JJOUROURNALNALWISC 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

CCThe Milwaukee

OMMUNITYOMMUNITYVOL. XXXIX Number 42 May 20, 2015 www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents BULK RATE

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSINPERMIT NO. 4668

PULSE OF THECOMMUNITYPhotos and questionby Yvonne Kemp

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:“Is there a war on Black Males locally

and nationally? Yes or No?”TRACEY DENT:“Yes, there is a waron Black men. Tome it ‘s a new formof slavery in theform of incarcera-tion and killing ofBlack men. Police are playing chesswhile we play checkers. We (the com-munity) need to work together so wecan win this chess match.”

MARVIN TAYLOR: “I don’tthink it’s a war onBlack males. Wejust need fathersand men to standup and be men ofGod!”

CYRENA MARTIN: “Yes, Ibelieve there is a waron our Black men.Unfortunately, theyhave been targetedin numerous unjusti-fied murders. Justicewas not allocated. Wemust acknowledge their lives and fami-lies. Many times no action was taken as ifthe incident never occured. ALL LIVES MAT-TER!”

THERESA DAWSON: “I feelnot is there a war onBlack males, there isa war on all peopletoday. No matterwhat race you maybe. You can be male,female, young andold. Some people today don’t value lifetoday. (They) just don’t care. God bless!Black Lives Matter.”

‘King of the Blues’ blues legendB.B. King died last week at age89. B.B. King was an Americanblues musician, singer, song-writer, and guitarist. RollingStone magazine ranked him atNo. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100greatest guitarists of all time, andhe was ranked No. 17 in Gibson’s“Top 50 Guitarists of All Time.” According to Edward M. Ko-

mara, King “introduced a sophis-ticated style of soloing based onfluid string bending and shimmer-ing vibrato that would influencevirtually every electric blues gui-tarist that followed.” King was inducted into the

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in1987. King was also inducted into2014 class of the R&B Music Hallof Fame. He is considered one ofthe most influential blues musi-cians of all time, earning the nick-name “The King of Blues”, andone of the “Three Kings of theBlues Guitar.” King is also known for perform-

ing tirelessly throughout his mu-sical career, appearing at 250–300concerts per year until his seven-ties. In 1956 it was noted that heappeared at 342 shows. King con-tinued to appear at 100 shows ayear through the end of his ca-reer. King lived a long and full life,

brought music and jobs to mil-lions, and died on May 14, 2015.Thanks, B.B. King for your beauti-ful music.

PASSAGESPASSAGESB.B.KINGB.B.KING May 14,

2015Sept. 16,1925

Companions: Eventhe Strong NeedAid and AssistanceIn June of 2014, I co-authored a book with twoof my psychologist col-leagues entitled “Build-ing a Better Man.”The focus of the book was

to emphasize how we coulddecrease the aggression andexcessive violence in men,while still keeping them as-sertive and strong. A 30-minute documentary was

completed on our work on MPTV’sBlack Nouveau last year. Sadly, therewas a lot of material not included dueto time constraints. One portion of the book I wanted

illuminated more was our Ten Point“to do” list for men looking for tan-gible solutions upon the road to self-improvement. Again, time and space will not allow me to illuminate all ten; but I would

like to introduce the 7th point: Companions.No man is an island unto himself. For a man to optimize success in his life,

he needs several specific companions in his life. They are as follows:1. Curator: The curator is the elder statesman in your life. This is that

guide that teaches you life lessons about the importance of community, cul-ture, and self. Knowledge is power and this person is a wealth of valuable in-formation. There is an African proverb that states “when an old man dies, a library

burns to the ground.” We must not belittle or lose the power of our oral tra-dition and the wisdom that our elders can dispense.2. Counselor: Although there continues to be a stigma associated with

mental health within our community, the value of an objective voice can helpus to navigate through the murky waters of life. We all have counselors in life, in some fashion, whether it is Dr. Mom, Pas-

tor, friend, bartender, stranger on the bus or spouse. However, a professionalcounselor, that is competent, will give you a safe space to vent, but more im-portantly a space to create solutions for real life problems in real time.3. Curtain: The curtain is a protector. When a theatrical show is over,

someone beside the actor closes the curtain. Some men are too helpful fortheir own good. These are the men who are always helping other people, tothe detriment of their well-being. Sometimes they need someone to help protect them from themselves. Every

business executive will tell you that their administrative assistance keeps theirschedule flowing and orderly. Good men often can’t say “no” to any worthwhile project, but they and

those whom they love usually suffer. This person helps and protects you andeveryone knows and respect this guard dog.4. Conscience: Temptation of fast money, faster women, and an opulent

lifestyle has been the downfall of many great and powerful men. The con-science is that person in your life who helps you to adjust your moral compasswhen the pressure and stress of life leads you off balance. This person is not judgmental, but simply is strong enough to hold the mir-

ror of truth in your face for you to clearly see your true reflection. When allothers whisper negatively about you or lack the courage to tell you the truth,

Dr. Ramel Smith

MENMENEMPOWERINGEMPOWERINGMENMEN

International Walk to“STOP THE VIOLENCE”Prayer Walk

“Peace in our land” was the mission of last Saturday’s International Walk to “Stop the Violence” Prayer Walk in Milwaukee. Adults, parents, children, and teens joined community activists, clergy andpolitical leaders in walking hand to hand and shoulder to shoulder in calling for an end to the violence in the community’s streets, which this year has spiked even before the end of the school year.Peace for Change was the lead organization among five groups and three churches to organize and sponsor the event, which was one among many to take place across the U.S. and the world, includinga number of African and Carribbian nations. The walk started and ended at Friendship Progressive Baptist Church, 2127 N. 21st (21st and Garfield) where a program was held after the walk thatfocused on proclaimations for a safe place to work, grow and raise our youth. (Photos by Yvonne Kemp)

(continued on page 5)

Irene Goggans, noted ethnographer and community historian of African Amer-ican life, was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Community History by the Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee during its 2015 graduation ceremony heldSaturday at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. Goggans isnoted for keeping records of the accomplishments and happenings in Milwau-kee’s African American community. To date, she has collected and assembledmore than 300 scrapbooks archiving events, people, places and things pertain-ing to our community. Her collections also tells the story of Bronzeville, theBlack Milwaukee neighborhood that she was a part of for many years. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Ten students from Milwaukee and suburban area schools received achievement awards during the4th annual “Dare to Dream” scholarship ball sponsored by the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation ofSoutheastern Wisconsin, Inc. This years recipients are (seated, left to right): Andrea Griffin (Arrow-head H.S.), Morgan Harlan (Brookfield Central H.S.), Chiara Sanders (Shorewood H.S.), JaleeseJohnson (Rufus King H.S.), Zhane Brewer (Wauwatosa West H.S.); Standing (left to right): MichaelJones, president of Kappa Alpha Psi; Michael Dixon (Riverside Univ. H.S.), Maxwell Dodd (AudubonH.S.), Trentyn Shaw (Waukesha West H.S.), Yancy Landingham II (Pius XI H.S.), Jonathan DavidMorris (Dominican H.S.), and Donnell Brice, Polemarch of the Milwaukee Chapter of Kappa AlphaPsi Fraternity, Inc. The event was held at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Darrell Riley, a star basketball player at North Division High School and the state’s leading scorer,recently signed a letter of intent to attend the Mississippi Valley State University and star for thathistorically Black college/university team. Riley signed the letter infront of North Division team-mates, family, friends and members of the student body. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Community Historian Honored by UWM Fraternity helps local students who “Dare to Dream”

North DivisionBasketballstar makeshis intentionsknown

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 2

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVESEpidemic of Gun Violence RequiresStronger Gun Laws

THETHE PULSEPULSEThe WHO•WHAT•WHERE• WHEN of YOUR Community!F o r m e r l y t h e 4 W C o m m u n i t y H a p p e n i n g s

Super ReaderSummer ReadingProgram nowunderway!Milwaukee Public Library SetsGoal to Enroll 25,000 Youth in theReading ProgramThis week, the Milwaukee Public Library kicked offthe annual Super Reader Summer Reading Program. In2015, the library plans to exceed last year’s enrollmentnumbers with a goal of enrolling 25,000 children andteens ages 0-18.The Super Reader Summer Reading Program encour-

ages children to read or be read to every day during thesummer and track reading progress in a reading folder toearn reading incentives such as free food and free admis-sion to many area attractions. New this year, all Milwaukee school children will re-

ceive their tracking folder at school and can start readingright away. They just need to bring the folder to a Mil-waukee Public Library to complete their sign-up and col-lect prizes.According to a Johns Hopkins University study, chil-

dren who read over the summer maintain or even improvetheir reading abilities and educational outcomes. Research also shows that children who do not read over

the summer lose up to three months of the reading skillslearned during the school year.Over time this “summer slide” can compound and by

fourth grade a child can be nearly two years behind his

or her peers. Living in low-income or impoverishedhouseholds can widen the achievement gap even further. “Some researchers estimate 50 to 67 percent of the

achievement gap for children living in poverty is the re-sult of summer learning loss, said Library Director PaulaKiely. “Summer reading programs can help to offset this loss

because studies also indicate students who read recre-ationally out-perform those who don’t. The entire com-munity stands to gain by supporting and encouraging ayearlong love of reading among our children.” “Last year nearly 21,000 children participated,” said

Mayor Tom Barrett. “We want more. It’s free, it’s easyand it’s really important. “I encourage parents, grandparents, caregivers and

teachers to bring the children in their lives to a Milwau-kee Public Library to sign-up and to give them the sup-port and encouragement they need to read 15 minutes aday.” Children age 0-12 can enroll. A library card is not re-

quired to participate; however, children completing first-grade and up are encouraged to get a free library card.Parents are encouraged to enroll children four and underand read to them daily. The program ends August 29.Teens age 13-18 can sign-up for the Teen Summer

Reading Program “Put Your Face in a Book.” This pro-gram challenges teens to read up to ten books over thesummer and complete a reading passport to earn rewardsand a chance to win a Kindle Fire. Teens can sign-up on-line here: www.mpl.org/SummerReading. “Some children make progress not only because they

read more, but because they do more. Life experiencesthat contribute to problem-solving or decoding skills helpin reading comprehension. The ability to read a passage can be dependent on hav-

ing some relevant background knowledge,” said KellyHughbanks, Coordinator of Youth Services, MilwaukeePublic Library. “Such knowledge can be derived from summer expe-

riences not available to all children – in camp, on vaca-(continued on page 8)

ST. LOUIS ACTIVIST TO ADDRESS MICAH FAITHFUL

St. Louis civic leader, minister and activist, Rev.Starsky D. Wilson will be the keynote speaker whenthe Milwaukee Innercity Congregations Allied forHope (MICAH) holds its annual gala May 21 at theItalian Community Center.

“Racial Justice through Inclusion” is the themefor the event. MICAH will honor with their To DoWhat is Just Award Karyn Rotker, Sr Staff Attorneyof the ACLU of Wisconsin, and Attorney DennisGrzezinski for their outstanding service representingMICAH and the Black Coalition of Wisconsin and win-ning $13.4 from the Wisconsin Department of Trans-portation for new bus routes to connect inner cityresidents to jobs in the suburbs.

In 2014, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointedRev. Wilson co-chair of the Ferguson Commission tostudy the underlying conditions and make policy rec-ommendations to help the region progress throughissues exposed by the tragic death of Michael Brown,Jr.

Wilson is pastor of Saint John’s Church (TheBeloved Community) in St. Louis. He is also presidentand chief operating office of Deaconess Foundation,a faith-based, grant- making organization devotedto making child well-being a civic priority in the St.Louis region.

Wilson earned a bachelor of arts in political sci-ence from Xavier University of Louisiana, master ofdivinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and is pur-suing a doctor of ministry degree at Duke DivinitySchool.

He is the winner of numerous awards includingamong others the St. Louis Business Journal “40Under 40” and the Urban League Young Profession-als Civic Engagement and Social Justice Award.“

Rev. Wilson is a man of faith and principles whohas tremendous insight into many of the issues thataffect creating a more just society for all people,”said the Rev. Willie Brisco, MICAH president.

“We are excited to bring to Milwaukee this AfricanAmerican leader from a community angry and frus-trated in the wake of the white police officer killingan unarmed black man.

“We face the same issues in here and must uniteand learn from each other. I am looking forward tohearing about Rev. Wilson’s experiences in the strug-gle for justice and how he sees us moving forwardas a nation in stemming the blight of racism, injus-tice and inequality.”

“We are looking forward to an engaging, inform-ative, and uplifting event,” said Catoya Roberts,MICAH executive director and lead organizer. “Weinvite the public to join us and welcome the supportof our many friends.”

Tickets for the evening Gala, which will begin at7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, are $50 and can be pur-chased by calling MICAH at 414-264-0805.

Milwaukee SucceedsNames Danae Davis New Executive DirectorDynamic Nonprofit Executive Takes LeadRole in Community PartnershipMilwaukee Succeeds, the broad-based

community partnership of educators, businessleaders, government entities, nonprofits, par-ents and other civic and community leaders,today announced the selection of Danae Davisas its new executive director.Davis, who has evolved from the executive

director to the CEO at PEARLS for Teen Girls,Inc. since January 2006, will assume her newrole at Milwaukee Succeeds on May 11, 2015.“I’m thrilled to work even closer with these

dedicated community leaders committed tomaking sure every Milwaukee child who startspreschool is college and career ready by thetime he or she graduates from high school,”said Davis. “This wonderful opportunity expands my passion for helping at-risk girls succeed inschool to a much bigger platform throughout Milwaukee.”Milwaukee Succeeds is a collaborative effort launched in summer 2011 by the Greater Mil-

waukee Foundation in partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Metropolitan Mil-(continued on page 8)

AACCW president Eve Hall receives BizTimes “WomanExecutive of the Year” AwardDr. Eve Hall, president and CEO

of the African American Chamber ofCommerce of Wisconsin (AACCW),received Wednesday the 2015 Biz-Times Woman Executive of the Yearaward for her commitment, passionand service to the community.Hall received the BizTimes honor

during that publication’s Women inBusiness Breakfast held during theBizExpo at the Potawatomi Hotel &Casino.Hall is being recognized for revi-

talizing and rebuilding the AACCW.“Throughout her career as a leader and advocate, Dr. Hall has been the con-sumate builder; illustrating the power of creating strong programs and part-nerships to effect change and opportunities for others,” said AACCW BoardChair Jim Milner in a statement.“As president and CEO of AACCW, her vision has enabled the chamber to

grow immensely with the creation and expansion of several programs, work-shops and development platforms,” Milner continued.Milner also credited Hall for strategically aligning the organization with

programs and opportunities to propel the AACCW’s mission.

Danae Davis

Dr. Eve Hall

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 3

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES QUOTE OF THE WEEK:“Usually, when people are sad, theydon’t do anything. They just cry overtheir condition. But when they getangry, they bring about a change.”-Malcolm X, whose birthday was May 19

It is extremely difficult for me to watch so many innocent victims’ livesshattered by the senseless gun violence plaguing the inner city of Milwau-kee. As an elected official, I am concerned for the safety of our childrenand the well-being of their families, and I understand the fear and despairconsuming our city. And as a mother, African American woman, and mem-ber of this community, I am outraged and fed up with the violence our cityhas had to endure for far too many years.Milwaukee’s gun violence threatens our sense of community, our sense

of security, and our economic viability. For too long, we, both elected offi-cials and the community, have allowed our city and its residents to be heldhostage by a small group of individuals who have no regard for human life.Some tolerate this total disregard for an entire community, an entire city,

because this state incarcerates more African American males than any otherstate in the nation. Yes, this is true, and it is also true that Wisconsin isranked worst in the nation for the well-being of black children due to gap-ing disparities between white and minority children in terms of poverty (4out of 5 African American children in Wisconsin are born into poverty), ed-

ucational outcomes, and adult incarceration. What is also true is that Wisconsin ranks 8th in the nation in black homi-

cide victims, and African Americans in Wisconsin are 30 times more likelyto die as a result of gun violence than non-Hispanic whites. There’s nodoubt that African Americans living in the state of Wisconsin, and espe-cially Milwaukee, are facing tremendous obstacles. However, protectingthe lives of our children, and the law-abiding individuals who choose tolive and work in Milwaukee must be the top priority. I’ll be the first toadmit that we have gotten the “War on Drugs” wrong, and that its mis-guided campaign has fueled the mass incarceration of African Americansacross the country, but that shouldn’t stop us from supporting tougher gunlaws that will deter or incapacitate those violent felons who kill and maimour children and turn our streets into a warzone.In 2014, 669 individuals in the city of Milwaukee were victims of gun vi-

olence. 76 of those victims were children under the age of 17 years old,and 87 of those victims died--including 3 children under the age of 11. I at-tended all 3 funerals for our city’s child victims last year, not as a require-ment, but because I wanted to share in the grief of those families, so Iwouldn’t forget the horrible toll gun violence inflicts on our communityevery year. And 2015 is shaping up to be an even more violent year than2014. Already, I have attended funeral services for five shooting victims,and it is not even summer yet. Too many individuals have lost their lives tosenseless violence in my community, and after those victims are buried andthe emotions have subsided, we quickly forget until the next headlinewakes us up to the fact that simply ignoring this social disease of gun vio-lence will not make it go away. Convicted felons make a choice every time they choose to arm them-

selves with an illegal gun; they weigh their risk of getting caught and theyunderstand the consequences of their actions. As an elected official, I re-fuse to hold the gun-toting desires of the perpetrators of these crimes inhigher regard than the safety and security of the hundreds of thousands of

law-abiding individuals who live and work in the city of Milwaukee. Nordo I have any sympathy for those individuals who choose to gun down ourchildren, shoot up our homes, make our public spaces unsafe, erode ourquality of life, and starve our community of opportunities for economicgrowth and revitalization. The stakes are simply too high!One study of urban flight found that each homicide in a city is estimated

to reduce the city’s population by 70 residents—residents flee from gun vi-olence, further destabilizing impacted neighborhoods. Another 10-yearstudy of the city of Chicago found that each gun homicide equates to$2,500 in lost income for Chicago families. In 2012, The Center for American Progress found that a reduction in a

given year of one homicide in a zip code causes a 1.5 percent increase inhousing values in that same zip code the following year. If Milwaukeewere to reduce its homicide rate by just 10 percent, metro area property val-ues would increase by $800 million. An $800 million increase in propertyvalues would significantly boost local revenues and allow for much-neededinvestments in the community.But those investments and that revitalization will not happen in neighbor-

hoods besieged by gun violence. We need to rebuild communities and fam-ilies shattered by stray bullets and senseless aggression. We need to createthe space for anti-poverty and anti-delinquency initiatives to take hold. Weneed to break the cycle of trauma, where children exposed to violence be-come more likely to commit future acts of violence themselves. To do that,we must strengthen our laws to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,and get violent felons who refuse to obey our gun laws off of our streets.Safety, for the sake of our kids, and for the future of our community, mustcome first.Rep. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), State Representative for the

17th Assembly District, will be hosting a community forum on gun vio-lence at the Washington Park Senior Center on May 27th from 6:00pm to7:30pm.

Epidemic of Gun Violence RequiresStronger Gun Laws

GUEST COMMENTARYGUEST COMMENTARYBy State Rep. LaTonya Johnson

When the pot callsthe kettle “racist”

The county executive could farm the schools out tosuccessful private or charter schools. He would also beallowed to hire a commissioner, who could run theschools unencumbered by historic educational barriers. But implicit in Peterson’s “race card” statement (and

another comment in which he links the proposal to “plan-tation politics”) is a hint of partisan political hyperboleand, given his and the teachers’ union’s resistance to ed-ucational reforms over the years, more than a litter boxfull of hypocrisy.

Actually, I found some humor --and absurdity--in aWhite man calling two other Whites “racists.” But I soon came back to reality, realizing that the play-

ers in this “dark” (excuse the pun) comedy are wings onthe same bird. Or, as my African ancestors would put it, “two ele-

phants fighting.” And as the African adage goes, whentwo of these giant beasts fight, “only the grass gets hurt.”And in this case, Black children are the grass.If we follow Peterson’s line of thinking, any White leg-

islator from outside Milwaukee that engages anotherWhite policy maker to address a problem that dispropor-tionately impacts Black people is a racist (unless he orshe is a Democrat, I assume.)That assessment leaves us in an awkward situation, par-

ticularly since there are no Black people in positions ofpower in city or county government who don’t have toanswer to a White boss. You could say that MPS board president Michael

Bonds is an exception and could have (and should have)been approached by the Republican lawmakers. But let’s not forget Peterson has rarely said anything

good about Bonds because his philosophy and experiencehas put him in the category of educational reformist, andthus an enemy of the union.That being the case, who were the suburban legislators

supposed to call? Ghostbusters? Another question that came to mind while reading Pe-

terson’s comments was that his criteria implies that onlylocal legislators can introduce proposals to reform MPS. The problem with that suggestion is that none have

"For two white suburban legislatorsto propose that the white county ex-ecutive appoint a 'Commissioner'who will have 'parallel authority' tothe democratically elected schoolboard is a racist attack on the dem-ocratic rights of the citizens of Mil-waukee, the majority of whom areblack and brown." MTEA ---president Bob PetersonWhen I first read that disin-genuous statement I didn’tknow whether to smile, orfrown.In various news articles detailing alegislative proposal from State SenatorAlberta Darling (River Hills) and StateRep. Dale Kooyenga (Brookfield), Pe-terson makes a compelling argumentagainst their legislative proposal thatwould allow the county executive totake control of five of the MilwaukeePublic School district’s 55 failing publicschools each year.

SIGNIFYIN’SIGNIFYIN’By Mikel Kweku Osei Holt

Michelle Obama ResistsTaking the Easy Way OutWritten by Benjamin F.Chavis, Jr. NNPA ColumnistPublished: 18 May 2015More than any other first lady of

the United States of America,Michelle Obama continues to standabove those who would attempt todistort her leadership. First Lady Obama’s recent com-

mencement address at the TuskegeeUniversity in Alabama exemplifiedher courage to speak truth to theworld without fear of repercussions.Michelle Obama’s resilient opti-

mism is refreshing as well as sober-ing. I am certain the class of 2015 at Tuskegee will always remember the

strong and poignant words of wisdom that they were given during theirgraduation ceremonies. But we all can learn from her timely remarks.We live today in an increased atmosphere of racial polarization in Amer-

ica since the election and re-election of President Barack Obama. We,therefore, should welcome public utterances that transcend the prevalentnegativity surrounding any attempt to address the question of race in theUnited States.Michele Obama is perfectly qualified and strategically positioned to use

her leadership in a constructivemanner to advance the interests ofBlack America and all those whostruggle and cry out for freedom,justice and equality. As a talented Harvard Law

School graduate, devoted mother,and loyal spouse to the president,the first lady has risen to becomeone of the most admired persons inthe world.The first lady eloquently stated,

“But here’s the thing – our historyprovides us with a better story, abetter blueprint for how we can win. It teaches us that when we pull

ourselves out of those lowest emotional depths, and we channel our frustra-tions into studying and organizing and banding together – then we canbuild ourselves and our communities up. We can take on those deep-rootedproblems, and together – together – we can overcome anything that standsin our way.”In other words, we should strive to avoid complacency and the cynicism

of hopelessness. The history and the centuries-old legacy of African peoplein America and throughout the world proves our ability to overcome the hard-

THETHEMILWAUKEEMILWAUKEECOMMUNITYCOMMUNITYJOURNALJOURNALPublished twice weekly,Wednesday & Friday3612 North Martin LutherKing Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communi-tyjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net

Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not nec-essarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Let-ters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for contentand length.

MCJ STAFF:Patricia O’Flynn -PattilloPublisher, CEORobert J. ThomasAssoc. PublisherTodd Thomas, Vice Pres.Mikel Holt, Assoc. PublisherThomas E. Mitchell, Jr., EditorTeretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Webmaster BillingDept./Publisher’s Admin. Assist.

Colleen Newsom,Classified AdvertisingJimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep.CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Taki S. Raton, Richard G. Carter,Fr. Carl Diederichs, Rev. JoeMcLinPHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp

Aplan recently announced byStateSenatorAlbertaDarling andRepresenta-tive Dale Kooyenga to create a so-called“turnaround district” from some of Mil-waukee Public Schools’ lowest perform-ing schools is seriously flawed. The planwill do little to improve student achieve-ment because it doesn’t focus on improv-ing outcomes. The plan could also cause significant

financial distress to MPS, potentially set-ting up a scenario similar to what’s tak-ing place in Michigan, where schooldistricts around the state could pay for the debt of Detroit PublicSchools, which experienced a state takeover several years ago.First, let’s consider the details of the Darling/Kooyenga plan.

The plan calls for changing the governance – who runs theschool – with no details on how this plan will improve studentachievement. It seems to focus only on closing public schoolsand reopening them as private or charter schools instead of fo-cusing on improving achievement and the challenges studentsface. Under this plan, the Milwaukee County Executive would ap-

point a commissioner to oversee, initially, up to three MPSschools. The commissioner could then run the schools or ap-point voucher or charter operators to take on the day-to-day op-eration of the schools. Up to five additional schools could beselected each year.There are a number of problems with this approach. It pro-

vides indefinite oversight to a non-educator, the MilwaukeeCounty Executive, at a time when Milwaukee County is facingsignificant problems of its own. A Public Policy Forum reportindicated MPS is in better financial condition than MilwaukeeCounty. It also removes decision-making from the democrati-cally-elected school board and MPS Superintendent Dr. Dari-enne Driver, who was just appointed superintendent October 1,2014. Secondly, the plan sets no standards for academic achieve-

ment and has no measures for improving outcomes. There is noaccountability. The vouchers or charters that might run these

schools do not have to demonstrate atrack record of success. TheDarling/Kooyenga effort also focusessolely onMPSas opposed to includingschools across all sectors in the City ofMilwaukee that need to improve studentachievement.ADecember 2014PublicPolicy Forum report found that theschoolswith the lowest performance inMilwaukee are voucher schools, notMPS. So-called “turnaround districts” are

not new, but they have failed to showthey significantly improve academic performance. The oldestsuch district is in New Orleans where nearly every school wastaken over by charters after Hurricane Katrina. However, agroup of experts from New Orleans who visited Milwaukee inMarch stated that only four schools actually perform abovestate average. Finally, this plan puts the significant fiscal improvement

MPS has made over the last four years in jeopardy. The Mil-waukee Board of School Directors had made tough decisionsand reduced the financial liability for unfunded post-employ-ment retirement benefits by 70 percent. However, $1.4 billionin liability remains. The board continues to pay that amountdown. But if fewer students are in MPS because they’ve beentaken over by the state, continuing to pay down debt becomesvirtually impossible. In Detroit, a state takeover of schools could prove to be a fi-

nancial disaster for taxpayers statewide. The state is now rec-ommending what amounts to a bailout of the Detroit PublicSchools’ debt, which totals $458 million. That bailout will bepaid for by the rest of the state with school districts receiving$50 less per pupil.There’s still time to contact your legislator. Call the Wiscon-

sin Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472. Let your legislatorknow the Darling/Kooyenga plan is wrong for MPS and wrongfor Milwaukee. Michael Bonds, PresidentMilwaukee Board of School Directors

Legislative Plan Offers No Plansto Improve Academic Outcomes;Removes Local Control

(continued on page 6)

Bonds

(continued on page 8)

First LadyMichelle Obamatalks withTuskegee Uni-versity PresidentBrian Johnsonduring theTuskegee Uni-versity springcommencementin Tuskegee, Ala.on Saturday,May 9, 2015. (APPhoto/Brynn Anderson)

ST. LOUIS ACTIVIST TO ADDRESS MICAH FAITHFUL

St. Louis civic leader, minister and activist, Rev.Starsky D. Wilson will be the keynote speaker whenthe Milwaukee Innercity Congregations Allied forHope (MICAH) holds its annual gala May 21 at theItalian Community Center.

“Racial Justice through Inclusion” is the themefor the event. MICAH will honor with their To DoWhat is Just Award Karyn Rotker, Sr Staff Attorneyof the ACLU of Wisconsin, and Attorney DennisGrzezinski for their outstanding service representingMICAH and the Black Coalition of Wisconsin and win-ning $13.4 from the Wisconsin Department of Trans-portation for new bus routes to connect inner cityresidents to jobs in the suburbs.

In 2014, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointedRev. Wilson co-chair of the Ferguson Commission tostudy the underlying conditions and make policy rec-ommendations to help the region progress throughissues exposed by the tragic death of Michael Brown,Jr.

Wilson is pastor of Saint John’s Church (TheBeloved Community) in St. Louis. He is also presidentand chief operating office of Deaconess Foundation,a faith-based, grant- making organization devotedto making child well-being a civic priority in the St.Louis region.

Wilson earned a bachelor of arts in political sci-ence from Xavier University of Louisiana, master ofdivinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and is pur-suing a doctor of ministry degree at Duke DivinitySchool.

He is the winner of numerous awards includingamong others the St. Louis Business Journal “40Under 40” and the Urban League Young Profession-als Civic Engagement and Social Justice Award.“

Rev. Wilson is a man of faith and principles whohas tremendous insight into many of the issues thataffect creating a more just society for all people,”said the Rev. Willie Brisco, MICAH president.

“We are excited to bring to Milwaukee this AfricanAmerican leader from a community angry and frus-trated in the wake of the white police officer killingan unarmed black man.

“We face the same issues in here and must uniteand learn from each other. I am looking forward tohearing about Rev. Wilson’s experiences in the strug-gle for justice and how he sees us moving forwardas a nation in stemming the blight of racism, injus-tice and inequality.”

“We are looking forward to an engaging, inform-ative, and uplifting event,” said Catoya Roberts,MICAH executive director and lead organizer. “Weinvite the public to join us and welcome the supportof our many friends.”

Tickets for the evening Gala, which will begin at7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, are $50 and can be pur-chased by calling MICAH at 414-264-0805.

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 4WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR FATH-BASED COMMUNITY

Least of These Ministries to holdfundraiser banquetLeast of These Ministries will be holding a bene-

fit banquet to help support its mission Sunday,June 28, at 4 p.m., at the Raddison Hotel, 7065 N.Port Washington Rd.The banquet will celebrate Dr.Nathaniel Stampley’s 29th trip to the Motherland.

He and the ministry will be traveling to Ghana,Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The focus of the mission will be spiritual, educa-

tional and economical. Dr. Stamply is the presidentof Least of These Ministries, a 501c(3) non-profitreligious organization.ticket prices are $40 foradults and $15 for children 12 and under. Africanattire is desired but not required. For tickets, con-tact Least of These International Ministries at 414-264-2727, or 414-374-5292. Or email theorganization at leastofthese2003@yahoo.com

Dr. Lisa Adams-Qualls will be traveling to Ghana withDr. Nathaniel Stampley and The Least of These Min-istries Mission Team in September. Donations are nowbeing accepted. To send donations or to inquire aboutthe mission of The Least of Theses Ministries, callEvangelist Margaret Adams, 414-554-3888.

St. Mark A.M.E. ChurchCaps Months’ Long Intergenerational Programswith Old Fashion SpiritualChurch ServiceAn old fashion spiritual church service will cap

off two months of intergenerational celebrations atSt. Mark A.M.E Church, 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. Theservice is at 10 a.m. on June 7th. In addition to the worship service, non-perishable

food items will be collected for distribution throughSt. Mark’s food pantry. For the past two months Builders (those born be-

fore 1945), Boomers (1946-1964), Busters (1965-1983), Bridgers (1984-2003) and Bloomers (thoseborn since 2004) have planned and executed activi-ties representative of their generation that were at-tended by all members of the church.

The goal of these activities has been to create abetter understanding, connection, and respect amonggenerations. The public is invited to share this celebration. For further information call the church office,

414-562-8030.St. Mark A.M.E. Church, established in 1869,

built the first African American Church in the stateof Wisconsin. It was dedicated on April 3, 1887 onthe site of what is now the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Inthe 43 years that the church remained at that loca-tion, St. Mark was the center of religious, civic andcultural affairs in the African American community.

In Loving Memory

Quality Service...a tenured tradition

sincere concern at your time of need.

Offering pre-need, at need andafter-care services to families inMilwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and

other communities throughout our state.Ernestine O’Bee, Founder J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director

Milwaukee6630 W. Hampton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53218

Telephone: (414) 462-6020Fax: (414) 462-9937

Racine800 Barker St.

Racine, WI 53402Telephone: (262) 637-6400Fax: (262) 637-6416

Families served by:Northwest Funeral Chapel O’Bee, Ford & Frazier

Grant, MaxineAge 69 yrs. May 17, 2015. Funeral services will be held onThursday, May 21 at 1PM at St. Martin DePorres Parish 128W. Burleigh St. Visitation Thursday 12 Noon at the CHURCHuntil time of services. The family is served by:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

McKinney-Davis, Yvonne M.Age 68 yrs. May 15, 2015. Beloved daughter ofCatherine(Dickey)Riley. Loving sister of Jacqueline Allen,Gerald(Mary)McKinney, Thomas(Gracie)McKinney, Ray-mond Moore, Gwendolynne Moore and Brenda Moore.Grandmother of Janae Johnson and Richard Riley. Furthersurvive by a host of other loving relatives and friends. Fu-neral services will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 11AMat Lamb of God Baptist Church 8415 W. Bradley Rd. InstateWednesday 10AM at the CHURCH until time of services. Visi-tation Tuesday 3-7PM(Family will receive guest from 6-7PM) at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Robertson, Luther L.Age 88 yrs. May 15, 2015. Beloved husband of LodenaRobertson. Loving father of Audrey(Donald)Briscoe ofBowie, MD. and Lucretia(Terry)Ford of Fort Washington,MD. Also survived by 2 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchil-dren and a host of the other loving relatives. Funeral serv-ices will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 11AM. VisitationSaturday 10AM until time of services at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Jenkins, Nikki R.Age 42 yrs. May 4, 2015. Funeral services will be held onSaturday, May 16 at 11AM. Visitation Friday 3-7PM at:

Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Jenkins, Nikki R.Age 42 yrs. May 4, 2015. Funeral services will be held onSaturday, May 16 at 11AM. Visitation Friday 3-7PM at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Givens, Vera J.Age 92 yrs. May 15, 2015. Funeral services will be held onFriday, May 22 at 11AM at St. Mark AME Church 1616 W.Atkinson Ave. Visitation Friday 10AM at the CHURCH untiltime of services. The family is served by:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Jones, Timothy D.Age 51 yrs. May 16, 2015. Funeral serviceswill be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 1PMat Wisconsin Memorial Park "Chapel ofFlowers" 13235 W. Capitol Dr. VisitationWednesday 12 Noon at the "Chapel of Flow-

ers" until time of services. The family is served by:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Billingsley, JohnAge 89 yrs. May 17, 2015. Funeral services will be held onFriday, May 22 at 11AM. Visitation Friday 10AM until timeof services at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Sunday, May 24, 2015 is PentecostSunday. The readings are: Acts 2: 1-11, I Cor 12: 7, 12-13, and John 20:19-23. The central story is that afterthe death of Jesus the followers wereleft bereft. Not only had Jesus beenkilled so brutally, but they—All of them fled! This should have

been the end. But it was the begin-ning. In their shame they kept gathering

and remembering their own sin. But slowly hope cameto them as Jesus began showing His love by appearing tothem and giving them His profound peace.It was not over. It was the beginning! The Acts of the

Apostles tells us the Holy Spirit was the name given tothe profound presence of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit cameas in tongues of fire and entered each one of them. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit that they all received

was one and the same Spirit but the gifts the Spiritbrought differed in each person. The varieties of giftswere needed to form one body. There are many parts to the body but it is only one

body. So the Body of Christ is made up of all of us as webring our unique gifts. We are one body, the body ofChrist.And “We were all given to drink of the one Spirit.” The

command our ancestors received is the same one each ofus receives: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”To do what? First of all, since they had been forgiven for the horrible

sin of abandoning Him, they would certainly want to for-give others. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.” No need

to add the last command: “whose sins you retain are re-tained.” Who could not feel the intensity of Jesus’ for-giveness and not forgive others?But forgiveness of others is only the start of our rela-

tionship with others. Love is the answer and “love”in the scripture is often called “agape.” And this is howAgape Love coming from the Holy Spirit can be defined:It is a love so profound that it will not end even if onedies for a friend. Jesus has shown that to us. Now wemust do that in return. Martin Luther King said: “Agape is understanding, cre-

ative, redemptive goodwill for all…It is the love of Godoperating in the human heart. It is over-flowing love that seeks nothing in return…

Love is a willingness to go the second mile in order to re-store the broken community. Yes, love is the willingness to die on a cross in order

that others may live.”So, the great celebration of the coming of the Holy

Spirit in us and in the Church at Pentecost is lived outmost profoundly not in the church, but in the communityand world. Are we willing to go a second mile to help eliminate

poverty, hunger, racism, white privilege, and the volcanoof violence that has erupted in our cities? Are we willingto bring the “Culture of God” into our world?Come Holy Spirit, come and fill the hearts of your

faithful people, empower them to become the Body ofChrist ready to give themselves to make this a betterworld. to restore a broken community.

PENTECOSTBREADIN THE WILDERNESSBy Fr. Carl Diederichs,All Saints Catholic Church

RELIGIONRELIGION

It was a night of musicalinspiration (and somelaughter) as local R&Band Gospel performerstook to the stage of theLatvian House, located at8845 W. Lenox Ave. (oneblock south of Mill Road).There were performancesby MP Luciano, TNT Band,Tosha Freeman, NatalieHarris, DH and the NextLevel, Voices in theWilderness, Magic Fingaz,American Idol contestentFelix Ramsey and Hilarityprovided by Comedian Ol’Skool. There was fun, fel-lowship and food pro-vided by ExquisiteGourmet Catering. Theevent was sponsored byEQ Artistry Barber andSalon. (Photos by YvonneKemp)

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 5

this person loves you enough to tell you the truth- evenwhen it hurts.5. Crazy One: This is the companion that forces you

to have fun and keeps you pushing the envelope to dothings that you might have been scared to do or not evenconsidered. This is the person that can make you laughwhen you are mired in the depths of a personal depres-sion. This person does not cause you to violate your per-sonal ethics, but does allow you to push the limits andexpand your personality.6. Cousin: This is simply your Swiss army knife com-

panion. This person is your “Ace,” “Main Man.” This isthe best man at your wedding, the companion you cancall to fit any of the roles above at any given time. Thisis a person who can lift your spirits, hit you in the mouth,lend you twenty dollars, give you a kidney, and have yourback no matter what. This is not a position that can beearned quickly, this is formed over years, decades andshared experiences. 7. Cradle: This friend is one who needs you more than

you need him. This is the little homey that is in need ofmale guidance and reminds you of a younger version of

yourself. Every man needs a young person to help guideand this is the rites of passage portion that allows one tobecome a curator for the next generation. Selfishly, it builds your esteem and helps keep you

young. It is always helpful to have a young sharp mindto keep you up-to-date with current issues and technol-ogy! Family, the worst message we send to our young boys

is the message that men don’t need or ask for help. A lotof young men will state “it’s me against the world.” I tellthem two things: 1) If it’s you against the world, the oddsagainst you winning is very slim and 2) it doesn’t haveto be because you got at least one friend in me- if youwant it. Men empowering men is simply about us revisiting the

village format where we understand our very survival de-pends on-- not only-- our co-existence, but our group co-operation. I dedicate this entry to all my family, friendsand fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.because it is their continued guidance, love and supportthat helps to fuel my sense of self and community.Selah. AsheThe BLAQUESMITH

Companions: Even the StrongNeed Aid and Assistance(continued from page 1)

Memorial Day Ceremony atWood National CemeteryThe annual Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 9:10 a.m.

Monday in Wood National Cemetery, near the Soldiers andSailors Monument. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Vet-erans Affairs.The campus is located at 5000 W. National Avenue, and

the ceremony is at the northwest side of the grounds near I-94.The keynote speaker is Ed Garza. Garza, director of vet-

eran services at Concordia University Wisconsin, helped es-tablish the first American Legion Post on a college campusin Wisconsin, American Legion Post 1881. He is also a lieu-tenant in the Navy and his father served in Vietnam. Garzawill speak about reaching out to the younger generation onthe importance of community, patriotism and military serv-ice.The Milwaukee American Legion Band will begin a pre-

program concert at 9:10 a.m., followed by the presentationof Colors at 9:30 a.m. and singing of the National Anthemby quadruplet group Vintage Mix.2015 American Idol contestant, Hannah Mrozak, will sing

“God Bless America.”“Memorial Day will always be important,” said Laura Ri-

naldi, 2015 Memorial Day committee co-chair. “It’s the daywe remember all those brave men and women who sacrificedto protect our freedom and lives.”There will be a vintage aircraft flyover and presentation

of wreaths near the end of the ceremony.Please respect the grounds by travelling on paved roads

and sidewalks.For more information, call Benjamin Slane at 414-239-

1685.

Members of Alices Garden took time out from their gardening to take this photo...then it was backto work. Alices Garden is an incorporated and independent, not for profit organization that providesmodels of sustainable farming, community cultural development and economic, agricultural en-terprises for the global landscape. Alice’s Garden understands the cultivating, preparing and pre-serving of food and food traditions as a cultural art to be reclaimed and celebrated fully in urbanagriculture. The organization is currently seeking 501(c)3 status. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Prepping Alice’s Garden

There will be a Memorial Day servicefor community veterans at LincolnMemorial Cemetary, 6400 W. Burleigh,starting at 10 a.m.

MTEA educators elect new president, vice presidentMembers of the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association elected a

new president and vice president in a biennial election that ended Friday.Kim Schroeder, a fourth grade teacher on release to the MTEA who is cur-rently serving as vice president, was elected president. Amy Mizialko, anMPS special education teacher on release to the MTEA as Teaching andLearning Director, was elected vice president. Both Schroeder and Mizialkoran unopposed. Schroeder will replace outgoing MTEA president Bob Pe-terson, who served two terms as president, the maximum allowed under theMTEA constitution.Ingrid Walker-Henry, a teacher at Auer Avenue School, was re-elected

secretary of the MTEA, and Dorothy Hancock was re-elected as treasurer.President-elect Schroeder said: “I’m proud to represent and serve thou-

sands of hard-working, dedicated educators in the Milwaukee PublicSchools. Under my leadership, our union will continue to fight for the bestpossible teaching and learning conditions for students and educators. Wewill demand adequate funding from the state of Wisconsin for the publicschools our students deserve and depend on every day. We will fight to re-duce standardized testing and bring back student-centered learning, and wewill unabashedly fight to defend worker rights and for fair compensationfor our members.” The newly elected leaders take office on June 3, 2015.

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 6

New location GrandOpening for MilwaukeeSpringfield campusBy Taki S. RatonSpringfield College School of

Human Services will hold its GrandOpening celebration of its new cam-pus site on Thursday, May 28, 2015from 5 to 8 p.m.Located in the Tannery Business

Center, The Timbers at 700 West Vir-ginia Street, Suite 500, the formalribbon cutting will be at 6 p.m.The fully accredited accelerated

bachelor’s and master’s program ofSpringfield College’s School ofHuman Services are designed tomeet the needs of working adults who wish to earn a degree in Human Serv-ices in 16 to 24 months by attending weekend classes.Upwards of 72 credits may be transferred towards the bachelor’s degree

from a regionally accredited institution. Credits in experiential learning andcertifications may also be applied depending upon respective state regula-tions. The community-based, real-world focused interdisciplinary and applied

curriculum provide a rich educational environment where classroom learning,community experience and service to others are interwoven as reflected bySpringfield’s mission statement, “to provide broadly accessible higher edu-cation in human services for adult learners that embodies the principles ofHumanics, community partnership, and academic excellence to achieve socialand economic justice.” “The course offerings at Springfield and the outstanding instructional spirit

of our professors have further inspired and energized my commitment to al-ways be positive and work towards making a difference in the lives of peo-ple,” says Channel Fitzpatrick, a Springfield College alumnus.Graduate and undergraduate class scheduling make it possible for working

adults to attend college full-time and meet family needs while earning ahuman service degree. Training in this field according to the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics has ranked human services as among the most rapidly grow-ing occupations in the country.“We are committed to making a difference through accessible high quality

educational programs in the field of human services,” says Milwaukee Spring-field College Campus Director, Antonio Guajardo. “We look forward to of-fering a supportive environment here in our new location where students canreach the next level of their full human potential,” he adds.The Springfield College home campus is Springfield, Massachusetts. Mil-

waukee’s location is one of 11 satellite campuses around the country. Estab-lished in 1885, Springfield College is an outgrowth of the International YoungMen’s Christian Association Training School where in 1891 professor JamesNaismith invented the sport of Basketball. For additional information on Springfield College, course offerings, ad-

mission details, or on the new location Grand Opening, please contact thecampus at (414) 276-2300.

Y&EY&EYouth&Education BUSINESS CORNERBUSINESS CORNER

When the pot callsthe kettle “racist”

done so in the last 25 years.In fact, while we have more Black lawmakers in history, none have stepped

forward with solutions to the epidemic of violence that plagues Milwaukee,the nation leading Black male unemployment problem, or education. I wonder if anyone would have raised an eyebrow if Peterson called him

or her racist?(Sidebar here. Using Petersons’ methodology we could say the last four

governors were racist, and to take it a step further, so was former PresidentBill Clinton. The “first Black president” ended ADFC, leaving thousands of poor people

in the dark, rewrote the criminal justice code in such a way that even formerSenator Russ Feingold called it racist and to top off matters, took the teethout of affirmative action. But, I forgot, Democrats can’t be racist.)Which takes me to my other concern about Peterson’s comments, which at

the very least could be called hypocritical. There are Black folks who have called both the MTEA and Peterson racists.

I’m not among that group, although I don’t hesitate to warn folks that theunion, before and during Peterson’s tenure as president, has fought tooth andnail to block, obstruct and sabotage every significant educational reform in-troduced in the last 30 years. And it’s not a coincidence that with few exceptions the union has ostracized

and attacked every Black superintendent since the very first Black superin-tendent, Robert Peterkin. It’s no longer that only one Black superintendent purchased a home in Mil-

waukee and it’s not because the city reneged on its promise to reopen theBlack Holocaust Museum. (At least two told me Milwaukee was culturally bankrupt, did not prioritize

public education and the elements of the board and MTEA would fight toothand nail to maintain the failing status quo.)Polly Williams, the queen of school choice, made no bones about her belief

that the union was racist. Of course, Polly was probably biased, given that she was a frequent target

of the union and Peterson’s wrath. In fact, while Peterson couldn’t get away with calling Polly a racist he and

the union tried, unsuccessfully to cast her as an Aunt Jemima, communist anddaughter of Satan. Her crime? Trying to force greater accountability from MPS in the educa-

tion of Black and poor children, and forcing policies whereby the childrenwere the priority, not adults.Let me put a cap on this by posing a couple of questions that gets to the

heart of Peterson’s inflammatory comments: Name a major reform intro-duced by the MTEA since 1976 (other than higher pay for Teamsters)? How many Black children have been failed by the system in the last 30

years, while reform proposal after proposal was blocked by those with an in-terest in maintaining the status quo? And let’s be honest, it’s all been about the money, not the students. Maybe

if our kids were green…?It’s easy to criticize other lawmaker’s proposals based on who introduces

them, but it speaks volumes when you offer none yourself.My suggestion to Peterson is to be careful about calling the kettle black

when you’re standing too close to the stove.Hotep.

(continued from page 3)

Antonio Guajardo

Business OwnersShouldn’t Ignorethe Government’sHelpIf you’re like many entrepreneurs, you’re in business to follow your dream,

give back to the community and ultimately make money. Following a dream in order to give back to the community may be easy

enough but, for most small business owners, that making money part is a realchallenge. After all, how do you go about making money, especially if it takes money

to make money?It’s true, it is best to have a little seed money if your goal is to double or

triple that money. However, who ever said the seed money had to be yourown? Many small business owners qualify as disadvantaged Small BusinessEnterprises (SBE). In the City of Milwaukee, there are City Ordinances that open doors for

disadvantaged business owners for example, revolving lines of credit at lowinterest rates for people with bad credit. A disadvantage business qualifies to bid on contracts with the City of Mil-

waukee. Even if the small disadvantaged business loses the bid, that business owner

still qualifies for a shot at a decent percentage of the overall contract as a sub-contractor because they are an SBE. So either way it goes, when it comes tothe money, you really stand a better shot contracting with the local govern-ment.According to City Ordinance 370, to qualify as a Small Business Enterprise

(SBE) the business should be at least 51% owned, operated and controlledby one or more persons who are at an economic disadvantage and who is ex-periencing substantial difficulty in achieving business-related success as a re-sult of at least 3 of the following: 1. At a disadvantage with respect to business location.

2. At a disadvantage with respectto education. 3. At a disadvantage with respect

to employment. 4. At a social disadvantage. It’s that easy to do business with

the government. I know some con-sultants want to make local govern-ment contracting a huge mystery andcharge an arm and a leg for helpfuladvice but I just gave it to you forfree. By the way, government projects

can range from construction to pro-fessional services and the value of

the contracts are in the tens of thousands to millions of dollars. There will be some contract that is the right fit for you and your business.

You can find out more information by going to the City of Milwaukee’s web-site and searching Office of Small Business Development. There you will find details about Chapter 370, the application to get started

and links to helpful resources for startups in the City of Milwaukee.

Antoine Miller

By Antoine Miller

Milwaukee Entrepreneurs Spark Growthand Help Jump Start Local Economy

Entrepreneurship is crucial to eco-nomic growth and in Milwaukee, thou-sands of local small businesses continueto thrive. From restaurants and dry cleaners to

engineering firms and construction com-panies, these businesses are providingmuch-needed jobs, and creating innova-tive technologies, products and servicesto boost growth. Milwaukee Small Business Week cel-

ebrates these business owners by offer-ing a series of events that empower,engage and educate the local small busi-ness community.“Nothing happens until somebody

starts something,” said Nikki Purvis,Manager of the City of Milwaukee’sSmall Business Development Office. Itis undeniable that small businesses are ahuge part of Milwaukee’s local econ-omy. This is one reason our office hosts the

Small Business Sustainability Confer-ence during Milwaukee Small BusinessWeek. We want local businesses to know that

the City wants to do business withthem.”This year Milwaukee Small Business

Week will offer eight (8) events gearedtoward small business owners and entre-preneurs. The events include educational work-

shops, awards ceremonies, lunch semi-nars and networking events. Each event has been designed with

small business owners in mind and pro-vides opportunities for lead generationand professional development. “We created Milwaukee Small Busi-

ness Week to celebrate local small busi-ness owners who have been courageousenough to take the risk associated withentrepreneurship and are succeeding. They took a chance and bet on them-

selves and our entire community benefits

as a result,” said Nepherterra Estrada, co-founder of Milwaukee Small BusinessWeek and Mosaic Communications. “We have grown from two events in

2012 to eight events this year and wewant the entire community to be a partof this celebration.”Local entrepreneurs that will be high-

lighted at this year’s events include Glo-rious Malone’s Fine Sausage, RinkaChung Architecture, Smart Wave, Grav-ity Marketing, Milwaukee Home andOnMilwaukee.com.Milwaukee Small Business Week

sponsors include the City’s Office ofSmall Business Development, Veolia,WRTP/Big Step, Manpower, ConstantContact, Milwaukee MetropolitanSewage District, Wisconsin BusinessDevelopment, Associated Bank, Glori-ous Malone’s Fine Sausage, WisconsinBusiness Development and MosaicCommunications. Milwaukee Small Business Week’s

community partners include the Metro-politan Milwaukee Association of Com-merce, Milwaukee Bucks, Carmex,Manpower Group, Great ImpressionsPrinting, Small Business Milwaukee, the Wis-

consin District Office of the Small Busi-ness Administration and Phi Beta SigmaFraternity.The official 2015 Milwaukee Small

Business Week event calendar is below:MONDAY, JUNE 1• Newaukee’s Empty StorefrontsConferenceGrand Avenue Mall, 275 W. WisconsinAve, Milwaukee8 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.Cost: $60 and upTUESDAY, JUNE 2• MMAC’s Shop Talk Small Busi-ness Workshop100 Manpower Place, Milwaukee7:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.

Cost: FREEWEDNESDAY, JUNE 3• Small Business News Conference100 Manpower Place, Milwaukee7:30 a.m. Cost: FREE• City of Milwaukee’s Small BusinessSustainability Conference100 Manpower Place, Milwaukee8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Cost: FREETHURSDAY, JUNE 4• Constant Contact’s E-mail Tricks andTips SeminarDeVry University, 411 East WisconsinAvenue, Ste. 3008:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Cost: FREE• SBA’s Meet the New Micro-Enter-prise LendersPlankinton Building, 161 W. WisconsinAve., 7th Floor

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Cost: FREE• Mosaic Communications’ Openfor Business Networking ReceptionKasana Restaurant, 241 N. Broadway,Milwaukee6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.Cost: FREEFRIDAY, JUNE 5• 30th Annual SBA Small BusinessAwards BreakfastHilton Milwaukee City Center, 509West Wisconsin Ave.7:30 a.m.Cost: $50For more information about Milwau-kee Small Business Week events or toregister, please visit www.small-bizweekmke.com or call414.444.7001.

Milwaukee Small Business Week Celebrates Entrepreneurship June 1-5

Stock photo

Wisconsin State Capitol building

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 7

KALEIDOSCOPEKALEIDOSCOPEt h e M C J l i f e s t y l e & e n t e r t a i n m e n t s e c t i o n

READ A BLACK NEWS-PAPER CAMPAIGN – Mil-waukee is unique in that ithas three weekly Blacknewspapers.Many of our people use

Face Book as their meansof gathering news aboutwhat is going on locally, butmuch of the local news andevents that are going on inMilwaukee is not on Face-book. Many Black people in our community have stopped

reading the daily paper because all they see is negativenews events happening in the Black community. Take some time to pick up a copy of the Milwaukee

Community Journal, Milwaukee Courier and the Mil-waukee Times. These Black newspapers are free andwill keep you informed of what is going on positively inour community.African Liberation Day – On Saturday, May 23rd

there will be a discussion amongst progressive organiza-tions on the necessity and preparedness to foster revolu-tionary change in a hostile environment. This event is hosted by Africans on the Move and will

be held at theWisconsin African American Women’sCenter 3020 W. Vliet St. from 2PM-4PM. This event isfree to the public.Dedicated to Black Men That Got Black Men’s

Fronts – Brothers in their 20’, 30’s and 40’s are espe-cially encouraged to participate in this publication recog-nizing Black men that help put them on the right track inlife. Take the time to recognize these men while they are

still alive. You can also recognize those that have tran-scended to the world of your ancestors. The cost tosponsor a man is $25.00. For more information contactTony Courtney at 374-2364.Stress Free for Life – All professionals that counsel

people need to get a copy of this book. And, those whoreceive counsel from a professional of any kind need toget a copy themselves. This book focuses on how to heal your brain that will

also help heal your body. Order this book today by callingthe Tauinetwork, 718-469 – 3199.

FROMTHEBLACKBy Tony Courtney

Devonte Bonds, age 23, has a tire-less passion for serving Milwaukee’syouth. Devonte’s desire to changethe lives of young Milwaukeeans forthe better stems from his own per-sonal loss. Devonte lost both of hisyounger brothers to gun violence be-fore they reached the age of five.This pain and loss transformed him. “I’m scared, any time I see young

black youth, I’m scared.”, saysBonds, currently a member of PublicAllies’ AmeriCorps program,through which he is working at Neu-Life Community Resource Center tofacilitate workshops around MakingProud Choices and Life Skills forMilwaukee Public School students. “I never know. When is the last

time I am going to see them? I actu-ally had a student who was bulliedthis year in school and he committedsuicide because of that. It still hurtsme because that’s one of my youththat I’m trying to make an impacton.“ Devonte was born in Chicago but

moved to Milwaukee at the age offour. He grew up on the Northside ofMilwaukee and attended ClarkeStreet School. Devonte’s mother wasa single parent who made sure to in-

still in him the value of education. Hegraduated high school at Kilmer butit wasn’t easy.Devonte wrestled with hopeless-

ness. “I was one of those kids, whenI was in my high school years thatpretty much lost hope. I thought Iwas going to be the average blackmale growing up in the hood andstaying there.” At the age of nine, Devonte first

came to Neu-Life with his cousinsbecause it was a safe place in theneighborhood to have fun. Throughthe years, Devonte stayed engaged atthe center. “I just moved up theranks. I started attending a lot of sem-inars, workshops and trainings. Igained leadership at Neu-Life.” Now that Devonte is serving with

Public Allies Milwaukee in partner-ship with Neu-Life, his responsibili-ties are bigger than ever. Facilitating workshops and work-

ing with youth on a daily basis keepDevonte committed to his purpose.Devonte’s will to change the futurefor Milwaukee’s youth is very per-sonal. “As long as there are youth that

need to be served, I will never quit.”Public Allies Milwaukee is taking

applications for the Fall of 2015 untilJune 1st 2015. Interested in being anAlly? Submit an application toapply.publicallies.orgSince 1994, Public Allies Milwau-

kee has developed over 500 youngleaders. Allies are young, diverse,and passionate social change makerswho have supported communityprojects in partnership with over 125local nonprofit organizations.

Our Allies change their lives andour community through a rigorousAmeriCorps program that combinesfull-time, paid apprenticeships innonprofits with intensive skills train-ing, active community-building proj-ects, personalized coaching andcritical reflection. We provide all of this through a na-

tionally recognized approach that’srooted in a practice of values.

TransformingMilwaukee by Uplifting Our Youth By Julio Guerrero

Devonte Bonds (standing atright) with Ambassador Harry K.ThomasJr., Diplomat in Resi-dence at Arizona State University.

PLAY itsafe on theplaygroundFalls account for more than 75 per-

cent of all playground-related injuries,making them the most common in-jury. Lack of supervision or improper su-

pervision is associated with approxi-mately 45 percent. The Kohl’s Cares Grow Safe &

Healthy program, along with Chil-dren’s Hospital of Wisconsin, has de-veloped an injury-prevention checklistto help keep children safe on the play-ground.Following these guidelines will

offer hours of safe, playground fun.Remember to “PLAY” it safe whenyou are on the playground.“P” is for Play appropriately: • Never push or roughhouse while

on jungle gyms, slides, swings andother equipment.• Always slide feet first, avoid

climbing outside of railings and barri-ers, and stay seated on swings. • Leave bikes, backpacks, and bags

away from the playground equipmentso no one trips over them.• Ensure that children use age ap-

propriate playground equipment.“L” is for Loose clothing or untied

shoelaces (a hazard at any age): • Loose clothing or strings – draw-

strings on sweatshirt hoods -- can alsopresent an accidental strangulationhazard and could easily get caught onplayground sets.• If you see a child with her shoes

untied, help her out with a doubleknot. If you have young children at home

who cannot tie shoes, the best shoesfor playing outdoors may be well-fit-ting shoes with elastic or Velcro clo-sure. “A” is for Active adult supervision:• Active supervision means freeing

yourself of distractions like cell-phones that might prevent you fromnoticing if your child is in an unsafesituation. • All children need be watched by a

responsible adult/individual.

• Check that the equipment is safebefore your children start to play on it.• Be sure nothing is broken and no

sharp objects stick out.“Y” is for Your playground sur-

faces:• Safer surfaces include mulch, pea

gravel and shredded rubber. • Make sure that playground equip-

ment is dry to avoid slipping.• Check for any hazards.

FamilyTime

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 8

ships of oppression and injustice. Itwas also good to hear MichelleObama call for Black American unityand “banding together.”Our families and communities

across the nation are certainly in crit-ical need of greater unity and collec-tive resolve to stand up together toprovide leadership and direction inparticular for our youth and youngemerging leaders. We cannot afford to permit the

evolution of an ahistorical generationof young people who have not beengiven the truth of our history norgiven the encouragement that theyneed to excel and make their mark onhistory today.In fact, over the next weeks we

will witness numerous graduationceremonies in particular at other His-torically Black Colleges and Univer-sities (HBCUs). The good news is that thousands of

Black American college graduatesfrom HBCUs and from other institu-tions of higher learning will be push-ing forward to demand greater accessto wealth-building careers with theintent on giving more back to thecommunities from which they have

emerged. Like the first lady, I am optimistic

about the future to the extent towhich we continue to stand up to in-justice while at the same time press-ing forth to economically empowerour families and communities.Education and empowerment are

both goals that must be attained andeach generation has to rise to the oc-casion with persistence and focus.There will be setbacks and some-times disappointments in everyone’slife. Yet, the enduring lesson from

Michelle Obama’s magnificent ad-dress was that when those life chal-lenges happen, do not let yourproblems or critics define who youare. We have to have faith in our own

capacity to rebound and to stand fortruth even when it might not be thepopular or politically expedient.We are a resilient people. We resist

oppression. We are against inequalityand injustice. We stand for liberationand freedom for ourselves and for allpeople. The more we stand together,the more we make progress. We aregrateful that in our lifetime we areprivilege to witness how the first lady

epitomizes what it means to be afreedom fighter with courage andgrace, but most of all, with a glowingresilience that motivates and inspiresothers to excel.Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the

President and CEO of the NationalNewspaper Publishers Association

(NNPA) and can be reached for na-tional advertisement sales and part-nership proposals at:dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lec-tures and other professional consul-tations at:http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc

waukee Association of Commerce, Milwaukee Urban League, United Way of Greater Milwaukee& Waukesha County and the Helen Bader Foundation as a way to unite the community arounda common goal: making education work better for children in Milwaukee.Davis has been involved with Milwaukee Succeeds since its beginning, most recently as the

co-chair of its Operations Committee and active member of the Leadership Council. “We’ve made progress in so many areas – third grade reading outcomes, improved ACT scores,

tutoring resources and parent engagement,” said Davis. “We have engaged hundreds of individualsand organizations in our community to work toward a set of common goals that will improve thelives of our kids – no matter what school they attend.”Milwaukee Succeeds SupportMilwaukee Succeeds’ leadership has enormous respect for Danae Davis’ dedication to the chil-

dren of Milwaukee and believe she will take this education partnership to the next level.“Milwaukee Succeeds works because of the sustained and enthusiastic commitment of its part-

ners and stakeholders,” said Ellen M. Gilligan, President and CEO of the Greater MilwaukeeFoundation. “Danae’s leadership will amplify this momentum and inspire further opportunity forour community to invest in the education and the future of our youth.”“I am confident that Danae will help us achieve our shared vision of success for every child, in

every school, cradle to career. We will rally around her strong leadership to ensure that studentssucceed in school and then to go on to a full life,” said Jacqueline Herd-Barber, Milwaukee Suc-ceeds Co-Chair and Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board Member.Dr. Darienne Driver, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, Mike Lovell, Milwaukee

Succeeds Co-Chair and President of Marquette University and John Schlifske, Milwaukee Suc-ceeds Co-Chair and Northwestern Mutual Chairman and Chief Executive Officer served on theselection committee that recommended Davis lead Milwaukee Succeeds.“Danae is a transformational leader who has done exceptional work in our community,” said

Dr. Driver. “She is a true change agent, and I look forward to continue partnering with her to im-prove student achievement.”“Danae is a force of nature who is impactful, influential, and delivers results,” said Lovell. “I

know she will help us be successful in making sure all Milwaukee students are prepared to succeedin whatever career they choose.”“I’m so pleased that Danae will be leading the next stage of our efforts to improve education

in Milwaukee,” said Schlifske. “She has proven to be a results-oriented team builder with a strongcommitment to Milwaukee children.”Davis, a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin’s law school, is a former

legal counsel for the Governor of Wisconsin, a former executive at Miller Brewing and KraftFoods, and the former director of the Department of Employee Relations for the City of Milwau-kee.Davis will succeed outgoing director Mike Soika, who now leads his own national consulting

firm for collective impact, organizational development and creating community change.

Read the newspaper with its fingeron the pulse of YOUR community

in print or online! YOUR Milwaukee Community Journal!

tion, etc. That’s one of the reasons our summer reading program includes hun-dreds of free, in-library events and activities.”Among those activities, families and children are invited to Super Reader

“Super Hero Academy” kick-off events through June 15 at the following lo-cations. At these free, family events, kids can make a super hero mask, enjoysuper hero story time and participate in super hero training library style (easyand fun): break through a “brick” wall, walk over “lava” and lift “giant” bar-bells:Atkinson, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave.: Monday, June 15, 5-6 p.m.Bay View, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.: Tuesday, May 26, 6-7 p.m.Capitol, 3969 N. 74th St.: Wednesday, May 27, 6-7 p.m.Center Street, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave.: Wednesday, June 10, 6-7 p.m.East, 2320 N. Cramer St.: Wednesday, May 20, 6-7 p.m.Forest Home, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.: Wednesday, June 10, 6-7 p.m.Martin Luther King, 310 W. Locust St.: Monday, June 15, 5-6 p.m.Mill Road, 6431 N. 76th St.: Wednesday, June 3, 6-7 p.m.Villard Square, 5190 N. 35th St.: Tuesday, June 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Washington Park, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.: Monday, June 8, 6-7 p.m.Zablocki, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.: Monday, June 8, 6-7 p.m.Visit www.mpl.org/summerreading for more information.

(continued from page 2)Super Reader Program

(continued from page 3)First Lady Resists Taking the Easy Way OutDanae Davis(cont. from

page 2)

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 9

tion, etc. That’s one of the reasons our summer reading program includes hun-dreds of free, in-library events and activities.”Among those activities, families and children are invited to Super Reader

“Super Hero Academy” kick-off events through June 15 at the following lo-cations. At these free, family events, kids can make a super hero mask, enjoysuper hero story time and participate in super hero training library style (easyand fun): break through a “brick” wall, walk over “lava” and lift “giant” bar-bells:Atkinson, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave.: Monday, June 15, 5-6 p.m.Bay View, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.: Tuesday, May 26, 6-7 p.m.Capitol, 3969 N. 74th St.: Wednesday, May 27, 6-7 p.m.Center Street, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave.: Wednesday, June 10, 6-7 p.m.East, 2320 N. Cramer St.: Wednesday, May 20, 6-7 p.m.Forest Home, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.: Wednesday, June 10, 6-7 p.m.Martin Luther King, 310 W. Locust St.: Monday, June 15, 5-6 p.m.Mill Road, 6431 N. 76th St.: Wednesday, June 3, 6-7 p.m.Villard Square, 5190 N. 35th St.: Tuesday, June 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Washington Park, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.: Monday, June 8, 6-7 p.m.Zablocki, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.: Monday, June 8, 6-7 p.m.Visit www.mpl.org/summerreading for more information.

HAIL THEACHIEVERS!Milwaukee Urban League Presi-dent Ralph Hollmon (center atright) and Grady L. Crosby, vicepresident of Public Affairs andChief Diversity Officer withJohnson Controls pose with stu-dents who were honored at theUrban League’s NationalAchievers Society induction cer-emony. The students also re-ceived lap top computers. Theevent was held in the StudentUnion at UW-Milwaukee. (Photoby Yvonne Kemp)

More photosfrom the International“Stop the Violence”Prayer WalkPhotos by Yvonne Kemp

Kayla Jimenez poses with MilwaukeeBrewer Second Baseman ScooterJennett before she threw out the firstpitch in the Brewers recent homes-tand against the Chicago White Soxat Miller Park. Jimenez was the win-ner of the “Strike Out Bullying” con-test, which earned her the opportunityto take the mound before fans andfamily. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Kayla and

ScooterThe newspaper with its finger on the pulse of YOUR community is online! Go towww.communityjournal.net

The Milwaukee Community Journal May 20, 2015 Page 10