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VOL. XLI Number 37 April 4, 2018 www.milwaukeecommunityjournal.com 25 Cents BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668 WISCONSIN’S LARGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INSIDE: Something is starting to smell funny in America, and it’s not BBQ Dr. King’s loss felt even more in today’s very troubled times By Richard G. Carter “Good ideas are not immortal. They die, just like men…” —Burgess Meredith, “The Man” (1972) With all the bad things going on in the world today -- including deranged shooters killing school kids and adults, terrorist attacks run- ning rampant and a boisterous bully in the White House -- it is sadly ironic that 50 years today, the greatest man of the 20th century un- justly lost his life. The king was dead. Long live the king. It was April 4, 1968, when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fell victim to a sniper bullet on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. And like others slaughtered by sickos using powerful, high-tech weapons, Dr. King was an innocent victim. To me, it seems like only yesterday. And there is no re- lief, or respite today, when remembering Dr. King’s death, at 39, in the Old South city where he’d gone to lend his considerable presence on behalf of striking, mostly Black, sanitation workers. And, as if by some bad karma, Dr. King predicted his own death in church the night before in his memorable “I’ve been to the mountaintop speech.” How very, very sad. I still choke-up when I see the striking photo of the im- mediate aftermath, with Dr. King on his back and his col- leagues pointing in the direction of the assassin’s gunshot. In my very first Op-Ed column for the New York Daily The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was interviewed by Milwaukee Star news- paper staffers at the old Schroeder Hotel, downtown on Jan. 28, 1964. From left: Marilyn Moreheuser, Richard Carter, Dr. King, Kenneth Coulter and Jay Anderson.—Milwaukee Star photo Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver is stepping down from her position on July 6 to become president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Michigan. “This is a once-in-a lifetime oppor- tunity to use the power of collective impact and equity to improve the lives of young people, their families and the communities in which they live,” Driver said in letter to parents and teachers. Driver came to Milwaukee in 2012. She was the district’s first Chief Innovation Officer. Driver assumed the superintendent position after Gregory Thornton left to become school superintendent in Baltimore. Driver is the youngest person to serve as superintendent of the largest school district in Wisconsin. She’s also the only woman to do so on a permanent basis. Driver has been involved with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County for the past four years. She was a member of the board of directors and chaired the volunteer engagement committee and served as the Season of Caring Champion for Volunteer Engagement in the Cam- paign Cabinet. Driver will be returning to Detroit, where she began her professional ca- reer as a teacher. In a statement Tuesday, MPS Board President Mark Sain said Dri- ver’s efforts at the helm of the district has advanced it to a better place as it continues to move forward to im- prove outcomes for all young people. “Dr. Driver is a professional who PULSE OF THE COMMUNITY Photos and question by Yvonne Kemp HOWARD CROOK “SECOND PLACE IN CENTRAL BRIAN GLOVER “PLAYOFFS” By Christopher Torchia, courtesy of the Associated Press JOHANNESBURG — Winnie Madikizela-Man- dela, a longtime anti- apartheid activist whose reputation was sullied by scandal, has died. She was 81. The woman many South Africans once described as the "Mother of the Nation" and a champion of the Black majority, died "surrounded by her family and loved ones," accord- ing to a statement released by the Madikizela-Mandela's family. Madikizela-Mandela was the sec- ond of Nelson Mandela's three wives, married to him from 1958 to 1996. Mandela, who died in 2013, was imprisoned throughout most of their marriage, and Madikizela-Man- dela's own activism against White minority rule led to her being jailed for months and placed under house arrest for years. "She kept the memory of her im- prisoned husband Nelson Mandela alive during his years on Robben Is- land (prison) and helped give the struggle for justice in South Africa one of its most recognizable faces," the family said. However, Madikizela-Mandela's political activism was marred by her conviction in 1991 for kidnapping and assault, for which she was fined. She faced these allegations again during the 1997 hearings be- fore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a panel that investi- gated apartheid-era crimes. As a parliamentarian after South Africa's first all-race elections, she was convicted of fraud. Still, Madikizela-Mandela re- mained a venerated figure in the rul- ing African National Congress, which has led South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. She continued to tell the party "exactly what is wrong and what is right at any time," said senior ANC leader Gwede Mantashe. The ANC, which was the main movement against apartheid, had lost popularity in recent years in part because of scandals linked to former President Jacob Zuma, who re- signed in February. Nobel laureate and former arch- bishop Desmond Tutu, a periodic critic of the ruling party, noted her (continued on page 3) Dr. Darienne Driver Winnie Mandela Anti-apartheid activist Winnie Madikizela- Mandela dies at 81 Darienne Driver to resign as MPS superintendent DEVIDA GLOVER “PLAYOFFS” TRACY CARTER “PLAYOFFS” Compiled by MCJ Editorial Staff (continued on page 3) Question for this Week: “We asked four Brewers fans what is their prediction for the team for the 2018 season? Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun can barely be seen (another Brewer has his hand on Braun’s helmet) as his teammates mob him at homeplate after he hit his game- winning homerun against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park Tuesday. The Brewers won the game 5-4. Brewers player Christian Yelich set the stage for Braun by hitting a game tying solo homer before Braun’s at bat. The win brought the Brewers’ early season record to 4-1. The Cardinals are 2-3.—Photo by Yvonne Kemp Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet wins state supreme court seat, Felesia Martin to replace retiring county supervisor Micheal Mayo Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Dallet will now be known as Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet, and Felesia Martin will replace retiring District 7 Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Michael Mayo. Both candidates were among a group of area chal- lengers and incumbents to win their respective elections during Tuesday’s local and state-wide spring general elections. Wisconsin voters spoke loud and clear in wanting to keep in place the 170-year-old state treasurer’s office. Wisconsinites gave an overwhelming “NO” to a consti- tutional amendment that would have eliminated the of- fice. The amendment was defeated by a surprisingly wide margin, 61% to 39%. With the retention of the office, there will be an elec- tion for the position in the fall. Dallet received 555,786 votes (56%) to Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock’s 440,566 votes (44%). Dallet’s win loosens the stranglehold conservative state justices had on the court. Conservatives now have a 4-3 majority. Dallet will replace conservative Justice Michael Gableman, who did not seek re-election. She will serve a 10-year term. An employee with the Medical College of Wisconsin and a community activist, Martin defeated social services employee Kenneth Ginlack, Sr. She received 2,851 votes (79%) to Ginlack’s 776 (21%) votes. ELECTION WATCH 2018 LET’S LET’S GET THIS GET THIS PARTY PARTY STARTED! STARTED! (continued on page 6) (continued on page 6) THE RESULTS Compiled by MCJ Editoral Staff

INSIDE:Something is starting to smell funny in America ... · The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 2 Alderwoman Coggs launches 10th Annual Freedom Essay Scholarship

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VOL. XLI Number 37 April 4, 2018 www.milwaukeecommunityjournal.com 25 Cents BULK RATEU.S. POSTAGE PAID

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSINPERMIT NO. 4668

W I S C O N S I N ’ S L A R G E S T A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N N E W S P A P E R

INSIDE: Something is starting to smell funny in America, and it’s not BBQ

Dr. King’s lossfelt even morein today’s verytroubled timesBy Richard G. Carter

“Good ideas are not immortal.They die, just like men…”—Burgess Meredith, “The Man” (1972)

With all the bad things going on in the worldtoday -- including deranged shooters killingschool kids and adults, terrorist attacks run-ning rampant and a boisterous bully in the

White House -- it is sadly ironic that 50 yearstoday, the greatest man of the 20th century un-justly lost his life. The king was dead. Longlive the king.It was April 4, 1968, when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr. fell victim to a sniper bullet on a balcony at theLorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. And like othersslaughtered by sickos using powerful, high-tech weapons,Dr. King was an innocent victim.To me, it seems like only yesterday. And there is no re-

lief, or respite today, when remembering Dr. King’sdeath, at 39, in the Old South city where he’d gone to lendhis considerable presence on behalf of striking, mostlyBlack, sanitation workers.And, as if by some bad karma, Dr. King predicted his

own death in church the night before in his memorable“I’ve been to the mountaintop speech.” How very, verysad.I still choke-up when I see the striking photo of the im-

mediate aftermath, with Dr. King on his back and his col-leagues pointing in the direction of the assassin’s gunshot.In my very first Op-Ed column for the New York Daily

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was interviewed by Milwaukee Star news-paper staffers at the old Schroeder Hotel, downtown on Jan. 28, 1964. Fromleft: Marilyn Moreheuser, Richard Carter, Dr. King, Kenneth Coulter and JayAnderson.—Milwaukee Star photo

Milwaukee PublicSchools Superintendent Dr.Darienne Driver is steppingdown from her position onJuly 6 to become presidentand CEO of the UnitedWay of SoutheasternMichigan. “This is a once-in-a lifetime oppor-

tunity to use the power of collectiveimpact and equity to improve thelives of young people, their familiesand the communities in which theylive,” Driver said in letter to parentsand teachers.

Driver came to Milwaukee in2012. She was the district’s firstChief Innovation Officer.Driver assumed the superintendent

position after Gregory Thornton leftto become school superintendent inBaltimore. Driver is the youngest person to

serve as superintendent of the largestschool district in Wisconsin. She’salso the only woman to do so on apermanent basis.Driver has been involved with the

United Way of Greater Milwaukeeand Waukesha County for the pastfour years.She was a member of the board of

directors and chaired the volunteerengagement committee and served asthe Season of Caring Champion for

Volunteer Engagement in the Cam-paign Cabinet.Driver will be returning to Detroit,

where she began her professional ca-reer as a teacher.In a statement Tuesday, MPS

Board President Mark Sain said Dri-ver’s efforts at the helm of the districthas advanced it to a better place as itcontinues to move forward to im-prove outcomes for all young people.“Dr. Driver is a professional who

PULSEOF THECOMMUNITYPhotos and question by Yvonne Kemp

HOWARDCROOK

“SECOND PLACEIN CENTRAL

BRIANGLOVER

“PLAYOFFS”

By Christopher Torchia,courtesy of the Associated PressJOHANNESBURG —

Winnie Madikizela-Man-dela, a longtime anti-apartheid activist whosereputation was sullied byscandal, has died. Shewas 81.The woman many South Africans

once described as the "Mother of theNation" and a champion of theBlack majority, died "surrounded byher family and loved ones," accord-ing to a statement released by theMadikizela-Mandela's family.

Madikizela-Mandela was the sec-ond of Nelson Mandela's threewives, married to him from 1958 to1996.Mandela, who died in 2013, was

imprisoned throughout most of theirmarriage, and Madikizela-Man-dela's own activism against Whiteminority rule led to her being jailedfor months and placed under housearrest for years."She kept the memory of her im-

prisoned husband Nelson Mandelaalive during his years on Robben Is-land (prison) and helped give thestruggle for justice in South Africaone of its most recognizable faces,"the family said.However, Madikizela-Mandela's

political activism was marred by her

conviction in 1991 for kidnappingand assault, for which she wasfined. She faced these allegationsagain during the 1997 hearings be-fore the Truth and ReconciliationCommission, a panel that investi-gated apartheid-era crimes.As a parliamentarian after South

Africa's first all-race elections, shewas convicted of fraud.Still, Madikizela-Mandela re-

mained a venerated figure in the rul-ing African National Congress,which has led South Africa since theend of apartheid in 1994.She continued to tell the party

"exactly what is wrong and what isright at any time," said senior ANCleader Gwede Mantashe.The ANC, which was the main

movement against apartheid, hadlost popularity in recent years in partbecause of scandals linked to formerPresident Jacob Zuma, who re-signed in February.Nobel laureate and former arch-

bishop Desmond Tutu, a periodiccritic of the ruling party, noted her

(continued on page 3)

Dr. Darienne DriverWinnie Mandela

Anti-apartheid activist WinnieMadikizela-Mandela dies at 81

Darienne Driver to resign as MPS superintendent

DEVIDAGLOVER

“PLAYOFFS”

TRACYCARTER

“PLAYOFFS”

Compiled by MCJ Editorial Staff

(continued on page 3)

Question for this Week: “We asked four Brewers fans what is their prediction for the team for the 2018 season?

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun can barely be seen (another Brewer has hishand on Braun’s helmet) as his teammates mob him at homeplate after he hit his game-winning homerun against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park Tuesday. The Brewerswon the game 5-4. Brewers player Christian Yelich set the stage for Braun by hitting agame tying solo homer before Braun’s at bat. The win brought the Brewers’ early seasonrecord to 4-1. The Cardinals are 2-3.—Photo by Yvonne Kemp

Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet wins state supreme court seat,Felesia Martin to replace retiring county supervisor Micheal MayoMilwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Dallet

will now be known as Wisconsin State Supreme CourtJustice Rebecca Dallet, and Felesia Martin will replaceretiring District 7 Milwaukee County Board SupervisorMichael Mayo.Both candidates were among a group of area chal-

lengers and incumbents to win their respective electionsduring Tuesday’s local and state-wide spring generalelections. Wisconsin voters spoke loud and clear in wanting to

keep in place the 170-year-old state treasurer’s office.Wisconsinites gave an overwhelming “NO” to a consti-tutional amendment that would have eliminated the of-fice. The amendment was defeated by a surprisingly widemargin, 61% to 39%.With the retention of the office, there will be an elec-

tion for the position in the fall.Dallet received 555,786 votes (56%) to Sauk County

Judge Michael Screnock’s 440,566 votes (44%). Dallet’s win loosens the stranglehold conservative state

justices had on the court. Conservatives now have a 4-3majority. Dallet will replace conservative Justice MichaelGableman, who did not seek re-election. She will servea 10-year term.An employee with the Medical College of Wisconsin

and a community activist, Martin defeated social servicesemployee Kenneth Ginlack, Sr. She received 2,851 votes(79%) to Ginlack’s 776 (21%) votes.

ELECTIONWATCH2018LET’S LET’S

GET THISGET THISPARTYPARTY

STARTED!STARTED!

(continued on page 6)

(continued on page 6)

THE RESULTS

Compiledby MCJ Editoral

Staff

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 2

Alderwoman Coggslaunches 10th AnnualFreedom EssayScholarship ContestAlderwoman Milele A. Coggs is challenging recent

Milwaukee high school graduates to dissect the conceptof “freedom” for the 10th Annual Freedom Essay Schol-arship Contest. The scholarship is open to current and re-cent high school graduates from Milwaukee who arecollege-bound.The topic for the essay is “freedom,” and it provides

graduates with an opportunity to parse out how they de-fine the subject and what it means to them. They are en-couraged to share their ideas to end prejudice, oppression,discrimination, sexism and violence, on a global scale.The suggested length of an applicant’s essay is 1,000words.Applications are being accepted now and must be post-

marked by Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Two $500 scholar-ships will be awarded and winning essays may bepublished, according to Alderwoman Coggs.

Alderwoman Coggs says one cannot talk about

progress and change without talking about the new gen-eration of inspiring young leaders.“The scholarship contest provides young people an op-

portunity to reflect on the lessons of history and use thoselessons to help shape their future, not only for themselvesbut also for their community, for Milwaukee and possiblybeyond.” she said.

Paper applications will also be available at city li-braries, many high schools and colleges, and the follow-ing are drop-off locations:

- WestCare Wisconsin, Inc. Harambee CommunityCenter, 335 W. Wright St.- Northcott Neighborhood House, 2460 N. 6th St.- Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum, 2620

W. Center St.- Martin Luther King Library, 310 W. Locust St.The contest is open to students who reside in the City

of Milwaukee and attended a public, private, parochial orhome school, or who participated in a high school corre-spondence program in the city. Preference will be givento residents of the 6th Aldermanic District.Entries can besubmitted online or by a downloadable paper application,both found at milwaukee.gov/district6/FSEC. Additionalcontest rules, complete details and submission require-ments are contained within the application. For more in-formation, please contact Akuwa Dantzler [email protected] or at (414) 286-2994.

Hello, my name is Ayanna Martin. I am 17 years old. I am a senior, vocal major atMilwaukee High School of the Arts. I am in two choirs: Advanced/Concert Choir andShow Choir.

I have participated in many choir and solo competitions and many staged shows. Lastyear, I was the main lead in the musical opera, EVITA, and The Gospel of Collonus.This year, I starred in Porgy and Bess and in our (R)Evolution Musical, having manylead roles.

I am also a member of the forensics team at my school. I have been in forensics now forall four of my high school years. In those four years, I have been blessed with winningmany medals and awards.

A few weeks ago, I competed against 176 other students in the whole Wisconsin area inoral interpretation of literature, prose and poetry, to qualify for the national tournamentheld in Washington DC, May 25th-may28th, of this year. MPS has had a majorbudget cut in the past two years and one of those budgets was forensics. I need to raiseabout $2,000 in order to hold my competition place. I am seeking the help of my commu-nity so that I can have the opportunity to compete on the national level and show my greattalents.

Public speaking is a passion of mine which is why I take the next step on going to thisnational tournament and to college as well. I want to major in communications with aspecial interest in public relations. I have received many scholarships because of forensicsas well. I will look forward to finishing forensics in college as well.

If you would like to help in any way by making donations, please call Yolanda Martin(my mom) at 414-595-0590. You may make checks payable to Ayanna Martin. Thankyou for your generosity.

May the Lord bless you and keep youAyanna Martin

An open letter by award winning high school student seeking help to attend national oral

interpretation,literature, prose and poetry competition

Carter’s Christian Academy celebrates life through the arts!

Students from Carter’s Christian Academy recently participated in the school’s “Celebra-tion of Life” event, held recently in the Milwaukee Central Library’s Centennial hall, 733 N.8th street, downtown. The “Celebration of Life” was a performance showcase for studentsin song and dance.—Photo by Yvonne Kemp

Many people imagine that brain de-velopment only involves the brain get-ting larger. While the brain does getsomewhat bigger in the first two yearsof life, the more dramatic changes don'tinvolve growth in physical size but infunctionality. Neuroplasticity, or the brain's capacity to change and

adapt, is incredibly high in infancy. As a result, a baby'sbrain learns new ways to work and function. (NatalieBoyd, Study.com)Two parts of the brain that develop and become better

and better at their jobs are the sensory cortex and themotor cortex. These two areas of the brain are in chargeof how we interact with the world around us. Think ofthem kind of like a telephone. The sensory cortex is incharge of figuring out the world through sensory input.It's like the earpiece of a telephone. Information is com-ing in and is processed in the sensory cortex.Here are a few activities you can do to engage in in

with your child: Motor Games and Activities• Blow bubbles to fall down in front of child while

standing. Encourage him to pop bubbles by clapping be-tween hands or by poking with his finger.• Grab a toy that your toddler can sit on top of as you

bring her around your house or on the sidewalk. Your tod-dler has to stay on by holding a handle and using her legs.• You can set up a mini obstacle course in your living

room. Make pillow stacks to crawl over or lay a blanketover a table to make you toddler crawl under it.• Give your toddler their own drawer or box of “trea-

sures.” These can be new toys from the dollar section orobjects he would find interesting. Let them look throughit and whatever they pull out you can use to play with.• Create a new living space underneath a dining room

table. Add in some pillows and his favorite toys to makeit like their own house.• Chase your toddler around the room saying, “I’m

going to get you!” Let the anticipation of catching her

build until you eventually catch them.• Set up empty water bottles to make bowling pins.

Show your toddler how to roll the ball to knock down thepins.Sensory Games and Activities• Did you know kids can pay in the house or in your

backyard to get your little one outside?• Balloons are fun when they’re inflated and decorate

a room, but they’re even more fun when you let them flyaround the room. Instead of tying the end of the balloon,let it go and see it whoosh around the room. Let your tod-dler get it and bring it back.• Tape some contact paper (sticky side out) to your wall

or window. Give your toddler a few different objects likecotton balls that she can use to throw or place onto thecontact paper and watch it stick.• Make a little slit in a box to make it your toddler’s

personal mailbox. Then put in junk mail that you get andlet him tear it open.• Get a small water bottle and fill it with different ob-

jects. Let your toddler shake it around and discover glit-ter, pebbles and other objects as she turns it in her hand.Make sure the bottle is securely sealed and filled with ageappropriate items.• Create a ramp. Let your toddler roll different objects

down it to learn about how gravity works.• Get some brightly colored objects, like bouncy balls,

and place them around the living room. Then let your tod-dler walk around and try to find them. Don’t make themtoo hard to find though. Your toddler can count them outas she finds them too.• Get outside and put different sized balls on the

ground. Set down a hula hoop and have your toddlergather the balls and put them inside the hoop.• Play chef and use measuring cups for your toddler to

fill with cheerios. Then let him serve you the cheerios asa snack. He won’t understand the different measurementsyet but scooping and dumping will be fun for him.

Communication Games and Activities• Find a large cardboard box that baby can play in.

Place baby in the box and pretend she is in a race car.

Your Two-Year-Old’sBrain at A Glance

(continued on page 6)

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 3

News -- October 23, 1987 -- I speculated as to how Dr.King might have reacted to events plaguing the planet atthat time. I conducted many street interviews and cameaway enlightened. Each felt that as a result of his death,many of our lives had changed.In the years since, I have been amused at how often

other writers have followed my lead when marking thetragic anniversary by trying to imagine Dr. King’s role inworld affairs were he alive. But to me, privileged to in-terview Dr. King twice in person, my recollections of thiswarm, gracious man are equally meaningful.In the depths of my continuing grief, it’s clear that in

one sense, Dr. King died of natural causes -- ironically,on the same April 4 date 24 years earlier in Milwaukee,as my mother, Juanita Carter. Natural, that is, for outspo-ken Black leaders in America and worldwide.Like Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, Huey

P. Newton, Steve Biko and others less well-known, Dr.King was killed by the gunfire of assassins -- or the po-lice. His luck, often tested, finally ran out on that motel bal-

cony in Memphis. And only the most optimistic amongus deny that the dream he espoused died with him.Of course, Dr. King had contended with many death

threats and violent acts. He was stabbed in New York bya deranged woman, hit by rocks while leading an openhousing march through Chicago’s Marquette Park andbullied countless times by racist police.

Like Nelson Mandela, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Rubin “Hur-ricane” Carter, Jim Brown, Rev. Al Sharpton and others,Dr. King was unjustly jailed countless times in countlesscities -- first in the Montgomery, Ala. bus boycott sparkedby the late Rosa Parks, whom I was privileged to inter-view for USA TODAY. He endured intense, personal, wiretapped scrutiny by

the FBI and its unlamented chief, J. Edgar Hoover. Andin the midst of the bus boycott, his home was bombed,with he and his family barely escaping unscathed.Topsy-turvy 1968 was the year that also saw Robert F.

Kennedy killed and massive street protests in Chicagoduring the Democratic National Convention. But Dr.King was special to us, so his death shocked millions.And it remains hard to believe it happened.So how do we remember this very special man? My

best memories are of the times I was able to talk with him-- after a Southern Christian Leadership Conference rallyin Milwaukee in 1964, and boosting Carl B. Stokes’ may-oral campaign in Cleveland, in 1967. Still a young reporter, I was awestruck by his unpre-

tentious, friendly and gentle manner. Just as did the lateSen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Dr. King actually calledme Mr. Carter during my interviews -- an expression ofrespect I still cherish.To his millions of admirers -- those who lived when he

lived and those who know of his deeds mainly throughtelevision clips -- his wonderful, inspirational spoken

cares deeply about the children of Milwaukee,” Sain said.“She has dedicated her professional life to making sureyoung people are prepared for success after they graduatefrom high school. “She has a passion for collective impact as a means to

create opportunities and equity for all our students. I wishher the very best.”The outgoing superintendent noted a number of

achievemens during her tenure as MPS superintendent toimprove the lives of the district’s students. Among her ac-complishments:• The district moved into a higher performance cate-

gory on the state report card in 2016.• Developed a strategic plan kn-own as the Eight Big

Ideas and a district-wide problem of practice that focuseson equity and will improve student achievement,

strengthen community partnerships and guide resourceallocation into the next decade.• Partnering with the Panasonic Foundation in 2014 and

established new procedures for the superintendent's eval-uation, conducting instructional rounds in schools andlaunching the MPS Way - the district’s culture and cli-mate framework.• The four-year graduation rate is steadily increasing

and is now at 62.5 percent. There has also been a 10 per-cent increase in the number of students promoted to 10thgrade• The adoption and implmentation of a series of stu-

dent-centered resolutions that improve safety, promoteequity and advocacy. • Early Literacy scores continue to improve, with four

percent gains over the previous year• The new Office of Black and Latino Male Achieve-

ment, including the launching of manhood academies,mentor luncheons and culturally responsive teachingpractices.• College & Career Centers grew from two off-site lo-

cations to full centers in 20 high schools. FAFSA (FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid) increased from 49percent to 72 percent of graduating seniors completingthe application in just three years.

Driver steppingdown as MPS superintendent(continued from front page)

Dr. King’s loss felt even morein today’s very troubled times(continued from front page)

(continued on page 5)

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 4

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“This is my comfort, my consolation andmy breath of fresh air in the midst of my de-pression and loss, Your Word nourishesand repairs me, it revives my life and yourpromises restore me and make me whole.”

—Psalm 119:50 (Verses for Loss, courtesy ofALOVEWORTHLIVINGFOR.COM)

milwaukeecommunityjournal.comRELIGIONRELIGIONReligious BookshelfModern Day Parable Affirms God's Grace isGreater Than Any StormAuthor Natashia Brewer Offers a 21stCentury Twist on the Story of Esau andJacob in Her Soon-to-Release Book,"Biblical Proportions"WASHINGTON /Christian Newswire/ -- Written more

than 3,000 years ago, the Bible is often referenced as the"greatest story ever told." On May 11, author NatashiaBrewer will release her biblically-inspired novel, "Bibli-cal Proportions," offering a new twist on one of theBible's most-often referenced stories. "Biblical Proportions" explores the lives of Edward and

James Shaw, twin brothers and successful executives atRock Star Records. Facing immense challenges, includ-ing infidelity, addiction and betrayal, the brothers standto lose everything. But by the grace of God, they learn that the storms that

loom are not designed to destroy them, but instead shiftthem so that they might lead more purpose-filled andfaith-driven lives. The book is inspired by the Bible story of Esau and

Jacob, which is often referenced to illustrate the reper-cussions of choosing earthly desires, and how godless de-cisions can have a devastating impact on one's future.Brewer's characters are also compelling examples of thehavoc that results from sinful behavior, but also the re-demption and victory in choosing God even after embark-

ing on the wrong path. "We're all sinners, we all make mistakes, and we have

all faced challenges that in the moment felt like wewouldn't be able to recover from them," said Brewer."These challenges present an incredible opportunity forgrowth and to deepen our relationship with God. There'sno such thing as a perfect person, but there are perfectopportunities to fully understand the enormity of thegrace and favor that God wants to share with us if wewould only humble ourselves and ask."Brewer has faced a number of challenges in her own

life, including being the victim of gun violence as a teenand the loss of her mother from cancer. She uses her own personal testimony to uplift and in-

spire others. The launch of her new book will provide herwith yet another tool to encourage those facing personalperil and seeking light in dark times. "I think readers will be immediately pulled in by the

drama and the excitement that surrounds the story's maincharacters," said Brewer. "But even beyond that, I hope that the story helps to en-

courage readers who are facing their own challenges, andinspires them to explore how they might reevaluate theirown faith walk."A sample chapter of "Biblical Proportions" is available

for download while the book's official launch is ap-proaching. Visit bit.ly/bpchapter1 to read the explosivepreview and to receive notifications when the book isavailable for sale.

Church safety andsecurity trainingTrinity Security Allies PresentsChurch SafetyTraining– Zion, IL,April 7Zion, IL– Trinity Security Allies is

pleased to announcean upcoming church safety and se-

curity training hosted by Grace Mis-sionary Church on April 7 in Zion, ILfrom 9 am – 3 pm.This event is geared towards

church leadership, usher, greeters andchildren's ministry volunteers alongwith your elders, deacons and mem-bers of your church. Trinity Security Allies will provide

education on why a church safetyteam is needed and share a biblicalapproach on how to implement asafety team within your church.

Current trends such as domestic is-sues, lost child, vandalism andcrimes against the church will becovered along with warning signsand commonsense approaches onhow to handle situations before theyescalate into violence. We will lookat liabilities of the church in the eventof any kind of incident in yourchurch.Trinity Security Allies provides

this training to churches from 65members to 6500 members in multi-ple churches from north Floridadown to Naples, FL, Georgia, NorthCarolina and South Carolina. Trinity Security Allies is honored

to have the opportunity to bring thistraining to the north Chicago area.Jim Howard brings this informationfrom four different perspectives: 35+years of law enforcement, executiveprotection training and current EOTadjunct instructor in Florida, formingand currently running a church safety

team for a 3500 + member churchand his family being a victim of achurch shooting when Jim was ateenager.“In 1970 when I was 16 years old

my father stepped outside a churchand killed one of the deacons thatwas helping my family because ofdomestic issues we were having,”said Jim Howard. Since then,Howard's life has come full circle.The cost is $15/person. Lunch and

snacks will be provided for attendees.Pre – register for this event atwww.TrinitySecurityAllies.com andclick on the April 7 event.About Trinity Security Allies:Trinity Security Allies is a 501(c)3

non-profit public charity organiza-tion offering education, training, andconsulting for churches using theirresources to build a safety plan. For more information about Trinity

Security Allies, visit: www.trinityse-curityallies.com

An Increasingly Unorthodox WorldA season of religious holidays around the

world moves into higher gear on Wednesdaywith the observance of one of the most impor-tant saints in the Orthodox Church, a personwhose gift-giving legacy is partially tied to thebirth of the Santa Claus legend in the U.S. andFather Christmas in the U.K.But with the arrival of St. Nicholas Day – observed on

Dec. 6 in Western Christian nations but on different De-cember days elsewhere – also come questions about thefuture place Orthodoxy will occupy in the larger Christianworld, say analysts.Orthodox Christians exist in greater numbers today

than in the past, yet represent a diminished share of Chris-tians worldwide. Confined primarily to an aging Europeand strongly tethered to tradition, Orthodox Christianitymay need to change its ways to remain relevant, say somepractitioners."People are sending out a signal that they don't identify

with structures of the past anymore and look for newforms of spirituality," says the Rev. Cosmin Antonescu

from the Saint Andrew Romanian Orthodox Church inPotomac, Maryland.Around 260 million people in the world today identify

themselves as Christian Orthodox, double the numberregistered a century ago, according to a report from thePew Research Center, a nonpartisan think tank. Russiaalone has more than 100 million followers, while morethan 95 percent of people in predominantly Orthodoxcountries such as Moldova, Georgia, Romania andGreece report keeping icons at home.Yet, as popular as Orthodoxy is in Eastern Europe, this

branch or Christianity seems to be losing ground in theoverall Christian population. Today, Orthodox Christians represent only 4 percent of

the world’s population. Additionally, Orthodox followersaccount for 12 percent of Christians worldwide, down 8percentage points from the levels in 1910, according tothe Pew report.The reasons for this decline are many, and experts say

they have to do with history and a more rigid administra-tive structure of the overall Orthodox community.After the East-West Schism of 1054 between the Or-

thodox and Roman Catholic churches, Orthodoxism wasleft isolated in a declining Byzantine Empire. As countries broke away from the empire, Orthodox-

ism developed in a more decentralized way. “All nationsidentifying themselves as Orthodox have their own inde-pendent ruling,” Antonescu says.

Leaders in the OrthodoxChurch say the religion mayneed to adapt to contemporarytimes to remain relevant.

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The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 5

PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES

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: [email protected]/[email protected]

Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarilyreflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “otherperspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.

Patricia O’Flynn -PattilloFounder, PublisherRobert J. Thomas, Co-FounderAssoc. PublisherTodd Thomas, Vice PresidentMikel Holt, Founding Editor, Associate PublisherThomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Managing EditorTeretha Martin, Terri’s InnovativeComputers: Billing Clerk, Pro-

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MCJ EDITORIALMCJ EDITORIALThough her legacy is incomplete, Dr. DarienneDriver will be rememberedfor innovative approaches toimproving education We learned a couple of weeks ago that MPS Superin-

tendent Darienne Driver would resign before the end ofthis school term.We’re sorry to see her go, but it was predictable.The average tenure for a Milwaukee school superintend-

ent is four years. And in most cases, and despite theirbest intentions, reform initiatives and budgetary manipula-tions, they leave the district in seemingly the same condi-tion it was in when they started.Part of the reason for that phenomenon is that the dis-

trict, board and teachers’ union often find themselves inadversarial roles. The superintendent is generally caughtin the middle of this tug of war, and the victims are gener-ally the children.And, as every superintendent since Lee McMurrin an-

nounced (indecorously) in 1976 following the “integration”of the Milwaukee Public Schools, good intentions are notenough to close the achievement gap or tear down thewalls of educational apartheid, which has plagued mosturban communities.While poverty and familiar dysfunctionality have had an

immense impact on public education, it is not, nor can itbe, an escape clause. The job of the superintendent is tocreate a paradigm and process to educate all children. Butas Driver and her predecessors learned the hard way,there are no homemade remedies for what ails MPS.That said, determining Driver’s legacy is easier said than

done. And if we were to give her a grade, it would be anincomplete. Her legacy will be determined as time goesby, but her initiatives were visionary in many ways."There is no doubt that she cares about the children, and

tried to improve the quality of education. Her handful ofinitiatives did move the needle a little, as demonstrated bythe improved graduation rates. But the truth is that it wasunder her watch that the district earned the dubious dis-tinction of having the lowest fourth and eighth grade read-ing proficiency rates in the country. The gap between White and Black students has re-

mained embarrassingly wide and last week it was learnedthat a federal agency cited MPS for its disparities in theadministration of suspension of Black students.Obviously, you can’t put the total blame for those nega-

tive social indicators on Driver’s shoulder alone.But it proves our point that good intentions amid conflict

between the board, union, superintendent and the statehas ill served our children.Which raises another question: how will state represen-

tatives who enacted laws two years ago that provide fornon-MPS entities to take over failing schools react to Dri-ver’s resignation? Architects of that legislation tabled efforts to force the

county executive to take over failing schools because theyhad faith that Driver would turn things around. Now what?And who will be appointed to replace her?Maybe it’s time we considered breaking up MPS into

smaller districts. Or, create a paradigm in which the super-intendent has greater autonomy. Whoever takes over thereins of MPS should be entrusted with a jack-hammer totear down the walls of educational apartheid.

Fear of a “Neckbone Invasion!”I didn’t get it.In fact, it went right over my head (which isn’t say-

ing that much since I’m not the tallest tree in the for-est).My ignorance, or naiveté, explains why it took me a

couple of times watching the commercial about “sur-vival” food to understand its significance.The same for the email I received at home about stocking up on ammuni-

tion, or the forest survival kit I received a coupon for from the self-defensemagazine I subscribe to.In fact, it didn’t fully come together until I was describing to my niece the

bomb shelter that was built behind, and under my grandfather’s house on 8thStreet back in the day.Suddenly it clicked like the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima: The Chinese,

North Koreans or maybe the Mexicans are going to launch a nuclear bombon the U.S. and those of us who are able to climb out of our shelters must beprepared for survival in the wasteland!The advertised dehydrated food will be worth its weight in gold, waterproof

matches and generators will be at a premium and guns will be needed to pro-tect family and properties.Or, on a brighter note (pun intended), brown skinned Moslems adorned in

black turbans and carrying the Holy Koran and AK 47s are expected to landat Timmerman Field any day now, and soon after touring the new BucksArena are going to take the new street car to Waukesha and Washington coun-ties to convert the gentiles and Jews.Or maybe there’s going to be a race war, as some seemingly intelligent

Black folks are predicting.If not an “uncivil” race war, in which frightened or prejudiced white folks

are going to build barricades around America’s central cities, to keep theurban terrorists from invading their communities.You can imagine what’s going to happen when the new Black Panther Party

members start climbing those fences.Bizarre? Maybe (probably). But Something is going on right up under—

or over—our noses, and that smell is not bar-be-cue.When Barack Obama was president, gun sales skyrocketed out of fear that

he would rescind the second amendment. At least that’s the ridiculous state-ment promulgated by the NRA and Republicans who sought to rally opposi-tion to the greatest president in U.S. history, who happened to be AfricanAmerican.For the record, sales have continued to soar under the reign of Emperor

Donald Trumpster, and a Republican Congress that doesn’t care that the worldknows they are being prostituted by the NRA.Ammunition sales, a brother who works at a sporting goods store told me

recently, is at record levels.And the purchasers are not only whites. Black folks are buying weapons

at record rates.Why? Protection against urban terrorists? Or do they too think the world,

at least how we know it, is coming to an end? That Trump’s pledge to makeAmerica great again implies a return to slavery, or the good old reconstructiondays?Some people believe the emergence of radical White supremacist and a

tsunami of racial incidents signals the beginning of a black versus white andbright war.A member of the Community Journal staff said if there were a war, it would

be people of color (exclusive of Asians who either have too many Americaninvestments, or are making too much money selling horse hair and nail polish)against White Surpemists.Most millennials will probably be on the side of the underclass. And liberal

Democrats will be at the vanguard (at least until the first bullet flies, and thenthey will have a meeting to go to).Another train of thought has it that the privileged young will take on their

rich providers. Or rich against the poor.If you paid heed to the Bernie Sanders phenomena, and the resulting Mil-

lennial Social Movement, you’d know of what I speak. The pendulum hasswung to the left, and many of today’s millennials are undeclared socialistswho believe we are all pawns of the 1% who own 80%, and controls 100%.I don’t totally dismiss there is something brewing, but I’m more fearful of

an atomic war than an uncivil one. Or maybe it’s the other way around.I can’t totally disregard the possibility of racially motivated confrontations

that will grip the nation. Racial tensions today are as caustic as I have seenthem since the 1960s. The difference today is less tolerance, more guns anda greater willingness to act in ways that Martin Luther King, Jr., would nothave approved of.America is witnessing a cultural change that is eating away at our country

like a cancer. The epidemic of police murders of unarmed Black men and theterrorism that has gripped our schools and public venues is but the tip of theiceberg.White Supremacists and other nuts have been emboldened by the election

of the Trumpster, and racists and radicals are seemingly coming out of thecracks like roaches.Milwaukee has not been immune. We’ve witnessed several incidents over

the last couple of years that have fueled tensions on both sides. And I’m notjust speaking of the killings of several Black men by police in Brewtown,Wauwatosa and Madison.There have been incidents in state colleges and high schools. Just recently,

white students at a Southside school accosted a Racine high school visitingbasketball team of innocent Black scholar athletes.I’ve also received several reports of racial incidents in Jefferson, Fond du

words provide a legacy for the ages. And that is how most Americans remem-ber Dr. King.But he gave us more than unsurpassed oratory. Dr. King provided Blacks

in America with a genuine hero -- someone we could proudly look up to with-out reservation. He was humble, albeit educated, accomplished and genuinelyrespected by the best and brightest.I’ve always considered Dr. King’s greatest accomplishment the Nobel Peace

Prize he won on Oct. 14, 1964 -- largely for his stance against the VietnamWar. This chagrined those who felt he should confine his interests and opin-ions to racial and domestic affairs.Upon accepting this most prestigious of all honors in Oslo, Norway, on

Dec. 10, 1964, Dr. King, as expected, gave another fine speech. Among thosewords, what I find most meaningful was the simple phrase: “...I refuse to ac-cept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life that sur-rounds him...”To me, this is what Dr. King was all about -- a great man able to connect

with every man and woman, regardless of station. It’s why his tragic, violentdeath 50 years ago is still so hard for so many of us to live with. The king isdead. Long live the king. —Milwaukee native Richard G. Carter is a free-lance writer

(continued from page 3)

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King

SIGNIFYIN’By Mikel Kwaku Oshi Holt

Yes, We do love the north division high school building. It is the onlypublic high school built in the inner city from ground up in my life time.What we do not like is that when a prominent educator stands up and says“Let me have a shot at helping this high school,” and the children that at-tend it get negative backlash. Dr. Howard Fuller was not only an alumni, he was once the superintend-

ent of the Milwaukee Public Schools, and if some would have listened tohis suggestions, then our schools would definitely be in a better place. I am asking the parents of all low performing schools to step up and

speak out. Demand better for your child. The only option cannot be to justclose the school or to always allow others to come take over, to show ushow it needs to be done.I hope someone can prove this wrong, but they told me that North Divi-

sion is the second lowest performing High School in the nation. Wow! Ifthat’s true or if it’s failing at any level of measurement there should be agreat concern. Then we will parade our child and some facility members out in protest,

saying leave our school alone, but are they also referring to just the build-ing, the students, the curriculum the staff or all of the above?I know that after sitting in a few meetings, only the building has a chance

of still standing. Then there’s this echo that even one or two other successful charters are

eyeing this land mark school, a school that has developed some Milwaukeegreats, Dr. Howard Fuller being one. I am going to have to say it, only wecan save us. So I am asking Dr. Fuller and Milwaukee Collegiate Academyto submit and let’s fight to be allowed to educate or own. Black families,stand up our future depends on your support.—Torre M Johnson Sr./ XEN UNITED LLC,

URBAN MYDIALOGUEBy Torre “ToeJoe” Johnson

Communication is Key Growing up, my mom always dropped my brothers and I off at school and

every afternoon she would pick us up. When getting in the car, we were al-ways prepared to tell her how our day went, what we learned, what we atefor lunch and what class we enjoyed the most. If there was nothing else mymom did, she always made sure to ask what our day was like. The smallest things, mean the world to children and can eventually mean

the world to parents, as the child grows older. A conversation, with a topic assimple as, “What is your favorite color?”, can really jumpstart a healthy par-ent-child relationship. Communication is not only key, it is also healthy. Communication is healthy. As children grow, their brains change and ma-

ture as well. As we have been learning, the most important years of child’slife, when it comes to learning and education, is from birth to the age ofseven. As children grow, things they are exposed to on a daily basis can behelpful for them. One of those things is general conversation. General conversation exercises

the muscle and brain tissue, forcing their verbal competency to be tested andchallenged. If your child can grasp and convey an idea or concept to one per-son, imagine how they would do the same with a friend, classmate or class-room!One thing about communication is that it is not always verbal. Children

are active, intuitive and energetic creatures. They pay attention to their sur-roundings and they are extremely intelligent. Another kind of communication that is healthy for children is when you

don’t say a word. That’s right! Communicate with your child by physicallydoing things. Teach them how to be kind by being kind to your neighbor. Communicate

in way that is minimum in volume, but massive in outcome. Children are def-initely watching everything you do. So be sure to show them what it meansto be a well-mannered, loving, and respectful because even if you don’t saya word, an action is still language. We are literally raising our future and if we want the future to be good to

us, we must be good to it (children, I mean). We must speak to them in waysthat are beneficial to them. They must grow in an environment where they were able to speak, as well

as being spoken to. That environment must be provided by their elders andauthoritative figures. Need ideas for better communicating with your child?Try these:

MILLENNIALMAGICBy Paishance Welch

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(continued on page 6)

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 6

passing by describing Madikizela-Mandela as "a defining symbol" ofthe fight against apartheid."She refused to be bowed by the

imprisonment of her husband, theperpetual harassment of her familyby security forces, detentions, ban-nings and banishment," Tutu said."Her courageous defiance wasdeeply inspirational to me, and togenerations of activists."Madikizela-Mandela had been in

and out of hospital since the start ofthe year, according to her family.She had back surgery a year ago.After hearing of her death, some

people gathered Monday eveningoutside Madikizela-Mandela's homein the Soweto area of Johannesburgto sing tributes. She had attendedEaster services in Soweto over thelong weekend.The family said it will release de-

tails of her memorial and funeralservices when they are finalized.Madikizela-Mandela's story was

told in biographies and novels aswell the Hollywood movie "Win-nie," starring Oscar-winning actressand singer Jennifer Hudson.The young Winnie grew up in

what is now Eastern Cape provinceand came to Johannesburg as thecity's first Black female socialworker. Her research into the high infant

mortality rate in a Black township,which she linked to poverty causedby racism, first sparked her interestin politics.In 1957, she met Nelson Mandela,

an up-and-coming lawyer and anti-apartheid activist 18 years her sen-ior, and they married a year later.The first five turbulent years of

their marriage saw Mandela goingunderground to build the armedstruggle against apartheid, and fi-

nally to prison in 1963, while hiswife gave birth to two daughters.Madikizela-Mandela always was

aware of the danger of being in theshadow of her husband's all-encom-passing personality.Even before they were separated

by Nelson Mandela's long stay inprison, she had become politicized,being jailed for two weeks whilepregnant for participating in awomen's protest of apartheid restric-tions on Blacks.The apartheid police later ha-

rassed her, sometimes dragging herfrom bed at night without giving hera chance to make arrangements forher daughters.In 1977, she was banished to a re-

mote town, Brandfort, where neigh-bors were forbidden to speak to her.She was banned from meeting withmore than one person at a time.The woman who returned to Jo-

hannesburg in 1985 was muchharder, more ruthless and bellicose,branded by the cruelty of apartheidand determined vengeance.In her book "100 Years of Strug-

gle: Mandela's ANC," Heidi Hol-land suggested thatMadikizela-Mandela was "perhapsdriven half-mad by security policeharassment." In an infamous 1986speech she threatened "no more

peaceful protests."Instead, she endorsed the "neck-

lacing" method of killing suspectedinformers and police with fuel-doused tires put around the neck andset alight."Together hand-in-hand, with our

boxes of matches and our necklaces,we shall liberate this country," shesaid.Madikizela-Mandela complained

bitterly on a North American tourafter she was forced to testify toSouth Africa's Truth and Reconcili-ation Commission in 1997 that thecommission never asked her aboutthe treatment she suffered over 18months in solitary confinement.The Mandela marriage that sur-

vived decades of prison bars dis-solved with a formal separation in1992, two years after Nelson Man-dela was released.The couple divorced in 1996, two

years after Mandela became presi-dent in South Africa's first all-raceelections, with Mandela accusinghis wife of infidelity.As the mother of two of Man-

dela's children, Madikizela-Mandelaand her ex-husband appeared to re-build a friendship in his final years.After Mandela's death, however,

she became involved in disputesover his inheritance.

Incumbent and County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr. squeezedout a tight victory over challenger Casey Shorts. Lipscomb received 5,703(52%) to Shorts’ 5,163 (48%) votes.Two other Black candidates had mixed results in their pursuit of public of-

fice. Sparkle Ashley lost her bid to unseat incumbent district 18 MilwaukeeCounty Supervisor Deanna Alexander. The sitting supervisor received 2,451(57%) votes to Ashley’s 1,864 (43%) votes.Black children’s advocate and political newcomer Wanda Montgomery,

will become one of two trustees on the Brown Deer Village Board of Trustees.She garnered the most votes of the three candidates with 1,654 votes (42%).

(continued from front page)Election Watch 2018

Anti-apartheid activistWinnie Madikizela-Mandela dies at 81(continued from front page)

Lac and Sheboygan counties.But you don’t have to go that far.I held my temper when I was con-

fronted recently in WashingtonCounty, and my sister mentioned twoincidents in Grafton. One of mygrandsons was victimized by policeprofiling in Wauwatosa last month.Fortunately, he was armed with my“Young African American men” sur-vival tools and lived to see anotherday.And then there was the image of

the White guy at a Jackson shootingrange who looked at my son as if hewas wearing an orange prison outfitbefore declaring that he was sightingin his AR-15 type rifle for “all” the“terrorists.” The implication, and thelook on his face, is permanently im-printed on my mind.Actually, as I explained many

years ago, I can partly understand thefear and anxiety of some White folks.If I were White, living in the sub-

urbs and conditioned by televisionand social media, I too would be fear-ful of Black folks—at least thosewho subscribe to or were otherwiseinducted into the American PovertyCulture.In the last two weeks there have

been three highly publicized inci-dents of Black stupidity that probablyfueled negative stereotypes in manywhite (and Black) suburbanites.The televised Wendy’s and Wal-

mart melees did nothing to correctprejudicial assumptions about thevolatility of Black teens. And thenthere was a melee at a buffet foodeatery in the suburbs. That probablyforever scared away White cus-tomers.There’s a reason why there are no

movie theaters, national chain buffetrestaurants or major departmentstores in the central city.And in case you haven’t figured it

out, there’s an obvious reason whymany Black folks travel to Walmartin the suburbs instead of severalstores in our own neighborhoods.Many Whites, or should I say, mid-

dle class of all hues, are fearful of a“Neckbone invasion”.

Those fears prompted a suburbanstate representative to threaten to cutoff state aid to Milwaukee if ourmayor could not stop Black thugsfrom committing crimes in her com-munity. She also implied constituentswere arming themselves and hidingout in “shelters”.You can dismiss this if you wish.

But every week my church familyprays for peace in the streets, an endto racism (including police miscon-duct), and that the next schoolshooter is not Black. (We also holdour breath every time there’s a killingin Milwaukee, although we knownine times out of ten, it’s a Black vic-tim, killed by a Black terrorist.)We also pray for restraint when

any one of us encounters a situation

precipitated by racists in blue, white(hood) or khaki. But, ironically, we could probably

divorce ourselves from those prayers(at least for a while), if the fears ofthose who are purchasing all of thosesurvival packs come to fruition.If ISIS invades our homeland, or

the Russians, Chinese or North Ko-reans call 45IQ’s buff and attack, Ican guarantee there will be unity andsolidarity in America.And if America—or at least Wis-

consin—survives, there are probablygoing to be zombies and cannibals tocontend with to distract us fromracial conflicts.Actually, that would be an alter-

nate ending for my screenplay:We’re attacked on the 50th an-

niversary of Dr. King’s assassination,but instead of riots, all the races bandtogether to fight off the common foe,sharing dehydrated food and bullets.Shem Hotep.

1. Always be interested in their day.2. Pay attention to them and make them feel as if they are the only person

in the room when they speak to you.3. Sit down for family meals. 4. Don’t dismiss the little things they tell you about.5. Keep close to them when they are talking, don’t have a conversation in

the kitchen while they are in a separate room. 6. Praise them with every single thing they do well.7. Tell them you believe in them often.8. Ask their opinion on different concepts and ideas9. Tell them about your day and encourage discussion.10. Stand back to let them make their own mistakes, they’ll grow a lot

quicker.

Make engine noises and pretend to turn the “steering wheel.” The more noisesyou make and actions you do the better.• Play with your toddler by naming different body parts and pointing to

them. Let him identify which body part is which. You can name the body partfirst and have your toddler point to it or you can point to a body part and havehim name it. Either way, he is learning while having fun.• Have a dance party with your toddler. Put on some upbeat music and

dance with him around the house or outside.• Bring new life to stories by making sound effects. Someone’s stamping

their feet in the story? Pound your feet on the floor. A wolf is howling? Giveit your best howl

(continued from page 2)

Your Two-Year-Old’s Brain at A Glance

(continued from page 5)Communication is Key

Signifyin’ (continued from page 5)

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 7

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 8

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 9

BUCKS PRO SHOP ONLINE EXPANDS TO ADDBUCKS GAMING, HERDMERCHANDISEShop.Bucks.com to begin shipping allmerchandise internationally

The Bucks Pro Shop online, shop.bucks.com, is nowthe one-stop-shop for Bucks fans across the globe topurchase their favorite Milwaukee Bucks, WisconsinHerd and Bucks Gaming merchandise.

All merchandise for the Bucks, Herd and BucksGaming can be bought at shop.bucks.com, and is nowavailable to be shipped internationally to more than 180countries.The Bucks Pro Shop online site now encompasses

everything that fans have been able to purchase at theshop’s BMO Harris Bradley Center locations and off-site stores. Shop.bucks.com remains the only place online for

fans to purchase authentic Milwaukee Bucks jerseyswith the Harley-Davidson patch and the Bucks’ 50thAnniversary product collection. The website also fea-tures the largest collection of Bucks headwear.With the first-ever NBA 2K League draft today, and

the tip-off of the league’s inaugural season in May,Bucks Gaming merchandise is now available atshop.bucks.com as well. Images of the merchandise canbe found here. The Bucks Gaming collection will continue to ex-

pand as the season nears. The Bucks Pro Shop online will also feature a “Wis-

consin Herd” tab where fans can celebrate the Herd’ssuccessful inaugural season, and gear up for 2018-19by purchasing their favorite Herd merchandise.

For the first-time ever, all product lines for theBucks, Herd and Bucks Gaming can now be shippedinternationally directly from shop.bucks.com. For moreinformation, or to purchase, visit shop.bucks.com.

While the Orthodox and the Catholic churchesshare many rituals and religious beliefs, expertssay Orthodoxism seems to have done a better jobat keeping its original traditions. When Catholicstried adapting the church to respond to new socialneeds, the Orthodox Christians focused on pre-serving their customs.“We were the most constant church in Christi-

anity, but failing to respond to people’s ever-changing needs made us lose ground in society,”Antonescu says.Today, Orthodoxism remains concentrated in

Europe, where 77 percent of Orthodox Christiansstill live, while Roman Catholicism expandedaround the world.“In the beginning we were the Byzantine Em-

pire," Antonescu says. "Catholicism, the Westernculture expanded in the world and brought Chris-tianity to many places, while, after the rise ofIslam, the Byzantine Empire focused on mainlydefending against Islamic attacks until the fall ofConstantinople. We weren’t given the same spaceas the Catholics were.”Catholics have also arguably benefited from a

stronger public presence by being represented bya singular leader, the pope, who has often been awell-known contemporary figure.“Pope John Paul I became a significant global

figure in his relatively short time; John Paul II wasclearly a very visible figure globally, as well asPope Francis is today,” says the Rev. LeonidKishkovsky of the Church of Our Lady of Kazan,a Russian Orthodox Church in Sea Cliff, NewYork. “This all stems from the specifics of the

Catholic Church with a figure in the bishop ofRome. This focus is very real and has been thereall along but in the age of media popularity it hasbecome very effective.”According to the Pew report, a decline in Or-

thodoxism might also stem from declining demo-graphic trends, with a lower fertility rate inEurope, where populations are growing older.“Europe’s population has long been shrinking

as a share of the world’s total population, and, incoming decades, it is projected to decline in ab-solute numbers as well,” the report shows.In order to preserve not only its traditions but

also its existence, experts say the OrthodoxChurch will need to look beyond Europe. That willbe a challenging task, since the Orthodox Churchis competing with more active religions that seemto be able to expand faster.“Christianity is growing primarily in Africa and

Asia and the Orthodox are not strong enough inthose parts of the world to keep up with the demo-graphic challenge of growth,” Kishkovsky says.“There is also a huge growth of Christians inChina for instance. But the Chinese social and political situation is

such that the primary growth – millions of adher-ents to Christianity – comes to the Protestants be-cause their missions can be very informal and theymove quickly among parts of the populations.”Whether Orthodox traditions will stand the test

of time is unknown. Priests say it's not uncommonfor religions to transform and mold into somethingnew, a development that shouldn't worry Orthodoxfollowers."Theology evolves as well as the process of

knowing God," Antonescu says. "Some spiritual-ities never die but turn into something else that re-spond to the same human needs but maybe in adifferent way."

An increasingly unorthodox World(continued from page 4)

Almost Ready!MCJ photographer Bill Tennessen took this photo of the new Bucks Arena as itbegins to round the last turn towards completion! He was part of the press corpthat took the most recent tour of the arean. The new scoreboard was hoisted inplace about a day after the photo was taken. Bucks and NBA great KareemAbdul-Jabbar toured the new facility, giving it a thumbs up.

The Bucks proved they can beat aplayoff-caliber team Tuesday nightwith a victory over the Boston Celticsat the BMO Harris Bradley Center.The win solidified the Bucks hold onthe eight seed playoff spot. JohnHenson (top left), Sterling Brown (farleft), and Kris Middleton (at left) con-tributed to the Bucks win, along withGiannis Antetokounmpo and JabariParker. —Photos by Bill Tennessen

The Milwaukee Community Journal April 4, 2018 Page 10