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Insider News Yolanda James, Owner
in s n o c s i W
New Location: 3001 Douglas Ave. 262-681-2345 insiderwisconsin@yahoo.com
Volume 1 No. 17 October 15-31, 2011
Tak ONEe FRE E
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Read the personal stories about courageous women who are breast cancers survivors and important facts about beating this disease on page 7 and 12. Pictured: Aloysius “Ali� Nelson, the new County Veterans Service Officer, Gloria Rogers, President of the Racine Branch NAACP, Terina Nelson, Relocation Manager of Forest City Military Communities, and Yolanda James, the Owner/Publisher of the Insider News Wisconsin.
The photo above was taken at the reception held at Bare Coffee, 327 Main St., Racine, on Tuesday, September 27 to welcome Ali Nelson as the new County Veterans Service Officer and give people an opportunity to meet him.
Page 2 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
African-American faces of 'Occupy Wall Street'
Richmond’s Family Celebrates 32 Years Members of New Omega Church celebrated Founders and Family Day for Pastor Fred L. Richmond Sr. and Family, Sunday, October 9, 2011. The Richmonds founded the church over 32 years ago in the garage of their home. Right photo: Pastor Fred. L. Richmond sings one of his favorite songs during the celebration. Middle photo: Pastor Fred L. Richmond and his wife Barbara Richmond, are shown with Rev. Larry Jackson, pastor of New Birth Baptist Church, and Rev. Keith Evans, pastor of Greater Mt. Eagle MBC. Rev. Evans gave the keynote sermon. Below: Danielle Frison presents her mother with a bouquet of flowers.
You've probably been wondering how well represented AfricanAmericans are at the three-week-long 'Occupy Wall Street' protest. Undoubtedly, you won't find nearly as many black faces camped out here as you would see lined up for a Tyler Perry premiere. But there are plenty of AfricanAmerican participating in the demonstrations.
Page 3 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
MONEY MATTER$
Whites’ Wealth 20 Times That of Blacks; Financial Experts Tell Us How It Happened
Researchers have concluded that the median wealth of Caucasians has grown astronomically to 20 times higher than African Americans and 18 times more than Hispanics. That represents the widest financial gap between whites and minorities in a quarter century, according to analysis conducted by the Pew Research Center. The recession and economic meltdown has had a much more negative impact on ethnic minorities and, in many cases, completely wiped out decades of minority advancement. The gains have receded from a high of 7-to-1 in the white-toblack income gap in 1995, the study states. But there are additional ingredients stirred into this toxic financial brew, says financial expert Jennifer Streaks. The marketplace crash stole from blacks the two largest components in wealth establishment. “Understand what happened during the [economic downturn]. You had minorities who lost their homes and also their 401k [plans]. So many of us, as minorities, we were still a generation of first-time college graduates, first-time lawyers [and] first-time doctors. We were not prepared to take the hit that the recession brought upon us,” said Streaks, the
executive director of the Financial Literacy Foundation. There is another equally, if not greater, reason for this grotesque report: mass mortgage corruption. Several mortgage companies and large financial institutions,
role in decimating minority communities and creating vast economic wastelands. “They snatched the American Dream right from under us,” Streaks concluded grimly. “It’s like we’ve been dragged back to the starting line. We’re at zero
who are the subject of colossal fines and lawsuits for deliberately steering minorities into subprime loans, also played a big
[again].” Of course, it helps that Caucasians had a long head start on minorities since the
establishment of this nation. “Caucasians … they have generational wealth. We do not. So the recession came through and wiped out the foundation that many of us were building for our families – in terms of buying a house or investing in rental properties. That’s gone. In terms of savings, that’s gone because you’ve been out of work and unemployed for so long that you’ve had to go through your savings.” The numbers bare out Streaks’ points. The median wealth of white U.S. households in 2009 was $113,149, compared with a paltry $6,325 for Hispanics and $5,677 for blacks, the Pew research revealed. Another factor: Long-established institutional racism does factor greatly into the abysmal numbers, without question. “Typically in recessions, minorities suffer from being last hired and first fired. They are likely to lose jobs more rapidly at the beginning of the recession and are far slower to gain jobs as the economy recovers,” Roderick Harrison, a sociologist at Howard University, told the media. “One suspects that blacks who lost jobs in the recession, or who have tried to help family members or relatives who did, have now spent whatever savings or other cashable assets they had.”
Healing for the Heart
Finding Balance as a Single Parent by Taffi Dollar Our perspective of the average family is rapidly changing these days. The basic family structure, designed by God, includes a father, mother, and their children. However, due to high divorce rates, deaths, and other social problems, many of today’s families are far from the family structure God originally intended. Now, more than ever, my advice for single parents is to remember to put God first. Do not allow your busy schedules to squeeze God out of the picture. Putting God first simply means to set aside time each day for prayer, Bible study, and worship. When we give God first place, before starting our day, we are able to receive wisdom from Him. We can receive answers to problems before they arise. Now that’s good news! In addition, take time throughout the day to communicate with God. I know you are probably thinking this is mission impossible, but you can spend moments in praise and worship while driving to work. You can spend moments in prayer during a lunch break or bathroom break. You can also spend time reading your Bible on your breaks at work. Carving this time out for Him may seem difficult, but it is possible. I am a living witness of that fact.
As a wife, mother, and pastor, I have many obligations. Although I am not a single parent, I can still become overwhelmed if I do not spend quality time with the Lord each day. The source of my strength does not come from me or anyone on the outside. It comes from God! I allow Him to direct me and give me wisdom.
You can achieve this type of balance also. When you are balanced, you understand your abilities in the natural, while relying on God’s supernatural ability. Here are ten practical tips on how to balance your natural abilities and avoid stress. 1. Prioritize. Evaluate your life. Know what is important and understand your goals. 2. Determine how your current commitments correlate with your goals. 3. Get organized—be committed to learning better ways of handling challenges and tasks. 4. Identify stressors and eliminate them if possible, or think of strategies to reduce stressors. 5. Check your motives— always ask yourself why you do what you do. 6. Calculate your decisions— decide what you are to do. 7. Don’t try to be a superhero.
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Get rid of the perfectionist spirit. Do not try to be flawless, or place impossible, unrealistic demands on yourself. 8. Consider the people in your immediate circle; who is in your empowerment circle of support? Be sure you have like-minded, trustworthy people included. 9. Know where your true value comes from (it comes from the Lord). Refuse to be in bondage to people. 10. Have a winding-down period each day.
With these natural, practical tips, be sure to remember to keep God first, and train your children to do the same. Train them to do what they can in the natural, while relying on God’s supernatural ability. Teach them how to live according to the Word, by praying, attending church services, doing devotionals, and conducting Bible studies with them (Ephesians 6:4). Implementing these practical tips will help you stay focused on what matters, and equip you to handle pressure more effectively. When you put things in the right order, you will find that life flows more smoothly and balance is established.
SHEPHERD’S GUIDE Insider News
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
ZOE OUTREACH Ministries
1120 Grand Ave. Racine, Wis.
262-632-1467 www.stpmbc.org
Christian Faith Fellowship Church Racine, Wisconsin
Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott
Bishop Lawrence L.
KIRBY
Senior Pastor
9:00am - Sunday School
Sunday School 9:15 AM Sunday Worship Service 7:45 AM & 10:40 AM
10:00am - Sunday Service at Gilmore Middle School Mid-week service Tuesday - 6:30pm at other location
Wednesday Prayer & Bible Class 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Dinner - 5:30 PM
For more information on mid-week serivce call 631-0196 PO Box 085576 • Racine,WI 53408
Christ Centered • Kingdom Driven • Family Focused Sundays Service 10:30
Wednesdays 7pm
1840 Howe St. (262) 632-1201
Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church
Sunday School • 9:00 AM Sunday Worship Service • 10:45 AM Bible Study (Wed.) • 6:00 PM Word of Life (Youth Program) (Thur..) • 6:30 PM
“A God Glorifying, Christ Centered, Spirit-Filled Church”
changinglivesmin@yahoo.com changinglivesmin.com
Greater St. Luke’s
Missionary Baptist Church
637-1606
Melvin Hargove Pastor Sunday School - 8:45 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m.
Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church 1201 Center St. • Racine, WI
Community Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
(262) 880-6521 Come Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Bible Study Wednesday 6:00 Pm - 8:00 PM
SEARCHING TOGETHER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Joseph L. & First Lady Thomas
Sunday NA Meeting 6:30 PM
Wednesday: Midweek Worship 6:15 a.m.- 8:15 p.m. Thursday NA Meeting 6:00 PM
Rev. Willie Riley, Senior Pastor 262.633.4421
825 21st Street • Racine
Sunday School Worship Service Mid Morning Worship Service Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study Wednesday Dinner Wednesday Evening Bible Study Saturday Morning Prayer
9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon 5:30-6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m.
Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church 306-5th Street, Racine, WI
New Brighter Day Baptist Church 1225 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI
262-552-8090
Joseph L. Thomas, Pastor
Sunday School - 9:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Prayer Service - 6:00 p.m. Bible Study - Tuesday 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Gospel Mission Ministries
Sunday School 9:15 am
Sunday Worship 11:00 am
Bible Class (Wednesday) • 6 pm
Pastor Keith Evans
929 State Street • Racine, Wisconsin 53404
2130 Racine Street Racine, WI 619-3027
Prayer Service (Thursday) • 6 pm
Pastor Jessie Summerall
1326 State Street 632-4146
Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Prayer Service (Wed.) 5:00 PM Bible Class & Prayer (Wed.) - 6:00 PM
262.635.1994
email: tumbcc@ameritech.net Rev. Buddy Vinson Senior Pastor
Page 5 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
Pastors Breon & Karen Norton 945 N. Memorial Dr. • Racine, WI 53403 (262) 634-3156 Sunday Service - 1:30pm Wednesdays - 7:15pm Friday Prayer and Praise Dance - 7:15pm
L to R, Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Dr. J. Alfred Smith, SR*, Ericka Huggins, Sugar Ray Leonard (*photo courtesy of Gardner-Webb University)
Courage is common among them The Racine Insider is honored to bring you content reflecting the rich, diverse platform that represents the African American community. In this week’s issue, we bring you information about four highly regarded individuals whose impact, collectively and singularly, help to shape our views. Their courage is praiseworthy and their contributions are immeasurable. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor is known throughout the nation as America’s preeminent preacher of the gospel, at the magnificent age of 93, this significant giant in our world continues to provide insight and revelation. Retired pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY, he has recently released his latest book, “Faith in the Fire” from Smiley Books (ISBN: 78-1-4019-2962-6, $21.95, hardcover with CD). Dr. Taylor was one of the key architects of the Civil Rights movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. When we spoke, I asked what would make him happy about this present generation and its movement forward in faith, he replied, “I would be and will be happy to see a younger generation moving forward at the level of economics and education. In addition, a community that has decency and respect about it and believe that this is a major
Sandra Varner’s Celebrity Profiles for Racine Insider
course today though there are some serious exceptions to it. I would hope that the new generation would be moving in those directions.” Dr. J. Alfred Smith SR is Pastor Emeritus of the Allen Temple Baptist Church of Oakland, CA, also regarded as one of the nation’s top scholars, lecturers and ministers of the gospel with emphasis on theology that uplifts and empowers. Dr. Smith, SR is too a student of Dr. Gardner C. Taylor. When we spoke, I asked him to comment on the unique qualities shared by him and his mentor. He states, “Well, both of us grew up within [an era of] injustice in the south. I believe that the gospel is not about ‘the sweet by and by’ rather it is about addressing ‘the nasty now and now.’ Both of us would admit that we know nothing about the ‘furniture of heaven’ or ‘the temperature of hell.’ We will probably find out before we’re ready to leave this earth but we know a great deal about the human hells that people live in [today]. As preachers of good news, we were endeavoring to be good news people in a bad news world.” Ericka Huggins - It is hard to define a luminary whose living legacy continues. However, in her own words, she describes herself as an activist, former
political prisoner & leader in the Black Panther Party, educator and student. I sat with Huggins to discuss the documentary, The Black Power Mixtape 19671975, from Swedish filmmaker Göran Hugo Olsson, coproduced by acclaimed actor and human rights activist Danny Glover. When asked what still rings true today about the larger-than-life challenges and issues that the Black Panther Party fought for during its inception and throughout the organization’s pivotal, defining years, she replied, “All of it is still ringing true. For instance, the 10point platform and program of the Black Panther Party in summary said --we want land, bread, housing, food, and clothing, the end of police brutality, justice and peace. There are people living in conditions of poverty today who do not have food, clothing and housing. They don’t live in the sub Sahara in Africa; they may live in West Oakland (CA) or the Bronx, or North Philadelphia or southeast Washington, DC, where I grew up. I mean, you can just list the cities; they’re all over our country where people live in abject poverty including poor, white people in the Appalachians. So, these things [still] exist today and the only way that they will change is if we unify.” Sugar Ray Leonard - Former boxing
Trick or Treat Safety
champion, with five titles in five different weight divisions, is regaled for his finesse inside and outside of the boxing arena. His recent endeavor again puts him squarely in the boxing ring, this time as boxing consultant for the movie, Real Steel, starring Hugh Jackman (X-Men franchise) and Anthony Mackie (Notorious), directed by Shawn Levy (Date Night). Cool and confident with an easy demeanor and personality in overdrive, Ray still looms large with fans and admirers the world over. I asked the well-preserved 55-year-old what defines a fighter beyond physicality realizing [that] courage and heart are equal parts, he replied, “The heart of a fighter or the defining moment can sometimes be measured during a bout-- whether he goes down from a hit, a cut or is hurt in some way-- that’s when you see that intestinal fortitude. When a fighter has the ability to reach down and grab that thing called energy. The difference among fighters that distinguishes ‘who’ they are can be determined by what one is willing to go through; to reach down and continue through the pain or anguish and keep fighting. That was what I tried to convey during my work with this film.” Real Steel opens in theaters October 7, from Dreamworks/Disney.
Trick or Treat hours this year for the city of Racine will be held on Sunday, October 30 from 4pm - 7pm "Trick or treat!" That's the phrase shouted with glee by many a youngster across the country every Halloween night. But before your ghosts and goblins trick or treat this year, parents should keep in mind these trick or treating safety tips to make sure the only howls are those of fun. Trick or treating safety tips for youngsters: Children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have a group of kids going, the parents should choose two or three of them to go along and keep an eye on things. Some towns set a curfew for trick or treating which makes it
easier for townsfolk to know who's coming to their door. Make sure and stick to the curfew times and stick to subdivisions and areas with a lot of homes so your kids can get in as much trick or treating as possible in a few hours time. Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves. Make sure that they have a cell phone. Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Explain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this. If they
Page 6 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
are going out alone, they are old enough to know what can happen to them in a bad situation and how to stop it from happening. Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff! Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Explain why this is not a god idea and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to talk to them. Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars. Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.
Pink: One Woman’s Story of Survival Pink ribbon; pink baseball caps, pink spatulas, pink running shoes. It seems as though the color synonymous with Breast Cancer – and this month’s Breast Cancer Awareness campaign – has become an integral part of American retail culture. But sometimes, we forget that all the pink represents more than a decorating scheme: it’s an attempt to raise awareness among individuals around breast cancer prevention, treatment, and, ultimately, a cure. These messages were not lost on Elizabeth Tanner-Gray. Each year, starting in her early to mid-40s, Tanner-Gray went in to the doctor’s office and received a mammogram. Each year, those mammograms told Tanner-Gray the same thing: she did not have breast cancer. Until one year, about four months after TannerGray received a mammogram, she unexpectedly felt the need to do a self-examination. “It was on a Friday
night, Tanner-Gray recalled. “I was in my room. All of a sudden, I heard a voice telling me to check my breast. I started looking around the room, but I knew it was God, because I have a relationship with Him. So I began to do a selfexamination. I checked the left one, and nothing was there. But when I checked my right breast , I said, ‘Oh my God, there’s a lump.’ But all the while, I was at peace.” That day, Tanner-Gray discovered a lump that would eventually be diagnosed as triple-negative breast cancer. Although triple-negative breast cancer does not feed off hormones, that very quality makes it more difficult to treat with more traditional breast cancer therapies. These more traditional therapies target hormone receptors in the body or work through hormonal therapy, both of which are ineffective for treating triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, this particular type of breast cancer is extremely prevalent among African American and Hispanic women. Tanner-Gray did not know all that, however, when she went in to her primary care physician about the suspicious lump that she had found. Her primary care physician shared her concern. That same day, she received another mammogram, a biopsy, and an ultrasound. The following Monday, after all of these tests had been completed, she went back into the hospital to find out the results, accompanied by her daughter. “There [was] a doctor and two nurses,” Gray remembered. “And I knew…it doesn’t take all these people to tell you that you’re OK.” Indeed, these individuals were there to inform Tanner-Gray of her options on how to treat her Stage 2, Grade 3 breast cancer. With breast cancer, the “stage” indicates how big the cancerous growth is, and is measured on a scale of 1 to 4. The “grade” indicates how quickly the cancer is growing. In general, at Stage 4, the cancer has begun to spread to other areas of the body, making it much more difficult to successful treat and, ultimately, beat. Continued on page 8
Page 7 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
Football Player To Good
MALVERN, AR - Malvern hasn't seen a football player like this for a long time. "He is going to score almost every time he touches the ball," said Wilson Intermediate School Principal Terri Bryant. At the young age of 11-years-old, Demias Jimerson reminds a lot of people of Razorback great Madre Hill. "If you were looking at them you would say they were very much similar," said Darryl Baker, who coached Hill and now referees Jimerson's games. "I mean they both run really fast, good kids, run with the same style." Like Jimerson, Hill attended Wilson Intermediate School and dominated the football field so thoroughly, the league invoked what came to be known as the Madre Hill Rule. Once Hill scored three touchdowns, if his team had a 14-point lead, officials banned him from scoring any more touchdowns. Now, for the first time since, the Wilson Intermediate Football League is using the Madre Hill rule again -- to tackle Demias Jimerson. "I got, kinda got shocked because I
didn't know that was gonna happen, but it did," said Jimerson. Adding, "I'm ok with it." Principal Bryant, the defacto commissioner of the Wilson Intermediate Football League, says the rule isn't meant to punish Jimerson. It's there to help the other fifth and sixth graders on the field develop as football players too. "The other players on both teams, 21 are just left sort of, this is all Demias," she said. "So that's why the Madre Hill Rule has been implemented." But the Madre Hill rule is only for fifth and sixth grades. Next year, Jimerson goes to seventh grade. "I'm gonna run hard and bring our team to victory," said Jimerson. Then he added, "but God always comes first, before anything, and grades second." God, grades, then touchdowns -Madre Hill Rule or not. Jimerson played a couple of games this season before the Wilson League invoked the Madre Hill Rule. In one of those games, he scored seven touchdowns. Jimerson's team is undefeated.
Barber to be in Off-Broadway play at Theatre Guild
DOUBT: A Parable, an OffBoardway, Pulitzer Prize Play, is set in the New York Bronx during the fall of 1964. Diana Barber, a Racine Unfied school teacher, portrays Mrs. Muller, a role that Viola Davis (The Help) portrayed opposite Meryl Streep in the 2008 film version. Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave. will present the Tony Award play October 14 through October 23. Information about obtaining tickets can be made by calling (262) 633-4218.
Pink from page 7
Because of Tanner- Gray’s frequent check-ups and early detection of her breast cancer, she had options. She was able to get the lump removed – in a procedure called a “lumpectomy” the following week. At that time, the surgeon removed the lump, as well as several lymph nodes from Tanner- Gray’s breast. Two weeks later, after her body had healed from the surgery, Tanner-Gray began chemotherapy. Recalling the chemo treatments, Tanner-Gray confessed, “it was hard. It was worse than having kids.” Not only was the cancer treatment process difficult for Tanner-Gray, who often found herself waking up to retreat to the couch as a result of extreme weakness from the chemo treatments, but it was painful for her family as well. When Tanner- Gray’s mother came to take care of her after some of the treatments, all she could think was, “What did they do to you?” Tanner-Gray’ daughter was so upset at the doctor’s office when hearing about the diagnosis that she ran out of the room when we got they results. “It was a process”, according to Tanner-Gray, “that affected the whole family.” However, Tanner-Gray maintained that she “was at peace.” She contributes that peace in a large part to the manner in which she found out about the cancer. TannerGray was trusting God that she would be able to get through this obstacle, even though, Tanner-Gray confessed, with a rich laugh, I knew just how tough those obstacles would be.” Tanner-Gray admits, “everything that could’ve gone wrong, did go wrong.” Tanner- Gray is now cancer-free, although she has to go into the hospital for blood tests every four months to check if the cancer has returned. Although Tanner-Gray herself is free from the cancer, she still has concerns about the cancer being hereditary. “There’s a gene test I could take, but it’s expensive and insurance won’t cover it,” said Tanner-Gray. “But I want to know if the gene is unique to me or if it’s something that can be carried down the line.” For the time being, however, that fact remains unknown. Because of Tanner-Gray’s attentiveness to her body, she was able to catch this deadly disease early on. In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, do a self-test and schedule your annual mammograms as part of your individual preventative program. While we all enjoy the pink that so cheerfully adorns our retail shelves every October, we would like even more to work towards a day where those pink trinkets are no longer necessary and the battle with breast cancer has finally been won. For more information, please go to http://ww5.komen.org/ or contact your local physician.
Page 8 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
Tashawn Banks, a member of the Titans traveling football team, avoids being tackled, resulting in a 75 yard touchdown. Banks, who attends S. C. Johnson Elementary School, scored two of the teams’ four touchdowns at Humble Park last week.
On October 1, 2011, Larry T. Ivy, son of L.T. and Doris (deceased) Ivy, married the woman of his dreams, Karen L. Doss, the daughter of Lewis (deceased) & Hettie Doss. The ceremony was held at the grooms’ home where there were over 150 people in attendance. The bride was given away by her son Christian Steponitis. The unity candle was lit by L.T. Ivy and Hettie Doss to represent the two families coming together as one. A family style reception was held at Infusino's Banquet Hall where the bride and groom greeted their guests and received many well wishes. The couple’s gala was captured by photographer Ken Lumpkin
See pictures you like? Call the Insider News Wisconsin to purchase photos of precious memories, (262) 681-2345.
Page 9 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
COUNTY EXECUTIVE AND SHERIFF ANNOUNCED END OF 2011 MEDIAN MOWING BY JAIL INMATES
Racine County Executive Jim Ladwig and Sheriff Christopher Schmaling announced the end, for this season, of vegetation control/grass mowing by county jail inmates, along state highways in the county. The mowing program will resume next spring. Racine County Ladwig Jail inmates eligible for the inmate work program use push-type power lawn mowers to mow medians and shoulders along state highways where mowing is not being done at state expense. This is the third year of the program, which began because of reduced state funding for mowSchmaling ing along state highways. Ladwig said: “It’s important that highways entering our communities, especially in urbanized areas, present a welcoming appearance to our visitors. But especially in these difficult economic times,
Cain is a sellout
Herman Cain is a sellout, plain and simple. His view of himself as a "success" is based on his apparent belief that money is the measure of a man's worth. I don't find it particularly astonishing that he's "Black" and a sellout. A person's skin color has nothing to do with their character. To believe otherwise is to engage in color discrimination. My saying that, is in no way a defense of Cain, but rather a suggestion that those of us who disagree with him would do better to focus on his policy positions rather than his color, not an easy task in America. Cain himself engages in color Dr. Ken Yorgan discrimination when he claims that "Blacks" vote overwhelmingly Democratic because they are brainwashed. I can be just as guilty of color discrimination and claim that "Whites" only vote Republican when they are brainwashed. Herman Cain is a materialist who is happy with his circumstances. Unfortunat ely, others must do with less so he can have what he has. I don't think that's a trait that the majority prefers in a president. I wish he would simply be honest and say that it is possible for anyone to sell out, regardless of their color, and he's proud of having done so.
Racine County cannot afford to do the state’s work, without being paid. That’s why we’ve relied on jail inmates to help.” Schmaling stated: “This program is a win-win. At virtually no cost to the taxpayer, it enhances the beauty of our com-
munity, and it is an opportunity for some of our more reliable inmates to give something back to the community.” Ladwig and Schmaling noted that inmate environmental work would not entirely cease. During the winter, inmates
will be called upon to do snow removal on sidewalks around the Racine County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, and perhaps in other downtown areas as well.
SMBC re-opens empowerment center
Rev. Mark Freeman cuts the ribbon at the grand re-opening of Second Missionary Baptist Church Faith Harvest Food Pantry and Community Empowerment Development Center as Charles Bradley and others gathered around. The ceremony was held in the basement wing of the church, which has been in existence for 54 years. “Today is a day of dedication, of not only bricks and mortar, but of the commit to continuing to build upon the rich history and legacy that was left to us,” explained Pastor Freeman. In a brief ceremony prior to the ribbon-cutting, about 75 people listened as the pastor named the various rooms. Charles Bradley and his late wife Lavane, life long members of the church, located at 1250 Lathop Avenue, will have a room named in the their honor. Other rooms named were The Rosa Parks, Rev Fred L. Shuttlesworth, Nelson Mandela, and Harriet Tubman.
Page 10 The Insider News Wisconsin, September 15-30, 2011
Does Herman Cain give the Tea Party a racial pass?
Herman Cain, center, acknowledges his aunt, Bessie Randall, 81, left, of Atlanta, in the crowd as he greets supporters at a rally following his announcement to run for Republican candidate for president Saturday, May 21, 2011 in Atlanta.
In an op-ed entitled "Hey, liberals, the race card has expired," Herman Cain wrote about his disgust with the perception that his popularity within the Tea Party was rooted in him helping dispel accusations of racism leveled at the political group. Cain criticized two reporters for the audacity of asking a legitimate question. After professing his love of small government, free markets, personal responsibility, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution, Cain wrote, "Could the people who are part of this massive citizens' movement be looking past the color of my skin?" Perhaps, but isn't it a bit transparent that his newfound popularity just happens to coincide with the temporary Republican presidential nominee frontrunner offering some of the stupidest assessments of race in recent memory -- much to the delight of a faction long accused of harboring prejudices? Despite long noted disproportions in income, wealth, education, incarceration rates, health care coverage, and employment, Herman Cain told CNN's Candy Crowley, "I don't believe racism in this country today holds anybody back in a big way." He also says he believes many blacks have a level playing field. As for those who remain economically disadvantaged, Cain said, "They weren't held back because of racism. People sometimes hold themselves back because they want to use racism as an excuse for them not being able to achieve what they want to achieve." Two days prior to that interview, Cain reportedly drew the biggest applause of the night at the Value Voters Summit for saying he is not angry for the way America has treated black people. He sure is angry at blacks, though, bashing us for allowing Democrats to "brainwash" the race into overwhelmingly voting Democratic. In his eyes it's more so our own fault for lack of Republican outreach. Cornel West: 'Cain needs to get off the symbolic crackpipe' All of this comes at a time when blatant racism is being leveled against the first black president of the United States. The most recent example of this was Hank Williams Jr. rehashing a popular idea among Tea Party failed history buffs: That President Obama is a lot like Adolf Hitler. While doing damage control after the NFL gave his Monday Night Football theme a cowboy boot to the butt, Williams made sure to tell a FOX News host that he liked Herman Cain because he was "the one that makes the most sense."
Visit our Website: www.insiderwisconsin.com Page 11 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
Know your body: Learn how to conduct monthly self-exams
Delores Louise Morris, known as "Dee" to her friends was born on April 17 in 1928. Not a day in her life went by that she didn’t offer a kind word or random act of kindness to someone who might be sad or in need. At Christmas a separate room was stacked high with gifts for anyone that came to visit, including dozens of "just in case" gifts for those unexpected drop-ins. Her front door was always open with a perpetual welcome sign to anyone who might be happening past. She touched the hearts of all who knew her. After many years of marriage, Dee‘s first husband passed away and after her children were grown and no longer living at home, she remarried and had another son in 1971. Sometime after that, she noticed that she had a small lump in her breast but fear made her shun it off like many women do. In 1981, she was visiting her daughter in Florida when it was noticed that she had let things with her body go to the extreme. An entire breast had turned black, and yet she had said nothing. Her oldest son was called while she was in the air returning home on a plane. When she was met at the airport, she was taken immediately by her daughterin-law to a doctor. Dee had breast cancer and needed a mastectomy. The doctor told her that two and a half years was the best life expectancy that he could give her, and that if she had come to him earlier, he could have probably seen to it that she would have been a survivor. A radical mastectomy was performed and chemotherapy was scheduled for the period of one year.
Two years and two months later, Dee had to give up her job in administration at the police department where she was working. Her family was with her round the clock for the next month and on November 4th 1983, all of her children were with her when she died from this deadly killer. Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among black women. The last to know, one of the first to go. Sadly, this simple phrase accurately describes what happens to many Black women who develop breast cancer. They usually find out that they have breast cancer when it is in advanced stages and as a result they tend to die quicker and at an earlier age. Statistics show that African American women under the age of 40 are more likely to develop breast cancer than white women in the same age bracket and that their tumors are more aggressive, and tend to be especially deadly. Where does breast cancer come from? In some cases, it is genetic and as a result, certain people are at a much higher risk for developing it. In other cases, it has been argued that people can engage in certain behaviors that increase risk. These include: smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and taking certain hormones, like those found in birth control pills. Although there are a lot of risk factors, the good news is that if you have some of them it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get breast cancer. Conversely, even if you have no risk factors, it doesn’t mean that you will not get breast cancer. No one can truly say what causes breast cancer, but what we do know is that there
Survivors
are many excellent ways to reduce your risk of developing it or ways to increase your chances of early detection if you happen to be diagnosed with it. A big misconception is that being diagnosed with breast cancer is an automatic death sentence, however this is not true. When breast cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, the survival rates increase dramatically. Another big misconception is that breast cancer happens only to women, but this is not true either. Senator Edward W. Brooke III, the first African American to be elected by popular vote in Massachusetts to the US Senate in 1966 was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, and since then, has assumed a national role in raising awareness of the disease among men. Know your body. Learn how to conduct monthly self-exams. Get regular mammograms. If something is out of the ordinary get it checked out. The life you save may be your own. Reduce your alcohol and fat intake, lose weight, and increase your exercise. Take care of yourself. Learn better and do better. Know better and let it show. For the love of you…and those that love you. If you’d like more information on breast cancer, below are some organizations that offer resources, support groups and referrals for low-cost or free mammograms. • www.mywheaton.org/programs/womens_care/breast_care.asp. • www.oncologyalliance.com/PatientSuppo rt/BreastCancerSupport.asp
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www.nationalbreastcancer.org
Racine County “Keep in Touch”- Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, All Saints • Meets the third Saturday of every month at 8:30am • Located on the lower level of All Saints Medical Center (3801 Spring Street, Racine, 53405) • Call Community Health Education at 262-687-4686 for more information Kenosha County “Breast Cancer Support Group” Aurora Health Care Meets the first Tuesday of every • other month from 6 to 7pm • Aurora Medical Center-Kenosha, Conference Room J (10400 75th Street, Kenosha, 53142) Contact Lori Van Horn at 262• 948-5846 for more information “Circle of Hope” • A breast cancer support group for younger women (but not limited to breast cancer) • Meets the last Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm • Please contact Susan Schneider by email (susansch3@msn.com) or phone (262-945-2123) for more information Editor’s note: The full story of Delores “Dee” can be read at http://www.awomanaweek.com/bcancer.htm.
Towanda Braxton takes time out for cancer A black woman knows all about what goes down in the hair salon. Sometimes you may feel like you have wasted an entire day before you even get into the chair, but you would not trade in the love, laughter and good old fashion wisdom you pick up from all the other women who come in -- just like you to look their best. There was a makeshift salon in Atlanta this Monday but that same type of spirit and sisterhood was still present. For one day, The YMCA of Greater Atlanta housed some of the smartest, most beautiful woman you'll ever meet. "I'm going get my hair done. I'm going to get my lips done. Some lashes and a little check color and just enhance what's already here," said Beth BordenGoodman A full day of beauty for dozens of women who say they have had countless days where they felt anything but beautiful, days when they did not want to face
a mirror or even get out of bed. They've all battled cancer and won. Now, they've been given a chance to forget the physical and emotional scars in exchange for memories of a free day of beauty and inspiring words from a woman determined to stand in solidarity with them. "Cancer is very personal for me. My grandmother passed away from breast cancer. My mother law had lung cancer. It's very personal to me, says Towanda Braxton. "I had to do something to be involved." Towanda Braxton stars on We TV's Braxton Family Values with her sisters. If you've watched the show, you know all about her quick wit and the way she works to keep her real life sisters on track and on tune when they sing on stage. Monday her focus was a shared focus with "The Sister's Network".
Page 12 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
Refuge Church holds 2nd Year Anniversary
Upp Hol er left: lo thei way e Pastor s r 2n n The d ch coura Bryan g t y u spe oung rch a e thei & Ma ak a mem nniv r chu rie nd hon bers o ersary. rch du r or t heir f Refu Uppe ing r rig pas ge c h hur tors ch t: .
tes a r b e l e c aith F f o s g n So
raises. ing God’s p g in s f o rs a s 28 ye h celebrate it a F f o s g n So All photos by Yolanda James
Far right: Pastors Leon & Debra Brown of Kingdom Builders Church are surprised with an appreciation dinner at the Marriott on Saturday, Oct 8. Bottom: The pastors are pictured with members of their congregation.
Page 13 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
Kobe Bryant “Very Intensely” Working Toward Deal To Play Overseas
As the NBA slides closer to the cancellation of regular-season games amid a labor lockout, reports continue to swirl around Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant’s rumored interest in playing for a professional Italian basketball team. Originally, it was heavily suggested that Bryant would sign a lucrative short-term deal with European power Virtus Bologna. But according to SkySport24, Olympic committee president Gianni Petrucci waved off Bologna owner Claudio Sabatini’s claim that the deal was “95 percent” close to being done, as nothing more than a sideshow. “I respect Sabatini but I don't believe that Italian basketball will be enriched by the presence of a phenomenon,” Petrucci said. “I don't want to create any more problems for basketball, they already have enough. I'm not saying I'm against it [the acquisition of Bryant] but you understand my point of view. Right now sporting federations need certain rules, they need tranquility [and] everyone must have limits.” Bryant, who spent time in Italy as a youth, is the biggest name so far to consider playing overseas in the midst of a nasty labor disagreement. Landing Bryant would be a major coup for international basketball and perhaps would be the big fish needed to net other NBA stars. According to CBS News, in spite of a Sabatini statement last week that his club had reached a tentative deal with Bryant and his agent, Rob Pelinka, for a 10-game contract worth more than $3 million, no agreement has been officially confirmed.
The Insider News Wisconsin is a community based newspaper published in Racine, Wisconsin. The newspaper covers a variety of events that highlight lifestyles in the African-American communities in Southeastern Wisconsin. The Insider News Wisconsin is a free publication, printed on the 1st and 15th of each month and is distributed in over 107 locations. All inquiries about advertisement or news should be made five to seven days before publication deadlines.
Yolanda James, President/CEO Dadra Lockridge, Account Representative Julius Gails, Staff Photographer
3001 Douglas, Avenue • Racine, Wisconsin 262.681.2345 Page 14 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
ADVERTISE YOUR CHURCH IN COLOR
Page 15 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011
NAACP General Counsel to Speak at Racine Branch of the NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Dinner The Racine Branch NAACP will host its 61st annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Racine Marriott. The speaker for this event will be the National NAACP’s General Counsel, Kim M. Keenan, Esq.
Kim Keenan is a native of Buffalo, NY. She is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and the University of Virginia School of Law, and a former member of the University of Virginia Law Alumni Council. After law school, she served as the law clerk to the Honorable John Garrett Penn in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She is currently the General Counsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Prior to joining the NAACP, she was the principal of the Keenan Firm in Washington, D.C., where her practice has focused on complex medical malpractice litigation, mediation and arbitration, litigation consulting, and pub-
lic speaking. Prior to that she served in the litigation practices of two nationally recognized law firms for more than eighteen years. She was recently honored as a Washington, D.C, Super Lawyer, and is recognized as a Top Lawyer by Washington Magazine. In May 2007, the Women’s Bar Association named her “Woman Lawyer of the Year” for her contributions to the profession. In 2010, the American Bar Association named her a Rebel in the Law” for her service to the profession. She is currently the Immediate Past President of the District of Columbia Bar, the second largest jurisdictional bar in the country. Although she was the 38th President of the organization, her service marked the 8th time that a woman has served as president. Her career demonstrates a strong commitment to important issues affecting women and people of color, public service, and improving the legal profession. Ms. Keenan served as the sixty-second President of the
National Bar Association (NBA), the oldest and largest bar association of lawyers of color in the world. During her tenure as President, the NBA deployed thousands of lawyers throughout the nation to educate voters regarding new voting laws. The Maryland Bar Foundation awarded her their Professional Legal Excellence Award for her national effort to provide non-partisan voter education. She is also a Past President of the Washington Bar Association, one of the oldest and largest affiliates of the NBA, which was founded in the same year of the NBA.
Page 16 The Insider News Wisconsin, October 15-31, 2011