MCJ May 27, 2015 Edition

Welford Sanders of King Drive BID dies

Former NAACP state conference president Thomas E. White dies

Thomas E. White

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 27, 2015 for Thomas E. White, the past president

of the NAACP Wisconsin Conference of Branches and the longest tenured president of state NAACP conferences in the nation.

White, who was also a member of the NAACP’s National Board, died Thursday, May 21 after an extended illness. He was 77.

White, who was born April 25, 1938 in Parrott, GA, was a longtime resident of Racine where he served

the people of Wisconsin as NAACP state conference president for 41 years. White was first elected to the position of NAACP Wisconsin conference president in 1973.

In 1985, based on the quality of his service, and the respect of his peers, he became the first person elected from the state of Wisconsin to serve on the NAACP National Board. He

COMMUNITY

(continued on page 5)

Welford Sanders

Welford Sanders, the former executive director of the non-profit Martin Luther King Economic

Development Corp. (also known as the King Drive Business Improvement District (BID#8) or King Drive BID), died, reportedly, over the weekend after a long illness. His immediate age was not available.

Sanders led redevelopment efforts on King Drive and its surrounding neighborhood.

According to published reports, Sanders was executive director of the King Drive BID since 2001 and was a part-time instructor at UW-Milwau-

kee’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Under Sanders leadership, the King Drive development group created King Drive Commons, with 108 rental housing units and commercial space that includes Growing Power fresh produce market and cafe. The development was created in four seperate phases from 2004 to 2013 in an area bordered by North 2nd, North 6th, West Center and West Hadley (continued on page 5)

JOURNAL www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents

VOL. XXXIX Number 43 May 27, 2015

The Milwaukee

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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

Eve Hall, presiAACCW’s Eve Hall received Dr. dent and CEO of African AmeriWoman Executive of the the can Chamber of Year Award Commerce of Wis-

consin, recently received the 2015 BizTimes “Woman Executive of the Year” Award, during a ceremony held at Potawatomi Casino and Hotel.

Standing with her is the presenter of the award, Steve Gagler, executive editor of BizTimes.

(Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

NATIONAL GUARD OFFICER HONORED FOR HIS SERVICE AND SPECIAL AWARD

Capt. Ron Adams of the Wisconsin Army National Guard joined hundreds of other men and women currently serving in the armed forces at the Milwaukee Brewers game against the San Francisco Giants at Miller Park.

Adams was recognized by the Brewers for being one of seven National Guard officers--and one of 27 overall recipients--to receive the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for 2014. The MacArthur Leadership Award recognizes company-grade officers who embody the ideals of duty, honor and country. With Adams was members of his family to share the special moment (left to right): Daughter Amira, wife Angela, and daughter Ahriya Adams. Not shown is another daughter Anaya. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Sweating Tears and Shedding Blood

Unique Mobile Pantry provides food to those in need

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin partnered recently with Greater New Birth Church in distributing 25-30 pounds of food to individual residents in the church’s parking lot, located at 8237 W. Silver Spring Drive. The food came in a mobile pantry truck, a food pantry on wheels, which allows Feeding America to drive up to a location and directly distribute food to areas of high need that have limited capacity. Volunteers unloaded the food onto tables surrounding the truck. The volunteers then distributed the food to those residents in line. The truck can transport nonperishable and fresh or frozen products. Six of the seven doors are refrigerated, which allows Feeding America to distribute everything from fresh produce to frozen meat. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)

Milwaukee Urban League and MillerCoors joins NBA legend to “reFresh” community Basketball courts Two-time world champion and 10 year

NBA veteran Kenny “The Jet” Smith joined MillerCoors recently to unveil the basketball courts in Milwaukee that will be refurbished through the Coors Light Full Court reFRESH program, which included a check presentation for $16,000 to the Milwaukee Urban League’s Young Professionals (MULYP) auxillary. The announcement and check presentation was held at Major Goolsby’s, 340 W. Kilbourn Ave. Smith (center) holds the check surrounded by (left to right): Ralph Hollmon, president and CEO of the MUL; Sean Lowe, president of the MULYP; Noah Finceroy, a member of the MUL Board; and George Walker, project manager BIS for MillerCoors. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question

by Yvonne Kemp

ANGELA ADAMS: “as an Army wife of nearly 18 years, I spend Memorial Day enjoying the freedom to watch baseball with my family--a freedom we have as Americans in large part because of the sacrifices of military service members, veterans, and military families; some who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

“How did you celebrate Memorial Day?”

RONALD J. ADAMS (Army Natl’ Guard): “Memorial Day is the kickoff to a week-long celebration for receiving the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. I enjoyed front row seats at the Brewers game with my family while we all honored the service and sacrifice of service members before me and reflected on my 27 year career; remembering why I serve!”

JIMMIE L. CARTER (U.S. Navy Recruiter): “I BBQ’d and hung out with my family and came into work to help continue putting the best and brightest young men and women (into the Navy) to defend this great country.”

MARIA CAMPBELL (Air Force): “I was honored to be chosen to throw out the first pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers game on Memorial Day. God Bless America!”

MEN MEN EMPOWERING MEN MEN

Family, for the past three months The Milwaukee Community Journal has given me an outlet to amplify my voice and share my thoughts.

I do not take this responsibility lightly or for granted; and, I appreciate the warm sentiments shared by various elders and peers in appreciation of the words written.

With this last article, it is my goal to revisit some of the most salient points addressed and present some of the action items to be considered going forward as we keep our my mind centered on the topic “Men Empowering Men.” The most critical point is for us to have self-love, self-respect and selfworth. Through the years of bondage, captivity and racism, we, as a collective people, have forgotten who we were and consequently acted the way our oppressors designed and engineered.

Dr. Ramel Smith The engineering was just not the buffoonery we see propagandized, nightly, in the news; but, also the betrayal of the academic and financially elite that, all too often, separate and disengage from others in their racial demographic.

The talented tenth that DuBois wanted to lift the race cannot do it alone; yet, it must be coupled with the collective collaboration of every day citizens and then combined with the beautiful ignorance and strong-willed determination of our youth. Only then will we begin to achieve the accomplishments and display the beauty, courage and strength of our ancestors.

I tire of hearing what the “White Man” has done to us and is currently doing to us. First, it is not all White People that is the enemy of the Black race.

Don’t get it twisted, all who are White, do have the complexion for protection and their appearance alone will grant them certain privileges. That fact is undeniable.

Still, at the end of the day, if we are waiting for the ancestors of our captors to fully integrate us into their society, we are destined to be, forever, secondclass citizens. We must pool our resources together in the spirit of Kwanzaa.

We must become self-determined and use our creative gifts and economic power collectively. Once we gather with this purpose and practice faith in one another we will see tremendous growth and progress. We can accept help from any other entity willing to help; but, we must not depend on that help solely or sacrifice our ethics, morals and values to receive that help.

Malcolm X stated, “The Black man will never get anybody’s respect until he first learns to respect his own women.” Our community cannot come together because the majority of our homes are splintered.

Men, must show young men and boys that the key to our turnaround comes through the protection and development of our families. This dynamic starts with the man-woman dyad.

Our young boys must see models of men respecting women through their words and actions. Our elder men must inspire the unification, rather than demonization and destruction of our own culture. Many youth will state their actions are only mirroring what they see in their homes and community- this is a sad truth.

Beloved, the serum of love and respect can help to alter the dynamics of our neighborhoods and future generations. We must give the youth what they (continued on page 5)

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 2

THE PULSE

The WHO•WHAT•WHERE• WHEN of YOUR Community!

F o r m e r l y

t h e

4 W

C o m m u n i t y

H a p p e n i n g s

Community groups stand in support of bill that facilitates voter registration for young adults

COMMUNITY RESIDENT MEET TO HEAL--Members of the Nation of Islam and community residents discussed the is-

sues confronting the community and ways of overcoming them during the fourth annual “Heal the Hood” block party hosted by Ald. Milele Coggs. The event allows residents concerned about the recent increase in violence and crime to be inspired by and engaged in discussions about approaches to ending the problem. Heal the Hood is a campaign that strives to promote self-sunstainability and non-violence. The block party was held at the Community Garden on North Ninth and Ring Streets and featured free food for the first 500 attendees. Over 30 vendors were on hand. There was also entertainment. The party primarily sponsored by its founder, Ajamou Butler. Nine organizations and political figures were on hand to talk and listen to residents concerns. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Local community groups and Milwaukee high school students made a bold stand recently in support of new legislation from state Rep. Mandela Barnes that would allow 16 and 17-year-old Wisconsinites who are U.S. citizens, but not yet old enough to vote, to complete a pre-registration form and be automatically added to the voter rolls when they reach voting age. The announcement of the legislation was made at James Madison High school, 8135 W. Florist Ave. With Barnes (fourth from the left) were (L to R): Luscely Flores, Angela Lang, Darlene Johns, Barnes, Darren Madison, Mike Wilder, Kendall Heard, Milwaukee Cnty Sup. Khalif Rainey, Dayvonna Headen, Astar Herndon, and Chante’ Yarbrough. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Fondy Food Center to Start First Pop-Up Farmers Market at Schlitz Park Fondy Food Center, a well-known nonprofit whose

mission is to connect neighborhoods to fresh, local food, will start its first pop-up farmers market at Schlitz Park on Thursday, June 25th.

The weekly market will run Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on N. 2nd St. in front of Brewhouse Square through the end of October.

Each week, a rotating list of three to four local farmers from Fondy’s longstanding Fond du Lac Ave. market will sell mostly produce.

Like Schlitz Park, the origin of the Fondy Farmers Market is rich in history starting in 1917 when the now defunct Milwaukee Chair Co. donated a parcel of land to the City of Milwaukee for a new green market. The company's primary motivation then was to give employees an opportunity to buy fresh produce directly from local farmers.

The market eventually expanded and was moved to its current location with the Fondy Food Center taking over management in 2001.

“We embrace the Fondy mission and share the motivation of the market’s original benefactor,” said Schlitz Park Tenant Relations Director Suzy Pitzo.

“We want to provide our tenants with the opportunity

to shop at work for fresh, locally grown and affordable produce. Partnering with Fondy brings added convenience to Schlitz Park tenants and neighbors with a unique amenity that reinforces our commitment to health and wellbeing.”

Shoppers will be able to pay with cash or debit and credit for their purchases. Fondy’s decision to launch its first pop-up market at Schlitz Park is a key element of an updated strategic plan that focuses on expanding the nonprofit’s impact in the broader Milwaukee community.

“The Fondy Farmers Market has been a true intersection of food and community, health and heritage, and cultural diversity,” said Young Kim, Fondy’s executive director.

“Against a backdrop of greenspace and historic architecture, the new Schlitz Park market adds another gathering place where shoppers can meet the farmers that have grown their produce and tenants can meet each other.”

Kim also noted the Schlitz Park Farmers Market will provide a new economic opportunity for the more than 30 produce vendors from Fondy’s main farmers market.

The Schlitz Park Farmers Market is the latest in a growing array of health and wellness tenant amenities at the 46-acre riverfront office complex including three free fitness centers, onsite wellness coaches and daily bike rentals.

June is an especially active month for Schlitz Park with the start of free Savvy City Cycling Bike Classes and Tours for tenants in partnership with the Wisconsin Bike Fed as well as the annual Schlitz Park Criterium bicycle race and Schlitz Park Miler Run and Walk.

Treasurer Spencer Coggs’ plan to target blighted vacant properties in stable neighborhoods

City Treasurer Spencer Coggs announced today that he will pursue an accelerated process to obtain eligible vacant tax delinquent propetties in stable neighborhoods before they become eyesores.

"This will go a long way in preventing further deterioration of the housing stock in some of Milwaukee's poorest neighborhoods. If a prope1ty is vacant and eligible for tax foreclosure, under this proposal it will not be referred to the City's collection law firm for collection, as is the normal second phase procedure.

Instead, my office will pursue an in rem tax foreclosure to save the prope1ty from spiraling downward from deterioration," said Treasurer Coggs.

Treasurer Coggs' 2016 department budget request seeks additional funding to accelerate in rem tax foreclosure on tax delinquent vacant properties.

The Great Recession of 2008 has precipitated many more mortgage foreclosures within the City of Milwaukee resulting in a number of vacant and abandoned homes. Having these vacant homes continuing to be a blight in an otherwise prosperous neighborhood creates the conditions for the neighborhood to become

Spencer Coggs

destabilized.

Since 2003, the Office of the City Treasurer has used a three phase tax enforcement process that maximizes tax collections, while minimizing delinquency and prope1ty acquisition.

The first phase of the tax enforcement process is in-house collection by the City Treasurer's Office from February through October of the year taxes are due. This phase includes a series of four collection letters from the City Treasurer and culminates in a collection letter under the signature of an Assistant City Attorney.

In the second phase, tax accounts that remain unpaid at the end of October are referred to the City of Mil-

waukee collection law firm, the Kohn Law Firm, for a period of twelve months where the collection law firm works the accounts, makes payment arrangements, pursues civil suit judgments against the propetty owners where deemed advisable under the established City guidelines.

In harder to collect cases, the collection law firm pursues post judgment remedies, such as wage garnishments and rent attachments.

In the third and final phase, and as a last resort, the City Treasurer's Office pursues what is called an in rem tax foreclosure against those properties that continue to remain tax delinquent. Failure to pay the outstanding delinquent property taxes during the foreclosure process results in the City acquiring the property.

This three phase tax enforcement process has proven successful, as the City Treasurer collects 98¢ of every City tax dollar levied.

Homeowners should benefit from the early intervention from the City of Milwaukee in protecting their investment. "This new initiative is designed to keep communities morecohesive by not allowing one vacant home to bring down the property values of the entire neighborhood," said Treasurer Coggs.

PERSPECTIVES

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 3

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “LIFE ISN’T ABOUT FINDING YOURSELF. LIFE IS ABOUT CREATING YOURSELF! ANONYMOUS

The next “great debate”:

Should little boys play with toy guns?

SIGNIFYIN’

I was considered the fastest gun on I debated long and 8th Street, and my parents didn’t hard before I eventuhave to ask me what I wanted for Christmas or birthdays. ally decided to purI remember one Christmas when my father traveled all the way to chase the gift my Chicago to purchase a special set of

By Mikel Kweku Osei Holt six-year-old grandson cowboy guns. The accompanying set of cap bullets that came with the guns had fallen out in the back of the house Malik asked for his birthday present---a cowwhen my father brought the gift in. boy outfit complete with two guns, holsters, When we ultimately found them in the snow, someone (I can’t remember who) asserted that they had to have fallen out of Santa’s sleigh. It made sense badge and rifle. to me then, even through our chimney wasn’t connected to the furnace and

My philosophical struggle wasn’t rooted in the cost of the toys, or even the questionable practice of ‘giving gifts’ to children because they reach a milestone (I always thought it made more sense to reward the parent since they are the ones who put forth the energy, resources and sacrifices for their child).

Instead, my internal debate centered on the potential ramifications of the gift itself: The cowboy outfit could be an indoctrination tool, casting my grandson in the role of individuals who are racist or otherwise deranged. And until truth be told, the grandson could fall prey to “His-story” propaganda full of misinformation, lies and distortions.

And as for the gun---could his fascination grow into something insidious?

As if it was a genetic trait, my grandson Malik inherited my fascination with guns, and his love for that long-gone period of American colonization and the culture it bred, including the signature “ritual” of every 1960s television western: “The shoot out.”

(Actually, that “ritual” is not entirely ancient history. It was but a few weeks ago that two reportedly intoxicated brothers settled their barroom argument by standing on a Villard Avenue street and shooting it out. Both died.)

When I was Malik’s age, the nation’s most popular television shows were westerns, and society was flooded with cowboy heroes who often carried one or two six guns as they rid the pioneer towns of those bad guys dressed in black (a connotation I didn’t catch on until years later).

So entrenched was my love for guns, cowboy television shows and movies,

Message to the Black Community:

Progress can only be Achieved through organizing

Anyone with a half of a brain must attest that the Black community in Milwaukee and in this country is in a state of unparalleled crisis.

Never before have we seen structural poverty and institutional racism coupled with self-destructive behavior by our so-called leaders, it appears that the Black community is spiraling out of control. What will change this course?

How will it happen and what does it look like? No matter what the answers will ultimately be, it can’t happen without the Black community coming together. Progress can only be achieved through organizing.

THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Structural poverty and institutional racism has produced some of the worse demographics for the Black community.

How did this happen? Did we forget that after emancipation, every institution discriminated against the Black family for the next 75-80 years?

The Black community was already profoundly behind economically from the American institution of slavery only to fall even further behind economically by the racism orchestrated by every other American institution.

While the legislation slowed down

Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday

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our fireplace was as fake as the jolly old White man who was given credit for the extraordinary chore my father rightfully should have been applauded for.)

Malik’s father was never challenged to go to those extremes to appease his son, and I don’t know for sure if he shares my youthful fascination for guns, or more specifically condones his son’s love for cowboys and the shoot 'em ups. He just appreciates my interest in my grandson, the lessons he learns and the quality time we spend together.

Critics claim that giving kids guns is adding fuel to what some say is already a culturally void scenario. Adding to the accepted violence of video games, the inclusion of guns in the mix makes for a potentially deadly culture.

Playing with guns glorifies violence and supports non-peaceful remedies to confrontations.

And, of course, our eyes open wide when we hear the occasional story of a child being killed by police who mistake his toy gun for a real weapon.

Before you take a side in this debate, let me lay out a few points that weighed in on my decision?

Well, for one, Malik acting out the role of a cowboy is not an issue because I instill in all of my children and grandchildren the butt-naked truth when it comes to American history.

As a researcher and observer of education, I can attest to the fact that much (continued on page 8)

the racism, it didn’t change the climate and culture of racism that was produced and continues today.

Progress can only be achieved through organizing.

In addition to a racist climate and culture that every Black experiences within any American institution, the set-asides and affirmative action efforts to repair nearly 450 years of physical and economic oppression, was so watered down that it became ineffective and over time what was originally a focus for Black people was widened to include every type of minority (today white woman are even included).

Because Blacks didn’t fight back the way they should’ve, the battle for what are the right reparations measures was never achieved and today the argument has been totally lost.

Today, most American institutions now practice race-neutral policies as if the playing field has been equalized.

These institutions and their racist climate and culture have produced “structural” poverty and institutional racism, and has overwhelmed and worn down the Black community that now produces “mad” and alarming demographics.

Some of the racist policies (public and private) have unfairly targeted the Black male while at the same time favored the Black women (i.e. welfare, public housing, employment, etc.), and now the Black family has seen several generations where the Black man has been literally removed from the Black family causing the “total” deterioration of the Black family. Nearly 80 percent of all Black families are now headed by a single female parent (this is lethal and has long-term social ramifications).

One negative consequence as the result of the demise of the Black fam-

ily has been the erosion of our core Black values, abnormal behavior over a period of time has become normal.

In nearly every negative demographic, our community, as a group, the disparities continue to grow (i.e. wealth, health, poverty, education, unemployment, incarceration, marriage, etc.) with the latest epidemic being the “legal” murders of our young and unarmed boys by armed police. Progress can only be achieved through organizing.

Brothers and sisters, the issue of structural poverty and institutional racism has gone unchecked for too long and has and continues to wreak havoc on the Black community, if this goes unchecked any longer (the damage will be permanent), the next generations of Black children will be relegated to a permanent underclass in America.

The Black leadership is failing the Black community because of the practice of self-destructive behavior.

The structural challenges are mounting like a tsunami and range from voter suppression to reduction of tools that help to empower poor people which the Black community has a significant representation with nearly two-thirds of the population living at or near poverty but that’s not what’s destroying us. What’s destroying us is the self-destructive behavior that the Black community, especially its most accomplished (leadership) is practicing. One of the most damaging behaviors is organizational tribalism where Black people are more loyal to their organization (tribe) than to their community. If that organization is religious, civic, or business; the Black community pledges its allegiance to the organization over the concerns and needs of the people, what’s more important, the organiza(continued on page 8)

Mark Roberson (far left) with Northcott Neighborhood House Executive Director Mack Weddle and his son and Milwaukee County Sup. Martin Weddle

F.A.C.T. program gives paroled men with children a foreclosed home and a fresh start

FIRST

The city of Milwaukee is in a state of turmoil. There is a climate of violence, drug addiction, and unemployment, poverty and poor education.

The statistics for the number of people shot was 459 people as of Nov. 22, 2013, 94 of the city homicides were committed by this date as well as 22 of those during the

By Mark J. Roberson, month of august alone.

The unemployment rate continues Creator of F.A.C.T. to rise among people of color.

Schools are closing, teachers on F.A.C.T Program Outline salary are burdened with overcrowded classrooms. The children Assessment of Client in these classes have the lowest • AODA reading levels of anyone in the na•HSED or GED tion.

• Family history (marital If these facts are not unattractive status/children/relationship staenough, take a ride through the tus) inner city and look at the many • Court ordered programs boarded up dilapidated houses.

Many of which are city forecloTreatment Plan sures. The problem is a direct result • AODA and HSED based upon of the loss of the family structure in initial assessment these communities.

• Parenting (mandatory) The Milwaukee I grew up in had • Anger management neighbors and neighborhoods that • Visiting and correspondence cared. Most owned their homes or program rented from the landlord who also lived in the home or nearby. People Community Corrections took pride in their yards and neighPlacement borhoods. They knew one another • ACT worker assigned-housing and everyone’s children. They were lists made available vigilant and watched out for the bad • Job assignment-inmate emelements in and around the surployed rounding areas.

• Financial planning-payment This is not the Milwaukee that I plan based on income live in today. Today, Milwaukee lacks the family presence and strong • Community custody work crew fathers. The men of Milwaukee’s assigned-inmates not on the job inner city today are absent from assignments and not in the many homes, because so many of F.A.C.T. program allowed workour men of color are unemployed, ing on rehab of the house. Creunderemployed, or incarcerated. ating job skills, habitable They are not proposing marriage housing and involvement in and if they are it is not being taken community enrichment. seriously.

A real father takes care of his children. These men are unable to take care of themselves. Society often lays the blame on the unwed mother. I never hear about the unwed father. The truth is we must talk more about these men and to these men if we are ever to see them assume their responsibilities as men.

We have got to focus on these men, instead of locking them away in jails and prisons which do nothing to stablize their lives. We use terms like “reentry module” and “housing module.” These programs are jokes and do nothing but lead men to homeless shelters and eventually they revert back to their old lifestyles and habits.

The transportation module tells an inmate how many fines he owes and what it costs to get his license back, but does nothing to help you get the resources to resolve these issues.

The employment module teaches you to make a resume. Many men have no employment history or either it is sporadic.

So what good is it? Those fortunate enough to make it to community custody and work release could be given the opportunity to have a positive work experience and gain knowledge, skills and save money to help upon their release to society.

Instead, the D.O.C. (Department of Corrections) takes 66% of the inmate’s income after taxes and child support. This leaves men with next to nothing and reinforces the beliefs that many of them have that working is for suckers and they could never make it by working and saving money honestly.

They leave prison no better than they were when they came, some mentally and emotionally worse, right back to the same communities with the same issues.

The time for fancy names, terms and programs that yeld no change is over. It is time to seriously invest our resources in these men that could be strong productive men in society.

That’s were “F.A.C.T.” Housing Program comes in. F.A.C.T. stands for “Father Assisted Community Transition.” It is a re-entry housing program that would work in conjunction with the city of Milwaukee to afford men with children serving sentences in D.O.C. the opportunity to purchase city foreclosures.

We believe if we can begin to build on the family while we have the prisoner’s undivided attention in prison, we have a great chance to make a difference in their future after release.

AODA is a constant reality in many cases, but after it is addressed there are still many other underlying issues. Parenting classes for those with children should be mandatory. Completing an education program should be addressed as well as anger management and budgeting classes. The F.A.C.T. program would require completion of these programs as a prerequisite.

Once the client has maintained good conduct and completed all assigned programming and served sufficient time, he should be transferred to community custody, where he is allowed to work and put the proceeds from his job towards the purchase of a foreclosure held by the city.

PERSON

(continued on page 9)

RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 4

MICAH holds annual Gala

Milwaukee Innercity Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH) held its annual gala at the Italian Community Center, located in the Third Ward.

Retired Rev. Joe Ellwanger (pictured above, second from right) received a framed copy of the Congressional Record in which he was recognized for his presence and service during the March on Selma. Cong. Gwen Moore entered the recognition to the Congressional Record. Ellwanger is pictured with (left to right): Catoya Roberts, MICAH executive director; Shirley Ellis, an aide to Cong. Moore who presented the framed record to Ellwanger; and Rev. Willie Brisco, MICAH president. St. Louis minister and activist Rev. Starsky D. Wilson (pictured at left) was the keynote speaker for the event, whose theme was: “Racial Justice through Inclusion.� (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

www.communityjournal.net

Wisconsin NAACP State President, Thomas White (left) and NAACP state Education Chair, Wendell Harris (right) along with 7 local Wisconsin chapters engaged with over 100,000 ralliers in support of the unions’ right to bargain collectively several years ago. (MCJ file photo by Yvonne Kemp)

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 5

Former NAACP state conference president Thomas E. White dies

held that position from February, 1986 to February, 1998.

A true NAACP servant-leader, White remained on the frontline of the struggle for justice and civil rights faced by the people of Wisconsin, and addressed scores of protesters at the Wisconsin State Capitol during the Act 10 protests in the winter of 2011. Choosing to not run for another term as Wisconsin conference president in 2013, he was succeeded by Lillie Wilson, Waukesha Branch President. White attended his final NAACP National Convention in July, 2014 Las Vegas.

Those left to mourn his passing include, his wife of 39 years, Geraldine, and son Thomas E. White, II, both of Racine; along with family, friends and each member of the NAACP Wisconsin Conference of Branches. Funeral services were held at Wayman AME Church, 424 N. Memorial Drive, in Racine.

A Memorial Service will be held May 30 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in his hometown of Parrott.

Compiiled by MCJ staff, Source: Wisconsin NAACP

Welford Sanders of King Drive BID dies

(continued from page 1) streets.

Sanders is credited for having an enormous and positive impact on King Drive, according to an official with the redevelopment group. Sanders guidance on economic development issues was replied upon by the King Drive Bid. According to a published report, Sanders was originally from Chicago.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in history and economics from UW-Madison.

He earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from that same school in 1973.

Sanders reportedly returned to Chicago and worked for the American Planning Association, where he later became a consultant. He was hired by UWMilwaukee as an instrucor in 1993 and subsequently became involved with the King redevelopment group.

Funeral service information was not available at press time. For more information call 414-265-5809.

Compiled by MCJ Staff, Source for this article: Journal Sentinel.

Sweating Tears and Shedding Blood

(continued from page 1) need in the homes, school system and community. It sounds naïve to state; but the butt naked truth is whatever we put our minds to do, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

If we are brutally honest, the major problem is the leadership in our communities- I include myself in this group. In the movie “Lean on Me,” Principal Joe Clark was told he was no good and had not done anything significant for his community by the School Superintendent.

But family, at this time Joe Clark was a great educator and principal that had touched the lives of thousands of students. What he was being told was that yes, he had done some good, but he had not yet maximized the potential within him to do and give to his community. Many of our leaders today are in this same boat as Dr. Clark.

We have done a lot. We have won awards and been recognized for the great things we have done. I am here to tell you, family, that is not enough. It is not enough until we have sweated tears until we are dehydrated, until we have cried tears until we have flooded the Milwaukee River and until we have shed blood until our bodies lie lifeless. I am certain of four things: My responsibility to myself, my family, my community, and my world.

Family, I am a warrior and I am will die the death of a warrior. I commit to my community that I will take care of my mind, body and soul to ensure that I will be mentally and physically prepared to take on and lead battles for our community.

To my beautiful wife, Stacey, I pledge to be a better husband and better father to our children. I will provide and protect for you- even after my death.

To my community, I promise to remember where I came from and to carry the mission given to me by our ancestors.

I challenge all the politicians who have helped the people, do even more though you are not appreciated and are talked about by the people who you help and serve. To all my underpaid educators, don’t just go the extra mile, run a series of marathons for your students to help empower the next generation.

For the ladies and gentleman in the business arena, keep knocking down doors so they will be open for the next generation. Give even more of your time, talent and treasure to those behind you who did not have, or take advantage of, the opportunities you had presented to you.

To my young people, believe in your dreams and let no one stop you from obtaining your goals; but, understand true success is not just making it—it is making it and then helping scores of other people to dream and reach their potential.

I challenge all of you, to do everything you dreamed of that was once stolen away. I challenge you to do even more than what you think you are qualified to do. And, I challenge you to give more blood, sweat and tears- even if it means your life.

If you are not willing to offer that sacrifice, you really should reconsider your participation in this conversation. We can’t talk about it, unless we are going to be about it.

We revere people like Malcolm, Martin, Gandhi, Medgar, Jesus and other revolutionaries because they paid the ultimate price. We don’t all have to die, but we have to be willing to die for the cause. Remember, where there is no struggle, there is no progress!

Selah. Ashe.

With all my heart, The BLAQUESMITH

Banking on Small Business

“Banking Services for Small Businesses” was the topic presented to business owners and future business owners as part of the African American Chamber of Commerce’s monthly biusiness briefings presented by Town Bank. Patrick Martin and Joaquin Altoro (far right) were the speakers at this month’s session, part of a 10-part series for new and aspiring entreprenuers on the basics to organizing and managing a business. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Y&E

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 6

YOUTH&EDUCATION

MILAN OUTLAW

Milan Outlaw in front of the University's School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

UWM Architecture student setting her sights and talents on building a better Milwaukee

When she was eight, Milan Outlaw wanted to be an architect and build her mom a fancier house. “We had a nice house. I just wanted to build her one of those fancy Builder Showcase ones she was always looking at.”

Now Outlaw is going to graduate school for a master’s degree in architecture and has set her sights even higher – to earn a doctorate and use her talents to build a better Milwaukee.

Outlaw, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee May 17, will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall.

Her focus will be urbanism – using architecture to work with residents in cities and neighborhoods to improve the spaces and environments around them.

“As I progressed in my studies at UWM, I wanted to use architecture as a means to empower marginalized individuals,” she says.

An example would be turning vacant lots into pocket parks –

places in which people can gather and get to know each other.

“Architects and designers are the ones who create the ways people interact within spaces.

“Once you work alongside communities using architecture as a means of empowerment, just through that one act, so many people are impacted.”

Outlaw grew up in Milwaukee,

first at 38th and Capitol and then in the Harambee neighborhood. At UWM, she worked with Arijit Sen, associate professor of architecture, to create design proposals in Washington Park, giving her experience in empowering residents to use what they have to make their communities better.

“A lot of times architects go into neighborhoods and say ‘this is what I’m going to do because that’s what the developer told me,’” Outlaw says. A better approach is to look at what exists in a neighborhood and ask residents about what they want, as well as how they interact within spaces.

Outlaw chose UWM because it has the only architecture school in Wisconsin, and she wanted to stay close to home.

Her older sister, Epiphany, and her brother, JZ, graduated from UWM, and her younger sister, Yasmine, is a student.

UWM expanded her horizons.

She studied in France and was in the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate program, which encouraged her to do research and presentations.

“It helped me see the importance of minority students, faculty and staff within higher education.”

Her mother, who grew up in Watts in Los Angeles, and raised seven children, has been a major influence in her life, says Outlaw.

“If it wasn’t for my mom, I don’t think I would have gone to college.

Knowledge is one of the many gifts she has given me. She wanted us to have the life she didn’t have.”

Carolyn Outlaw also taught her daughter about feminism, and introduced her to authors such as Angela Davis. Outlaw minored in women’s studies.

Carolyn Outlaw had her first child at 17, and didn’t have a college education, but she continues to set an example for her children.

She is attending MATC, studying early childhood education and development.

Enhancing the Pipeline from HBCUs to Milwaukee

By Bria Grant

Many local and nationally recognized African American leaders from a spectrum of backgrounds and professions have attended and/or graduated from Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). County Sup. Khalif Rainey (Southern A&M University) City of Milwaukee Administration Director, Steven Mahan, (Rust College) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Morehouse College), 6th district Alderwoman Milele Coggs and W.E.B. DuBois (Fisk University) are just a few.

Why does this matter? HBCUs offer more than academics but a sense of heritage while connecting to the concerns of the Black community, and an experience in a nurturing atmosphere.

You are cordially invited to attend a panel discussion about enhancing the pipeline of professional graduates from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) to Milwaukee, especially those with degrees in engineering, information technology teacher certification, or degrees in health care related fields.

The panel discussion will take place from 8:00 to approximately 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel, Empire Ballroom, 509 West Wisconsin Avenue.

The panel discussion features Dr. Logan Hampton, President, Lane College; and Dr. Kara Turner, Associate Provost for Enrollment Management & Student Academic Support Services, Morgan State University.

We hope you will be able to join us for this “Enhancing the Pipeline” event, which is one part of the Milwaukee Education Partnership’s HBCU Conference taking place in Milwaukee June 1 - 3, 2015.

Please RSVP by Monday, June 1st to Janice Hagen either via E-mail at hagenjl@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or phone at 414-988-9034.

Dr. Logan Hampton

Dr. Kara Turner

INVITATION TO HBCU ALUMNI RECEPTION:

You are cordially invited to attend a reception welcoming education leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Golda Meir School Auditorium Lobby located at 1555 North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Entertainment will be provided by students from Milwaukee High T School of the Arts. h Please join us to salute these representa- T tives from HBCUs. Your alma mater may be c among those represented. t Please RSVP by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May c 29th to Janice Hagen either via E-mail at ha- G genjl@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or telephone at w 414-988-9034.

KALEIDOSCOPE

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 7

the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section

Annual Hat Luncheon a success!

The 19th annual Hat Luncheon was held at the African American Women’s Center, 3020 W. Vliet St. Seventeen participants came out in their best headwear. This year’s hat honorees were Carlo Battle, Ann Beamon, Lenora and Albert Brown, Linda Cooper, Andre Lee Ellis, Dawn Gozet, Imani and D’Jena Kelly-Perry, Wanda Montgomery, Lennie Mosley, Brenda Sheppard-Nelson, Francis Pitt, Larry Pounder, Khyana Pumphery, Ms. Rose, Sandra Shelton, Lloyd Stephens, and Amy Words. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

THE MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SALVATION ARMY HOLD JOINT CHAPLAIN TRAINING PROGRAM

The Milwaukee Police Department and The Salvation Army held a joint training session at the police academy, 6680 N. Teutonia Ave., on Tuesday, May 26th , 2015 for pre-registered citizens to be trained as chaplains. Individuals who complete the chaplaincy training will graduate on Friday, May 29 and become members of The Salvation Army Chaplaincy Program.

Graduates will serve as first responders to homicide events when called upon by the Milwaukee Police Department. To learn more about The Salvation Army Chaplaincy Program visit www.SAmilwaukee.org (Photo by Krachel Greenwood)

Men’s Health Awareness at MATC during June

By Taki S. Raton

The Men of Color Initiative at the Milwaukee Area Technical College downtown campus has in June scheduled 10 days of workshops, activities and resource outlets during its “Men’s Health Awareness Month.”

Sponsored by the MATC’s Men of Color Initiative, all events will be held at the downtown campus location, 700 West State Street.

Men’s Health Awareness dates begin Thursday, June 4, 2015 and continues on Tuesday, June 9 through June 11; Tuesday, June 16 through June 18, and Wednesday, June 23, through Thursday, June 25.

Clinicians and speakers will be available on June 4 in the Prostate Cancer Call to Action “Wake Up & Smell the Coffee” presentation from 11 a.m. to 2. p.m. in room M605.

Additional activities include a Community Resource Fair to be held in the 2nd floor Student Center Atrium, Chair Massages, workshops on Yoga and the Healthy Family, Reducing Your Stress, and a Men Of Color Initiative Presentation by Walter Lanier and Ron Fancher on June 10 and June 24.

A U.S. Bank Financial Literacy Workshop-Money 101 is sched-

Working Your Way Through Retirement

A Part-Time Job Could Be The Answer If Your Golden Years Leave You Bored Or Short Of Money

Many people who waited eagerly for the day they could stop working and enjoy a leisurely retirement find that the reality doesn’t match their dreams.

“Some people are not prepared financially or mentally to retire,” says Michael Bivona, a retired CPA and author of the book “Retiring? Beware!! Don’t Run Out of Money and Don’t Become Bored” (www.michaelbivonabooks.com).

He suggests a part-time job provides a possible solution for both deficiencies – giving a boost to your bank account and a mission to your daily living that another round of golf just isn’t supplying.

“I don’t think many people realize that they may live 30 to 40 years after leaving the workforce,” Bivona says. “The amount of money required to sustain a comfortable lifestyle is staggering.”

Meanwhile, boredom becomes an insidious enemy, even for retirees with a beloved pastime they hoped to make the centerpiece of their existence. Playing tennis or lying on the beach is relaxing and pleasurable when done once a week or a couple of times a month. But the novelty wears off quickly when it becomes a person’s primary occupation, Bivona says.

He suggests a few part-time job possibilities that could work out nicely for retirees, whether their needs are financial or they just want a place to go every day to mingle with coworkers: • Cruise ship employment. This is an ideal way to combine a part-time job with pleasure, Bivona says. The ships provide room and board and the use of their facilities when

uled for June 10, June 17, June 23 and June 24.

Presented by Big, Beautiful & Blessed, a Get Fit & Live Healthy session will be held on June 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room M605.

Activities will include free workouts, raffles, health related booths, workshops covering such topics as personal finance, family and individual health, and business management.

Wellness, health and insurance information will be provided by Froedtert Hospital on June 9 and June 16 and a Lex Allen “Breath Easy” musical performance is scheduled for the Cooley Auditorium on Thursday, June 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. The Department of Workforce Development will sponsor a workshop on Job Preparedness on Thursday, June 25 in room S120 from 10 to 11 a.m.

“MATC is a community inside a community,” says Walter J. Lanier, Chair of the Men of Color Initiative. “We are using the opportunity presented by Men's Health Awareness Month to encourage and equip men in our community to pay more attention to health and self care. Too often, men wait too long to address our personal health.

As a result, issues that might have been manageable go untreated and often become health crises. Our goal is to help decrease this reality,” he adds.

All activities are free and open to the public. For additional information regarding specific MATC’s Men’s Health Awareness Month dates and time schedules, please contact Marvette Cox at 297-8027.

the workers are not plying their trade. Possible jobs onboard cruise ships include golf instructors, scuba diving/water sports instructors, bridge instructors, arts and crafts instructors, caricature artists, dance instructors and photographers.

“The opportunities on cruise ships are endless,” Bivona says. “Where else can retirees spend time teaching what they enjoy while traveling around the world, eating wonderful food and earning extra pocket money? I have a friend who has been a dance host on ships for six years, and plans on continuing for as long as his legs hold out.”

• Librarian. Part-time work at the local library could be a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys being around both books and other people who appreciate them. The duties include answering customers’ questions, shelving books, helping patrons check out books, tracking overdue materials and cataloging and keeping an eye out for lost and damaged items.

• Bookkeeper. If you have the right experience with bookkeeping and computer applications, then this can be a good possibility. Usually, the opportunities are with small businesses and entail a full sweep of financial record keeping. Duties may include establishing and maintaining inventory database systems, tracing accounts receivable and accounts payable, maintaining checking and savings accounts, producing financial reports and following up on delinquent accounts.

• Virtual assistant. This is a job you can do from your home. The main purpose of a virtual assistant is to assist busy business executives who do not have in-house staff to attend to various administrative functions. These positions have become available due to small companies trying to keep permanent overhead costs down. Training programs are available at community colleges, many of which offer online certifications. The duties of an assistant include making travel arrangements, sending out letters and providing other support services, which are easily handled remotely via email and telephone.

“If you look around, there are a multitude of opportunities out there,” Bivona says. “I recommend first trying to find something you have a passion for. But if you aren’t successful with that, widen the search because there are plenty of other possibilities that will put extra money in your pocketbook.”

Fondy Food Center to Start First Pop-Up Farmers Market at Schlitz Park Weekly Farmers Market Starts Thursday June 25th

Fondy Food Center, a well-known nonprofit whose mission is to connect neighborhoods to fresh, local food, will start its first pop-up farmers market at Schlitz Park on Thursday, June 25th.

The weekly market will run Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on N. 2nd St. in front of Brewhouse Square through the end of October. Each week, a rotating list of three to four local farmers from Fondy’s longstanding Fond du Lac Ave. market will sell mostly produce.

Like Schlitz Park, the origin of the Fondy Farmers Market is rich in history starting in 1917 when the now defunct Milwaukee Chair Co. donated a parcel of land to the City of Milwaukee for a new green market. The company's primary motivation then was to give employees an opportunity to buy fresh produce directly from local farmers. The market eventually expanded and was moved to its current location with the Fondy Food Center taking over management in 2001.

“We embrace the Fondy mission and share the motivation of the market’s original benefactor,” said Schlitz Park Tenant Relations Director Suzy Pitzo.

“We want to provide our tenants with the opportunity to shop at work for fresh, locally grown and affordable produce. Partnering with Fondy brings added convenience to Schlitz Park tenants and neighbors with a unique amenity that reinforces our commitment to health and wellbeing.”

Shoppers will be able to pay with cash or debit and credit for their purchases. Fondy’s decision to launch its first pop-up market at Schlitz Park is a key element of an updated strategic plan that focuses on expanding the nonprofit’s impact in the broader Milwaukee community.

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 8

Universally Speaking

(continued from page 3)

Salvation Army says “THANK YOU” TO its volunteers during luncheon

In recognition of National Salvation Army Week, the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County honored recently eight volunteers, three of whom received presidential awards. On average, 5,000 individuals volunteer three hours every year for the Salvation Army in Milwaukee County totaling a resoundiing 15,000 hours, proving once again that volunteers are the heart of the organization.

(Photos by Yvonne Kemp)

Events for our community’s men

Raising the Spirit in the Black Community We as Black people specifically have allowed for money and the things it can buy break up our relationships of family and friends. Most people I talk to I asked them the following question, “Do you waste $25.00 a month” and 99% say that they do?

So, here is a suggestion that we can use to start mending some of our relationships and raising the level of “spirit” in our community. I suggest that you take the $25 that you waste, turn it into a money order with a little note saying “Just thinking about you” and every month mail it to a friend or relative. What if we could get a million Black people doing that every month? It ain’t even about the money, it’s about the just thinking about you.

Who’s the Competition?

If I am a Chinese man in America more than likely the way I look at the world is that every man that ain’t Chinese is the competition. If I am a Jewish man in America more than likely the way I look at the world is that every man that ain’t Jewish is the competition. If I am a Italian man in America more than likely the way I look at the world is that every man that ain’t Italian is the competition. If I am a Polish man, Arab man, Swedish man, Norwegian Man, Korean man, German man, etc. more than likely the way they look at the world is that every man that ain’t their tribe is the competition.

If I am a Black man here in America in far too many cases the way many of us look at the world is that the only man that is my competition is the next Black man. We have not, as Black men, been programmed to compete against men of other races. We have only been programmed to compete against each other. And, when the resources are limited then the competition becomes deadly.

Healing Luncheon at Ausar Auset Society The men’s group of Ausar Auset Society is inviting Black men who have attended any of our classes such as Qi Gong, Meditation, Health, Male/Female Relationship, Solstice Workshops or Kamitic Success Workshops to our luncheons on Saturday, June 6th from 11AM – 1PM. This workshop will focus on what kind of supplements men should be taking, how to heal your body through sound and movement and how to use meditation to create a successful life. The Ausar Auset Society – Milwaukee is located at 4712 W. Fond du Lac Ave. (upstairs). Brothers who have not attended a class before can attend our class “Introduction to Ausar Auset Society on Sunday, March 31st beginning at 2PM and this will qualify you to attend the luncheon the following week. For more information call 248-5529 or 373-2364.

N’COBRA National Conference June 25th – 28th The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations

in America Annual Conference will be held in Milwaukee. National lecturers Ray Winbush and Leonard Jeffries will give presentations at this conference and other national speakers are expected to attend and participate. For information about N’COBRA and the conference call 414- 828-1410 or The Wisconsin African American Women’s Center at 933-1652 Stress Free For Life If you want to turn your life around because you know it’s not headed in the right direction and you don’t know what to do, then you need to get a copy of this book “Stress Free for Life” by Ra Un Nefer Amen. Many of you are already familiar with many of his previous works Metu Neter Volumes 1 thru 7, 11 Laws of God, Tree of Life Qi Gong, etc.

This current book shows us how to fix our brains that we have damaged by drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, smoking marijuana and mainlining sugar that is also a drug. Counselors, Teachers, Administrators, Professors, Doctors, Intellectuals, Book Clubs, Religious Leaders, Elected Officials, et.

Need to order your copy today. If you have someone locked up in prison it would be a great asset to them if you would have one sent to them. You can order today by calling Tauinetwork at 718-4693199. The cost is only $29.95 (includes shipping and handling).

Should little boys play with toy guns?

(continued from page 3) of what they call history, is in truth, “HIS-STORY.” And that means frequently, the truth is twisted, dismantled or painted a pale color. (No wonder our children are so confused and lack self worth and esteem!)

I told my grandson the Indians were the real heroes.

Forget the lies about ambushes and taking scalps because they were savages. (Hell, read your history and find out the biography of the man Atkinson Avenue is named after.)

Native Americans welcomed immigrants to the “New world” and were all but decimated as a result of their good nature. We have Indian casinos today to make up for the acts of genocide committed in the name of American expansionism.

American history is loaded with examples of racism and bigotry, and all people of color were victimized (I just keep it basic for Malik now, but as he gets older…)

I won’t get into the issue of slavery. And the cruelty done to Native Americans stares us in the face. But let’s not forget the Mexicans either.

The same misguided and bigoted philosophy that was used to murder the Natives and hold three million Africans captive in the worst form of slavery known to mankind was used in the expansion to the territory now called Texas. Initially, Mexicans welcomed American families; even gave them land. But soon after the Steve Austin migration deal, the territory was flooded with southern bigots who wanted to rape the land and use slavery (which was outlawed in Mexico) to do it.

That was the true reason for the so-called fight for independence. But I can guarantee our history books don’t tell that story.

Conversely, there were many Black cowboys worth my grandson emulating, as historian Taki Raton noted in a response to a question I posted on Facebook.

There was Black Fox, Isom Dart, the famous lawman Bass Reeves, and the legendary Bill Pickett.

In fact, honest historians will note that between one fourth to one half of the cowboys who settled the west, blazed the trails for expansionism to the west and drove cows from Texas (and often had to shoot it out with a bigoted slave owner wanna-be) to the north (thus earning the nickname “Cowboys”) were Black.

That aspect of my question aside, I think playing cowboys, or cops and robbers can be harmless fun if the child is provided with instruction and positive examples.

Learning to handle a gun safely, to respect it as an instrument to protect ones self or to eliminate threats, can be valuable as well.

As the numbers of respondents to my Facebook question on this subject (the number really surprised me), I amended my question to ask if there would be disapproval of my children and grandchildren learning karate?

I have studied the art for over 40 years, and each of my sons have earned black or brown belts. I now have my grandson in classes.

Karate is an excellent sport, but at its core is a system of martial (war, fighting) arts training, which can be used to maim and kill, if necessary. Like a gun, it can be dangerous. But just as few children who play cowboys will terrorize our children, children who study karate rarely end up in trouble.

Soooo, which side of the coin (or bullet) do you stand on? Maybe there is no right or wrong answer. As I previously mentioned, I brought up this question with my Facebook friends.

In truth, some of the comments opened my eyes. So keep the comments coming, we’ll explore the options next week. It promises to be an eye opener.

Hotep.

tion that you belong to or the state of the Black community?

Because of the long-term practice of organizational tribalism, we now have “individual” free agency, anyone can do and say whatever they want even when their actions are anti-group. The Black community resembles the Wild West with no rules or no regulations nor is there any capacity to correct bad behavior.

When standards have been lighten coupled with the reduction of the any collective voice, the worst behavior, in many cases, rises to the top. When this type of behavior continues for any period of time, hopelessness increases and those who have good intentions are unable to make corrections to bad individual behavior. This is magnified in politics because there is no leadership (no one is in charge), the Black community suffers tremendously because group and organized politics (caucus) is the right type of politics. Progress can only be achieved through organizing.

While these issues are daunting, there are many, many more that we must address. Achieving success for any aspect of these issues is a process and we can’t jump over any of the steps. While we all see the “promise land” (we know what we want); to get there, we will have to earn it. This means that we must be on the path for change.

That path is communication (conversation), cooperation (functional unity); and coordination (strategy).

• Communication (Conversation) - Because we haven’t had too many “wins,” we have become very cynical as a people. There is so much cynicism now that we must challenge it and overcome its impact one day at a time (we must build up a resistance to its hold on us). Like those who have long-term addiction (i.e. drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.); we must face our demons one day at a time.

The demon of cynicism is so entrenched that hopelessness engulfs our community and paralyzes our every effort before we even get started. There is no way we can tackle the issues we face without talking about the issues first. Like an orchestra (multiple people that are working to produce one sound), before it actually performs must tune up. What does our tune up look like? It looks like having a number of conversations that attempt to get us on the same page. We must not only understand the key issues facing our community, but we must understand why those issues are not getting fixed. No matter what people say when they try to argue against this process it’s their long-term addiction speaking versus their sobriety. Many of our people are so hurt, overwhelmed and sometimes delusional to believe that we can achieve real solutions without having significant discussions and conversation.

• Cooperation (Functional Unity) - Many times when we call for “unity” amongst our people, we are calling for something that is unachievable, especially at this stage of where we are in our development. Why? Because, many times the call for unity is an emotional one usually in response to some outrage that we just experienced (we’re sick and tired about what is happening to us).

Calling for unity when there hasn’t been real and sustained dialogue will produce what we have now, nothing.

I, like you, want to see our people unified, but it will never happen if we’re not talking to each other. This type of unity is so abstract, like love; it’s so subjective that it has stymied our ability to make any progress. How do you quantify it? How do you measure it? As a people, we are diverse in our thinking and our solutions which required a hefty dose of dialogue. Unfortunately, we’ve wasted so much time trying to obtain unity that has got us nowhere. We must change our thought process and focus on achieving a goal that is more measurable and more achievable, cooperation versus unity. Cooperation is basically when we’re united around a common agenda, a common cause.

Our cause must be that every Black man, woman, and child, be about the upliftment of our group in America that involves the reduction of the massive disparities in critical areas of wealth, education, and poverty. We must all be able to cooperate around a sound plan of action regarding these issues no matter where you are in the social-economic spectrum of life? Can the Black religious community get behind this? Can the Black political community get behind this? Can the Black educators, businesses and civic organizations get behind this? I believe so especially if we stop calling for unity and call for cooperation - unity will come.

• Coordination (Strategy) - Because of the unbelievable challenges that we face, our solutions must be balanced, sober, and as much as possible, without emotion, rheoretic and theatrics. Our coordination must be near perfect for us to mount any sustained campaign. As a people, we must grow up and do the hard work, we must get past the fantasy of unity and the reality of cooperation. We must coordinate the unbelievable talents and skills of our people if we are to have a fighting chance. I liken the resources and power that exist in our community like the electrical energy that is running in the wires representing thousands of watts of energy. Guess what? Unless that energy is captured and contained, it can't be used. In order to use the electrical power, we need the electrical socket (infrastructure and coordination). Together we must build the socket.

The Black community has so much work to do and no one will give it to us, it must be earned. Earning it requires that you take one step at a time and at no time will you be able to skip through the process. We must move to a state of “functional” unity; unity that is defined by what’s best for Black people now and in the future. Unfortunately, we suffer from a massive level of hopelessness that has paralyzed us, this hopelessness manifests itself in a number of ways with one goal in mind and that is keep us from even trying to come together. Ask yourself, how many excuses you come up with when the call is made.

The success we will seek-and need-will only come when we’ve earned it, which means that we must break down the walls of tribalism and free agency. WE MUST EARN OUR INDEPENDENCE BECAUSE NO ONE IS GOING TO GIVE IT TO US.

F.A.C.T.

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 9

(continued from page 3)

The participants in this program would be bound by agreement to move into these homes and sign a covenant to have the rooms available for children and an incentive awarded from men who will be moving in the mothers of these children with them. This empowers participants to be home owners, builds the community up with habitable housing and promotes the family by placing them in these homes. This is vital to the resurgence of Milwaukee.

I’ll take you back to an incident where a young man by the name of

Ashanti Hendricks was shot at a Milwaukee hospital. He was visiting his newborn child. This was a young man who had a history of felony arrests dating back to him being a juvenile, yet in the midst of being on the run and wanted by law enforcement, he goes to see his newborn child. He has no clue on how to be a father. We can build on that now that we have him in custody. We must remember the custody is the punishment. The individual is not placed in prison to be chastised further; we also need more community involvement with these men from their families. F.A.C.T. implements a mandatory visiting and correspondence program as well as mandatory parenting classes.

We cannot keep talking about Milwaukee problems and do nothing to

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combat them. The city is proposing to spend millions on swimming pools and parks, while these men are dying and their children are being left with the same destructive legacy. We are failing them as a community.

We believe F.A.C.T. is the catalst for change in Milwaukee to make men who have had no regard for the community and the families in them accountable. To make a wholehearted interest in them mentally, emotionally, and economically. To equip them to be the fathers they were ordained to be.

To build communities back with great neighbors and families and use these men to help do it.

It is our problem and only we can solve it, together, collectively. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a F.A.C.T.!

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 27, 2015 Page 10