It’s finally a reality---what Obamacare will mean to you
COMMUNITY
(Special to the Community Journal) By Candace Y.A. Montague Are you ready? It’s finally here. The Health Insurance marketplace was officially opend yesterday. In advance of the rollout, the Department of Health and Human Services recently released the premiums — or monthly costs — for health insurance for 2014.Costs will vary according to where people are located in the country, family size, income, and tobacco use. How does it work? How
can you get the best deal? And how much can you expect to pay out of pocket? Categories of Insurance First let’s talk metals. Insurance categories are classified by metals: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. There is an additional category called catastrophic. Bronze is the least expensive while gold is the most. It is important to note that the categories are not about quality of care. It’s about what you will pay in premiums every month, how much
VOL. XXXVIII Number 10 October 2, 2013
The Milwaukee
PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “WHY IS HAVING A 50TH YEAR CLASS REUNION IMPORTANT TO YOU?”
RAYMOND PEE--For friends and classmates to keep in contact with the health and welfare of friends who we grew up with.
ROBERT TERRRY--To meet with my classmates I haven’t seen in years. A lot people don’t make this--a half a century
JOURNAL
money you will pay out of pocket for hospital visits or prescriptions, and how much you will pay total over the year if you have a lot of health care costs. Catastrophic plans are also available for people under the age of 30 and select people with very low incomes. The best deal for you More choices equal better savings. The US Department of Health and Human Services did an (continued on page 5)
www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents
City failure to hire poor for housing project angers civil rights leaders 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
M
NAACP, MICAH demand firing of monitor
By Mikel Holt
ilwaukee’s abysmal Black unemployment rate and poor minority business climate can be directly attributed to long standing city policies on inclusion and apathetic politicians, speakers declared at a press conference Monday.
The press conference was called by the Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH) and the NAACP to respond to investigation findings by the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) about the city’s inability to hire minority and poor residents of the Westlawn Housing Project during the recently completed $82 million construction project. HUD contributed over half of the $82 million, with the express mandate that the city prioritize hiring of low-income residents and establish goals for contracts with minority
firms for the project. Not only did the city Housing Authority not fulfill its mandated hiring stipulation, but misled HUD and “inaccurately stated the criteria in a
manner that exempted small contract (under $100,000) from the requirements,’ thereby excluding many minority businesses, the NAACP noted. Speaker after speaker at the press
conference, appropriately held at Mt. Sinai COGIC, directly across the street from Westlawn on 60th and Silver Springs, lambasted the Housing Authority. Several speakers
charged the HUD investigation findings were but the tip of the iceberg. Milwaukee, noted Rev. Willie Brisco, president of MICAH, has (continued on page 8)
Two million sign up as organ donors
The Reverend Willie Brisco, president of MICAH was joined by religious and political leaders at a press conference across the street from the Westlawn Gardens, Monday. The activists called on officials to respond to a report from HUD that revealed the city had not hired low income residents as mandated by federal law. (Holt photo)
LINDA MILES CARR-CARLSON--Generally it has been a long time since one has seen old, old friends. It’s an opportunity to connect with old friends and discuss happy times. To enjoy the moment.
FREDERICK BROWN--For the young Black children in this city to understand, you must respect one another and love one another. There is a way out; just look up to the right people.
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668
Former State Rep. Annette Polly Williams (left) and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton participated in the ribbon cutting ceremonies to officially open the Northwest Family Activity and Event Center on Good Hope Road Saturday, Shown here with Williams and Hamilton were Victoria and J.C Frazier, owners of Northwest Funeral Chapel, which also celebrated its 20th anniversary. Read additional information on page 2. (photo by Yvonne Kemp)
MADISON—Just three years after its inception, Wisconsin’s online organ and tissue donor registry has reached the 2 million member mark. The milestone is being recognized this October by Donate Life Wisconsin (DLW) and its affiliate organizations as an example of the generosity of the Wisconsin people and an opportunity to intensify efforts toward educating the public about the importance of registering as an organ, tissue and eye donor. African Americans, particuilarly in Milwaukee are disproportionately in need of organ donations, although Black Milwaukeeans are less likely to register or declare themselves organ donors on their driver’s licenses. As a result, DLW member organizations are launching a statewide campaign, called Orangetober. The campaign aims to double the number of new members typically added to the registry in October from 50,000 to 100,000, and to make sure that every county in Wisconsin has at least 50 percent of its residents registered as donors. Anyone interested in joining the campaign can download Orangetober event materials at DonateLifeWisconsin.com. “While the statewide response to the new registry has been inspiring, we are determined to reach the 3 million mark even quicker so that fewer people die or needlessly suffer while waiting for a second chance at life,” said Joanne MacInnes Grunau, pres-
ident of DLW. “Sadly, the number of people being added to the transplant waiting list in Wisconsin continues to rise, and we need to be more diligent than ever about making sure everybody who needs a lifesaving transplant can get one.” There are currently more than (continued on page 8)
Children’s, Marquette opens clinic
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Marquette University’s School of Nursing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new primary care clinic Friday at the COA Goldin Center on Burleigh Street. The clinic officially opened its doors years. Alderman Wade said the clinic will be a welcome resource for residents of the Amani neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the new clinic, and I know the neighborhood’s residents are very happy about having close and reliable options for health care in their communities,” he said. “There is a definite need for better access to primary care options in the area, and I thank Children’s Hospital and Marquette’s School of Nursing for stepping up to help serve the community’s health care needs.”
Legislation ‘forcing’ sale of unused MPS facilities is wrong The Milwaukee Community Journal October 2, 2013 Page 2
Milwaukee Black Media Commentary It began as an interest in a MPS unused school building that was "not for sale.’ Then it developed into a neighborhood saturated by yard signs, and later a march consisting of young students being taken out of school to march with teachers, school staffers and even Milwaukee 's Sheriff David A. Clarke in an attempt to force MPS to sell a building it had other plans to develop. The leadership at St. Marcus Lutheran School, a private school set its sights on purchasing the Malcolm X Academy Campus located on the corner of N. 1st. and W. Center Streets, even though that particular property was not for sale. Rather than consider another building MPS offered, St. Marcus organized marches, yard signs and children marching during school hours as a public tactic used to force MPS to sell Malcolm X to the school. Following the march, supporters of St. Marcus then saturated the MPS Board meeting, where only rough half the crowd supported their efforts. The Milwaukee Board of School Directors is moving forward with other plans for the site, voting last Thursday, September 26 to enter into negotiations with 2760 Holdings, LLC for the purchase of the property at 2760 North First Street (Malcolm X Academy).
2760 Holdings has 90 days to negotiate terms of a sale. Two state legislators who pushed legislation last year requiring the sale of unused schools are now increasing their efforts to MPS to sell unused buildings even if the district has plans for them. The legislators leading this bill are State Senator Alberta Darling (R), and State Representative Joe Sanfelippo (R). Under the current law, the City of Milwaukee owns the school buildings and school grounds of the Milwaukee Public School (MPS) District. Generally, city-owned property used for school purposes may be sold only upon written request of MPS board and if the Milwaukee Common Council adopts a resolution approving the sale. This new bill would force the city to sell schools that are unused or underutilized for at least 12 consecutive months, or if the MPS board had declared a property surplus within the last five years. These buildings would be sold even if MPS has identified them for other uses, including expanding popular programs. The bill that the Republican legislators fails to recognize that MPS has already made significant use of formerly vacant buildings that is increasing options for parents and taking hundreds of students off of wait lists for popular programs.
The district has strategically used buildings to grow high-achieving programs and meet parental demand for popular programs. MPS has reused eight buildings for such programs. An example of high-achieving program is the expansion of Golda Meir from a 3rd to 8th grade program to a high school by using the once-vacant Milwaukee Education Center facility on King Dr. and Walnut. Hundreds of parents were able to move off the waiting list for the Montessori program at Fernwood School when MPS reopened Tippecanoe School as Howard Montessori programs. Eleven buildings have been leased to highly popular MPS charter schools, run by community leaders including BEAM, Banner and Carmen charter schools. Four buildings have been sold including two to Milwaukee College Prep. The former Jackie Robinson Middle School was sold and converted into The Sherman Park Senior Living Community. This development revitalized a historic five-acre parcel in the heart of the historic Sherman Park neighborhood with a multi-generational campus including 68 senior apartments. The flexibility that MPS has now has made these type of projects successful and allows the district to meet parental demand and open opportunities for greater student success.
Hundreds help celebrate Northwest’s 20th anniversary
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
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Hundreds of well wishers were on hand to participate in grand opening ceremonies for Northwest Funeral Chapel’s newest facility on Good Hope Road and the 20th annivrarsay of the Black business, this past weekend The public celebration was held at the Northwest Family Activity and Events Center, located at 3024 W. Good Hope Road, , with an official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and tour of the new multi-faceted facility for invited guests. The new Northwest Family Activity and Events Center has an upper and a lower level dining/entertainment/event room that holds 100 people in each area; a spectacular outdoor Pavilion, that seats over 250 people or over 350 reception style. Additionally, two picnic areas have BBQ/picnic/outdoor reception capacity and the Conference/meeting/workshop building is totally WiFi, duplication and teleconference ready for groups, corporations and educational institutions. Twenty years ago, Frazier and his wife Victoria, at the invitation of Mrs. Ernestine O’Bee and William Ford, became their business partners and began their transition from the O’Bee Funeral Home to what has now become Northwest Funeral Chapel. This iconic team became O’Bee, Ford and Frazier , Inc. and quickly moved the funeral home from it’s Center Street location to its current 6630 W. Hampton Avenue site. Over the years O’Bee, Ford and Frazier, Inc. purchased surrounding buildings and expanded Northwest Funeral Chapel’s offerings of excellence and high integrity through more pre-need consultants, increased parking, a family repast facility, and added chapels for memorials, onsite. Northwest Funeral Chapel expanded to Racine and t continues to thrive and service families in the Racine, Kenosha,Beloit area. When efforts to expand the Racine facility stalled, the Frazier’s decided to expand the services of the Milwaukee center. The Northwest Family Activity and Events Center is, as its name describes, another way to provide dedicated service to Milwaukee families. This totally modern, efficient, attractive facility furthers the Frazier’s tenured history of strengthening Milwaukee families through quality service, employment opportunities and an astute attention to detail and the needs of their cherished clientele and treasured families.
PERSPECTIVES
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 2, 2013 Page 3
THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT (SECTION 1): All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside. “No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any persons within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
Affordable Care Act important, but much more needed
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act is an achievement Americans can be proud of. Making sure that all our brothers and sisters, children and grandchildren, have proper health insurance makes us a stronger, more prosperous nation.
Amid this important change, however, we cannot ignore the work that remains to be done, especially in communities of color. Insurance cards are not enough. To become a society with better health - not just better health coverage - we must also look at the role "place" plays in the lives of minority communities.
Where we live, work and play is surprisingly predictive of lifespan. Within the city of Boston, for instance, people in some census tracts live 33 years less than those in nearby tracts. In Bernalillo County, N.M., the difference is 22 years. Researchers are releasing “Community Health Equity Reports” at the Place Matters 2013 National Health Equity Conference on Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C. Data from Baltimore, Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, New Orleans and other cities demonstrates that where you live is a powerful determinant for how long you'll live. “Health equity” may sound like a jargon term, but it's really a simple and just concept: all people should have equal opportunities for good health. Unfortunately, in conversations,
Lawmaker’s speak Affordable care act will help everyone
The open enrollment period for the Afford-able Care Act (ACA) began Tuesday, October 1 for coverage beginning January 1, 2014. Because of the ACA, the 90% of Wisconsinites who have insurance have stronger coverage and more choices than ever before. And for the 10% of Wisconsinites who don’t have coverage, an abundance of opportunities will become available upon enrollment. The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama in March of 2010. The ACA is a comprehensive health reform law that makes preventative care – including family planning and related ser-vices – more affordable and accessible for many Americans. The ACA eliminates many of the difficulties of finding and keeping affordable insurance, as well as the discriminatory practices used by the insurance industry. For persons considering enrolling with the ACA, there are four key messages to keep in mind. First, plans can-not deny applicants for pre-existing conditions or cancel a person’s policy due to illness. Second, all plans will be required to cover doc-tors’ visits, hospitaliza-
State Senator Lena Taylor
tion, maternity care, ER expenses and pre-scription medications. Third, plans will be required to show costs and what is covered in plain and simple language, making it easier for enrol-lees to choose a plan that best meets their needs. And finally, applicants may be eligible for financial aid. To learn more about the ACA and how to enroll, visit: http://www.healthcare.gov. State Senator Lena Taylor
100 police positions not nearly enough
Before the citizens of Milwaukee get too cozy with the mayor’s 2014 budget proposal to add 100 new police officers, they should know our true, current reality. The reality today is: The Milwaukee Police Department has 155 vacant police officer positions, and there are an additional 166 vacant civilian positions that are often filled by sworn personnel (sworn personnel who could also be deployed to fight crime on our streets). Back in the 2010 city budget, 100 positions were eliminated (full-time approved sworn positions), so in my opinion the city has approximately 260 vacant police officer positions! The additional 100 officers the mayor is proposing should have been added and planned for anyway, because we need them badly on our streets as soon as possible. During the next few years, hundreds of Milwaukee police officers will become eligible to retire. The fact is we have not been keeping pace with bringing on new officers, and we’ve dug ourselves a hole that will keep us from keeping up with these retirements. I fear it will take some time for us to dig ourselves out of this hole. We had at least three more shootings over the weekend, and a
Alderman Bob Donovan
George Webb’s restaurant on the near south side that I frequent was hit by two armed robberies in one week. It is amazing that no one was seriously hurt. In addition, it has come to my attention that there were several other serious incidents – including a double shooting and a stabbing where several people were involved – over the weekend that did not make the news. So believe me, it is possible that we are not hearing about all of the serious crimes and incidents that are taking place. Alderman Bob Donovan
people often reduce health issues to questions of access to health care or to behavior; in other words, if people only ate right, exercised, or saw a doctor regularly, health inequities could be eliminated. Now, to be sure, access to highquality health care is important, particularly for those who face health risks. And individuals should strive for active lifestyles and healthy diets. But a large and growing body of research demonstrates that the spaces and places where people live, work, study and play powerfully shape the opportunities they have to achieve good health. People of color - who are still subject to persistent social, if not legal, segregation - are disproportionately located in unhealthy spaces. This is a major factor that helps explain the
poorer health of many minority groups. Consider the numbers: One in four African Americans, one in six Hispanics, and one in eight American Indians in metropolitan America lives in a census tract in which 30 percent or more of the population is in poverty. But only an estimated one in 25 non-Hispanic whites live in one of these tracts. Neighborhood conditions can overwhelm even the most persistent and determined efforts of individuals to take steps to improve their health. Neighborhoods with high rates of poverty are subject to significant health risks, from the presence of polluting industries to the absence of a grocery offering fresh fruits and vegetables.
An Open Letter to Senator Reid Last Saturday, September 28, at 11:30, Greg, the host of msnbc tv, while interviewing GOP Rep. Trey Radel asked him the question, "Why is the delay of funding Obama care important or necessary, why not do it now? Rep Radel’s response: "Politics; we know we are going to win the Senate next year. It will allow us to have both the House and the Senate, we wll be able to repeal this whole Obamacare law. That's why." In her comment online, Barbara Davis Wimmers writes, "I saw Radel on MSNBC today and could not believe my Ears. All the millions of ss just waiting to get affordable healthcare and Radel said they are trying to delay the vote until after 2014 when they win more Republicans in the Senate. “Doesn't he understand everyone is blaming Repubs for this mess..." I say, if this is the GOP T-party dominated plan, I want you Democrats to get the clip of this interview and take it to the floor and to the Al Shapton -Politics Nation Show, Chris Mathiews' Hardball Show, and others, to show it to the American people on all TV channels. Please, call on all Democrats and the President and Senator Reid to use this evidence of the GOP’s hidden agenda as it is revealed by this T-Party dominated GOP member to reject any negociation on this matter. Rep. John Fleming (R-La) calling Senator Cruz's role "huge," is quoted by Sabrina Siddiqui as saying, "He's been the rallying flag that has pulled Republicans around conservatives,' ... 'Just the mere fact that he's out there talking, that he's had petitions going, that he did a 21-hour [speech] that was highlighted in the media ... all of these things are building energy among Republicans and conservatives who are unified in the fact that we oppose Obamacare." This cannot be tolerated. It should in itself back fire by uniting all the Democrats as well. Don't give them that chance. The senate should reject any attempt to delay the implementation of this law. The T-Party dominated GOP or
Republicans should have to come up with a clean bill, acceptable to the senate and to the President. Otherwise, Democrats should let them shut down the government. We have been putting up with this racism against President Obama, since 2008, just because he's Black! As Chris Mathews said it, it is unacceptable in today's America. When polls show 47% Americans against Obamacare, and that percentage comes down to 31% when you call it Affordable Care Act, that means racism is at work here, not the interest of the American people! Therefore, Democrats in the House and in the Senate should not blink on this one. You should stand firm on your principle, as these cronies stand on theirs. No negociations on this case anymore. Send that Rep. Radel TV clip to all the media, it will help to defend the Democrats'position on this issue. The Republicans have coded this law as Obamacare for a racist reason and everybody knows it, but are afraid of saying it. Rep. Michele Bachmann (RMinn.) and Gov. Sara Palin (RAlaska), by calling this law "Obamacare," knew very well that that's how it will scare the racist Americans who don't like seeing a Black man in the White House, even if he does anything good for the American people. Democrats and Republicans of good will should call this tactic exactly what it is. When Republicans say ‘this Obamacare is not working, it has failed, it is a job killer law, the American people don't know it and don't like it!" my question is "How can you prejudge a law that hasn't been implemented yet? How can you say it is not working before it is even implemented? How can you say for sure that it is a job killer, when it has not been put to test yet? Theirs are just opinions and not facts. To those who say they don't know it, they don't understand it, I say, the reason you don't know it or don't understand it is because you don't want to know it, you don't want to understand it. That's all that is. Republicans have just played their last trick by abandoning the
These same communities typically have poorer quality housing and transportation options, and are hit hardest by the home-mortgage lending crisis, which crushed wealth opportunities and disproportionately affected communities of color. Many of these neighborhoods also experience high rates of crime and violence, which affect even those who are not directly victimized, as a result of stress and an inability to exercise or play outside. Even healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics are harder to find in these neighborhoods. It's no wonder life-spans vary so greatly among neighborhoods, even those close to each other. Some policymakers are working to address these place-based disparities. Federal programs that stimulate investment in the nation's hardest-hit communities are working to attract businesses, create jobs, and reduce the concentration of health risks. The Healthy Food Financing Initiative creates financial incentives for grocery stores or farmers' markets to open in "food deserts." And the Obama Administration's "Promise Zones" initiative will streamline a host of federal "placebased" projects and offer technical assistance to jurisdictions that seek to stimulate economic activity and build ladders of opportunity Investments in vulnerable communities may be among the most costeffective strategies to close the health gap and improve the overall health of the nation.
A study commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found that the direct medical costs associated with health inequities - in other words, additional costs of health care incurred because of the higher burden of disease and illness experienced by minorities was nearly $230 billion between 2003 and 2006. Add the indirect costs, such as lost wages and productivity and lost tax revenue, and the total cost of health inequities for the nation was $1.24 trillion. Our nation's poorest need health insurance. But we cannot afford to stop there. Only by recognizing and then erasing the deep divides that create communities with fewer health opportunities can we create a nation of individuals with the chance to reach their full potentials. Dr. Brian D. Smedley is vice president and director of the Health Policy Institute of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, DC. America's Wire is an independent, nonprofit news service run by the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education. Our stories can be republished free of charge by newspapers, websites and other media sources. For more information, visit www.americaswire.org or contact Michael K. Frisby at mike@frisbyassociates.com. By Brian Smedley America's Wire Writers Group (BlackNews.com)
idea of defunding this law now and asking that it be delayed for a year. We understand now why they came up with this hidden agenda. Rep. Radel, a member of the T-Party caucus just conceded on national television this Saturday. They hope to win the Senate in 2014 and repeal it successfully. We know that each law that breaks with the status quo has always encountered resistance from some people. It was the case for Social Security law, it was the case with Medicare law. This Affordable Care Act has been argued and studied for about 50 years. Sen. Edward Kennedy fought for it all his political life! President Clinton and his wife Hillary fought for it for years years. It was coded Hillarycare for the same discriminatory mindset against the author, because she was a woman. The fight continued until its approval and signature into law by President Obama, and its uphold by the Supreme Court four years ago. What Democrats and reasonable Republicans in the Senate
should do is to reject that idea and propose on their turn that the law should be funded, implemented, and experimented for three years. If in three years it is statistically proven that it is a failure, then it can be taken on for a repeal. Not now. Not next year. It has got to be implemented and tested first. To accept the House Republicans' proposal for a one year delay, knowing very well - as revealed by the GOP T-Party dominated Caucus member - that the hidden agenda behind this proposition is to wait until they ‘win’ the Senate in November 2014, to repeal it easily, should not be acceptable, on behalf of all the American people. Should they shut down the government, so be it. The Rep. Radel interview clip on national television should be repeatedly used on the floor and in the media for this purpose. This is as silly as it can get. Laurent T. Kadima - Citizen from Wisconsin
Republicans, Tea Party show their hand; to hinder President Obama
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Fatherhood summit to include tribute to area grandfathers
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 2, 2013 Page 5
N o r t h D iv i s i o n a l u m n c e l e b r a t e a ha lf c e n t u r y
Members of the North Division High School 50th annual class reunion posed prior to the event at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel Saturday evening. The event included a memorial, dinner and special presentations. Shown here were: (standing, left to right) Annie Smith, Beatrice Chestnut, Janice Whitten, Sarah Martin, M. Todd and Yvonne Jefferson. Seated, from left, were Charles Davis and Dorothy King. (Yvonne Kemp photo)
The bond between a grandfather and his grandchild can be a special one. Many men have stepped up to take this role in the raising of their grandchildren and their efforts will be recognized during a special ceremony at the Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit. A Grandfather Celebration will be held Friday evening, starting at 5:30 pm on October 4th at Destiny Youth Plaza at 7210 N. 76th Street. The invitation-only event will single out a number of men who have made a significant impact on the lives of their granddaughters and grandsons. Recognized during the ceremony will be the recipients of the 2013 Grandfather Awards including: Gene Kiper, Lloyd L. Mallet, Donnie Hunt, Robert Cargile, Valentine RamirezMichael Snowden, Amos Beamon, Ronald Robinson, Joe Weathers, Thomas Mitchell, Jr. and Earl Ingram, Sr. The Grandfather Celebration showcases how Grandfathers have stepped forward to fill an important role in the raising of the next generation. The Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit is being presented by the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative in partnership with the Social Development Commission. The two day event offers resources and information for men to use in becoming stronger and more effective fathers. These include access to County child support case workers and driver’s license recovery staff. To learn more about the Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit, visit the websites of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative at www.MilwaukeeFatherhood.com or at SDC at www.cr-sdc.org.
Tips on how to navigate new health care law
(continued from page 1) analysis of 36 state marketplaces. According to an issue brief from DHHS, individuals and families will have an average of 53 health plans to choose from when looking for a plan. Young adults will have an average of 57 choices. Also, on average, there are eight different health insurance carriers participating in each of the 36 marketplaces from the analysis. The greater the competition the more the consumer saves. When it’s time to select a metal level, consider how you use health insurance. If you are a relatively healthy person who doesn’t anticipate many doctor visits or take medications routinely, you may want to consider the bronze level or silver level. However,
these levels carry a lower premium, or cost per month. If an accident occurs, you can expect to pay more out of pocket later for care. If you anticipate many doctor visits or take regular prescriptions, gold or platinum may be the choice for you. The premium is higher in these categories, but you pay less at the doctor’s office and for prescriptions. Prices, Premiums, and Plans Prices for basic health coverage will vary from person to person. Gary Cohen, director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight stated on a conference call that people who are uninsured and qualify for financial assistance or Medicaid could end up paying less than $100 a month per person for health insurance.
“Young adults will have an average of 57 choices. Also, on average, there are eight different health insurance carriers participating in each of the 36 marketplaces from the analysis. The greater the competition the more the consumer saves.”
The premium that you pay will depend on the category you pick, your family size, and other factors such as where you live. For example, a 27year-old in Atlanta, Georgia who earns $25,000 and chooses the lowest level Bronze category can expect to pay $105 per month after tax credit. A family of four — two adults and
two children under the age of 18 — in Atlanta with an income of $50,000 in the lowest Bronze category would pay $138 per month after Tax Credit. A 27-year-old in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who earns $25,000 and chooses the lowest level in the Bronze category will pay $94 per month after Tax Credit. A family of
four in the same city earning $50,000 would pay $96 a month in the lowest Bronze category after tax Credit. Where do you begin? On October 1st, you will be able to log on to your state’s health department website and create an account. Then you will enter information about you and your family, income, household size, and other pertinent information. Next, based on the information you enter you will be able to see plans that apply to your situation. You will be able to compare premiums and out-of-pocket costs side by side. Pick the plan that best suits your needs and enroll. Your coverage will go into effect on January 1, 2014. You have time to make a decision so think it through. The marketplace
will remain open until March 31, 2014. Take your time and choose wisely. Review your budget and decide what you can afford. Shop around. Ask questions. Most of all don’t be afraid to ask for help. The government may have established the marketplace but it puts the power of obtaining affordable healthcare coverage in the consumer’s hands. For more information about healthcare marketplaces, visit www.healthcare.gov. Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance health writer based in Washington, DC. She is a regular contributor to TheBody.com, Black AIDS Weekly, and East of the River Magazine, a publication under Capital Community News.
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Big, Beautiful and Blessed: Group to release calendar
Like many women in America, Milwaukee’s Shemelian Bowman struggled growing up heavier than her peers. She experienced real life pain from her fleshiness, from grade school to high school, making her both the brunt of and the giver of bullying. Today, “African-American Women have the highest overweight and obesity rates,” (Office of Women’s Health – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). But Bowman has learned how to turn her pain into her passion, and Big, Beautiful & Blessed was born. The group will host their Premier
event, (free and open to the public) the release of the 2014 Big Beautiful & Blessed 12-Month Calendar, launched by a fashion show, highlighting local plus-sized women – at the El-Bethel Church of God in Christ, November 3rd, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm, 5401 West Good Hope Road in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though this organization (BBB) is officially the brainchild of Shemelian Bowman, founder and executive director, Laneice McGee serves as assistant director. “Big, Beautiful & Blessed is committed
to cultivating positive self and body image in all women, focusing on the beauty of women with curves, sizes 14 and up,” McGee urged. Recognize beautiful women, from all over the Metropolitan Milwaukee Area, as they share their faith testimonies in the 2014 Calendar, which can be reserved immediately. Sponsorship opportunities exist. Visit the website, http://www.bigbeautifulblessed.c om/upcoming-events.html or email Laneice McGee (calendarbbb@gmail.com) for further information.
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 2, 2013 Page 7
N e w b u s i n e s s o p e ns
Trina Blanchard, owner and CEO of Hair Elegance Boutique cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the new salon at 8058 N. 76th Street. Hair Elegance is a full service salon where ‘women of all ethnic background can come to be pampered and treated like the queens they are,’ Blanchard said. (photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Tandem Theatre to present play Noted attorney’s daughter performs with CeeLo Green about Apartheid in South Africa
Milwaukee native Maxine Hupy performed with CeeLo Green in Las Vagas recently. Hupy is the daughter of prominent Milwaukee attorney Michael Hupy. Maxine Hupy, daughter of Attor- Show while studying at Northwestney Michael Hupy, has fulfilled a ern University. She was also recently lifelong dream by performing as a featured in NU’s Alumni magazine background dancer alongside music for her dancing accomplishments. superstar CeeLo Green. Furthermore, she appeared in a The dancing prodigy landed a role music video with Disney star Hayley in Green’s ‘CeeLo Green Is Lober- Kiyoko and in a fitness DVD proace’ show in Las Vegas. duced by the Bollywood-dance inOriginally, Maxine was scheduled spired fitness and media company to perform alongside Green 28 times Doonya. during a seven-week span that A trailer for this DVD aired on The wrapped up in April. But the Lober- Today Show. NFL cheerleaders have ace show was so successful it was re- even sought Maxine’s expertise and newed for another series of she helped train them by demonstratperformances that runs from October ing new dances. through January. Maxine has also used her dancing After completing the first series of talents to give back to the commuperformances, Maxine said that she nity. In 2008, she participated in a loved performing with Green and complimented his “unbounded en- Dance Marathon fundraising event at Northwestern that raised over ergy.” Each of the past and upcoming $933,000 for cancer research. By performances of Loberace will take dedicating her time to help others, place at Planet Hollywood in Las Maxine is proving that the apple Vegas. doesn’t fall from the tree. As a young dancing prodigy, MaxAttorney Michael Hupy has also ine performed as Marie in the Mil- donated much of his time and finanwaukee Ballet’s Nutcracker at age cial resources to help those in need. 13. She went on to perform with the In 2012, the law firm of Hupy and Graffiti Dancers and in the Waa-Mu Abraham, S.C. donated more than
$200,000 to more than 100 community organizations. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. Founded in 1969 in Milwaukee, personal injury law firm Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has a proven record of success with large settlements in serious cases, collecting $100s of millions for 1,000s of satisfied clients. The firm has a long-established reputation of providing sound legal representation to accident victims, securing fair compensation for its clients and giving back to the community. The law firm, which has offices located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, handles personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death and pharmaceutical and medical device class actions. The firm’s 16 experienced attorneys are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty for their clients by tirelessly representing them to the best of their ability while being involved in the local community—from raising funds for local charities to participating in safety and accident prevention initiatives. In 2012, the firm donated over $200,000 to more than 100 community organizations.
Grammy-winning group Club Nouveau to release new CD
Grammy award winning Club Nouveau, the Pop band formed by record producer Jay King in 1986 returns. After nearly three decades of success, Club Nouveau is reemerging with a soon-to-be released new CD. Music mogul Jay King and original members, singer/songwriter/arranger Valerie Watson, rejoin Samuelle Praterfor for a number of fresh music projects. King unknowingly launched an empire when he formed the independent label JAY Records, whose first release-the Timex Social Club hit "Rumors"-ushered in the biggest selling single of 1986 (3.5 million copies and #1 R&B single on the Billboard Charts). With a Top 10 single on the Billboard Pop charts for over 56 weeks, the results were history-making as nobody had before taken an R&B song from an indie label to such heights.
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In Tandem Theatre will present the Wisconsin premier of M.E.H. Lewis’ suspenseful drama, Burying the Bones at the Tenth Street Theatre, 628 N. 10th Street, Milwaukee from October 4 - 27. In post-Apartheid South Africa, Mae, a young black South African woman, seeks answers to the disappearance of her school teacher husband, James. The more Mae learns, the less she understands in this gripping account of one woman’s quest to find the truth. Feeling haunted by James and against the advice of her more politically savvy sister, Cassandra, Mae visits the newly formed Truth and Reconciliation Commission with hopes of finding out what happened to her husband. There, Mae encounters Gideon, the white Afrikaner officer accused of killing James, and the shrewd plot begins to unravel. Lewis’ deft and powerful character study takes us on an emotional journey filled with heartbreak, humor, frustration and surprise.
M. E. H. Lewis, author of Burying the Bones, is an award-winning American playwright working in the Chicago and national theatre scene. Her work has been seen on stages worldwide, from Cherry Lane Theatre in New York, Stage Left Theatre in Chicago, Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles to The New Theatre in Melbourne, Australia. In Tandem Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chris Flieller, will direct the play. “I’m thrilled to bring this captivating, morally conflicted tale to Milwaukee. The challenge for the audience will be to reserve judgment about who are the heroes and who are the villains in the play. It’s also exciting to connect a veteran actor like Mark [Corkins] and fresh young talent like Di’Monte [Henning], Bria [Cloyd] and Malkia [Stampley]. Expect explosive chemistry!” The cast features the brilliantly talented actors Bria Cloyd (Sweet Black Coffee, Soulstice Theatre, Sunset Playhouse), Mark Corkins (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, American
Players Theatre, Milwaukee Shakespeare Company), Di’Monte Henning (First Stage Theatre, Hansberry-Sands Theatre, Milwaukee Youth Theatre) and Malkia Stampley (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, First Stage Theatre). The design team for the show includes Pam Rehberg (costumes), Holly Blomquist (lighting), Jonathon Leubner (sound) and Steve Barnes (set). Burying the Bones is sponsored in part by the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), City of Milwaukee Arts Board and CAMPAC (County funding). The opening night reception on Friday, October 4th, featuring a champagne toast, light appetizers and “meet and greet” with the actors, is graciously sponsored by Mr. Konrad Kuchenbach. Tickets are available by calling the Tenth Street Theatre Box Office at 414-271-1371. Senior, student, military and group discounts are available. Visit www.intandemtheatre.org for more information, including dates and times, and to order online.
Civil rights, religious leaders rap city, Housing Authority The Milwaukee Community Journal October 2, 2013 Page 8
(continued from page 1) done little over the past few decades to address Milwaukee’s nation leading Black unemployment rate, nor have officials prioritized minority business inclusion. In an unusually fiery presentation, Rev. Brisco also questioned a statement in the HUD report that said
Housing Authority Commissioners and its executive director did not know the city was not in compliance with a HUD requirement mandating the hiring and training of low income residents of the area to work on the project. That assessment can only be taken as an indication that the commission-
ers were either inept, or lying. In either case, the HUD report is an additional indictment of long standing city policies that directly attribute to Milwaukee having the highest Black male unemployment rate in the United States (56.8%). The MICAH president said the organization first met with Mayor Tom
Packers easily handle RGBIII and the Redskins
Before the Green Bay Packers took an early bye week, they easily handled the visiting Washington Redskins at Lambeau Field. It was the Packer’s home opener for the 2013 season. They lost the next week in the last minutes to the Cincinnati Bengels. (Photo by Kim Robinson)
Barrett two years ago to express concerns about the absence of Black workers at the construction site. The mayor, according to Rev. Brisco, assured the religious leaders that the Housing Authority would meet the requirements of the HUD regulations. Apparently, Rev. Brisco surmised, that promise did not filter down to Housing Authority officials. Rev. Brisco was joined by about 50 civil rights, religious and business leaders, several of whom took to the podium to either criticize city officials or to demand significant changes in policies governing minority business participation on city projects and the training and hiring of low income stakeholders. Alderman Joe Davis, whose district includes the Westlawn Housing Project, accepted some of the blame for the controversy, saying he was not vigilant enough in monitoring the project. He then blasted what he called a history of discrimination by the city and its agencies toward minorities and the poor and took the bold and unprecedented position of calling for the firing of the project participation monitor, Prism Technical and Marketing Services, as well as the city staffer who had oversight responsibilities. Prism is Black owned and the lead-
ing consultant on numerous city, county and state projects. Saying he didn’t trust the Housing Authority to implement policies to correct the problems, Davis called on Mayor Barrett to appoint a member of MICAH as a commissioner. “We need an unbiased person at the Housing Authority,” he said, someone who has the community’s interest at heart. “We need a dog in this fight.” As for the monitor, Davis said it was conflict of interest for the monitor to be paid by the construction firm that failed to address the HUD mandate. “We don’t need to move forward (on phase two of the Westlawn project) with a driver who ran this vehicle into the river.” NAACP President James Hall echoed several other speakers when he declared the HUD findings were “but the tip of the iceberg” as it relates to long standing city policies that has kept the Black community in a state of economic stagnation. He said the HUD investigation clearly revealed the Housing Authority not only failed to meet the federal mandates, but also misled the department The local NAACP, which has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, called for a complete audit of all similar projects under-
taken by the Housing Authority. He also announced the NAACP would consider a lawsuit against the city if there is not significant redress or policy changes. But the Housing Authority should not be considered the sole culprit, he said. “These failures at Westlawn were shared by Hunzinger Construction Company, the general contractor at Westlawn and Prism Technical and Marketing Services, the firm hired to promote diversity and monitor compliance on the project. Hall also noted that the city has abandoned its Emerging Business Enterprise program as a result of lawsuit by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, leaving yet another void. Hall said the NAACP was in agreement with the African American chamber of Commerce that the city should immediately implement a new MBE program. Several of the speakers at the press revealed how they were denied opportunities to participate in the project, despite the federal mandate. Clarence Coats, a resident of Westlawn, said he inquired about a job, only to be told none of the contracted firms were hiring. Interestingly, a sign advertising jobs at the construction was taken down early during the construction project.
Bucks introduce the 2013-2014 team
Milwaukee County Transit System Public Meetings We need your feedback! t t t October 1, 2013 1-4 PM Milwaukee Center St. Library
October 8, 2013 4-7 PM Milwaukee Central Library We need your input on transit service guidelines. IF we have to make changes to transit, we want your opinion to make sure it is done fairly.
RideMCTS.com
or 414-344-6711
The Milwaukee Bucks introduced the new players during iits annual media day event at the Cousins Center. Above, Skip Robinson (center), vice president of community relations for the Bucks poses with new Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo (left) and Zaza Pachulia (right). (Photo by Bill Tennessen)
Two million sign up as donors
(continued from page 1) 2,200 people in Wisconsin (119,000 people nationally) waiting for an organ transplant and thousands more whose quality of life could be vastly improved through tissue and eye donations. Despite the success of Wisconsin’s online donor registry, the need for organ, tissue and eye trans-
plants has never been greater: · Every 11 minutes another person is added to the national organ transplant wait list. · Nineteen people die every day because they didn’t get the organ they needed to survive. Rather than waiting until their next visit to the DMV when they receive
or renew their driver’s license, Wisconsin residents can do their part by registering as organ, tissue and eye donors today at YesIWillWisconsin.com. In doing so, they will legally authorize donation, saving their loved ones from having to make that decision. The registry allows residents age 15½ or older to legally authorize donation of their organs, tissues and eyes. The Wisconsin Donor Registry opened on March 29, 2010. It has saved the lives of thousands of individuals because it provides 24/7 access to a person’s donation decision, allowing donation professionals to share that information with the donor’s family and work with them to honor their loved one’s choice.
“Until the Lion writes the tale of the hunt, the victory will always go to the hunter.” --African proverb
The Milwaukee Community Journal October 2, 2013 Page 10
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