THE WKND FOCUS
FOR THE BROTHERS NEWS AND VIEWS ON AND FOR OUR BLACK KINGS
“And Still We Rise!”
VOL. XXXI NO. 45 MARCH 7, 2014 50 CENTS BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT 4668
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School hosts 20th annual African American Male Teach-In
Jimmy Johnson, a sales representative for the Milwaukee Community Journal, was one of 25 professional and retired professional Black men of various occupations from the community who participated in the “African American Male Teach-In” at Martin Luther King, Jr. School, located at 3275 N. 3rd St. Johnson and the other Black males spent several hours “teaching” in various classrooms at the school, sharing their life stories and what they do professionally with the students so as to inspire and motivate them to achieve greatness in whatever they do. Johnson, who has been participating in the teach-in for several years, proudly poses with students who are brothers that came “dressed for success,” Jeremy and Jeremiah Nathan. More photos from the event inside.
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MLK SCHOOL AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE TEACH-IN (PHOTOS BY YVONNE
“Our children need to see living examples of men who are in leadership positions and have used education as a tool for success.”--Quote from MLK African
American Male Teach-in program.
WKND FOCUS
Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communityjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net
Colleen Newsom, MCJ STAFF: Classified Advertising Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. Publisher, CEO Joan Hollingsworth, Sales Rep. Robert J. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Assoc. Publisher Taki S. Raton, Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Rev. Roxanne Cardenas, Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Troy A. Sparks, Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Sports Editor Kia Marie Green, Mang. Editor Teretha Martin, Technical PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp Consultant/Webmaster Josephine Joki, Billing Dept./ Publisher’s Admin. Assist. Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.
BRAIN BRAWN &BODY WEBSITE
ONE YEAR ANNI VER SARY (PHO TOS BY YVONNE KEMP)
Brain Brawn & Body co=fpi
Brain Brawn & Body co-founder Faithe Colas
The staff of Brain Brawn & Body
The WKND Focus/For The Brothers March 7, 2014 Page 3 “Closing the gap on health disparities and answering the critical questions African American men have about their health and the health of their families were major objectives of Brain Brawn & Body when it was conceived. I am so proud of what we have accomplished to date.”--Eric Milwaukee Urban League Von, co-founder of Brain President and CEO Ralph Hollmon addressed the Brawn & Body gathering as well.
Five of the 24 new males faces who will be highlighted by the website
Hip-Hop Hooray! The men’s health and wellness website Brain Brawn & Body turned one year old last week. The anniversary celebration gala was held at the UWM Zilber School of Public Health, 1240 N. 10th St. Joining in the celebration was Mayor Tom Barrett, City Health Commissioner Bevan Baker, Theresa Jones, Wheaton Franciscan Health VP Diversity and Inclusion Strategies; and Michelle Hinton, Senior Director Community Engagement, the American Cancer Society. Magda Peck, Dean of the Zilber School of Public Health welcomed the participants at the milestone event. The website has been lauded by health professionals and everyday people alike. Founders Faithe Colas and Eric Von says Brain Brawn & Body fills a critical void in the health care arena and speaks to an audience that is largely overlooked in the health care conversation. During the anniversary celebration, the “New Faces” of Brain Brawn & Body were introduced. Twenty-four men will adorn the website’s homepage over the next year replacing what had been stock photos. Visitors to the site will also be able to click on the website’s Personal Profile’s page to learn the individual stories of the 24 men.
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OPEN LETTER TO
LEBRON JAMES
LeBron James
(FATHERLESS ANGER) By Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director, Fathers Incorporated
NATIONWIDE (BlackNews.com) – Hello Beloved Brother, My name is Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated. My work for the last 23 years has been in business and not-for-profit leadership on behalf of vulnerable “All over this country, Black males communities and Black men and boys. are looking at, following, and emulatToday, I read with pain, exciteing every move you make, because ment, angst, horror, delight, fear, you are a model of hard work and concern, and urgency what is being considered your open letter to your success who encapsulates a pattern father. and process they can follow to achieve One might wonder how I could experience ALL of these emotions their own goals and success. after reading a short post about an Many of these same males have come absent father. to know a world where the man reIt’s because, well, I am you, I was you, and I see young and mature sponsible for their existence (their famen like us everyday that too often thers) did not contribute to their lives express there issues with their fathers in unhealthy ways. in the way they needed, desired, or I want you to know that I both undeserved.” derstand and empathize with how you feel and the need to express your triumph over an obstacle that you perceive is responsible for the struggles you've had in life. Like you, I am a Black man who’s pent-up rage for my absent father drove me to do what I believed to be the right thing, for the right reason, and with the right justification. What I've learned, however, is that it was ALL wrong. All over this country, Black males are looking at, following, and emulating every move you make, because you are a model of hard work and success who encapsulates a pattern and process
they can follow to achieve their own goals and success. Many of these same males have come to know a world where the man responsible for their existence (their fathers) did not contribute to their lives in the way they needed, desired, or deserved. This is the reason I am writing you an open letter about your Instagram post (www.instagram.com/p/knuBWwCTPf/) -- I believe that your brave disclosure can bring you and others closer to understanding, forgiveness, and healing of this fatherless pain and anger. This is my prayer and heartfelt desire. If you're like many of my friends and family you're probably saying to yourself, "Whatever," or, ‘Shut the $&#% up; you don't know what you're talking about!” That's cool, because I said the same thing most of my life. In fact, about five months ago, I was completing a documentary called "Spit'in Anger: Venom of A Fatherless Son." During the filming I interviewed Iyanla Vanzant, Dr.Jeff Gardere, Terrie Williams, Judge Mablean, Dr. Jeffery Shears, and even spoke to former MLB All-Star, Gary (continued on page 5)
Open Letter to LeBron James
(continued from page 4) Sheffield. All the people I thought would help me tell this story of why Black men and boys harbor so much pain and anger as a result of father absence. With your patience, allow me tell you a few important things I learned: 1. Projecting anger out is what we men often do when we aren’t shown how to constructively release our anger. 2. Anger and its negatives effects are not mutually exclusive; it is cumulative and increases exponentially, as does its negative, destructive consequences. We are hurting the people we love and ourselves by not addressing our anger. 3. Healing and appropriately releasing our anger can be difficult, but it is not impossible. But, here is the biggest lesson I learned: The more anger towards the past we carry in our hearts, the less capable we are of loving in the present, so it is essential that fatherless
sons are supported in multiple ways to address our pain and anger appropriately, and grow-up to be positive role models for all children. Like you, I have an awesome mother, children and believe in the Word of GOD. As such, we are obligated to teach our children and model for them righteous behavior and morals, like forgiveness (which doesn’t necessarily mean establishing or entering back into a relationship that is one-sided or unsafe). It means teaching them that they will never be their best selves or offer the world their best based on the hatred of another, especially not our fathers. I get it. Every now and then, I had to tell the world I was ok and that my father was insignificant in my life in order to suppress the fact that his absence was extremely significant in my life. I have a five-year-old son who is very fortunate given the statistics. He has had the pleasure of living his
The WKND Focus/For The Brothers March 7, 2014 Page 5
entire life with his married mother and father. Something I’d often wish for myself. Knowing what I know about my own hatred for my dad, I could never say to him that my success was fuel by my hatred for his grandfather. I did, but can’t anymore. We must always teach our boys and girls from a position of love, not distain, disgust or devaluing of another. We
Michael Sam and ‘The Man Box’ By Dave Zirin
On Saturday, Missouri All-American Michael Sam took to the podium at the NFL combine to face a throng of reporters that gawked at him like he had just made the journey from
have all fallen short at one time or another of our potential. Too often for our Black boys; our disappointment has come at the hands of their fathers. But that doesn’t give us a blanket opportunity to hate based on information we DON’T have. You said it yourself, “I don’t know him.” I can only ask of you to understand and possibly talk to someone that can share with you what forMars. Here he was: the man who would become the NFL's first openly gay player. The size of the media swarm shows, if nothing else, that the right wing media which has refused to cover the Michael Sam story by saying explicitly, to take one headline, “We really don’t care that you’re gay, gay people,” is living in a reality of their own making. Yes, people care. The Media that makes its money by generating page views is acutely aware that people care. People care because the NFL is the closest thing we have in this country to a national obsession. People care
giveness can do for your own elevation and continued success. Our boys are watching. Please make sure that the message you send to them isn’t one that starts with, “forget your father, look at me, I’m successful without him.” Forgiveness gives the benefit of understanding and closure. Sincerely; Just a concerned Brother Kenneth Braswell
Michael Sam
because, beyond NFL fans, there is a collective recognition that this is history being written before our eyes. People care because for all the gay
(continued on page 8)
In Loving Memory Quality Service... a tenured tradition sincere concern at your time of need.
Offering pre-need, at need and after-care services to families in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and other communities throughout our state. Services scheduled for March 3 to March 8, 2014 Duke, Orville V. Age 73 yrs. February 27, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Saturday 11AM. Visitation Saturday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Harrell, Ella R. Age 93 yrs. February 19, 2014. Beloved mother of Samuel(Elnora)Harrell. Loving Grandmother of Curtis(Vanessa)Williamson, Darwin Williamson, Derron(Kim)Harrell and Curtis Buchanan. Great-grandmother of Maya Harrell, Derron Harrell Jr., Victoria Damato, Shakeya Williamson, Nicholas Harrell, Lennie Williamson, Maurice Williamson, Bryanna Buchanan, Ariana Buchanan and Trizzy Buchanan. Also survived by 7 great-great grandchildren and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday 11AM. Visitation Friday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Triplett, Robert C. Age 57 yrs. February 21, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Monday 1PM. Visitation Monday 12 Noon until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Harrell, Ella R. Age 93 yrs. February 19, 2014. Beloved mother of Samuel(Elnora)Harrell. Loving Grandmother of Curtis(Vanessa)Williamson, Darwin Williamson, Derron(Kim)Harrell and Curtis Buchanan. Great-grandmother of Maya Harrell, Derron Harrell Jr., Victoria Damato, Shakeya Williamson, Nicholas Harrell, Lennie Williamson, Maurice Williamson, Bryanna Buchanan, Ariana Buchanan and Trizzy Buchanan. Also survived by 7 great-great grandchildren and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday 11AM. Visitation Friday 10AM until time of services at:
Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Woods, Teresa R. Age 98 yrs. March 2, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Friday 11AM at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church 2479 N. Sherman Blvd. Visitation Friday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Williamson, Mary Lee Age 95 yrs. February 25, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Monday 11AM. Visitation Monday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Clinton, Jessie Sr. Age 82 yrs. March 1, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Saturday 1PM. Visitation Saturday 12 Noon until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Kern, Grady Age 73 yrs. February 26, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Friday 11AM. Visitation Friday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Families served by:
Northwest Funeral Chapel O’Bee, Ford & Frazier
Milwaukee 6630 W. Hampton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53218 Telephone: (414) 462-6020 Fax: (414) 462-9937
Racine 800 Barker St. Racine, WI 53402 Telephone: (262) 637-6400 Fax: (262) 637-6416
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FTBSports
Milwaukee Bucks Guard Ramon Sessions (number 13) is guarded by a Utah Jazz player who probably looked familiar to a few fans--especially those who went to Milwaukee Vincent High School. Diante Garrett (number eight) is a Milwaukee native who plays Guard for the Jazz. He was playing in Milwaukee as a professional basketball player for the first time. Among the fans watching the game was Diante’s father, Dick Garrett, who himself was an NBA player from 1969 to 1974. The eldeer Garrett is a retired MillerCoors sales representative who works as an usher at Bucks home games. He took the night off to watch and root for his son, whose team lost to the Bucks, 114-88. (Photo by Bill Tennessen)
Michael Sam and ‘The Man Box’
(continued from page 5) players that have played in the NFL, Michael Sam is the first to "live his truth" openly. As for Mr. Sam, based on the press conference, he seems to be both savvy as hell and acutely aware that there is no need to stoke the embers of this publicity inferno. It will rage regardless and the best thing he can do is make the best possible impression on his profoundly risk-averse future employers in the NFL. The sportswriters in attendance certainly swooned at his every word. Sam dolloped out a series of responses, which suggested less a new archetype of masculinity, than a recalling of the old: Call it Dick Butkus spliced with Sidney Poitier alongside a dash of Gary Cooper. Sam looked at the buzzing hive and said, "I just wish you guys would see me as Michael Sam the football player, not Michael Sam the gay football player." When asked if he was a trailblazer, Sam said, "Do I feel like I'm a trailblazer? I feel like I'm Michael Sam." For those who relish the prospect a hyper-macho NFL player holds to mortally damage the age-old trope that equates being a gay male with being weak, Sam did not disappoint. When asked how he would handle an anti-gay slur, he said, "If someone calls me a name, I'll have a chat with them. Hopefully it won't lead to anything further." Sam even commented on the standing ovation he just received at a Mizzou basketball game by saying, "I wanted to cry, but I'm a man." Yup, a regular Gary Cooper. As welcome as it always is to see stereotypes explode (and to imagine Rush Limbaugh’s head doing the same), there is a vexing aspect of Michael Sam’s square jawed certitude.
Bomani Jones, one of the sharpest knives in the sports writing box, somehow laid this out in 140 characters. Jones tweeted, "What Sam can do is separate sexual orientation from notions of masculinity. So what will we say when he reinforces gender norms as such?" It's a question worth asking. So many players in the league are caught in what former Baltimore Colt Joe Ehrmann has called "the man box." This is the locker room ideology that preaches, “Bullies are heroes; pain—physical or mental—is for wimps; and women are either ‘road beef’ or collateral damage.” We just received a first hand look, thanks to Richie Incognito and the Miami Dolphins, of what the “man box” looks like when the sportswriter’s romantic prose is stripped away—and it’s ugly as sin. There are many pinning a set of extremely unrealistic hopes onto Michael Sam: the hope that his mere presence will crack open "the man box" and let some other emotional truths inside the locker room. Brandon Marshall of the Bears has taken it upon himself to actually try and do this in Chicago. He wants to make the Pro Bowl and redefine entrenched league concepts of masculinity at the same time. It's different, it's courageous, and given his own—and the league's—history with violence against women, it's brave as hell. Michael Sam, for now at least, just wants to play football. To do so as an openly gay man is, in 2014, a radical act. That also may be the only mountain we can—and should—ask this young man to climb. As Michael Sam says, he just wants to play football. Dave Zirin is the author of Bad Sports: How Owners Are Ruining the Games We Love (Scribners) and co-author (with John Carlos) of The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World (Haymarket Books).