Voter Registration Drive on Highway of ID Questions
COMMUNITY
Community Leaders Encourage Everyone to Get Registered and Have a ‘Plan to Vote’ Article courtesy of Wisconsinvoices.org
Community leaders came together to celebrate democracy today, National Voter Registration Day. In 2014, Americans in 36 states will elect a governor, Wisconsin being one. This is one of the many reasons National Voter Registra-
VOL. XXXIX Number 9 September 24, 2014
The Milwaukee
JOURNAL
tion Day is so important. On September 23, all Wisconsinites should make sure they are registered to vote. “As the leading democracy of the world, every eligible American should be able to participate in our great democracy, and that begins with making sure that voting is convenient and accessible,” said Anita Johnson, an organizer with Citizen Action of Wisconsin Education Fund. “We have to ensure our elections are free, fair, and convenient. Voter Registration is the first step in the process and must be available to everyone. It’s critical we have a massive education plan because many voters don’t know about the new restrictive laws” Groups and leaders many to make sure restrictive voting
laws do not get in the way of having every eligible voter register and vote. After the press conference, the organizations and volunteers went to All Saints Church’s food drive, Milwaukee Area Technical College’s downtown Milwaukee campus, The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Union, and House of Peace. “We all must take responsibility and stand up for what you believe in, because your vote matters. Let politicians know that they need to listen to the Wisconsin people,” said Rev. Willie Brisco, President of MICAH. “Rather than making it harder to vote, leaders should come together to (continued on page 5)
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Justice Coalition make demands regarding Dontre Hamilton case, changes in police policies during townhall meeting
One and all came to the State Fair grounds to witness thrilling acrobats, stilt walkers, contortionists, clowns and deathdefying acts that wowed the audience during the Universoul Circus last weekend. State Senator Lena Taylor was a guest ringmaster. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
Family members of Dontre Hamilton, who was fatally shot multiple times by a Milwaukee Police officer in Red Arrow Park across the street from City Hall several months ago, were joined by concerned citizens as they confronted Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn, members of his command staff and members of the Fire and Police Commission (not shown) during Town Hall Meeting held recently in the Milwaukee Central Library’s Centinnial Hall. Holding up placards that read “We Matter!” and other signs, the group made several demands during the meeting, including: A public retraction of what the Coalition for Justice calls “felonius statements made about Hamilton by Chief Flynn, including his immediate resignation, release of the incident report for the officer involved in the shooting, the arrest and charge of murder for the officer that killed Hamilton, as well as the public relase of the officer’s name. They also demanded that any officer inovled in any crimminal investigation be immediately suspended without pay until the investigation is concluded. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
Free tickets available for First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit here Article courtesy of WITIFox 6 News
PULSE OF THE State Fair Park, we asked four audience members: “How important COMMUNITY is it to have Universoul Circus come to Milwaukee and perDuring the recently completed Universoul Circus performances at
Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp form for our community?”
KAREN WILSON: “Our culture is usually looked at in a negative manner. This is truly a positive aspect for African Americans.”
MONTREL WADE: “It is very important to the Black community because it show our children we can be whatever we want (to be) in life. It’s such a great vibe to shows Black people doing something positive instead of what we see on the news every day.”
NELLIE HILL: “I think it is important because it defines our Black heritage.”
VAL COPELAND, NATIONAL PROMOTER FOR THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS: “It’s important to let our youth in the community know that there are lots of opportunities available to them. You don’t have to only be a rapper or a sports athlete to be successful in life. It’s also important to expose “our” community to international cultures. “Soul” has no color!”
First Lady Michelle Obama is coming to Milwaukee on Monday, September 29th to campaign for Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke. The public is invited to attend the event at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, but anyone attending MUST have a ticket to the event. All tickets are FREE. Ticket distribution locations are listed below, with corresponding times at which tickets will be available. For more information, you’re invited to visit burkeforwisconsin.com/Michelle-Obama. NEW LOCATION: Northside Office – 6522 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee Wednesday 9/24 – 4pm -9pm Thursday 9/25 – 9am-9pm Friday 9/26 – 9am-9pm Democratic Party Office -1200 S Cesar Chavez, Milwaukee Wednesday 9/24 – 1pm -9pm Thursday 9/25 – 9am-9pm Friday 9/26 – 9am-9pm Democratic Party Office – 345 Main St, Racine Wednesday 9/24 – 2pm -9pm Thursday 9/25 – 9am-9pm Friday 9/26 – 9am-9pm Democratic Party Office – 820 North Grand Street, Waukesha Wednesday 9/24 – 2pm -9pm Thursday 9/25 – 9am-9pm Friday 9/26 – 9am-9pm Wisconsin African American Women’s Center – 3020 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee Wednesday 9/24 – 2pm -9pm (continued on page 2)
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668
Mayor Barrett’s 2015 Budget focuses on job creation, public safety Will also stress diversity as city sends out call for new MPD recruits
Compiled by MCJ Staff
Emphasizing job creation, safe neighborhoods, improving police/community relations, stabilizing homeownership and eliminating foreclosure blight, and increasing minority participation on the police and fire departments, Mayor Tom Barrett introduced his 2015 budget to the Common Council Tuesday. The 2015 budget includes a levy increase of approximately 1.2% or about $3.1 million. The levy supported expenditure authority is $1.2 billion. The 2015 levy and municipal service charge changes result in an estimated increased cost of $21.11 or 1.4% to the typical residential property owner. This 1.4% increase for the homeowner, according to Barrett, is below the projected 2015 inflation rate of 2%. Saying connecting with jobs is important to him, Barrett told council members and other city officials in attendance in the council’s chambers when residents have jobs, “our neighborhoods are safer…our children can imagine themselves in future work settings. “Local jobs support local businesses,” the mayor continued. “Jobs bring hope. So let’s take every reasonable step to connect Milwaukee residents to work.” Putting residents to work is what is behind the mayor’s “Compete Milwaukee” plan, a partnership with the Common Council, workforce development agencies and private employers to provide residents on-the-job training and temporary work while they search for permanent jobs. Set to receive $2 million in funding ($1.135 million of it in federal/state funds), Complete Milwaukee’s 2015 goals are to improve the quality of labor market information that is available locally, form an industry advisory board as a resource to workforce development agencies as they translate that information into programming and resource allocation decisions. There are also plans to enrich the experience of transitional workers employed by the city to improve the odds that they’ll be able to find meaningful work, even a career, after working for the city for 1,040 hours. The mayor noted the program will expand to include 130 job opportunities in city departments, like Neighborhood Services where participants will help monitor the city’s inventory of foreclosed homes. “The individuals hired for these positions will build skills towards full-time employment while making our city’s neighborhoods stronger.” To reduce tax foreclosures, Mayor Barrett proposes adding $500,000 in new funding for the Code Compliance Loan program and another (continued on page 2)
Barrett’s 2015 Budget focuses on job creation, public safety The Milwaukee Community Journal September 24, 2014 Page 2
(continued from page 1) $500,000 for loans to help city homeowners at risk of tax delinquency to stabilize their homes. “Keeping owners in their homes keeps our neighborhoods strong,” he told the council. The mayor credited Milwaukee City Treasurer Spencer Coggs for his efforts in this regard, calling him a “partner in our budget strategy,” adding a new position has been created in the Treasurer’s office to help delinquent taxpayers, as well as funding for a new data system to stay ahead of delinquencies. While noting the importance of police/community relations and the relaAPPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW UNTIL OCTOBER 17, 2014
THE PURPOSE: Police Officers preserve public peace, protect life and property, work within the community to prevent crime, and enforce ordinances of the City of Milwaukee and the laws of the State of Wisconsin. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Police Officers perform duties involved in the protection of life and property, including, but not limited to: Enforce criminal laws; identify, detain, and process wanted individuals Respond to calls for service Conduct investigations of suspicious persons or situations and preliminary investigations of major crimes and criminal activity Interview suspects and witnesses, and prepare appropriate investigative reports Prepare and testify in court as to the facts surrounding any criminal, departmental, or civil action Patrol the City of Milwaukee in a police vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, and/or on foot as directed Operate a police vehicle in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic, and in unsafe road conditions Prepare accurate and complete reports of daily activities Provide assistance to the community in the areas of crime prevention Enforce motor vehicle laws to promote safety and reduce accidents, expedite traffic flow, and enforce Wisconsin State Statutes Attend in-service training as mandated by the State of Wisconsin, or as directed Perform duties in a special assignment capacity such as Motorcycle Unit, Office of Community Outreach and Education, and Narcotics Division, as assigned Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Minimum age 21 United States Citizenship High School Diploma or Wisconsin GED or a GED from a different state that meets Wisconsin GED standards. A Home Education Diploma will be accepted provided the applicant can provide copies of form PI 1206 filed with the Department of Public Instruction for applicants who have completed a home school program in Wisconsin, or documentation that the education program has met the requirements of the Department of Education from the state where the home school program was completed. Valid Wisconsin driver’s license, or a valid driver’s license from the state in which you reside, at the time of background investigation. Physically able to perform Police Officer training and job duties Must successfully pass a Milwaukee Police Department Background Investigation DISQUALIFIERS: Your application will be rejected if any of the following are true: You have been convicted of a felony. You have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the United States Military Service. You have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. You have failed a Milwaukee Police Department background investigation within the last two years from the date of application. You have been terminated / discharged or resigned with charges pending from either the Milwaukee Police Department or Milwaukee Fire Department within the last two years from the date of application. Applicants may also be disqualified on the basis of background standards, which are included on the application. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Able to read, understand, and explain Wisconsin State Statutes and City of Milwaukee ordinances Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population, in-person, via telephone, and in writing Civil, courteous and customer-service oriented Ability to write accurate and complete reports and accurately record information – by hand and using a computer, file records, and process paperwork Ability to solve problems, and make quick and appropriate decisions in stressful situations Ability to maintain self-control and to take direction from supervisors Maintain a positive attitude, have good moral character, be honest, responsible and trustworthy Ability to perform physical activities necessary to protect oneself and others Motivated and able to complete the required educational and physical fitness programs Ability to drive a motor vehicle Ability to work long hours for an extended period of time WORKING CONDITIONS: Required to wear a uniform and carry a firearm and assigned equipment Must successfully complete a 16-month probationary period Will work a 40-hour work week, with rotating off-days by assignment; will be required to work most weekends and many holidays After recruit training, Police Officers are typically assigned to the late (12:00 midnight to 8:00 a.m.) or early (4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight) shift; day-shift assignments are awarded to employees with seniority Must earn sixty college credits within five (5) years of hire
tionships that have been built by the MPD and various neighborhood groups such as the Amani and Metcalfe Park neighborhoods, as well through initiatives such as “Compete Milwaukee,” Black Male Achievement, the Fatherhood Initiative, the mayor stressed the police department must also reflect the people it serves. He asked members of the council to help MPD recruit minorities from their districts. The mayor announced the department is in the process of recruiting for police officers, police aides, and fire cadets. “For our residents and our police and fire departments, we must have a sustained effort to have our public safety departments reflect Milwaukee’s diTRAINING: Must complete a paid 23-week police training course at the Police Academy After successfully completing the training course, will be assigned to a district police station for field training SALARY AND BENEFITS: The current annual starting salary is $49,786.36, with increases to a maximum of $66,606.28. While in the Training Academy, Police Recruits will receive a biweekly pay of $1436.15. The city offers a generous benefit package that includes two weeks of paid vacation after one year of service; 12 paid days off in lieu of holidays; fifteen days paid sick leave per year; health, dental, and life insurance; and tuition and textbook reimbursement. SELECTION PROCESS: The examination process will include a written test, a physical ability test that includes a 1-1/2 mile run, an oral interview, a writing sample exercise, and background investigation. All phases of the examination must be successfully completed in order to continue in the selection process. Failure in any segment of the examination disqualifies an applicant. Qualified candidates will be notified of the time and location of the written examination, which has tentatively been scheduled to be held before the end of 2014. Candidates who successfully complete the written examination will receive information about the date, time, and location of the other testing components. If you will be unavailable for one or more portions of the examination due to military service or training, you must provide written notification to the Fire and Police Commission, City Hall Room 706 prior to the examination. ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates who successfully pass the examination process will be placed on an eligible list for Police Officer, with ranking based upon the test scores plus any applicable preference points (see below). APPOINTMENTS: Final appointment as a Police Officer is contingent upon passing all pre-employment components, the number of vacancies, and approval by the Fire and Police Commission. PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION, PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION and DRUG TEST: Individuals offered employment must pass a pre-employment medical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug test as a condition of employment. PREFERENCE POINTS: Preference points may be added to the final passing score in accordance with State Statutes and Fire and Police Commission Rules. Qualified veterans will receive military preference points added to the final passing score; a DD-214 is required as proof of service. Military Veterans Preference Points Claim Form Preference points may be added to the final passing score, if you are a bona fide resident of the City of Milwaukee when you apply; proof of residency must be provided. Residency Preference Points Claim Form In order to receive military veteran or residency preference points, the DD-214 or proof of residency must be provided as part of the application. Preference points may not be claimed after the application period closes. Preference points claim forms and supporting documentation must be received or postmarked by October 17, 2014 by the Fire and Police Commission, Room 706, City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3554 or at fpc@milwaukee.gov. APPLICATION PROCESS The application process must be completed online. The online application will be available on September 19, 2014 and accepted through October 17, 2014. Further information may be obtained from www.milwaukee.gov/jobs or by calling (414) 286-3751. Online applications may not be submitted after the deadline, unless extended.
Free tickets available for First Lady’s visit
(continued from page 1) Thursday 9/25 – 9am-9pm Friday 9/26 – 9am-9pm The event is set for Monday after 2 p.m. at the Wisconsin Center (400 W. Wisconsin Ave.) in Milwaukee. It is important for anyone who attends to arrive early in order to pass through security. Again, a ticket is required for entry into this event. =NOTE: Small cameras and cell phones are permitted in the event, but the public is asked to limit personal belongings. Do not bring bags, umbrellas, or sharp objects. Water will be provided at the event. Signs will not be permitted into the event.
versity.” During a phone interview Monday, the mayor said if the departments (especially the police) are going to change, it must change from within. Part of that change, he said, was in how it reflects the community it protects and serves. Barrett said he wants Milwaukee residents who live (and want to live) in the city of Milwaukee and who are looking for a well paying (albeit dangerous and challenging) job, should consider joining either department. The police officer position starting salary is $49,786. The application period for police officer is now open until October 17, 2014. (A complete list of requirements for police officer is included on This page). The Budget speech also touched on Infant mortality and the mayor’s determination to reduce the number of infant deaths in the city, continued investment in Century City, a modern business park in the heart of the central city with access to a ready workforce, and expanded pilot program for body cameras now that the field test is complete. The body cameras are a response to the death several months ago of Dontre Hamilton by a Milwaukee Police officer. The mayor proposes allocating $100,000 for the program.
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PERSPECTIVES
The Milwaukee Community Journal September 24, 2014 Page 3
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Years ago I resolved
that because I had no ancestors myself, I would leave a record of which my children would be proud, and which might encourage them to still higher effort.”--Booker T. Washington
Part Three: Life isn’t Fair Unless we Make It!
Rahim islam
I
UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING By Rahim Islam
n the first two parts of “Life isn’t Fair Unless we Make it,” my main objective for writing this article was to call our attention to the following:
• The horrific experience of the American Institution of Slavery orchestrated against our ancestors for nearly 350 years – why isn’t this front and center in everything that we do; why aren’t we paying honor to our ancestors that paid the ultimately price (dignity, respect, and many times their lives) hoping praying that one day we would be free from these wicked and Godless captors; • The staggering and alarming inequities that Blacks face daily in America (many of these demographics are not new) require that we take a real account and a different approach if we're to ever change the trajectory for future generations – these are not just statistics. These statistics are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, neighbors, and our children - these negative statistics are “US” – It is extremely important that we “unpack” the root causes for this condition and if you don’t, you almost have to adopt a Black inferiority position.;
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL
• While there are so many challenging issues we face, none can be more extreme (crippling every effort towards independence) than the fact that Blacks have very little/no capital in the capitalistic democracy we call America – this is our economic reality. If you don’t think where you start matters, you’re not brainwashed – you’re brain dead. Our economic reality is a direct result to the unfair disadvantage we’ve had since being brought to this country in chains and having to serve nearly 300 hundred years of hard chattel slavery without a red cent in return for that labor at the same time numerous individuals (America)built tremendous wealth off the backs of our ancestors; • Yes, we have been dealt a terrible hand since we've been in this country, but today, it’s not all what “they” are doing to us; it’s what “we” are not doing in many cases. We find excuse after excuse for not working and supporting each other. Too many of our Blacks that have some measure of success, under the guise of “doing my own thing,” have left the struggle for self-determination of our people. They have either mailed in their participation or don’t even believe that they have an obligation to our struggle (this is so sad because but for our ancestors and their tremendous sacrifice and courage we wouldn’t be a physically free people). This behavior, in the form of example and sometime leadership, as a whole, has significantly contributed to the psyche of our people creating our inability to mount any campaign due to holding self-imposed behaviors that are absolutely self-destructive to our people (the nearly 2/3rd that are at or near the survival mode); • Some of us, especially those that have received some of the spoils of this life actually believe that life is fair. If you believe that you must also believe in the inherit inferiority of our people (you can't have it both ways). Because life isn’t fair and is a race (with winners and losers), this belief has caused us to assimilate and/or waste invaluable time chasing a pipedream that has fundamentally robbed us of our own personally responsibility to fight to make life fair; and lastly • From education, religion, language, mass media, and now within our own culture, we are bombarded with negative images of Black people that have put us at the deepest level of hopelessness and despair ever seen that is exhibited by even our most brightest and talented stars. After getting knocked down, we have refused to fight to get back up to work towards a “functional” Black unity on behalf of Black people – too many have just given up.
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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.
“Our economic reality is a direct result to the unfair disadvantage we’ve had since being brought to this country in chains and having to serve nearly 300 hundred years of hard chattel slavery without a red cent in return for that labor at the same time numerous individuals (America)built tremendous wealth off the backs of our ancestors...”
Maybe we have been lulled to sleep by the media blitz of false information regarding the success of Black people in this country (there is no measurement of success that we can claim). We hear over and over again about the billions of dollars Blacks earn annually. There is stark difference between income and wealth. Income is what we received when we sell our labor – it is virtually impossible to create wealth with income especially when many of us spend more than what we earn. Wealth can be described as an abundance of items of economic value (i.e. money, real estate and personal property, etc.). An individual, who is considered wealthy, is someone who has accumulated substantial assets over and beyond their personal and family needs categorized by: 1) personal property, including homes or automobiles; 2) monetary savings, such as the accumulation of past income;
and 3) capital wealth of income producing assets, including real estate, stocks, bonds, and businesses, etc. Maybe the election of a Black President is proof that America is color-blind – nothing could be further from the truth. Contrary to prevailing myths, America has never been a color-blind society. Racism continues to be ignored at all levels of government (i.e. Mike Ferguson, Travon Martin, etc.) while the nation’s attention and resources are focused on less contentious issues (i.e. Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, etc.). These distractions take far away from the real issues facing our community. Dr. Claude Anderson stated “White society has an out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude about racism and avoids any substantive discussions of, let alone action against racism, The callous indifference, disrespect and sometimes actual hatred that the majority of society feels towards Black people are creating conditions that are dangerously parallel
to those in Germany prior to the Jewish Holocaust.” The bottom line is my writing is not aimed at bashing Black people. I’m writing to bash the myth of Black inferiority and White superiority. I’m writing to bash the disrespect of our ancestors made by some Blacks who refuse to participate in the self-determination of our people. I’m writing to bash hopelessness and despair held by too many Black people. I’m writing to bash disunity and everything associated with inactivity. I’m writing to bash the concept that we can achieve when we don’t believe. I’m writing to bash the idea that we can achieve what we want without earning it. I’m writing to bash the idea that life is fair. I’m writing to say that if we want life to be fair, we must make it fair. I’m writing to urge all of us to do for self and accept the fact that no
one can/will do for us what we must do for ourselves. While we can’t control the color of our skin, the family we are born to, nationality, or life or death but we can control quality of life, ignorance and poverty – we can control our commitment to the struggle to make life fair for our people. Now is the time for each and every one of us to be accounted for – we must make our participation known. We’re not going to wish our way out of the alarming social-economic conditions that continue to threaten the future of our children. We must eliminate any/all excuses that prevent us from taking Action now. The more hands (help) involved, the lesser the burden that any one of us has to bear. We are hosting a Town Hall meeting on October 23, 2014 at 5:30 pm to discuss the issues facing Black Milwaukee with the goal to establish clear action steps. We will utilize your individual skills, expertise and creative input into a collective response to assist our community. You are the fuel that will make this work, but we need you to ACT NOW! There is power in unity. 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)
RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal September 24, 2014 Page 4
WHAT’S HAPPENING!
“One thing I ask of In Your Faith-Based Community... the LORD, this is Brentwood to host comedy show what I seek: that I may dwell in the for its scholarship fund Oct 11 The Lois M. Chapple Scholarship fund of Brentwood Church of Christ will house of the LORD 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 all the days of my St. Popular comedian Marlin Hill will perform, along with Chassity Washington. Admission is $10 per person. There will also be a consession stand life, to gaze upon to allow members of the audience to grab some food while watching the show. the beauty of the Back to School Praise Talent Show Grace United Church of Christ will host a Youth Back to School/No Violence Praise LORD and to seek Talent Show Saturday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. Grace United is located at 4920 N. Sherman Blvd. This free and positive event is being sponsored by T.A./USW him in his temple.” 1114/AFL-CIO and the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. there will be Praise Dancers,
Gospel Rappers and Youth Singers, Poets, Youth Choir and Singers. Free hair cuts will also be provided. For more information, call 414-426-3762.
Mason Temple COGIC to host Diamond Jubilee
The Women’s Department of the Wisconsin Northwest Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) will hold a 10th Diamond Jubilee and Worship Celebration for Dr. Grace A. Harris, the Wisconsin Northwest Jurisdictional Supervisor. The event will be held Monday, September 22, at Mason Temple COGIC, 6098 N. 35th St., starting at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent Osie Tatum, Jr. is the host pastor. For more information, call 414-365-0683.
Mt. Zion MBC to hold annual revivial
The Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church will hold its annual revival Monday, Sept. 22th through Wednesday, Sept. 24th, 2014, starting at 7 pm nightly. The theme for the week is “Finding Faith Through God’s Grace”, Matthew 6:33. Our Lecturer will be Rev. Donald Sibley, Pastor, New Evergreen Baptist Church, Jena, Louisiana and Speaker, Rev. Harry Blake, Pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Shreveport, LA. We look forward to a spiritually uplifting revival filled with praise, worship and joy. There will also be guest choirs from various churches each night of the revival. Mount Zion is located at 2207 North 2nd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Reverend Louis E. Sibley, III is the pastor. All are invited to attend and bring a friend to this soul saving revival. For additional information you may contact the church secretary at (414) 3727811.
Women’s Day events set for Mt. Zion MBC Oct. 11 and 12
Rainbow of Love
--Psalm 27:4
Greater New Birth Church to hold its first Annual Women Walking For Awareness
Greater New Birth Church (GNB) located at 8237 West Silver Spring Drive, will host a Women’s Walk for Awareness on Saturday, October 4. The event will highlight some of the colors that represent Health Disparities and Diseases. The walk coincides with GNB’s Mission “to produce empowered Christians who will reproduce em-
Rev. Darryl Williams, pastor of St. Mark AME Church, and his wife Laurelyn joined member couples of the churches congregation in renewing their wedding vows last Sunday during a afternoon program focusing on and celebrating marriage and the sanctity of the institution. Rev. Dr. Fred L. Crouther, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church. The event was presented by St. Mark’s annual Women’s Day committee. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
powered Christians.” It is one of the many activities planned during the church’s Women’s Month in October. Under the leadership of Bishop R.J. and Pastor Patricia Burt the CORE VALUES of the church are: Integrity, Compassion and Excellence. These three values are being displayed through this community wide event. “Colors of love” are the colors that represent different health dispari-
BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
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.
Working in the vineyard Prophetic Prayer with the outcasts of life 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.
Wisconsin Northwest Jurisdiction of the COGIC to celebrate the ministery and birthday of Pastor Claude Edwards
The Wisconsin Northwest Jurisdiction (WNJ) of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) will hold a 58th church anniversary and 90th birthday celebration for Rev. Claude Edwards, the senior pastor of Faith Temple COGIC. Edwards is the oldest pastor in the WNJ. The celebration will be held Sunday, Oct. 5, starting at 4 p.m., at Mason Temple COGIC, 6098 N. 35th St. The theme is: “The God of the Breakthrough Commands Victory!” (1 Chronicles 14: 10&11). Bishop C.H. McClelland will be among the featured speakers, choirs, singers and dancers.
If you have a church announcement, email it to: editorial@communityjournal.net, or bring it to the MCJ offices, 3612 N. Martin Luther King Drive. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL!
By Fr. Carl Diederichs, All Saints Catholic Church
The assigned readings from scripture for this coming weekend are: Ezekiel 18: 25-28; Philippians 2: 111; Matthew 21: 28-32. In the Gospel we hear Jesus speaking to the leaders of the religion, those who felt they had it made. Of course, it was all show and tell. They wanted especially to show the "wicked," the prostitutes and tax collectors that they were damned. And these "damned" people were the ones Jesus hung out with, ate with and always treated with love and kindness. And of course, that is why Jesus was painted with the same brush as the "damned." Jesus stood up for the outcasts and had no trouble telling the "saved" that they got it quite wrong as they assumed that they were speaking for God as they uttered anathemas and turned their backs on the folks they determined were damned. Jesus was constantly speaking up for the outcasts and challenging the
Wedding Day Bliss!
The groomsmen, bridesmaids, and flower girl gather around newly wedded couple Bonita (nee Cannon) and Dametris McGee after they were joined together in holy matrimony recently at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church on Sherman Blvd. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
religious leaders to lighten up and read the scripture as he did; where God, his daddy, was in love with all of creation, including those precious sons and daughters of His that may have turned away and lived selfishly without regard for their sisters and brothers. In the Gospel under consideration, Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees a story and then asks a question. They know pretty quickly that he was speaking about them. He asked them which son did his father's will, the one that said he would go and work in the vineyard but didn't or the one who said he would not go, but eventually went. They knew they were like the one who said he would go, but never did. And the prostitutes and tax collectors may have said no, as one can see from their life-style, but heard the Good News and went! They will get into the Kingdom way before those who claimed righteousness and pointed their finger at the "damned." Jesus reminds them that when John the Baptist came they ignored him, but tax collectors and prostitutes listened and turned around. The religious leaders did not. Let's say, "yes" to working in God's vineyard. It is a lot of fun. And in the process we learn not to judge but to love and from that love we will become more faithful as we help others to hear and live the "Good News." Paul got the message as he turned around from being an accomplice to murder to being the Apostle to the Gentiles. He says in Philippians that we should humbly regard others (no distinction) as more important than ourselves. We are to look out for our own interests, but also the interests of others. We must have the same mind and heart, compassion and mercy as Christ.
ties, diseases and complications that these women walking have, are or may face - our their friends and family are dealing with. Each woman will wear a color that represents the disparity that they are walking to support. Below is a list of the causes (and their respective color T-shirt): AUTISM, DIABETES: ROYAL BLUE AIDS, SICKLE CELL: RED
ALZHEIMER’S, LUPUS, EPILEPSY, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, FIBROMYALGIA: PURPLE BREAST CANCER: PINK BRAIN CANCER: GREY CERVIVAL CANCER, OVARIAN: TEAL LUKEMIA, , MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, ADHD: ORANGE LUNG CANCER: WHITE SPINA BIFIDA, BONE CANCER: YELLOW KIDNEY CANCER: GREEN The walk will start at the church and begin at 8 a.m. Individuals who wish to participate must choose a color specific to the cause they would like to represent and wear that t-shirt on Saturday. The route of the walk is from GNB to 91st Silver Spring, to 91st and Appleton, to 91st and Villard, to 84th and Villard, then to Fond du lac and back to the church.
The Milwaukee Community Journal September 24, 2014 Page 5
P O L I T I C S &G OVERNMENT
C i t y • How to Register to Vote
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Wisconsin law requires every qualified voter to maintain a current voter registration before voting in an election. Therefore, you must complete a voter registration application if you are a new Wisconsin voter, your name and/or residential address has changed since you last registered to vote, or if you have not voted in the past four (4) years. If you are uncertain of your voter registration name, address or status, you can go to My Vote Wisconsin and select "Regular Voter" to look up your voter record. IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING PROOF OF RESIDENCY: As of April 4, 2014, Act 182 requires that all voters provide a document establishing their proof of residence as part of the voter registration application. This requirement applies to ALL electors who are not military or permanent overseas voters. More information on what constitutes valid proof of residency can be found below. The City of Milwaukee provides four (4) opportunities for completing and updating your voter registration: by mail, at any Milwaukee Public Library, at City Hall or at your voting site on Election Day. Please Note: Close of Registration Registration by mail and at Milwaukee Public Libraries ends 20 days prior to each election (or the third Wednesday before each election). This is referred to as the “close of registration” date. You may still register to vote at City Hall during the 20 days before an election or at your voting site on Election Day.
Scott Walker’s Broken Jobs Promise
It isn’t unusual for a candidate to make promises while running for office, in fact, voters expect a concrete vision of what the candidate will do on day one if elected to office. In 2010, Scott Walker wasn't shy about repeating his central campaign promise early and often. Playing off the effects of the great recession, which left tens of millions of Americans unemployed across the nation, Walker promised to create 250,000 new private sector jobs if elected Governor. His promise didn’t fall on deaf ears. Thousands of unemployed or underemployed Wisconsinites who were losing their homes and watching the dream of a middle-class life fade away took Walker’s promise to heart as a plan to get households back to work. Voters craved the prospect of good paying jobs, family-sustaining wages, the return of industries to communities like Beloit, Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine. Those prospects seemed tangible in Scott Walker’s promise, but four years
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1. BY MAIL Download and print the Voter Registration Application. Once complete, you may mail the application along with a copy of your proof of residence document to: City of Milwaukee Election Commission 200 East Wells, Room 501 Milwaukee, WI 53202 Registrations by mail must be postmarked prior to the close of registration date for each election. 2. REGISTER IN PERSON AT ANY MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY All Milwaukee Public Libraries have voter registration applications and registrars to assist you with completing the voter registration process during regular hours of operation. You may view a list of Milwaukee Public Library sites by clicking this link: www.mpl.org. 3. REGISTER IN PERSON AT THE ELECTION COMMISSION You may register to vote at the office of the Election Commission, Room 501, City Hall, 200 East Wells. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. 4. REGISTER AT YOUR VOTING SITE ON ELECTION DAY You may register and vote at your voting site on any Election Day. Click here to determine your voting site by entering your voter registration address. Any person registering to vote and voting on Election Day must have lived at their current address for at least 28 days before the election with no present intent to move and must provide an acceptable proof of residence document from the list below. ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF RESIDENCE DOCUMENTS: 2013 Wisconsin Act 182 went into effect on April 4, 2014. Act 182 requires that ALL voters provide a document establishing their proof of residence as part of the voter registration application. The requirement applies to all electors who are not military or permanent absentee voters. Any document used as a proof of residence MUST include: Your current and complete name Your current and complete residential address
later, Wisconsin families face more of the same issues they did when Walker first declared Wisconsin open for business. Walker’s Wisconsin turned out to be just the opposite. The state is dead last in Midwestern private sector job creation and trails the rest of the nation in terms of economic growth. Wisconsin isn’t coming back. Instead, it’s falling behind. With just a handful of months left in his first term, Walker is only 40 percent of the way to what he promised. In order to reach the stated goal, Walker would have to add an average of 36,951 jobs per month in the next four months. A highly unlikely possibility since the state has only added 8,880 jobs so far this year. The independent fact-checking organization Politifact, which has been tracking Walker’s progress since the first day he stepped into the State Capitol as its chief executive, says time has run out for the governor to make good on his promise. They now call Walker’s jobs promise a – “Promise Broken.” Now, in the heat of the toughest election of his political career, Scott Walker is changing his tone in order to save his electoral prospects. Walker and his administration continue to offer excuses on why the governor has come embarrassingly short on his central campaign promise. Walker blamed foreign conflicts,
offered the vague excuse of “uncertainty” in markets, criticized the best available jobs data, and even pointed to Wisconsin’s seasonal winter weather as reasons why citizens weren’t going back to work. Walker can’t hide the truth; it rears its head every time a family has more bills than they can handle or capable graduates struggle to find wages high enough to pay off their student debts. Walker arrived at his promise of 250,000 jobs through projecting a combination of normal economic growth, which was expected to create 119,000 jobs over four years, and recovery of the 137,000 jobs lost in the Great Recession. UW-Oshkosh professor called Walker’s promise an expectation to “let the economy get back on track, and take the credit for it.” Walker should have been able to reach such a low bar, but his extreme policies undermined the very job growth he promised. Walker’s strategy for job growth hasn’t worked. When you put those at the top and big special interests ahead of working and middle class families – it’s no surprise Wisconsin lags behind on job creation. Marquette University economist Abdur Chowdhury points out the governor's inattention to a historically vibrant and critical part of the Wisconsin economy, "One way to respond to these recent challenges is to diversify our manufacturing base," Chowdhury said. "The state govern-
downturn. Mike Wilder, the Co-Chair of the African American Roundtable framed up the need. “Voter registration is about improving your future. All eligible Americans should cast a ballot on Election Day for their future, their children’s futures, and the future of our great nation.” Wilder went on, “In order to keep our voting system free, fair, and accessi-
ble, our voter registration system needs to be modernized and brought into the 21st century to give Wisconsinites more opportunities to participate in our great democracy. Moving forward, we need to change the way we think about voter registration. Today, we must know our rights, register and make a plan to vote. Tomorrow, we make voting registration stronger, better, and more fair.”
Voter Registration Drive on Highway of ID Questions
(continued from page 1) make sure every eligible citizen can participate. That’s what we are doing today.” Unfortunately, these restrictive new laws have cut back on voter registration opportunities (black-out period longer, early voting shorter, more difficult to register due to proof of residency, and now Photo ID), especially for some groups, including seniors, veterans, and folks who have been hardest hit by the economic
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ment has not paid much attention to this area." Manufacturing, historically the most active sector of the Wisconsin economy, only accounts for about 16 percent of employment - compared to 20 percent ten years ago. Of the top 15 manufacturing states, Wisconsin has the 12th slowest rate of growth. Although manufacturing took a big hit during the Great Recession, many of our neighbors, Michigan, Minnesota, and Indiana have posted job growth numbers above the national average despite the fact that all of their economies depend heavily on manufacturing. To ignore such an important sector of the Wisconsin economy should be a signal to Wisconsin that Scott Walker never had a proven strategy for job growth. His 2010 promise was one that he never truly intended to keep. Now it’s those same voters who have to survive in Walker’s Wisconsin where another 4,300 jobs were lost just this past August. During his 2010 campaign, Walker claimed that he "absolutely” wanted to be held to his 250,000 new jobs promise. Now, with his promise to Wisconsin broken, the failure to create jobs should be placed squarely on Walker’s shoulders.--Article courtesy of Urban News Media
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A visible account or document number (if applicable) AND must be from one of the following proof of residence document types: A current and valid Wisconsin driver’s license. A current and valid Wisconsin identification card. Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit. Any identification card issued by an employer in the normal course of business and bearing a photo of the card holder, but not including a business card. A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election. A gas, electric or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before Election Day. Bank statement. Paycheck. A check or other document or official correspondence issued by a unit of government (this includes official mail from a public high school or state college or university, such as MPS or UW-Milwaukee). A university, college, or technical college identification card (must include photo) ONLY if the voter provides a fee receipt dated within the last 9 months or the institution provides a certified housing list to the municipal clerk. A residential lease which is effective for a period that includes Election Day (cannot be used when registering by mail) **Please note: you are able to redact (black out) private information such as account balances or transactions on your proof of residence document. However, the last four (4) digits of your account number (if applicable), name and address must remain visible.
YOUTH&EDUCATION
The Milwaukee Community Journal September 24, 2014 Page 6
Malcolm X to house high-performing school Legislative leaders misstate facts, ignore MPS efforts to place internationally recognized program in school
Boys and Girls Clubs youth get a plesant surprise...a brand new “Tween Tech Center!”
Young members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee get the surprise of their lives after taking off blindfolds and being led into the new state-of-the-art “Tween Tech Center,” at the Don and Sallie Davis Boys and Girls Club at 1975 S. 24th St.Designed by celebrity craftsman Carter Oosterhouse, the center will help spark kids’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and prepare young people for 21st century success. Funded by Samsung, the new Tween Center is a modernized technology classroom for Club members with moble devices for learning. Along with other clubs across the nation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee have customized STEM curriculum and eBooks on Samsung gadgets including 20 Samsung Note 10.1 (2014 edition) tablets, eight laptops and a large TV display. Developed by education leader Scholastic, the STEM curriculum will assist kids’ education and literacy goals and encourage Club tweens to work together and invent creative, engineering-based solutions for community needs. Pictured at left is Mayor Tom Barrett, who presented Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee President and CEO Vincent Lyles a proclamation recognizing the special day. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
UWM students discover that learning goes way beyond the classroom
with other students.” Garcia took the opportunity to become involved in the broader Milwaukee and Latino communities. “Being in Milwaukee pushed me to get involved with other things, too. I became part of the Latino Student Union on campus and well as the YES group (Youth Empowered in the Struggle).” With YES, he traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the DREAM Act. “That was a powerful thing in my life, building relationships with powerful people and people of my age, my color.” He adds: “My cultural background lies deep in lands of Mexico, . where my parents-parents and their parents were born and raised. My family migrated to the U.S. in the late ‘80s to fulfill their dreams. My parents always instilled the idea of education is the gateway to freedom to both my sister and me when we were young and still continue to tell us now that we are adults- and they're right. “Garcia and Raphael found opportunities in research, internships and on-campus jobs. Raphael worked with the Student Success Center for four years, assisting other students in finding reTyler Raphael (shown above with female student) has taken his educasources and mentors to help them tion beyond the classroom at UWM, becoming involved in the broader adapt to campus life and stick with Milwaukee and Latino communities. (Photo courtesy of UWM) their studies. Students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee “I thought it would be a great way to meet people as can do a lot of learning beyond their coursework. well as help other people interact and have a really good “Here at UWM there are really a lot of different opporexperience at UWM. tunities for students to get involved. There are leadership “We have a lot of good information that incoming stupositions, undergraduate research, extracurriculars, or just dents would like to know. I know if I’d checked it out my what you want to do for fun,” says Tyler Raphael, a senior first year, I would have been able to do a lot more than from Racine, double majoring in biochemistry and biojust hang out at the library. That’s something your mentor logical sciences and minoring in mathematics. “I really can really help you learn.” enjoyed my experiences here.” In addition to his work with YES, Garcia was involved Arturo Garcia, originally from Minnesota, found himin WiscAMP (the Wisconsin Alliance for Minority Parself stepping into leadership roles in the community. “I ticipation) program for students involved in science, techguess this was the year where I actually decided to do betnology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. He ter things for myself and for others. I was one of the coalso worked as a mentor in the Student Success Center, founders of an organization on campus called Hispanic helping new students at UWM. Professionals of Greater Milwaukee.” And, after an internship with the U.S. Department of Raphael participated in the university’s undergraduate Agriculture in Milwaukee, he moved into a full-time job research program, taking on the challenge of applying the with the agency. “It’s cool to say I’m actually a federal skills he was learning in his major in research with a facemployee now.” His job is in conservation education, ulty member in a different field. working with the forest service to bring programs to unWorking with faculty members in Freshwater Sciences, derserved areas. he went out on Lake Michigan to track data on lake con“It’s a fun job to have. I’ve always been an outdoorsy ditions, looking for clues to a biological mystery – cell kind of guy,” Garcia says. He’s enjoyed the opportunity death in phytoplankton, a one-celled water organism. of introducing youngsters to the outdoors. “Not too many “I had never been on a boat on Lake Michigan before kids in the urban ‘hoods’ get to experience that so it’s and didn’t know how to take water samples,” he says. “I good to take them out of their realm to a different place, learned a little about differential equations and I went to especially when they learn something new and it clicks.” my first research conference where I could share research
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Dr. Michael Bonds, president of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, issued the following regarding the erroneous statement issued today by State Senator Alberta Darling and State Representative Joe Sanfelippo regarding the district's plans to continue the development of the former Malcolm X Academy building: "From the beginning of this process, Senator Darling and Representative Sanfelippo have clearly misunderstood this effort to bring a "It is unfortunate that Senator high-performing International BacDarling and Representative Sancalaureate school to the Malcolm X neighborhood. Their statement today felippo have characterized this only further serves to illustrate that effort as phony, crooked and obfact. scene. In fact, the Board took the "There is nothing inappropriate appropriate steps to continue the about the decision made by the Milproject itself and keep our promwaukee Board of School Directors to move forward with this project with- ise to the neighborhood to deliver out the developer we initially identi- what it asked for: a high-perfied. What was most critical to this forming school.” Board is that the project move for- --MPS Board President ward. Michael Bonds "It is unfortunate that Senator Darling and Representative Sanfelippo have characterized this effort as phony, crooked and obscene. In fact, the Board took the appropriate steps to continue the project itself and keep our promise to the neighborhood to deliver what it asked for: a high-performing school. "I have asked the Office of the City Attorney to provide legal options with respect to the inflammatory and false allegations by Darling and Sanfelippo against the district, alleging corruption."
KALEIDOSCOPE
The Milwaukee Community Journal September 24, 2014 Page 7
the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section
Currie and Reneau among inaugural group of athletes inducted into Brown Deer High School Hall of Fame
Sista Speak... Speak Lord!!!
SPIRIT
Unbroken Can’t break my stride… Can’t affect my pride. Can’t make me blue… Can’t make me untrue. Can’t put me down… Can’t make me frown. Can’t lessen my worth… Can’t stop me from going forth. Can’t make me fear it… I am unbroken…Nothing and No one can break my spirit. Sonya Marie Bowman
Me My energy can be seen. My praise can be contagious. My faith can be felt. My dreams are tangible. My smile is loud.
My thoughts can be heard. I am free to be. Zelda Corona
SUNDAY BRUNCH Getting together for Sunday Brunch is a time for us to put on our best for a big breakfast buffet with our circle of friends and or family. We look forward to the date and time with excitement. We watch our diets until that day so we can eat as much as we want. Mimosas are an added bonus for some of us*:) happy Sunday Brunch is a joyous occasion which consists of catching up on what the other is doing, good food and at times, loud laughter...Such great spirit amongst all in attendance. We leave Sunday Brunch feeling full not only of food… But full of Joy and great spirit, and can't wait until the next time. During these times in our lives, let's not allow anyone or anything to break our spirits...Let Go and Let God!!!!!!!! Always Keeping It Real, Tara R Pulley
Brandon Currie (Class of 1998, left) and Andrae Reneau (Class of 1996, right) were among 12 athletes and coaches from Brown Deer High School to be the first inductees into the Brown DeerGranville High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Currie was a four year letter winner in tennis and won both the 1996 and 1998 Wisconsin State Tennis Championships. He was also named to the All-State tennis team four straight years (1994-1998). He is now a head tennis coach at a Division One university in Indianapolis. Reneau was a star running back, wrestler and track star at Brown Deer High School, where he excelled academically, recording a 4.0 GPA three of his four years at Brown Deer. Reneau is currently a civil litigation attorney in Atlanta. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
COUNSELOR IN YOUR CORNER What’s My Case Worth? By Atty. John Casey
As a personal injury attorney, I’m often asked, “What’s my case worth?” Often, clients ask this question during the initial interview, and my answer is always the same: “We need to wait until the end of the medical treatment.” In this column, I will briefly explain the process and some of the factors experienced personal injury lawyers use to arrive at a just settlement. Let’s start at the beginning. There is a car accident and a man is injured through no fault of his own by another driver. In general, the person liable for the accident -- and therefore that person’s liability insurance company -must pay the injured person for any: Pain and Suffering ·ost income and loss in earning capacity • Permanent disability or disfigurement • Loss of family, social, and educational opportunities, and • Emotional damages resulting from the above. Calculating the medical bills and income lost is the easy part; there is just no simple way to put a dollar figure on pain and suffering, disability and other permanent injuries. Having the best medical and occupational professionals who are willing to write comprehensive Atty. John Casey expert reports is an absolute necessity; along with having an experienced personal injury lawyer is necessary if you want to recover maximum compensation. Let me give you a real life example: James, a 30-year-old man, was injured in a motorcycle accident. The costs of his medical care amounted to $50,000 incurred over a two-year period. Unfortunately, James also suffered a permanent injury to his spine, permanent scarring to his face and arms and was off of work for a month. The damages that James can demand of the insurance company include: • The full amount of his medical bills ($50,000), regardless if paid by health insurance at a discounted rate or not. • Two years of past pain and suffering. • 50 years of future pain and suffering from his permanent injury (Social Security life expectancy table). • Compensation for his facial and arm scars. • Future medical expenses related to expected arthritis and possible back surgery. • Future prescription drug benefits. • One month for lost wages. • Travel expenses to and from treatment. Other damages may be available, but for purposes of illustration only, I touched upon the most common. During negotiations, the adjuster for the insurance company typically will not tell you what formula they use to arrive at how much they feel your claim is worth. They don’t want you to know what dollar amount they would be willing to settle on; but an experienced personal injury lawyer will have professional relationships from prior cases with many of the adjusters and all of the companies. No amount of money will ever replace a healthy back. But the law does protect injured victims the best it can, in the form of money compensation. A good settlement is one that gives James the maximum amount of money to compensate him for past and future pain, disability, lost wages and all past and future medical treatment. In my next column, I will take a look at Intentional Injury and what is going on in the NFL. And, please write to me. I want to hear from you. I hope to use future columns to answer specific questions you may have about the law and how to protect yourself. What is on your mind? Send your questions to jcaseyesq@caseylaw.com 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.
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