JJOUROURNALNALW 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 P A P E R

CCThe Milwaukee

OMMUNITYOMMUNITYVOL. XXXIX Number 25 January 14, 2015 www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents BULK RATE

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSINPERMIT NO. 4668

Mayor Barrett says streetcarproject a job creation “vehicle”

Aside from being a “vehicle” thatcan grow Milwaukee’s economy andmake it a world-class city with a 21stcentury transit system, the proposedMilwaukee streetcar would createjobs and improve access to jobs ac-cording to Mayor Tom Barrett.

During a Monday phone interview,Barrett touted the federally funded$123 million project as a major gen-erator of jobs for the Black andLatino communities in the construc-tion and maintenance of the streetcarsystem, which would eventually beexpanded into communities of color.

The mayor has emphasized con-struction of the streetcar system alone could create 720 jobs. The projectwould be paid for with grant money, an already approved TIF district and $54million in federal dollars earmarked specifically for the streetcar project.There will also be no property tax increase.

“I want people in the community to have jobs; to build this (streetcar),”Barrett said, admitting that the streetcar would help spur economic activitydowntown and the Third Ward.

But he also stressed he wanted to expand the streetcar system beyond down-town to outlying areas of the city which includes the University of Wiscon-sin-Milwaukee (eastside), Bronzeville (northside), the Fifth Ward (south).

The mayor said he has been touting job creation as the key reason for push-ing the streetcar project. “Jobs is a big part of this. I want investment in otherareas of the city.

“We have to make investment (in the streetcar) so that the investment willgrow.”

Saying the process for getting the streetcar system off the ground has beentotally transparent, Barrett questioned why opponents of the streetcar, led byAlderman and Mayoral Candidate Bob Donovan, are now calling for a refer-endum on whether or not a streetcar is needed in Milwaukee. Donovan be-lieves the money earmarked for the streetcar can be used to address morepending issues confronting the city.

Barrett called the opposition’s push of a petition for a referendum during afuture election a “last ditch effort to delay the project.

Donovan, and Ald. Joe Davis—who is also a mayoral candidate who hasjoined the southside alderman in opposing the streetcar project—must collect31,000 signatures in the next two months to force the issue to a binding ref-erendum.

“They had four years to get a petition drive going,” Barrett added. “Ihaven’t seen a lot of evidence for its success. They’re calling for a referendumon a referendum. Why did they wait so long? It’s part of a legal strategy toslow it (the streetcar project) down.”

The Common Council is scheduled to vote on the project next Tuesday,January 21. If the Council approves the project and the petition drive fails,the streetcar could reportedly be up and running by 2018.

Sources for this story:fox6now.com

J.W. ARMSTEAD: “Yes. A few things (asto why they’ll make the playoffs): Jason Kiddis good for the team. The team plays like theybelieve in themselves. Confidence goes a longway. (And) defense, defense, defense!”

DEACON LEON KEITH: “Yes. Be-cause they have young legs and a lotof energy. They have no fear, a greatcoach and excited fans. Go Bucks!”

PATRICK GREER: “Yes. The team is buy-ing into the new coach’s philosphy. They sharethe ball and play good defense. The playersalso seem to enjoy playing together, whichhelps with communication on the court. Theyhave a chance to be a really good team.”

DARRYL EASTERN: “Yes. The EasternConference is very weak. The Bucks have a(combination of) new young talent and a newcoach that seems to have a very good rapportwith the players.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “With the surprising suc-cess, so far, of the Milwaukee Bucks, do you think theteam will make it to the playoffs? Why or why not?

The young ladies of“Born 2 Dream-Divas InTraining” recently en-joyed a “Bucks NiteOut,” taking in theirfirst ever NBA basket-ball game between theMilwaukee Bucks andthe Minnesota Timber-wolves. The Bucks pre-sented the Divas withtickets to attend thecontest at the BMOHarris Bradley Center.The Bucks won 98 to84. (Photo by YvonneKemp)

PULSE OF THECOMMUNITY

Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp

Last month, African American women graduates of Alverno College participated in the Bestowing of the Kente ceremony,held in the college’s Sister Joel Read Conference Center. The event was sponsored by Alverno’s Cultural Education Cen-ter and after the regular graduation ceremony. This year marked the 20th year for the ceremony, which was developedto celebrate the traditions of the Kente cloth of West Africa. It is the college’s way of acknowledging those who havebeen inspirations throughout the graduate’s educational process, and to connect with the student participants ancestralAfrican heritage. Kente is a Fante-West African word meaning “basket.” Baskets are woven and the cloths are woven,so the term was applied to the cloth. Adekola Adedapo is the program’s coordinator. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Alverno College holds Bestowing of the Kente ceremony

MPS Sup.Darienne Drivertalks education to press clubRecently appointed Milwaukee Public SchoolsSuperintendent, Dr. Darienne Driver (picturedleft) talked about the state of MPS and educa-tion during a recent Newsmaker Luncheon pre-sented by the Milwaukee Press Club at theNewsroom Pub, 137 E. Wells St., downtown. Dr.Driver answered questions from a panel of re-porters on what she and the district are doingto improve student achievement, making thebest use of district resources, and develop op-portunities to increase parental and communityinvolvement. Driver served as acting superin-tendent of MPS from July 1 until her appoint-ment was made permanent. She succeededformer MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton,who accepted a position to run the Baltimoreschool district. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

Divas Nite Out with the Bucks

By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr.

Mayor Tom Barrett

Cnty Sup. Rainey dropsattempt to have RedArrow Park renamedafter Dontre Hamilton

Milwaukee County Supervisor Khalif Rainey has dropped his plans to have RedArrow Park renamed after Dontre Hamilton.

According to published reports, Rainey dropped his proposal after being contactedby military veterans and their families from across the state who voiced their oppositionto his effort, Rainey said Wednesday renaming the park is “off the table.”

The park is named for the 32nd Infantry Division of the Army National Guard thatfought in both world wars and is a tribute to the Wisconsin soldiers who died in the warsand local veterans organizations raised funds to place a granite monument there.

However, Rainey still wants to put something in the park that will remind visitors,the city and county what happened in the park in April of 2014 when fired MilwaukeePolice officer Christopher Manney fatally shot Hamilton 14 times after an altercationstemming for an attempted search by Manney of Hamilton, who was sleeping in thepark.

Manney was fired by Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn for not following properprotocols dealing with the mentally disabled. Hamilton had a history of schizophrenia—but was not violent—according to his family, who have been waging a protest campaigncalling for justice for Dontre and others who have been killed by police.

Though fired by Flynn, Manney was not charged by Milwaukee County D.A. JohnChisholm after several months of investigating the case. Chisholm reportedly ruled thatManney’s use of deadly-force was justified self-defense.

Rainey said he will be in communication with the veterans to discuss options for aproper memorial for Hamilton in the park.--Source for this story:jsonline.

Compiled by MCJ Staff

Artist rendering of theproposed Streetcar

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 2

The Milwaukee Post Office will post more of the newCity Carrier Assistant (CCA) positions. Jobseekers in thecommunity are encouraged to build their online profileand apply at http://usps.com/employment. The postingwill open on Friday – January 16, 2015 and close at mid-night on Sunday – January 25, 2015.

The CCA is a new category of non-career employeeand is the path to possible future employment as a full-time mail carrier with Postal career employee status.Starting pay is $15.68 per hour.

CCAs will be appointed for a term not to exceed 360calendar days. At the end of the term, CCAs are eligiblefor reappointment for another 360-day term. CCAs willenjoy benefits including salary increases, vacation time,and an opportunity to enroll in a health benefits plan after360 days of employment.

Positions are posted online at http://usps.com/employ-

ment. All applications must be submitted online. Imme-diately after an application is accepted, applicants will bedirected to information to assist in preparing for thePostal Entrance Examination 473.

Although this is the only test support material madeavailable by the Postal Service, applicants might alsochoose to acquire additional test practice material fromoutside sources such as a library, bookstore, or onlinesearch.

A minimum score of 70 (excluding veterans’ prefer-ence points) is required to be considered for the position.Higher scores are given hiring preference, so it is veryimportant to be prepared and do well on this exam.

To be considered for employment, an applicant mustalso have a valid state driver’s license, demonstrate andmaintain a safe driving record, and successfully pass apre-employment drug screening.

Milwaukee Postmaster AnnouncesNew Posting of Job Openings Job seekers urged to create online profile and apply between JANUARY 16, 2015 thru JANUARY 25, 2015

There’s still time to contribute to The Sal-vation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Cam-paign.

This year’s Campaign goal of $3.8 millionis critical to meeting the needs of families,children, those who are unemployed, under-employed and homeless, all people weserve. Donations received to date total $3.5million.

Eighty four cents of every dollar donatedis used to sustain 80 distinct year round pro-grams and services including The SalvationArmy Emergency Lodge, food and clothing, disasterrelief, utility and rent assistance, employment serv-ices and summer lunch programs for children.

The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign will close onSaturday, January 31, 2015. To make a donationvisit www.SAmilwaukee.org

The Salvation Army justa few donations away from reaching its Red Kettle goal

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

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVESQUOTE OF THE WEEK:"THE FIRST DAY I STEPPEDON THE SET OF SELMA, I BEGAN TO FEEL LIKE THISWAS BIGGER THAN A MOVIE. AS I GOT TO KNOWTHE PEOPLE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, IREALIZED I AM THE HOPEFUL BLACK WOMANWHO WAS DENIED HER RIGHT TO VOTE. I AM THECARING WHITE SUPPORTER, KILLED ON THEFRONT LINES OF FREEDOM. I AM THE UNARMEDBLACK KID WHO MAYBE NEEDED A HAND, BUT IN-STEAD WAS GIVEN A BULLET.I AM TWO FALLENPOLICE OFFICERS MURDERED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. SELMA HAS AWAKENED MY HUMAN-ITY."—RAPPER/ACTOR COMMON DURING HIS ACCEPTANCE SPEECH WITH SINGER JOHN LEGEND FORTHEIR SONG “GLORY” FOR THE MOVIE “SELMA,” WHICH WON A GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD FOR “BESTSONG”

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 3

GodMadeMan inHis OwnImage,Why? Part 1

If you stare out into the universe and take in the sun, moon andthe stars; watch the rivers flow and the world’s (three quarters) awe-some seas and oceans; admire the highest and most majestic moun-tains and the energy, minerals, and natural resources buried deep intothe earth; acknowledge the multitude of gifts that the earth producesfrom the sweetness of sugar to the bitterness of salt; and the millionsof other physical attributes and benefits of creation, you must con-clude that this existence we call “life” isn’t some accident.

If you believe in a higher being, a Creator, a supreme being (God),you are instructed that this existence we call life is by design and weare told to have faith. The laws and principles that govern creationare perfect and have existed for billions of years. The intricacies be-tween life and death (change) are an absolute marvel that we mustacknowledge. There are so many daily miracles: the seasons chang-ing every few months; the day changes into the night and nightchanging into day; humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxideand plant life does the opposite (we sustain each other); the remark-able birth of our children knowing that the possibility that a futureleader has just entered he world, just to name a few. As you studycreation, you must come to appreciate that there is a definite hierarchywithin creation with man as its sole benefactor, man is at the top ofthe food chain.

While we have come to learn much about creation, there is somuch that we don’t know and probably will never know. When didthis creation begin? Some equate our beginning with the story ofAdam and Eve in the Bible (estimated 6,000 years ago); some say30,000 years ago; and some say billions of years ago. The fact ofthe matter is that no one really knows the beginning of life norhowvast this creation is. With new technology we now can see new plan-ets, stars and new solar systems.Some scientist say they have dis-covered a new sun. No one really knows the extent and or the depthof the universe, it’s never ending. With three out of five scientistsnot believing in God, the discussion has always persisted, does sci-ence refute faith or does science address a different set of questions,with answers that can point toward faith? The relationship betweenreligion (faith) and science (facts) are sometimes at odds with eachother, when the fact of the matter is that they should support eachother.

Science and religion generally pursue knowledge of the universeusing different methodologies, the common denominator is that both

are reflecting on the universe. Science ac-knowledges reason, empiricism, evidence,and is a systematic enterprise that builds andorganizes knowledge in the form of testableexplanations and predictions about natureand the universe. Proponents for religionargue that the universe is finely tuned for life,with certain fundamental parameters in na-ture that make our existence possible, how-ever; we would be surprised to find ourselvesin a universe in which we couldn't live - mostof the universe is rather inhospitable to life.While religion includes revelation, faith andsacredness both religion and science pointyou to the same conclusion; there is a Creatorand this Creation is no accident, Creation hasbeen designed.

Just like the architect of Creation (God), Creation is so massive;the human mind is unable to contain it all. The human mind can’tcontain God. Humans can only come to know God through Hischaracteristics and through His Creation (everything in creation is asign from the God). The mysteries of this Creation are unfoldingdaily and what is absolutely clear; this Creation is the ultimate mys-tery full of on-going revelations. These revelations speak to us aboutthe Creator (God) and what our relationship should be with Him andwhat our relationship is with each other. The culmination of knowl-edge (science and inspired) creates a standard for human behaviourtoday. This is why it is critical for man to study and marvel Creationso that he can absorb and embraceh is role inCreation.

All behavior is learned (good and bad). My fundamental belief isthat when you know better, you can do better - isn’t that what is ex-pected. If you don’t know your purpose then how can you fulfill it?If you think you’re somehow superior then you will treat others in-ferior. If you think that you’re somehow inferior, then you will hateyourself and treat others superior. How is that we expect anythingdifferently? It is impossible to ask someone to do something he does-n’t know anything about, he must be taught (instructed) and he mustlearn. As humans, we have a unique capacity because man is a veryspecial species, it goes back to our beginning, origin, and our purpose.Where did all of this come from? How did man get this specialfavor? The historical biblical account of the creation of Adam andEve states that God made the first man in His own image. Whatdoes this mean? And why is it important?

The architecture of Creation begs and challenges man’s intellectto the creation having an architect, designer, creator (God), the won-ders of all of creation confirm the existence of a Creator (God) - It’sreally a no brainer. The Creator prepared the earth as a habitat forman; created the fish life, the bird life, and animal life. How all ofthis happened remains a mystery and part of the Creator’s own mys-tique. Given the power and amazement of His creation, He com-manded (or willed) each event to happen and it was done (if youknow another answer, I’m ready to listen). This is where science andreligion begin to go in separate directions but I say they shouldn’tbecause Creation is so perfect in its design that the architect must beperfect. The architect also has the ability to, will, into existence Hisplans, this shouldn’t be a heavy concept for those who understand.Since we will never really know and if you must have an answer,one must be able to combine his faith with his logic?

With the creation of man, there appears to be a big difference, adistinction with all other creation. The inspired record reads: “AndGod said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.... So

UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING By Rahim Islam

Rahim Islam

Contractor says proposedstreetcar will connect employers with employees

Job creation is essentialto strengthening the econ-omy, but there’s somethingelse we need to do as well:bring people to work. TheMilwaukee Streetcar doesjust that; it connects em-ployers with employees.The central business district, where thestreetcar will be built, already has 25,000residents and 80,000 workers.

And, this is just the first step. As Milwau-kee Streetcar expands, so does people’sability to get to work.

The starter route and initial extensionsare within ¼ mile of 100% of downtown’slargest employers, 100% of its hotels,90% of its occupied office and retail

space, 90% of its down-town attractions and 77%of its parking and housing.

Unlike a bus, a streetcarruns on a fixed route. Itisn’t going anywhere foryears, infrastructure can bebuilt around it. Employers

will have the benefit of setting up shop atlocations that can bring employees right totheir doors.

The Milwaukee Streetcar will addressthe need for job creation, too. The starterroute will generate 720 local constructionjobs for masons, laborers, electricians,plumbers and others.

The Streetcar is a vital part of movingMilwaukee businesses forward. (continued on page 6)

GUESTGUESTEDITORIALEDITORIAL

By James HarrisOwner, Sirrah Construction

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 4

Eleventh (11th)annual relationship conference Valentine’s Day weekend event

In celebration of the past success of the “Without Distraction”relationship conference its 11th Annual event; a combination ofboth relationship education and entertainment has become oneof Milwaukee’s best social and romantic Valentine weekend ofthe year. Milwaukee has found this event to be rewarding forboth singles and Married Couples. Dr. LaFayette Russell andDr. Ingrid Durr Russell will be among the International speakersfor this year event February 13th, 14th & 15th 2015. Venue-Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport: 6401 South 13th St. Milwau-kee WI. 53221.

Singles are the foundation of every marriage because a goodmarriage starts with your singleness. Marriage brings you into atrue opportunity to express your love, feelings and what you aremade of. Understanding the process and learning how to unmaskyour feelings is one of the basic keys to success. Sometimespeople adopt ways in their childhood development and influencesthat becomes the norm; consequently the norm to them could bea negative pattern that could sabotage their relationships. Rec-ognizing and Identify those patterns could be the very answer toprobable cause. Being realistic about yourself and having a realistview of others will help give you a solid building foundation tobuild on. Together we can discoverer what areas in your life thatcan use some more fuel and Socializing with other singles or cou-ples like yourself is good for everyone!

The week end event includes: Friday 6:30pm Meet/Greet Social (refreshments provided)

7pm begins with both Singles and Marriage Topics in two ses-sions. Building and keeping a healthy relationship with under-standing is power tools we are giving to our communities forFREE! Yes, we are making the “Relationship teaching sessions”absolutely free. That means no cost to get this wealth of infor-mation for life.

Saturday at 11am combined Singles and Marriage sessionQuestion & Answer panel discussion. The workshops is to em-power and remove all frustrations. We will cover all areas of re-lationship from personal, business to finance. Each year thereare numerous testimonies of this life changing event.

Don’t miss the Saturday evening 7:00pm-Valentine’s SpecialEloquent Romantic Dinner Including; Live Music, clean LiveComedy, and bliss of Love in the air set just right for the occasion.The cost is only $45 per person and couples $10 off. (Advanceonly).

Sunday at 1pm join us the close of the weekend event. Theentire family is welcome to be apart of our special Worship serv-ice. The topic is “Kingdom Relationship”. Knowledge is pow-erful.” Plain and simple we could all use some guidance tomaintain or build a long lasting good relationship based on Bib-lical truth.

Free Registration and (no cost for the teaching sessions) . Foradditional information, tickets, sales, groups, vendors, hotelovernight reservation, and other compliments please contact us708-745-4393 or 414-520-1567 Website:WWW.withoutdistrac-tionrelationship.com Email: ingrid-durr4u@yahoo.com facebook.com/Ingrid Durr P.O. Box 170024Glendale Wisconsin 53217. Website: WWW.withoutdistraction-relationship.com. Email: ingriddurr4u@yahoo.com.facebook.com/Ingrid Durr. P.O. Box 170024 Glendale Wisconsin53217

RELIGIONRELIGION

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 in

Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha andother communities

throughout our state.

Avant, Melvin C. Sr.Age 86 yrs. January 10, 2015. Funeral services will be held onSaturday, January 24 at 11AM at Central Church of Christ 1830W. Monroe St. Visitation Saturday 10AM at the CHURCH untiltime of services. The family is served by:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Colbert, Jessie RuthAge 77 yrs. January 13, 2015. Funeral services will be held onFriday, January 23 at 11AM at Metropolitan Baptist Church 1345W. Burleigh St. Instate Friday 10AM at the CHURCH until time ofservices. Visitation Thursday 3-7PM(Family will receive guestfrom 6-7PM) at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Francis, Harvey W.Age 84 yrs. January 8, 2015. Funeral services will be held onSaturday, January 17, at 11AM. Visitation Friday 3-7PM(Familywill receive guest from 6-7PM)at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Newsom, Robert G.Age 80 yrs. January 5, 2015. A Memorial Service will be held onWednesday, January 14 at 1PM at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Randle, James Sr. "Blue Goose"Age 83 yrs. January 7, 2015. He was preceded in death by his

wife of over 50 years Sallie Randle. Beloved father of O.C. Price,Robert Simpson, Dave Randle, James Randle Jr., Dennis Randle,Gloria(Ollie)Miles, Bettie(Donald)Burmester, Annette Randle,Linda(Aaron)Greer and Vickey Randle. Also survived by 5 sisters,1 brother and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren,great-great grandchildren and a host of other loving relativesand friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January19 at 11AM at Bethel Baptist Church 2030 W. North Ave. Visita-tion Sunday 3-7PM(Family will receive guest from 6-7PM) at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Nichols, OdelleAge 89 yrs. January 6, 2015. A Memorial Service will be held onSaturday, January 17 at 1PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah'sWitnesses Estabrook Park 5747 N. 29th St. The family is servedby:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Koreen, JanetAge 75 yrs. January 9, 2015. A Memorial Service will be held onSaturday, January 17 at 1PM at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Butler, Frank A.Age 89 yrs. January 13, 2015. A Memorial Service will be heldon Saturday, January 17 at 3PM at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director

Milwaukee6630 W. Hampton Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53218Telephone: (414) 462-6020

Fax: (414) 462-9937

Racine800 Barker St.

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

Fax: (262) 637-6416

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

Ernestine O’Bee, Founder

WHAT’S HAPPENING...In Your Faith-Based Community

SALVATION ARMY TOGIVE INVOCATIONAT ANNUAL DR. KINGCELEBRATION

Major Dan Jennings, Salvation Army Divisional Com-mander for Wisconsin & Upper Michigan, will give theinvocation at the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Birth-day Celebration. Salvation Army volunteers will also beon hand serving free hot chocolate to guests. The eventwill be held on Sunday, January 18th, 2015 at the MarcusCenter for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., from1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The event is free and open tothe public.

Milwaukee’s Dr. King celebration is only one of twonationally that is still held on an annual basis. This year’s

theme is “ We Have A Great Deal of Positive Work ToDo”, will include performances from local arts groupsrepresenting many cultures. The event will also includewinners of the student speech and writing contests.

“The Salvation Army is happy to be part of an eventthat celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said MajorDan Jennings.

Dr. King once said, “Everyone can be great becauseanyone can serve. You don’t have to have a college de-gree to serve. You don’t even have to make your subjectand your verb agree to serve…you only need a heart fullof grace. A soul generated by love.”

“Dr. King was a man who believed in service to others,a man full of peace and love, a man I know would supportour mission of meeting human need without discrimina-tion through the love of Jesus Christ,” said Major Jen-nings.

Andrae Crouch, LegendaryGospel Figure, Dies at 72

LOS ANGELES— Andrae Crouch, a legendary gospelperformer, songwriter and choir director whose workgraced songs by Michael Jackson and Madonna andmovies such as “The Lion King,” has died. He was 72.

Crouch died Thursday afternoon at Northridge HospitalMedical Center, where he had been admitted Saturdayafter suffering a heart attack, said his publicist, BrianMayes.

The Recording Academy, which awarded seven Gram-mys to Crouch during a career that spanned more than ahalf-century, said in a statement that he was “a remark-able musician and legendary figure” who was “fiercelydevoted to evolving the sound of contemporary, urbangospel music.”

Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra Crouch, also asinger, lived in the Pacoima area of Los Angeles. Theywere pastors at the New Christ Memorial Church in theLos Angeles suburb of San Fernando.

“Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friendwent home to be with the Lord,” said Pastor SandraCrouch. “I tried to keep him here but God loved himbest.”

Born in San Francisco, Crouch wrote his first gospeltune at age 14.

Crouch wrote dozens of songs, including gospel fa-vorites such as “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,””My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” and “Soon and VerySoon,” which was sung at a public memorial to Jackson.

Debuting in 1960, Crouch helped pioneer the burgeon-ing “Jesus Music” movement from the late 1960s and’70s that started the spread of contemporary Christianmusic.

“We’ve lost a true pioneer and he will be missed,” saidJason Crabb, another Grammy-winning gospel singer.

His influence also crossed over into in pop music. ElvisPresley performed his song “I’ve Got Confidence” for a1972 gospel album, and Paul Simon” recorded “Jesus Isthe Answer” for a 1974 live album.

Crouch worked with many other stars, from DianaRoss to Ringo Starr, and his gospel albums sometimesfeatured performers from other musical genres. His 18thsolo album, “The Journey,” released in 2011, featuredChaka Khan, Shelia E., Take 6, Kim Burrell and MarvinWinans.

Crouch was one of only a handful of gospel performersto have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

His choir, The Disciples, sang background forMadonna’s song “Like a Prayer.” Crouch helped MichaelJackson arrange the King of Pop’s 1987 hit song, “Manin the Mirror.”

He also arranged music for the 1985 film “The ColorPurple” — which earned him an Academy Award nomi-nation — and Disney’s “The Lion King” in 1994.

His success came despite a lifelong struggle withdyslexia. To create, he would make drawings that allowedhim to grasp the concept. For the Jackson song, he drewa mirror with an image in it.

“I memorized everything through sight, the shape ofthe word,” Crouch told The Associated Press in 2011.“Some things that I write, you’ll see a page with cartoonpictures or a drawing of a car — like a Ford — or a flag.I still do it on an occasion when a word is strange to me.”

“So when I finish a song, I thank God for bringing methrough,” he continued. “You have to press on and knowyour calling. That’s what I’ve been doing for all my life.I just went forward.”

Crouch had health issues in recent years, including di-abetes and cancer. Last month, he was hospitalized forpneumonia and congestive heart failure and had to cancela tour.

In this Sept. 1, 1996 file photo,Grammy winning gospel singerAndrae Crouch sings duringservice at the Christ Memorialchurch in Pacoima, Calif.Crouch, a legendary gospel per-former, songwriter and choir di-rector whose work graced songsby Michael Jackson andMadonna and movies such as“The Lion King,” has died at age72. His publicist says Crouchdied Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at ahospital in Los Angeles, wherehe was admitted Saturday aftersuffering a heart attack. (APPhoto/Frank Wiese, File)

ROBERT JABLON, Associated Press viablackpressusa.com

Hello, my name is Traci Whitleyand I have been trying to get marriedfor two years now. My fiancé and Iare planning to get married on Sep-tember 6, 2015.

My family and I have been goingthrough many trails and tribulationstrying to put this wedding together. Iwanted to get married before mygrandmother passed away last yearbut her illness took a turn for theworst.

Then my aunt passed three monthslater. My fiancé and I have been try-ing to save all we can since thedeaths of my loved ones.

Now I have only one living grand-parent and would love for her to seeme walk down the isle.

Since last year we have been strug-gling to meet our goal to pay for ourwedding.

I come from a large family of 10. Iam the first girl to get married. Ihave a brother who is legally blindand has autism.

My parents aren’t able to help usout as much as they would like, be-cause most of their time and moneygoes to my brother for his care anddoctor visits. I also help my parentswith my brother when they need me.

To make my day special, I waswondering if anyone or businesses inour community could find it in thereheart to help sponsor or donate uswith anything towards our wedding.I am really aiming to have a special

wedding. I would like to accommo-date my disabled brother so he can beapart of my special day.

In return for any sponsorship, therecontribution will be recognized at ourwedding and, a portion of our gifts

will be donated to Autism Awarenessof Greater Wisconsin.

I have tried reaching out to thecommunity but haven't had any pos-itive feedback. I have always given

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

FIRST PERSON By Traci Whitley

Struggling bride needs help ofcommunity with making thehappiest day of her life possible

(continued on page 6)

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 5

WisconsinAssemblychanges toaccountabilitylaw are astep backward

I don’t always agree with the Wis-consin Legislature on matters ofpublic education, but Wisconsin gotit right when it adopted the currentstate law promoting school account-ability for all publically-funded stu-dents.

The current law is thoughtful, fair and it lets parentsand taxpayers make an apples-to-apples comparison ofperformance for publically-funded students, whetherthe students are in public, voucher or private schools.

We’ve waited for this legislation for more than 20years, since the first voucher schools were created inMilwaukee.

That’s why an accountability proposal just introducedin the Wisconsin Assembly, Assembly Bill 1, while wellintended, is just plain wrong.

Less than a year after a comprehensive school ac-countability law was enacted – and before it has evenbeen put fully into practice – the Assembly wants tochange it.

This proposed change by the Wisconsin Assembly isa step backward.

It provides less transparency, creates confusion, pun-ishes public schools and their students and takes controlaway from locally elected school boards.

• Under the current accountability law, all publically-funded students take the same tests so taxpayers andparents can make a true comparison of results. It’s goodcommon sense.

Assembly Bill 1 would create a hodge-podge of tests

schools could take, making it im-possible for anyone to see if schoolswere truly effective and impractica-ble for parents to determine whichschools are performing best

• Schools working hard to im-prove wouldn’t receive assistanceunder Assembly Bill 1, they’d bepunished, closed and taken over byprivately run charter schools. MPS’experience has been that structuredintervention and additional supportshelp low-performing schools im-prove and we’re seeing that trans-formation in several of our schoolsincluding Franklin, Grant, Curtin,Carver and Gwen T. Jackson. Thereare also cross sector efforts under-way now to improve outcomes forall students.

• Locally-elected and locally-ac-countable school boards know theirschools and communities best. As-

sembly Bill 1 would remove local control by appointinga non-elected, statewide accountability board thatwould determine which schools stay open and whichare closed and turned over to private companies to run.

I believe strongly in holding schools accountablewhen they fall short. Since the 2011-12 school year, theMilwaukee Board of School Directors has voted toclose or terminate the contracts of 31 MPS schools.

While never easy, each of these decisions was madein the best interest of students using comparable datato make decisions.

Just as importantly, MPS has also developed a planto help those schools that struggle the most. MPS hasidentified 14 Commitment Schools. These are some ofour lowest performing schools and they receive addi-tional help and support to improve student achieve-ment. In addition, all of our schools with the lowestranking on the most recent state report card are receiv-ing additional assistance.

Taxpayers and parents have the right to know howwell publically-funded schools are performing. Assem-bly Bill 1 is a step backward and takes the wrong stepsto improve student achievement.

Michael Bonds, Ph.D., President, Milwaukee Boardof School Directors

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 6

YOUTHYOUTH&&EDUCATIONEDUCATION

YY&&EEOPINIONOPINIONBy Dr. Michael Bonds

Bonds

God Made Man in His Own Image, Why?God created man in His own image, in the image of God created Hehim; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:26-27). NowI’m not a theologian and I’m not even a student of the Bible, but I dobelieve in this concept which is supported by many other religiousdoctrines. I also believe that this concept has been abused and mis-used and have elevated one group (white superiority and supremacy)and disintegrated another group (black inferiority). Unlike some whobelieve, man is not a close cousin of the animals, nor a distant relativeof primitive plant life, he is someone great, wonderful and different,the most excellent of all God's works, and a special expression of thedivine’s nature, created by the Creator’s own personal activity pro-vided that he knows his role in creation. Everything in Creation hasa role and responsibility towards the sustainability of Creation, andman has the biggest role and responsibility.

Man's life is not the result of some spontaneous “coming together”of molecules within his body, nor is it derived by evolution from anyanimal or 'lower hominid' (as theistic evolutionists teach), but is a di-rect gift from the Creator. When the Creator created man in His ownimage, I believe the image wasn’t anything physical because physicalreduces the discussion to limitations and the Creator has no limita-tions. The image of the Creator is the characteristics of His “spirit”and His “will,” these are the things that men are suppose to emulate.Man has abused his position by portraying himself as the God andhas led man down a poisonous path that supports hate of other hu-mans and the destruction of the earth. We hear about the ultimatefriction between good and evil; God and the devil and many of usare confused by this dynamic. My belief is that this contrast is partof the Creator’s design. The devil, if he does exist (I do believe thata devil spirit exist) is part of God’s creation, this is no accident. Also,the devil is not in competition with God. God has no competition.The devil spirit is competition with the human spirit and has usedhumans to elevate himself to God; God-like, or a kin to God.

Even though man, one of the Creator’s most complex creationswith a soul (spirit) and will, he is still enclosed within a physical bodythat has a predetermined end date, so the physical characteristics ofman (his body) can’t be what we are holding up high in comparisonto the Creator. Every human that is born will taste death and his spiritwill leave his body. It is his spirit that is his identity not the body. Nomatter how great or beautiful the body, it will be of no use to anyoneonce that human spirit leaves it. I’ve personally seen the last breathleave the bodies of both my mother and my father and once that hap-pened, that body was no longer my parents, they were empty corpses.So I ask you, why is the image of God portrayed in human physicalform when this is obviously the lowest level and form and who doesit benefit. The birth, death, and the life of human beings can’t beequated with anything associated with the divine(the human beingis in complete dependency on the Creator’s Creation and has no in-dependence, an obvious characteristic of the Creator).

The whole world and specifically many Black Americans havebeen given the wrong ideas about God. They have been made tolook for the God that they can see with their physical eyes which isimpossible. Your thoughts about an invisible thing bring many ideasand pictures to your mind. When these ideas and pictures begin totake shape or form in your mind, you arrive at a concept. A conceptof a thing is how you see that thing in your mind. Many Black Amer-

icans have been given the wrong ideas about God and religion. Thisis because they have been made to look for the God that they can seewith their physical eyes. The Church taught Blacks that God, theCreator of the heavens and the universe, is a three-in-one-god. Blackswere told that there was God the father, God the son, and God theHoly Ghost.

The Church used a picture of a white man on a cross as Jesus theson of God. Blacks believed that the white image that they saw onthe cross was God. So the divinity or the god that they worshippedwas in physical white flesh, this is a false image of the Creator of theHeavens and Earth (God).

Since the image of a white man was put on the cross as Jesus,Black people identified white physical flesh with God which hasmade them accept and love white people and reject their own groupand hate Blacks. The tricky plan of white divinity made Black peopleworship a visible, whitened god. When something is visible, you cansee it with your physical eyes, and a white Jesus on the cross is thevisible god of the flesh consciouschurch. What would be the impacton white children if for hundreds of years, a Black man was portrayedas God, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. How much wouldthat white child love hate or dislike themselves while loving someoneelse. This “lie” has been devastating to the overall psyche of Blackpeople, especially our children. The myth that young children areblind to race has been debunked time and time again, and studieshave found that the self-esteem of our youth is easily influenced evenbefore they hit puberty.

To help illustrate this, a group of preschool-aged black childrenwere given the choice between two dolls, one Caucasian and onewith darker skin, and were told to point at either doll to answer thequestions asked by an interviewer. The results were shocking. “Canyou show me the doll you like best or the one you want to play with?”The first black girl immediately picks up the white doll, and the nextfour young black girls choose the same. Of the group, only twopicked the darker-skinned doll. At one point, the interviewer askedone girl to pick which doll was the nicest, to which the girl respondedby picking up the white doll, but when asked which the bad doll was,she picked the black one. When the interviewer asked her why shechose the “bad” doll the way she did, the girl had a surprising answer:“It’s black.”

At such a young age, these young girls are already showing signsof self-loathing and internalized racism. Is it possible that our societyis perpetuating a standard of beauty that is impossible for these girlsto attain, thus trapping them in insecurity and low self-esteem for therest of their lives? The “doll test” was first performed by Drs. Ken-neth and Mamie Clark in the 1940s. They found that while mostblack children identified with the black doll, they would much ratherplay with the white doll. The test has been repeated numerous timessince with the same results; for example, student Kiri Davis re-didthe test in Tampa Bay, Florida and found that 15 out of the 21 blackchildren preferred the white doll.

Another experiment done by Good Morning America had similarfindings. GMA found that out of the 19 young black girls they inter-viewed, the majority believed the white doll was prettier. Devastatingdoesn’t quite cut it. Coupled with institutional and structural racism,a mass media campaign that portrays Black people in the worst light;this has ripple effects in our society, beyond the direct effects it has

(continued on page 9)

(continued from page 3)

Struggling bride needs help of community with making the happiest day of her life possibleback to my community. Right nowfor pictures of our wedding we aregoing to buy kodak disposable cam-eras and sit at tables just to captureour special day.

We will continue to stay in prayerand continue being their for my par-ents and help raise my youngerbrother so he can overcome manyobstacles he has to face. Thank youin advance for listening to my story.

Donations or sponsorship offerscan be sent to Ms. Whitley at 3167 N.54th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53216

****WHITLEY/NORTHWEDDINGSeptember 6, 2015 Look-ing for donations or spon-sors for the following:

Bride's Dress, Shoes, Jewelry Accessories,Bridemaid's and Atten-dants, Bride's Bouquet andAttendants, Flower GirlsDresses, Parents Clothing,Head Dress for Bride, Jew-elry. Groom Tux and Atten-dants, Ring Bearer,Groom's Boutonnière andAttendants. Isle runner,Photographer, DJ, HeadTable and Guest TableDecorations, Gift Basketfor couple, Party Favors,Toasting Glasses, Gift Cer-tificates and or Coupons.Fresh Flowers and or Silks,Colors are Orange Coral

and Teal or Turquoise. In-vitations, Stamps. List ofpossible sponsors: Apple-bee's, McDonalds, CousinsSubs, Subway, 5 O' ClockSteakhouse, Lena's, Tor-rence's, Abby's FlowerNook, Carter's Creations,Shaws, Zales, GoodyGourmet, Hessler's,Jared's, Jammin 98.3,V100, David's Bridal,Macy's, Boston Store,Powell Jewelry, BurgerKing, Alfa Flower, Claire'sBoutique, Men's Ware-house, Bachrachs, SentryFoods. Contact info: LynGrant 414-429-3234

(continued from page 4)

SchoolDaze: Thecase forbanningcomputersin theclassroomArticle courtesy of Deseret News via “The Run-down”

Tal Gross, a public health professor at Columbia Uni-versity, has pulled the plug in his classroom. From nowon, he announced last week, his students will have to putaway all phones, computers and tablets before class be-gins.

"Since most students can type very quickly, laptops en-courage them to copy down nearly everything said in theclassroom," Gross wrote in the Washington Post.

"But when students stare at the screen of their laptops,something is lost. The students shift from being intellec-

tuals, listening to one another, to being customer-servicerepresentatives, taking down orders. Class is supposed tobe a conversation, not an exercise in dictation."

Distractions in the classroom go beyond the studentusing the device, Gross notes, pointing to researchers inCanada who found "that laptops in the classroom dis-tracted not only the students who used them, but also stu-dents who sat nearby. Meaning, not only do thelaptop-using students end up staring at Facebook, but thestudents behind them do, as well."

Earlier this fall, Clay Shirky, who teaches social mediaat New York University, banned technology in his class-room. In doing so, he acknowledged the irony of teachinga social media class that requires laptops and phones to

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The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 7

BUSINESSBUSINESSCORNERCORNER

The Big D(Debt)

The holidays are wrapping up andthe leftovers are gone. With the NewYear approaching, most of us are

looking at our finances and most ofus need to do something about theBig D in our life. That’s right, ourdebt.

I want to talk to you about debtconsolidation as an alternative tobankruptcy. Debt consolidation isoften marketed as rolling up all ofyour debts into a single account.However, in reality, it involves pay-ing off your outstanding accountswhile taking on a new debt.

When you consolidate your debt,you get a new line of credit, usuallythrough a home equity loan, personalloan or credit card.

You use the money from that newline of credit to pay off your creditcards and other debts you have. Afteryou have paid off those bills, you areleft with the single payment on thenew line of credit you used to satisfyyour other debts. In short, this simplytransferring your debt.

In my last column, I wrote aboutChapter 128, the NON BANK-RUPTCY Wisconsin statue, whichallows Wisconsin residents to payback unsecure debts at 0% interest.This repayment plan allows you topay off your debt over 36 monthswithout the risk of entering into anew financial obligation.

The Chapter 128 can be useful forconsolidation because it’s a 0% inter-est repayment plan and you are sim-ply making out one check a monthinstead of several which is obviouslyeasier to manage.

Let’s be honest, a big reason a lotof us have financial problems is sim-ply due to poorly managing our fi-nancial obligations. Debtconsolidation only works if you man-age it correctly.

An important part of your creditscore is the amount of credit youhave available and what percentageof that credit you are using.

If you close your accounts afteryou pay off your debts, you will re-duce the amount of credit you have,thus lowering your score.

If you leave the accounts open,however, you may be tempted to use

them again. You could end up with paying your

debt consolidation loan paymentsplus charging up all of your cardsagain. By going the Chapter 128 op-tion, this risk is eliminated becauseyou are closing and consolidating thebills you choose and you are not tak-ing on new debt to pay your old debt.

It’s time for us to begin listening tothese two sayings: don’t fatten thefrog to feed the snakes and stop rob-bing Peter to pay Paul. A Chapter 128allows you to face your bills in aneasy affordable way all while avoid-ing bankruptcy.

This New Year, let’s work towardstrue financial freedom.

Shawn Ward is a Debt Consultantat the Wisconsin Debt Clinic. With13 years of legal and debt consoli-dation experience, Ward is happy toprovide information to people look-ing to get out of debt and make a fi-nancial comeback. Visitwisconsindebtclinic.com with ques-tions or comments.

Black HealthCoalition ofWisconsin tohost forum onFoster Care

On Wednesday, January 21, 2015Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin,Inc. (BHCW) will be hosting a com-munity forum titled, The Foster CareIndustrial Complex in MilwaukeePart III: Voices of People Who WereIn Foster Care.

The meeting will be held atBHCW, 3020 W. Vliet Street, from5:30 - 7:30 pm. Dr. Patricia Mc-Manus, BHCW President/CEO, willfacilitate a panel of individuals whowill share their personal foster careexperiences.

This forum is free and open to thecommunity, a meal and on-sitechildcare will be provided. The com-munity is encouraged to RSVP bycontacting Bianca at (414) 933-0064Ext. 212 or bwilliams@bhcw.org.

BHCW is holding this series of fo-rums on the foster care system be-cause far too many families arelosing their children to the child wel-fare system and child abuse tragediesare continuing.

The public forum will provide thecommunity an opportunity to learnimportant facts about the child wel-fare system and provide an opportu-nity to get answers to their pressingquestions.

BHCW is providing this forumthrough its Milwaukee Healthy Be-ginnings Project's (MHBP) AfricanAmerican Infant Mortality TaskForce.

MHBP provides perinatal servicesto the most "at risk" populations inour community with the goals of re-ducing low birth weight babies andinfant deaths. In recent years, BHCWhas been working as advocates forfamilies who have open child welfarecases.

Through this work, the agency hasseen firsthand how families aretreated by the child welfare system;oftentimes loosing placement of theirchildren because of their lack of un-derstanding of the system and havingno one on their side to truly fight fortheir rights.

How Planningfor Year-EndMoves youahead into theNew Year

Planning is needed in every aspectof our lives and should be viewed asa necessity. We often say, "I plan todo it", but never take action on es-tablishing steps. There is always somuch to do, that proper planning canbe ignored.

There is no reason to not makeplanning a part of your routine. Willyou say "I have too much money, Idon’t need to plan" or, "I don’t haveenough money, how can I plan?"Neither scenario is true and all rea-sonable ages need to participate.

You can get your five year old inthe habit of planning simply by hav-ing a scheduled routine everyday –by doing this you’re giving them agreat foundation.

Get Excited About Planning Your LifeWrite it down – what a difference

a few sheets of paper can make! Itcan get pretty exciting when youstart to lay it out. Planning will giveyou more benefits than I can listboth personally and professionally.It helps you to come up with strate-gies, instead of just letting thingshappen.

Creating a Plan

Think about where you want to bein 5 years. Then what do you needto do in the first year to get started?Next scale back to what you need todo in the first month that will set youon the path to achieve your five yeargoal. Now, write it down! The key

is to stay focused – if somethinghappens to take you off the path, getback on it as soon as you can.

Business PlanningWhen making plans for your busi-

ness, be sure that the company’s fi-

Shawn Ward

“Let’s be honest,a big reason alot of us havefinancial

problems is simply due topoorly managingour financial obligations. Debtconsolidationonly works if youmanage it correctly. “

Lydia Brown Beasley

(continued on page 9)

“There is no reason to not make planninga part of your routine. Will you say "Ihave too much money, I don’t need toplan" or, "I don’t have enough money, howcan I plan?" Neither scenario is true andall reasonable ages need to participate. “

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 8

By Mark A. MoneChancellorUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Graduation and recognitionceremonies at the Universityof Wisconsin-Milwaukee(UWM) are the times whenyou hear some of the most in-spiring student stories of theyear. Commencement on Dec.14, 2014, was no exception.

Nearly 2,100 students were eligi-ble to participate in our graduationceremony, with 300 of those studentsalso eligible to participate in UWM’sHonors Convocation the week be-fore. Combine these students withthose who graduated last spring, andthere were more than 5,400 studentswho earned their degrees from UWMin 2014.

That is a great number of collegegraduates who earned bachelor’s,master’s and doctoral degrees. Evenmore remarkable are the stories ofour students.

I’d like to share just a couple ofthese many stories from our Decem-ber graduating class.

It’s clear that in each story individ-uals overcame some tough chal-lenges and succeeded because ofdetermination and support, whetherthrough student services at UWM,friends and family, or other organiza-tions.

Jennifer Beamon is an extraordi-nary example of leadership born ofhardship. As a child, Jennifer recallsrummaging through garbage to find something to eat, andbeing called “dum dum” and “stupid” by the adults in herlife.

Jennifer’s life changed when she joined Public AlliesAmericCorp and began using her life experiences to serveyoung people. She completed the program and began herstudies at UWM.

A single mom of two children, Jennifer had the support

of her employers and workedthroughout her time as a student. Lastmonth, she graduated with a degreein criminal justice. Jennifer is em-ployed full time with the I Have aDream Foundation.

Honor student Christopher MedinaKirchner described himself as a“low-income, first-generation minor-ity student” who, “if it wasn’t for ed-ucation I do not know where I wouldbe right now.”

Christopher was involved in gangsand drugs and dropped out of highschool when he was a sophomore.

After earning his GED, Christo-pher wanted to change his life andenrolled at UWM, where we areknown for our access as well as ourresearch mission.

He said, “I didn’t even think Iwould get in, but they accepted me.At this point my life completelychanged.” Working with UWM’sMcNair Scholars program, Christo-pher applied himself and went froma low grade point average to a highlevel that earned him Honors statusat his graduation in December.

Along the way, Christopher be-came interested in brain imaging andneuropsychology.

He did research in labs and pre-sented academic papers at nationalconferences.

He was a teaching assistant, and isheading to graduate school.

Jennifer and Christopher are just acouple of examples of the inspiringindividuals who graduate fromUWM and go on to positively impactothers in our world. Our universitygraduates large numbers of students

and is the most diverse campus in Wisconsin. It is the individual stories of people such as Jennifer

and Christopher that show how powerful higher educa-tion can be.

As we celebrate the birth and impact of Martin LutherKing Jr., let us remember his wise words, “Intelligenceplus character – that is the goal of true education.”

ADVERTORIAL•ADVERTORIAL•ADVERTORIAL•ADVERTORIAL•ADVERTORIAL•

“It’s clear that ineach story individuals

overcame sometough challengesand succeeded

because of determinationand support,

whether throughstudent servicesat UWM, friends

and family, orother

organizations.”

Inspiring stories of our UWM graduates

Chancellor Mark A. Mone

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 9

nancial statements are reviewed atleast quarterly and especially beforeyear end.

Be sure to review the company’sbusiness plan annually. Seek adviceto make sure you have the correcttype of business entity; find outwhere you stand compared to indus-try standards; determine if you needto pay estimated taxes; are you cor-rectly recording business transac-tions; do you have a retirement plan,etc.?

The Magic of PlanningWe all know that we need a plan,

however, we also know that thingsdon’t always go “as planned."

But, here is the magic of plan-ning...when circumstances change,you are able to make adjustmentsmuch easier than just trying to stayafloat. Review, Reset and MoveForward!

Get Started NowStarting your plan now in prepa-

ration for the New Year, ensures thatyou will start 2013 in action! Beginwith a simple outline and add levelsas you discover more of your inter-ests and goals.

Don't just write it down, keepmoving, keep watch over your plansand stay on the path.

Final TipsConduct planning meetings for

the 2012 year end and get maximumresults by outlining your 2013-15strategic plans.

Contact professionals and mentorsthat you feel can assist you and offerguidance.

Have an agenda, allow for hon-esty, take ownership, delegate, andbe open.

“Like” Brown-Beasley Account-ing on Facebook, where we cancontinue this discussion.

(continued from page 7)

How Planningfor Year-EndMoves youahead into theNew Year

First of all I want to thank Robert Thomas, one of the asso-ciate publishers of the Milwaukee Commu-nity Journal, for inviting me to writea column for this newspaper. Mr. “T”has been a mentor to me since 1972when I was “strong headed, young andquite opinionated.

” We’ve had some lively discussions about thestatus of Black people and what should be the pathwe need to take to rectify the conditions that exist inour community. The same discussions are taking placetoday, except now I’ve become the mentor to others thatMonroe Swan, Ben Johnson, Babalowo C-1, Mr. Thomasand many others have been to me.

I am calling this column “From the Black” be-cause I can be found at Coffee Makes You Black Cultural Caféand Restaurant on almost a daily basis. Many involved Blackmen and women from the community make this facility a regularplace where they come to meet with friends, take care of their busi-ness and organizational needs and enjoy good food. I get an oppor-tunity to talk with many of them about what’s going on in ourcommunity. This column will share with you the happenings andevents going on in the community you may find interesting.

DEDICATED TO BLACK WOMEN THAT GOT BLACKMEN’S BACKS – Black men sponsored a magnificent page in theJanuary 7th edition of the Milwaukee Community Journal honoring BlackWomen who have supported their personal efforts and/or community ef-forts.

This page also highlighted women who have made their transition to theworld of our ancestors. Any Black men who missed the opportunity to include thewoman who has had his back will be able include the woman who has their backsin the February 5th edition of the newspaper.

The deadline for that edition is January 31st. Get in touch with me if you are inter-ested at 414-374-2364.

QI GONG CLASS – The Ausar Auset Society will hold a Qi Gong class on Sun-day, January 18, 2015 at 4712 W. Fond du Lac Ave (upstairs). Come and learn how toremove negative emotions that have lodged themselves in your liver, spleen, kidneys,heart and lungs and are affecting your behavior and physical health. The cost of cthelass is $5. For more information call 248-5529 after 6PM.

BLACK MALE ACHIEVEMENT MEETING – Jacob Gatlin is hostingthis meeting at Redemption Fellowship 3500 N. 26th St. on Friday, January 16, 2015from 6pm – 7:30pm. This is the first meeting

of the year when the mentors canmeet and greet each other. For moreinformation call 551-2260.

DR.MARTIN LUTHERKING JR. DRUMMAJOR LUNCHEON–The Milwaukee Frontiers willhost a luncheon in honor ofDr. King Saturday, January17, 2015 at the WisconsinAfrican AmericanWomen’s Center, 3020W. Vliet St. Three stu-dents from North Di-vision High Schoolwill be honored.Tickets are $30.Call 933-1652for more in-formation.

KINGFESTCELE-BRA-TION -Dr.

M. L. King Jr. 86thBirthday Recognition will be held at the

Wisconsin African American Women’s Center 3020 W. VlietSt. from noon to 2PM. There will be Vendors on hand and video reflections of

Dr. King. From 2PM – 6PM there will be Drumming, Spoken Word, Praise Dancers,Scholarship Presentation and Keynote speaker Dr. Greg Carr, Associate Professor &Chair of the Department of African American Studies, Howard University.

KALEIDOSCOPEKALEIDOSCOPEthe MCJ l i fes ty le & en te r ta inment sec t ion

on these young girls. The impact of portraying a white man as God is damaging to all people, it’s a deviation

from the real image of God. It especially hurts white people because it has given them asense of superiority that has allowed them to do some of the most despicable acts to Blacksunder the guise of religion. More than 400 years ago our ancestors were taken from Africaand forever enslaved under a form of chattel slavery never seen before in history, this wasdone by white Christians against Black people. The slave trade flourish and millions of Blackswere forcibly relocated from their mother land, and ultimately stripped of their culture, her-itage and history and became free labor for new industries in the Caribbean, South and NorthAmerica, this was done by white Christians against Black people.

Sir John Newton, famous Christian hymn writers, was a slave trader. He wrote “Howsweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” and “Amazing Grace.” The name of one of the most fa-mous British slave vessels was “Jesus.” The Christian Church quoting apostle Paul gavesanctioned to the global industry of slavery. After slavery, Blacks lived in absolute terror inwhich they were segregate, burned, and lynched by Christians. During Jim Crow , it wasn’tunusual to see a Sunday service interrupted so that clergy and members of the church couldjoin a mob attack against Blacks. When the punishment had been enacted, usually the deathof a Black man, the participants would return back to church and resume their worship of awhite God. When Blacks demanded civil and equal rights and/or reparations for the painand struggles that are clearly documented, it was Christians who opposed this with all theirpower and influence.

The Creator (God) made man in His own image, it wasn’t anything physical but it wasthat man has the ability to emulate a will similar to God’s will. Of all the creatures createdby the Creator (God), only the human has the ability to implement his will freely. Man, pos-sesses a mind, a heart, and a will. The mind, or intellect, allows him to think rationally, notby sheer instinct like an animal. The heart, or emotion, enables him to feel, unlike a robot ormachine, human experience. The will, enables him to make decisions and choices that have“real” consequences. It is his capacity for action, a capacity that allows him to choose thisover that and those instead of these (free will). The humans havethe ability to make certainchoices on their own (i.e. free from compulsion, force, or coercion). Those choices are ex-tremely compromised when he doesn’t know his purpose in life set forth by the Creator.

For example, humans have the ability to choose to go to the store or stay home, to buy anewspaper or not, to eat beef or to eat fish, etc.; such choices are within the natural capacityof human beings. People are free to act according to their nature. People are not free to actcontrary to their nature. I cannot choose to fly. Yes, I can choose to travel by airplane, but Icannot choose to sprout wings or become a bird. My will, you see, is not entirely free. It isbound by the limits of my nature. We do not have the freedom to be anything we are not.Man, in other words, is not free to act outside the boundaries of his human nature. He cannotlive the life of a fish in the ocean or fly like a bird in the air without external resources enablinghim to manipulate his natural environment. Just as that is true on a natural level, it is also trueon a spiritual level, he is not free to associate himself with the Creator (God) he is a memberof Creation. There is the Creator and there is Creation and the two shall never be combined.

The God likeness is also linked to man’s intellect. God has endowed man with intellectualability which is far superior to that of any animal. Man was given a mind capable of hearingand understanding at a very high level, intellectual emotions capable of responding to hu-manity in love and devotion, and a will which enables him to make choices. Man has beenequipped, not only to love the Creator, but also to be the sovereign vice agent of the earth.Like the Creator, man's intellectual gifts are further seen in his ability to design things andthen make them, to appreciate beauty, to compose glorious music, to paint pictures, to write,to count to large numbers and do mathematics, to control and use energy for his own benefit(e.g. fire, electricity, nuclear power), to organize, to reason, to make decisions, to be self-con-scious, to laugh at himself, and to think abstractly. All this behavior is non-instinctive, asdistinct from animal behavior, and as such it is of unlimited variety.

In my next article I will discuss how and why human beings are described as the caretakerfor all of Creation and are prepared to be the world’s custodian when man knows “how” heis made in God’s likeness.

God Made Man in His Own Image, Why?(continued from page 6)

FROMTHEBLACKWith Tony Courtney

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 10

be put away. He struggled againstmaking the decision for a long time,Shirky wrote at Medium.com.

"Over the years," Shirky wrote,"I've noticed that when I do have aspecific reason to ask everyone to setaside their devices ('Lids down,' inthe parlance of my department), it'sas if someone has let fresh air into theroom. The conversation brightens,and more recently, there is a sense ofrelief from many of the students.Multi-tasking is cognitively exhaust-ing, when we do it by choice, beingasked to stop can come as a welcomechange."

(continued from page 6)

The case forbanning computers in the classroom

371 Productionsto Present “PreciousLives”Two-Year radio and communityengagement project to focus thepublic’s attention on gun violenceand its impact on youth and fami-lies

On Monday, January 13, 2015, 371 Productions, with supportfrom the Helen Bader Foundation, the Greater Milwaukee Foun-dation, COA and over 40 community partners, introduced Pre-cious Lives, a two-year, 100-part weekly radio series about

young people and gun violence. The series captures the emo-tional and social impact on families and the community. Pre-cious Lives presents gun violence as a public health crisis andserves as a call to action for the entire community to come to-gether and solve it.

The 5-7 minute stories will air on WUWM 89.7 on Tuesdaysand WNOV 860 AM on Wednesdays.

Both stations will air the stories around 10:45 am (CT). TheMilwaukee Journal Sentinel will present the stories as podcastson JSOnline each Tuesday along with additional reporting onthe topic. The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalismwill conduct investigations into issues related to gun violenceand release related stories as part of the project.

In addition, a website designed and maintained by CramerKrasselt will provide an interactive social media platform. 371Productions will convene its partners and other stakeholdersthroughout the city and state for a summit later in the spring.

Brad Lichtenstein, president of 371 Productions and executiveproducer of the project, is a seasoned documentary producerwhose recent feature film, As Goes Janesville was broadcast onPBS’ Independent Lens and was nominated for a national

Emmy. He was moved to create Precious Lives after hearing asimilar broadcast about a young man shot and killed in NewYork City.

Lichtenstein sees gun violence as everyone’s problem. In pro-ducing Precious Lives he sought several objectives: “We wantto go beyond reporting crimes. We want the public to learn aboutthe victims, their families and their communities. We want toknow more about who the shooters are and why they decided topull the trigger. We want to understand the factors that contributeto gun violence. If we can understand gun violence as a publichealth problem the entire community faces, we can makeprogress in curbing it.”

The news conference was hosted by the Holton Youth andFamily Center, 510 E Burleigh Street, Milwaukee, at 4:15 pmon Monday, January 12th. Featured speakers include the pro-duction team and Bevan Baker, Commissioner of Health for thecity of Milwaukee.

There will be interview opportunities with dozens of commu-nity partners ranging from the DA’s office and the MilwaukeeDept. of Health to Urban Underground and COA as well as thefamilies featured in the series and Mr. Baker.

“We want to understand the factors that contribute to gun violence.If we can understand gun violence as a public health problem theentire community faces, we can make progress in curbing it.”

--Brad Lichtenstein, president of 371

“Mister Speaker, I am proud that the Milwaukee Com-munity Journal hails from the 4th Congressional Dis-trict. It has consistently informed, analysed and entertained readers for nearly 38 years. I am pleasedto give praise to Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo and her stafffor providing a voice to the community and providingeducational opportunities to students. I wish themmany more years of success.”--A segment from Cong. Gwen Moore’s remarks she made on the Congressional Record paying tribute to the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Dr.Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Annual Brunch

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 11

“Mister Speaker, I am proud that the Milwaukee Com-munity Journal hails from the 4th Congressional Dis-trict. It has consistently informed, analysed and entertained readers for nearly 38 years. I am pleasedto give praise to Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo and her stafffor providing a voice to the community and providingeducational opportunities to students. I wish themmany more years of success.”--A segment from Cong. Gwen Moore’s remarks she made on the Congressional Record paying tribute to the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Dr.Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Annual Brunch

The Milwaukee Community Journal January 14, 2015 Page 12