COMMUNITY VOL. XXXIX Number 47 June 24, 2015
The Milwaukee
JOURNAL www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
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A WEEKEND OF GOOD DOINGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY! 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
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE’S
JUNETEENTH DAY BLACK&WHITE BALL FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015 ALONG MLK DRIVE
Photos by Yvonne Kemp; more photos on page two
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp Question of the Week:
“What does Juneteenth Day mean to you?”
RALPH AIKENS: “The first day of freedom and the day they freed the slaves; also a day of celebration.”
THERESA GARRISON: “It means knowledge of freedom, community, and fellowship; seeing people I haven’t seen since last Juneteenth.”
ARLETHA MOSS: “Juneteenth means freedom for Black people (who were slaves) for us today; it is a day for us to come together and celebrate as one.
TOMMIE BRATCHER: “Juneteenth means to me: The day Black people were freed; and a day we should come together as a race.”
More photos by Yvonne Kemp on page eight
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 2
PULSEPHOTOP MORE PHOTOS FROM JUNETEENTH DAY 2015
More photos of Juneteenth and the Black and White Ball on page eight
PERSPECTIVES GUEST COMMENTARY SIGNIFYIN’
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 3
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “THE BLUES IS EVER PRESENT, EVER CON-
STANT, ALWAYS THEE, WHETHER I LIKE IT OR NOT SO I’D BETTER
START LIKING IT--EVEN LOVING IT AND EMBRACING IT, BECAUSE THE
BLUES IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE.--BLUES SINGER JUWANA JENKINS
By Jon Stewart, host of “The Daily Show.”
Stewart was responding to the tragic shooting of nine members of the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
Jon Stewart
“I honestly have nothing other than just sadness once again that we have to peer into the abyss of the depraved violence that we do to each other and the nexus of a just gaping racial wound that will not heal, yet we pretend doesn’t exist. And I’m confident, though, that by acknowledging it, by staring into that and seeing it for what it is, we still won’t do jack s—. Yeah. That’s us.
“And that’s the part that blows my mind. I don’t want to get into the political argument of the guns and things. But what blows my mind is the disparity of response between when we think people that are foreign are going to kill us, and us killing ourselves. “If this had been what we thought was Islamic terrorism, it would fit into our — we invaded two countries and spent trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives and now fly unmanned death machines over five or six different countries, all to keep Americans safe. We got to do whatever we can. We’ll torture people. We gotta do whatever we can to keep Americans safe. “Nine people shot in a church. What about that? “Hey, what are you gonna do? Crazy is as crazy is, right?” That’s the part that I cannot, for the life of me, wrap my head around, and you know it. You know that it’s going to go down the same path. “This is a terrible tragedy.” They’re already using the nuanced language of lack of effort for this. This is a terrorist attack. This is a violent attack on the Emanuel Church in South Carolina, which is a symbol for the black community. It has stood in that part of Charleston for 100 and some years and has been attacked viciously many times, as many black churches have. “I heard someone on the news say “Tragedy has visited this church.” This wasn’t a tornado. This was a racist. This was a guy with a Rhodesia badge on his sweater. You know, so the idea that — you know, I hate to even use this pun, but this one is black and white. There’s no nuance here. “And we’re going to keep pretending like, “I don’t get it. What happened? This one guy lost his mind.” But we are steeped in that culture in this country and we refuse to recognize it, and I cannot believe how hard people are working to discount it. In South Carolina, the roads that black people drive on are named for Confederate generals who fought to keep black people from being able to drive freely on that road. That’s insanity. That’s racial wallpaper. That’s — that’s — you can’t allow that, you know. “Nine people were shot in a black church by a white guy who hated them, who wanted to start some kind of civil war. The Confederate flag flies over South Carolina, and the roads are named for Confederate generals, and the white guy’s the one who feels like his country is being taken away from him. We’re bringing it on ourselves. And that’s the thing. Al-Qaeda, all those guys, ISIS, they’re not s— compared to the damage that we can apparently do to ourselves on a regular basis. “So our guest tonight is an incredible person who suffered unspeakable violence by extremists, and her perseverance and determination through that to continue on is an incredible inspiration. And to be quite honest with you, I don’t think there’s anyone else in the world I would rather talk to tonight than Malala (Editor’s note: Malala Yousafzai, the 17-year-old Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner). So that’s what we’re going to do. And sorry about no jokes.”
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.
It’s hard these days to be a Christian! (Amen!) By Mikel Kweku Osei Holt
Let me say it again: It’s hard to be a Christian in this era of racial anxiety and local terrorism. I wasn’t too surprised to learn that many family members of the nine victims of the racially motivated execution at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston S.C., forgave mass murderer Dylann Storm Roof. “I forgive you,” Nadine Collier, the daughter of one of Roof’s victims, Ethel Lance, said moments after the 21 year old bigot was arraigned. “You took something very precious from me. I will never be able to talk to her again. I will never be able to hold her again. “But I forgive you; have mercy on your soul. You hurt a lot of people, but God forgives you, I forgive you.” Another parent encouraged the bigot “to repent.” A similar message was delivered by the presiding AME church bishop Sunday in a sermon that focused on redemption, love and healing. Sadly, it was assumed that not everyone who attended the Sunday service, which included an unprecedented number of White Christians, were at Emanuel AME to pray for the victims and the soul of the killer who took their lives. Police searched everyone who entered the sanctuary; fearful that Roof’s call for a racial war would be carried out. They say Black Americans are the most Christ-like of Christians; that we are quick to forgive, albeit slow to respond to oppression and violence against us. That may or may not be true. It is, however, the basic dogma of Christianity to forgive your enemy and love your neighbor---regardless of his hue---even in the face of adversity. Apparently, the surviving relatives of the victims fully subscribe to that principle even in the face of one of the most horrific massacres to take place in decades. Not surprisingly, most Christians I talked to obviously focused their readings on the Old Testament and the “eye for an eye” philosophy. For them---and I can relate---Black folks advocate forgiveness, but are not about turning the other cheek. Most believe in self-defense, an eye for an eye even if that action leaves both victim and perpetrator partly blind.
As I stated in part one of this article, the Black community is at a serious crossroads in our history as Black people in America. IF we want to change the negative trajectory for hundreds of thousands of future Black children – WE WILL HAVE DO SOMETHING THAT WE HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO DO FOR SOME TIME (COME TOGETHER). I say “if” knowing that most of us want change but that there are some African Americans who have economically benefited from the destructive and dangerous plight of Black people. Their short sightedness and greed in many cases, have sold out the Black community – modern day Judas’. When this isn’t happening, (which I believe is not the majority) Black leadership is being misled by the falsification and the romanticizing of data that portrays Blacks in a positive light. IT’S JUST NOT TRUE AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY IS IN TROUBLE NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE. As an experienced businessman with nearly 40 years of business and organizing experience, I view the conditions facing the Black community differently than what is generally believed and even promoted by Black leadership. “The state of the Black community is improving” – nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it’s just the opposite; the Black community is in A STATE OF UNPARALLELED CRISIS. There is no real and sustained demographic data that we can point to that can refute this statement. The legacy of the enslavement of Black people coupled with structural and institutional racism has created social and economic conditions for Black people that rival slavery. I, like many of you have a real desire to see our people do better but have come to realize that the problems that we face are real and near permanent. There is nothing more I want for the Black community than to be “ON THE MOVE” especially given our history in this country. Brothers and sisters have we quickly forgotten the struggles that Black people have experienced every day of our existence in America (500 years)? Has America ever treated the Black community as an equal citizen? Has America ever tried to acknowledge and repair the massive injustice it placed on the Black community? Has there ever been a time in America when the “human” rights of Black people weren’t opposed, challenged, and fought against with the highest level of vigor and determination to deny? NEWS ALERT!!! BLACK PEOPLE HAVE NEVER HAD IT EASY IN AMERICA. The conditions facing the Black community are “near” permanent and they haven’t positively changed much since emancipation. In fact, they’ve gotten worse – so what data are you looking at that gives you a sense of hope and optimism? I use the term “near” to signal a sense of urgency and unless we act NOW, the near will disappear and the issues and problems facing the Black community will become forever permanent. We are witnessing the “perfect storm” and the enemies of the Black community are winning because we have taken our foot off the pedal and we have mothballed the movement. It’s been nearly sixty years since the Black community has had any real gain. Oh I know some will say that we now have a Black President and the election of Barak Obama is a “material” shift in race relations in America –
Dylann Roof
“Black Americans are the most Christ-like of Christians; that we are quick to forgive, albeit slow to respond to oppression and violence against us. That may or may not be true. It is, however, the basic dogma of Christianity to forgive your enemy and love your neighbor---regardless of his hue---even in the face of adversity. “
They view the new wave, but old bloodlines, of America’s racists as a threat that should be met with a cross in one hand, but the other hand a balled fist. A dichotomy for Black Christians, you say? Naw, not really. The world we live in today is full of violence perpetrated by a seemingly growing contingency of anarchists, terrorists and bigots. And Black folks are caught in the middle. Bigots to the left of us, and terrorists, who often look like us, to the right. Go south, you say? That’s fine until you see the Confederate flag, and it’s not a welcome mat. To the north? You better read my column of last year about the rebel flag bearer I confronted in Germantown. Or you can go back several months to read about my trip up north where I discovered to my surprise that everyone at the gas station I stopped at in Fond du Lac was packing. And I’m not talking about the flu. Granny Clampett had a Glock spilling out of her sagging bra; her husband had a .38 peering out of his dirty overalls; and even baby Huey had a Derringer sticking out of his spoiled diaper. Since there’s very little crime in that area of the state, I can’t help but wonder who they were armed for? I’ll give you three guesses, and one clue: the store’s radio station was set to Rush Limburger (ooops, sorry...that’s Limbaugh). And if that wasn’t clue enough for me, the stares that followed me around the gas station left little doubt. Of course, there is (at least for now) very little likelihood that the Fond du Lac unit of the KKK, or the South Carolina branch of the Citizen’s Council will invade the Milwaukee’s central city any time soon. Even Roof wasn’t stupid enough to start shooting on a busy street in the central city (he was, after all, afraid of urban gangs and drug dealers, who he felt made up the majority of our citizenry). No, the greatest concern of most God-fearing/loving Christians is that we’ll be assaulted, robbed by or raped by an urban terrorist, doing Satan’s work. At the local level we must operate around and between thug terrorists whose senseless acts of violence has claimed the lives of over 60 men, women and children before the first day of summer. And no one is safe from these sociopaths, which is partly why I attended a concealed carry class...with a minister! An oddity? What if I told you one of the largest Black churches in Milwaukee has armed ushers. Or that several prominent Black churches employ
The Black Community is at a Crossroads – Part Two
(continued on page 6)
UTTER NONSENSE (there is another word I want to use). Racism in American is more lethal now than at any time since the emancipation of Black people. First of all Barak Obama isn’t Black and I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard him describe who he is but one thing is clear – he hasn’t championed and backed with resources any one issue that is facing the majority of Black people living in America. Asked yourself, what would be better a symbolic gesture for what is owed to Black people other than resources? How about efforts being waged that can economically bail out our urban cities where the majority of Black people reside? How about finally addressing the issue of reparations? How about challenging the failed and abusive institutions that on a daily basis cripple Black people? How about ending the massive incarceration of Black men in America? How about forcing the states to fully fund public school education? I have a million of them and at some point I will write an article that dispels the myths about President Barak Obama who has been, in many cases, more George Bush than George Bush. The future of the Black community in America is in real jeopardy not just because of the alarming and very serious demographics it currently faces, which are absolutely startling. That’s only half of the story. Let’s consider the following: 1) Black men are approximately 1.5 million and 60% of the prison population – if parity was achieved, nearly 1.3 million Black men would be home and making a contribution to Black life, Black family and the Black community; 2) 80% of all Black families are now headed by single parent head of households – if parity was achieved, nearly 4 million Black families would have two parents versus one parent; 3) Black male unemployment, specifically between the ages of 18 – 35 in the urban areas ranges between the low of 30% to the high of 55% - if parity was achieved, nearly 2 million more men would be employed; and 4) Black income is has exceeded $1 Trillion dollars annually and ownership of America’s wealth (est. $110 Trillion) is near zero – if parity was achieved, Black income would be approximately $4 Trillion and Black wealth would increase by nearly $14 Trillion – a recent study estimated that the 40 acres and a mule would be valued at nearly $7 Trillion dollars today. Brother and sisters these numbers are INSANE and what’s more insane is that these numbers have become ACCEPTABLE BY TOO MANY BLACK PEOPLE ESPECAILLY THOSE THAT ARE SO-CALLED DOING WELL. If you want to change these outcomes we must examine the entire continuum (pipeline) which is currently and will continue to produce the negative demographics for the Black community. When we only focus on the outcomes (back-end) we will never be able to determine whether the outcomes will change (i.e. improve, stay the same, worsen). The Black community must develop both a front-end (preventive) and back-end (intervention) strategy that is aligned with a serious and organized assault on racist and discriminatory systems. These systems are negatively influencing every aspect of the continuum.
(continued on page 6)
RELIGION
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 4
Prayer Vigil for Emmanuel AME shooting victims, press conference followed denouncing gun violence and hate crimes
The recent massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC has sent shock waves throughout the entire faith community worldwide. Black churches for generations have endured the consistent burden of racial hate and violence in ways other communities, perhaps, cannot imagine. Unfortunately, like the days of slavery and Jim Crow laws, unimaginable violence has entered Black Churches, once again. Places of worship must become equipped on how to take protective measures before, during and after an emergency. Gun violence, terrorism, tornados, hurricanes, earth-
A large crowd braved the rain to witness the incredible Mississippi Mass Choir as they took the stage in Riverside Park to perform on Saturday in Beloit.
Jim Caldwell, Detroit Lions Head Coach, smiles with Beloit City Manager, Lori S. Curtis Luther, and Visit Beloit staff after receiving an honorary “Key to the City.”
St. Mark AME Church held a prayer vigil and press conference Monday to pray for the nine Emmanuel AME Church shooting victims at the church, 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. After the service, a news conference was held in which a number of clergy of various religions and Christian denominations denounced gun violence and hate crimes. Rev. Darryl Williams, pastor of St. Mark, lead the vigil and news conference (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)
In the Wake of Charleston Church Killing, The Balm In Gilead Will Offer Church Emergency Preparedness Workshop at Upcoming Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference
Beloit’s First Ever Summer Gospel Jam a Success
quakes, floods, wildfires, and all ‘in-coming’ disasters must be prepared for. The Balm In Gilead has added Church Emergency Preparedness to its roster of plenaries and workshops for faith leaders, health directors, doctors, nurses and all those involved in congregational-based Health Ministries at Healthy Churches 2020 Conference, (www.healthychurhces2020.org) November 4-6, 2015 located at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte, NC. According to Dr. Pernessa Seele, CEO and Founder, of The Balm In Gilead, “emergency preparedness must now become a component of every local church. The health and sustainability of our communities require it. Faith Leaders, Medical Experts and Emergency Managers are coming together at Healthy Churches 2020 Conference to offer education sessions and workshops on disease prevention, care, treatment and emergency preparedness in order to strengthen the knowledge and skills of people involved in faith-based health activities such as health ministries, annual church health fairs, community kitchens, faith-based clinics and other community health programs.” Named one of TIME magazine’s “Most Influential Persons in the World,” Dr. Pernessa Seele is an esteemed voice of authority who has worked with three U.S. pres-
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The Beloit’s Sunday Best gospel competition winners pose with Summer Gospel Jam committee members Regina Hendrix (far left) and Tara Dunn (far right) after they were awarded their checks on behalf of Visit Beloit.
Thousands Show Up to See the Mississippi Mass Choir BELOIT, Wis. – Even with dark clouds looming overhead, thousands gathered in Riverside Park on Saturday to support local talent and witness the incredible Mississippi Mass Choir headlining Beloit’s Summer Gospel Jam. The event drew a large and diverse crowd to the riverfront for a day of free family-fun and multicultural entertainment. Spectators traveled to Beloit from Madison, Milwaukee, and the Chicago suburbs to experience the Summer Gospel Jam, the first of its kind in the Stateline area. The day kicked off with Hispanic dance performances, a youth talent showcase, and the Beloit’s Sunday Best Gospel competition. The crowd was on their feet, dancing and cheering, and grew even more enthusiastic as the day went on. Expo and ethnic food vendors filled the Rotary River Center parking lot, and Gospel fans enjoyed everything from hot dogs and barbeque to Freddie Greer’s famous “gyro bites.” Jim Caldwell, Head Coach of the Detroit Lions, hosted a large family reunion at the Summer Gospel Jam and was honored with a “Key to the City”, presented by Beloit City Manager, Lori S. Curtis-Luther. Caldwell was thrilled to see the Mississippi Mass Choir perform and thanked Beloit for being a town he is proud to call home. Back to Beloit also held their reunion at the Summer Gospel Jam, getting a front-row view of the 40-foot stage from underneath the Jones Pavilion, where they stayed safe from several small rain showers throughout the day. More than 200 people met for Back to Beloit, a biennial gathering of African-American community members that have moved away from Beloit. The groups spent the afternoon catching up with friends and family, and enjoyed the live music leading up to the Mississippi Mass Choir’s headline performance. Ten finalists competed in the “Beloit’s Sunday Best” Gospel competition, singing their hearts out and collecting over $850 in cash prizes. Third place went to Angel Rodriguez of Beloit, WI. Ash(continued on page 8)
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The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 5
Y&E
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 6
YOUTH&EDUCATION
At-risk youth learn career skills on Habitat construction site during the June Blitz Build. Participants work side by side with construction professionals, volunteers, and homeowners to build homes, communities and hope.
In 2010, the graduation rate for Milwaukee Public Schools was only 54%, a staggering 20% below the national average. This and other factors contributed to the statistic from 2012 that Milwaukee’s youth unemployment rate is 10% greater than the rest of the nation. Clearly the issue needs to be addressed and that’s when MATC YouthBuild was formed. MATC YouthBuild provides a positive construction career pathway for participants, guiding them through existing and emerging life obstacles, especially those complicated situations that arise with generational poverty. Low-income, at-risk youth and young adults will receive educational and occupational training that will result in family-sustaining employment. Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has partnered with MATC Youth Build to give Milwaukee youth the opportunity to work side by side with construction professionals on Habitat build sites. Participants are taught basic framing and general construction skills while learning how to operate as team.
At-Risk Youth Learn Career Skills on Habitat Construction Site
Two youth work on their carpentry skills in preperation for on-site construction work during an MATC YouthBuild class.
During Habitat for Humanity’s June Blitz Build Week, June 22nd26th, MATC YouthBuild participants will work alongside construction professionals, community members, and Habitat partner families as they learn the career and life skills that will pave the way for their own futures. Habitat will add five owner-occupied houses to the 2100 and 2200 blocks of North 42nd Street during the Blitz with
the help of over 100 volunteers from various organizations throughout the week. MATC Youthbuild participants are helping build homes and stabilize communities through Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization efforts. Habitat is concentrating its work in Washington Park to make significant, sustainable impact on the neighborhood’s housing conditions and property values.
UWM’s Transformational Impact
By Mark A. Mone
Psychology graduate Brittany Benitez had a terrible fear of flying. With Chancellor-University of Wisconthe encouragement of Outreach Prosin-Milwaukee gram Manager Lora Taylor de In this column I’ll share some Oliveira, Brittany took advantage of thoughts about why the University of numerous undergraduate research Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is abopportunities and was able to consolutely vital to the future of this requer her fear and study abroad in gion and how it transforms the lives Costa Rica. Brittany will attend gradof our students. uate school with us in the fall. UWM is the ONLY public urban Recent Peck School of the Arts research university in the state. The graduate Robert-Joquori Brown-Holaccess and engagement we provide is land is an aspiring music producer. unique and life transforming for our Brown-Holland found inspiration in students and community. his past struggles, channeling his creThis is critically important to our ative energy into his music. "I started region’s current and future economic UWM with nothing to believe in, “ health, social welfare and ability to Mark A. Mone he says, “and ended with people bedrive innovation and new economic UWM Chancellor lieving in me." activity. Amber Rivard graduated with a degree in marketing Wisconsin will have 100,000 new jobs to fill by 2023 because of retiring baby boomers and job growth. More but she says her life changed when she discovered salsa than 40 percent of those jobs will require a college de- dancing. She’s taking with her not just her path to the business world, but also her new love of dance, somegree. Just last month more than 3,300 individuals received a thing she says she wouldn't have discovered if it wasn't degree from UWM and are now beginning new chapters for her time at UWM. These individuals are learning and thinking at greater in their lives, whether in the Milwaukee workforce, in other countries doing research, or starting graduate levels than ever before. They are prepared for life’s opschool. Along the way, these individuals experienced portunities and challenges and are confidently walking many transformations. Here are just a few of their re- through open doors that they may not have known about before. markable stories: That is the power of higher education. Options. PossiLarry Davis grew up in the inner city of Milwaukee. A former foster child, Larry is now looking to help others bilities. Lifelong learning and personal growth. I encourage you to visit us, either in person or online in similar circumstances. He will use his new UWM social work degree at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, at www.uwm.edu, to discover more about what your perwhere he will help children through outreach programs. sonal transformation can be.
“Mister Speaker, I am proud that the MilwaukeeCommunity Journal hails from the 4th Congressional District. It has consistently informed, analysed and entertained readers for nearly 38 years. I am pleased to give praise to Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo and her staff for providing a voice to the community and providing educational opportunities to students. I wish them many more years of success.”
--A segment from Cong. Gwen Moore’s remarks she made on the Congressional Record paying tribute to the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Dr. Terence N.
Signifyin’
(continued from page 3) security guards to watch the congregants’ cars and escort female parishioners to their vehicles. One major church is hosting a concealed carry and selfdefense class next month. I guess they don’t believe in turning the other cheek. Unless you’re talking about the butt cheek after they put a cap in an assailants’ behind. The Bible considers self-defense, and the carrying of weapons, justifiable in certain circumstances (look at Nehemiah 4:14 and Exodus 22:2-3 among other scriptures). Plus, it’s common sense to protect yourself and your family. As Milwaukee’s Black sheriff said to criticism by the chief of police last year, YOU are the first line of defense because if you wait on the police you will be a victim instead of victorious. I consider myself to be a Christian. In fact, given my experiences of the last year—my resurrection after a near death experience as a result of a prayer vigil---you could say I’m “born again.” I believe in the biblical call to love my neighbors. But I also believe we must protect the poor, the infirmed and the elderly; not to mention our family and ourselves. And trying to read scripture to the Najee Harmon’s of the world while they are pointing a gun to your head during a robbery could get you killed. Remember, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s tactic of non-violence in the face of bigotry was just that, a tactic. It worked more so because of the embarrassment it generated internationally, making America’s pronouncement of freedom and justice for all citizens a mockery drapped in hypocrisy. Most racists King confronted then are still racists today. Despite the positive sociopolitical gains to come out of it, the nonviolent civil rights movement did not end racism or bigotry. Truth of the matter is the non-violent fight for equality and equal opportunity put a band aide on a cancer. A WTMJ journalist did her master’s thesis on the open housing marches of the mid 1960s and asked several Southside racists if they have changed their opinions over the years. Without hesitation they answered the journalist’s question with a resounding ‘no.’ Nor did they vote for Barack Obama for president. In fact, they blame him for the rebirth of the cancer of racism. Blame Obama? They need to look in their cracked mirrors. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of hate groups in America has grown. There are
Universally Speaking
(continued from page 3) When we isolate the systems and examine how they are organized to maintain the status quo and/or unjustly cripple the Black community (discrimination), then the Black community can build the capacity to mount a coordinated campaign to correct these injustices. Again, this must be done in conjunction with the implementation of both preventive and intervention strategies. America is made up of a number of systems (i.e. criminal justice, education, financial, government, economic, health and medical, etc.) that are extremely orchestrated and operate based on existing laws, rules, regulations and the overarching policies that have been crafted by politicians. are These systems are being implemented by bureaucrats and influenced by public opinion – yes, public opinion. • Law Enforcement System – Law enforcement involves all levels of the police forces (i.e. local police, sheriffs, state police, specialized criminal task forces, etc.). The law enforcement function is perhaps the most visible because the police are typically the first contact an individual has with the criminal justice system. Police patrol communities to help prevent crimes, investigate incidences of crime, and has the power to arrest people that are suspected of committing crimes. TO CHANGE THE MASS INCRCERATION OF BLACK MALES WILL REQUIRE A CHANGE IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM. • Court System – The court system involves all levels of the judicial courts (i.e. municipal, appellate, and state supreme courts); the volumes and volumes of laws and precedent that is operated and performed by attorneys (i.e. district attorneys, defense attorneys, judges, etc.); and the use of private citizens in the form of juries (i.e. grand juries, and juries, etc.). TO CHANGE THE MASS INCRCERATION OF BLACK MALES WILL REQUIRE CHANGES IN THE COURT SYSTEM. • Corrections System - The corrections system incorporates all forms of sentencing and punishment. It in-
K
now over 740 active groups operating in the north, south, east and west. One of those groups is the Council of Conservative Citizens, which was cited by Roof in his 744 word racist manifesto. That organization’s members openly declare their hostility toward minorities, even as they consider themselves to be Christians. Hell, (no pun intended) for that matter, so did the Confederates who fought and died to maintain slavery, committed acts of genocide against Native Americans and used manifest destiny to kill off thousands of Mexicans as they stole Texas. Repent, you racist sinners! We are compelled, mandated, to forgive you. But… The Bible talks about stoning, (killing) the murderer before and after it declares that vengeance is the Lord’s. A bigot (and I make a distinction between a racist and a bigot---a racist hates or believes his race to be superior; a bigot has the power or wherewithal to carry out a racist agenda) who indiscriminately murders nine people one hour after participating in Bible study should be stoned. I say that because I don’t believe in the application of the death penalty by our judicial system because it’s reeks of racism). But I guess I can make an exception and stone (as in Stonewall Jackson) when there’s clear evidence of wrong doing by a bigot who mocks God. Check that. I hope the punk gets life and becomes the cellmate of either Christopher Scarver and Big Bubba X. Finally, there’s a hint of irony in this scenario, and I’m not talking about the stupid controversy over Obama’s subjective use of the word “nigger” to denounce racism (talk about calling the kettle black…Naw, that’s too much of a pun). The irony is that the church where this act of declared race war occurred was burned down twice, once by bigots. And Denmark Vesey started his religious war against slavery from Emanuel’s pew in 1822. Almost two centuries later, a White supremacist goes to that church to start a revolution that he hopes will end with the annihilation of the former slaves. And then there’s the debate over the flying of the Confederate flag on the state capitol grounds. Make no mistake about it; the Confederate flag represents hatred, slavery and apartheid. After the ‘n’ word, it is America’s most vile symbol of White supremacy and American hypocrisy. A picture of Roof posing with the Confederate flag, a gun and patches glorifying South African apartheid, are everywhere on the internet. If you can’t figure out why so many Black Christians are rereading the Old Testament, you’re not paying attention. Hotep.
t
cludes incarceration, probation, and parole. A convicted criminal is the responsibility of corrections until his full sentence is served or commuted. Corrections institution includes prisons, jails and probation and community control officers. The American corrections system is the largest in the world and also imprisons the largest minority (Blacks) in the world. Since 1971, America's prison population has surged 700 percent. Prisoners have become part of the economy, manufacturing and assembling products for major corporations, while private prisons have emerged as multi-billion dollar operations. The likelihood that these staggering numbers will change is nearly impossible because under America’s correction system recidivism is nearly 75% which is directly tied to a punishment approach versus a rehabilitation approach by most prison systems. More than 90 percent of prisoners return to the community within a few years (otherwise our prisons would be even more overcrowded than they already are). That is why it is vitally important how we treat them while they are incarcerated. There is a ton a research that has shown that the more severely prisoners are punished, the more violent they become. Therefore, instead of “hard time” and “punishment”, prisoners should be afforded every form of therapy needed (substance abuse treatment, psychotherapy, medical and dental care) in addition to every form of education needed (from elementary school to college and graduate school). Getting a college degree while in prison is the only program that has ever been shown to be 100 percent effective for years or decades at a time in preventing recidivism. Recent census data reveals the dramatic racial disproportion of the incarcerated population in each state: the proportion of blacks in prison populations exceeds the proportion among state residents in every single state. In twenty states, the percent of blacks incarcerated is at least 5-10 times greater than their share of resident population. The official figures confirm what those who live in Black communities know full well – too many Blacks men are behind bars. Indeed, nearly ten percent of all black men, compared to 0.6 percent of white men, are incarcerated. In many states the rate is far worse. TO CHANGE THE MASS INCRCERATION OF BLACK MALES WILL REQUIRE CHANGES IN THE CORRECTION SYSTEM.
KALEIDOSCOPE
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 7
the MCJ lifestyle & entertainment section Zelda Corona
Tara Pulley
Sonya Bowman
Sista Speak...Speak Lord!
HARD WORK! “Are You Putting In Work?”
I used to always here my mother tell me: “Anything worth having, is worth working for.” To have a true friend you must be a true friend, and this takes some hard work on both involved. If one person is putting in the all the work of sharing, listening, doing, being FamilyTimes
Leave Fireworks to the Professionals this Fourth of July
WASHINGTON — What would the 4th of July be without fireworks? A little less busy in hospital emergency rooms. The nation’s emergency physicians urge you to celebrate the country’s birthday by using common sense when it comes to the potential dangers of fireworks. We see many injuries in the ER due to fireworks around the 4th of July,” said Dr. Michael Gerardi, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “Many of those ER visits are initiated with the line ‘hey watch this!’” In 2013, eight people died and more than 11,000 people were injured in the United States because of fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC). It’s a significant increase from the year before. Additionally, 65 percent of those injuries occurred in the days surrounding July 4th. Last year, sparklers and rockets ac-
compassionate, bending over backwards and coming to constant aid when in need, this can become hard work to the point of unfairness and borderline selfishness. This is not what the father teaches. ”Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you”…is what the father expects of us all. Though many of us hear
counted for nearly half of all estimated injuries. Almost half (46 percent) of fireworks injuries are to a person’s hands or fingers. One-third (34 percent) of them are to a person’s eyes, head, face and ears (CPSC). If fireworks are legal in your community, ACEP strongly suggests that you do not use fireworks at your home. If you do use them, however, these do’s and don’ts will help make it a safer experience. • DO — Have knowledgeable su-
this or read this, we still make ourselves unworthy by choosing not to do the hard work to maintain a true friendship, taking more than what we give. At the least, we are oblivious that we have hurt another. At the most, we lose at true friend. Sonya M. Bowman “It Is What It Is”
Good Intentions
I want to understand you as a person. I want to hear your reasoning. I want to use your ideas. I want to consider your perspective. I want to build a relationship. I want to accept your decisions. I want to put in the work! So, why is it so hard to do? Zelda Corona “Vision Represents Faith!”
pervision by an experienced adult if you choose to use fireworks. • DO — Buy fireworks from reputable dealers • DO — Read warning labels and follow all instructions • DO — Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand • DO — Light fireworks one at a time • DO — Dispose of all fireworks properly • DON’T — Give any fireworks,
Decisions
Whatever is going on with us these days not a day goes by where we have to make a decision about something.
Some decisions require us to do research…this may take some time Some decisions require little thought. Some decisions require evaluating friendships and relationships...this may require us to pray to get to the answer. Some decisions where someone has hurt your heart...may require forgiveness. Someone hurt my heart yesterday...I'm praying to God to help me forgive this person and move on…this decision was Hard Work. Tara R Pulley "Keeping It Real"
including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by a responsible adult • DON’T — Light fireworks indoors or near other objects • DON’T — Place your body over a fireworks device when trying to light the fuse and immediately back up to a safe distance after you light it. • DON’T — Point or throw fireworks at another person, ever • DON’T — Try to re-light or pick up fireworks have not ignited fully • DON’T — Wear loose clothing
ABODE
IMPROVE YOUR YARD: How to Hire a Lawn Care or Landscape Professional
According to a recent survey by the Harris Poll with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), 47% of Americans wish they could hire landscape professionals to improve their yards, and 67% think that professional landscape help would allow them to have a nicer yard. Most Americans think it is important to have a yard (83%) and to spend time outside in the yard (75%). For those who have a yard, 90% think it is important that it is well-maintained. The majority of Americans (71%) also feel that it is important for their neighbors to have wellmaintained yards too. A well-kept yard can increase the value of your home and provide a relaxing space to interact with friends and family. Hiring a lawn care or landscape professional can help homeowners and businesses save time, take the guesswork out of caring for a landscape, and protect the investment made in a property. Professional lawn and landscape companies provide a variety of services, including: lawn care, planting and caring for trees, mowing, irrigation, landscape design, shrubs, and flowers, interior plant installation and care, building ponds and water features, building decks, patios, and outdoor living spaces, building walkways, retaining walls, pagodas and gazebos, installing holiday lighting and greenery décor, snow removal, pest management, and outdoor lighting. Top concerns for homeowners when hiring a landscape company are typically price and quality of work. So, how do you hire a highquality and knowledgeable company that meets your needs? The NALP offers tips below to help homeowners and businesses make
while using any fireworks • DON’T — Set off fireworks in glass or metal containers — the fragments can cause severe injury. • DON’T — Carry fireworks in a pocket. • DON’T — Try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks You should only watch a professional fireworks display managed by experts who have proper training and experience handling these explosives,” said Dr. Gerardi. “Have fun and enjoy this great American holiday. As always, we’ll be ready to
smart decisions when hiring a landscape professional. Ask how long the company has been in business and the experience level of its staff. Professional landscape companies should have employees with either a secondary education in the field or several years of experience. In addition, professional companies are often active members in national associations like the NALP or state associations. Affiliations in national associations indicate that a company is interested in excellence, safety, and best practices. Ask the firm for a list of references and professional affiliations or check its website. Select a landscape company that is licensed, accredited, or certified. If required by state law, the company should be licensed. This license will assure you that the contractor is accountable, and that the company is operating legally. Ask them if they have staff that are Landscape Industry Certified. A certified individual has proven experience, skills, and knowledge. Continuing education is necessary to maintain their certification. Ask about the company's safety record and practices. Good companies put safety first through extensive training, power equipment certification, and safety meetings. NALP members participate in a safe company program called STARS. Check their work. Visit a job in progress. Ask to see a project that will be similar to the work you want done. You want to hire a company that does good work, and reflects professionalism and integrity. Examine the quality of the job, and look to see if the crew’s appearance and job presence are acceptable. Ask the company to provide a written plan and/or contract. Prior to making any agreement, have the landscape contractor, designer, and/or architect prepare the details in writing. This plan can include the design, specify the plant or hardscape materials to be used, list all costs, provide a time table, and explain the payment terms. To find NALP member companies and companies with Landscape Industry Certified staff in your area, go to www.landscapeprofessionals.org. Provided by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
treat you, but we don’t want to have to see you in the ER.” ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 8
Beloit’s First Gospel Jam a Success
(continued from page 4) land Marks Charles of Rockford, IL took second, and Da’Quela Payne of Milwaukee, WI took first, wowing judges with her soulful rendition of “When Sunday Comes,” and taking home a $500 check. The Regional Church Choir segment included performances by New Restoration Christian Church of Milwaukee, WI; Iglesia CrossPointe Church of Whitewater, WI, and the Gospel Workshop of America – Rockford Chapter of Rockford, IL. Iglesia CrossPointe performed their set-list in Spanish, and the Gospel Workshop of America fired up the crowd for the Mississippi Mass Choir, who took the stage at 4:00p.m. It’s estimated that more than 2,000 people gathered to see the Mississippi Mass Choir, a true Gospel powerhouse that has performed in almost every one of the American states, and in many other countries, including Japan, Italy, and the Bahamas. The crowd in Beloit was floored by the sound of the 40-plus-person choir and stayed to the last song, despite the imminent threat of torrential rains. Spectators could be heard joking that it was “all the prayers” that kept the rain away until the very end. Visit Beloit and the Summer Gospel Jam committee would like to thank the many volunteers who dedicated their time to the Summer Gospel Jam, and all of the Summer Gospel Jam sponsors. Event sponsors include Travel Wisconsin, The Beloit Foundation, Beloit College, Woodman’s Market, Beloit Health System, Century 21, Father and Sons Cleaning Service, First National Bank, Frederick D. Buggs, Milwaukee Community Journal, Blameless Cleaning Service, and Beloit Regional Hospice.
The Balm In Gilead Will Offer Church Emergency Preparedness Workshop at Upcoming Healthy Churches 2020 Nat’l Confab
(continued from page 4) idential administrations on critical health issues domestically and abroad. Dr. Seele is available for interviews to talk about Black Churches in the South – who they are and why they are - their importance in the history of America, and how The Balm In Gilead has played a major role within the African Methodist Episcopal Church. For over 26 years the Balm In Gilead has been working with faith institutions to address the health challenges of African Americans. The organization has been at the forefront of educational and training programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of African American and African congregations that strive to become community centers for health education and disease prevention. Healthy Churches 2020 is endorsed by multiple faith denominations and institutions, which includes: The African Methodist Episcopal Church; The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church: The National Council of Churches; The Conference of National Black Churches; Howard University School of Divinity, The National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University, Shaw University Divinity School, Virginia Council of Churches, Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the AMEZ Church and the Women’s Missionary Society of the CME Church. The 3-day national conference provides tools to congregations on how to prepare as an institution, as well as how to prepare individuals to build a kit for disaster; how to plan and stay informed during emergencies; Participants will learn about hazards most likely to affect their community and appropriate responses; local emergency response plans, drills and exercises; how to build teams and identify local partners. The Balm In Gilead has partnered with local emergency responders and mangers across the country to provide up-to-date emergency preparedness planning to conference participants. Emergency Manger, Dyan Greggs, will provide information and facilitate workshops along with local emergency partners. Greggs spent three months responding to Hurricane Katrina with the National American Red Cross as their Disaster Reservist and also suc-
cessfully orchestrated the 2008 emergency evacuation of individuals from the Kenya riots. Healthy Churches 2020 is based on the goals and concepts of Healthy People 2020, federal government program. Conference sponsors include AARP and CVS Health. A special registration fee of $125 (savings of $100) is available now
and immediate registration is encouraged. For information, registration and the list of speakers and presenters, visit healthychurches2020.org or call 888-225-6243. Follow the conference on Facebook: HealthyChurches2020, Twitter @HC2020 and Instagram @TheBalmInGilead.
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 9
Feel the pulse online! Go to communityjournal.net
The Milwaukee Community Journal June 24, 2015 Page 10