15th Annual Fellowship Open Award Recipients Announced
The Fellowship Open today announced its honorees for 2015 are Major League Baseball Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig, former PGA America Executive Earnie Ellison, and Civic Leader Jackie Herd-Barber. Each year, the Fellowship Open honors individuals who have had a dramatic impact on the improvement of lives of people in America, with a particular focus on those who have created more opportunities for the nation’s youth. Past recipients include Vell Phillips, Frank Robinson, Henry Aaron, Herb Kohl, Willie Davis, and Junior Bridgeman. The Fellowship Open is one of the nation’s largest community empowerment golf tournaments, attracting participants from more than 25 states. “Bud Selig, Earnie Ellison, and Jackie Herd-Barber are remarkable
COMMUNITY Earnie Ellison
Bud Selig
The Milwaukee
Packer great Donald Driver helps “Drive” home the importance of buckling up before you hit the road
Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl champion wide receiver and New York Times bestselling author Donald Driver was the star of a news conference promoting seat belt use held at the Milwaukee Health Services, Inc.’s (MHSI) Isaac Coggs Heritage Health Center, 8200 W. Silver Spring Drive. The news conference was held May 28 to promote the statewide Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) Zero In Wisconsin campaign called “Click It or Ticket” mobilization, which ran May 18 to 31. Driver, shown above with Dr. Tito Izard, president/CEO of MHSI, was also featured in statewide TV, radio and online messages about safety belt use during Click It or Ticket. There was also a video of Driver surprising some unsuspecting drivers to ask about their safety belt use will be shown. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
JOURNAL
Jacqueline Herd-Barber
Learn more about the three awardees pictured above on page 5
VOL. XXXIX Number 44 June 3, 2015
people who have demonstrated an amazing and sustained commitment to others,” said John W. Daniels, Jr., chairman of the Fellowship Open. "Bud's extraordinary leadership and involvement in professional baseball and the Milwaukee community, as well as his dedication to helping young people succeed locally and nationally, is unparalled. Earnie's contribution to helping develop awareness and opportunities for people of color, women, and the under-served to participate in the game and business of golf is unmatched. Jackie is a passionate social humanitarian and a consummate servant leader whose passion for creating educational opportunities for Milwaukee's children and families is phenomenal." The Fellowship Open event will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015, at Silver Spring Country Club.
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PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
“We asked four employees with the Milwaukee Health Services, Inc.’s Isaac Coggs Heritage Health Center who attended the news conference by WisDOT about it’s ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign featuring Donald Driver HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO USE A SEAT BELT so you don’t get a ticket?”
ANGELA SMITH (MHSI pharmacist): “It’s very important to wear your seat belt because the life that is saved may be your own! I have friends and relatives that have lost their lives or become injured in an accident because they were not wearing their seat belt. Money is too hard to come by for you to have to waste it on paying a ticket for not wearing your seat belt. So Milwaukee, please click it or get a ticket!”
DREXEL PERRY (MHSI Human Resources): “Click it or ticket means safety for all ‘drivers.’ I use my seat belt when I drive and I pray that everyone on the road does too!”
YOLONDA GUTHRIE (Lead Patient Access Rep for MHSI): It’s extremely important to buckle up for your safety. It truly saves lives. I’ve had a family member that was in a terrible accident and because she was wearing her seat belt, the injury was non-life threatening.”
MICHAEL E. THOMAS (MHSI Collection Specialist): “Clicking saves lives and helps prevent injuries to yourself and children and anyone who rides in your vehicle. Click it needs to be a way of life for the whole community. Ticket is just a reminder of the importance of fastening your seat belts. Click it or you will get a ticket!”
Community group priases Common Council’s decision to lower marijuana fine
Compiled by MCJ Staff A coalition group of community organizations that focus on Milwaukee’s African American community, praised a Tuesday 10-3 Common Council vote to reduce the maximum fine for marijuana possession of 25 grams of marijuana or less from $500 to $50. The previous fine for possessing small amounts of marijuana was between $250 and $500. The African American Roundtable said the Council’s decision is a “huge step forward” for racial justice in Milwaukee. Significant racial disparities exist in marijuana enforcement, according to Mike Wilder, co-chair of the African American Roundtable. “African Americans in Milwaukee are over five times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, despite similar rates of usage,” Wilder said in a media statement on the Council vote. “Often times, a criminal possession for a simple possession creates a lifetime of collateral damage for hard working families in this city,” Wilder continued. The Roundtable co-chair believes decriminalizing mar-
ijuana possession will remove many nonviolent offenders from the criminal justice system. “Seeing that Wisconsin is first in the nation for incarcerating African American males, this is an important step that needed to be taken,” said Rosalynn Wolfe, co-chair of the African American Roundtable. “There is definitely, however, more work to be done. (continued on page 9)
Thousands of job seekers descend on State Fair Park for Milwaukee Career Expo
More than 100 local compa-
nies with over 2,000 job
openings were on hand last
week for the Milwaukee Ca-
reer Expo at State Fair Park. The expo, held at state fair
park’s Expo Center had job
openings ranging from skilled positions in manufacturing
and health care to entry-level
positions in service and retail. The expo was only open to
employers with current job
openings and job candidates who register and have been
pre-screened for work readi-
ness. Job seeker attendance was limited to U.S. Military
veterans at 10:30 a.m. last Thursday.
The general public was ad-
mitted at 11 a.m. that same
day. Mayor Tom Barrett was on hand to welcome the job
seekers and thank the companies with the positions for participating in the event.
Hope Seniors Have Done It Again! (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
For the fourth consecutive year, 100% of the seniors at HOPE Christian High School have been accepted into college! The seniors celebrated their momentous achievement by holding their own version of “Signing Day,” which is similar to the concept of Signing Day for athletes. Like school athletes, the Hope seniors unveiled their final college choice in front of their families, peers, faculty, and the community. Hope Christian High School is a part of the HOPE Christian Schools network, serving nearly 2,000 students (K-12) throughout the Greater Milwaukee area. HOPE’s mission is exemplified by the 3 C’s: Christ, College, Character. See more photos and the full story of this school’s achievement in our June 12 Special WKND Focus graduation edition. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 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
Leading the way for African American businesses
Dr. Eve Hall, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wis-
consin reviews the previous fiscal year with chamber members and board members dur-
ing the organization’s 2015
annual meeting at the
Greater Milwaukee Founda-
tion, 101 W. Pleasant St.
The mission of the AACCW
is to support the growth and
sustainability of businesses
owned by African Ameri-
cans through four pillars of
service: Access to capital,
Advocacy, Business devel-
opment, and Community
engagement. (Photo by
Yvonne Kemp)
National Kidney Foundation to host another Milwaukee County Women of the World Health Conference with Community Partner, The Links Incorporated, Cream City (WI) Chapter
National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin is sponsoring their annual Women of the World Health Conference on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Marquette Alumni Memorial Union from 7:30 am – 1: 30 pm. This day is dedicated to Women, Wellness and Health. The “Women of the World” is an event to disseminate health information in an engaging, entertaining, user-friendly way that creates change and educates women to take control of and improve their health and the lives of their families. Women of the World Health Conference, WoW as it is nicknamed, is actually a year-round program organized by the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. Advised by a healthcare and community-based committee of fifteen organizations, WoW offers quarterly healthy lifestyle and chronic disease informational programs (Encores) as well as an annual half-day health conference. At its core, Women of the World events focus on various aspects of chronic diseases that most adversely affect women of color as well as basic lifestyle issues that impact women at each key life stage. Be-
cause we partner with every healthcare system in Milwaukee County, we are able to offer participants access to exceptionally qualified medical and healthcare experts. Since 2008, we have engaged The Links, Incorporated, Cream City (WI) Chapter, a non-profit organization of accomplished, dedicated women who are active in their community, as a vital member of our planning committee and volunteers as well as serving as community champions for WoW. Ms. Deidra Edwards, Cream City (WI) president says, “Our health initiative is to provide health education and disseminate educational resources to encourage healthier lifestyles. Our community is in greater need for health information and resources.” Over one-half of WoW participants who attend each year reside in one of the top ten most economically challenged zip codes in Milwaukee County. Additionally, over one-half of the women who attend WoW events one year return again to attend one or more programs in the ensuing year.
In Milwaukee, WoW is perceived as a reliable source of health information and community resources. It is a trusted ‘brand’ with a positive community image. WoW attendees are also connected on a year-round basis to the free kidney health screenings (KEEP™) of the National Kidney Foundation as well as all of the community resources/events that are available through the WoW partner organizations. Our overall vision for the WoW initiative is to inspire women to engage in personal lifestyle changes especially those related to their own nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and use of healthcare resources to prevent or manage chronic diseases. The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin has been the anchor organization for Women of the World since 2008. The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin relies completely on inkind donations and financial support from community organizations, health systems and corporate contributions to offer WoW events, which are offered at no-cost to participants.
PERSPECTIVES
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:”HISTORICALLY,
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 3
BLACK MUSIC HAS INFLUENCED OTHER CULTURES AND OTHER GENRES AND CREATED icons Charlie OTHER GENRES.” --MIGUEL ParkerJazz and Miles Davis
MCJ EDITORIAL: EDITORIAL No show by ALL candidates for DPW chairmanship a “bad look” for the party
To say we were taken aback when we saw the picture of empty chairs from a Democratic Party of Wisconsin forum for individuals in the party running to replace outgoing DPW Chair Mike Tate would be the proverbial understatement. Every seat at the table for the candidates was EMPTY! That’s right, every one of the candidates and their supporters who had reportedly agreed to show-up at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center: Stephen Smith, Joe Winekie, Martha Laning, Jason Rae, Jeff Smith, and Stephen Smith, and explain to members of our community who they were, what the state Democratic party chair does (we’re sure everyday folks in —and outside—the community don’t know what a party chair does), their qualifications, and vision for the party was AWOL! That included state Rep. David Bowen and Democratic party activist Stephanie Finley. Neither Bowen or Finley are running for the chairmanship. They support one of the aforementioned candidates, all of whom are white and (with the exception of Rae) not from anywhere near Milwaukee, let alone, Southeast Wisconsin. The Facebook responses to the photo (shown above) was fierce
SIGNIFYIN’ By Mikel Kweku Osei Holt
“Howdy Pardner!”:
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Mikel Holt’s grandson Malik wearing his new cowboy outfit--with six guns and rifle. He is definately a good guy (the town sheriff) because he has hand cuffs. (Hotl photo)
Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
3612 North Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communityjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net MCJ STAFF: Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Publisher, CEO Robert J. Thomas Assoc. Publisher Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Teretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Webmaster Billing Dept./Publisher’s Admin. Assist.
Colleen Newsom, Classified Advertising Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Taki S. Raton, Richard G. Carter, Fr. Carl Diederichs, Rev. Joe McLin PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp
Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.
and angry, with Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce’s Ruben Hopkins going so far as to call for a independent Black political party. Other Facebook respondents used words such as “embarrassing,” “shame,” “sad,” and “insulting” to describe the photo and the actions of the candidates. But other Facebook respondents were not surprised by the actions taken by members of a political party which depends heavily on a constituency that has staunchly had the back of the party in Wisconsin for decades. Some wrote what happened last week Saturday was but another example of how the party (locally and nationally) takes Black America for granted, smugly confident we will vote for whoever they throw out there—even if the individual is white running in a predominately Black district or is unqualified…with a closet full of personal baggage—knowing we would accept the candidate (while holding our collective noses when we vote at the polls). The party knows very few members of our community would vote for a Republican, especially given the current political climate. According to a Facebook response by Rep. Bowen (who is sup-
porting Martha Laning), intra-political conflicts between the candidates and distrust between some of the candidate’s supporters led to the mass no show last weekend. We won’t go so far as to call for an independent Black political party…at least not YET! But we will agree with another Facebook respondent who said the party must reconnect with Black voters in our community if they want our continued support and regain control of the statehouse. We think they should also start working on being more inclusive and diverse in its leadership. As you’ve probably guessed not one candidate for the party chairmanship is Black or Latino. The next party chairman will have to do this and more to restore the trust of our community after what happened at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center Saturday if it is to win any future state legislative seats, control of the statehouse…and the governor’s office. The time is now to begin the grassroots organizing that will increase voter turnout and voter passion. Apathy wherever it resides does not help our community.
Responses from Mikel Holt’s Facebook family on whether or not to let his six-year-old grandson play with toy guns Editor’s Note: Last week’s Signifyin’ focused on whether or not Mikel Holt should have brought his six-year-old grandson a cowboy outfit, complete with two six guns and a rifle. Holt posted a question on Facebook about his dilemma, seeking advice from friends. The following are some of the responses:
Debra: A toy gun is OK. It is not the guns; it's the fools with the guns!!! Deloris: My sons are ‘old men’ now... children of the late 70s and 80s. I never bought them guns even when they were kids. I've never liked guns and I didn't want them to play with guns and so they knew not to ask for them. Dorothy: “No, but show him why, explaining helps.” Joyce: “I am a 63-year-old person who grew up with brothers and cousins who did play with caps or bb-guns. None of them ever were involved in gun crimes or fights. Maybe they got the fascination of guns out of their systems.
To teach them to use them might have to be the conversation now that conceal carry is the new reality.” Tina: “I am 61 Joyce and our reality was much different than now. I can imagine a kid pointing that gun at someone & getting blasted back with the real deal. They are making guns now that look like the real deal!” Clifford: “We played cowboys vs. Indians, cops and robbers growing up. Not as life lessons, but as games of fun. Why not allow our children to be young, gifted and silly.” Tokonka: “It's what we put in them that controls what they do with what's put in their hands. The gun won't make him a murderer or less sensitive about other people’s lives if he has already been taught to honor life and respect others. So I say it's okay. There is a viable picture he is creating. Don't deny him.... teach him. ... Which I know you is doing.” Donta: “Why not? We need to teach young Black boys about the uses and (continued on page 9)
Blacks must Make Memorial Day Memorable Everyday
Let me begin this article by saying that on Memorial Day we paid tribute to all of the known and unknown soldiers that have given their lives in defense of America; we thank you. I want to also pay a belated special tribute to all of our Black ancestors that fought and died in any of the American wars for they represent the highest level of loyalty, courage, commitment, and sincerity. In many cases they died for a different reason than their white counterparts and I will try to elaborate further during this article why I believe that the Black soldiers that died in America’s wars represent the highest level of HEROISM because they knew the hypocrisies of America yet they still served, fought, and died we should never forget them. Memorial Day shouldn’t be confused with Veterans Day, where America celebrates all United States military veterans. All I ever knew about Memorial Day was it was a time our family would go to the park and to have a barbeque. My father struggled most of his adult life with alcohol and drug addiction; but one thing that he was most proud of was being a veteran of the Korean war. My father never discussed his stay in Korea, it was a big secret. It was only much later in my life that I came to understand the true importance of the Memorial Day holiday and its history. After the American Civil War in 1868, the nation started the practice
of decorating the graves of the war dead with flowers which evolved into a nationally recognized holiday to honor all those who died fighting in America’s wars. The question for the Black community is what the participation of Blacks in these wars was; what was their contribution; and what/how should Blacks be celebrating today given that America still owes the Black community greatly and refuses to even acknowledge it. Blacks must look to the more substantive celebration versus the ceremonial celebration; there is a difference. For the White community, they can truly have a ceremonial celebration because of the sacrifices of their family members, they truly enjoy the benefits of an American society while for many Blacks who paid the same price, their family members still struggle in America. Like so many things that Americans today, especially the Black community, don’t understand and we celebrate these national holidays with very little knowledge of its importance and relevance. These days should be used to hold America accountable (substantive) and should be spent learning and equipping ourselves about American wars and the thousands of unknown Black men who have died fighting for a cause that, in many aspects, has yet to be achieved. Let’s examine a few of these wars and specifically the role that Blacks (continued on page 9)
AS QUIET AS IT’S KEPT...
RELIGION
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 4
Strengthening
FATHERHOOD BIBLICAL COUNSELING FOR TODAY’S CHRISTIAN FAMILY By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min., M.Th.
While many children will celebrate with their fathers this Father’s Day, sadly far too many children do not have a relationship with their dads. According to Fathers.com some fathering advocates would say that almost every social ill faced by America’s children is related to fatherlessness.
Children in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor. In 2011, 12% of children in married-couple families were living in poverty, compared to 44% of children in mother-only families. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states: “Fatherless children are at a dramatically greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse.” What is even more disturbing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nationwide there are 24 million children living without their biological dad in the home. As distressing as these statistics are, they only tell part of the story. Each of these 24 million children rep-
resents an impressionable, vulnerable, delicate young child that has been denied the guidance, discipline and example that only a dad can provide. In June 2010 President Barack Obama announced a new fatherhood and families fund at an event in Washington, D.C. to celebrate Father’s Day. The fund is part of a nationwide fa(continued on page 9)
“Our children don’t need us to be superheroes, they don’t need us to be perfect, and they need us to be present...I think it’s time for a new conversation about fatherhood in this country.” --Pres. Obama
Funeral services set for former local musician and “jack of many trades” craftsman Ronald K. Robinson
Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 7, for Ronald K. Robinson, brother of MCJ Photographer Kim Robinson. The service will be held at 4 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 5555 W. Capitol Drive. Pastor Mary Council-Austin will officiate. Visitation will be 2:30 p.m. until the start of the 4 p.m. service. Ronald Robinson was known by his family and the community as a “jack of many trades” craftsman, who was handy with most tools inside and outside the house. He was particularly known for his precision like painting skills, treating every wall, door, and ceiling like a painter’s canvas. Ronald was also known as a perfectionist when it came to landscaping, as well as his cooking. He was famous among family and friends for his homemade mashed potatoes and barbeque chicken legs. In 2013 was recognized as a “grandfather of the year” during that year’s Fatherhood Summit.
Ronald K. Robinson
Ronald was born may 9, 1954 in Milwaukee to Alonzo and Theresa Robinson. He spend most of his life in Milwaukee where he attended Lee Elementary, Samuel Morris Junior High and Custer High School.
In the earlier part of his life Ronald had a musical career, playing rhythm guitar with various bands around the city. Ronald palyed with the Sugar Hill band, traveling the country. He also played with the Directions and Step-ByStep bands. He was also a computer programmer. Later in life, despite health challenges, Ronald never stopped going or doing. He answered God’s call home Saturday, May 30. Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Alonzo. He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Theresa; his two brothers: Wayne (Frankie) Robinson, Kim (Terese) Robinson and his sister, Jean Marie Robinson; three children: Aaron, Sr. (Aurora), LaCesha and stepson Kevin; seven grandchildren: Britteny, Adriana, Aaron Jr., Ceshaun, Alexandria, Jayden and Diamond; the two loves of his life and mothers of his chidlren: Denise Puckett and Sandra Edwards, two great grandkids, and a host of nieces and nephews.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR FATH-BASED COMMUNITY
The Capuchins’ Run Walk for the Hungry to German Fest has once again been named the charity for the German Fest 5K run and 2 mile walk, to be held Friday, July 24, 7 PM, at the lakefront. This is the 10th year for the event whose proceeds feed the hungry and are shared by Capuchin Community Services with two locations: St. Ben’s Community Meal and House of Peace. The $25 run ($15 for children) and $20 walk ($10 for children) registration fee includes entrance into German Fest, a $5 German Fest food and drink gift coupon, and a 2-for-1 return coupon to German Fest. Overall trophies and age category medals will be presented to the runners.
Bill Michaels, “the Big Unit,” will again be hosting the event. Chips will be used to time and score the 5K participants. Registration is now live. To register for the Capuchins’ Run Walk for the Hungry to German Fest, go to www.CapuchinsRunWalkForTheHungry.org Register by July 12 and receive the early bird discount. After July 12, registration fees increase $5. Registrations are accepted up to the day-of-the-event. Donations of canned food are encouraged and will be collected the day of the event. “No person should be hungry,” Capuchin Friar Rob Roemer, executive director of St. Ben’s Community Meal, explains. “People often associate the winter months as being a critical time for Milwaukee’s hunger needs. Actually those needs escalate during the summer months due to children being out of school and more individuals living on the streets. The Capuchins’ ministry experience the highest demand during the summer months. None are turned away from a Capuchin ministry who seeks emergency aid for food.” The Capuchins’ Run Walk for the Hungry feeds the hungry through the efforts of Capuchin Community Services with two locations: St. Ben’s Community Meal and the House of Peace, serving the poor, the hungry, the homeless since 1968. ABOUT HOUSE OF PEACE: The House of Peace assists families and individuals in meeting their spiritual, material, and emotional needs. The House of Peace helps families to remain together and to promote self-sufficiency. It provides food, clothing, and pastoral care to the poor plus houses a UWM medical clinic and Marquette University legal clinic that serves the same population.
Least of These Ministries will be holding a benefit banquet to help support its mission Sunday, June 28, at 4 p.m., at the Raddison Hotel, 7065 N. Port Washington Rd.The banquet will celebrate Dr. Nathaniel Stampley’s 29th trip to
414-374-5292. Or email the organization at leastofthese2003@yahoo.com
CAPUCHINS’ RUN WALK FOR THE HUNGRY TO GERMAN FEST MARKS 10TH YEAR
Least of These Ministries to hold fundraiser banquet
In Loving Memory
Ernestine O’Bee, Founder
the Motherland. He and the ministry will be traveling to Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The focus of the mission will be spiritual, educational and economical. Dr. Stamply is the president of Least of These Ministries, a 501c(3) non-profit religious organization.ticket prices are $40 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. African attire is desired but not required. For tickets, contact Least of These International Ministries at 414-264-2727, or
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.
Glenn, Lee G. Age 95 yrs. May 29, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 5 at 1PM at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 3737 N. Sherman Blvd. Visitation Friday 12 Noon at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Gray, Elizabeth J. Age 78 yrs. May 31, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 11AM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church 5277 N. 36th St. Visitation Friday 37PM(Family will receive guest from 6-7PM) at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Slaughter, Gail L. Age 65 years. May 28,2015. Funeral services will be held on June 4 at 11AM. Visitation Thursday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Johnson, Doris E. Age 59 yrs. May 28, 2015. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 5 at 11AM at Calvary Baptist Church 2959 N. Teutonia Ave. Visitation Friday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Taylor, Terry W. Age 53 yrs. May 20, 2015. A Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, June 2 at 11AM at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Leonard,Dennis L. Age 57 yrs. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 1 at 6PM at St. Mark AME Church 1616 W Atkinson Ave. Visitation Monday 3PM at the CHURCH until time of service. The family is serve by: Northwest Funeral Chapel
J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director
O'Bee,Ford & Frazier 6630 W Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Burton, Vera L. Age 78 yrs. May 22, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 1, at 11AM at Greater Little COGIC 2480 W. Locust St. Visitation Sunday 37PM(Family will receive guest from 6-7PM) at Greater Little Hill COGIC The family is serve by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee,Ford & Frazier 6630 W Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Warlick, Jessie J. Age 85 yrs. May 21, 2015. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2 from 11AM until 1PM at Metropolitan Baptist Church 1345 W. Burleigh St. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Holder, Krystal M. Age 25 yrs. May 23, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 1 at 11AM. Visitation Monday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Henson, Matthew C. Age 61 yrs. May 22, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 1PM. Visitation Friday 3-7PM(Family will receive guest from 6-7PM) at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Sanders, Welford G. Age 65 yrs. May 23, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 10AM at Sherman Park Lutheran Church 2703 N. Sherman Blvd. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Families served by:
Northwest Funeral Chapel O’Bee, Ford & Frazier
Milwaukee 6630 W. Hampton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53218 Telephone: (414) 462-6020 Fax: (414) 462-9937
Racine 800 Barker St. Racine, WI 53402 Telephone: (262) 637-6400 Fax: (262) 637-6416
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 5
15th Annual Fellowship Open Award Recipients...
ABOUT BUD SELIG Milwaukee native, Allan H. (Bud) Selig is the Commissioner Emeritus of Major League Baseball. As Commissioner Emeritus, Selig serves as a key adviser to MLB.. Selig was named the ninth commissioner of baseball in 1998 by a unanimous vote of the 30 Major League Baseball club owners. Prior to his election as baseball’s commissioner, Selig served as chairman of the executive council, making him the central figure in Major League Baseball’s organizational structure dating back to September 9, 1992, and he has led the way toward implementation of many of the game’s structural changes. The former Milwaukee Brewers owner has received many significant honors for his accomplishments, philanthropy, and corporate citizenship in recent years. In March 2010, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which aids academically distinguished minority students, presented him its Lifetime Achievement Award. In May 2010, the Taylor Hooton Foundation bestowed its inaugural Taylor’s Award to Selig for his impact on educating American youth on the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. In August 2010, the Milwaukee Brewers unveiled a statue in Selig’s likeness outside Miller Park, honoring all of his efforts for his hometown and for his leadership of the Brewers and the game of baseball. ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP OPEN The Fellowship Open was founded more than a dozen years ago, by a group of business and civic leaders, to promote and inspire youngsters to pursue careers in business and to foster support for diversity and inclusion in the business community. The event’s list of honorary chairs features some of Milwaukee’s most prominent professionals in business, government, and civic affairs. Each year, its ranks have grown with individuals that bring outstanding attributes and commitments to the community. Over the past 14 years, the Fellowship Open has contributed almost $1 million to youth organizations, involving more than 70 organizations throughout Wisconsin.
ABOUT EARNIE ELLISON Earnie Ellison, Jr., is the managing partner of Ellison Consulting Group, LLC, a diversity and inclusion consultancy headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. His primary focus is to make diversity and inclusion essential within the sports industry while leveraging inclusion to create value for national sports organizations, their partners, and customers. Formerly the PGA of America director of business and community relations, Earnie is widely recognized for his vanguard approach to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion within the world’s largest working sports organization. He also changed PGA’s community relations image by creating partnerships with organizations that primarliy focus on equality and inclusion for the disadvantaged. During his 17 years at the PGA of America, Ellison earned a reputation as a valuable diversity and community engaging resource for many PGA partners, golf associations, and companies. Prior to the PGA, Earnie spent over 22 years in various financial managerial positions on both domestic and international assigments while working for IBM and Unisys Corporations. Earnie is a graduate of Alabama A&M University and is a much sought-after speaker on the subject of diversity within the sports arena. He has received several prestigous awards and honors in recognition of the contributions he has made within communities across the United States. Earnie is the 2014-2016 chairman elect for the United Way of Palm Beach County; treasurer for the Black Chamber of Commerce Palm Beach County; vice chairman for the First Tee of Palm Beach, Treasure Coast, and Broward Counties; and serves on the National Diversity Advisory Council of the American Red Cross.
ABOUT JACQUELINE HERD-BARBER Jacqueline is a 1984 graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), where she earned a degree in electrical engineering. While attending MSOE, Jacqueline co-founded the school’s National Society of Black Engineers/NTA chapter. After graduating, she began work as a sales engineer for Motorola, now known as Freescale Semiconductor. She retired in 2009, just shy of 25 years of employment. Prior to her retirement, Jacqueline held direct and indirect sales management positions at Motorola that included managing a variety of companies in Milwaukee, the Midwest, and globally. Jacqueline serves on several community and civic boards in Milwaukee: She currently serves as chair of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts board; past chair of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Urban League, MSOE Alumni Association, and SaintA boards; and past president of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. She is a board member of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, SaintA, the MSOE Corporation Board, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Foundation, St. Ann’s Center for Intergenerational Care, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Urban Day School, COA Youth & Family Center, Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the War Memorial. She also serves as co-chair of Milwaukee Succeeds, an initiative to improve the quality of education to every child in the city of Milwaukee. In addition to her other civic duties, Jacqueline spends significant time volunteering at the Metcalfe School.
Y&E
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 6
YOUTH&EDUCATION
ANIMAL ENRICHMENT DAY AT THE THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
MATC to Offer Free Summer Camps in TV and Video Production and Information Technology for High School Students
High school students 16 years of age and older are invited to participate in free week-long camps in TV and video production and in information technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Downtown Milwaukee and Oak Creek campuses this summer. The TV and Video Production Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 15-19, in the C-Building at MATC’s Downtown Milwaukee Campus, 1036 N. 8th St. Students will work in Milwaukee Public Television studios, and will train with professional studio and field video equipment. They will learn to run cameras, audio, video switchers and to develop graphics. Students will
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums defines animal enrichment as, “a dynamic process for enhancing animal environments within the context of the animals’ behavioral biology and natural history.” For animal care staff at the Milwaukee County Zoo, this translates into finding unique and safe ways to encourage animals to show their natural behaviors; thus keeping their minds active and healthy, and ultimately enhancing their overall welfare. On Saturday, June 13, visitors can see firsthand how the zookeepers provide enrichment for many of our 3,000+ animals in our care during Animal Enrichment Day, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A variety of enrichment stations will be located in the Zoo’s pachyderm mall, displaying and explaining the five different types of enrichment, and how the zookeepers use these techniques to keep the animals active and healthy.
study lighting and sound techniques, set up field production equipment, shoot outside the studios and use professional editing equipment. The course will be considered for an advanced standing credit upon enrollment at MATC. The Information Technology Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, July 2023, at MATC’s Oak Creek Campus, 6665 S. Howell Ave. Students will be introduced to computer hardware and software using Raspberry Pi2, which is a fully functional, credit-card-sized computer used to teach the fundamentals of computer hardware and programming. Participants will learn the basics of computers, computer networking, programming, coding and logic. They will use Scratch and Sonic Pi programming tools to gain basic coding skills and will create Raspberry Pi projects to reinforce basic computer hardware and software concepts. Students must be at least 16, and have written parental permission. Female students are particularly encouraged to attend as they are underrepresented in both fields. The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 10, for the TV and Video Pro-
Urban autism summit planned
An urban autism summit, titled “Community Empowerment through Knowledge,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 27 at the Milwaukee College Prep School, 1350 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. Admission is free, and breakfast refreshments will be provided. The summit is idea for any family touched by autism as well as caregivers who support individuals living on the autism spectrum. Topics of the summit will include: • What is autism? • Working with schools on inclusion and supports • Coping with stress • Transition to adulthood • Employment Workshops for children will also be available; parents will need to be on site the entire time their child is participatin. There will also be a drawing for an iPad Mini for attendees who are on the spectrum or those who care for individuals who are. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/autmke. ###Urban autism summit planned a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 27 at the Milwaukee College Prep School, 1350 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. Admission is free, and breakfast refreshments will be provided.
duction Camp; and Monday, July 13, for the Information Technology Camp. For more information and to obtain a permission and class registration form, call (414) 297-7334, or write amruten@matc.edu. Wisconsin’s largest technical college and the most diverse two-year institution in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Approximately 50,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers 200 academic programs; nearly 400 transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees; and Pre-College Education, which assists people with completing high school, preparing for college or entering the workforce. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, the national standard for academics and student services.
Outdoor Pools Prepare for Busy Summer
Cool Waters and the David F. Schulz Aquatic Center, the family water parks of the Milwaukee County Park System, will soon be adding weekdays to the 2015 summer schedule, and the other outdoor pools and wading pools will follow. Opening weekends-only through June 7, the two water parks will go to a daily schedule beginning Monday, June 8. Cool Waters hours will be Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Friday-Sunday (and holidays), from 10 a.m. –6 p.m., weather permitting. Schulz Aquatic Center hours will begin with Tot Time, a session for children age 7 and under and their adult caregivers only, Monday–Friday, from 10 a.m. –noon. General swimming hours will be Monday–Thursday noon–8 p.m., and Friday–Sunday (and holidays), from noon–6 p.m., weather permitting. Admission to the waterparks is $7.25 for visitors age 12–59 and $5.50 for those age 3–11 or 60 and up. Night swim admission, Monday–Thursday after 6 p.m., is $4.50 for all age 3 and up. Children age 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Season passes are available to individuals for $50, families of up to four members for $135, and additional children for $25 each. For more information on locations, schedules, or lessons, go to countyparks.com search: outdoor pools
KALEIDOSCOPE
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 7
the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section VOLUNTEERS GRADUATE FROM THE SALVATION ARMY CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM
announces June Closing Sale
More than 50 area citizens graduated from The Salvation Army Chaplaincy Program on Friday, May 29th at the Milwaukee Police Academy. The Milwaukee Police Department and The Salvation Army recently hosted a joint training session for pre-registered individuals to be trained as chaplains. The volunteer chaplains will serve as first responders to homicide events when called upon by the Milwaukee Police Department. The Salvation Army Chaplaincy Program is the first of its kind in the country. For more information about The Salvation Army Chaplaincy Program visit www.SAmilwaukee.org (Photo by Krachel Greenwood)
Panel to discuss fatherhood in an era of low-paying jobs
How fares fatherhood in an era when many men of color are not the breadwinners their forebears were? A panel will take up that and related questions at Ayzha Fine Arts Gallery & Boutique from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13 – a week before the Father’s Day weekend. One panelist, educator Edie Adekunle-Wilson, will read excerpts from her upbeat book Celebrating Good Black Men: Granddad, Greats & Dad. She will sign books after the discussion. The panel will also include Al Holmes, president/CEO
of My Father’s House, which is dedicated to helping men become better fathers, and Frank Wilson, a just-retired sociology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Adekunle-Wilson’s husband. Others, including a young dad, will be on the panel, too. The steady decline of well-paying jobs, particularly in communities of color, has had an eroding impact on the institution of fatherhood. Yet, the need for involved dads has not lessened. So how is this dilemma to be handled? Panelists will explore that issue. Ayzha Fine Arts is a multicultural art gallery on the second floor of The Shops of Grand Avenue, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. Besides art work, the gallery sells books and other products. It regularly holds events, including paint parties, poetry slams, book signings and artist talks. The coowners are Cynthia Henry and Greg Stanford.
M.O.V.E.’s Pam Africa coming to Milwaukee
Wisconsin Bail Out The People Movement (wibailoutpeople.org) and FIST (fightimperialism.org) presents Sister PAM AFRICA, Minister of Confrontation for MOVE (onamove.org) and Chairwoman of the uncompromising International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal (freemumia.com) will visit Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 26-28 (FLIER: http://tinyurl.com/p6fj25m) Facebook event page: http://tinyurl.-com/pk4sn5l Hear Sister Africa speak at the following events: Friday, June 26, 10 a.m.
Reader’s Choice
Black Lives Matter panel @ NCOBRA Conference African American Women's Center, 3020 W Vliet Street, Milwaukee ncobra.org If able, contribution requested Friday, June 26, 6:30 p.m. Conrad A Elevhjem Bldg. @ UW Madison, 800 University Ave., Madison Sponsored by Young Gifted and Black Coalition, facebook.com/fergusontomadisonygbcoalition.org Free and open to the public Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m. Political Prisoners panel @NCOBRA conference African American
Women's Center 3020 W Vliet Street, Milwaukee ncobra.org If able, contribution requested Saturday, June 27, 1-3 p.m. Nation of Islam, Mosque No. 3 4202 North Teutonia Ave., Milwaukee mosque3.org/home.html Free and open to the public Visit with Ms. Africa and talk with her at the following event: Saturday, June 27, 5 p.m. Central United Methodist Church 639 N 25th Street, Milwaukee WI Cuba Coalition, Cuba Caravan visit wicuba.wordpress.com Free and open to the public
In anticipation of a change in management or an end-of-year closing, The Reader’s Choice will begin a series of theme and author focused sales. Authors for the month of June will be Derrick Bell, Iyanla Vanzant, and M. Ruiz. Law, Justice, and Order will be the theme focus. Related books will be “BOGO” (Buy One, Get One half price). Reader’s Choice is located at 1950 N. Martin Luther King Drive. The phone number is 414265-2003.
FROM THE BLACK By Tony Courtney
National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in American On June 25ththru 28th the Milwaukee Chapter of N’Cobra will host the National Conference. Highlighting the conference will be National presenters Ramona Africa, the only adult survivor of the Move organization bombing in Philadelphia in 1985. This bombing cost the life of 6 adults and 5 children. Dr. Leonard Jeffries is an African American professor of Black Studies at the City College of New York. Dr. Jeffries is a political scientist, historian, educator master teacher/administrator and Pan Africanist will also be presenting at the conference. Additionally, Raymond Winbush an African American scholar/activist in the field of developmental psy-
chology of African boys and reparations for the Transatlantic Slave Trade will be one of the major presenters. He is currently the Director of the Institute for Urban Research at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. This is a conference that you don’t want to miss. It will be held at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center 3020 W. Vliet St. On June 25th N’Cobra will hold a meet and greet for the community to come out and meet the National Board members and enjoy an evening highlighting Milwaukee talent. If you want more information about the conference more contact Janette Herrera at 828-1410 or Josephine Hill 933-1652. “Dedicated to Black Men That Got Black Men’s Fronts” is moving. The deadline to get involved has been extended to June 27th and the page will appear in the first July edition of the Milwaukee Community Journal Newspaper. The cost to sponsor a Black man living or an Ancestor is $25.00. If you are interested in sponsoring someone get in touch with Tony Courtney 374-2364. “Looking at the World Thru the Eyes of our Ancestors” – This booklet is on sale during the month of June for only $2.00.This book give you insight in terms of how your African Ancestors built their institutions and how many of us their descendants still look at the world the same today. Pick up your copy today at Coffee Makes You Black 2803 N. Teutonia Ave between 10AM-3PM. Call 3742364 for more information.
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 8
Universally Speaking
(continued from page 3) played: • American Revolution – It is important to note that during this fight with England, America was at the height of its abuse and oppression of Black people with the American institution of slavery being one of the worst and longest in modern history and nearly 100 percent of the nearly 1.5 Million Black people were enslaved (it is estimated that nearly 25,000 Blacks were free). The American Revolution was a political upheaval that took place between 1765 and 1783 during which rebel colonists in the 13 American colonies rejected the British monarchy and aristocracy, overthrew the authority of Great Britain, and founded the United States of America. Blacks had a higher justification for participating in this war, GAINING FREEDOM. For that reason, Blacks enlisted at higher rates than did whites. Free blacks in the North and South fought on both sides of the Revolution and slaves were recruited to weaken those masters who supported the opposing cause. A far larger number, free as well as the enslaved, tried to further their interests by siding with the patriots. Prior to the revolution, many free Blacks supported the anti-British cause, most famously Crispus Attucks, believed to be the first person killed at the Boston Massacre. Crispus Attucks is widely considered to be the first American casualty in the American Revolutionary War. Little is known for certain about Attucks beyond that he, along with Samuel Gray and James Caldwell, died during the incident. While the extent of his participation in events leading to the massacre is unclear, Attucks in the 18th century became an icon of the anti-slavery movement. He was held up as the first martyr of the American Revolution along with the others killed. In the early 19th century, as the abolitionist movement gained momentum in Boston, supporters lauded Attucks as an African American who played a heroic role in the history of the United States. • American Civil War: It is also important to note that during this period, America continued with the American institution of slavery for nearly100 more years after the American Revolution where there appeared a “hint” of
Group priases Council’s decision to lower marijuana fine
(continued from page 1) Public opinion across the country favors a more sensible drug policy. We at the African American Roundtable call on municipalities in Wisconsin to follow the lead of the Milwaukee Common Council and create a more sensible approach to marijuana possession penalties,” Wolfe said.
freedom for Black men who participated in the war against England. Again, Blacks had a higher level for participating in this war: GAINING FREEDOM. The American Civil War was a civil war fought from 1861 to 1865 to determine the survival of the Union or independence for the Confederacy. Among the 34 states in January 1861, seven Southern slave states individually declared their secession (mainly around the issue of slavery) from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America. The Confederacy, often simply called the South, grew to include eleven states, and although they claimed thirteen states and additional western territories, the Confederacy was never diplomatically recognized by a foreign country. The states that remained loyal and did not declare secession were known as the Union or the North. The war had its origin in the fractious issue of slavery, especially the extension of slavery into the western territories. After four years of combat, which left more than 600,000 Union and Confederate soldiers dead and destroyed much of the South's infrastructure, the Confederacy collapsed and slavery was abolished. The besieged Confederate army eventually abandoned Richmond, seeking to regroup at Appomattox Court House, though there they found themselves surrounded by union forces. This led to Lee's surrender to Grant on April 9, 1865. All Confederate generals surrendered by that summer. While the military war had ended, and there was no insurgency, the political reintegration of the nation took another 12 years, known as the Reconstruction Era. The war finally ended when a consensus was reached that Confederate nationalism and Black slavery was both dead. The American Civil War was one of the earliest true industrial wars. Railroads, the telegraph, steamships, and mass-produced weapons were employed extensively. The mobilization of civilian factories, mines, shipyards, banks, transportation and food supplies all foreshadowed the impact of industrialization in World War I. It remains the deadliest war in American history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 750,000 soldiers and an undetermined number of civilian casualties. One estimate of the death toll is that 10 percent of all Northern males 20-45 years old, and 30 percent of all Southern white males aged 18-40 died. From 1861 to 1865 about 620,000 soldiers lost their lives. I will dig a bit deeper into this in Part 2 next week.
Officials say the measure does not legalize the drug. “It’s still illegal and this just reduces the fine,” said Ald. Nik Kovac. “But yes, the intent of this legislation was to say that personal use in a private space in my opinion is not something we should be worried about. “We already have our police and district attorney saying this is not an enforcement priority nor prosecutorial priority,” Kovac said. The three aldermen who voted against the measure were Bob Donovan, Robert Puente and Terry Witkowski, who echoed county judges belief the reduction in Marijuana fines “sends the wrong message to our community.” Sources for story: Fox6now.com, Wisconsin African American Civic Engagement Roundtable
Facebook family responds to question by Mikel Holt: Should let his grandson play with toy guns
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 9
(continued from page 3) responsibility of gun ownership for two reasons: Most houses have a gun; teach the boys to be responsible about them. And, the way things are going, they may need to have a gun for the terrorists within, and outside our community.” Michael, Santel, Heddy, Marilyn, Frances, Rochelle, Helena, Patsy, Dorothy, Mario, Robbie and Ruby: No, no, no, no, no, no and no. Cassandra: “NOOOOOOOOOOO! It used to be ok to play "cops & robbers". Now some cops are robbing young Blacks of their lives. We've aged out of that time of innocence.” Patsy: “No! With reason! At one time it was good...No gun! Ask him why? Maybe, he wants to be a policeman! For that reason I would say Yes! Talk to him about the yea and nays of guns! In prayer!” Tolokun: “No, a real gun with safety classes and to talk to police in their language to stay alive.” Larry: “No guns, my son is 25 we never bought any toy guns.” Clifford: “We played cowboys vs. Indians, cops and robbers growing up. Not as life lessons but as games of fun. Why not allow our children to be young and gifted and silly.” (Editor’s note: In his column, Holt explained that he taught his grandson that the Indians were the good guys, and the cowboys were often bad. The Native Americans were protecting their lands against invaders, whose solution to American expansionism was genocide.) Rita: “No, however growing up my brothers did play with toy guns and my daughter bought my grandson a toy gun. It depends on how you address and talk to your grandson. “Times have changed but if you do use provide him with a guns, use it as a teaching experience. It's hard for our youth not to see all the violence around, so as responsible adults we teach them right from wrong.” Chef Deborah: “Not anymore, not anymore.” Janine: “Never! When others give or buy guns for my boys I say no thanks.” Robin: “Yes. Let him wear the cowboy outfit and play in it when he’s at your house. Use it as teaching time on how to handle guns properly.” Mae: “No to the gun, and yes to the outfit with a wise explanation why he didn't get the gun.” Robert: “Amen Brother Holt! It's up to us to protect ourselves.” Aunt Tina: “No. Although you use to love them when you were 6, this is a different time. Ask him why he wants them and explain
Strengthening Fatherhood
(continued from page 4) therhood initiative that the president said is designed to raise awareness about the importance of fatherhood and help absent fathers reengage with their families. Obama, whose father left his family when he was only 2 years old, said that having an absent father can lead children to many social ills. “There are too many fathers missing from too many home, missing from too many lives” Obama said. “There is harm done to these kids.” Obama said it is impossible to legislate fatherhood but that the fund will bolster local initiatives that are helping keep families together. “Our children don’t need us to be superheroes, they don’t need us to be perfect, and they need us to be present” the President said: “I think it’s time for a new conversation about fatherhood in this country.” President Obama went on to say that although he received a good upbringing from his mother and grandparents, he said “I still felt the weight of that absence (his father’s). It’s something that leaves a hole in that child’s life that no government can fill.” Even though the impact of fatherless homes is not always sufficiently addressed in our schools, churches or communities; society is beginning to see that children living without their fathers are at a serious disadvantage because a father’s love not only helps to prevent the development of some social ills, but also contributes to a child’s emotional well-being.
why they're not appropriate for this day and time. “Mikel, I do remember you playing with guns and when your great great grandmother died at 82, your 6-year-old response was ‘who shot her.’” Robert: “These women who are saying ‘no’ are nothing but a bunch of cowards! White people are teaching their children how to shoot real guns, getting them ready to kill your Black children whenever they get a chance. “I've had toy guns, and real ones too. Every since I was a little kid. My father taught me how to shoot real guns when I was only 9 years old.” Aunt Tina (To Robert): “You sound just like white people who think this is the Wild West. That time is over and we have to start curbing the violence now so our boys and young men have a future. I compare our young men to an endangered human species.” Robert: “White people are teaching their young children how to shoot real guns, and Black people aren't. You all need to wake up, and see what is happening to us as a race people all across this country. We gonna need to be able to protect ourselves one day soon! You will see!” Ruddy: “This is no excuse, just a reflection. How times have changed from when I was a young one running around with my pistol. At this boy's age I was fashioning my own revolvers out of cedar wood. He's lucky he can go to Toys R Us to get his. “Around his age I lived in my imagination, running around my house, hiding under the house bottom and ambushing my neighbors Robert, Winston or Arthur.” “Cowboy and Indian was the game of the time. These days, there is so much more to consider. “I cannot list all the video games, but Grand Theft Auto is a favorite of these young ones. Then there is the news. A war here, and a war there, everywhere a war war, and what you have is a group of young men running around in their imaginations. “No one sought to shoot me down just because I was running around shooting at my friends. Democrats from Cincinnati and the president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus has introduced legislation requiring all BB guns, air rifles and airsoft guns sold in Ohio to be brightly colored or have prominent fluorescent strips. While other states have passed laws regulating the sale of imitation or toy guns, there are no laws in Ohio that place restrictions on them. “Here in Jackson Heights this boy and his imagination demonstrates his mortality or looks into my lens towards immortality.” Hotep.
For instance, research conducted by Ronald Rohner, Director of the Center for the Study of Parental Acceptance and Rejection in the School of Family Studies at the University of Connecticut, found for girls, a dad is clearly the first man in her life. Girls look to their dads for the standard of what it means to be a man. She takes special notice to the relationship he has with her mother; she watches how he talks about women and how he treats women. What the daughter sees and hears then becomes the foundation for her future relationships. When it comes to the father-son relationship it is equally critical. The father provides an emotional foundation for his son. A father teaches his son how to be comfortable showing love, how to be generous, hopeful, and compassionate. As the son becomes a teenager, the father teaches him limits and rules and basically shows his son how to be a man. The bottom line is fathers are very important to the family. Since most fatherlessness today is due to divorce or out-of-wedlock births; community organizations and the faith community can help by training men to succeed in marriage as well as work together to help find male mentors for fatherless boys. As concerned believers, community leaders, neighbors and teachers may we continue to work together to look for ways to offset the problems of the fatherless before the consequences overwhelms society. The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in these articles, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. Rather, the objective is strictly informative and educational. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
“Mister Speaker, I am proud that the Milwaukee Community Journal hails from the 4th Congressional District. It has consistently informed, analysed and entertained readers for nearly 38 years. I am pleased to give praise to Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo and her staff for providing a voice to the community and providing educational opportunities to students. I wish them many more years of success.”
--A segment from Cong. Gwen Moore’s remarks she made on the Congressional Record paying tribute to the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Dr.
Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Annual Brunch
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 10
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MCJ SPORTS PHOTOP The “SELIG
EXPERIENCE” honors legacy of Brewers Founder
BUD SELIG
The Milwaukee Brewers unveiled recently the “Selig Experience,” the multimedia exhibit that tells the story of Brewer founder and former owner, and Major League Baseball Commissioner Emeritus Allen “Bud” Selig. The exhibit will be available to fans year-round, adding another extraordinary enhancement to the overall fan experience in one of the est ballparks in baseball. The team recently held a opening debut gala dinner for the former baseball commissioner and brewer owner on the field of Miller Park. The event drew such baseball notables as Homerun King Henry Aaron and the wife and daughter of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 11
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 3, 2015 Page 12