from Milwaukee’s health systems, this initiative is helping drive addi-
tional dollars to serve more patients at clinics such as Milwaukee Health Services, Outreach Community Health Centers, Progressive Commu-
nity Health Centers, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, Bread of Healing, Walkers Point, St. Ben’s and other safety net clinics. We encourage United Way donors to designate some or all of their contribution to this initiative, because community health clinics provide culturally competent health services in the communities where their patients live. They also serve as positive forces in their neighborhoods, providing a source of employment, neighborhood development and revitalization. Most importantly, these clinics focus on disease prevention, health education and overall wellness – which are so important for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma, and reducing health disparities. While many low-income individuals and families now have health care coverage through BadgerCare Plus, or the health insurance Marketplace there are still over 100,000 individuals in Milwaukee who are uninsured; most of whom are employed. And,
there are many more who are ‘underinsured’ and struggling to find primary care close to home. Join us in helping more individuals get access to care at a community health clinic. Contributions to this United Way initiative will help expand access to heath care and supportive services such as transportation, language services, medication assistance and enrollment assistance in affordable health insurance programs. Expanding access to high quality primary care will meet a critical need for low-income and vulnerable individuals, reduce expensive and avoidable emergency and inpatient utilization, and ultimately, improve the health of our community. Mary Lou Young President &CEO, United Way of Greater Milwaukee Joy Tapper. Executive Director, Milwaukee Health Care Partnership
“The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (Partnership), a public/private consortium of health systems, community health centers, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the City, County and State health departments, has been committed to building the capacity of community clinics to expand access to primary care, dental, behavioral health and prevention services to medically underserved Milwaukeeans.”
Z
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KALEIDOSCOPE COUNSELOR IN YOUR CORNER Group joins Bucks ownership team Counselor in Your Corner By Attorney John P. Casey What You Need to Know About Wisconsin’s Voter ID Law Before Nov. 4th
the MCJ You, the vote, and the law lifestyle & Are you required to show an ID when voting on November 4? The answer is “No”. Might you be required to show an ID in future elections, the answer is “maybe”. The Wisconsin Voter ID Law has been in the news quite a bit this past year. And in recent entertainment weeks, the law has made national headline news. Confusion swirls as to what the US Supreme Court did on Oct. 9th; did the Court “Strike Down” the law, as one major media reported, or did section it “block” the temporary implementation of law – which means something else? And what are By Atty. John Casey
Sista Speak... Speak Lord!
DETERMINATION! UNSTOPPABLE
Zelda Corona Your vision is limitless. Your willpower is relentless. Your talents are purposeful. Your goals are attainable. Your words speak life. Your actions create reality. Your wisdom is undisputable. You are more than enough! Zelda Corona
Sonya Bowman
ROCK SOLID
The bible shuns being double minded, as a double minded person is unstable in all their ways. Therefore, we make the enemy happy when we lack drive and we cop out on life. With that said, let us be of good cheer in God for He instructs us to: FIND YOUR POSITION! BE WITHOUT GAPS AND BREAKS! KNOW THAT YOU HAVE CERTAIN DIRECTION! START PLANNING A FIXED INTENTION ON YOUR DESTINY! QUIT MOPING ABOUT WHAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE AND STOP LETTING YOURSELF AND OTHERS DOWN! YOU…Need to decide on this day as you are reading this, to be like Peter the rock…Stable on purpose. Sonya M. Bowman
Tara R. Pulley
DESTINY
At times we become stuck in our personal history which makes it hard to move on. We need to work on being true to ourselves and others. As always said "The Truth will Set You Free." We are in charge of our Destiny...Let us not dwell on personal history and start anew today. This is my challenge for you and me. Let us be determined to move on and stand strong in our future. Always Keeping it Real… Tara R Pulley
the consequences of such an action. And, most importantly, what does it mean for the 300,000 potential voters impacted by the law. I am not going to argue the pros or cons of the Voter ID law, but I do want to offer some clarification of what happened in the courtroom and what it means for the Nov. 4th election and future elections. First a little background: The Wisconsin Voter ID Law, also known as 2011 Wisconsin Act 23, requires most voters to show a valid photo ID if voting on election day or requesting an absentee ballot. After Gov. Scott Walker signed the law into effect, several lawsuits were brought in state and federal courts to stop the enforcement of the photo ID requirement. Although the Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled the law constitutional under Wisconsin law, U.S. District Court Judge Lynne Adelman issued a permanent injunction stopping the enforcement of the law in a parallel federal case. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the Atty. John Casey injunction on September 12, 2014, a mere seven weeks before the election. Supporters of the law rejoiced, believing that the photo ID requirement would prevent election fraud. Opponents despaired, believing that certain groups of individuals would be disenfranchised. Opponents of the law immediately filed an application with the United States Supreme Court to vacate the Seventh Circuit order lifting Judge Adelman’s injunction. The issue was examined by all nine members of the U.S. Supreme Court, and in a 6-3 decision, the Court vacated the 7th Circuit order lifting the injunction. “Vacated” was interpreted by some in the media to mean “struck down,” whereas other media outlets reported that the Court “blocked” the law. To clarify, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the temporary implementation of the law. Meaning, Wisconsin voters do not need to show a photo ID to vote on Nov. 4th, or until there is further action taken in the courtroom. Because the six member majority did not elaborate its reasoning, legal experts have been speculating why the U.S. Supreme Court took the extraordinary step to put on hold the Wisconsin voter ID law. Each justice in the majority no doubt have their own reasons, but maybe the cause is found in the dissent of Justice Samuel Alito who wrote that it “is particularly troubling that absentee ballots have been sent out without any notation that proof of photo identification must be submitted.” The Supreme Court did not rule on the constitutionality of the law. The ultimate fate of the law is yet to be determined. Even some supporters of the law concede that the 7th Circuit decision reinstating the photo ID law so soon before the November mid-term election may cause confusion and disenfranchisement of some voters, especially absentee voters who submit ballots without being informed of the ID requirement. Although the U.S. Supreme Court may still uphold the Wisconsin law, for now, a photo ID is not required at the polls. And while an ID may not be required this election, you need to be there at the polls for your vote to count. Please remember to vote. This is an important election. Let your voice be heard. And, please let me know what’s on your mind. I’m available to answer any of your legal questions. You can reach me at: caseyesq@jcaseylaw.com or by calling 414.272.5564 or 800.779.5280 Toll-free. About the Author: For nearly 25 years, Attorney John P. Casey has been practicing personal injury law, successfully representing the wrongly injured. Attorney Casey applies a combination of efficiency, understanding, and tenacity to each of his cases. Visit www.casey-injurylaw.com to schedule a free consultation.
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 7
(continued from page 1) employment, innovation and philanthropy throughout Wisconsin—and beyond.” Daniels-Carter states that, “PCI represents a historic collective of African-American community and investment-minded business leaders. We see a unique opportunity to bring together a storied local sports franchise with a group of minority business leaders who are committed to ensuring that the benefits of this economic activity reach the full community. We think the PCI partnership model will be replicated throughout the NBA, particularly as a means of diversifying the ownership of NBA franchises.” The new team owners took action to join with the organization shortly after hearing Lasry speak at a Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) Board meeting in Milwaukee. The group approached the Bucks organization about coming in together as part owners, seeing their partnership as a natural extension of their past and continued investment in the future of Milwaukee and Wisconsin. “(Bucks principle owners) Marc (Lasry), Wes (Edens) and I
are thrilled to have the Partners for Community Impact group join us on our quest to make the Bucks organization the best in basketball,” said owner Jamie Dinan. “Since I joined as an owner in July, I have already seen the huge strides we have taken on making the Bucks an integral part of the Milwaukee community. “With these leaders joining the Bucks organization, the momentum on our side is undeniable. We look forward to utilizing their knowledge and expertise to build the future of Milwaukee.” The Bucks also announced that developer Jon Hammes of the Hammes Company and Gale Klappa, chairman and CEO of Wisconsin Energy Corp., have also joined the ownership team with the approval of the league. Klappa currently serves as Chairman and CEO of the Wisconsin Energy Corporation, the largest electric and natural gas utility in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the country. Jon Hammes is the managing partner of Hammes Company, focused on the development, financing and management of strategic real estate assets, specifically in the healthcare and sports industries. --Compiled by MCJ Staff/Milw. Bucks
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The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 9
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 22, 2014 Page 10