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s n o c s i ­ W

Volume 1 No. 17 NOVEMBER 15-30, 2011

Tak ONEe FRE E

INW

It all started on Monument Square

Photo by Yolanda James

BY: Allena G. Berry

phones available at:

TWINS

FOOD MART Racine, WI 1812 16th St. 262.632.6342

Caleb Robinson, walking through the features of downtown Racine, looked around him and saw an opportunity. Noticing all the people outside for one of the events that happened in the Square, Robinson, thought, “There really should be some food out here.”

And so the 27-year-old went about creating the beginnings of what is now “Top Dog Hot Dog,” 520 Main Street in Racine. Having grown from a food cart to a stand-alone restaurant, Robinson “jumped at” the opportunity and continues to look for more opportunities.

Robinson began his entrepreneurial journey with research. Learning about the process to register a food cart in Racine, as well as the details of creating a usable business plan, took him about four months. However, it was time well spent for Robinson. “It’s a huge asset to have a good business plan in place,” Robinson advises other budding businessmen. “You should also [re]visit that as often as possible.”

With his plan created, and his research completed, Robinson was ready for the next step in starting his business: getting a loan. “It was a little nerve wracking,” Robinson recalled of his meeting with Educator’s Credit Union loan Continued on page 11

Page 2 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

Left Photo: Rev. Buddy Vinson, Pastor of Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church and his wife Dorothy, enjoyed the singing of the male chorus comprised of deacons from several local churches during their 17th anniversary celebration. Rev. Fred Richmond, Pastor of New Omega, was the keynote speaker for the event that was held Sunday, Nov. 6.

Photo by Craig Morris, C-Moe Vision

Let the Holidays Begin! Fall Movie Roundup Henry Cavill as the brave warrior, Theseus. King Hyperion murdered Theseus’ mother, slashing her throat right in front of him; he continued to ravage everything and everyone who stands to get in his way.

All the while, Phaedra, the all-seeing and allknowing oracle is too searching for her life’s destiny.

The king has imprisoned Phaedra and Theseus. They escape his grasp and are hunted down to be destroyed. Along the way of escape, Phaedra and Theseus fall in love and consummate their passions.

Together, aided by a lean and determined assembly of fighters, they forge ahead into the unknown.

Director Tarsem Singh had a tremendous vision for this film and went about accomplishing his goals in a steadfast manner. Freida Pinto shared what it was like to work with him, stating, “Well, honestly, when I researched the character (Phaedra) even though there was a lot of material that I read, it was how Tarsem envisioned Phaedra for this film. Yes, we kept true to certain aspects of what the Greek mythology is, but, ultimately what made me very comfortable doing this film was the director’s vision. He’s constantly thinking --and by doing that, the actors, at least I did, found myself emulating his energy if nothing else.

“I think it’s nice to have someone like that [as director]; what’s also great about him is many times, with big budget films, actors miss out on what is happening technically on the set. Tarsem has a habit, which I think is very good for actors, to say it aloud, what he’s doing with the camera, where he’s placing it. It automatically makes you understand what is expected of you. Even though he is going to help you, I think that extra information that he shares with the actors is very helpful. It’s great to have someone like that who can kind of guide you through not just the acting but the technical bits as well.”

J. EDGAR

By Sandra Varner’s Celebrity Profiles We are approaching one of the busiest times of the year and there is no shortage of films releasing now through the holiday season. As`you prepare for Thanksgiving among other traditional celebrations, contained within are several movies you may want to see, ranging from action adventure to family friendly fare --

THE IMMORTALS The Immortals is the battle of a stalwart band of warriors hard pressed to prevent a dastardly king from taking the cherished emblem that will make him ruler of the world in this mythical adventure directed by Tarsem Singh. Immortals stars Oscar winner Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) as the evil King Hyperion, Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) as the virgin oracle Phaedra and

He was termed the most powerful man in America during his reign as head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (from 1935 until the time of his death in 1972), yet also known as a forceful individual with questionable motives, using his authority to wield major national decisions across every level of government.

Some regaled him, many feared him, and perhaps most misunderstood J. Edgar Hoover. Now, J. EDGAR, the movie, directed by Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby) starring 36-year-old, triple Oscar nominee Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception, Blood Diamond), attempts to shed light on this iconic American political figure. Cast includes Oscar nominee Naomi Watts (21 Grams, Mother and Child), Armie Hammer (The Social Network) and Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love).

I came to this movie with great expectation wondering

what would be the treatment of this iconic character who vilified many celebrated American citizens, particularly those who fought hard for Civil Rights in the United States. Having seen J. EDGAR, I came away intrigued beyond what I thought I would be. The script from Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black (Milk) contained perspectives that beckon further examination.

DiCaprio spoke to my reflection of the character portrayal offering his own perspective, “I think the screen play that Clint and I initially responded to was a very fascinating portrait of this man. I think all of us [the cast] as actors were very fascinated with these characters who had devoted their lives to government service and that meant not having any kind of personal life whatsoever. They were a representation of the FBI-- it was their church. It’s a hard concept for me to wrap my head around-- to completely sacrifice any sort of love in your life and never experience that on a personal level-- all three of these characters (Hoover, his personal assistant Helen Gandy and close confidant Clyde Tolson) lived a life of service to their country.

“I was fascinated by his (screenwriter Black’s) take on entering J. Edgar Hoover’s career during a time of almost a terrorist invasion by communists, the Red scare.

The sort of paranoia that was infused in our country (during that era) and the degree of lawlessness of bank robbers and such, going from state to state and becoming free men when they crossed state lines. The way J. Edgar Hoover transformed the police system in America and created this Federal Bureau, that to this day, is one of the most feared, respected and revered police forces in the entire world.

“Of course, this story goes on through his later years where he becomes, in essence, a political dinosaur who didn’t adapt to the changing of our country. It’s very much about the Kennedy years and the Civil Rights Movement, and Dr. Martin Luther King. The one thing that was prevalent throughout his (Hoover’s) entire career was his staunch belief that Communism was an evil thing and he wanted to retain the fundamental principles of Democracy in our country.

“When the Civil Rights Movement came along he saw that as an uprising of the people-- he didn’t adapt or change with our country-- he stayed in power way too long. He didn’t listen to this own critics. He was a staunch believer in his moral beliefs and his view on what he felt was right for our country. Therefore, his career ended on a failed note, in my opinion. His (Black’s) portrait of this man was a very complex one and a very interesting one. I just loved the research that he did and the take that he had on J. Edgar. You can’t deny that he wasn’t a patriot but at the same time his tactics were pretty deplorable.”

Read more on Happy Feet 2 and The Muppets at www.Talk2SV.com.

Page 3 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

Kenosha Branch of the NAACP holds 3rd Annual Freedom Fund Dinner Top Photo: Members of the Racine Branch of the NAACP helps Kenosha Branch celebrate their third Freedom Fund Dinner, Saturday, Nov 5, at the Parkway Chateau in Kenosha.

Left: Thomas White, President of the State Conference of Branches, is presented a plaque for his statewide service to branches by Louis Tillman, president of Carthage College NAACP Chapter. Joinning the two was Kenosha Branch President Jennifer White.

Famed rapper Heavy “D” dies at the age of 44 Heavy D, the self-proclaimed "overweight lover" of hip-hop who became one of rap's top hit-makers with wit, humor and a positive vibe, has died. He was 44.

Andrew Weitz of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment confirmed the rapper's death in Los Angeles in an email Tuesday, without giving a cause of death or saying where he died. Weitz declined to provide further details on Heavy D's death.

Dwight Arrington Myers, the rapper known as Heavy D of Heavy D and the Boyz, and his crew released their debut album "Living Large" in 1987. Their hits included "Now That We Found Love," ''Who's the Man" and "Somebody For Me." The New York-born rapper was one of the genre's most integral stars in the last

1980s and early 1990s, as it relied on new voices and star power to fuel its phenomenal growth in the mainstream.

The deep-voiced rapper's earliest hit, "The Overweight Lover's in the House," played up his hefty frame. But while that nickname would stick, his weight did not become part of his shtick, like the Fat Boys. What drew people to his music was his singular style, which celebrated an easygoing, party vibe — sometimes humorous, sometimes inspiring and almost always positive.

In the mid-1990s, Heavy D became president of Uptown Records, the label that released most of his albums and was also the home to acts like Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. He also created the theme songs for sketch comedy shows "In Living Color" and "MADtv" and acted on

Page 4 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

the TV shows "Boston Public" and "The Tracy Morgan Show," as well as in the films "Life" and "Step Up. Combined with the fusion of the "New Jack Swing" musical style, Heavy D was a constant presence on the charts, and also a go-to figure for several performers.

He collaborated with such artists as Michael Jackson on the 1991 single "Jam" and the 1997 duet "Keep It Coming" with B.B. King.

His latest album, "Love Opus," was released in September, and he performed a medley of his past hits at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards last month.

He also had a cameo appearance in the new movie "Tower Heist," starring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller.

Alderman Keith Fair listens to residents voice their complaints during a public hearing before the Common Council last week. One individual held up two signs.

One sign called for no increase in property taxes, and the other called for the Alderman to, “hear the voice of our youth.” Most protests were centered around the proposed closing of the Humble Community Center and the increases of bus fares.

Healing for the Heart

How Strong Is Your Faith?

by Joyce Meyer Do you have faith? You may not think you do, or you may feel like your faith is weak and puny. But consider this: Have you ever flown on an airplane without meeting the pilot? Have you ever eaten a meal without knowing who cooked it?

The Faith You Already Have As Christians, we all have faith to some degree. The Bible says in Romans 12 that each of us is given "a measure of faith." We operate in faith all the time and don't even think about it.

For example, some of you reading this article have teenagers you send off to school every day. That requires some faith. And we all need a little faith every time we drive in traffic.

Even if you don't feel like a spiritual giant of faith, you can take hope in God's Word that says that as a believer, you have a measure of faith planted inside you.

Is Your Faith All Talk?

Some of you might say, "Well, I have faith. I believe in Jesus." Frankly, it's one thing to say you have faith, but it's

an entirely different matter to apply your faith to life's challenges.

When the storms of life come (and they do for all of us), do you stay calm, cool and collected? Or do you allow fear to overpower your faith? Do you give the situation completely over to God, or do you try to figure everything out?

Stuff Happens It's easy for us to feel like we've got great faith when things go well or play out like we want them to. And it's easy for us to have faith when something new comes along and life is exciting.

But stuff happens. And when stuff happens, how does your faith respond? “ We operate in faith all the time and don't even think about it. ” I'm not just referring to big dramatic events that take place...I'm also referring to the little things that pop up and can easily sidetrack you.

For example, recently I was at a conference, and I had a Starbucks coffee waiting for me after one of the sessions. I absolutely love Starbucks coffee. And the coffee was inside one of these big, double-walled Starbucks mugs that keep your coffee warm for a long time. The mug is a

copper color, and I really love to use it when I drink coffee.

Anyhow, after the session I went back to drink the coffee, and somebody had stolen it! The mug, even the creamer...everything was gone.

You see, stuff is going to happen. And years ago I would have thrown a fit if that had happened. I would have cried, "Oh God, why does this stuff happen to me?

The devil is always picking on me! It's not fair!"

But I kept the faith and decided that the whole incident was actually quite hilarious. And then I started thinking, Well, somebody might have been cleaning up and thought they were doing something good. You see, I practiced something else the Bible tells us to do: to think the best of people. That also requires faith.

How to Release Faith Faith is something that must be released. You can possess faith, but you must put it to use. A muscle that is not used gets weak and shrivels up. If you don't use your faith, then it's no different than not having any.

When you sit down in a chair, you have

Page 5 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

faith that it's not going to collapse. You don't start sweating and trembling with fear saying, "Oh, I'm afraid to sit in this chair. I don't know if I should be doing this!" It's a silly illustration to make the point: You just go plop down in the chair because you do have a measure of faith.

But what about when you have a problem? Do you go plop down in the arms of Jesus and say, "I'm asking You to take care of this and I believe You will."

Do you release your faith through prayer, line up what you speak with God's promises, and do whatever He asks you to do without trying to figure things out? Now that's the way to release your faith!

Give your circumstance over to Jesus and be confident that He's got it all under control. Your life will change dramatically once you unleash your faith. Don't just have it in your heart—let it out, put it to the test and be amazed at what God does through your life!

Visit Our Website at: InsiderWisconsin.com

Page 6 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

Dancing With The Stars Racine Police Department Deputy Chief Art Howell and his dance partner Tara Panasewicz, a Cash Management Relationship Manager at Johnson Bank downtown, entertained the audience with their swing dance routine to the song " It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing" on Saturday, November 12, during the Dancing With The Stars benefit held at Festival Hall. The fundraiser was for Margaret Ann's Place, a center for grieving children and families. Deputy Howell currently serves as Board President at HALO who is also a supporter of Margaret Ann’s Place.

Photo by Craig Morris, C-Moe Vision

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Crystal Sims, 21, of Racine, walks before judges during the formal wear part of The Miss Racine Scholarship Pageant that was held at Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave. Sims is a Senior at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science with a concentration in law. After graduation, she plans to attend law school. Her platform is "Breaking the Cycle of Poverty" and she danced for her talent. She finished second-runner up in the pageant.

The first runner-up was Courtney Lopez of Franksville, a nursing student at Alverno College. The new Miss Racine is Paula Kuiper, a senior at JI Case High School.

Photo by Craig Morris, C-Moe Vision

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Page 7 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

Nola Radliff Cobb, former principal of Horlick High School, celebrated her 60th birthday with her husband and daughters at Uncorked on Main Street in Racine.

Page 8 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

RIC’s African American Caucus moves to inform residents of new voter identification law Pastor Frank James, right, of Changing Lives Ministries, listens to Pastor Bryan Holloway call to action about 150 individuals who attended the Racine Interfaith Coalition Annual Meeting, at Atonement Lutheran Church, in Racine.

James shared with the audience about the need for treatment in some cases instead of incarceration.

Tammi McCright, left, shows attendees a question and answer flyer about voters needing identification when voting in the future.

Refuge Church, Changing Lives Ministries, Shekinah Glory Ministries International, and New Beginnings Church were inducted into the RIC congressional membership. These churches became members of RIC’s African American Caucus. The Caucus is working with other community groups to inform the public about the changes to Wisconsin voter laws Photo by Craig Morris, C-Moe Vision

Gary gets it first women mayor The city of Gary, Ind., made a little bit of history Tuesday night.

By an overwhelming margin, residents elected Karen Freeman-Wilson, 51, as the city's first female mayor, making her the first black female mayor in the state of Indiana.

Freeman-Wilson, a Democrat, garnered 86 percent of the vote, far ahead of her nearest competitor, an independent who received 7.5 percent.

Freeman-Wilson is a native of Gary, a Harvard law graduate and the former Indiana attorney general, a position to which she was appointed in 2000 by then-Gov. Frank O'Bannon. She did not win an election to a full term as attorney general.

She previously ran for mayor of Gary in 2003 and 2007 but was not successful.

The mayor-elect wants to draw new business to Gary, crack down on crime and improve the city's infrastructure.She said she's already begun speaking with area businesses and will announce her transition team next week.

Page 9 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

St. Paul MiSSiONaRy BaPtiSt CHuRCH

ZOE OUTREACH Ministries

1120 Grand Ave. Racine, Wis.

262-632-1467 www.stpmbc.org

Bishop Lawrence L.

KIRBY Senior Pastor

Christian Faith Fellowship Church Racine, Wisconsin Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott

Sunday School 9:15 AM Sunday Worship Service 7:45 AM & 10:40 AM Wednesday Prayer & Bible Class 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Dinner - 5:30 PM

Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church “A God Glorifying, Christ Centered, Spirit-Filled Church”

Rev. Keith Evans Pastor

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

262-631-0196 9:00am - Sunday School 10:00am - Sunday Service at Gilmore Middle School Midweek service Tuesday at 6:30pm at other location: call for more information 631-0196 PO Box085576 • Racine, WI 53408

2130 Racine Street Racine, WI 619-3027

Pastor Tommie Knuckles

Melvin Hargove Pastor Sunday School - 8:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Na Meeting 6:30 PM Community Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: Midweek Worship 6:15 a.m.- 8:15 p.m. thursday Na Meeting 6:00 PM

Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church 1201 Center Street Racine, Wis. 53403 (262) 880-6521 Come Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Bible Study Wednesday 6:00 Pm - 8:00 PM

Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church 306-5th Street, Racine, WI 262.635.1994 email: tumbcc@ameritech.net Rev. Buddy Vinson Senior Pastor

SearChing TogeTher MiSSionary BaPTiST ChurCh Rev. Willie Riley, Senior Pastor 262.633.4421

Pastor Joseph L. & First Lady Thomas

New Brighter Day Baptist Church 1225 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI

262-552-8090

825 21st Street • Racine Sunday School - 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Prayer Service - (Wed.) 5:00 PM Bible Class & Prayer (Wed.) - 6:00 PM

Sunday School Worship Service Mid Morning Worship Service Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study Wednesday Dinner p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study Saturday Morning Prayer

Page 10 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30 2011

9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:00 noon 5:30-6:30 6:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

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.

Tonia Grady is an Award winning producer with over ten years of live broadcast television experience as well as an abundance of film and video production knowledge. She held a forum on October 13 at Gateway Technical College to feature her documentary on fatherlessness and its effects on children.

Man Up Program

The reason for the documentary, as she shared came into being because of her own daughter, Skylar Victoria, who is four and half years old and does not know her father. Grady says that she sinks to a new low every time her child asks her, "Mommy where is my daddy, and why doesn't he come to see me?" She has always despised the vicious cycle of fatherlessness, but never did she think that a child of hers would fall victim to it. She has tried tirelessly to communicate to Skylar's father just how important it is for him to play an active role in his daughter's life, and the harder she tries the more her words fall on deaf ears. Her solution, speak a little louder and get the community involved, thus giving a voice for every child who is fatherless. Thus, the documentary "Man-Up: The Exploration of a Fatherless Nation" was born. Those desiring more information con visit the website: http://manupthedocumentary.com/about.html

Addressing Fatherlessness in our Communities

Caleb Robinson dressed his son Paxton, 2, in a Hot Dog costume at the 2nd annual Hot Dog Chowdown in Mounment Square this year.

Hot Dog

from page 1

officers. “It was all coming down to this moment.” But the time spent in research paid off, and Robinson was able to set up his stand on June 1st, 2009.

As an individual who was always aspired to own his own business, Robinson saw a perfect fit for him in his hot dog-oriented restaurant. His background in food service – and his desire to leave a product with the individuals he served – made a restaurant an ideal choice.

However, even though Robinson always wanted to go into business for himself, he initially attended the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with plans to go on in Math education. Finding himself back in Racine, Robinson took a detour in his plans as the chance to create something on his own. His background in math, coupled with a few business courses at UW – Parkside, gave Robinson the tools to start his food service.

Of course, there have been some difficulties along the way. Robinson cites the long workdays, along with the “growing pains” of expanding a business, as the downsides of being a restaurant proprietor. However, the benefits from the job far outweigh these for Robinson. “You really get to know a lot of people downtown,” Robinson notes. “A lot of the regulars I know by name.”

With his younger brother and friends, who make up the team of “Top Dog Hot Dog,” Robinson likes to think that his business brings people joy in their day.

Reminiscent of summer, the hot dogs are, for Robinson, a tangible way to help people get through the bitter Wisconsin winters. Plus, Robinson really enjoys what he’s doing.

When asked if he could see himself doing something else in the near future, Robinson quickly responds, “I don’t think I want to work for anybody else ever again.”

Open Monday through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Robinson is prepared to show you what makes his ‘dogs top dogs. Go on down and give ‘em a test!

Page 11 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

You Must Know the Changes to the Voter Laws of Wisconsin RECENT CHANGE TO ELECTION LAWS YOU MUST ACT NOW IN ORDER TO VOTE IN 2012!!!

Voter Photo ID is now the law in Wisconsin. Starting in 2012, voters will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver license or state-issued ID in order to receive a ballot and vote. At the recall and special elections in 2011, voters will be asked to show a photo ID for a "soft implementation" of the new law. Voters who do not have the required ID will be able to vote, but will also receive a document explaining the requirements of the law for 2012 and how to receive a free ID. acceptable Forms of Voter iD • Unexpired Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID receipt • Wisconsin driver’s license expiring after current election date • Wisconsin DOT-issued photo ID card expiring after current election date • U.S. passport expiring after current election date • Military ID card expiring after current election date • Certificate of naturalization issued within the last 2 years • ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian Tribe in Wisconsin • Unexpired ID issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college which must contain issuance date, student signature, and expiration date within 2 years of issuance, along with proof of enrollment.

Photo iD exemptions •Military voters •Voters who are permanently overseas Photo ID will not be required but will be replaced by alternative documentation requirements for: •Voters on the permanent absentee list because they are indefinitely confined •Nursing home residents and other voters who have ballots delivered by a Special Voter Deputy Changes in absentee Voting • Absentee voting in the clerk’s office is now restricted to the two weeks before an election. However, absentee voting in the clerk’s now ends at 5 PM on the Friday before the election.

• Absentee Voters in the clerk’s office must present the same type of photo ID required at the poles.

Voter residency Changes

You now must reside at your • address for 28 consecutive days to be eligible to vote, • You may no longer use a corroborating witness as proof of residency.

If you do not have a utility bill, • bank statement, Wisconsin ID, paycheck, government document or lease in your own name at your current address, you need to register more than 20 days before the election.

• First time Wisconsin voters registering by mail still need to send proof of residency. absentee Ballot requests • Absentee ballot requests sent by mail must be accompanied by a photocopy of an acceptable form of voter ID. Once you have sent the clerk’s office a photocopy of your ID, you will not need to send photocopies with future absentee ballot requests.

• If submitting an absentee request via fax or e-mail, you must return a photocopy of your acceptable ID in your absentee envelope with the original signed request for an absentee ballot. hospitalized Voters • Hospitalized voters may appoint an agent to pick up their ballot from the clerk’s office. The agent must present the hospitalized voter’s photo ID at the clerk’s office.

Provisional Ballots • Voters who are required but unable to provide photo ID will become provisional voters.

• Provisional ballots are not counted unless the voter provides the clerk’s office with an acceptable photo ID by 4 PM the Friday after the election.

Signing the Poll Book • Effective immediately, voters must sign or make their mark on the poll book in order to obtain a ballot. The poll book now contains a signature block for each voter. Although there are two identical books, only one poll book needs to be signed.

Voters unable to sign the poll book because of a disability are exempt from this requirement. If this applies to you, simply tell the Election Inspectors that you are unable to sign because of a disability. You do not need to disclose the nature of your disability to the Election Inspectors or to any observers. Election Inspectors will write “exempt” in your signature block. If a voter fails to sign the poll book, except for exempt voters, they will not receive a ballot.

ex-Felons and incarcerated Voters • In Wisconsin, anyone convicted of a felony who has not yet completed the terms of their sentence, including probation, parole, and post correctional supervision, is ineligible to vote.

Felons become eligible to vote again only when they complete their post-correctional supervision.

• If you are incarcerated because of a misdemeanor, not a felony, you are eligible to vote. This includes most people in county jails and voters who were convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor, but have served the entire sentence for the felony, and are still in jail or prison for the misdemeanor.

• People who have been committed under chapter 980 (for sexually violent offenses) are still eligible to vote, if they have completed the term of their correctional sentence and post-correctional supervision.

• Voting rights are also restored if you are pardoned.

• Once you have completed your probation, parole, or post-correctional supervision, you can register to vote.

You do not need to provide any special documents, other than proof of residence, in order to register. You do have to certify on your voter registration form that you are no longer under correctional supervision.

• Be aware that it is a felony to vote while still under correctional supervision for a felony. The G.A.B. compares a list of people who voted with a list of felons on supervision after each election.

• If you are incarcerated, the address where you lived immediately before you were incarcerated is your address for voting purposes. You may not use the jail or prison as your voting address.

• If you are not incarcerated, you should use the address where you currently reside. Since residency for voting purposes is different from residency for other purposes, you may register at a half-way house or other facility, even if their rules state it is not a residence for other purposes.

• You need an acceptable photo ID to request an absentee ballot and vote.

If you had a photo ID when you were incarcerated, you will have to ask the staff of the institution to make a copy of that ID for you. If you do not already have an acceptable photo ID, and cannot leave the institution to obtain one, you

Page 12 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

will not be able to vote.

• You may request an absentee ballot by mail. A copy of your photo ID must be included with the absentee request and mailed to the municipal clerk. You must ask the staff of the institution to make a copy of your photo ID, or allow you to use a copy of your photo ID provided by someone else.

You must also sign an absentee ballot request form, which can be mailed by the staff of your institution, or a third party. A third party can request an absentee ballot without your signature ONLY if they have power of attorney for you.

• If you request an absentee ballot by email or fax, you do not have to provide a copy of your photo ID with the ballot request. However, you must provide photo ID with the ballot when you return it.

• Voters who are incarcerated, but still eligible to vote, do not qualify to receive absentee ballots permanently, for every election. In order to receive absentee ballots permanently, you must be “indefinitely confined” because of age, illness, infirmity, or disability.

• If you are monitored by a “bracelet”, or under a work-release program, you may need to get special permission to go to the DMV to obtain a photo ID, vote absentee in the municipal clerk’s office, or vote at the polls on Election Day. Make sure you speak to the appropriate people before performing any of these tasks.

African-American Buying Power Approaches $1.1 Trillion By: Nsenga Burton | Posted: Black consumers should be desired.

News One is reporting that black buying power is expected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2015, according to "The State of the African-American Consumer Report."

The report, the first of annual installments in a three-year alliance between Nielsen and the National Newspaper Publishers Association, showcases the buying and media habits and consumer trends of black Americans.

The study on African-American consumer trends found that the percentage of black people attending college or earning a degree has increased to 44 percent for men and 53 percent for women, and the number of black households earning $75,000 or higher grew by almost 64 percent.

Growth in affluence, social influence and household income will continue to impact the black community's economic power, according to Nielsen. An article at Louisiana Weekly states:

"Too often, companies don't realize the inherent differences of our community, are not aware of the market size impact and have not optimized efforts to develop

messages beyond those that coincide with Black History Month," said Cloves Campbell, NNPA chairman. "It is our hope that by collaborating with Nielsen,

we'll be able to tell the African-American consumer story in a manner in which businesses will understand," he said, "and, that this understanding will propel those in the C-Suite to develop stronger, more inclusive strategies that optimize their market growth in Black communities, which would be a win-win for all of us."

We're not sure why businesspeople often overlook the buying power of African-American populations. Perhaps if we spent more money in our communities, advertisers would notice the loss in revenue.

Advertisers also need to realize that African Americans are not monolithic.

We are extremely diverse, so dollars marked for "African-American" publications and outlets should be as diverse, not lumped into one category. Black buying power is here to stay. The question is, who wants our money?

Photo by Craig Morris, C-Moe Vision

Above: Julia Burney Witherspoon, founder of Cop N’ Kids Reading Center, waves at people during the downtown Racine’s annual Holiday Parade held Saturday, Nov. 12. A host of activities occurred at Monument Square. Right: A young boy walked the parade route dressed as a Christmas gift.

Rev. Mark Freeman, Pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Racine, and his family were photographed during an appreciation dinner sponsored by the church congregation. The banquet, held at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street, celebrated Freeman’s third year as pastor of the church located at 1250 Lathrop Avenue. About 150 people attended the event. Church services were held both Thursday and Sunday. Pastor Fred Richmond and Pastor Joseph Thomas were keynote speakers and guest lecturers.

Shown with Freeman is his wife Valerie, his son Jacob, standing, and and son Jo’E held by his father.

Photo-- by Kenneth Lumpkin Page 13 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

Is it time to pass the torch?

GUEST COMENTARY BY SUPERVISOR KEN LUMPKIN The other night, I had an opportunity to attend a Racine Interfaith Coalition annual meeting held in Racine. It was quite pleasurable for me to observe four AfricanAmerican congregations join the 20 member faith-based organization, which serve as a advocacy group for the elimination of social injustices.

Three of the four Black ministers were somewhere in their 30’s and 40’s and represent an age of a new emerging leadership in Racine’s black community.

It was extremely heart warming to know that there will be leadership in the future to redefine and re-fight many of the battles that had already been won, but have emerged again in recent decades.

Two goals stood out in my mind that African-American leadership fought for generations ago: To end racial segregation in schools and other public places, such as restaurants and stores, and to make illegal the poll taxes that forced many blacks to pay to vote in some areas of the country. Those objectives were met with passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Today, the goals are not as clear, though racial disparity remains a major national and local problem. Despite advances in higher education and the workplace, African-Americans still live largely in a divided country - separate, unequal, and sometimes hostile.

Nationally, black unemployment in August grew to 16.7 percent, more than double the 8-percent rate for whites. The wealth gap between whites and blacks has grown to a record high since the government started tracking such data 25

years ago. Median household wealth for whites is 20 times greater than that for African-Americans, up from a 7:1 ratio in 1995.

Those differences applyin Racine as well. Into this breach has stepped a new generation of African-American leaders in this city.

The big difference today is that the discrimination taking place in the community is not right in our faces anymore, like the KKK lynching people.

We have huge issues. They seem almost intractable -and hard to get our arms around - yet so inter-twined they need to be solved at once.

African-Americans have gained access, whereas their elders were on the outside looking in. Some of this new generation of black leaders is on the inside. This is much different from the battle that my parents had to deal with.

Our challenges are more covert than overt. Our leadership must go beyond what we has been labeled “The Civil rights movement.” We have to learn how to work within the system and figure out how to raise money for businesses how do we gain more economic opportunity?

A more delicate issue to discuss is the responsibility of black fathers and the response of leadership. As many as 56 percent of black children grow up in single-parent homes, most led by mothers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The two are issues that the new leaders will have to address.

Something is definitely wrong when the unemployment rate in Racine is double for black men and many of them are going to jail for nothing. Last week these three individuals commented that they will work with RIC to eliminate these problems.

Those twin issues - jobs and jobs for former inmates - are only a few of the major challenges for these new leaders.

We welcome your comments!

Diverse business relationships are an important part of an evolving community. That’s why we’re dedicated to the success and advancement of minorityand women-owned businesses.

Diverse businesses not only contribute to our supply chain and business strategies, but also to the communities we serve.

From architectural and construction services to financial and legal services, minority- and women-owned businesses provide the resources needed for us to evolve together.

Visit our website: www.insiderwisconsin.com 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 comunities 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 100 locations. All inquiries about advertisement or news should be made five to seven days before the 1st and 15th of each month.

3001 Douglas, Avenue • Racine, Wisconsin (262).681.2345

2K11078-PC-IW

yolanda James, President/CEO aneillo lindsey - account Representative Jared Edwards - account Representative C-Moe Vision Photography - Photographer

Visit www.wisconsinenergy.com/supplier to learn more about participating in the We Energies Supplier Diversity Initiative.

Page 14 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

BBQ Rib Tip or Chikcken Dinner sale on Friday, Nov. 18: includes bread, cole slaw, baked beans & dessert. Cost is $8.50. Call (262) 634-4655 to place your order

Page 15 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011

Page 16 The Insider News Wisconsin, November 15-30, 2011