COMMUNITY VOL. XXXIX Number 50 July 15, 2015
The Milwaukee
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COMMUNITY COMES OUT TO CLAIM VICTORY OVER VIOLENCE!
SIGNIFYIN’ Mikel Kwaku Osi Holt
TAKI S. RATON: The uncompromising, philosophical griot warrior of our life-time
Had Taki Raton been born 200 years earlier, chances are he would have been a lieutenant in Nat Turners’ liberation army, or a scout for Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad.
Families Against Violence held a march and rally Saturday. The March started at the Martin Luther King statue on MLK Drive and Walnut, and ended at the Dr. King Elementary School, 3275 N. MLK Dr. The event also included recreation and a resource fair involving several community based organizations. Participants were encouraged to form walking teams in honor of victims of intra-community violence or the groups they are representing. Jermain Reed of Fresh Start was the key organizer of the event, He is shown in the top photo talking to the mainstream media the purpose of the march as children and teens holding anti-violence placards. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
Had his ancestors not been brought to America in chains, chances are Taki would have been a Griot Warrior, a tribe’s historian, responsible for maintaining the most important cultural icon of his people: their history. But God had other plans for Taki, and planted him in our midst 68 years ago to inspire and educate us, to strip away the lies told through ‘His-story’, and to plant the seeds of intellectual revolution in a stagnate and confused nation within a nation. I was shocked to hear from several people last Tuesday that Taki had joined our ancestors. I had hoped that rumors of his death were similar to those about me that surfaced when I was hospitalized for six months earlier this year. Obviously, mine were false (or maybe wishful thinking by some of the same folks who released a sigh of relief upon hearing of Taki’s death). I say that because Taki made a lot of people uncomfortable. Not because he was dishonest or advocated for the violent overthrow of the U.S. government. But instead, because he was a philosophical warrior whose ammunition included undisputed history and the wisdom of our forefathers. (continued on page 3)
Community Town Hall on new Arena
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HELD IN REMEMBERANCE OF DR. JAMES WHITE
A block party celebration dedicated to the memory of Dr. James G. White, the late Harambee leader/mentor, and former Milwaukee County Supervisor was held in the Harambee neighborhood. It was sponsored by the Harambee Community Center. The celebration was a tribute for Dr. White, who was a Regional Vice-President of WestCare WI-Harambee Community Center (formerly Harambee Ombudsman Project). Said Ald. Milele Coggs, who was White’s goddaughter and mentee: Dr. White was a special leader who worked hard to bring resources to the neighborhood and the community, and this is a fitting way to pay tribute to him on his birthday anniversary.” (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
PULSE OF THE QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “During the community birthcelebration for the late Dr. James White, we asked four individuCOMMUNITY day als what is the most memorable recollection they have of him?”
(Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp) MILWAUKEE ALD. DELVYN CRAWFORD (sonMILELE COGGS: in-law to Dr. “My favorite moments with my godfather Dr. White): “My most White were when he memorable moment was in his artistic elewith my father-in-law ment discussing the imhas to be his dedication portance of Hip-Hop to his family. He knew that actions spoke and watching him perform his rap song, louder than words, therefore he dedicated “Total Eclipse” (about the Nat Turner slave uphimself to spend quality time with his family; rising) as “Ghetto Priest.” teaching them to uphold family values, support one another, and do our part to bring the best out of each other.”
JIACCHAES WHITE (nephew): “My favorite moment with my Uncle James was right before he passed. He showed up to my going-awayparty when I went off to Houston for school and was encouraging me to do my best and never give up; and if I feel like I can’t do it (to) call him and he would be on his way. Unk was a caring, generous, and loving person that cared about more than just his family. He did what most people were afraid to do: He took chances for the Black community.”
NADJA GIBBONSCRAWFORD (daughter): “My favorite moment with my dad was right before he was going to give me away to my husband (Delvyn Crawford). Dad said to me: ‘Nadja, he asked for your hand in marriage. I knew at that moment he was truly the right one for you.’ I had been doing good at not crying until that moment.”
The community got to hear first hand the Milwaukee Bucks plan to build a new arena in the downtown area during a Town Hall Meeting at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center. Representatives of the Bucks, investors, political figures and a member of the Milwaukee Urban League told residents details of the new arena, the financing plan and addressed concerns for jobs and economic development for Black Milwaukeeans. The Town Hall was sponsored by the Urban League. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 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
Seventy Years Young!
On Sunday July 13, 2015, Mrs. Freddie Ruth Bradley celebrated her 70th Birthday at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown Milwaukee. (Photo by Kim A. Robinson)
Showered with love before the big day! Grandson “shadows” his editor grandfather at MCJ offices
Timothy Anderson, the grandson of Milwaukee Community Journal Editor Thomas Mitchell, Jr., shadowed his grandfather for a day last week at the Community Journal’s offices, located at 3612 N. Martin Luther King Drive. Timothy was an “Intern” for the day learning about newspapers, editing, writing and what it takes to put the weekly publication together. Timothy, who is 12, even accompanied his grandfather to an assignment at the offices of the Social Development Commission (SDC) to interview that organization’s Executive Director, George Hinton. Timothy even took notes during the interview and tried his hand at writing a story about the experience. Hopefully, his grandfather said, the special day will inspire his grandson to consider a career in journalism. Who knows, he may become the MCJ’s editor one day! (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Baby Shower for Tifarah and Reco & their soon to arrive Baby boy, Rickole Jr. held a co-ed Baby shower located at the Veterans Manor 3430 W. Wisconsin Ave on Saturday July 11th. (Photo by Kim Robinson)
Blue Devils of 75 unite!
The NorthDivision Blue Devils Class of 1975 held their 40th Class Reunion at the BrownDeer Boat House located in Brown Deer Park on Saturday July 12, 2015.
PERSPECTIVES How ‘broken window’ policing
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 2015 Page 3
Quote of the Week: “Nearly all religions were brought to people
SIGNIFYIN’
(continued from page 1) There will be a memorial commuEqually impressive, Taki was an excellent teacher with the rare ability nity prayer service for Taki Raton to connect with even the most brain- on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 3500 washed or naive individual. He was N. Sherman Blvd. (The old green a lantern of truth that cast his light WOKY building on the corner of upon a darkened community, em- Sherman Blvd. and Fond du Lack Avpowering those he touched with enue.) The time of the service is racial pride and self respect. 7:30 p.m. The service is being held I make no bones about my Black by Angela Davis, president of Nationalist philosophy. Taki had Knowledge Consulting, Inc. Ms. moved beyond that realm to embrace Davis taught with Taki at Mills a Pan African doctrine through which Christian Academy. Parking will be he opened the door of knowledge to available at the rear of the buildthousands of us who benefited from ing where those attending the servhis vast knowledge of African antiqice can also enter the building. The uity. service will be held on the main While I focused most of my refloor. Attendees will be directed to search on our dichotomous time where the program will be held. America, our vast but unacknowledged contributions and a reinterpretation of ‘His Story,’ Taki’s concentration was on our ancestors’ innumerable contributions centuries before the Mayflower. He opened my eyes to the greatness of our African history, to the first civilization and our advancement of law, science and medicine. As a member of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC), Taki taught about Amenhotep the world’s first recognized genius, the first college founded by Africans while Europeans were still discovering that fire was hot. He was telling his students that math, particularly algebra, was not beyond their reach because their ancestors invented it. Taki brought to life and gave meaning to the concept of Maat, the 11 Devine Principles and Laws. He lectured on African antiquity, and why it has been distorted by those with a vested interest in keeping Africans, and African Americans, in a state of psychological slavery. It was his grasp of history and the importance of a cultural foundation for Black Americans that made him such a dangerous individual; particularly to those who taught that Africans were happy-go-lucky jungle bunnies before we were “invited” to America to share in its “bounty and freedom of opportunity.” Taki moved to Milwaukee to teach in the public schools, and was a favorite among Black students. But when the frustration of fighting against those who taught a false history of our time in America and our contributions to world civilization and culture finally overwhelmed him, Taki left the public school system and opened his own school, Blyden Delany Academy. Attesting to his philosophy and educational goals, the academy was appropriately named after Edward Wilmot Blyden, considered the father of Pan Africanism, and Martin Delany, often called the first proponent of Black Nationalism. Taki has introduced various aspects of the Africentered curriculum several years earlier when he served as a consultant for Harambee Community School, where I served as a board member. We spent a lot of time together, discussing the Africentered model, its importance as a tool to rebuild our culture and lay a foundation for Black pride. I found myself in awe of Taki’s seemingly endless pool of knowledge, and was equally impressed with his uncompromising Black pride. Taki wasn’t what I called a Neo-Negro, one of those individuals who talked a good game behind closed doors, but cast their eyes downward when facing White power brokers or members of the Negrocracy. Indeed, it was his tenacity and willingness to throw rocks at the castle walls that earned him his reputation as a champion of Black self-determination. It was courage and commitment that made him dangerous. Taki not only spoke to Africentric truth, but told White America he knew why Black children were failing in schools they controlled. He confronted them, and us, about who and why they pulled the cultural rug from under us. There was a reason why Blyden Delaney was successful under his leadership and why the children who walked out of its doors are numbered among the community’s finest. Taki provided them with an Africentric foundation to stand upon; he infused them with cultural pride, dignity and self-respect. Since the school’s closing, for financial reasons, Taki taught at Springfield College, wrote for the Community Journal and spread his message about our true history and culture at forums and conferences. In one of his last presentations, he spoke about Black Nationalism and the fight against White Supremacy at the Community Brainstorming session at St. Matthew’s CME Church. Many of the White missionaries who regularly attend the monthly session to keep Black folks in check, walked out as he argued in support of Black Nationalism and the implementation of an Africentered curriculum in the public schools. That episode—White missionaries walking out on the truth espoused by a true griot warrior—may be an appropriate epithet for Taki Raton. Hotep.
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL 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 imposed on people by conquerers and used as the framework to control their mind. My main point here is that if you are a child of God and God is a part of you, then in your imagination God is supposed to look like you and when you accept a picture of a deity assigned to you by another people, you become the spiritual prisoner of that other people.” --Dr. John Henrik Clarke
continues to shatter Black lives by Lincoln Anthony Blades In March of 1982, two social scientists named James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, joined together to write an article for The Atlantic Monthly titled “Broken Windows: The police and neighborhood safety.”
In the article, these two men argued that when minor signs of social disarray were left alone, not only would that community beget more disorder, but it will eventually lead to increased levels of chaos and criminality. The seminal example they used was proffering how broken windows on a building would tempt vandals into breaking more windows, and eventually would lead to them breaking into the building and even starting fires. Whether you personally agree with that theory or not, the one irrefutable fact about their essay is that it forever altered criminal policy in America, especially in New York City. In 1985, Kelling was hired as a consultant to the New York City Transit Authority and presided over the city’s crackdown of graffiti in the subway. In 1990, this strict and unforgiving approach was embraced by the head of the New York City Transit Police – a man named William Bratton. Using Kelling’s model as his inspiration, Bratton spearheaded a zero-tolerance campaign on infractions such as fare-dodging. When Bratton was hired as police commissioner by mayor Rudy Giuliani in 1993, he brought his style of policing with him and applied it city wide to crimes such as public urination, panhandling and unsolicited squeegee car cleaning. He also introduced a comprehensive automated tracking system called Compstat which was used to monitor the time, type and location of individual crimes. Backed with stats and a focus on policing broken windows, the era of increased summons was officially underway.
Photo courtesy of Google
“Black and Latino New Yorkers were being targeted by the NYPD at a rate that far exceeded their white neighbors. In fact, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union, roughly 81% of the 7.3 million people hit with violations between 2001 and 2013 were black and Hispanic.” When Operation Impact, an initiative to flood high-crime neighborhoods with mostly rookie officers, was launched in 2003, a huge bump in summons took off. In 2005, the program reached its peak when 648,638 summons were issued in one year. But, when you analyze the neighbourhoods which were considered high crime, there was a stark overrepresentation of areas populated mostly by black and brown faces. Black and Latino New Yorkers were being targeted by the NYPD at a rate that far exceeded their white neighbors. In fact, according to the New
Message to the Black Community and the Black Leadership:
IT S TIME FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY TO PUSH HARD
I know I should not write when I am feeling the way I feel now (upset and disappointed), because the last thing that I want to do is convey the wrong message, but SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY! I liken our condition to a house that is on fire (our community) and the irony is that the hose, loaded with water (organized movement), is right next to the house but no one IS picking up the hose to put out the fire (organizing). I’ve said before, and I will continue to say that unless we do something significant and do it quickly, Blacks face extinction or being relegated to the permanent status of second-class citizenship. It’s time for the Black community to push hard. Brothers and sisters, what more do we need to see to convince us that the permanency of second-class citizenship for future Black generations is inevitable. Is the mass incarceration of Black men enough (with nearly 55% of the prison population is comprised of Black men when our population is only 4%)? Is the demise of the Black family enough (with nearly 80% of all Black families headed by a single parent, mother (this number was 20% in 1960)? Is it that nearly two-thirds of all Blacks families live at or near poverty, (this population is growing at an alarming rate with the reduction of the so-called Black middle class)? Is it the fact that Blacks own less than one-half of one percent of the nation’s wealth (this number hasn’t changed since the emancipation of Black people). Without wealth and capital, there is no socio-economic fight. If you think these numbers are bad, think again. This is just the tip of the iceberg - the problems are systemic and are extreme in every area of life. These among other factors make for a negative trajectory for our children and future Black generations. As bad as things look for the Black community, is even worse is that so many Black people have come to accept this reality. Where is the sense of urgency and why aren’t there more Black leaders demanding something that could/would address these issues? Where is the energy on a local level or a national level that most of us can relate to that addresses the social and economic issues facing the Black community? Where are the meeting places and meetings to discuss these issues along with possible strategies and solutions? Where is the movement and the centralized effort to fix these issues? Who are our leaders and what are they doing about these facts? We live in a democracy and in a democracy, if you want to win, you must
York Civil Liberties Union, roughly 81% of the 7.3 million people hit with violations between 2001 and 2013 were black and Hispanic. So, earlier this week, when news broke that NYPD officers and law makers have allegedly issued 850,000 bogus summonses and have attempted to cover it up by destroying evidence, we shouldn’t just view this as a simple inconvenience to many New Yorkers, but more so as the outright extortion of African-Americans by the NYPD. That last sentence may make some people un-
(continued on page 8)
have leadership. Every group is seeking to obtain more control, power, and resources that are very limited and all of them have representation. In order for any idea or group to win above others, leadership is required. Who represents the Black community locally and/or nationally? Who speaks for the Black community when it’s time to negotiate on behalf of the Black community? The honest answer is that the Black community has no one leader. I compare our community to a body without a head because a multitude of leaders is like having no leader at all, especially if those individuals are not working together. While we must engage the masses (they have a huge role to play in the movement), we must organize our leadership (leaders need leadership also). Let me be perfectly clear, our leaders are the only ones with the potential of tackling the massive issues we face. This is no easy feat and will require the coordination and organizing of our most accomplished, most learned and strongest, and our most successful leaders (i.e. business, civic, legal, medical, social, political, corporate, religious, etc.). You are a leader because you have been blessed. Yes, you contributed to your success but your future would look a lot different but for the struggles of those that came before you and it is our belief that “when much is given, much is required.” Given the incredible plight of our community, who could help our community, if not you? I’m frustrated and dismayed by the lack of leadership and inactivity. Nothing is happening and we continue to make excuse after excuse for not organizing ourselves. There is no other option. If we want to be successful, we must put out the fire. Granted, this is some tough stuff and it’s not going to be easy, but we must do for ourselves what no one else will do. If we don’t get a handle on these social and economic issues, as they have developed over the past 60 years, these numbers will get worse, causing future generations to become more vulnerable. I say that we continue to make excuses because we’re not doing what we need to do to save our children. We’re not organizing. Our children don’t care about our status, egos, or our pedigree. Their destiny has already been determined unless we unite around a common cause: BLACK SURVIVAL. Our leadership continues to fail us by not doing the very basic things needed, creating unity. We see division at every level. Our academia has not been able to utilize the knowledge acquired from some of the best universities in the world to advance the self-determination of Black people. Our religious leaders are divided into so many different sects that it’s practically impossible to align to allow for “functional” unity. The on-going spiritual message from each spiritual center is self-serving and is geared at keeping and maintaining the status quo (dis-unity is quietly preached). Our politicians clearly have lost their way. They practice majority politics but forget that they are a minority. When you’re a minority in politics, you consolidate your power by becoming a caucus, although, in many cases the Black caucus is ineffective, unorganized, uninspired, or nonexistent. Rarely have I seen the Black politicians pull their individual power together. While we lack the individual and organizational capacity in many areas, as group we are stronger. We are greater than the sum of our parts. Our problem is that we don’t get to see our collective power in action often enough. I hate to break it to you, but no one person or organization is going to save Black people. The problems we face are so acute and severe they will require the highest level of centralizing, coordinating, and strategizing. If you look at a house (or anything), each part, the design, bricks, wood, fixtures, paint, carpets, etc. and even the labor, has its own value. However, putting the parts together in one place at one time into the final product escalates the value exponentially. When it all comes together, it is referred to as synergy. We reference the greatness of our people but to be great is to have great leaders and to be great leaders, they must be able to lead (good action). (continued on page 8)
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 2015 Page 4
RELIGION The Matthews-Murkland Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C. was burned down in an act of arson in June of 1996. Chuck Burton / AP
Who is Burning America’s Black Churches---And Why? New America Media, Commentary, Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Posted: Jul 01, 2015
The count of black churches in the South that have been torched is not the six that have been burned since the massacre of nine blacks at Charleston's Emmanuel AME Church, but 37. The church burnings occurred in a period of not two weeks but over 18 months.
That was only the tip of the church burning iceberg. In a six year period between 1991 and 1996, the ATF investigated more than 150 churches that had been torched in both the South and the North. Some of those burned were white churches. But it was the sheer number and ferocity of the arson attacks on black churches that caught the nation’s attention and stirred alarm that black churches were being systematically targeted. The tormenting question, though, was by who and why then, and again, today? Black churches have been an inviting target for racially motivated attacks by the Klan, assorted white vigilantes and cranks during a hot button period from the early to mid1960s. The reason then was simple. They were the gathering place, centerpiece, and rallying point for the mass
ties with shadowy hate groups. Or the perpetrators fit the textbook category of poorly educated teens or malcontents who tanked up on booze or drugs took out their warped anger or derangement on a handy and vulnerable target, namely the nearest local black church. Shamefully, a few of those fingered in the burning of a few churches were blacks who saw it as a chance to grab insurance money or harbored a grudge. No matter whom the perpetrator was and their motive, the church burnings came against the backdrop during this period of fresh attacks launched by conservatives on affirmative action, voting rights, and the resurgence of hate groups and antigovernment militia groups. That same racially charged climate and the tensions it ignited repeats itself again today. The Charleston massacre was the most heinous and horrific atrocity, but it was also the latest in a train of race tearing events in the past year. The mass agitation over the police killings of and assaults on unarmed young black males, and increasingly females. There's been the relentless
assault by ultra conservatives on voting rights protections, college affirmative action programs, and the open and subtle vicious racial harangue and hectoring of President Obama by some Tea Party extremists, and unreconstructed bigots. Much of that hate is well evident in the nonstop race baiting digs, slurs, and putdowns of blacks on websites, chat rooms, and in social media. Add to that, the conflict over the removal of the Confederate flag from statehouse in South Carolina and other places in the South. The backlash has been fierce with record breaking sales of the flag and loudly touted plans by the Klan to hold rallies and marches with the clear message to legislators to keep hands off the flag. Investigators have been quick to say that they have found no evidence of a conspiracy, let alone a racial motive, in the church burnings. And that it's way too soon to even intimate that any of the church burnings were a hate crime. Almost certainly, there will be some arrests in the burnings. That again will provide at least a partial
answer whether the burnings were done by crackpots and malcontents or organized racial hate mongers. No matter what investigators ultimately find about who is burning the churches and their motives for doing so, the horrifying fact is that black churches a half century after the peak of the 1960s civil rights battles still remain the one black institution that is America’s inviting target for attacks—whatever the reason. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on American Urban Radio Network. He is the author of From King to Obama: Witness to a Turbulent History (Middle Passage Press). He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on American Urban Radio Network. He is an associate editor of New America Media. He is host of the weekly Hutchinson Report Newsmaker Hour heard weekly on the nationally network broadcast Hutchinson Newsmaker Network. Follow Earl Ofari Hutchinson on Twitter.
What’s Happening in YOUR Faith-Based Community
• Peace Temple Church of God In Christ will hold the 34th Lisbon Family and Friends Outdoor Gathering Saturday, August 1, 2015 at the church, located at 3332 W. Lisbon Ave. Elder Ulysses Brewer is pastor. There will be free food, games, bouncer for children, face painting, a puppet show and more. For more information, call 414-554-3888. • Peace Temple Church of God In Christ will celebrate their pastor, Elder Ulysses Brewer’s third year anniversary Sunday, July 19, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. Peace Temple COGIC is located at 3332 W. Lisbon Ave.
Pictured above: Aftemath of Birmingham Church Bombing, 1963. Photo courtesy of the Equal Justice Initiative's History of Racial Injustice, based in Montgomery, Ala.
meetings, marches and demonstrations by civil rights leaders. Martin Luther King, Jr., the SCLC, CORE and the NAACP, knew that when all other public and private facilities were barred to them for use in most Southern cities and towns, there was always a local black church that would open its pulpit and sanctuary to them. The price paid was steep. In less than one month in 1962, five black churches were torched in rural Georgia. The next year the nation recoiled in shock at the dynamite bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham and the murder of four black girls.
But the resurgence of attacks on black churches in the 1990s mystified many. The civil rights era of mass protests and demonstrations with black churches at the center had long since passed. So who was doing the dirty work now and why? Then President Clinton was among those who wanted to know why and asked Congress for an extra $1.2 million to beef up the investigations. The money was approved. The ATF, FBI and federal prosecutors supplied a partial answer with the arrests and prosecutions of a motley assortment of suspects. They were almost always young, male, and white, and they had spouted racist sentiments, had loose
• Greater New Birth Church will have a mobile feeding pantry in its parking lot Friday, July 17th, 2015 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Greater New Birth is located at 8237 W. Silver Spring Drive. The mobile pantry is sponsored by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, in partnership with Grace International Fellowship
In Loving Memory Quality Service... a tenured tradition sincere concern at your time of need.
Ernestine O’Bee, Founder
Offering pre-need, at need and after-care services to families in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and other communities throughout our state.
Cobbs, Agnes M. Age 89 yrs. July 13, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 21 at 11AM at Christian Faith Fellowship Church 8605 W. Goodhope Rd. Instate Tuesday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. Visitation Monday 3-7PM at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Dotson, Carol J. Age 70 yrs. July 13, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24 at 11AM. Visitation Friday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Carter, Geraldine Age 50 yrs. July 11, 2015. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 20 at 11AM at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 3737 N. Sherman Blvd. Visitation Monday 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 Gladney, William E. Age 55 yrs. July 9, 2015. Beloved father of Sade Gladney. Loving son of William Gladney. Brother of Rene Gladney, Julian(Beverly)Gladney, Lisa(Joe)Shaw and Cathy Gladney. Also survived by a host of other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 15 at 1PM. Visitation Wednesday12 Noon until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director
10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Henderson, Debra Age 55 yrs. July 7, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 15 at 11AM at Free and Blessed Ministries 5229 N. 51st St. Visitation Wednesday 10AM a 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 Adams, Bryan L. Age 40 yrs. July 1, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 15 at 11AM. Visitation Wednesday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Walters, Betty Age 74 yrs. June 19, 2015. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at 1PM at Wisconsin Memorial Park 13235 W. Capitol Dr. The family is served by: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020 Street, Luzelle Age 80 yrs. July 12, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24 at 11AM. Visitation Friday 10AM until time of services at: Northwest Funeral Chapel O'Bee, Ford & Frazier 6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020
Williams, Exie B. Passed away peacefully July 11, 2015 at the age of 95. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 11AM. Visitation Saturday
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
Pictured (back row - left to
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 2015 Page 5
right): Babette Honore, Vice
President of Community Engagement of Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin; Phyllis
Holder, Community Cham-
pion; Sharon Amos, Community Champion; Hope Voigt, Community Champion;
Michelle DeLisle, Colleen’s
mother; Larry Hartmann, Community Champion; Paul
Grippe, Community Champion; and Scott Johnson,
President of Molina Health-
MOLINA HEALTHCARE RECOGNIZES UNSUNG HEROES AT ITS NINTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARDS CEREMONY
Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin recently celebrated the good deeds of six community heroes at its fourth annual Community Champions Awards. The ceremony was held at the Tripoli Shrine Center on June 18th. This year’s winners included Paul Grippe, Sharon Amos, Phyllis Holder, Larry Hartman, Hope Voigt and Colleen DeLisle. “We proudly salute the hard work and dedication of these extraordinary individuals,” said Scott Johnson, president of Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin. “It was a pleasure honoring this year’s Community Champions award winners for the dedication and commitment they put into serving those in need in our communities.” The Community Champions program celebrates the vision of Dr. C. David Molina, the founder of Molina Healthcare, as well as community partners who work together to care for society’s most vulnerable individuals. Each community champion was nominated by a community-based organization and also received a $1,000 grant to give to a deserving nonprofit organization of his/her choice.
THE 2015 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARD WINNERS: Colleen DeLisle is only a freshman in high school and
care of Wisconsin.
has dedicated countless hours to community service including feeding the hungry, providing warm clothing to homeless individuals during winter months and distributing thousands of books to kids in need. Paul Grippe volunteers as the city representative of the Milwaukee Police Department Block Watch and recruits other constituents to join the force. Paul also serves on the board of the Milwaukee Christian Center where he helps identify community needs and implements programs of service to fill the void. Sharon Amos has consistently volunteered 25 hours a week for the past four years at Kilbourn Elementary School where she helps coordinate school-wide activities, fundraisers and take on administrative duties. Phyllis Holder is a breast cancer survivor and Registered Nurse, who hosts free support groups and educational events for victims, their families and women at risk through Sisters 4 a Cure. She’s been a longtime volunteer for the organization providing health prevention education. Larry Hartmann is a caretaker for grassroots homeless outreach programs at Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church. In the last 4 years since transitioning from homelessness himself, Larry has guided 25 clients through the homeless intervention program. He also started a meal program called “Larry Under the Bridge,” which delivers bagged dinners to areas where homeless frequent every Sunday throughout the year. Hope Voigt is a practicing accountant and serves on the board of directors for House of Hope, a homeless shelter for young mothers and their children. She shares her financial expertise as a member of the executive team and participates in fundraising events.
TICKETS ARE STILL AVAIL ABLE!
(L-R)Michael Grant, president, National Bankers Association; B. Doyle Mitchell, CEO, Industrial Bank; Preston Pinkett, CEO, City National Bank, chair, National Bankers Association
MINORITY BANKS SHUT OUT OF NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS AWARDS
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - On June 15, 2015, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), an arm of the Treasury Department, issued $3.5 billion in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to 76 entities across the country. Sadly, no funds were awarded to the nation's minority banks, the institutions with the longest track records of deploying capital in the most underserved communities in our country.
The NMTC Program is designed to spur economic development in distressed communities across the U.S. The program provides a tax credit to investors who invest in projects or small businesses in those communities by funneling their investments through the recipients of tax credit allocation. According to the CDFI Fund's own Award Book, only six awards (less than 8%) went to minority controlled entities of any kind, and those groups received only $165 million, under 5% of the total dollar amount of allocation. "The absence of a single minority bank raises much concern," said Michael Grant, President of the National Bankers Association. "In 2009, the General Accounting Office issued a report detailing the disparity in NMTC awards to minority entities. The numbers have actually gotten worse, not better," he continued. A 2009 study by the Government Accountability Office indicated that only about 9% of minority entities were successful when applying for NMTCs, while non-minority entities had three times the success rate, winning 27% of the time. According to GAO, although the program is highly competitive, minority entities have less than a one in three chance of any other type of entity to receive an award. Minority banks have had even lower success rates than minority entities overall. "By our estimates, less than 2% of the $450 billion in NMTCs issued over the past [12] years has gone to minority banks," said Doyle Mitchell, CEO of Industrial Bank of Washington, D.C. and immediate past Chairman of the NBA "Some of our banks have been deploying capital in the poorest neighborhoods in America for over 100 years, and we think the CDFI Fund should review the program to ensure that applications by minority and other small CDFI banks are evaluated on criteria that reflects their position as regulated (continued on page 8)
Y&E
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 2015 Page 6
YOUTH&EDUCATION
Teen friends say farewell to Tariq Akbar
Tariq Akbar
Friends of Tariq Akbar came together at his funeral to say farewell to their friend last week. Akbar was shot to death after he and his friends watched the annual July 3 fireworks. Police say the shooting stemmed from an online fight about a girl — an online dispute that Tariq was not a part of. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in the shooting. (Photos by Kim Robinson)
Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., has awarded $5,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee under a program that lets Staples associates direct donations. The Staples associates who directed the funds regularly volunteer with the organization. The Staples Foundation grant will contribute to the organization’s Career Development Programming program which assists over 2,000 youth enrolled in career-specific programming and mentoring. This program helps members engage in a comprehensive career development, which consists of 21st Century job readiness, tech and life skills training, career exploration, worksite visits and real-world job experience within the clubs and outside collaborations. The grants are part of a philanthropic initiative created by Staples Foundation which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations that are focused on education or job skills. The program, called 2 Million and Change, encourages local community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where
The New Horizon Day Care Center is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration for its new State-of-the-Art Facility on Saturday, July 25, from 10:00am-3:00pm with a program and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 12noon. This new contemporary facility is located at 4200 North Holton Street Suite #105. The concept and design of the center was developed by LLC. Member Mr. Saleem El-Amin and designed by Phoenix investors, LLC. The delightful new interior was built from the ground up and commissioned by an affiliate of Phoenix investors. Specifically, we’d like to acknowledge Mr. Frank Crivello- Mr. John Peret, and Mr. Robert Peret and their excellent team of construction workers and remodelers for their hard work, long hours and exceptional effort. The Day Care which is state-licensed and a Young Star level Certified, features six bright, spacious and beautifully decorated rooms. With both a large outdoor playground with state certified equipment and soft area. In addition, the building has a spacious climate controlled in-door play and recreation area were children experience a playtime wonderland. The facility also has a state-of-the-art on grounds kitchen space serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon
ROCK THE HOUSE EVENT TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
The Eddie Butts Band
Staples Associate Directs $5,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee Milwaukee Staples Associate Chooses Non-Profit Organization to Benefit from Staples Foundation Grant
New Horizon Day Care Center, LLC. Grand Opening
snacks, comfortable staff lounge and very large parent conference meeting room. Moreover, we a have a wonderful grandparents program, Milwaukee Public Library year around reading program, after school services and summer field trips to name a few. We also, have low teacher student ratios, highly trained and Registry Certified staff, a comprehensive curriculum and family involvement program. Previously located at 7918 West Capitol Drive New Horizon Day Care Center opened its door in May, 2011. The idea for a Day Care Center was generated out of a vision to support parents in our Treatment Foster Care program who were in need of immediate child care service. From that insight, parents in the surrounding communities were also afforded a beautiful and safe learning environment for their children. In 2014, New Horizon Center was offered an opportunity that they could not refuse to move to the new location that would be built to their exact specifications. The new facility opened in June 2015, and boasts a capacity of 74 children and is opened Monday-Friday from 6:00am- 7:00pm. Transportation is provided to a limited radius of the Milwaukee metro area. We are currently enrolling ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Parents, grandparents and guardians are encouraged to take a tour of the facility and enroll your child today. For more information contact Ms. Kim Cubbie Program Director or Ms. Latoya Matthews Assistant to the Director at (414) 393-4004 or visit us our website at www.thenhcllc.com. Remember to please join us for our Grand Opening ceremony on July 25, 2015.
associates are highly engaged in volunteering or fundraising – up to $25,000 per organization. In 2014, Staples directed grants to 990 domestic organizations in 47 states in support of education and job skills programs, including tutoring for pediatric cancer patients, job skills development for individuals with disabilities, school supplies, mentoring and more. “Staples Foundation is committed to encouraging associates around the globe to make a difference in their local communities and through 2 Million and Change we enable them to directly support the programs where they personally see the greatest need,” said Katy Dobbs, director of global community and giving for Staples, Inc. “We are thrilled to see more associates participating in this program every year, and we’re proud to help them support the charities they care about most.” About Staples Community and Giving Staples contributes to educational and youthoriented community efforts, from literacy and mentoring to career skills development, through in-kind and monetary donations and grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. Through its community and giving efforts, Staples and Staples Foundation have helped more than 6,500 organizations in 26 countries. For more information, visit www.staples.com/community.
Ready to rock out? On Friday, Aug. 21, Turner Hall will host the third annual “Rock the House” concert to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. The event stars DJ David Hall and The Eddie Butts Band, one of the longest-running and most successful bands in Milwaukee that has a reputation for entertaining audiences and encouraging them to hit the dance floor. Jazz, pop and R&B tunes sung by Eddie Butts and other vocalists will showcase Wisconsin’s favorite bands’ musicianship and ensure a night of fun for all. Debbie Allen, a McDonald’s Owner/Operator who is an accomplished Gospel singer and motivational speaker, will join the Eddie Butts Band throughout the night. “The excitement building around this event is encouraging,” said Allen. “Everyone is looking forward to spending the night listening to music and socializing, and it’s all for a great cause, the children and their families.”
Who: The Eddie Butts band featuring Debbie Allen What: Third annual “Rock the House” charity concert Where: Turner Hall When: Friday, August 21, 2015 from 7-11 p.m. Why: To raise $75,000 in support of families who need a “home away from home” while their children are receiving medical treatment at local Milwaukee hospitals
Rock the House tickets are available online at www.RMHCHOME.org. Individual tickets are $50, which includes appetizers from Maxie’s and two adult or non-alcoholic beverages. For more information go to http://rmhcmilwaukee.org/event/rock-thehouse-concert.
F T B
KALEIDOSCOPE
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 2015 Page 7
the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section
BOOKSHELF
The Marcus Center for Performing Arts presents one night only, Milwaukee author and social entrepreneur, Dasha Kelly, for a summer rooftop performance on Saturday, August 4
Join Dasha Kelly for a night of intimate storytelling brought to you through music, art and words intricately woven onto the newly renovated Fitch Garden rooftop. Known for her eclectic style of storytelling, Kelly infuses the lyrical sounds of artist Valerie Benton (R&B), Evaughn High (Gospel), Iberia (Pop), Tom Vollman (Indie Rock) along with NeoSoul performer Davia Fenton rounding out a musical cast of amazing Milwaukee talent. Enjoy the visual art works of cover artist and Milwaukee resident Mary Osmundsen helping to bring the story of Almost Crimson to life. Almost Crimson released in May, 2015 by Curbside Splendor Publishing, is a fictional novel
FROM THE BLACK By Tony Courtney
Dasha Kelly
that tackles the effects of mental illness on the life of a young girl who takes on the responsibility of raising herself and caring for her chronically depressed mother. Crimson, a whip smart young lady learns to maneuver adult challenges while still managing the trials of daily life as a child. Kelly’s fourth novel is one of her most successful attempts at bringing an often familial taboo into the spotlight and making the topic accessible to anyone willing to read a story Buzz Feed describes as Candid and Heartfelt.
Number 6 on Buzz Feed’s 16 Most Exciting Books of 2015, Almost Crimson continues to garner powerful reviews: Michael Seidlinger of Electric Lit ranks Almost Crimson #2 in his 2015 Great Indie Press Review “…With amazing heart and depth, Kelly explores CeCe’s world and the people she encounters as she works to free herself from her surroundings and change her seeming destiny. Kelly’s debut is one of rare grace and honesty, and her words are beautiful and moving.” The 20 city tour began in May at Boswell Books, which practically sold out of the novel before Kelly’s scheduled appearance. The summer tour has taken Dasha from the Northside of Chicago to Botswana, South Africa and many cities in between. Upcoming tour dates before her Milwaukee Homecoming on August 4 include: Changing Hands in Phoenix, July 11, Kramer Books in Washington DC, July 22, Mr. Hip Presents in Boston, July 25 and Art Fusion in Charlotte, July 27. Dasha Kelly is an internationally-respected writer, artist and social entrepreneur. She travels extensively leading experiential workshops on creativity, team building and writing. Dasha has delivered her uniquely engaging workshops to college campuses, corporate teams, churches, correctional institutions, arts groups, class rooms in every primary grade (K-12), elderly recreational programs and non-profit organizations. The HBO Def Poetry Jam performer is the Founder and President of Stillwaters Collective, a non-profit organization in Milwaukee that uses spoken word to encourage youth and young adults to express themselves through written and performance poetry in order to build a positive self image and better engage a broader community. Gaze upon a spectacular Milwaukee Sunset and listen to some of the city’s most remarkable talent Saturday, August 4 at 7:00 PM, in Fitch Gardens located on the rooftop of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Marcus Center box off. For ticket information call 414-273-7206 or visit online at MarcusCenter.org.
Old School: we Ain't Through Yet! - Black men 60 yrs. old and older are invited to attend a meeting at the Wisconsin African American Women's Center 3020 W. Vliet St. on Monday, July 20th from 4:30PM - 5:55PM to discuss solutions that can address the conditions in our community. The discussion will center around Mentoring, Outreach, Philanthropy, Health and Resource Gathering. Heal the Hood and BND presents Heal the Womb and Heal the Nation! There will be women advocates addressing women's issues, spoken word artists and vendors. Sunday, July 19th at 2PM at the Wisconsin African American Women's Center 3020 W. Vliet St.
Respecting the Humanity of Prisoners - A encounter with the stories, poems, art and witness of Wisconsin prisoners. Family members of those in prison will share their stories. This event will be held at The First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee 1342 N. Astor St. on Saturday, July 25th from 10AM-1PM. This event is sponsored by MICAH, The Body and Soul Healing Center, ACLU of WI, Project Return, Wisconsin Community Services, Prison Action Milwaukee and Justice Point.
"Stress Free for Life" - Order a copy of this book today for yourself and order a copy for a loved one that is incarcerated. You can order this book by calling 718-469-3199 at Tauienterprises. This book will give you the insight of how to eliminate, not manage the stress in your life. Encore3 Presentation - Monday, July 20th at the Heritage Senior Citizens Village 2455 W. Silver Spring Ave. Be my guest and learn about some very powerful products that addresses chronic pain, diabetes and hypertension. The presentation starts at 7:00PM Sharp. If you get there 15 minutes early you can sample some of the products. For more information call me at 374-2364.
www.communityjournal.net
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 2015 Page 8
KUDOS FOR MUL SCHOLAR Gregory Fanning (at left), Assist. Director of Education and Training with the Milwaukee
Urban League, congratulates Michah Childs for receiving the Miller Park Community Scholarship, which is part of the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation, Inc. Michah recently received the MUL’s National Achievers Scholarship and was a participant in the “Doing The Right Thing” (DTRT) Program. Michah will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the fall.
MINORITY BANKS SHUT OUT OF NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS AWARDS
(continued from page 5) institutions operating in distressed areas, which is significantly different from non-regulated or larger institution applicants,'' he went on to say. "If not for the allocations that were awarded to our bank just after Hurricane Katrina, even less would have gone to minority banks," stated Alden McDonald, CEO of Liberty Bank in New Orleans. "In spite of the experience we have gained, our successful NMTC investment track record and continued need in the communities we serve, we have not been able to win an NMTC allocation from the CDFI Fund since 2010," he continued. Bob James, President of Carver State Bank in Savannah, GA, stated, "our bank has applied for NMTC allocations six times and have been rejected each time, in spite of our participation in over $60 million in NMTC projects and 88 year track record deploying capital in the most underserved parts of Georgia. We think something needs to change to give us a fair opportunity to compete." "Our banks have tried hiring consultants, attending CDFI Fund training seminars, finding creative ways to gain direct experience in the NMTC Program, and speaking to the CDFI Fund and Secretary of the Treasury, all to no avail," said Michael Grant. "Consistently, larger banks are awarded allocations which enhances their profitability at the expense of our banks," he continued. "Another concern is the relatively new entities created specifically to participate in the NMTC Program that do not have the long track records of service to poor communities like our minority banks. “These new special purpose entities have received significant awards from a program that is supposed to benefit the neighborhoods served by our membership," he added. "The NMTC Program has great potential to be part of a comprehensive economic solution in America's inner-cities, most of which still have not recovered from the Great Recession," said Preston Pinkett, CEO of City National Bank and Chairman of the NBA. "But the groups best equipped to make those investments, minority banks - many of which have been in service for over 100 years- have largely been shut out of the NMTC program," he continued. "We need our CDFI Fund to do more; we need a real change that will allow us to receive allocations so we can use these resources to improve our communities," he concluded.
“A DREAM will never become a REALITY if you do not wake up. Many are afraid to wake up and spoil their DREAMS. Wouldn’t it be awesome to LIVE YOUR DREAM in lieu of sleeping YOUR DREAM? WAKE UP!!!”--Author Unknown IT S TIME FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY TO PUSH HARD
(continued from page 3) THE BLACK COMMMUNITY IS IN DANGER OF BECOMING A PERMANENT UNDERCLASS IN AMERICA AND SILENCE, EVEN BY DEFAULT, IS UNACCEPTABLE. By permanent, I mean that our children will have greater difficulty in the future of achieving the American dream (this seems almost impossible because it’s not as if our children are doing better). My disappointment lies in the fact that organization of Black leadership is not happening and we must ask the question, why? A few generations of this behavior has created some very bad habits and behaviors that we must overcome. Yes, we have a massive oppressor that has an agenda to enslave the Black community. However, the biggest threat to the future of the Black community is ourselves, mainly the lack of leadership and we’ve come to be extremely good at doubting ourselves. We make excuse after excuse for not working with each other; believing and thinking that we are more than what we are (all that and a bag of chips); working against each other by backbiting and speaking ill of each other; elated and somewhat happy when one of our brothers or sisters has fallen from a high position; infatuation with symbolism and ceremony over substance and sustainability; reactionary responses versus proactive approaches; tearing something down versus building something up; walks, vigils, marches, but no follow up; and were quick to disavow ourselves from our past and the hurt that is associated with the enslavement of our people (as long as we don’t acknowledge the pain and trauma that America has caused us, we
can never heal). WE’VE BEEN BRAINWASHED AND PROGRAMMED BY OUR OPRESSOR AND TODAY THAT PROGRAMMING HAS US DOING ALL WE CAN NOT TO WORK TOGETHER. The Black community has been seriously harmed by the Black experience in America. How else can you explain our circumstances? If the Black community isn’t suffering from the legacy of slavery, then one must believe that Black inferiority is real (which I don’t believe). We were snatched and robbed from our motherland by extreme force; carted here like cargo under the most vicious and inhumane conditions; placed into the most violent levels of chattel slavery for nearly 300 years; and during this same period, we were systemically stripped of nearly every aspect of our culture, history, language and knowledge of self. Our ancestors suffered from the worst human conditions only to have the leaders of this current generation suffering from a severe case of amnesia forgetting about all of the horrible things that have happened to the Black man in America. Who will speak for our ancestors because they can’t speak anymore? What would our great leaders of the past do today? What would the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm Shabazz, Marcus Garvey and many others being doing today? Would they be silent (WE HAVE BEEN PROGRAMMED TO THINK THIS ISN’T IMPORTANT)? Our conditions demand that you get out of your comfort zone and make your voice heard. We must end our self-imposed boy-
cott and join the fight. We can’t/won’t EVER be able to remove the distrust we harbor until we internally fight against the “Catch 22” and get ourselves to the table. Too many of us are sitting on the fence waiting to see what happens. In my humble opinion, there are three things that we must recognize if we are to have a shot at changing our conditions: 1) it’s going to take a significant high level of unity amongst Black people especially our leaders; 2) our progress will only come when we organize our resources, capacities, and people; and 3) we will have to earn the success that we envision. No one will give us what we need and what we deserve. We MUST DO THE WORK - PROGRESS THRU ORGANIZATION What the Black community needs more than anything is UNITY. Not the unity that is some superficial description where all Black people are all doing the same thing at the same time that’s unrealistic. The unity that I’m referencing is a functional unity - a functional unity where representatives (leadership) from all segments of the community are working together around a common and collective agenda. A. Phillip Randolph stated: “At the banquet table of nature, there are no reserved seats. You get what you can take and you keep what you can hold. If you can’t take anything, you won’t get anything, and if you can’t hold anything, you won’t keep anything. And you can’t take anything without organization.” Restated, “Nobody is going to give us anything, we must take it; we must organize ourselves.” IT IS TIME TO UNITE AND IT IS TIME TO PUSH HARD.
How ‘broken window’ policing continues to shatter Black lives
(continued from page 3) easy, and years ago may have been viewed as race-baiting, but now recent facts that proven that not only is this a very probable and prejudicial attack, but it’s also not limited to New York. In March of this year, the Department of Justice released a report that explicitly stated that the police force in Ferguson, Missouri deliberately targeted and ticketed black residents to maximize revenue for the city. The DOJ report not only states that black Americans are disproportionately targeted and 68% less likely to have their cases thrown out in court. Blacks are 50% more likely to have their citation lead to an arrest warrant and accounted for 92% of cases in which an arrest warrant was issued. Even more disgusting and troubling is that when violence occurred against African-Americans, 90% of the time they were against black folks. When looking at those numbers and understanding the nation-wide issue the United States has with race and policing, you would have to be naive as hell to believe that those inequalities exist simply in Ferguson. Although half of the summons in New York City are thrown out, there is irreparable harm being done to black New Yorkers who are targeted and criminalized by programs like stop and frisk which fall under the rubric of broken windows policing. If what is being alleged is true, African-Americans are being extorted as a means of financial revenue to the city while also helping officers and precincts accomplish their CompStat targets. It’s the sort of over policing of minor crimes leads to black men being imprisoned for petty crimes such as selling loose cigarettes on the street, which results in overzealous officers placing black men in illegal choke holds while they audibly gasp, “I can’t breathe…” before they’re suffocated by the very same men who were tasked with protecting them. There is no broken window so important that it’s worth eroding the trust people of color have in their own police force. Lincoln Anthony Blades blogs daily on his site ThisIsYourConscience.com. He’s an author of the book “You’re Not A Victim, You’re A Volunteer.” He can be reached via Twitter@lincolnablades and on Facebook at Lincoln Anthony Blades.
“Mister Speaker, I am proud that the Milwaukee Community Journal hails from the 4th Congressional District. It has consistentlyinformed, 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 July 15, 2015 Page 9
Read the newspaper with its finger on the pulse of YOUR community in print or online! YOUR Milwaukee Community Journal!
The Milwaukee Community Journal July 15, 2015 Page 10