ELECTION WATCH 2015
MPS District 3 School Board Candidate Stephany Pruitt not intimidated by the challenge of running for, or governing in, public office
some success in the district bringing back programs such as art and physical education to district schools despite state cuts in funding, Pruitt shrugged it off. “No one should run (for political office) unopposed,” said Pruitt, a licensed mental health professional for over 20 years. “What makes better elected officials is having an opponent,” Pruitt added. “I have the credentials and a lot to offer.” Pruitt will face off against Bonds in the April 7, 2015 general election. Pruitt has worked 27 years mostly in the non-profit world, 12 of those years in directorship positions with MICAH (Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope), Sojourner Family Peace Center, Mental Health of America and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Pruitt also has training in community organizing tactics. She received the training from the Gamaliah Organization in Chicago, the same entity that trained President Barack Obama in community organizing and outreach before he pursued a career in politics.
COMMUNITY By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr.
Milwaukee School Board Dist. 3 Candidate Stephany Pruitt is not intimidated by the idea of running against incumbent Board President Michael Bonds. Far from it. When asked about going up against a current office holder who has had
VOL. XXXIX Number 29 February 11, 2015
The Milwaukee
JOURNAL
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Dist. 3 School Board Candidate Stephany Pruitt
www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
Boysand Girls Clubyouths see the hit movie “SELMA”!
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668
BLACK LOVE STANDING STRONG
W I S C O N S I N ’ S L A R G E S T A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N N E W S PA P E R
IN THE FACE OF STRUGGLE AND CHALLENGE
In Honor of Valentines Day and Black History Month, we Salute Noted Civil and Human Rights Leaders and Political Figures and the Women Who Love and Loved Them and Had Their Backs!
MARTIN LUTHER AND CORETTA SCOTT KING
Tamika Chapman-Armstead (far right in pink) accompanied youth from the Daniels/Mardak Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee were one of several area Boys and Girls Club branches that attended a recent showing of the hit movie “SELMA” at the Marcus Northshore Cinema, 11700 N. Port Washington Rd. in Mequon. The youths from the various B&GCGM branches were able to see the movie thanks to the Milwaukee area business community, which joined forces to raise $50,000 to enable club members to view the film. By seeing the movie, youth would have a greater appreciation and awareness of the importance and David Oyelowo (standing) as Dr. King in the acclaimed hit movie “SELMA.” impact of the era, thus inspiring them to uplift (Photo still from the movie courtesy of TechnologyTell.com) their community. (Above photo by Yvonne Kemp)
OF THE COMMUNITY: “What do you think of the OscarAwards PULSE OF THE QUESTION ignoring the director (Ava DuVernay) and lead actor (David Oyelowo) as it COMMUNITY relates to them getting nominations for their respective work on the movie
Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp “SELMA”?
MARRIS VIRGIL: “How can you ignore something that is so profound in America’s history? They are not recognizing the diversity here in the United States. This is part of our history!”
MONTE MABRA: “To ignore the entire movie (ed. note: Selma has been nominated for “Best Picture”) is a statement that we are still a country divided. Also, to depict M.L.K. Jr. as a cheating husband verses a hero takes away from the true values of his personal sacrifices.”
Umar Johnson returns to Milwaukee for Black History Month at MATC and Webster Renaissance By Taki S. Raton
Dr. Umar A. Johnson is scheduled for multiple Milwaukee appearances in celebration of Black History Month 2015. On Monday, February 23, Johnson will present his topic, “The Return of Jim Crow in the Age of Post-Racialism” in MATC’s Cooley Auditorium
Dr. Umar Johnson
beginning at 12 noon. Following from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the internationally acclaimed speaker will hold a more personalized session, “For Brothers Only” in MATC’s M614. The campus is located at 700 West State Street. The college’s Black Student Union is hosting Johnson’s
SHANAE PAYNE: “I’m surprised they didn’t acknowledge one of their own (as an actor and director respectively). But to not acknowledge all the great actors is a real slap in the face of African Americans.”
VERTAREE JENKINS: “Once again, we (African Americans) are not recognized for the good work and talent that we possess.”
Monday’s engagement. Tuesday, February 24, will be Johnson’s widely received “community appearance” at the Universal Academy for the College Bound’s Webster Renaissance Campus, 6850 North 53rd Street. Beginning at 6 p.m., Johnson will present his remarks on “World War III: Black People vs. Everybody.” Doors will open at 5 p.m. Free parking in available. Sponsored by True Blue Productions, this is Dr. Johnson’s sixth visit to Milwaukee since his first invitation to this area at the King center in May of 2011. Those who follow his work, facebook postings and his YouTube lectures are aware of his vision to open his own school for Black boys, the Frederick Douglas Marcus Garvey Academy. Donations are requested
in support of this initiative. “We are excited to be hosting Dr. Umar Johnson in Milwaukee again,” says Cheryl Blue, founder of True Blue Productions. She adds that, “There are many good speakers on the lecture circuit right now, but Dr. Umar is hands down the most requested.” A Certified School Psychologist who practices privately throughout Pennsylvania and lectures throughout the country, Dr. Johnson is a blood relative of the great Black abolitionist and orator, Frederick Douglas. He is former Minister of Education for the Marcus Garvey Movement, the Universal Negro Improvement Association and the African Communities League. A writer, political scientist, and consultant to families, educators, (continued on page 2)
The first couple of the civil rights movement inspired an entire generation. The Kings were married in 1953, and in his autobiography Dr. King wrote of his wife, "I am indebted to my wife Coretta, without whose love, sacrifices and loyalty neither life nor work would bring fulfillment. She has given me words of consolation when I needed them and a well-ordered home where Christian love is a reality."
NELSON AND WINNIE MANDELA Nelson and Winnie are no longer together, but that doesn't take anything away from their impact on their native South Africa and on the world. In what would be Nelson's second marriage, he wed Winnie in 1958 and was sent to prison in 1962. Winnie stayed devoted to Nelson throughout much of his 27-year prison sentence, but the couple separated in 1992, two years before Nelson became president of South Africa. Winnie, a polarizing, controversial activist who is affectionately referred to as "mother of the nation" by her supporters, remains an important figure in South African history.
MALCOLM X AND BETTY SHABAZZ Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz were champions of black freedom and equality in America. In 1955 the two met at a dinner party where they shared stories of their experiences of racism. "I really had a lot of pent-up anxiety about my experience in the South," Shabazz said in a 1990 interview, "and Malcolm reassured me that it was understandable how I felt." After a long courtship, the two wed in 1958 and had six daughters.
JACKIE AND RACHEL ROBINSON Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player, broke the color lines in America's favorite pastime with Rachel Robinson by his side. The couple wed in 1946 and were together until his death in 1972. To honor her late husband's memory, Rachel opened the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to minority students, in 1973.Library of Congress; Library of Congress BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA This list wouldn't be complete without our president and first lady. Married for nearly 20 years, the Obamas are black love personified and received the most votes from our readers for favorite famous black couple.
Excerpts of a photo collage of famous Black couples compiled by Akoto Ofori-Atta, courtesy of TheRoot.com
Umar Johnson returns to Milwaukee for Black History Month at MATC and Webster Renaissance The Milwaukee Community Journal February 11, 2015 Page 2
(continued from page 1)
mental health professionals and to charter schools throughout the country, he is considered to be one of the most popular faces and voices focusing upon the proper education and development of African American children, Black males in particular. With a speaking style that many consider “reminiscent” of his late ancestor, Frederick Douglas, Johnson is cited in many published accounts as a prominent leader in the field of Black psychology and education. A noted lecture descriptor says of his speaking style: “Umar possesses the rare ability to hold an audience spellbound for hours as he unleashes a barrage of facts, statistics and practical information that leaves viewers in awe for weeks after his presentations.” Author of “Psycho-Academic Holocaust: The special Education & ADHD Wars Against Black Boys,” he has presented before embassies, museums, schools, universities, churches, correctional facilities, stadiums, international audiences and at community centers. As he is known to say after his lectures when questioned about his speaking ability, he attributes his oratorical talent to the “Almighty Creator, and to my African ancestors who work through me. I simply open my mouth and their message comes fourth.” As a school psychologist, Dr. Johnson evaluates children ages 3 to 21 in an effort to determine if they have educational disabilities and a need for special education services. He is considered a national expert on learning disabilities and their effect on Black children as well as an expert on helping schools and parents modify challenging behaviors that can ultimately lead to disruptive behavior disorder diagnosis in Black boys. In his child therapist capacity, he specializes in working with at-risk, violent, suicidal and depressed African American boys and girls. Over the past five years, he served as the youngest of five African-American male school psychologists in the Philadelphia School District, the 5th largest public school district in America. He has received commendations for his volunteer work throughout the Pan-African community and has been a featured guest on various Black talk shows throughout the United States. Johnson is a highly sought after motivational and informational speaker who has presented at workshops, conferences, awards ceremonies, graduations and expert panels throughout the country.
“Umar possesses the rare ability to hold an audience spellbound for hours as he unleashes a barrage of facts, statistics and practical information that leaves viewers in awe for weeks after his presentations.”
As an educator, psychologist, therapist and historian, he is considered an authority on the education of African American children and on mental health in the Black community. His diverse array of presentations and keynotes have included such topics as; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Black Boys, Special Education Law, Blackon-Black Violence, Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder, Classroom Management for Teachers, What’s Wrong with Special Education, Marcus Garvey & Frederick Douglas in Black History, Effective Parenting Practices, Understanding Depression in Black Children, The Over-Identification of Black Children as Mentally Retarded and Learning Disabled, Black Male-Female Relationships, and Preparing Black Teenagers for Success. Dr. Johnson is founder and Chief Scout Master for the Emmett Till, Hector Peterson and Scottsboro Boys PanAfrican Boys Scouts Program and the Queen Nzingah, Harriet Tubman and Birmingham for Pan-African Girl Scouts Program, both of which are independent African mentorship programs for youth. Blue says that the excitement is “really growing” in Milwaukee over anticipation of Bro. Umar’s appearance. “He is indeed a profoundly gifted orator in the tradition of his ancestor Frederick Douglass. However, the attraction to Dr. Johnson lies in his sincerity and commitment to African people, and also the fact that he offers not just information, but solutions, particularly for parents dealing with the school system,” she says. Blue additionally brings to our attention that much has transpired since his last visit to Milwaukee a year ago noting specifically Ferguson, the Eric Garner case and the incident in Cleveland with the killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice by police, accounts reflective of his Monday and Tuesday presentation themes. All scheduled area events are free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Blue at (414) 751-0169
PERSPECTIVES UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 11, 2015 Page 3
GUEST COMMENTARY By Ald. Michael J. Murphy
Streetcar vote a first step down the path to Milwaukee’s future Milwaukee Common Council Pres.
Many constituents and members of the community have reached out to me to express their opinions as my colleagues and I have considered the merits of the streetcar proposal adopted today by the Common Council. I greatly appreciated the input throughout this process and am grateful that they took the time to stay informed and actively participate in the debate. It's readily apparent that this has been a contentious and divisive issue, often characterized by posturing on both sides. As President of the Common Council and a life-long city resident, I have been saddened to see public dialogue reCommon Council duced to inflammatory Pres. Michael Murphy and personal language, especially knowing that while opinions differ, we all wish to see the same outcome--a healthy Milwaukee. Today, the Milwaukee Common Council approved the Milwaukee streetcar and all related files. I, along with eight of my colleagues, supported this measure. We believe the streetcar not only complements a larger transit network, but it also serves as a city-building tool within a broader development plan--a plan that improves mass transit while attracting commercial and residential development in the heart of the city's tax base. We have the momentum to grow Milwaukee, and today's vote is a big step in the right direction. By pursuing coordinated and aggressive policy agendas that promote growth, we are fostering a dynamic city center with enhanced mobility, access, employment and entertainment, all of which interact to produce a robust economy that helps support and expand the public services that are fundamental to a healthy, vibrant city. Milwaukee is resilient and in the midst of a transformation. While I do not doubt that we have our share of challenges ahead, despite these, believe that the best this city has to offer is still to come.
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.
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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.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:”No living White person is responsible for slavery at all. But all living Whites reap its benefit, just like all living Blacks wear its scars.” --Quote from a Twitter tweet by Talib Kweli Greene via “The Underground”
LestWe Forget – Part 3 Photo courtesy of “I Am” Photo Project
by Rahim Islam
America, we cannot let you forget what was done to the Black man in America. It’s fundamental to the future and success of the core ideas, concepts, and principles of the American way and creed. This position shouldn’t be viewed as a crutch for Black people (this isn’t a position held by all Black people) nor is it intended to be a weapon against the white people (many white people are extremely fearful of this discussion). This position is about is the TRUTH of America and American history. We must not, nor can we, forget how we got here. Doing so only increases the racial divide that currently exists in America and will place an even greater burden on future generations. How America became the super power it is today and how 45 million Black people suffer some of the worst disparities of any group in America must be put back in a public forum. The Black community is too big to ignore and, unless this population can be physically removed from America and/or be reduced to an even greater degree of ineptitude and dependency, these conversations must continue. While one is highly unlikely, the other is extremely costly (i.e. incarceration, education, health, etc.), either, left unchecked, could lead to future generations experiencing the full collapse and breakdown of racial relations between Black and white people. I know you think I’m a broken record when all of my conversations revert back to our history in this country, but I will continue to be a broken record if that’s what it will take to wake up America (Black and white). For the record, I’m not just writing or talking about our problem – I’m doing something about it (I will describe in later articles). The current carnage that you see in the Black community has its roots in the legacy of slavery where the brainwashing was cemented. Bad habits were formed out of conditions that were subhuman, degrading, self-demoralizing, and self-destructive, and involved the supplanting of a great and powerful Black culture into one of captivity and survival. The cultural destruction has to be the deadliest ramifications of the legacy of slavery. Oh, I know what many white people and even some “inferiority drunk” Black people are saying: “Look at those Black people, they are this; they are that.” Always failing to recognize that the millions of Blacks that were emancipated in 1865 were emancipated into absolute and total poverty and chaos, into a hostile and unfamiliar environment, while being predominantly illiterate. This was at the same time that the White population owned everything and was in complete control of their destiny of becoming a world economic power. Unfortunately, white America remains in a deep, deep, state of denial about its role and responsibility to African American people. Unlike every other group in America, except the Native Americans, Black people didn’t asked to be here; they were forcibly captured and brought here as chattel property owned by white people. As the great James Baldwin said: “My genealogy ends with a Bill of Sale.” This is some major stuff and should not be treated lightly. White America also denies the privilege that they currently enjoy as the result of the enslavement of Black people. For Black people this has been and remains a constant bewildering dilemma. All of the individual gains by Black people have been achieved in the context of this knowledge. This is why our parents would tell us that we had to work 10 times harder and be 10 times better if we are to succeed in this country. This is just as true today as it was 50 years ago. If we examine the excellent achievements of all those Black individuals who exceled under the most difficult of times and were able to integrate into many of America’s institutions (become the first Black this or the first Black that) we would see the high level of hard work and struggle demanded of Black people to succeed in a racially biased America. Denial takes on many forms and one aspect of this characteristic is to just deny that it’s not true or relevant. I hear it all of the time: “Slavery happened years ago and the Black man needs to get over it; we didn’t enslave anyone so why should this be an issue for us.” This is immature thinking because nothing could be further from the truth. In my last article, I discussed the concept of theft and those in receipt of stolen property (both are crimes). What was stolen from the Black people was a system that extracted labor for nearly 300 years without any compensation and a system that for the past 150 years has structurally locked out many Black people from effectively competing and the spoils (stolen property) are now in possession of white people today. Sigmund Freud refers to this type of behavior as “denial”, which describes when a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept, he rejects, insisting it is not true despite the overwhelming evidence of its truth. Does this sound right? Webster describes three types of denial: (1) Simple denial - denying the reality of the unpleasant fact altogether; (2) Minimization - admitting the fact but denying its seriousness (a combination of denial and
Demonstrators flanked by National Guardsmen in Memphis in 1968. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. came to the city to support a strike by black sanitation workers.
rationalization); and (3) Projection - admitting both the fact and seriousness but denying responsibility by blaming somebody or something else and all three are embraced by White America. I liken the denial by white people of the benefits of white privilege similar to a person with a serious drug addiction in which the denial is associated with a mental mechanism of an immature mind because it conflicts with the ability to learn from and cope with reality. I fundamentally believe that America has grown from being an immature baby doing hateful things to Black and brown people without suffering consequences to today where open racism isn’t accepted. However, America hasn’t fully grown up and been able to stand as a mature adult because the fact remains that every gain achieved by Black people in America has been vigorously opposed and hard-won. Given our contributions to this country, you would think that equal rights, equitable education, fair housing would be a “gimme” – but no, these and other gains were achieved with a heavy price paid by Black Americans. Further, given the limited, yet progressive growth of America, you would think that recognition of the legacy of slavery would be an obvious issue, but it has been removed from every reliable medium including public opinion (i.e. church, media, universities, courts, etc.). To downplay or outright deny the concept of inheritance is very suspect and convenient. I know a lot of Black people and spent most of my life with Black people and I don’t know one Black person who inherited anything of value. Why? Because our parents and their parents and their parents (slaves) didn’t have anything to leave behind. Even the most hardnosed, conservative White person has to acknowledge that it is fair to say that all White people born before 1964 were placed above all Black people economically, socially and politically. This formal system of racial preference has a very long history and had been perfected over time. I used 1964 because the passing of the historic civil rights legislation, at least theoretically established equality in housing, voting and employment. Was this legislation supposed to cure what nearly 400 years of oppression did to Black people? It absolutely didn’t because the powers that fought against even implementing this legislation had the ability to adapt in the creation of other challenges that curtailed and/or derailed any perceived gains that this legislation intended. Collectively, Blacks are in a worst condition now than in 1964 with every negative demographic being dominated by Black people (i.e. nearly 1.5 million Black men in prison compared to 250,000 in 1964). The American mass media continues to fuel and divide America. Under the guise of “free press,” the media has continued to turn the worse crime perpetuated by America against Black people - as an insignificant event that happened 150 years ago – as if it was a sports game or concert or single date in history. During the American institution of slavery, unlike anything else the world has ever seen, there were clearly winners and losers. The Black community and generations of Black people have lost as a result of this institution. While I laud the historic efforts of the civil rights movement the final destination has to be and will always be economic parity. This needle hasn’t moved since the emancipation of Black people. At that time the small percentage of free Blacks owned less than one-half of one percent of the nation’s wealth and today with 100 percent of “so-called” freedom, Blacks still own less than one half of one percent of the nation’s wealth. Why is this? Without capital in America and with many Blacks at or near poverty, Blacks or any other group will not be able to chart its own self-determination. The economic conditions and “structural” poverty (slavery was structural poverty) for too many Black people threatens every aspect of life that will continue for untold Black generations. I contend that, like wealth, poverty is inherited and where one starts in life is extremely important and Black people have never had the opportunity to not
only inherit wealth but to create wealth because they were enslaved and their labor was never compensated. Black Americans have entered the new millennium the same way they entered the previous four centuries – impoverished. Blacks still bear nearly ten times their proportional share of poverty and all of its nasty derivatives (i.e. broken homes, drug abuse, incarceration, unemployment, etc.). When discussing the conditions of the Black man in America, America suffers from a pathological type of denial – its entrenched in the white psyche and is also a legacy of slavery. It’s time for the white community to stop denying that this even happened and to recognize who were the oppressors and who were the oppressed. It’s time that the white community acknowledges the benefit and privilege this afforded them. Malcolmn X once said that the American mass media is the most powerful institution in the world because it can make the right wrong and wrong right and it can make the innocent guilty and the guilty innocent. Blacks and their descendants have been made to appear guilty and whites and their descendants have been made to appear innocent. It is not enough that the American institution of slavery has been downplayed and marginalized, as part of the trick, the media has portrayed the Black man in a negative light for nearly 400 years. This trick has impacted whites as well as blacks. Whites enjoy the benefits of white supremacy and privilege while Blacks suffer the highest levels of inferiority and deep hopelessness. I contend that the media sharply plays against our differences and shapes what we think about ourselves. The legacy of slavery is real and absolutely alive and continues to perpetuate stereotypes about Black people that attempt to justify their previous enslavement and torture, and today’s general denial about its affects. Black people have been portrayed in such a negative light for hundreds of years: Chattel slavery (1500 – 1860) where Black people are portrayed as subhuman beasts, uncivilized and whites are superior beings with God and the Church supporting this position; Civil War/Reconstruction (1865-1900) where Blacks were portrayed as inferior to whites and they will seek revenge, rape our white women and kill us and they really don’t want anything better (lazy, illiterate); Jim Crow/KKK period and Civil Rights (1900 – 1970) where Blacks are angry, dangerous, unemployable and addicted to handouts and welfare, and Black power will result in a race war and whites owned their position through hard work, discipline, high morals, and family values; and postCivil Rights (1970 – Present) where Blacks are responsible for their current conditions, bring down property values and are prone to drugs, violence and crime, credit risks; they need to be incarcerated. What is the general public’s opinion regarding the state of Black America? Most people believe that Black people are inept and haven't worked hard enough to achieve the American dream so, therefore, are not deserving of the success that America offers. This public opinion reflects a belief that Blacks and whites have had the same starting place and advantage and is completely ignorant of "white privilege" and the unbelievable struggle our people has had since being here. America, while it has participated in making economic reparations to a number of different efforts over the years for wrongs committed against other groups, people, or countries, has never even considered addressing economic reparations for Black America to begin to mend some of the historical inequities. In fact, after a hard fight in Congress, Congress allowed some type of “apology” language for slavery to be issued. Black people don’t need an apology; Black people need to be repaid for what has been done to them. If you add the constant media depictions of Black people, Black people’s general inferior belief of itself (many Black people have drank the Kool-Aid of Black inferiority); lack of Black ownership of the
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RELIGION
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 11, 2015 Page 4
WHAT’S HAPPENING...
Fellowship event at Heritage International COGIC
In Loving Memory
In Your Faith-Based Community
Ambassadors For Christ radio broadcast will hold a fellowship event Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, starting at 10:30 a.m., at Heritage International Church of God In Christ, 1036 W. Atkinson Ave. (on the corner of 11th and Atkinson). There will be praise and worship, singing, praise dancing, and speakers. For further information, contact Evangelist Margaret Adams at 554-3888.
Revival set for Peace Temple COGIC
Peace Temple Church of God In Christ will hold a two day revival, March 5 and March 6, starting at 7 a.m. Peace Temple is located at 3332 W. Lisbon Ave. (on the corner of 34th and Lisbon). Elder Ulyses Brewer is the pastor. The theme of the revival is: “Revive Us Again!” The revival will be conducted by Min. Tim Cole. For more information, contact Evangelist Margaret Adams at 554-3888.
Brentwood Church of Christ’s Christian Couples Ministry to hold 5th annual Black Marriage Day event March 28
Christian Couples Ministry (CCM) of the Brentwood Church of Christ will hold their 5th Annual Black Marriage Day Event on Saturday March 28, 2015 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the church, 6425 N. 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI. The theme of the event will be Respect the Ring. The event will include entertainment by jazz vocalist Cassandra McShepard and Evangelist Steven Thompson, Minister of the Central Church of Christ, will provide an inspirational message. At each event, special honors are given to the most newlywed couple and the one that has been married the longest. A dessert social will be held immediately following the program. Black Marriage Day is a national observance on the 4th
Sunday of March that celebrates marriage in the Black community. This event is open to everyone who believes in and supports the value of marriage in the Black community; this includes singles and individuals from all cultures. Tickets are $20 per person and $25 for two, tickets can be purchased in advance at Herb’s Hair Studio, 4800 N. Hopkins Street or at the event. For questions, please contact Thomas & Clarene Mitchell, event organizers, at 414-736-1546 or brentwoodccm@gmail.com. The Black Marriage Day Event Facebook event page is a source for more information as well.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these thiings shall be added to you.”--Matthew 6:33
Ernestine O’Bee, Founder
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.
J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director
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Lest We Forget – Part 3
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American economy and certainly not enough (critical mass) to effect change; white people’s feelings about themselves being supreme; a structure and system in which white people are in control of nearly all of the resources and institutions in America (i.e. wealth, government, education, health, legal, etc.), you have the makings of structural and systemic racism that feeds “structural” poverty (apartheid). Let’s not get it twisted – America is about competition – there is a fierce competition that exists between white people (i.e. Coke and Pepsi) and even white people against other groups. But when it comes down to Black people competing in America, which is controlled by White people, given our historical disadvantage and the massive media depictions of Black people coupled with a structured reality – this is in no way a fair fight. There has been a lot of attention given to income over the past 10 – 15 years as a measurement of economic growth. Blacks, while they still lag significantly behind whites in every category, recently exceeded one trillion dollars in annual income but still near zero in wealth. Unfortunately this trillion dollar number is skewed and doesn’t reflect what is really needed. Restated, if you consider that nearly two thirds of Black Americans live at or near the poverty levels, I contend that the trillion dollars is not enough. Also, when you take into consideration that Blacks are the last hired and the first fired, they are more underemployed and unemployed, the trillion dollars is definitely not enough. It sounds like a big number but it’s not when we’re talking about 45 million people living in America. While America is recovering with job growth not seen in the past 10 years and unemployment levels at pre-2007 recession rates, in too many American cities Blacks have double-digit unemployment and the economic prosperity hasn’t “lifted” our economic boats. Why?
Many white people want to forget or try to downplay the importance and significance of Black people in America, during slavery and thereafter. White people have secured and amassed trillions of dollars in wealth and an economic system that is the second to none in the world and will ensure prosperity for its owners for generations to come. Whites control nearly 100 percent of American wealth (est. $9 Trillion), its values and a system that supports the protection and growth of their wealth. This doesn’t change the fact that white people have problems of all types including a large population living at or near poverty as well. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his Address at the conclusion of the Selma march, stated that the way America chose to account for its treatment of its own, white poor was by telling them that “no matter how bad off he was, at least he was a white man, better than the Black man.” This lie and falsehood has created a race divide against poor white people and all Black people as a comfort to their own economic position. Even white people are generally dissatisfied with the distribution of wealth amongst themselves. If you examine the mood of the people when there is a discussion regarding repairing what happened to the Black man, the outcry from rich conservatives and poor white people is aligned with complete and utter disdain. This is probably the only time when both of these groups are on the same page. In my next article I will go further into the white privilege and many of its structural advantages. 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)
Northwest Funeral Chapel has new crematory
Northwest Funeral Chapel, 6630 W. Hampton Avenue has expanded mortuary services, this year. An iconic mortuary science leader in the State of Wisconsin, J.C. Frazier, President, CEO, of Northwest Funeral Chapel has affirmed the corporation’s trailblazing history by bringing cremation services to the business: along with their superb traditional services. Memorializing loved ones is a part of tradition and a necessary part of the grieving/healing process. Selecting the way that each family chooses to honor their family members continues to be at the forefront of the Northwest Funeral Chapel family. So the addition of cremation, for grieving families, represents a first in the central city of Milwaukee, again ensuring that they meet the community’s needs. As families have moved and other family members remain in various parts of the country, more and more families have sought cremation as a final memorial option. Additionally, world travel and exposure to many different cultures has played a role in some expressing cremation as their preference, at the time of transition.
Serving Milwaukee families, as they wish to be remembered and in the manner they determine, fulfills the mission of the Northwest Funeral Chapel leaders. Northwest Funeral Chapel has an outstanding legacy of full service, including viewing at church, their memorial chapels or at home celebrations of life. The formula for honoring your loved one is totally the families wishes. And, the families’ determination is always the best choice. For nothing means more than to be at peace with the final services selected. And, providing quality service remains the mainstay of Northwest’s history. The Northwest Funeral Chapel staff is expertly trained to explain various services, including cremation. Special packages are available ( see their ad ). Time to discuss, examine and determine what’s best for your loved ones is what these Black History Trailblazers do each day. Wherever you decide to gather together and in whatever way you determine you wish to celebrate your families lives, Northwest Funeral Chapel is there to serve.
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 11, 2015 Page 5
Eleventh (11th) annual relationship conference Valentine’s Day weekend event
In celebration of the past success of the “Without Distraction” relationship conference its 11th Annual event; a combination of both relationship education and entertainment has become one of Milwaukee’s best social and romantic Valentine weekend of the year. Milwaukee has found this event to be rewarding for both singles and Married Couples. Dr. LaFayette Russell and Dr. Ingrid Durr Russell will be among the International speakers for this year event February 13th, 14th & 15th 2015. Venue- Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport: 6401 South 13th St. Milwaukee WI. 53221. Singles are the foundation of every marriage because a good marriage starts with your singleness. Marriage brings you into a true opportunity to express your love, feelings and what you are made of. Understanding the process and learning how to unmask your feelings is one of the basic keys to success. Sometimes people adopt ways in their childhood development and influences that becomes the norm; consequently the norm to them could be a negative pattern that could sabotage their relationships. Recognizing and Identify those patterns could be the very answer to probable cause.
Nation of Islam to host Saviors’ Day banquet
The Nation of Islam’s Milwaukee Muhammad Mosque No. 3 invites the community to come and enjoy an evening of fine dining, music and inspiration as it hosts a Saviors’ Day “Call to Unity” banquet Friday, February 20, 7 p.m., at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, 2620 W. Center St. There will be live Jazz with Saxaphonist James Dallas, and music and dancing with DJ David Muhammad. The keynote speaker will be Student Minister Abel Muhammad. There will also be a special tribute to the Nation of Islam’s Milwaukee pioneers. Donation is $40. For tickets, call (414) 755-2006. On Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m., the Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan will deliver the Saviors’ Day keynote address titled, “The Intensifying Universal Cry for Justice.” The message will be broadcast live at the Wisconsin Black Historical Museum. This event is free.
Being realistic about yourself and having a realist view of others will help give you a solid building foundation to build on. Together we can discoverer what areas in your life that can use some more fuel and Socializing with other singles or couples like yourself is good for everyone! The week end event includes: Friday 6:30pm Meet/Greet Social (refreshments provided) 7pm begins with both Singles and Marriage Topics in two sessions. Building and keeping a healthy relationship with understanding is power tools we are giving to our communities for FREE! Yes, we are making the “Relationship teaching sessions” absolutely free. That means no cost to get this wealth of information for life. Saturday at 11am combined Singles and Marriage session Question & Answer panel discussion. The workshops is to empower and remove all frustrations. We will cover all areas of relationship from personal, business to finance. Each year there are numerous testimonies of this life changing event. Don’t miss the Saturday evening 7:00pm-Valentine’s Special Eloquent Romantic Dinner Including; Live Music, clean Live Comedy, and bliss of Love in the air set just right for the occasion. The cost is only $45 per
person and couples $10 off. (Advance only). Sunday at 1pm join us the close of the weekend event. The entire family is welcome to be apart of our special Worship service. The topic is
“Kingdom Relationship.” Knowledge is powerful.” Plain and simple we could all use some guidance to maintain or build a long lasting good relationship based on Biblical truth. Free Registration and (no cost for the teaching sessions) . For additional information, tickets, sales, groups, vendors, hotel overnight reservation, and other compliments please contact us 708-745-4393 or 414-520-1567 Website:WWW.withoutdistractionrelationship.com Email: ingriddurr4u@yahoo.com facebook.com/Ingrid Durr P.O. Box 170024 Glendale Wisconsin 53217. Website: WWW.withoutdistractionrelationship.com. Email: ingriddurr4u@yahoo.com. facebook.com/Ingrid Durr. P.O. Box 170024 Glendale Wisconsin 53217
Goldenliving Colonia Manor to host Black history program
Goldenliving Colonial Manor will hold a resident Black history celebration Sunday, Feb. 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. Goldenliving Colonial Manor is located at 1616 W. Bender Rd. The event is being hosted by the facility’s recreation and activity department. The Providence Youth Choir, Dr. Joyce Marie Dixon, president of Agape Love Bible College; along with others will provide the entertainment and reflections on Black history. For more information, contact either Leslie or Wanda at (414) 228-8700, ext. 1032.
BANKRUPTCY: The difference BUSINESS CORNER between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 11, 2015 Page 6
The staff of Champion Bartenders
CHAMPION BARTENDERS
Champion Bartenders is Milwaukee’s most sophisticated and affordable bartending service. Champion Bartenders was founded in 2011 by Temone Champion, who is a licensed bartender for the City of Milwaukee and is specifically known around town for her delicious cocktails. Temone is a former manager of Bradley's Jazz Club and TerriLynn's on Bradley. After being commissioned to provide private bartender services for numerous wedding receptions, events, and birthday parties, Champion Bartenders was born. Champion Bartenders is one of Milwaukee's first Bartender-To-Go service and they travel all over the Southeastern WI providing extraordinary, professional bartender services. Their company is based on the belief that their customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Champion Bartender’s entire team
is committed to meeting those needs. They offer a wide range of bartending services to suit a variety of budgets and tastes. As a convenience to their clients, a hassle free beverage service is offered. If you are not sure what to purchase for your event or simply do not have time, they will do all the shopping and deliver a fully stocked bar to your specifications. Service can include everything from beer, wine, liquor, sodas, juices, water, garnishments, and ice delivered right to your event. Upon re-
It's Official:
quest, portable bars and glassware may be provided. A bartending team will arrive at the venue of your choice and make your event an enjoyable experience. Catering to events of all sizes, Champion Bartenders provide knowledgeable, professional certified bartenders, quality customized cocktails, and dependable punctual service to make any event a complete success. They specialize in bartending birthday parties, weddings, luaus, bridal showers, home or office events, award ceremonies, bachelors/bachelorette parties, or any special occasion! New Business Special!! Book your event today and mention that you saw this article in MCJ and receive 15% discount Contact Us At:Phone: 414 4602595; Website:www.championbart e n d e r s . c o m . E m a i l : bartendingchampions@gmail.com
Millennials are the most stressed-out generation
Article courtesy of Business Insider via “The Rundown” Americans are stressed in general, but according to the American Psychological Association's annual Stress in America survey, released Feb. 4, no generation feels those effects more than millennials (though Gen Xers are close). Across generations, concerns about money and finances are the biggest cause of stress. "Money and finances have remained the top stressor since our survey began in 2007," saidAPACEO Norman B.Anderson in a press release. And while stress obviously has psychological manifestations like frustration and anxiety, the health effects of stress are a growing concern too. Financial stress has been linked to high blood pressure and other general health problems - which is very probably connected to the way mental health can affect physical health. Still, it's not all bad news. Even though we have more stress than is considered healthy, we're feeling less stress now than we were in recent years. There's been a downward trend in stress since 2007. Women, parents, and people with lower incomes are disproportionally affected by stress, reporting symptoms like inability to sleep, unhealthy behaviors, and not being able to make life changes that would help them better cope with stress.
When facing overwhelming amounts of consumer debt, bankruptcy can be an option. In most cases we find ourselves in one of two bankruptcy situations: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is the complete wipeout of all debt. Some people like to say this is the fresh start bankruptcy. Remember we can’t just wake up and file Chapter 7, you must qualify. To see if you qualify for Chapter 7 you can consult a legal professional to conduct a means test. The means test looks at your income, assets and household size. Chapter13 bankruptcy it is quite different. Chapter 13 is a re-organization repayment bankruptcy. The Chapter 13 stops car repossessions, garnishment and even foreclosure. Chapter 13 STOPS LEGAL ACTIONS and allows you to go into a 3-5 year interest and penalty free repayment of your debt. A lot of people have been misinformed about bankruptcy. One of
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity... Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. You have to get up and make them.” --Madam C.J. Walker
Shawn Ward
these misconceptions is that you will lose your house and car in Chapter 7. When the reality is you can protect a lot of assets or simply keep paying and keep the assets while filing Chapter 7. Another misconception is: "If I file Chapter 13 I am repaying my debt so that has to help my credit recover faster."
This is not the case. Most of us think if we file Bankruptcy our credit is wrecked for 10 -15 years. Actually, if you file Chapter 7 and completely eliminate your debt, you will be able to quickly rebuild your credit. Deciding to file bankruptcy is a big deal. It is a major step in admitting that you need help overcoming your debt. It is okay to admit you are in financial trouble. The most important step is to simply get help. A debt professional will work with you to determine the best road to recovery, be it Chapter 7 or 13. Shawn Ward is a Debt Consultant at the Wisconsin Debt Clinic. With 13 years of legal and debt consolidation experience, Ward is happy to provide information to people looking to get out of debt and make a financial comeback. Ward can be reached at debtfree@wisconsindebtclinic or 414-455-0905.
KALEIDOSCOPE
t he M C J l i f e s t y l e & e n tertainment section
consin. The Milwaukee Aces proWith the season slated to fessional women’s basketball start later this year, the Aces is team will hold open tryouts positioned to inject a new exfor women 21 years and older citement in women’s sports with two years of college basand entertainment and is lookketball experience on Sunday, ing for highly-skilled players March 29 at the Mount Mary to take the helm. University Bloechl Center, “Milwaukee Aces is poised 2900 N. Menomonee River to take women’s basketball to Pkwy. another level and we know Onsite registration begins at there is talent in this state to 8:30 a.m. with tryouts beginmake it happen,” said Bernell ning at 10 a.m. Hooker, team owner and operThe early registration fee is ator. $100. Hooker, an experienced and After March 23 participants must register on site for a respected retired women’s $150 fee. The general public basketball coach, is looking is invited to attend the tryout for strong, talented, diverse session for $5 per person. and multi-dimensional players The first year franchise who are passionate about the team under the newly formed game of basketball and comWomen’s American Basketmunity involvement. Open to Women 21 ball Association (WABA) is Registration forms can be Years and Older at found at www.milwauthe only women’s professional basketball team in Wis- Mount Mary University keeaces.com.
Milwaukee Aces to Hold Tryouts
New film on the life and accomplishments of civil rights pioneer Vel Phillips to premiere Feb. 19 at Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum
The Wisconsin Black Historical Society, America’s Black Holocaust Museum and the Milwaukee Urban League invites the community to see, “Vel Phillips: Dream Big Dreams,” a new film on the life and accomplishments of Milwaukee political and civil rights pioneer. The showing will be Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, 2620 W. Center St. from 6 to 8 p.m.. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments. To reserve a seat, call the Milwaukee Urban League at (414) 374-5850 by Feb. 17.
Civil rights and political trailblazer Vel Phillips pictured in a 1967 Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel file photo during her tenture as the first Black and female alderperson in the history of the city.
FROM THE BLACK
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 11, 2015 Page 7
BLACK HISTORY BALL – Africology Now UW - Milwaukee presents the Black History Ball Friday, February 13th from 7Pm – 11:30pm. After 6 attire only. Special presentations by Teju the Storyteller and KoThi Dance Ensemble. UW Student Union 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. For more information contact Africology Dept. at UWM 2294155. SAVIOR’S DAY CALL TO UNITY BANQUET – A special tribute to the Nation to Islam Pioneers in Milwaukee, Keynote speaker – Student minister Abel Muhammad, Live jazz with saxophonist James Dallas and music and dancing with DJ David Muhammad and a great dinner. Friday, February 20th at 7:00PM at the Wisconsin Black Historical Historical Society 2620 W. Center St. Donation $40.00. For tickets call 414-7552006. DADDY/DAUGHTER DANCE – I am taking my daughter to the 12th Annual Dance on Saturday, February 21stth at North Division High School. My sons are taking their daughters who are currently 6 years old and 4 years old. My daughter is 26 years old. I am encouraging old school brothers like myself to take their grown daughters to this event as well in case you never had a chance to do it before like myself. Only 95 tickets left so don’t hesitate. The deadline is Monday, February 16th. For more information call 414475-8811. DR. UMAR JOHNSON RETURNS TO
By Tony Courtney
MILWAUKEE - He will speak at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) the Downtown Campus on Monday, February 23rd from Noon to 4PM. He will have special session for Black Men 2:00PM – 3:30PM.He will also speak on Tuesday, February 24th at UACB Webster Renaissance at 6850 N. 53rd St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin at 6:00PM. Both events are free to the public. BUS TRIP TO SELMA – The Wisconsin Black Historical Society present Bus Trip to Selma for the 50th Anniversary Bloody Sunday March (March 8, 1965 – March 8, 2015. Trip Date: March 5th to 8th, 2015. $375.00 per person. 4 person occupancy. Join us and be part of history!!! For more information call 414-372-7677. DEDICATED TO BLACK WOMEN THAT GOT BLACK MEN’S BACKS – The deadline to participate on this special page during Black History Month has been
MCJ file photo from last year’s Daddy/Daughter Dance.
extended to Monday, February 23rd. Brothers take some time to sponsor the Black women in your life living or deceased that have had your back. The cost is $25.00. Call 374-2364 for more information.
ELECTION WATCH: School Board Candidate Stephany Pruitt The Milwaukee Community Journal February 11, 2015 Page 8
(continued from page 1) “I believe I can do just as good a job as anybody,” said Pruitt, whose four children and six grandchildren all attended—and are attending—Milwaukee Public Schools. “Education is a family value,” she said during a recent interview at the MCJ. “I want public education to be around for my grandchildren and all children.” Pruitt would like to help change the instability she sees in the district in terms of a fair share in state funding, class size, the arts and music, as well as close the achievement gap in reading and math. “Smaller class sizes have made a difference (in other school districts). When you reduce class size, students do better in reading and math.” Pruitt noted the Greenfield School District has discontinued open enrollment in order to focus on smaller class sizes to improve academic performance. “These are the things we should be fighting for,” Pruitt stressed. The board candidate would also fight for—if elected to the board—policies that bridge the gap between student mobility and academics, partner with parents and increase their involvement and presence in the schools; (fight for) community partnerships for the social and emotional needs of students; and fight for policies which value teachers, maintain inclusive and open collaborations, and strengthen resources and build opportunities. “I’d work with teachers, principals and parents; give more resources (to the schools) to do creative things that will bring stability (utilizing) existing resources,” Pruitt said. As an example, Pruitt said she would push for the use of psychologists and social workers trained in trauma and emotional care assisting teachers and helping reduce behavioral problems in the classroom. “Create an environment so children with problems can
be educated.” What we perceive as learning disabilities, Pruitt sees as issues stemming from poverty, which includes mental health trauma. “Children need structure and (in some cases) it exists outside their community. MPS becomes a vehicle to raise their consciousness so they (students) become life-long learners, despite the emotional background. “Children need more understanding with what they have to struggle with in their neighborhoods.” Pruitt said it takes a person with a trained eye—like a psychologist—to provide guidance to teachers as to what some students show as it relates to behavior. Asked about her position on Parental School Choice and Vouchers, Pruitt said she believes in options for parents, but has a problem with it when it negatively impacts public education in terms of funding. “We need to look at the allocation of funds and if allocating more funding for Choice creates a budget problem for MPS and all children,” Pruitt said. “Dollars allocated toward Choice are public dollars. (As I said) I don’t have a problem with private education. But I do have a problem with funding private education with tax dollars at the expense of public education.” Pruitt said she wants to be the community’s voice on the board and work with other board members—and legislators in Madison—to achieve her goals of bettering public education. “I would develop partnerships with the schools, parents, and teachers; be their voice on the board, not just be a rubber stamp. Raise the consciousness of the community through transparency on issues of public education within MPS. “It’s not good to maintain the status quo at a time when there needs to be change.”
Article by Don Babwin, Associated PressCourtesy of Blackpressusa.com
their roster that live outside their boundaries.” The team has been suspended from Little League tournament privileges until new leadership is found. The team’s manager, Darold Butler, is also suspended, and an administrator from the district that includes Jackie Robinson West has been removed from his position, according to the statement. The march of the team riveted the city, all the way to its loss in the world championship game to South Korea, and when it was over, thousands of people lined Chicago’s streets to catch a glimpse of the boys as they were paraded by bus from their South Side baseball field to a downtown park. There were countless heartwarming stories about the team, including an effort by major league players to contribute money so the parents in the blue collar community could attend the World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and another about Cubs players huddled around a television watching the team during a rain delay at Wrigley Field. The team was treated to a trip to the major league World Series and to the White House to meet President Barack Obama and the first lady, Michelle Obama.
Chicago’s Little League Championship Team Stripped of Title
CHICAGO (AP) — Little League International has stripped Jackie Robinson West of the national title that the Chicago team won last summer after an investigation revealed it had falsified boundaries to field ineligible players. In a stunning Wednesday announcement that came months after the all-black team, whose ages ranged from 11 to 13 years, captured the attention of the country and the hearts of its hometown, the baseball organization said it also found that after the league had changed the boundaries, some team officials went to surrounding leagues to convince them to go along with what they’d done. “This is a heartbreaking decision,” Stephen D. Keener, the Little League International president and CEO, said in a statement. “As painful as it is, we feel it is a necessary decision to maintain the integrity of the Little League program. No team can be allowed to attempt to strengthen its team by putting players on
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