Full Service Photo ID Program Launched
“GOT ID Wisconsin?” To Serve All Wisconsin Citizens with Questions on Voting
COMMUNITY
Our Democracy 2020 recently launched “Got ID Wisconsin?” a free program to assist voters in navigating the new photo ID law. The program has an easy to use website, toll free number, educational materials and a sign-up for rides to the DMV for anyone in need of a free photo ID for voting purposes. The program is staffed by a team of six local Wisconsinites who are well versed on the new photo ID law and can field and follow up on any questions. The goal of the program is to ensure every eligible Wisconsin voter has a convenient and free way to get their questions answered and get what they need to vote. “All the details can be overwhelming and most voters are still unaware of re-
VOL. XXXIX Number 11 October 8, 2014
The Milwaukee
Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Parklawn YMCA, 4340 N. 46th Street and the Hillside Family Resource Center, 1452 N. 7th Street
strictions in the last year. “We refuse to let this challenge become a reason people stay home or get turned away from their civic duty at the polls,” said Erika Wolf, Photo ID coordinator. The www.gotidwisconsin.org website includes an interactive tool to find out about the acceptable forms of ID and what voters need to do to get a free ID if
they don't already have what they need to vote in the Fall General Election. The toll free number connects voters to a hotline staffed by attorneys: 1-866OUR-VOTE/ 866-687-8683. This service is also available in Spanish: 1-888-VEY-VOTA/ 888-839-8682. “We designed the Got ID Wisconsin? program to operate the way we need our elections run: free, fair, and accessible,” said Erika Wolf, Photo ID Coordinator with Got ID Wisconsin?. “The integrity of this election is at risk due to the last minute photo ID changes, but our program seeks to fill some of the gaps.” Already Erika and the Got ID Wisconsin? team have run into difficult-to-answer questions and sticky situations where responsible citizens who are eligible to vote can’t easily get what they need under the new law. “We are stepping up to fill in the gaps on voting rights,” Wolf continued. “We are not going to give up on the State of Wisconsin, on our families, on our neighbors who want to participate and truly make an impact by casting a ballot on November 4th.”
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DemocraticGubernatorialCandidateMaryBurke pledges hercommitment to community, families and healthcare workers at centralcity event
Candidate for Governor Mary Burke recently joined over 100 healthcare workers and their families at the 3041 Club located on North Avenue on Milwaukee’s Northside for a special event to hear her views on community issues and to support her candidacy. Mary Burke pledged to expand Badgercare, support our public schools, and most of all to give workers in this community a better chance to support families starting with raising the minimum wage. She made it clear she has heard the issues of this community and they are a priority. Burke was greeted by a standing ovation as she entered the room with home care, nursing home workers, and nurses lining up to take pictures with her. Health care workers eagerly signed up to go door to door in the community and talk about Burke, her stand on the issues, and to urge people to vote in the upcoming election, November fourth. Home care worker Wyconda Clayton introduced Burke to the crowd describing Burke's commitment to this community and "Burke's strong belief and support for working people" Dian Palmer, President of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin who sponsored the event, asked people to let their neighbors, friends, and fellow workers know about Mary's great concern about the issues we face and her sincere interest in them by coming to the heart of the community to address it." President Palmer also said "that Mary Burke’s personal commitment to the families in our community would not be forgotten.” (Photos by Michael Erdman)
JOURNAL
VOTER REGISTRATION AND CORRECT CREDENTIAL CHECK
WE Energies exec keynotes Power Breakfast
Thelma Sias (center in green), vice president, local affairs with WE Energies, was the keynote speaker for the inaugural “Power Breakfast” hosted by Groundwork Milwaukee recently at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, 1450 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. Several business and community leaders were on hand to support the great work of the organization, which helps build and sustain community gardens and provide programming in neighborhoods to bring about economic change. With Sias are (left to right front): Dr. Bert Davis, Bernell Hooker, Margaret Arney, Tammy Belton-Davis, Pastor Lazonnie Belton, Robin Reese, and Pastor Sam Belton. Behind them are (left to right): Eric Von and Kalan Haywood. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board joins with Mayor’s Fatherhood Initiative to Support Dads at upcoming summit
The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) today announced plans to join forces with Mayor Tom Barrett’s Fatherhood Initiative at the upcoming Fatherhood Summit. The 9th annual Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit will be held on Friday, October 31st from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 1st from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Destiny Youth Plaza located on 7210 North 76th Street. “MAWIB has made substantial progress in improving coordination between the city’s economic development priorities and the needs of unemployed and underemployed residents,” said MAWIB President and CEO Earl Buford. “MAWIB is proud to join the Fatherhood Initiative and dozens of other collaborative partner’s to support Milwaukee area dads at this year’s Fatherhood Summit.” MAWIB is planning and organizing a special session on Saturday morning of the summit in partnership with the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP. It will be designed to inform and educate dads on job training and employment opportunities resulting from the construction of the new Northwestern Mutual headquarters and other workforce development programs and projects. Milwaukee County Child Support caseworkers will review cases to reduce eligible child support interest debt for dads. Driver’s License Recovery staff will assist fathers seeking to regain their driving privileges. The summit will highlight information on new Milwaukee County bus routes that provide fathers the access to employers and jobs in area suburbs. Men will learn about enrollment in the Affordable Health Care Act that (continued on page 2)
PULSE OF THE QUESTION OF THE WEEK: COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
At the Strong Baby Sabbath luncheon held at Columbia-St. Mary Hospital this week, we asked four individuals--clergy and non-clergy a question which many Black Americans have been asking in some form or another: “WHY DO YOU THINK PRESIDENT OBAMA’S WHITE HOUSE SECURITY HAS BEEN SO LAX?”
BRUCE WORDS, SR.: “You know, of course, I feel it’s because President Obama is a man of color. When we have ‘color’ (involved in the situation), you are (talking about) a Black man.”
SHIRLEY ROGERS: “I think the security is lax because he (President Obama) is African American.”
GLADYS ROGERS: “He (President Obama) has been the most disrespected president in the history of the office and (thus) his security is not a top priority.”
PASTOR SAMUEL ROGERS: “The head of the Secret Service (who was Julia Pierson before she resigned last week in the wake of the recent security breach that prompted this week’s question) does not respect the office fo the President of the United States, especially since the president is African American.”
First Ebola patient diagnosed in the US dead Thomas Eric Duncan
Article by Nomaan Merchant, Associated Press via “thegrio.com”
DALLAS (AP) — The first Ebola patient diagnosed in the United States died Wednesday morning in a Dallas hospital, a hospital spokesman said. Thomas Eric Duncan was pronounced dead at 7:51 a.m. at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, where he was admitted Sept. 28 and has been kept in isolation, according to spokesman Wendell Watson. Duncan’s condition was changed on Saturday from serious to critical. Duncan carried the deadly virus with him from his home in Liberia, though he showed no signs when he left for the United States. He arrived in Dallas Sept. 20 and fell sick a few days later. Others in Dallas still are being monitored as health officials try to contain the virus that has ravaged West Africa, with more than 3,400 people reported dead. They also trying to tamp down anxiety among residents frightened of contracting Ebola, though the disease can be spread only through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an already sick person. Health officials have identified 10 people, including seven health workers, who had direct contact with Duncan while he was contagious. Another 38 people also may have come into contact with him. The four people living in the northeast Dallas apartment where Duncan (continued on page 5)
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 2
Sojourner Family Peace Center breaks ground on new facility
Officials with Sojourner Family Peace Center were joined by city, state, county, law enforcement and the Milwaukee Brewers Foundation in breaking ground for the new Sojourner Family Peace Center shelter for domestic violence victims. The facility will also house the Milwaukee Police Department’s Sensitive Crimes Division. The $21 million building will be located at 619 W. Walnut St. Ground was broken earlier this month, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (Photo by Kim Robinson)
Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin to host forum on “The Foster Care Industrial Complex” Oct. 22
On Wednesday, October 22, the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin (BHCW) will be hosting a community forum titled, The Foster Care Industrial Complex in Milwaukee Part II. The meeting will be held at BHCW, 3020 W. Vliet Street, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Dr. Patricia McManus, BHCW President/CEO, will facilitate a panel of foster care system leaders. Representatives have been invited from the Bureau of Child Welfare, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, SaintA, Children's Court Judges, Guardian Ad Litem, Assistant District Attorney and Public Defenders. This forum is free is open to the community, the community is encouraged to RSVP by contacting Marlo at (414) 933-0064 Ext. 212 or mblackhawk@bhcw.org. BHCW is holding this series of forums on the foster care system because far too many families are losing their children to the child welfare system and child abuse tragedies
are continuing The public forum will provide the community an opportunity to learn important facts about the child welfare system and provide an opportunity to get answers to their pressing questions. BHCW is providing this forum through its Milwaukee Healthy Beginnings Project's (MHBP) African American Infant Mortality Task Force. MHBP provides perinatal services to the most "at risk" populations in our community with the goals of reducing low birth weight babies and infant deaths. In recent years, BHCW has been working as advocates for families who have open child welfare cases. Through this work, the agency has seen firsthand how families are treated by the child welfare system; oftentimes loosing placement of their children because of their lack of understanding of the system and having no one on their side to truly fight for their rights.
(continued from page 1) starts on November 15th. The importance of good health, credit repair, starting a business, healing broken relationships and changing one’s life direction are also summit topics. “The absence of fathers is an epidemic plaguing our community, and the problem is strongly linked to poverty, unemployment and a host of social and economic problems,” said Buford. According to 2011 U. S. Census data, 1 out of every 3 children live in father-absent homes. The problem is most acute in the African American community. Nearly 2 in 3 African
American children live in father absent homes. The Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit began in 2006 through efforts of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and other community leaders. It has helped connect more than 9,000 men to education, employment, driver’s license recovery, child support, health care and other services. Pre-registration for the Fatherhood Summit has begun at the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative and Social Development Commission websites at www.MilwaukeeFatherhood.com and www.cr-sdc.org. The annual free event is free and open to the public.
Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board joins with Fatherhood Initiative
PERSPECTIVES
Where Is Scott Walker?
W
Article courtesy of Urban News Media
ith just four weeks until Election Day, communities of color in southeast Wisconsin are asking: “Where is Scott Walker?”
It isn’t a secret that the former Milwaukee county executive doesn’t spend much time campaigning in Milwaukee or Madison neighborhoods of color. It’s noted the governor spends at least one day a week in the battleground region of the Fox Valley, where he will need a strong turnout on Election Day in order be competitive. But residents of Milwaukee’s North and South sides for instance, can’t catch a glimpse of the governor unless they’re willing to shell out their paycheck for a table at one of Walker’s expensive fundraisers. Walker’s absence on the campaign trail mirrors a first term where the governor ignored the everyday needs of communities of color. Since Scott Walker took power in 2011, his rigid political agenda has failed minority communi-
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 3
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I’m BLACK first...my sympathies are BLACK, my allegiance is BLACK, my whole objectives are BLACK...I am not interested in being American, because America has never been interested in ME.” --Malcolm X
ties. Instead of policies that improve the quality of life for minorities, Walker and Republicans sought to reduce healthcare options, limit opportunity, and make it harder to secure a position in the middle class. Walker’s rejection of federal funds to strengthen Medicaid turned away more than $4 billion in federal funding that would have expanded the state’s Medicaid program to cover all residents living at or below 138% of the federal poverty line. The governor and Republican lawmakers instead kicked more than 60,000 people off their healthcare, pricing more than 60% of those Wisconsinites out of healthcare -- some healthcare options would require people making as little as $12,000 per year to buy private insurance with costs up to $4,000 per year. Walker’s decision was purely political, designed to energize the most extreme, fringe members of his base. If Walker were paying attention to the needs of black and brown citizens, he would have easily realized the significant implication that hung in the balance for low-income minorities. According to the Kaiser Institute for Public Health, as of 2011, 74% of uninsured blacks had incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty line in Wisconsin - and only 16% had health insurance. Quality of life for those in the black community continues to take a hit due to Scott Walker's failed policies, and his disastrous health care policy didn't improve the day to day life of poor people of color. Access to quality, affordable health care plays a significant role in closing the gap in life expectancy between blacks and whites. With so many Wisconsinites of all stripes poised to benefit from Medicaid expansion, accepting federal dollars should have been a no-brainer for Walker and Republicans.
UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING Message to the Community:
Are You Contributing to the Self Determination or Self Destruction of Black People?
I was recently asked a very important question that I think we all should ask ourselves: “Are you contributing to the self determination of Black people or the selfdestruction of Black people?” Too many, if were honest with ourselves, are doing very little if anything at all. For those that answer the question and believe that they are contributing to the self determination of Black people, then I have another question for you: Do you think that your efforts will change the conditions facing many of our people? For example: Will your efforts reduce the massive incarceration of black men; decrease the senseless violence and deaths of our children; raise the level of Black men gainfully employed; increase the number of successful and thriving Black-owned businesses in our community; remove the blight and decay that overwhelms many of the neighborhoods where Black people reside; reverse the nearly 60% of Black students who are academically failing in public schools; increase the number of Black children living in stable families; eliminate or make even better the wealth gap between Blacks and Whites; and do you REALLY believe that your efforts will increase and/or restore Black pride at a level that could counter the massive media campaign that has defined Black people as inferior and deserving of the socio-economic position we currently hold? If you’re honest, you must answer NO. What, then, do we do? Our efforts cannot deliver the outcomes we need because all of these issues are interconnected and interrelated. If we were dealing with normal disparities (statistically normal percentages), maybe organic activity could lead to “moving the needle.” Un-
By Rahim Islam
fortunately, our community is experiencing alarming disparities (i.e. 20 – 50 point differentials) when acceptable disparities should be 35%. Complicating our condition, the disparities are not just in one area – our families are impacted by multiple risk factors. Correcting these issues will require a unified and comprehensive approach that if not undertaken, the problems will get worse. Why? We can’t just look at the dismal outcomes (outputs), but when we evaluate the systems and the inputs of these systems (pipeline), there is no way these conditions can change on their own. Let me ask you another way. Will the legal Rahim Islam system, left alone, interrupt and/or stop the school to prison industry using our young boys as its raw product? Will the public education system, left alone, all of sudden begin to educate our children? Will the financial system, left alone, begin to distribute its wealth equitably that will benefit Black people? Will the mass media system, left alone, start to portray Black people in a positive fashion and contribute to Black empowerment? Will the political system, left alone, produce the correct public policies needed to support the plight of Black people? Have I made my point? These systems will not correct themselves without us making the change. This is our challenge. In addition to changing our own behavior, we must “fix” these systems. Today, we don’t have to worry about being forcibly kidnapped and placed in the
(continued on page 5)
In addition to rejecting Medicaid expansion, Scott Walker made it a top priority to cut funding by $1 million for Planned Parenthood, forcing the closure of four health centers, and blocking at least 12,000 Wisconsin women from their only source of preventive and medical care. Walker denied thousands of women access to birth control, cancer screenings, annual exams, and sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment. In addition to direct attacks on public health options, Walker worked to place roadblocks on the path to the middle class - ending opportunities for people of color to become established members of the middle class. In Walker’s first few months as governor, he swiftly ushered in a controversial law gutting public-sector unions in the state. Unions are a historic gateway for millions to move up and get ahead through public-sector jobs as teachers, public safety officers, and other professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, black workers are more likely than all other ethnic groups to be public-union members, comprising 15 percent of all membership. Union membership means workplace protections and the ability to fight for health benefits or a fair wage to afford private health insurance. Scott Walker’s first-term agenda completely undermined that idea and ended the promise of the American Dream for many. Walker’s Democratic challenger, Mary Burke, routinely visits communities of color - and it isn’t just for show. Her jobs plan, Invest for Success, includes pointed strategies to include those communities in Wisconsin’s success. Burke wants to create jobs, create opportunity, and invest in the communities Scott Walker has ignored for nearly four years. Voters are tired of being overlooked; they’re ready for a new direction with Mary Burke where their needs are addressed each day.
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
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Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communityjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net MCJ STAFF: Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Publisher, CEO Robert J. Thomas Assoc. Publisher Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Teretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Webmaster Billing Dept./Publisher’s Admin. Assist.
Colleen Newsom, Classified Advertising Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Taki S. Raton, Richard G. Carter, Fr. Carl Diederichs, Rev. Joe McLin PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp
Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.
RELIGION
WHAT’S HAPPENING!
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 4
Mayor Barrett, faith community and Columbia St. Mary Hospital focus on preventable causes of infant death
Faith leaders and health experts joined Mayor Tom Barrett at an educational luncheon to discuss the leading causes of infant death in Milwaukee at the Strong Baby Educational Luncheon at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital. The luncheon is held annually to support the Columbia St. Mary’s Foundation and takes place prior to the Strong Baby Sabbath, the fourth annual collaboration with the foundation and the faith community that will take place on Sunday, Oct. 12. The effort supports Mayor Barrett’s goal of reducing the city’s overall infant mortality rate by 10 percent and the African American infant mortality rate by 15 percent by 2017. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
God is the God of abundance for all
The readings for October 12, 2014 are: Isaiah 25: 6-10a; Psalm 23; Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22: 1-14. Isaiah wrote the first reading about 745 years before Jesus arrived. Already the prophets were speaking about universalism, the call to all people to join in the banquet God has prepared on the holy mountain. All will be given choice wine and rich food. Isaiah is speaking about abundance. Oh, for that day! Paul understood "abundance" well. Even when Paul was hungry he knew that God would supply his every need because he shared in the riches that God gave through Jesus. He promised us "God will supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Isaiah and Paul understood through much prayer and reflection that God is a God of abundance for all people. And Jesus, in the parable today has also grasped how lavish his Father is right now.
And that is our challenge; do we see this abundant God as a rather distant God who did great things once upon a time but not right now? First of all, in the parable, those who should have known that something great is happening right now have had enough of it and do not want to celebrate something that, for them, had become dull and lifeless. And even among those who did come, the folks he picked up along the highways and by-ways, one came without a wedding garment, not ready to celebrate, maybe to just stand near the wall of the banquet room, passively. He was very passive. When the king addressed him he was mute. So, he did not want to eat or dance, so why not tie him hands and feet because he had already done it to himself. But is he us? I think so. The wedding garment would have been given to him at the door of the banquet hall. He didn't put it on. We often speak about the wedding garment as our baptismal
Love One Another as I have Loved you
So what does the Bible say about the family? The physical family is the most important building block to human society, and as such, it should be nurtured and protected. But more important than that is the new creation that God has made in which, is comprised of the spiritual family, which is made up of all the people who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. And the defining characteristic of this spiritual family is Love for one another. As John 13: 34-35 reads; “A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all will that you are my disciples, if you love one another”. In our personal earthly family, are we following this command by listening more. To really love someone is having the ability to know when to listen. Listen to someone sincerely, because that someone needs to say something that they feel is important to them. They want to know that someone cares about what they have to say. Sometimes just listening to someone that believes you love them can be so revealing. Not to the listener, but to the person that is doing the revealing of their most inner thoughts. Love can be listening. Love for one another is not always a touch, a hug, or a kiss. Love, like God, is the presence of mind to know when you are alone, you never are. Love is a smile on your face and a feeling of real security in everything you know or do on a daily basis. Love is without worry. When you have love and show love you feel secure and protected, and never alone. You feel successful, even when you fail. Your confidence is strong and steady. Love is getting you through your day. On the days when things are not going the way you would like them to go, you just think about your ‘Love’ and things will not seem as bad as you think they are. For you know whom you will be with by the end of the day. Romans 12: 9-12; “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. God is Love! For all of you that do not have that one here in in this physical, earthly life; always remember that there is someone that has, and always will give you that ‘unconditional LOVE’ that you will always want and need. And that un-
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER By Rev. Joseph McLin
conditional LOVE is provided to us through Our Savior Jesus Christ. So remember, when you need that someone to listen to you, that hug without a touch, that feeling of protection, or just need to get through the day; look to your Savior for these and all the Love that He gives us every day without any conditions attached. God Bless, and let us all continue to be Our Brothers and Sisters Keeper.
BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
By Fr. Carl Diederichs, All Saints Catholic Church
“Paul understood ‘abundance’ well. Even when Paul was hungry he knew that God would supply his every need because he shared in the riches that God gave through Jesus.”
garment given when we are baptized. So, he had the garment somewhere, but didn't put it on and so didn't participate in the abundance of food and drink provided, free of charge. We have been baptized. We were once excited about coming to the Welcome Table to eat and drink and share in the abundance of God's love for us and all people. We were given the wedding garment that could never be taken off. But it seems like time and energy have slipped away from us and we no longer believe that God is still revealing Himself to us and urging us to make life abundant for people.
The miracle of overcoming war, poverty, racism, and sexism, through the power of God's love has dimmed. Seems like our hands are tied. I hope we can reclaim our baptismal fervor, put on our wedding garment and create the banquet for others to share. God is a God of abundance, not a God of scarcity. We were anointed priest, prophet and servant leader after we were plunged into the waters of baptism. So, reclaim your inheritance and live especially for the neediest among you.
In Your Faith-Based Community... Brentwood to host comedy show for its scholarship fund Oct 11
The Lois M. Chapple Scholarship fund of Brentwood Church of Christ will present “Laugh to Educate,” Saturday, Oct. 11, starting at 7 p.m., in the Leroy Durley Fellowship Hall of Brentwood COC, located at 6425 N. 60th St. Popular comedian Marlin Hill will perform, along with Chassity Washington. Admission is $10 per person. There will also be a consession stand to allow members of the audience to grab some food while watching the show.
Women’s Day events set for Mt. Zion MBC Oct. 11 and 12
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2207 North 2nd Street, will hold its annual Women's Day Services Saturday Oct.11, and Sunday Oct.12, 2014. There will be a prayer breakfast Saturday at 8a.m. in the lower level of the church, where our own Ms. Marie Carter will be the speaker. On Sunday, the worship service will begin at 10a.m. The guest speaker will be Minister Jacqueline Katrina Waller of Memphis Tennessee. All are invited to attend these services. Rev. Louis E. Sibley, III is pastor of Mt. Zion. For more information about the two events, call the church secretary at (414) 3727811.
Prophetic Prayer Summit to be held Oct. 10
Carolyn Teague Ministry will hold a Prophetic Prayer Summit Friday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m., at For Him International Ministry, 2544 N. 27th St. The theme of the summit is: “It’s Time to Push.” The guest speaker will be Evangelist Catina Vaughn. There will be anointed prayers, praise and worship, as well as powerful preaching. For more information, call 414-702-9718.
Holy Redeemer to celebrate birthday of Mother Irene Brewer
Holy Redeemer Institutional COGIC will host the 85th birthday celebration of Mother Irene Brewer Saturday, October 11, at 4 p.m. Holy Redeemer Institutional COGIC is located at 3500 W. Mother Daniels Way. For more information go to: LoisDawson28@yahoo.com, or call Evangelist Margaret Adams (414) 554-3888.
Sorority to honor 11 women from faith-based community for their service Oct. 19
Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Pi Chapter, cordially invites the community to attend its seventh annual “Walking in the Spirit” Luncheon, Sunday, Oct. 19, starting at 2 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West, 2303 N. Mayfair Road. This year the sorority is honoring 11 women who have demonstrated outstanding service to their churches and the community. This year’s 2014 honorees are: Georgia Cameron, Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church; Shirley Carter-Browne, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; Sadie (Bea) Frazier, All Saints Catholic Church; Gloria Games, Providence Baptist Church; Gloria Harris, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church; Hildred Holley, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; Florine Robinson, Clement Memorial AME Zion Church; Joyce Simms, All Saints Catholic Church; Anita K. Sparks, Christ The King Baptist Church; Cheryl “Sherry” Switzer, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church; Rosemary Young, Incarnation Lutheran Church. The luncheon cost is $35 per person. Tickets can be purchased through the Honorees or a member of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The deadline for ticket pruchases is Oct. 12, 2014. For more information contact soror Sharon McKinney at 342-3326.
First Ebola patient dead COUNSELOR IN YOUR CORNER
(continued from page 1) stayed have been isolated in a private residence. Everyone who potentially had contact with Duncan will be monitored for 21 days, the normal incubation period for the disease. Duncan passed an airport health screening in Liberia, where doctors took his temperature and found no other signs of Ebola symptoms. But a few days after he arrived, he began to have a fever, headache and abdominal pain. He went to the emergency room of Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas on Sept. 24, but was sent home. By Sept. 27, his condition had worsened. An ambulance that day took him back to the hospital, where he stayed in isolation. The hospital has changed its explanation several times about when Duncan arrived and what he said about his travel history. It has acknowledged that Duncan told them on his first visit that he came from West Africa.
Are You Contributing to the Self Determination or Self l ,Destruction of Black People? f (continued from page 3)
hulls of a ship never to return home again. Today, we don’t have a barbaric, brutal, and cruel slave-owner who would do unspeakable things to us or members of our famdily – putting the fear of God in us that lives in us today within our collective DNA. rToday, we don’t have to worry about being pulled out of our beds in the middle of the -night and hung, tarred, feather, and lit a fire by a terroristic mob called the KKK. Today, we don’t have to worry about dogs attacking us and water blasting against our bodies through high pressured hoses because we, as Americans, wanted to exercise our right to peacefully protest for the right to vote. Today, our challenge is to establish functional unity. Today, our challenge is to fight as hard as we can against the disunity, a deep level of hopelessness, fear, and mistrust that has collectively paralyzed our community. Today, regarding many of our issues, it’s not what they are doing to us, it’s what we’re not doing. Our glorious ancestors paid a tremendous price for all of us and we dishonor their sacrifice when we don’t live up to our challenge today. We must honor our ancestors by never giving up the fight. We must fight for today’s issues and the protection of tomorrow’s generation. We must use the courage, commitment, and sacrifices that our ancestors made for us and do the same for our future Black children who will have it worse than we have it today (this seems impossible but absolutely probable). We must stand up to our challenge in spite of the obstacles, and there are many, especially those that are self-imposed (what we’re not doing) and we hide behind "that'll never work”;” been there done that”; “I can’t take another meeting”; “I’m too busy.” We make excuse after excuse for doing what is not only right, but what is required. No one will do for us what we must do for ourselves. Everyone can speak to what we must do to get out of this mess, but very few can describe step-by-step as to how. Three (3) things that I want you to consider if we are to live up to our challenge: 1) It’s going to take a higher level of unity amongst Black people; 2) Our progress will only come when we become more organized; and 3) We will have to earn the success that we envision. No one will give it to us, we MUST DO THE WORK. Please join us on Thursday, October 23, 2014 (5:30 p.m.) at the Universal Academy for the College Bound (UACB Renaissance – Webster Campus) located at 6850 N. 53rd Street for a Town Hall meeting to discuss the issues facing Black Milwaukee with the goal of adopting an Agenda and an Action Plan. Not only do we need you to attend, we need you to help get the word out. We have the ability to spread news faster than any electronic medium; it’s called “word of mouth.” Our community is dying (metaphorically and literally) and while I’m not promising some Utopia or some miracle, the Town Hall meeting could be a critical beginning. Are You Contributing to the Self Determination or Self Destruction of Black People? “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)
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 5
last month that the NFL player conduct policy needed to be overhauled. The reform of the player conduct polBy Attorney John P. Casey By Atty. John Casey Counselor in Your Corner
Domestic Violence
Atty. John Casey
I watched the Green Bay Packers crush the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field last Thursday. It was fun to watch the Packers trounce the Vikings, and I was encouraged to see so many of the players and fans sporting the color pink to raise awareness of breast cancer. And while the battle against breast cancer is an important one, the NFL missed an important opportunity to raise awareness of another issue that has impacted so many of its players’ families and so many families living in Milwaukee. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The color purple is to domestic violence what pink is to breast cancer. Considering the recent string of domestic violence cases in the NFL, and the major media attention it has received, the league dropped the ball by missing the opportunity to show the public its commitment to addressing this serious issue – a problem which results in the death of 3 women every day. In the 7 years since NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a tougher policy on player conduct, players charged with domestic violence routinely received considerably lighter punishments that players accused of other offenses, like drug use or drunken driving. Often, they were not punished at all. To his credit, Mr. Goodell admitted
icy is only part of the solution though, to truly address the epidemic of domestic violence in society, we must also have tough prosecutors who advocate for the rights of victims, along with tough and fair judges who will not engage in revolving door justice. Remember, the prosecutor and judge in the Ray Rice case allowed Rice to avoid prosecution and a felony charge, in exchange for him entering a “pretrial intervention program”consisting of a year in treatment. Ironically, the initial punishment
levied by the NFL against Rice was far tougher that the punishment (or lack) he received in the criminal justice system. Of course, violent offenders need to receive counseling, but there must always be a punishment component, to deter future violence, while protecting victims. Contrary to what some professional athletes claim, they are indeed role models. The National Football League itself is a role model. We can expect the NFL to be tougher in the future, now it is up to the judiciary to be tough, smart, and fair. For victims of domestic violence, in Milwaukee, there are a number of resources for victims of domestic abuse. For a complete listing, visit city.milwaukee.gov/staysafe. And if
you would like to talk to someone immediately, a coordinator from the Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is available to help. Simply call: 414.286.2997. As always, I am available to answer your legal questions. You can reach me at: caseyesq@caseylaw.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.
Advertorial
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 6
Sista Speak...Speak Lord!
PERSPECTIVE
I FOCUS Thinking, meditating, daydreaming, planning and even remembering are surely different ways to help us focus.
Nicole Angresano with young ladies who participated in a recent news conference I tend to overthink situations, so I have touting the reduction of teen pregnancy in Milwaukee and the nation.
Parents should be primary sexual health educators for children United Way offers resources to make having “the talk” easier By Nicole Angresano Vice President, Community Impact, United Way of Greater Milwaukee
It’s that time again. No, not Packers season—although that’s awesome. October is Let’s Talk Month, an annual “push” for parents to increase their skills and will around being their children’s first and primary sexual health educators. I know—that’s not as easy as I make it sound. I get it-I’m a parent, too. This can be difficult stuff to talk about, even for those of us who talk about it professionally. But it’s so very, very important. Now some of you may think you’ve already had a talk, “the” talk, even. But one talk isn’t going to cut it. You need to talk to your children many, many times, over many, many years about all sorts of things. One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that even the bestmeaning parents have trouble having such conversations, often because no one had it with them, and because they don’t know all the answers. Body parts have different names these days—there are abbreviations and codes that weren’t around 25 years ago—and don’t even get me started about “twerking.” The good news is that there are tons of resources to help you. I am going to share some ideas with you, and provide a list of resources that will help you get the party started, so to speak. In particular, the questions teens have for parents are of three types: • Knowledge or information • Values or what is right • Is this normal? Knowledge questions (such as “What is a condom?”) can be some of the easier types of questions for many par-
ents to address. If you don’t know the answer, it’s an opportunity to find the answer together with your teen. Values questions (such as, “Is it OK to have sex before marriage?”) indicate teens are trying to figure out what they believe in, their own values, and what’s right for them. This is also an important task of adolescence. While many parents want their children to embrace their own values about sex, sexuality, and relationships, as teens grow into adulthood, they may test, rebel, or decide differently for themselves. Is this normal? questions (such as, “My breasts are not the same size. Is this normal?”) These might be about physical or emotional development. Teens might not ask these questions about themselves directly but about friends or classmates. With so many changes happening, teens really do want to know what is normal. You don’t have to have all the answers—but you do have to be willing to find them. Here are some resources—local and national—that can help: United Way of Greater Milwaukee’s teen pregnancy prevention website and communication toolkit for parents (in English and Spanish) can be found here: http://www.babycanwait.com/home.htm The Parents’ Sex Ed Center at Advocates for Youth: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/parents-sex-ed-centerhome The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has a ton of resources, including this great video: https://thenationalcampaign.org/resource/talking-yourteens-about-sex-love-and-relationships You can do this. So take a deep breath—and start talking! Nicole Angresano is the Vice President of Community Impact for United Way of Greater Milwaukee. She spearheads Milwaukee’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative, led by United Way. The community-wide effort has led to a 50% drop in teen births in Milwaukee and has become a national model for community collaboration. Nicole holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, concentrating on adolescent health.
to remind myself to tread lightly with myself and others at times.
That old saying: “Go with your first mind” always come to mind, as a reminder for me to stop overthinking a situation or an expected outcome.
Sonya Bowman
This is easier said than done however, and I am sure we all have our personal challenges when it comes to mastering the art of focus.
I have found lately, that one of the best mediums for me to keep things in perspective is the practice of meditation. Meditation is a close relative to prayer, that helps me to form a deeper relationship and focus on God. When I do this, everything goes right.
Your thoughts are appreciated. My ideas are valuable. My prayers are heard. My beliefs are true. Our love is strong. Our trust is worthy. Zelda Corona Our friendship is grateful. This is my perspective. Zelda Corona
CHANGES All things appear to be changing around us…Some of us have trouble keeping up.
Old Laws are being revised and New Laws are being added, it appears on a daily basis. No regard for Life…Is growing rapidly. Respect for one another…Appears to not be a thought for some of us.
Tara R. Pulley
The American Dream...Where has it gone??????
I find that when I incorporate at least We appear to be losing sight on what 20 minutes of meditation into my day, it Love is... sharpens my mind, it enhances my We appear to have lost sight of memory, it balances me. God!!!!!!!!! Focus allows me to make the intangiThis is my perspective…Now let me ble a reality. know what yours is? Sonya Marie Bowman Always Keeping it Real Tara R Pulley FEELINGS Your opinion is welcome. Your perception is real.
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 7
The Sports Page (long time, no see!)PhotoOp
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 8 So far the sports year has had more disappointment than satisfaction. The Brewers did a meltdown as the Major League Baseball season came to a close, taking themselves out of the playoff picture with little hitting and a pitching staff that lost its groove. The Packers are currently in the first leg of their seaon, beating the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets. They’ve lost to the Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions. The Bucks definitely be Green and Growing as they welcome the NBA’s number two overall draft pic and reintroduce some familiar faces, all under the direction of new coach Jason Kid.These last three months of 2014 should be pretty interesting around here! Oh, did we forget the Wisconsin Badger Football Team? Well, with the way their season is progressing, maybe it should be forgotten! (Photos by Yvonne Kemp, Bill Tennessen, and Kim Robinson)
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 9
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 8, 2014 Page 10