ELECTION WATCH 2015
MICHAEL BONDS Incumbent has proven track record that would be MPS Board President
Bonds (who was first elected to the board in 2007) is running to retain his District 3 seat. Challenging Bonds for the seat is Stephany Pruitt, a licensed mental health professional. Despite deep cuts in state funding for public education, an attempted takeover of the district by the city and state, a cap on the tax levy, the expansion of parental school choice and charters to include affluent families, and the specter of privatization creeping into the district, Bonds has managed—with the help of his colleagues on the board—to restore $300 million in funding to the classroom for three straight years. That money has gone to retain, restore, create or expand such services in the schools and classrooms as: Arts, music, physical education, parent coordinators, drivers education, ninth grade extra-curriculum activities, early childhood education, the summer youth employment program (which hired hundreds of MPS students), nursing services, social workers, guidance counselors, the free and reduced breakfast program, safety, science and computer labs, and a family literacy program…just to name a few. It’s these accomplishments that allow Bonds to boast with confidence the state’s largest public school district in “headed on the right track. “Milwaukee Public Schools is one of 10 school districts in the country turning around (continued on page 3)
COMMUNITY
the envy of many political office holders By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr.
Many elected city, county and state officials (even on the federal level) would give their “right arm” to have the list of accomplishments Milwaukee Public School Board President Michael Bonds has accumulated since becoming board president in 2009.
JOURNAL
MPS Board President Michael Bonds
www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
VOL. XXXIX Number 35 April 1, 2015
The Milwaukee
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PULSE OF THE 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
Willie and Mary Seals, who have been married for 59 years. Received a standing ovation after being recognized as the longest married couple at the Black Marriage Day event held at Brentwood Church of Christ. The event was organized by Brentwood’s Christian Couples Ministery.
Couples and community members celebrate Black Marriage Day
Dozens of couples and marriage activists gathered for the fifth annual Black Marriage Day held at Brentwood Church of Christ on 6425 N. 60th St. The celebration emphasized the importance of marriage throughout the Black community and was also an opportunity to acknowledge couples both young and old. More than 30 cities celebrate Black Marriage Day, which was originally organized by various faith-based and community groups in 2003.--By Molly Rippinger, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. Photos by Yvonne Kemp
Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
During the fifth annual Black Marriage Day event held recently at Brentwood Church of Christ on North 60th Street, we asked four married couples “What are the most important things married couples must do to keep their marriage together?”
Eric and Marchell Wilson (Married 20 years. They celebrate number 21 in May):
“God, love and compromise are the essential ingredients to a successful marriage. This has blessed our marriage tremendously.” Kevin and Brianna Kimmons (They will be married three
years August 4):
THE CHAMPS ARE HERE! Evangelist Steven Thompson of Central Church of Christ was the event speaker.
This couple (whose name and number of years married we were unable to get by press time) was recognized as the shortest married couple at the event.
MEN UP!
The term “Man Up” has become one of those westernized terms that represent the perseverance, resilience and tenacity in an individual. I remember one time when I was 5-years old I was in my room crying. My father heard me and asked me what was wrong. I think he was shocked because I was an aggressive, angry and violent child. I told him nobody loved me. Instead of telling me to stop crying and man-up, he held me in his arms and gave me a big hug. He proceeded to tell me that he loved me, my mother loved me, my sister loved me, my
Larry and Donna Bratchett (Married 34 years): “We
are committed to one another by the Lord’s grace and mercy, and prayer. The Word is our standard in keeping our marriage together.”
The Young Coggs Preparatory Academy Eagles Boys Basketball Team was one of three local high school teams to be honored during a special presentation Tuesday during the regular meeting of the Common Council at City Hall.The other teams were Divine Savior Holy Angels High School Girls Basketball Team, and Pius XI High School Girls Basketball Team. Along with the Young Coggs basketball team, four other sports teams from the school were on hand to celebrate with the boys team: The first to third grade soccer team that finished in first place in their league; The middle school girls team went 14-0 and took first place in the MPS league; The eighth grade middle school boys won the 2014-2015 “March of Champions” City-wide League. They’ve now won back-to-back championships; and the fourth and fifth grade boys basketball team took second place in the MPS League. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
MEN MEN EMPOWERING MEN MEN
“Pray together. Without God in any relationship, it will not live. having faith and worshipping together keeps our marriage strong.”
grandparents loved me, my uncles and aunties loved me. In addition to those affirmations, he told me one other thing that remained with me the rest of my life. He told me that if I loved myself, there would always be at least one person who loved me. This was a critical moment for me. Most of our young boys are emotionally stunted and not allowed to express real human emotions. My father allowed me to have a vulnerable moment; yet, he didn’t let me wallow in a pity party. Most important, he solved my dilemma. What if my father
Willie and Mary Seals (Married 59 years): “The first thing a couple needs to do is figure out who handles the money in the family, and do it together. You (also) need to get along with the inlaws. But most of all, love is the most important ingredient in a marriage.”
wasn’t physically there to hear my cry? What if my father was emotionally stunted and not able to deal with his son crying? This in essence is why men empowering men is so important. When we say Man-Up, we often send a message to boys to take care of your problems yourself. And that is correct in some cases; however, young boys must understand that it is okay to ask questions. Young boys must understand it is okay to ask for help, when help is needed. Simply, young boys must be taught how to successfully matriculate through manhood in a healthy manner. I agree with the statement that a woman cannot teach a man to be a man; however, I have two caveats to that thought. A woman cannot teach a man to be a man, but she can teach him how to be a good person. My parents divorced when I was 8 or 9. I was raised in a single female headed house-hold. The poem Mother to Son by Langston Hughes I think brilliantly expresses how a woman can (continued on page 7)
Dr. Ramel Smith
"Failure of Integration" panel scheduled for Howard University
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 2
By Taki S. Raton
RECEPTION FOR CARL WESLEY
The Board of Directors of the Center for Self-Sufficiency recently held a reception in honor of Carl Wesley, recently named the president/CEO of the organization. Nearly a hundred business and community leaders joined the celebration held at Lucid Lounge in downtown Milwaukee. Wesley began his work with the Center in January. Pictured left to right: Carl Wesley and Board of Directors: Shaleta Dunn, Tony Smith, Christopher Orr, Tammy Belton-Davis, Noah Fenceroy, and William Sulton. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Voter apathy, not voter ID law, is the reason voter turnout low
I don’t know what’s worse: Having to listen to conservatives whose cheers over last week’s Supreme Court decision affirming the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s Voter ID is drowning out my favorite R&B songs, or the cries of some ‘progressive leaders’ who are screaming from Mt. Aunt Jemima that the sky is falling and that the court decision opens the door for a return to the era of Jim Crow and apartheid. OK, let’s kick this can to the curb once and for all. The newly affirmed law requiring identification to vote is not on par with the racist Jim Crow requirement that forced prospective Black voters in the South to guess the number of peas in a jar before they could cast their ballot... . Anyone with common sense—or a grasp of ‘His-story’— should know that the court’s decision in no way equals the racist impediments imposed upon our Black forefathers. Yet for reasons only those of us who have paid heed to the takeover of the Freedom Train by the new contingency of so-called ‘progressives’ can fathom, there is an insidious rationale behind their promotion of tales of doom and gloom. So don’t close your eyes, because the purveyors of this scenario are not only misleading the Black community, they are indirectly abating the very same forces we all acknowledge are seeking to stagnate or otherwise undermine the Black vote. (Some suggest there is another hidden agenda behind this ploy, one with financial roots. If true, I suggest you hang onto your wallets when they come to you seeking donations pretending your contributions are needed to reverse the court decision. I don’t totally discount that theory. Seems like every day I’m hit with an e-mail from the Democratic Party or even the Obama camp seeking contributions for one cause or another.)
SIGNIFYIN’ By Mikel Kwaku Osei Holt
But let’s get back on track; no pun intended. As most folks know, I was among the most vocal opponents of our state’s Voter ID legislation. In fact, I was in the unique position of having one the loudest voices, since I used this powerful vehicle as well as being the lone Black voice on the “Sunday Insight with Charles Sykes” television show. I also spoke out against the legislation at dozens of forums and workshops, often in hostile environments.. But truth be told, I was never among those ‘do or die’ folks who believed the implementation of the law in Wisconsin would mean a return to slavery, or at the least opening of the door for an apartheid state. I opposed Voter ID because it was a “solution in need of a problem.” There is not now, nor has there ever been, any discernible degree of voter fraud in our state. And the often used refrain that the law would bring ‘integrity’ to the voting process was disingenuous, at best. As many have assessed, the obvious reason Republicans pushed this legislation was to disenfranchise Democrats and those of us non card carrying members who vote almost exclusively for that party’s candidates. The other reason for my opposition centered on the inconvenience it would create for a small segment of our community. … That said, requiring a driver’s license or state ID would
(continued on page 5)
"How Has Integration Failed Us?" is the panel theme presented on the campus of Howard University on April 3, 2015 in the Blackburn Auditorium beginning at 5 p.m. CST. The web address to tune into this discussion is Http//www.ustreamtv/channel/how-has-integration-failed-us This is the second in a series of such themed panels on the negative consequence of the integration era that has been traveling on national circuits since the first scheduled investigation into this topic on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Elm Grove Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Moderated by Bro. Takuna El Shabazz out of Lafayette, Louisiana, the Howard University panel will include Sis. ZaZA Ali, Dr. Wesley Muhammad, Bro. Louis Ali, the Irritated Genie, Dr. Rigaly, and Malik Farrakhan. El Shabazz also co-moderated the first Baton Rouge gathering. Topical even questions designed to engage this April 3 exploration include: Did Black people during the 1960's march for equality or for integration? Are Black children better educated under the socially engineered idea of integration? Do Black contractors receive more contracts under integration? Do Blackh people own more land, businesses, and property under integration? Do Black politicians respond to thes needs of Black people better under integration? What is the state of Black marriages under integration u are we losing the ability to bond with the opposite sex? Has the health status of Black people improvedt under integration? What is the solution? d A similar panel is being planned for July in Jackson, Mississippi. Milwaukee is also on the list for pos-s sible scheduling dates. t Bro. Ali of the Hot Black Coffee Party (HBCP) out of Baton Rouge says of his co-effort in organizingf these explorations on integration's failure in the community that, "Under integration, the Black businessm infrastructure in our central city's has been destroyed. How was it destroyed? When was it destroyed? The quality of education for our children has greatly diminished. The Black family structure has been se-u p riously weakened? We can no longer properly discipline our children. What is the common denominatorw of these and other occurrences enveloping our communities? He adds that, "These concerns all happened around the same time and parallels exactly in intensity to the degree in which African Americans were socially integrated into American society. We want to raise the question with these panels, 'Has integration worked for Black people in America?" Within a week or so, the reader can expect a report on the Howard University panel under this by-line. We must have the courage to raise, respond and properly address these and other inquires affecting the current welfare of our people and the future of our children.
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SPRING ELECTION Special Section to YOUR Milwaukee Community Journal
ELECTION WATCH 2015
TOUGH, FAIR, INDEPENDENT!
a
Your Community Journal Endorses... Wisconsin Supreme Court:
Ann Walsh Bardley (Incumbent)
Justice Ann gWalsh Bradley
Milwaukee School Board District 2: Wendell J. Harris, Sr.
- For the past 20 years I’ve had the khonor of serving you on the Wiscon-
sin Supreme Court. - During that time I’ve earned a reputation as a Justice who is fair, impardtial, and willing to make the tough decisions. I have a proven record of standing up for the constitution and the rule of law; of applying the law to gfacts; of giving all who come before sme a fair shake. ? As a Justice, my only agenda is to uphold the constitution and serve the people of Wisconsin. I believed that rwhen I became a judge 30 years ago, and I believe it just as strongly today. o It’s a belief that comes from deeply erooted values that I learned as a child growing up in Western Wisconsin: .family, fairness, hard work, and service to others. Those are the same values I took with me when I taught high school in La Crosse, and when I went to Wausau to practice law and serve as a Marathon County circuit court judge. My husband, Mark, and I still live in Wausau where we raised our four children. And those are the same values we imparted to them. In 1995 I became the third woman in history elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Over the course of my two decades on the Court, I have a proven record of applying the law, of upholding individual rights, making government open and accessible and holding government accountable. I’ve stood up to the influx of outside special interests and partisan politics attempting to play an outsized role in our non-partisan judicial system. I’ve worked day in and day out to ensure that every Wisconsinite gets a
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 3
Milwaukee School Board District 3: Michael Bonds
(Incumbent)
Justice Ann Walsh Bradley
fair shake when they come to court. Our Courts are at a crossroads here in Wisconsin. The infusion of partisan politics and out-of-state special interest groups with unknown donors and unlimited funds has increased precipitously over the past several judicial elections. The problem with partisan politics and out-of-state special interests is clear: they come with agendas that undermine the public’s trust and confidence in our courts. I have earned the support of more than 170 judges from every corner of this State. I also have broad bi-partisan support including 130 sheriffs, police chiefs and district attorneys and political leaders such as Republican former First Lady Sue Ann Thompson, Democratic Congressman Ron Kind, Republican State Senator Dale Schultz, and Democratic State Senator Tim Cullen. Like me, these distinguished community, law enforcement and legal leaders understand the importance of a justice system that is impartial, nonpartisan, and not beholden to any special interest group, large or small. I truly believe that when I’m sitting on the bench, I’m standing up for the people of Wisconsin. It would be an honor to earn your vote on April 7.
District 10 County Supervisor Special Election (Formerly represented by David Bowen): Supreme Moore Omokunde
MICHAEL BONDS academic trends,” said Bonds during a recent MCJ interview.
(cont. from pge 1)
Bonds pointed to the increase in district graduation rates from 50% to 61%. He credits the creation of programs and partnerships with the public and private sectors for the progress that has—and is—being made in MPS. The board president—with the help of the board and former district superintendent, Dr. Gregory Thornton and the current superintendent, Dr. Darienne Driver, has instituted programs that have boosted graduation rates and test scores. The most prominent program created under Bonds’ tenure is a partnership with General Electric (GE), which was adopted during the 2013-2014 school year. The company created the GE Foundation Grant, which assists nineteen district schools in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and best educational practices. These schools are to serve as a model for others as they implement the best educational practices that prepare students for success in becoming college and career ready. Bonds noted the district’s newest initiative, “Commitment Schools,” which takes 14 under-performing schools and transforms them into high-performing schools through the implementation of rigorous academic and behavioral intervention with increased resources to achieve greater college and career readiness. And there are other accomplishments that don’t get the media attention the two aforementioned programs did: The reduction of MPS’ unfunded liability from $3.6 billion in 2007 to $1.1 billion in 2014, creating management intern positions for recent college graduates, the creation of an Office of Accountability, the creation of a customer service bureau to improve MPS’ services, the expansion of “Project Lead the Way,” which offers a middle school “Gateway to Technology” curriculum and a five-course “Pathway to Engineering” high school curriculum.
communityjournal.net
The board president said $7.1 million was committed to add teachers to reduce class size, and $2 million to add paraprofessionals to the classroom. Under Bonds, North Division was reopened as a comprehensive high school. It’s no longer three separate schools in one. Bonds and the board also increased the number of years of math and science requirements for MPS students, balancing the distribution of students with special needs throughout the district, the creation of high performing schools in MPS such as Rufus King IB Middle School, Montessori School, etc.); closing and/or reorganizing failing schools. Bonds is especially proud of leading the search for the last two superintendents, Thornton and Driver, who is the first appointed female superintendent—and one of the youngest in the nation. Despite the accomplishments, the incumbent superintendent is acutely aware many challenges still face the district. “I’ll be the first to acknowledge the challenges: Eighty-four percent poverty rate, 21% special education population, a mobility rate of 30%. “We’ve faced state budget cuts the last two years of $160 million. The school choice program has grown. MPS has to pay $80 million to choice schools (through Title I funds). “We’re the second poorest city in the nation,” Bonds continued. “We lead the nation in Black male incarceration and unemployment; we’re the seventh most violent city in the nation. But in spite of that, MPS is moving in a positive direction—not at the pace we would like—but we’re moving in the right direction.”
THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday
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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.
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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 April 1, 2015 Page 4
Rochelle Streeter-Jackson:
Singer’s new CD shares her life-long gospel journey
By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr.
Noted local Gospel Singer Rochelle Streeter-Jackson credits her mother, Cornelia Streeter, as being the biggest influence on her gospel journey. It was her who heard her daughter’s talent early on.
But another woman played a part in Streeter-Jackson’s development as well, the legendary Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson. “My mother and Mahalia Jackson were friends,” revealed Streeter-Jackson. The two women knew each other in Chicago, where Streeter-Jackson grew up. “I think that’s where I got most of my (gospel) nurturing from.” According to Streeter-Jackson, her mother and Jackson hailed from Louisiana and the gospel great would get her hair done at Streeter-Jackson’s mother’s beauty shop. She remembers, as a little girl, having met the gospel great and hearing her sing, as well as listening to Jackson’s recordings—and the recordings of other gospel singers—at her Southside Chicago home. Streeter-Jackson hopes listeners to her debut CD, titled “God Knows I’ve Tried,” will hear
Rochelle Streeter-Jackson
Jackson’s influence on the CD’s six songs, including the title track, which she wrote. The other songs: “View the City,” “I Love the Lord,” “Jesus Loves Me,” and “Troubles of the World,” are all familiar gospel standards. “I want to give listeners the richness of my voice. But more importantly, I want them to feel my spirit that comes from the heart to the heart. Streeter-Jackson also hopes listeners will hear and feel through the songs her testimony of someone who has lived that life in a tone that’s pleasing to the ear and will “let you know God is the answer and he’s listening.” So far, according to StreeterJackson, the comments of those who have listened to the CD have been positive. “I thank the community for the support they’ve given me.”
Streeter-Jackson came to Milwaukee in 1970 and worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield for 30 years until her retirement. She also acted with the HansberrySands Theatre Company for 25 years. She counts actor, writer and producer Andre Lee Ellis for being her theatrical mentor. She attended theater school at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Streeter-Jackson sang with a several gospel groups before stepping out on her own. She calls King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2375 N. 4th Street, her church home and where she sings in the Gospel Chorus. Rev. Charles D. Watkins is the pastor. The CD “God Knows I’ve Tried” has been out since January of this year. Streeter-Jackson says she has been selling the CD at her performances, stressing the CD can be obtained at cdbaby.com. It will no doubt be available after her upcoming performance in Chicago at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in North Chicago, from April 17 thru 19. It’s one of the many churches, conferences, and festivals she spreads God’s Word through song. She also plans to perform at this year’s Juneteenth Day. Streeter-Jackson laments the
lack—if not virtual non-existence—of music stores in Milwaukee. She blames this shortcoming—and lack of airtime on radio (though her CD will be played on WNOV 860 AM during its gospel programming starting in April)—as the main reasons she hasn’t sold even more copies of her CD.
“People have no place to go to get the CD.” Though she stressed the community must support its talented performers—gospel and secular—Streeter-Jackson has been grateful for the support she has gotten not only for the CD, but throughout her entire career. Streeter-Jackson has many
people to thank for her success so far in her gospel journey such as her late husband Clyde L. Jackson and countless mentors, motivators, fellow performers, producers and performers on her CD, as well as fellow members of the Eastern Start/Prince Hall Masons of the Wisconsin Jurisdiction.
Voter apathy, not voter ID law, is the reason voter turnout low
s l -(continued from page 2)
not, by itself, impact significantly on Black voter turnout, nor serve as an impediment to most of us who regularly vote. I’m not talking about prospective Black voters, but those who take the electoral process seriously, and even those who show us occasionally, as was the case for the last two presidential races. I would venture to guess 99% of the aforementioned have ID, and there are provisions for the one percent who don’t have it in the form of free state ID. The law also makes provisions for the elderly. (A case may be made that some folks don’t have transportation, or can’t afford the price of a bus ticket. But I would assume that segment of the population is small.) Which prompts me to question why the new engineers of the Freedom Train, and a handful of Black “leaders” would focus their campaign on the doom and gloom scenario instead of the real political problem, which is voter apathy. Point of fact is that nearly a majority of Black and poor folks don’t vote because they either don’t have faith in the political system, are ignorant of how it impacts their lives, or see no value in missing “Maury” or the “Steve Harvey Show” to head to the polls. Or more to the point, the overwhelming majority of Black folks who don’t vote will tell you, as many have told me, that they don’t see a reward in voting. They will note that even voting for President Obama has not changed their condition, or impacted on the plight of Black America. The Black poverty rate on the day President L. B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act was 50%. Prior to the election of Barack Obama (and control of Congress and the senate by Democrats) it was 52%. Today it is 54%. According to noted UW-Milwaukee researcher Marc Levine, the local Black male unemployment is over 54%, a ridiculous, albeit telling rate that has hovered at over 50% for over a decade—despite the votes of Black people Nearly everyone I associate with votes on a regular basis, even though Milwaukee leads the nation in nine negative social indicators, thus earning us the designation as the ‘worst city for Black people to live in the United States of America! ‘ Add all of that up, and even a high school drop out can figure out that the problem is not how many of us will be deterred from voting because of a new Voter ID requirement, but instead, how many of us will make the effort to go to the polls at all! Voter ID will not be the reason why less than 20% of eligible Black voters will go to the polls next week, even though there are several races involving Black candidates and a state supreme court race that will determine whether the conservative tsunami will continue to gain momentum or not. It will be a long time until Black leadership—and those self-appointed progressives who are leading us by the noses—admit the status quo is not benefitting the masses. In fact, I’ll go a step further and state that the two party system isn’t working for Black America. Not only are the parties different wings on the same bird, but neither truly works in the best interest of Black America, much less support our agenda. Obviously, since there’s only a handful of people (12,431 in Milwaukee) willing to champion my call for an independent Black political party, our efforts should focus on why Black folks aren’t voting and how to maximize our political input within the current system. And in the process, let’s not be duped into believing Vote ID, Ice Tea or Vanilla Ice, are impediments to that agenda. Hotep
BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS
HOLY WEEK
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 5
By Fr. Carl Diederichs, All Saints Catholic Church
For Christians around the world this is the holiest week of the year. The week started out with the wonderful celebration of Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday. The celebration begins with the procession of Jesus into the holy city riding on a colt and hearing loud cries of “hosanna.” For just a short time we are in a joyful mood as we receive Jesus the King. But, very soon our mood changes as we enter into the reading of the Gospel of Jesus’ passion from Mark. It anticipates the murder on Good Friday.
FROM THE BLACK
By Tony Courtney
The church gathers again on Holy Thursday evening to gather around the Welcome Table and celebrates the institution of the Holy Eucharist. We do celebrate Jesus coming to us in the form of bread and wine to be shared, but we also celebrate the meaning behind this great Sacrament: service to others. We do that by selecting 12 members of the church and then having the pastor wash and kiss their feet, as Jesus did to the twelve. This simple ritual contains so much of what Jesus came to teach us. We are here for others, period. Good Friday is somber. We read the passion story from St. John. The pain and suffering and ultimate death of Jesus becomes the grounding for all of us. Look at how He died; forgiving the very people who caused His death: Jesus, the forgiving victim. What we must learn from this is a lifetime work. On Holy Saturday night, after the sun goes down, the people of God gather outside the church and light the New Fire. From this new fire we light the tall Eater Candle, a symbol of Christ. We then share the light of Christ with all gathered. As we light our candles and hold them high we listen to the ancient hymn called The Exultet. “This is the night in which it is written: The night shall be as bright as day, dazzling is the night for me, and full of gladness.” From the experience of the Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday night, we continue to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. We say; Christ is Risen, He has risen indeed! For this Holy Week to have meaning, each of us must become more excited about Jesus and His work to make this a more just and peaceful world. I wish you all a blessed and peace-filled Easter. Christ has risen indeed. The Hansberrry-Sands Theater Company is embarking on a new way to deal with the violence in the City of Milwaukee. The company has decided to address the concept that one picture is worth a thousand words…thus they are “Takin it to the streets.” The Youth Tribute Troupe which includes both youth and teens will incorporate a new street theater initiative designed to bring focus to the violence that exists in our community thru theatrical means. Since these acts are uniquely detrimental to our community, it is the goal to implement an inclusive program with partners including neighborhoods, legislative officials, businesses and the judicial system. Hansberry-Sands Theater is looking for young people and teens to join them in this awareness and education project designed to help raise the con-
(continued on page 6)
Re-Introduction Back into Society
BUSINESS CORNER
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 6
Business Corner Profile
Amanda James is finishing up her first book and creating a re-entry program. She is currently a Pre-treatto stick to the program at all costs. ment, counselor in corrections. A This process of supervised transisupervised visitation worker and tion helps such “offenders” reinteshelter advocate. grate back into the society without I am currently working as a counmuch trouble. I like to refer to these selor in corrections, dealing with pre-treatment programs less cliniboth male and female offenders of cally and call them “empowerment” certain age groups. These individuals programs. This program that I teach, go through a certification program motivates and encourages, individuwith me, to help facilitate their re-inals to be better and more responsible troduction into society. citizens in society. They are deemed “offenders” by I spend evenings with children of law for a plethora of reasons, and individuals that are in the judicial they are also found to be inadesystem. I monitor, and document the quately equipped to deal with the sorelationship between such biological cietal pressures, upon re-introduction parents with their children, and work Amanda James after years of incarceration. cooperatively and collaboratively My certification group sessions are called “pre-treat- with The Bureau of Child Welfare. ment”, where these individuals are enabled to deal with My main focus group involves black men who are in their emotions better. the legal system. Enabling them with the pre-treatment One of the most important skills that need to be worked program is my main area of work. I work closely with the upon, would be to have better control over their anger, same ethnicity during my child-parent rehabilitation work through anger management sessions. as well. These sessions are designed to help these individuals I also work as a strong shelter advocate for a homeless deal with their cognitive abilities to enable better lifestyle shelter that provides a roof over the heads of so many choices. men. Regardless what the circumstances were that got The pre-treatment session is designed for a group and them on the streets, I help people understand that we have conducted over a period of three and half weeks. On the an obligation, to help those in need. I help people underlast day, each individual who successfully completes the stand the importance of homeless shelters, and how they program, receives a “Course Completion Certificate”. can help as well. These certificates are given to motivate the participants
FROM THE BLACK
(cont. from pg. 5)
sciousness and social awareness of destructive behavior that if not altered will eventually end up in affecting each and everyone. Adult and parent participation is encouraged. Interested parties should contact the Hansberry-Sands Theater Company at (414) 616-PLAY (7529) or email Hansberry-sand7529@sbcglobal.net. Benefit Banquet for supporting Least of These International Ministries. Join with Dr. Nathaniel Stampley in celebrating the 29th trip to the Motherland (Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda). The focus of this mission is spiritual, educational and economics. Consider becoming a partner by pledging a monthly donation or giving a one time gift. This is a great opportunity to be a blessing. For tickets contact Least of These International Ministries (A Global Ministry) 1036 W. Atkinson Avenue Milwaukee Wisconsin. Call (414) 264-2727 or (4140 374-5292 or emailleastofthese2003@yahoo.com. LOTIM is a 501c(3) nonprofit religious organization. The event will be held at the Radisson Hotel
7065 N. Port Washington Rd. Sunday, June 28th at 4:00PM. Ticket prices Adults $40 and children 12 and under $15. African attired desired but not required. The 5th Annual Black Marriage Day Event will be held Saturday, March 28th 2:00PM – 4:00PM at Brentwood Church of Christ 6425 N. 60th St. Tickets are $20 for individuals and $25 for two people. The featured entertainment is Jazz vocalist Cassandra Mc Shepard. Learn how to heal your body, mind and spirit by eliminating negative emotions that are affecting your health. Join us on Tuesday nights 8PM – 9PM at Khamit Institute 4712 W. Fond du Lac Ave(upstairs). Class is FREE!!! Come and check me out at Coffee Makes You Black 2803 N. Teutonia Ave. and pick up a copy of the Jig Saw Puzzle of Black Unity and Looking at the World Thru the Eyes of Our Ancestors for only $5.00. Read these booklets yourself and then pass them on to your children or grandchildren. Call me at (414) 374-2364 to make sure I am there. I am usually there Tuesday thru Saturday from 10AM -3PM.
C O M M U N I T Y J O U R N A L . C O M
Powers of Attorney
Proper estate planning can help avoid internal family conflict. One tool is a power of attorney where an agent shall act on behalf of the individual. A Power of Attorney is only valid if executed in compliance with Wisconsin state law. This means that it must be in writing, properly dated, and meet other legal requirements. Issues arise however, when a person signing the document has a medical illness like dementia or Alzheimer’s. The question becomes whether the person is competent or not to sign the power of attorney. Individuals facing these medical conditions may appear to be lucid some days, however medical experts may state they are not of sound mind to enter into any contracts. Legally, the agent has a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of the principal. The agent is prohibited from self-dealing and must act in the principal’s best interests. For health care decisions this may involve where the person should live and the type of medical By Atty. care the principal will receive. For a financial power of attorney, the agent has a duty to manage the principal’s fi- Anthony Jackson nances with prudent care. The agent must act with the principal’s interest in mind and not their own to maximize their inheritance. Attorney Anthony Jackson provides legal counsel in estate planning, criminal defense, and personal injury law in Milwaukee. His office is located at 6045 N. Green Bay Rd, Glendale, WI 53209. Call him at (414) 704-5680 for a free consultation.
Ask A Lawyer!
NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION AND SAMPLE BALLOTS April 7, 2015
OFFICE OF THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE:
Notice is hereby given of a spring election to be held in the City of Milwaukee, on the 7th day of April, 2015, at which the officers named below shall be chosen. The names of the candidates for each office to be voted for, whose nominations have been certified to or filed in this office, are given under the title of the office, each in its proper column, together with the questions submitted to a vote, for a referendum, if any, in the sample ballot below. INFORMATION TO ELECTORS
Upon entering the polling place, an elector shall state his or her name and address and sign the poll book before being permitted to vote. If an elector is not registered to vote, an elector may register to vote at the polling place serving his or her residence, if the elector presents proof of residence in a form specified by law. Where ballots are distributed to electors, the initials of two inspectors must appear on the ballot. Upon being permitted to vote, the elector shall retire alone to a voting booth and cast his or her ballot except that an elector who is a parent or guardian may be accompanied by the elector's minor child or minor ward. An election official may inform the elector of the proper manner for casting a vote, but the official may not in any manner advise or indicate a particular voting choice. Where Optical Scan Voting Systems are Used The elector shall connect the arrow next to the name of the candidate of his or her choice for each office for which he or she intends to vote. To vote for a person whose name does not appear on the ballot, the elector shall write in the name of the person of his or her choice in the space provided and connect the arrow on the write-in line. On referendum questions, the elector shall connect the arrow next to "yes" if in favor of the question, or the elector shall connect the arrow next to "no" if opposed to the question.
When using an electronic ballot marking device (“Automark”) to mark an optical scan ballot, the elector shall touch the screen at the name of the candidate of his or her choice for each office for which he or she intends to vote. To vote for a person whose name does not appear on the ballot, the elector shall type in the name of the person of his or her choice in the space provided for a write-in vote. On referendum questions, the elector shall touch the screen at "yes" if in favor of the question, or the elector shall touch the screen at "no" if opposed to the question.
The vote should not be cast in any other manner. Not more than five minutes time shall be allowed inside a voting booth or machine. Sample ballots or other materials to assist the elector in casting his or her vote may be taken into the booth and copied. The sample ballot shall not be shown to anyone so as to reveal how the ballot is marked.
If the elector spoils an optical scan ballot, he or she shall return it to an election official who shall issue another ballot in its place, but not more than three ballots shall be issued to any one elector. If the ballot has not been initialed by two inspectors or is defective in any other way, the elector shall return it to the election official, who shall issue a proper ballot in its place. After casting his or her vote, the elector shall leave the voting booth, properly deposit the ballot and promptly leave the polling place.
After Voting the Ballot After an official optical scan ballot is marked, it shall be inserted in the security sleeve so the marks do not show. After casting his or her vote, the elector shall leave the booth, insert the ballot in the voting device and discard the sleeve, or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit. The elector shall leave the polling place promptly.
An elector may select an individual to assist in casting his or her vote if the elector declares to the presiding official that he or she is unable to read, has difficulty reading, writing or understanding English or that due to disability is unable to cast his or her ballot. The selected individual rendering assistance may not be the elector's employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector.
The following is a sample of the official ballots:
Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 will have the same ballot as that which appears with this notice.
Wards 112, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 169, 170, 171, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 181, 182, 185, 187, 190, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, 202, 210, 211, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 326, 327 will have no school board races other than the School Board Director at Large, and will have no County Board Special Election contest on their ballot.
Wards 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 85, 86, 90, 91, 94, 95, 157, 161, 162, 163, 165 will have the following School Board contest on their ballot: School Board Director, District 2 Vote for 1 Wendell J. Harris, Sr. Jeff Spence write-in
Wards 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 87, 88, 92, 93, 164, 166, 167, 168, 204 will have the above School Board Director, District 2 contest AND the below Special Election for County Board Supervisor, District 15 contest on their ballot. County Board Supervisor, District 15 Vote for 1 Eddie Cullen Nicholas A. Hunt write-in
Wards 203, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 212, 213, 263 will have the Special Election for County Board Supervisor, District 15 contest shown above on their ballot.
Wards 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 115, 116 will have the following School Board Director contest on their ballot and NO Special Election for County Board Supervisor: School Board Director, District 3 Vote for 1 Michael Bonds Stephany Pruitt write-in
Wards 60, 108, 114 will have the above School Board contest on their ballot AND the below Special Election for County Board Supervisor District 10: County Board Supervisor, District 10 Vote for 1 Solana Patterson-Ramos Supreme Moore Omokunde write-in
Wards 186, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 325 have the following School Board contest and NO Special Election for County Board Supervisor on their ballot: School Board Director, District 8 Vote for 1 Carol Voss write-in
Wards 109, 110, 111, 113, 116, 117, 144, 147, 148, 149, 172, 173, 174, 178, 183, 184, 188, 189, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 199 will have the Special Election for County Board Supervisor, District 10 contest listed above on their ballot.
Wards 203, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 212, 213, 263 will have the Special Election for County Board Supervisor, District 15 listed above on their ballot. MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS Nancy Penn Tim Posnanski Rick Baas Joseph J. Czarnezki County Clerk
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 7 NOTICE OF REFERENDUM ELECTION APRIL 7, 2015
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election to be held in the several towns, villages, wards, and election districts of the State of Wisconsin, on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, the following question will be submitted to a vote of the people pursuant to law: 2015 ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION 2
To amend section 4 (2) of article VII of the constitution; relating to: election of chief justice (second consideration).
Whereas, the 2013 legislature in regular session considered a proposed amendment to the constitution in 2013 Senate Joint Resolution 57, which became 2013 Enrolled Joint Resolution 16, and agreed to it by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, which proposed amendment reads as follows: SECTION 1. Section 4 (2) of article VII of the constitution is amended to read: [Article VII] Section 4 (2) The chief justice of the supreme court shall be elected for a term of 2 years by a majority of the justices then serving on the court. The justice so designated as chief justice may, irrevocably, decline to serve as chief justice or resign as chief justice but continue to serve as a justice of the supreme court.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the foregoing proposed amendment to the constitution is agreed to by the 2015 legislature; and, be it further Resolved, That the foregoing proposed amendment to the constitution be submitted to a vote of the people at the election to be held on the first Tuesday in April 2015; and, be it further Resolved, That the question concerning ratification of the foregoing proposed amendment to the constitution be stated on the ballot as follows:
QUESTION 1: "Election of chief justice. Shall section 4 (2) of article VII of the constitution be amended to direct that a chief justice of the supreme court shall be elected for a two-year term by a majority of the justices then serving on the court?" EXPLANATION
The Wisconsin constitution currently provides that the chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is its longest-serving member. The proposed constitutional amendment would instead select the chief justice through an election by a majority of the justices then serving on the Court. A “yes” vote on this question would mean that the chief justice shall be elected for a term of two years by a majority of the justices then serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The justice who is elected may decline to serve as chief justice or resign the position, but still continue to serve as a justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
MEN UP!
A “no” vote would mean that the longest-serving member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court serves as chief justice of the Court. The justice designated as chief justice may decline to serve as chief justice or resign the position, but still continue to serve as a justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. DONE in the City of Milwaukee, this 2nd day of April, 2015.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS Nancy Penn Tim Posnanski Rick Baas Joseph J. Czarnezki County Clerk
(continued from page 1) encourage and educate her male son. Family, your words are internalized by the young boys and become self-fulfilling prophecies. What are you feeding them, both, verbally and nonverbally? Most important, I learned how to treat the women in my romantic life by observing how women in my family allowed the men in their lives’ to treat them. Men must empower men; but, we fool ourselves if we don’t include the importance of women in this equation. Even with that being said, we must return to the undeniable fact that there are some things that only men can impart to other men. However, if only a single man raised his son, then his son would have all the same strengths and limitations that he has in his life. I am grateful that my sons have many other father figures in their life. I want my sons to be better men than I am, and for that to happen they need to have some other teachers to impart knowledge on them that I simply do not have in my arsenal. Even though my parents divorced, my father didn’t divorce me. He was very active in my life; but, not being in the house did create a noticeable void. I am grateful for my grandfather, uncles, cousins and coaches who shared wisdom with me and guided me into manhood. I am grateful for all the men I encountered in the church, barbershop, library, and public places that shared nuggets of wisdom with a young man they had no blood ties or legal responsibility to mentally nurture. I am grateful for the elders in my life today that still teach me and helps me to understand that the process of becoming a man is a never ending journey. Many people ask me what I did to become successful. And I tell them what I just wrote in this article. I grew up with immeasurable riches in love and support. It wasn’t me alone. It wasn’t one adult. It was a multitude of people who touched my life in ways they may never know. For our young men to be successful, they need positive men— and women—in their life who will show them unconditional love, share their gifts, and encourage them to maximize their potential. We have a lot of boys who have fathers that are deceased, in prison or just absent. What happens when these little boys cry? Who will be there for them? As a community we need to Men-Up and be there for them. Sometimes we can over strategize and overthink elaborate programs to help others, when we just need to gather men on a corner and tell young boys it is time to clean the community. It is time for the voice of our fathers to talk to our sons. In the words of a great Milwaukeean, Andre Lee Ellis, “We GOT This!” Selah. Ashe The BLAQUESMITH
FATHER TO SON: A Gentleman Warrior
Well Son, I tell you now, life is hard, but it can be sweet. If you expect life to be fair, you will be an easy opponent to defeat. From the day you were born I showed you and presented you to the only thing that was greater than you. Always have a knowledge for thirst, but know it begins with keeping GOD first. Family is important, but kin is not consecrated only by blood; but, by those who heart you hold an have an unconditional love. Remember your blessings and know your gifts are given for a reason, not to share them with the community is nothing short of treason. In the end, you have to care for self, guard your mind, your body, your soul, your wealth. Along your journey, you will make mistakes along the way, you will make less if you listen to what I say. But if you have to learn the hard way, I just pray you learn one day. Remember, sometimes you get a second chance; But, with some actions it can be your only chance. Treat women like you see me treat your mother, stay away from girls who were once involved with your brother. Never let money be a tool to guide your life; but, don’t be a fool, you need it in your life. Make it honest and at no one’s expense, Let your word be your bond and your actions be your evidence. Be true to your beliefs, you should not easily be convinced, you can’t be hot and cold, no man should ever straddle a fence. Admit your mistakes, apologize when you have wronged, live in harmony with men, as much as possible, even if they sing another song. Protect your land and wife with your life; yet, still forgive the common and uncommon strife. Being strong is more than a ripping bi-cep or bulging third leg, the decision is clear when in unison is your heart and head. Slow down, meditate and pray every day for a clear path to walk the right way. You should welcome death before you invite dishonor A Gentleman Warrior walks in strength and honor.
The BLAQUESMITH
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 8
Prom dress give-away one of three events sponsored by Big, Beautiful and Blessed
Big, Beautiful and Blessed is hosting a Prom Dress Give-A-Way Saturday, April 4, from 12 to 2 p.m. The give-a-way is open to juniors and seniors who would love to go to prom but cannot afford a dress. The event will be at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel, 375 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfiel. Young ladies interested in taking advantage of this opportunity can pre-register at http://prom-dressblessing.eventbrite.com. Young ladies must bring school ID with them. The give-a-way is on a first come, first serve basis. Big, Beautiful and Blessed will also host a “Get Fit Event” on June 18 at MATC, downtown. This event is free and open to the public. There is also an annual scholarship program for senior young ladies in the near future. For more information call 414736-6637, or email at calendarbbb@gmail.com
Free Spring Fishing Clinics for Kids Local Fishing Clubs Offer Training at Local Park Lagoons
Members of local fishing clubs will teach children the basics of fishing at the free Spring Fishing Clinics for Kids, Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., at 11 Milwaukee County Parks. Children age 15 and under are invited to hands-on clinics featuring knot tying, safe use of fishing equipment, and instruction on proper fishing techniques. All fishing equipment will be furnished. The indoor instructional component of the program will go on no matter what the weather; the outdoor component is dependent upon the weather. Clinics begin on the hour, with the last clinic starting at 2 p.m. In addition to the basic clinic, cleaning and cooking the catch will be demonstrated at five of the parks. The parks are Brown Deer, McGovern, Mitchell, Scout Lake, and Wilson. Children age 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are reminded to dress their children in warm layers. Pre-registration is not required for families, but groups of 20 or more are asked to contact the DNR. Milwaukee County locations hosting clinics are the following: Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Road; Grant– Oak Creek, Mill Pond on Oak Creek Pkwy.; Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124 St.; Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave.; McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave.; McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51 St. (wheelchair accessible); Mitchell Park, 524 S. Layton Blvd.; Scout Lake Park, 5902 W. Loomis Rd. (wheelchair accessible); Sheridan Park, 4800 S. Lake Drive; Washington, 1859 N. 40 St. (wheelchair accessible); and Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave. Clinics are presented by the Milwaukee County Parks, the Wisconsin DNR, the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations, and the Hunger Task Force Fish Hatchery. For more information, or for groups of 20 or more, call the Wisconsin DNR at (414) 263-8614.
VOTE! APRIL 7
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.�
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The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 9
--Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President
The Milwaukee Community Journal April 1, 2015 Page 10