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PERSPECTIVES: The continuing (and tragic)sagaof the King family Feud(Page 3) www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
VOL. XXXVIII Number 29 February 12, 2014
The Milwaukee
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W I S C O N S I N ’ S L A R G E S T A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N N E W S PA P E R
Celebrating Milwaukee Dynamic Couples
Married Duos Who Make Our Community Better
In honor of Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2014, your Community Journal has compiled a brief list of dynamic couples who work diligently in ways public and private to make our community a better place to live. We know there are more happily married couples who make an impact on people’s lives everyday. We hope to add to this list for Valetine’s Day next year with your suggestions. Here are our picks for the most romantic day of the year.
Milwaukee County Supervisor Russell Stamper II announces his candidacy for the 15th aldermanic seat vacated by Willie Hines. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Milwaukee County Supervisor to run for aldermanic seat vacated by Willie Hines
By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr.
In front of the home he owns in the Sherman Park Neighborhood where he grew up that rests in the 15th aldermanic district once represented by former Alderman and Common Council President Willie Hines, Milwaukee County Supervisor Russell Stamper II declared his candidacy for Hines’ now open seat on the Council. Stamper is one of four individuals who announced in the past week their intention to run for the seat formerly held by Hines, who stepped down almost two week’s ago to accept a position as associate director with the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee. “I believe in Milwaukee and the 15th district,” said Stamper. “I see a vibrant, healthy community. I love this city and I want to see it prosper.” Stamper also noted the multiple community based organizations, businesses and neighborhood groups within the district, which is bounded by Eighth to 51st Streets east and west; and Locust to Vliet Streets North and South. He said the presence of these entities in the district is proof of the commitment to make the district a better place to live, work and raise a family. With supporters and his father, Judge Russell Stamper, Sr. standing behind him waving placards bearing his name, Stamper outlined his vision for the district, which includes clean, safe streets, economic opportunity, and quality schools for children.
It’s a vision that reflects Stamper’s platform, which was formulated based on what resident’s of the district have told him they want to see. Stamper noted the crisis of foreclosed and abandoned housing, adding the city has 344 foreclosed homes. He added resources should come immediately to the district and the rest of the community to renovate the homes and rebuild neighborhoods. The aldermanic candidate also touched on economic development such as restaurants and movie theatre in the 15th district that will create jobs and greater opportunity for business creation. Stamper also stressed the need for better police and community relations, adding he is a strong advocate for police accountability and holding them to a hire standard. Thanking Hines for his service, leadership and mentorship, Stamper offered his County Supervisor office to those in the 15th aldermanic district needing help with issues pertaining to city services. The three other candidates joining Stamper in the race to replace Hines are: Former Milwaukee County Supervisor Eyon Biddle, Sr., Deshea Agee, an economic development specialist with the Department of City Development; and Patricia Ruiz. On Tuesday, the new President of the Common Council, Michael J. Murphy, ordered a special election to be held on April 29, 2014 to fill (continued on page 2)
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “Do you think our
younger generation understands the true meaning of Black History Month?”
FARIN BARRY: “No, because they didn’t live in the struggle. It was before their time. Just to be able to walk the streets was a privilage (back in the day). They don’t have the fight for anything. Our life is so free!”
DEONTA’ GRIFFIN: “I am indubitably sure my generation has failed to know the true meaning of Black History. It has been watered down through the years. It is not just about Dr. M.L. King or Rosa Parks. It’s about all those who came before them.”
LATANYA STATEN: “I feel that our younger generation takes Black History Month as a joke. They know the famous figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, but they never went through the struggle. They take their freedom for granted. You can tell by the way they speak, their mindset, goals and even their clothing. It speaks ignorant Black souls instead of proud Black souls.”
JERMAINE RIDEOUT: “I don’t think our Black youth understands our history and the struggle our ancestors went through just to have freedom. So many of our youth think: ‘The past is the past and I’m living for right now.’ If they would catch hold of how important the past really is, their (now) present and future would be so much brighter.”
MEET OUR LIFESTYLE MENTOR...
Latrice Marie before
Latrice Marie after
Mission Makeover winner 2013, Latrice Marie will continue to bring us fitness tips in 2014. Follow her in the MCJ. Would you like to learn how she did it, read her tips in the MCJ throughout this year. Would you like to meet her? Call the MCJ office and let us know. We will arrange a "Yes You Can" seminar where she will share her success strategies. Latrice Marie continues to exercise, daily, to maintain muscle strength, body contouring, agility and to ensure a long, healthy life for herself, her husband and daughter. Call: 414-265-5300 and state I will attend a seminar by Latrice Marie. We will set up a community Q and A. If you have successes you would like to share, call us, send us your photos, you will be featured in the MCJ Mission Makeover series and you might be a $ 500 winner with makeover updates from the Boston Store. Winners will walk the Mission Makeover runway at the MCJ Anniversary. Join us and meet Latrice Marie, too.
Larry & Sharon Adams Co-Directors, Walnut Way
Tony & Zakiya Courtney Asur Asset Society
Brandon & Ashley Hines Youth Ministry Leaders Destiny Youth Ministry
Kwabena (Antoine Nixon) & Ms. Jazzi (Tina Nixon) Spoken Word Artist/Poetry Unplugged
Victor & Dawn Barnett Co-Directors of Running Rebels
Saleem & Olivia El-Amin Co-Directors of New Horizon Center
Thomas & Clarene Mitchell Host of Annual Black Marriage Day Event, Brentwood Church of Christ
Eric Von & Faith Colas Brain Brawn & Body
“It is the wife who knows her husband!”
Are You On-Board with Online Dating? Laurie and Bradley Thurman Co-owners of Coffee Makes U Black Cafe’
L
--Ashanti Proverb
By Kathy Gaillard
ove is in the air and as couples celebrate Valentine’s Day, more and more individuals are not waiting for Cupid to shoot an arrow, but are taking matters into their hands by looking for love on the internet. According to Pew Research Center, one in ten Americans has used an online dating site or mobile dating app.
Of that number, 66% have gone on a date with someone they met through a dating site or app, and 23% have met a spouse or long-term partner through online dating sites. In addition, public attitudes and acceptance of online dating have also become more positive in recent years. Today, people 55 and older are visiting dating sites more than any other age group — up (continued on page 5)
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 12, 2014 Page 2
P OLITICS & G OVERNMENT C i t y • C o u n t y • S t a t e • N a t i o n a l
Alderman helps residents get flu shots, enroll in health care coverage
Murphy to Lead Milwaukee Common Council
By Erin Toner, courtesy of WUWM
Members of the Milwaukee Common Council on Tuesday elected Ald. Michael Murphy as their new president. Murphy succeeds Willie Hines, who resigned last week to become associate director of the city Housing Authority. Murphy represents the 10th aldermanic district on Milwaukee’s
far west side. He’s the longest serving member of the council, now in his seventh term. After his election Tuesday, Murphy thanked his colleagues and family and praised Milwaukee. "However, like any great city, we have challenges that poverty brings. In spite of these challenges, I know working together
Gwen Moore Votes to Avoid Republican Default
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI4) recently voted in support of a clean debt ceiling increase to avoid default on our financial obligations. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 221-201. “Carried by Democratic votes, I am so pleased that a majority of my colleagues voted to maintain the full faith and credit of the United States and support American consumers and businesses. In doing so, disabled veterans’ pensions as well as the tax refunds, retirement savings, Social Security checks, mort-
we can make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens. “I will do all I can to make sure the confidence you have entrusted in me is not ill-placed," Murphy says. The president presides over council meetings and appoints members to committees. Murphy also will serve as acting mayor when the mayor is out of town.
gages, Medicare physician payments and student loans of millions are no longer subject to the damage a default would cause. This vote was contentious partially due to right-wing rhetoric that raising the debt ceiling would increase our national deficit. In reality, raising the debt ceiling allows the Department of the Treasury to pay the bills Congress has already approved. I am thankful that common sense has prevailed this evening. “For too long, House Republicans have caused uncertainty and obstructionism as we operated from one manufactured crisis to the next. Today the House decided to choose a new direction. I urge more of my colleagues across the aisle to join Democrats in moving our nation forward.”
Ald. Willie Wade (standing center in hat) and Tony Jones (standing next to Wade) of Molina Healthcare watch as Bill Rice of the Milwaukee Health Department administers a flu shot to Isaias Ortiz at a free event hosted by the alderman, the health department and Molina. It was held in the assembly room of the Department of Public Works Field Office, 3835 N. 35th St. Not only did residents like Ortiz receive flu shots, they also learned about their health care options and signed up for the health care marketplace. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Milwaukee County Board passes Rainey’s resolution to create minority impact statements for County contracts and grants of $300,000 or more Ordinance Would Ensure That At-Risk Minority Populations Are Considered in County Projects
The Milwaukee County Board unanimously passed an ordinance on Thursday that will require “Minority Impact Statements” for all County projects and contracts of $300,000 or more. The measure, sponsored by Supervisor Khalif Rainey, is designed to ensure that minority populations and businesses are considered when contracts are issued by the County. This makes Milwaukee County the first local municipality to adopt such an ordinance. “This ordinance gives Supervisors Sup. Khalif Rainey one more tool to assess whether the policies we propose give a fair shake to every resident of Milwaukee County,” Rainey said. “With the passage of this ordinance, Milwaukee County lawmakers have moved one step closer to eliminating one source of racial inequality: short sighted public policy. “County Supervisors will now be equipped with a tool that will help them fully consider the ramifications of the actions they propose and gauge whether these laws will achieve the long-term outcomes we all desire for our families, neighbors, and friends.” Rainey said the measure allows Supervisors to have data-driven conversations about proposed financial actions and how it will affect minority populations in Milwaukee County. Minority Impact Statements serve as an important reminder that there are real people being impacted by Milwaukee County's fiscal decisions, he added. Rainey compared Minority Impact Statements with Environmental Impact Studies , which have long been required on federal and state infrastructure project. Minority Impact Statements are already used in Iowa, Oregon and Connecticut. The Minority Impact Statement would explain quantitatively and qualitatively the positive or negative impact that legislation, grants or contracts will have on: women; the elderly; the disabled; African Americans; Hispanics and Latinos; Asian and Pacific Islanders; and Native Americans and Alaskan natives. “This is an important step towards eliminating the unintended negative impacts on minority communities of proposed policies,” Rainey said. With the passage of this law, Milwaukee County lawmakers have moved one step closer to eliminating one source of racial inequality: short sighted public policy.”
Stamper II to run for 15th district seat
Ald. Michael Murphy: Has ordered a special election to be held on April 29, 2014 to fill the vacancy in the Fifteenth Aldermanic District of the City of Milwaukee to replace President Willie Hines.
(continued from page 1) the vacancy in the Fifteenth Aldermanic District. With four candidates having announced their intentions to run for the seat, a primary will be held on April 1, 2014 (coinciding with the regularly scheduled Spring Election date). Circulation of nomination papers for candidates began Tuesday of this week. Nomination papers must be filed no later than 5 p.m. March 4, 2014, in the office of the Election Commission, located at City Hall, 200 East Wells, Room 501, Milwaukee.
PERSPECTIVES
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 12, 2014 Page 3
Dr. King ‘Turning in his Grave’ Over Family Greed
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“If the house is to be set in order, one cannot begin with the present; he must begin with the past.” --John Hope Franklin
GUEST COMMENTARY
put a memorial on the Mall of him The children of Dr. Martin Luther next to the other icons of this counKing, Jr. sue each other – as well as try?’ (Martin confirmed that Johnloyal family friends – so often that By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist son made that request of him, but he you need a program to keep up with never asked Toobin to reply.) the court action. “This is the killer part: If he’s a private person, then the King estate and Bernice and Martin Luther King, III sued Dexter because he failed to open the books of their father’s estate. Dexter, hoping to sign a $1.4 million family can say, ‘If you take a picture of the Memorial and you sell it as a postcard, you owe them a licensing fee. I don’t know if a member of the book contract, sued Bernice, who administers their mother’s estate, for not Congressional Black Caucus would be willing to pick that up as an issue, sharing their parents’ love letters. Now, for some inexplicable reason, Martin III has teamed up with Dexter but I am certain a White Republican would say, ‘Get the hell out of here.’” Warming to his subject, Johnson said, “Who makes a profit off the Linto sue Bernice to compel her to turn over their father’s Bible – the one Prescoln Memorial? Who makes a profit off the Jefferson Memorial?…The ident Obama used at his second swearing-in – and his 1964 Nobel Peace King family – or any entrepreneur – should not benefit from saying I want Prize medal because they have an interested buyer. But Bernice refuses to to sell some postcards of the Memorial that’s on federal property. surrender the items, saying some things are sacred and should not be for “My whole point is that’s crazy. Why are y’all jacking with me, knowing sale. I know all this information? All I wanted to do was raise money to build a The person who was perhaps least surprised by the latest family shenanimemorial for your daddy… Let them go out there and take some pictures of gans is Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president of what was once called the Martin Dexter’s house in Malibu, with him living in a large mansion. Y’all trying Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation. to raise $170 million for the KingCenter.” In a series of tape-recorded interviews with me, beginning April 21, He noted the King estate had engaged Sotheby’s, the auction house, in 2011, Johnson, who raised more than $100 million to erect the Memorial, 2006 to sell Dr. King’s personal papers. recounted his disappointing experience with the King family. “They were putting the papers on the auction block,” Johnson recounted. His first disappointment came when the family-controlled entity responsible for preserving Dr. King’s image charged the foundation a licensing fee “Shirley Franklin [the former mayor of Atlanta] said, ‘We can’t have that’ of $2.8 million. But even that wasn’t enough and the King family refused to and paid the King estate $32 million. Now, the King estate is coming back and saying, ‘Oh, we need $170 million for the KingCenter. I can even unextend the licensing agreement. Consequently the name of the foundation derstand that. But what did you do with the $32 million? Is this going to be was changed last year to The Memorial Foundation. every time y’all need some money, you’re going to put your hands out to “When we originally had an agreement with them, it was a licensing hold someone hostage? They are already charging people for the ‘I Have a agreement to use the name and images of Dr. King [in fundraising material],” Johnson stated. “They said the licensing agreement has expired. Dream’ speech.” Fine. I’m saying, ‘Give me another licensing agreement.’ They’re saying, In a statement, Bernice King said, “While I love my brothers dearly, this ‘No we don’t want you to use the name.’ It really boils down to this: They latest decision by them is extremely troubling. Not only am I appalled and want me out of the way because they are saying they need to raise $170 utterly ashamed, I am frankly disappointed that they would even entertain million for the KingCenter and I’m in the way. Philanthropy in this country the thought of selling these precious items.” is a $320 billion a year industry. How am I in the way to raise whatever Bernice was correct when she said, “Our father MUST be turning in his they need to raise?” grave.” George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief Johnson questions whether Dr. King is a private figure anymore. of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a “They keep throwing out the fact that Dr. King was a private citizen – keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his that’s why his image is protected. And I told Roland [Martin] to ask Jeffrey Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/curToobin, the lawyer on CNN: ‘At what point does one stop becoming a prirygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook. vate citizen? Is that when we named a holiday after him? Or is it when we
Letter 2: The Beautiful and The Ugly
By Joseph Heru Cook
Little Cory, when I first started writing you, I didn’t know where to start and when to end. There’s not a lot to be written to a six-year-old, so I decided to write you a few sentences in big bold words that covered half of the whole page. I kept it simple beginning with how I hope you were remaining a good son, brother, and student, then ending it with how much I missed and loved you. Simple! Our talks have been simple. The only thing you ask of me is to send you bead work and cards, which is the least that I can do. I find joy in providing you with gifts; you find happiness in receiving the gifts. We bring each other joy and happiness; allowing us to be gifts to each other. Cory something you don’t know about me is that I meditate in the early mornings. Sometimes I meditate on Proverbs by King Solomon, a passage by Confucius, or words of warmth and wisdom by Susan Taylor. It helps. For that moment I’m focusing all of my energy into understanding life and me more so that I can become a better person. Some days I don’t heed the advice that I started the day off with and make mistakes that could have been avoided, that’s a part of life though. Certain things we read may be good for us but we have to grow into it. Other times, we are there mentally but don’t have the emotional discipline and the will power to follow through. Be that as it may, I either heard or read somewhere that it’s good to meditate on people that bring us joy. You, your big brother, and sister, came to my mind. So I tried it! Usually I begin my morning with stretching, reading, then meditating on what I read. Now instead of reading words from a wise grown up, my angel Shanyah, my prince Trevon, and you Cory my soldier become my focus point. I use this energy as my early morning center with the hope that it will become my compass for the continuation of the day. During my meditation I never think about the questions you’ve asked me: “Joe why are you in prison and when are you coming home?” I replied, “in 14 more years.” Then you asked, “how old will you be?” I responded, “42.” “Well how old are you now?” I reply, “I’m 28.” “How come you haven’t asked them to let you come home?” “I have, they won’t let me.” During this phone call you didn’t ask me about my case, or about my past; the ugly side which you don’t attach to my image, a side of me and a side of life that’s too evil and too serious for you to understand. But nothing in the dark is safe so on another phone call you pry open a closed door a little
Joseph Heru Cook
more. “Joe where you at?” and I reply, “at the same place I was before.” “You at home Joe?” “No Cory.” “You at home Joe, you at my momma’s house?” I’m wondering what you are talking about and I am becoming angry and embarrassed due to my situation. However, you’re so excited. “Joe, you at my momma’s house? I see my momma’s number on my caller I.D.!” Shamela speaks up. “We called you on threeway.” “Three Way! Mama you know how to do threeway?,” you asked, then screamed to your father, “Daddy mama know how to do three-way!” Your mother and I giggle. She checks on your safety, and we click you off the line. Later on I tell myself, “Cory may not understand prison, but he understands I should be at home, he understands this isn’t normal and should be questioned. As long as he understands that, for right now he understands enough.” But your curiosity isn’t satisfied. You have to make sense out of my strange predicament, and on a different occasion your mother hands you the phone and out of no where you ask: “Joe why are you in prison?” “Damn he won’t let it go,” I think to myself. I’m instantly hurt, not because you asked, but because of what I did. When you asked me this question, feelings of not being a wholesome part of your life and in our family sweeps through me. “Cory you are too young to understand. How old are you?” “Six” “I’ll tell you when you are older. Is that cool?” “That’s cool.”
I’m glad your mother left me with the responsibility of telling you. Cory, this was the hardest question anybody asked me in a while. I don’t know why, but that side of me I expected to keep silent on. I didn’t want your image of me to change. I wasn’t ready to tell you then, and I won’t tell you now, but listening to your Mother’s Day response gave me assurance that when the time comes you will be ready. Our Mother’s Day moment brings a smile to my face just thinking about it. It started off that morning after I asked your mother what did the kids give you for Mother’s Day and she said, “It’s a regular day. They gave me hugs and kisses.” Knowing everything your mother’s been through; how hard she is working and her vision for a better future for you all, I was angry that more wasn’t given to her on this day; that she wasn’t honored on this day, and from her response, I don’t think she felt like she even deserved anything. She’s just doing what she has to do; nothing special is how she thinks. But motherhood is special. It’s beautiful. So after talking to her I called Trevon and asked him, how come he didn’t give his mother anything for Mother’s Day? He tells me he spent up all his birthday money. I let him know that everything isn’t about money. What Shamela wants is respect, to feel appreciated and acknowledged for her hard work. I tell him he could have written her a poem. My mother suggested he could have cleaned up around the house. I told him we are doing something for you alls mother. I explained to Trevon, “We are going to do a spoken word exercise for Shamela. We will begin with, “Mama I love you because… and fill in the rest.” I gave him an example, told him to explain it to you all and he did. You guys put on speaker phone and we began: “Shamela, since we didn’t give you anything for Mother’s Day we offer you words from our hearts.” I started; “Shamela, I love you for never giving up on yourself or us; for being strong, beautiful, and independent.” Trevon goes and paraphrases my words, Shanyah goes and I can’t fully hear her low soft girlish voice. You and your spunk shine through, “I love you mama because sometimes your hair is beautiful and sometimes your hair is ugly.” Everybody erupts with laughter. Later on in my solitude, I think to myself: “Cory knows something about life. He knows how to love because of the ugly and the beautiful parts in us which makes us human.” I said to myself, “when the time comes you will understand Cory.” You will understand and love me because of my beautiful and ugly sides.”
President Barack Obama
Wisconsin should heed the president’s call for “opportunity for all” Article courtesy of Urban Marketing News
The lights and cameras added to the spectacle of President Obama’s State of the Union address, but his message to the nation that night was simple: “Opportunity for all”. For years since the recession, working class people have struggled to keep their heads above water and feet like they can’t get ahead no matter how many jobs they have or extra hours they work. However as the economy starts to recover its time to think about what can be done to restore the belief that if you work hard and play by the rules you can get ahead. The President made it clear that raising wages was key to the recovery and urged every state and city not to wait for Congress, but to do what was in their power to give America a raise. Leading by example, he announced he’d issue an executive order requiring federal contractors to pay their federallyfunded employees a fair wage of at least $10.10 an hour. In Wisconsin, we can start by giving a raise to the hundreds of thousands of people working minimum wage jobs. Right now, for workers making $7.25, taking care of a family is a lot harder than it has to be. A raise to $10.10 will create a wealth of opportunities for an estimated 230,000 workers across the state. That increase will mean an additional $5,900 per worker annually real money that can give struggling households a chance to get back on track. Ideas for raising wages in our state are gaining real momentum. This week, Democratic candidate for Governor Mary Burke announced her support for increasing Wisconsin's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour after talking to small business owners on the campaign trail. Burke supports modest, gradual increases in three stages over the next two years in order to strengthen the middle class. We can make sure that every Wisconsinite has an equal opportunity to succeed. The state’s projected budget surplus should be used to invest in strong public schools, create quality job-training programs, and make sure that higher education is an accessible and affordable path to the middle class. Last year, governors all over the country - including Wisconsin- looked to score political points by rejecting billions in federal Medicaid dollars. It's not too late for us to put health before politics. Our legislature can still reverse the decision and accept federal funding that would insure 85,000 of the neediest Wisconsinites - giving them access to crucial health services at a much lower cost to the state. President Obama said that 2014 can be a breakthrough year for America, but we have to put real people above ideology. We have to think about creating opportunities for all - not just for some. In the last three years, our state has seen leaders cater mainly to the individuals and corporations who make large campaign donations. At the same time, we’ve seen neighboring states like Minnesota grow their economy by asking the rich to pay their fair share and investing in the middle-class. Its time for us to follow suit and create opportunity for all Wisconsinites. People struggling day to day can’t afford for our state to fall farther behind on jobs, fair wages, health care, or education.
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
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MCJ STAFF: Classified Advertising Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. Publisher, CEO Joan Hollingsworth, Sales Rep. Robert J. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Assoc. Publisher Taki S. Raton, Todd Thomas, Vice Pres. Rev. Roxanne Cardenas, Mikel Holt, Assoc. Publisher Troy A. Sparks, Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Editor Sports Editor Kia Marie Green, Mang. Editor PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp Teretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Billing Dept./ Publisher’s Admin. Assist. Colleen Newsom, 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.
RELIGION The Milwaukee Community Journal February 12, 2014 Page 4
Methodist Bishop Joins Catholic Bishop and Baptist to Defend Marriage
By Mark Tooley--Article courtes of The Institue on Religion and Democracy Blog
societal leaders to uphold basic truths about our humanity. The reality of marriage as ‘the union of one man and United Methodist bishops have been either almost uni- one woman’ is just such a basic truth. The majority of versally silent or actively opposing the official United Oklahomans recognize this. That Judge Kern chooses to Methodist stance affirming laws in civil society defining ignore it is deeply disappointing.” Meanwhile, representatives of liberal declining demarriage as the union of one man and one woman. But nominations hailed the ruling against in reaction to a liberal federal judge’s Oklahoma’s marriage law. “I think attempt to overthrow Oklahoma’s it’s cause for celebration,” a Chrismarriage law, Oklahoma United tian Church (Disciples of Christ) Methodist Bishop Robert Hayes clergy told the newspaper. “I’m glad joined Catholic and Baptist leaders to see that long-term relationships in decrying the ruling. be recognized, whether they’re will “As a leader in the religious comgay or straight.” munity, I’m obligated — I’m manAn Episcopal cathedral dean dated — to uphold what the gushed: Scriptures say,” Hayes told The “I’m excited about the ruling beOklahoman. cause I think it is a win for equal “The Church finds itself in a prerights. It won’t destroy the integrity carious position. We are taught of marriage. I think it will actually Scriptures that God created a man for build on it — the importance of reca woman and we are bound to upognizing relationships.” hold and to share what the Scripture It’s refreshing that a United Oklahoma United says to us,” Hayes said. Methodist bishop sided with ortho“Society is ever-changing, ever- Methodist Bishop churches in defending a univerdox evolving but there are basic laws by sal Christian teaching instead of the Robert Hayes God that do not change — they do more typical alliance with dying libnot change with the wind.” eral Protestantism. Bishop Hayes was echoed by the Rev. Anthony JorUnited Methodism, 40 percent of whose 12.5 million dan, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General members now live in Africa, increasingly in the future Convention of Oklahoma, who said in a statement: will face the ongoing choice of siding with the global, “The ruling by Judge Kern, which is stayed and has historic church or with the old, declining ecumenical no immediate effect and will be appealed, flies in the American partners. face of the biblical and historical meaning of marriage, Robert Hayes distinguished himself at the 2000 United the wisdom of the ages and the resounding democratic Methodist General Conference as chairman of the Faith choice of the people of this great state.” and Order Committee, robustly and successfully defendAnd agreeing with the Methodist and Baptist leaders ing the church’s traditional marriage teachings. He was was Catholic Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma elected bishop that year and remains faithful to his conCity, who said: victions and, even more importantly, to the church’s con“This ruling is cause for great concern. It thwarts the victions. common good, which depends upon the willingness of
Relationship conference set for Feb. 14 at Comfort Inn and Suites
The 10th annual “Without Distraction” relationship conference will be held at the Comfort Inn and Suites February 14, 15, 16. Comfort Inn and Suites is located at 916 E. State St., downtown. The conference is free and will focus on topics for both married couples and single individuals. There will be a Friday evening meet and greet/session starting at 6:30 p.m. The morning session will be at 11 a.m. Both evening and morning sessions are free. On Saturday evening, there will be a Valentine dinner starting at 7 p.m. En-
tertainment for the dinner will be provided by a live band and clean/wholesome comedians.The advance purchase cost for this event is $35. Tickets can be purchased online or call for ticket locations. The next morning, a Sunday service will be held at 1 p.m. The special guest speaker will be Dr. Dee Wright, who will speak on relationships. There will also be a recommitment ceremony for couples. Vendors are welcome. For more information go to:withoutdistractionrelationship.com. Or call 708-745-4393/414-520-1567.
Brentwood COC to hold 4th annual Black Marriage Day Event March 22
Brentwood Church of Christ will hold their 4th Annual Black Marriage Day Event on Saturday March 22, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the church, 6425 N. 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI. The theme of the event will be Marriage: Building A Strong Foundation. The event will include entertainment by Andre' Lee Ellis, Actor & Artistic Director of Andre Lee Ellis & Company. Evangelist David Kimmons, Sr., assistant minister at Brentwood Church of Christ, will provide an inspirational message. A dessert social will be held following
the program. Black Marriage Day is a national observance on the 4th Sunday of March each year that celebrates marriage in the Black community. This event is open to everyone who believes in and supports the value of marriage in the Black community, this includes singles and individuals from all cultures. Tickets are $15 for individuals and $20 for couples, tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event. Please contact Thomas & Clarene Mitchell at 414-736-1546 for more information and tickets.
The Scholarship Ministry of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church will host its first fundraising event, an “Exercise Extravaganza,” Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Tabernacle Community Baptist is located at 2500 W. Medford Ave. During the extravaganza, three exercise sessions will be offered. At 9 a.m., there will be a Gospel Aerobics session; at 10 a.m., Step Aerobics; and at 11 a.m. a Zumba session. The price for each session is $10. The cost of the sessions also includes a free blood pressure screening, free bottled
water and a free healthy snack. Participants can pay at the door. The Scholarship Ministry’s mission is to provide supplemental funding and college preparedness to the students of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church. The ministry partners with other college readiness programs that facilitate college prep sessions and provides parent education, thus giving the opportunity for the church to provide monetary gift certificates for qualified youth recipients at Tabernacle.
Tabernacle Community Baptist Church to host “Exercise Extravaganza” to support its scholarship ministry
ONLINE DATING TIPS
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire In a study conducted by Opinion Matters, more than half of U.S. online daters admitted to lying on their profiles. Most tend to lie about their height, date of birth and age. One online dating expert advised that online users should expect their dates to be a little taller or shorter than stated in heir profile. On the plus side, people who lie online tend be people-pleasers and very self-aware.
Be Prepared to Give Up a Lot of Information Some sites, such as eHarmony asks users up to 147 questions and, to that end, signing up can be time consuming and a put off. OkCupid asks up to 4,000 questions at any given time, offering up an array of topics, from sexual questions to philosophy. The good news is, for the most part, tonline sites do not sell this data to third parties; instead, they use the information they collect to improve matches, and to attract more users.
Say “Cheese” Among the most common online dating faux pas is using a photo of your younger self. And, of course, there is always the possibility that some singles don’t even use their own photographs. Here are a few tips for selecting a photo graph for online dating sites: In general, men like it when women look into the camera, as the man wants to believe that the woman is focused on him. Men who stare into the lens should be careful not to appear intimidating or mean.
Beware of Scams The internet is lurking with con artists, so always be wary of scams. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2011, consumers lost $50 million to romance scams, with the average person getting taken for nearly $9,000. All the reputable sites offer similar advice to members: Never wire money, do not give out your home address and always meet in public places. Since 2009, the major online dating sites like Match.com and eHarmony screen applicants for sex offenders. As a rule of thumb, when you meet someone online, approach him or her in the same manner that you would a stranger that you just meet.
INFORMATION, EDUCATION, INSPIRATION!
Are You On-Board with Online Dating?
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(continued from page 1) 39 percent in the last three years—according to the Internet tracking firm Experian Hitwise. Singles 45 to 54 represent the second highest group that is accessing online dating sites. According to the United States Census Bureau, one of the reasons for this trend is that about 37 percent of people 50 and older are unmarried and the divorce rate among the 50-plus demographic is high. With so many individuals in the 50-plus category unattached, living independently into their later years, and becoming increasingly comfortable using the internet, this demographic is now more open to looking for love online. Long-time Milwaukee native Nettie Perry, a 50-plus, recently divorced entrepreneur fits that profile. While she has not yet tried online dating, she is considering it as an option. “I’ve always received emails from various online dating sites, but I never really considered it an option for me until recently. “I think I became more receptive to the notion of online dating when I received an email from a Christian online dating site. “I must admit that I was intrigued by this because I have always said that if I ever remarry, I want to marry someone that is really spiritually connected and has a personal relationship with God. I am considering giving this Christian online dating site a try,” said Perry. Whites are slightly more likely to use dating sites than other ethnicities — 11 percent compared with 7 percent for blacks and 5 percent of Hispanics, according to the Pew Research survey. People without a high school diploma were the least likely to use the internet to find a date, while those who have completed “some college” were the most likely. While some people are still reluctant to admit that they have tried online dating sites, fortytwo percent of Americans say they know someone who has—up from 31% in 2005. Some individuals continue to have a stigma about online dating for a number of reasons. Some still regard online dating as a sign of desperation; some simply mistrust people who use online dating sites, while others think that online daters are socially inept or losers. That said, many people are opting for online dating services for a myriad of reasons, including using it as a way to ‘vet’ potential suitors or get matched with individuals that share common interests in a more expedient and noncommittal manner. Online dating is not all red roses, strawberries and champagne. According to the Pew Research study, more than half of online daters say they believe someone else
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“seriously misrepresented themselves” in an online dating profile. More than a quarter have felt uncomfortable or harassed by someone who contacted them. And, while online dating may get a bad rap for these and other reasons, it may also not be practical for people who are really busy. Responding to “flirts” and “winks” can take a lot of time if online daters are serious about finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. Another Milwaukee mover and shaker, Sherry Hill, who is a proud member of the 50-plus club, said that online dating is not something she would ever consider. “I know people who have tried online dating and have been successful at it. In fact, I know a couple that met online and they have been married for almost 20 years, but it is not something I choose to do. “Men can tell you anything as they hide behind the internet and I guess I am just not that trusting. “I applaud those people who have good experiences with online dating, but it’s just not something I’m comfortable doing,” said Hill. Without a doubt, online dating has become a major match matcher. A 2010 survey conducted by research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey, states that of more than 12,000 people polled in a study, one in six couples walked down the aisle after meeting online. If online dating is something that you would like to try, here is a link (http://www.moneycrashers.com/best-online-dating-sites-free-vs-paid/ ) that takes you to a site that compares the various online dating sites, rates them and provides a cost comparison for users.
MCJ
YOUTH&EDUCATION “P
The Milwaukee Community Journal February 12, 2014 Page 6
ink Out” days and basketball games at Milwaukee Public Schools’ Rufus King International School – High School Campus are raising awareness and funds to battle breast cancer.
On the “Pink Out” days, students wear pink to show their support. That includes basketball players, who sport tie-dye pink jerseys and pink socks. Rufus King students have already raised close to $3,000 for the cause over the past three years. The 4th-annual effort has already raised $1,000 from tshirt sales, according to twin sister seniors Alexandra and Samantha Adams, who are leading the cause this year. The battle against cancer is a personal one for the sisters. Their father survived a bout with brain cancer. Their aunt fought breast cancer – and survived – twice.“It was really only when I sat down and thought about how much this illness has affected my family on both sides did I realize this is an important cause and we need to support it as much as we can,” Alexandra Adams said. She and her sister Samantha are taking on the project this year as part of the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma they are pursuing at Rufus King. Along with about a dozen student volunteers, the Adams sisters are raising money by selling T-shirts and creating posters honoring those who have battled any cancer. Donations are also being collected at the games, with all funds going to the United Way aimed at supporting those impacted by breast cancer. Rufus King’s “Pink Out” started in response to a former staff member’s fight with breast cancer, in addition to the many students and staff in the school who have had loved ones impacted. Pink Out games are also a part of the schedule at other MPS schools, including Alexander Hamilton High School. MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton and Rufus King High School Principal Jennifer Smith applauded the students’ efforts. “It’s been unbelievable,” said Diane Hardy, a Rufus King High School teacher and the academic adviser for the basketball team. “I’m truly astounded. Year after year, the pink just spreads.” The second "Pink Out" game took place Tuesday, February 11, when the Rufus King boys took on Washington High School.
KALEIDOSCOPE Alexandra and Samantha Adams
Fourth-annual ‘Pink Out’ days, games at MPS’ Rufus King have already raised $1,000; Sisters lead effort to add to $3,000 multi-year total
African American art work featured at Milwaukee Art Museum
the MCJ lifestyle, art & entertainment section
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A Gee’s Bend Quilt
early six hundred objects of folk and self-taught art, from duck decoys and quilts to walking sticks and animal menageries, will be on view at the Milwaukee Art Museum in Uncommon Folk: Traditions in American Art. Now on view, the exhibition presents a whimsical installation of American paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, textiles, and decorative arts, drawn from its celebrated collection.
As a part of the exhibition nine quilts, including three by the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, will be on display, as well as works by nearly twenty African-American artists, including Josephus Farmer, Simon Sparrow, William Edmunson, Bill Traylor, Joseph Yoakum, William Hawkins, Mr. Imagination, Rita Mae Pettway, and Elijah Pierce. “The exhibition includes examples of the African-American art traditions from across the country,” said Margaret Andera, exhibition curator. “These are some of the finest examples of AfricanAmerican folk and self-taught art in the world.” The works have interesting stories behind them, as do the artists themselves. Growing up on a farm in Kentucky, William Hawkins learned to draw by copying pictures of horses in auction books.
At age 21, Hawkins moved to Columbus, Ohio and painted cityscapes and animals there, often using photos and illustrations for inspiration. Sometimes he included clippings directly into his work. His birth date, July 27, 1985, is a unique signifier on the majority of his paintings. He began painting in the 1930s, but he was able to make it a main focus in the late 1970s after his work was noticed. Another artist entered one of his paintings into the amateur art division at the Ohio State Fair. The judge was so impressed that he awarded the painting first place in the professional division – the jumpstart to Hawkins’ art career. Josephus Farmer, born and raised in Tennessee, worked many jobs throughout his life, but saw his main goal as spreading the word of God through his preaching and his artwork. As a young man, Farmer moved to St. Louis where he became involved in an evangelical church. He moved to Milwaukee in the 1940s. In Milwaukee, Farmer worked several jobs, including as a hotel porter. While working as a porter, he maintained a storefront church. His first pieces of art were signs and banners for his ministry. Many of his works are carved and then painted, with a sculptural dimension. After his retirement, Farmer spent his time carving Biblical figures and prominent faces from American history, including members of the Kennedy family.
Simon Sparrow was something of a wanderer. Born in West Africa, he grew up on a Cherokee reservation in North Carolina, worked in the army, lived in Philadelphia and New York, and eventually landed in Madison. Sparrow was a street preacher and saw himself as a vessel for the voice of God; he reflected this in his artwork. He often incorporated imagery of African spirituality as well as Christian, piecing his work together with found objects such as repurposed wood, charcoal, and pieces of costume jewelry and keychains. In 2012, Sparrow was posthumously awarded the Wisconsin Visual Art Lifetime Achievement Award. Sparrow’s work has been highlighted on the PBS program Antiques Roadshow, and displayed in museums across the country. “The unprecedented selection of American paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, furniture, and decorative arts featured in this exhibition offer unexpected beauty, power, whimsy, and wonder,” said Keegan. “These artists created work that was influenced by their communities and heritage, rather than by any established rules of artmaking.” Uncommon Folk: Traditions in American Art runs January 31 through May 4, 2014 at the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, Wis. More information is available at mam.org.
Borrowers, Students, Experts and Legislators Call for Action on Student Loan Debt Crisis
MADISON, WI — Following a packed hearing before the state Senate last week, a large crowd of student loan borrowers, experts and legislators provided testimony to the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee on Monday in support of Assembly Bill 498, the Higher Ed, Lower Debt Act. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross commented, “These hearings have given legislators a glimpse of the groundswell of support for action to help the hundreds of thousands of hard-working Wisconsinites who got an education and job training and took on the personal responsibility to pay for it. “The non-partisan LegislaThe system is broken, and failing to act will hurt borrowers and slow tive Fiscal Bureau estieconomic growth.” mates over 753,000 In his testimony before the committee Ross summarized the findings Wisconsinites are paying of original research by One Wisconsin Institute showing the detrimental off federal student loans impact on borrowers and the state with an unknown addieconomy of Wisconsin’s share of the $1.2 trillion in student loan debt held tional number of borrownationally. ers with private loans. The Among the findings, residents with a four-year undergraduate degree are Higher Ed, Lower Debt paying an average of $350 per month for an average of nearly 19 years. Act, which has 54 cosponThe fallout includes severely reduced sors, would offer a numrates of homeownership of borrowers versus non-borrowers and over $200 ber of common sense million in lost new car purchasing state solutions to help power. The non-partisan Legislative Fis- current borrowers and cal Bureau estimates over 753,000 help educate future borWisconsinites are paying off federal student loans with an unknown addi- rowers...” tional number of borrowers with private loans. The Higher Ed, Lower Debt Act, which has 54 cosponsors, would offer a number of common sense state solutions to help current borrowers and help educate future borrowers by: Creating a state authority to help borrowers refinance their student loans, just like you can a home mortgage; Allowing borrowers to deduct their student loan payments on their state income taxes, just like you can with home mortgage interest; Requiring borrowers be given detailed information before entering into loan agreements, offering counseling to students and parents on the implications of student loans and requiring the state to collect and disseminate information about private lenders and maintain a ranking system; and Tracking information about student loan debt in the state to help policy makers better understand the depth and breadth of the debt crisis in Wisconsin. In addition, organizations representing state businesses, teachers, dentists, social workers and organized labor have registered their official support for the Higher Ed, Lower Debt Act. Ross concluded, “The public has spoken out loud and clear and now it’s up to state legislators. Will they stand idly by and let higher education become a multi-decade debt sentence for their hard-working constituents? Or will they support common sense solutions to protect the idea that hard work and personal responsibility should earn you a fair shot at the middle class?”
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