Insider News
Tak ONEe FRE E
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VOL. 22, No. 3. Febuary 1-15, 2010 | Web site: Racineinsideronline.com | E-mail: insider@wi.net | 262.632.9370
Victim of Sexual Abuse Tells All In Book “Who I’ve Become Is Not Who I Am”
Sonya Visor is a co-pastor, playwright, author, speaker, wife, and mother. Who would have ever guessed that she was a victim of sexual abuse? Yet she openly tells her story in her book “Who I’ve Become Is Not Who I Am”. Her passion is to help women who hide behind masks because of abuse become the person they were truly created to be. Visor’s journey to book writing began with using her talent as a playwright. She shared about the first play she wrote called “Left Behind” It started when her church family, Gregg Chapel at the time, began brainstorming for fundraiser Sonya Visor ideas. She offered to put her passion for writing and journalism to work by writing a play. Tickets were sold for $3. The play sold out and the place was packed. This first venture was so successful that she wrote another play called “Love Me For Who I AM”. The turnout for the plays forced her to look for a bigger venue and so her next play “He Got Up, Now Let Me” landed at the Racine Theater Guild. From there Visor gained confidence to put her personal abuse story on paper. She said, “I actually finished the book in 2006 and turned it into the publisher, but
they returned it and told me that it did not reveal enough, there was not enough detail” At that point, she had to make tough decisions about how much information to share and sort through a range of emotions that comes with going public with such a traumatic event. The result is that the book explains in explicit detail about the sexual abuse, her attempted suicide, and her journey to wholeness and healing. After the book was actually released, Visor admits she still battled with fear over bearing her soul to the public. She stated “I heard this voice in the back of mind say, “What have you done…all of Racine will know a part of your story?” It was great, embarrassing and scary at the same time.” She continued with courage promoting the book and helped others in the process. Visor shared that the risk was worth it for the lives that were touched. She said, “The reward came when I received calls, emails and text messages saying, “thank you” or “now I can tell someone that the same thing happened to me.” She is glad that telling her story has ultimately began the process of healing for others.” TRU-U Ministries was also born out of Visor’s sexual abuse. She holds conferences regularly to address the issues women face from abuse and low self-esteem. Individuals wishing to find out more information can visit her website: www.sonyavisor.com or www.tru-u.com. The book, “Who I’ve Become Is Not Who I Am” is available at Commitments Bookstore or on her website. In addition, Visor and her husband, Pastor Tony Visor, pastor New Covenant Church in Racine WI and she can be contacted at the church: (262)-632-9920.
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555 Main St.
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Evans gets into medical career in an untraditional manner Tonya C. Evans is the Site Administrator for the Racine Community Health Care. She oversees the dayto-day operations and is responsible for developing the overall vision of the center and how it will best provide services to the Racine community. Evans says that the health care profession chose her. She wasn’t looking for a career as a health care professional. Evans said, “To be quite honest I got into this in an untraditional manner. I degrees in English and in Science Administration and most people in this field have degrees in the medical profession.� Evans started working in Flint, Michigan at a place that provided health care to the under insured and the uninsured children in Genesee County. From there she moved up in the organization. Prior to moving to Racine she was the administrator of a department that had about a five million dollar budget. Once in Racine, she began working at the Racine Community Health Center to bring quality healthcare to those who could not afford it. She said, “The mission of the center is to provide a high
level of quality care to everybody in the community, whether it be dental, medical or mental health services.� She furthered shared, “Because of the lack of insurance or being under insured, the organization tries to provide services to those who don’t generally have access to medical care�. She feels that many people who could benefit from their services are not aware that they even exist. In years to come, Tonya sees herself the increasing the number of patients seen, diversifying services, and creating stronger collaborative relationships with various organizations in the community. The Racine Community Health Care Center, located at 2405 Northwestern Ave, has been operating for four years. Their hours of operation are: Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. The dental department is open on Monday through Wednesday from 7:00am until 5:00pm. Individuals can contact the center at (262) 886-0474 for more information.
Racine NAACP, Supervisor Donnie Snow, and Al Gardner wants new Sheriff to uphold the law
we have." Gloria Rogers, president of the Racine Branch of the NAACP, said, “Those that are sworn to uphold the law for everyone should not have the right to cherry-pick the laws they want to enforce.� The local branch is reviewing our options, but feel that Sheriff Schmaling needs to reaffirm that he is committed to carrying out his vowed duties for all people of Racine County. Donnie Snow, a 12 year veteran County Board Supervisor said, “No citizen or public official should be able to arbitrarily and unilaterally refuse to enforce or abide by the law.� As others listened intently, he furthered commented, “How does the rank and file law enforcement officer reconcile enforcing the law enacted by the legislature and
responding to a direct order by their supervisor to disobey the same law?� Sharing the same sentiments was Al Gardner, a community activist who recently spoke before the Racine City Council said, “ He is setting a bad example for the children of the community and if he has any children, he is also setting a bad example for them, that you can break the law and get away with it.� He believes that the County Executive, who is a former sheriff himself, should sit down with Schmaling and explain to him that he needs to follow the law whether he believes in it or not.� The Racine County Public Protection and Justice System committee will meet tonight at 5:0 pm, Ives Grove, 14200 Washington Ave.
1717 Taylor Avenue Racine, Wisconsin (262) 638-6800 Mon-Fri. - 8:00 AM-5:00PM
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As of Jan. 1, about 650 law enforcement agencies in the state had to start collecting the age, zip code, gender and ethnicity of drivers pulled over and their passengers in an effort to determine whether deputies and officers are stopping drivers on the basis of race. Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth and Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said filling out the new form, either by hand or on the squad's computer
Snow
Schmaling
takes too long. The extra time spent could impact officer safety and deputies already note much of the information on citations. "Don't tie up my officers," said Beth, who along with Schmaling directed their deputies not to comply. "We are already struggling with the amount of deputies we have on the road. The amount of calls we have, and the numbers keep going up. This is just another restriction, mandate
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Zoe Host 10th Annual Gospal Musical Entitle: “Say Amen Somebody” In observance of Black History Month, the members of Zoe Outreach Ministries will present the 10th annual “Say Amen Somebody” program, a musical production that will recount the history of gospel music in the African-American church. The program will include a skit depicting a time-honored family reunion theme, which will include a musical tribute to the history and legends of gospel music. A journey from slave songs to today’s urban and contemporary gospel music, the program will chronicle the progression and importance of the black church experience as it relates to gospel music. This production will offer an opportunity to honor the pioneers such as, Thomas Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music”, Mahalia Jackson, the “Mother of Gospel Music”, and Rev. James Cleveland, the “King of Gospel Music”, as well as celebrate the current artists of today, such as Rev. John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and many others. "Say Amen Somebody" was birthed several years ago by Minister Sherri L. Jackson, who was driven by a desire to provide a program that was historical,
educational, and spiritual. Over the years, the program has evolved into a community-involved production, including a full choir, musical groups, soloists, and dancers, made up of various members of the community and local churches. The program will be held at William Horlick High School, Racine, at 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 27, 2011. With a full band, choir, dance, and some dramatic performances, it promises to be a joyous event. Admission to the production is $5 with advance purchase from Zoe members. Additionally, to honor the African American heritage, a Soul Food dinner will also be prepared that same day, February 27, 2010. The dinners will be available from 12pm – 3pm at Zoe Outreach Ministries: $10 for adults (advance purchase only by Feb 20, 2011) and $5 for children (at door only). For more information or to purchase tickets, you may contact Zoe Outreach Ministries at (262) 619-3027.
House Celebrates 49th Birthday with Family Earline House celebrate her 49th Birthday with her family recently. Shown seated with House were her granddaughter Nakyah Clemon and Neonti Clemon. Shown standing are her two sons and daughter James Stoner, Jffery House and Connie Famous.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside celebrated the people who keep Dr. Martin Luther King's dream alive Above: UW-Parkside's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration took place Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. The program culminated with the presentation of the university's Community Service Award to a pair of Racine residents. Activists Latasha Collins and Tuanquilla (Tessa) McKinney, who works with unwed teen mothers, were honored as sources of inspiration to the city's teens and young adults. Middle phoo: Reciving Essay awards were Jazlyn Collins,left, and an Miranda Langdon. Joint them was UW-Parkside Pre-College Program Assistant Bettie Poole. A stunning dance performnce was given by “Connections” Praise Dance Team.
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Benefit to raise money for Hodgkin's Lymphoma patient…Robert Camel Robert Camel, age 25, is an African American residing in Racine. In 2004 he migrated to Racine from Chicago to better his life. He attended J I Case High School and married the love of his life, Tedra. They have one child. Robert loves being a mentor to the youth in his church and community. He wants to empower them with the message to “be the best that one can be.” He knows the hardship of not being the best and wants to share his past experiences, hoping to reach the youth with much love and encouragement. His motto: Each one Reach One. He also plans to start a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Foundation in the Racine Community. In 2008 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Disease. The medical bill began to add up. Robert is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant and must receive it by February 15. “It’s been really amazing,” says Robert. “It’s hard sometimes because you feel negative and brought down by the whole situation, but then everyone comes together and supports you, and it’s like impossible to be negative. You just have to keep going.”
The Racine Community is coming together by hosting a Benefit Musical for Robert Camel on Saturday, February 26 @ 6:00 PM and Sunday, February 27 @ 3:30 PM. The Benefit will be hosted at the Greater St. Luke Baptist Church, 1326 State Street, Pastor Jesse Sumerall. Guests groups invited: Songs of Faith, Wrights Singers, Tru Light Singers, Christian Man Gospel Group, Abundant Life Church, Just 4, Full Gospel Church and other guests. Lymphoma is a term for cancers that develop from cells of the lymphatic system (which is part of the body's immune system) called lymphocytes (a subset of white blood cells responsible for immunity and fighting infections). Lymphomas first start from errors that occur in the DNA of lymphocytes in either the lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissue. When one of these cells undergoes a transformation into a malignant cell and begins to grow abnormally, lymphoma arises. Special Note: Donations can be sent to Educator Credit Union, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Benefit Account, on behalf of Robert Camel.
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Racine/Kenosha Shepard’s Guide February Calendar of Events Christ Baptist Church – 1801 Durand Avenue (414-2175055) Pastor Daryn David Crenshaw Worship is every Sunday @ 9:30 AM, Join us at 1810 Durand Avenue (Racine Seventh Day Adventist Church Building). The Church where Christ is Center, The Community is Cared for and The Word of God is made Clear. Follow us at: TheChristBC (At Twitter) for your daily dose of inspiration. Don’t follow any man, Don’t Follow every Tradition,” Follow a Relevant Word. Christ Baptist Church is hosting a global Prayer Conference every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday @ 12 Noon and 10:30 PM-Central Time. If you need a blessing or someone to touch and agree with you…then I recommend the prayer line. Call the Prayer Conference Line…712-432-0075, access code 123447#. Send in prayer requests or testimonies to TheChristBC@yahoo.com. Christ Chapel Baptist Church – 825 Park Avenue (633-6662) Pastor Mark D. Gates Sunday, February 13 @ 1:30 PM Celebrate Family & Friend Day-Theme “On the Hill,” Matthew 5:14 Bring our families back to God…Each One Bring One-A Family or A Friend…Enjoy Food, Fun & Fellowship Faith Christian Fellowship Church, 1200 Racine Street (637-6220) Bishop Sheila Neinhaus Starting Monday, February 14th - Sunday, February 20th, we the members of Faith Christian Fellowship cordially invite you to celebrate Founder's Week with us. Our guest speakers are as follows: Monday, February 14th at 7pm, Life/Prayer Service Tuesday, February 15th at 7pm, Apostle James Logan, Christian Faith Fellowship, Zion, Illinois Wednesday, February 16th at 7pm, Apostle Hazel Thrower Wright, The King's Treasury, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Thursday, February 17th at 7pm, Pastor Elliott Cohen, Abundant Life Christian Center, Racine, Wisconsin Friday, February 18th at 7pm, Pastor John Thomas, Starlight Outreach Ministry, Racine, Wisconsin Saturday, February 19th at 7pm we will have a night of "Praise and Worship". Sunday, February 20th 10:30am, TBA, Faith Christian Fellowship, Racine, Wisconsin Sunday, February 20th at 5pm, Apostle Columbus Bland, Glory To Glory Christian Center, Chicago, Illinois Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church-929 State Street (637-1606) Pastor Keith T. Evans, Pastor Church Theme: Praying for the Harvest,
Matthew 9:30 Saturday, February 12 @ 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Mission Ministry Prayer Breakfast Donation Accepted Sunday, February 20 @ 10:45 AM Black History Celebration Greater St. Luke Baptist Church, 1326 State Street (262-632-4146) Pastor Jesse Sumerall Sunday, February 6 @ 3:30 PM True Life Singers Annual Day Celebration..Guest Groups and Choirs Invited Sunday, February 13 @ 3:30 PM Mother Board Ministry Worship Service Saturday, February 26 @ 6:00 PM & Sunday February 27 @ 3:30 PM Benefit Musical for Robert Camel. Brother Camel has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is on the waiting list for a transplant. Guests groups invited: Songs of Faith, Wrights Singers, Tru Light Singers, Christian Man Gospel Group, Abundant Life Church, Just 4, Full Gospel Church and other guests. Special Note: Donations can be sent to Educator Credit Union on his behalf. Mt Sinai Institutional Baptist Church, - 2401 Argonne Drive North Chicago, IL (847-689-4422) Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon
7PM. For more info or to buy tickets call (847) 275-9937 or 880-2653. Monday, February 14 Happy Valentines Sunday, February 27 @ 4:00 PM Famous Black Women’s Tea United Faith Missionary Baptist Church – 1327 Blake Avenue (632-1327) Pastor Gregory Daniels Church Theme: “Accept the Lord builds the house they labour in vain that build it.” Psalm 127:1a Sunday, February 13 @ 3:00 PM Adult Choir Ministry presents Black History Celebration. Theme: Black Accomplishments in Racine. Featured Speaker First Lady A. Daniels. Invited guests are local youth choirs and singing groups. Minister Queen Hart queen@hartstepsministries.org Scriptural Wisdom
Spiritual Performance Review 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in youunless, of course, you fail the test”?
Most companies perform Annual Performance Reviews with their employees. These reviews help the employers and employees by helping them to see how they have performed during the year. It also allows them to see what they need to work on in the future. Performance Reviews have categories such as; meets and exceeding expectations and needing improvement. Give this some thought; if God were to serve notice on us that it is time for our Spiritual Performance Review, where would we rank? Would we meet his expectations, exceed them, or would he send us away telling us that we need to improve? For some, a great amount of satisfaction is felt for merely meeting expectations. There is no drive New Omega Baptist Church or desire to go an extra mile. Although it’s good to meet expectations, when we – 5731 Northwestern Avenue are talking about the one who died so that (634-4655) we may live; I would think it’s only a Pastor Fred Richmond reasonable we’d want to exceed or try to Church Theme: “Team Work” exceed what is expected of us. The reality There are no scheduled events is that we will always need to improve as for the month of February. children of God. Each day brings new mercies and new opportunities. Examine St. Paul Baptist Church – 1120 Center yourselves; test yourselves to see whether Street (632-1467) you are in the faith. A Spiritual Bishop L. L. Kirby Performance Review is always in order. 2011 Church Theme: Seek God daily inquiring of the areas that Saturday, February 5 @ 7:00 PM Gospel need improvements. Do not be content Music Workshop of America Annual with being an average servant. We serve Concert an EXCELLENT God who deserves our Saturday, February 12 @ 6PM-9PM The best. Youth Dept. will sponsor a Valentine’s Day Dance for ages 12-18 @ the Miracle In the natural there is usually an increase of some sort for obtaining a favorable Center, 1100 Grand Avenue. Tickets are ranking on performance reviews. It’s a $3.00 in advance or $5.00 @ the door. way of saying thank you for a job well School ID is required for all youth. done. If an earthly employer would notice Doors open @ 6 PM and will close @ Page 11 The Insider News, January 15-31, 2011 Wednesday February 6 - Mt. Men Fellowship (offsite) Saturday, February 12 - Married Couple's Ministry Valentine's Day Breakfast (offsite) Sunday, February13 @ 11:00 AM Valentine's Worship Service Wednesday, February 23 Pastor Wilcoxon's Birthday Saturday, February 26 - Iron Sharpens Iron Conference (offsite) Sunday, February 27 @ 9:30 AMSunday School Black History Play Sunday, February 27 @ 11:00 AM-Youth Sunday - All Youth Worship Service
and reward our good efforts; why would a loving and all powerful God not do the same and more for his children? When was your last Spiritual Performance Review? I challenge each of you to be the best you can be while serving the best God there is to serve. Do not concern yourself with what others may or may not be doing. Just do you!
-It is an Honor and it gives me great pleasure to announce that, I have been selected as Nominee for 2011 The Rhythm of Gospel Awards in two categories; Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year and Praise and Worship Song of the Year, “There Is A God”. The Awards Ceremony will take place Sunday July 24th, 2011 at the Civic Center in Memphis, Tenn. I need your support to help me win the final Nominations. You can help by logging onto the website below and cast your votes. Voting continues through March 2011. www.therhythmofgospelawards.com I express special thanks to you for your support in sowing a seed in LotHay Music Ministry. Minister Frozene Lott Hayes www.frozene.com Submit your church’s calendar by the 15th of each month to Minister Della Buckley @ dbuckley4@wi.rr.com or by calling 262-634-0428
Gospel Mission Ministries
Pastors Breon and Karen Norton 945 N. Memorial Drive • Racine, WI 53403 262.634.3156 Sunday Service • 1:30 p.m. Wednesday • 7:15 p.m. Friday Prayer and Praise Dance • 7:15 p.m.
Insider News
SHEPHERD’S GUIDE see what’s going St. PaulCome Missionary inside of the Baptist on Church YMCA
ZOE OUTREACH Ministries
Sunday Mornings at 10:30 am!
1120 Grand Ave. Racine, Wis.
We at NCC Exercise our FAITH!
262-632-1467 www.stpmbc.org
Pastor Tony & Sonya Visor
Welcome You!
2130 Racine Street Racine, WI 619-3027
Phone: (262)632-9920 Email: nccracine@yahoo.com Mailing: P.O. Box 081512 SundayRacine, School 9:15WI AM53408-1512
Christian Faith Fellowship Church
Racine, Wisconsin Prayer? Send prayer request to:Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott Wednesday Prayer & 262-631-0196 prayer@nccracine.org Bible Class
Sunday Worship Service 10:40 need AM 7:45 AM Do&you
Bishop Lawrence L.
11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Visit usPM on the - 5:30 Dinner
web: www.nccracine.org
KIRBY
Worship with us at:
Sunday Worship Service • 10:00 AM Sunday School • 9:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study • 6:30 PM Gilmore Middle School’s Auditorium
Senior Pastor
2330 Northwestern
Rev. Melvin Hargrove, Pastor
Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church
Sunday School - 8:45 a.m.
1201 Center Street • Racine, Wis. 53403
Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m.
(262) 880-6521
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
Come Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Bible Study Wednesday 6:00 Pm - 8:00 PM
Come see what’s going on inside of the
YMCA Sunday Mornings at 10:30 am! We at NCC Exercise our FAITH!
Christ Centered • Kingdom Driven • Family Focused
Pastor Tony & Sonya Visor
Welcome You!
SEArCHING TOGETHEr MISSIONAry BAPTIST CHUrCH
Phone: (262)632-9920 Email: nccracine@yahoo.com Mailing: P.O. Box 081512 Racine, WI 53408-1512
Rev. Willie Riley, Senior Pastor 262.633.4421
Do you need Prayer? Send prayer request to: prayer@nccracine.org
825 21st Street • Racine
Visit us on the web: www.nccracine.org
210 7th St. - (262) 632-1201
Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church
Greater St. Luke’s
Missionary 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
929 State Street • Racine, Wisconsin 53404
637-1606
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
Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am Bible Class (Wednesday) • 6 pm
Pastor Keith Evans
“A God Glorifying, Christ Centered, Spirit-Filled Church”
Sunday School Worship Service Mid Morning Worship Service Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study Wednesday Dinner Wednesday Evening Bible Study Saturday Morning Prayer
Prayer Service (Thursday) • 6 pm
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 Pastor Jessie Summerall
1326 State Street 632-4146
email: tumbcc@ameritech.net Rev. Buddy Vinson Senior Pastor
Pastor Joseph L. & First Lady Thomas
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.
Spike Lee Urges More Black Men To Become Teachers Filmmaker Spike Lee joined Education Secretary Arne Duncan in issuing a call Monday for more black men to become teachers, making their plea at the country’s only all-male historically black college. The two took Spike Lee part in a town hall meeting at Atlanta’s private Morehouse College just a week after President Barack Obama urged more people nationwide to become teachers. Duncan told an audience that more than 1 million educators are expected to retire in the coming decade and that federal officials are hoping to harness that opportunity to create a more diverse teaching work force, noting that less than 2 percent of the nation’s 3 million teachers are black men. “Everybody can’t be a business major,” Lee told the auditorium packed with male high school and college students. “We have to educate ourselves. We have to educate our young black men.” Lee, a Morehouse graduate, said he was influenced most - outside of his own family - by two of his Morehouse professors. Both educators attended Monday’s gathering and were asked to stand up to be honored. Duncan used the occasion to promote the federal TEACH campaign. The program was launched in the fall to persuade more minorities - particularly males - to enter education. The federal government has launched the teach.gov website, a
one-stop-shop for anyone wanting to enter teaching, including professionals hoping to switch careers. “If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation, if you want to make a difference in the life of a child, become a teacher,” Obama said in a video address taped for Monday’s event. “Our country needs you.” The Education Department also recorded TV commercials with Oprah Winfrey, performer John Legend and others to talk about the influence of teachers on their lives. Duncan said he will visit Los Angeles next month, seeking to recruit more Hispanics for teaching. Duncan said that while many school districts are confronting layoffs and tight budgets, there are many high-need areas such as science, mathematics and special education facing a teacher shortage. School districts nationwide hire between 80,000 and 200,000 new teachers each year, even in tough economic times. Duncan pointed to 8,500 unfilled teaching jobs listed on the teach.gov website as of Monday. The government is working to help students obtain more financial aid for college and to create loan-forgiveness programs once they graduate and commit to teaching, Duncan said. He urged private organizations to get involved in recruiting minorities to teaching and supporting them once they’re in the classroom. “The government can’t begin to do this alone,” he said. Social activist Jeff Johnson is joining the effort. The MSNBC contributor has launched a task force that aims at putting 80,000 more black male teachers in class-
rooms across the country in the next four years. Johnson told the audience that being a teacher isn’t considered “cool” in the black community and that perception must change.
“They look at business, engineering and law as professions that will make them better men, but the very profession that determines what the next generation looks like isn’t even on their radar,” Johnson said.
FREE COMMUNITY EDUCATION EVENT FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN ENTITLED The Jane Cremer Foundation is pleased to offer a free community-wide educational event for African-American women titled, “I’m Turning Into My Mother!” This event is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, February 22, 2011 5:45p.m. to 9:00 p.m.(presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.) at Gateway Technical College in the Madrigrano Auditorium. Please join, Mistress of Ceremonies, Janice Wilcoxon, Andrea Guszkowski, Guest Speaker and Jammie Bridges, Breast Cancer Survivor for this educational and motivational event. Motivational Speaker and Philanthropist, Janice Wilcoxon has been the First Lady of the Mt. Sinai Institutional Baptist Church for the past fifteen years. A devoted wife, mother of three lovely daughters and grandmother of five granddaughters and one grandson, Janice lives a life dedicated to the church. Guest Speaker, Andrea Guszkowski earned her undergraduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in both English and Biology and her master’s degree in Medical Genetics at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. At Aurora Health Care, Guszkowski provides prenatal and cancer genetic counseling services in perinatal assessment and oncology clinics. She assists patients
and families in understanding and adapting to the medical, psychological and hereditary implications of disease by providing information and support to individuals who may be at risk. Andrea Guszkowski will discuss the following: • What role genetics and family history play in the road to good health; and What can individuals do to use • this information to benefit themselves and their families. Breast Cancer Survivor Jammie Bridges will bring an inspiring message. Jammie Bridges’ journey has been one of devastation, joy, and strength. She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at age 26. Her inspiring message includes overcoming, surviving and becoming empowered to help and teach women all over the world. The Jane Cremer Foundation is dedicated to educating and empowering women to be proactive in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The program is free to all participants, but reservations are required as seating is limited. To register please call (262) 605-6761 or visit our website at www.janecremerfoundation.org.
Black Mother Sentenced To Prison For Sending Kids To White School District in Ohio By Dr. Boyce Watkins An Ohio mother of two was sentenced to 10 days in jail and placed on three years probation after sending her kids to a school district in which they did not live. Kelly WilliamsBolar was sentenced by Judge Patricia Cosgrove on Tuesday and will begin serving her sentence immediately. The jury deliberated for seven hours and the courtroom was packed as the sentence was handed down. She was convicted on two counts of tampering with court records after registering her two girls as living with Williams Bolar's father when they actually lived with her. The family lived in the housing projects in Akron, Ohio, and the father's address was in nearby Copley Township. Additionally, Williams-Bolar's father, Edward L. Williams, was charged with a fourth-degree felony of grand theft, in which he and his daughter are charged with defrauding the school system for two years of educational services for their girls. The court determined that sending their children to the wrong school was worth $30,500 in tuition. When I read about this case, a few
thoughts went through my mind. First, it's clear that the court is trying to make Kelly Williams-Bolar into an example. Even the judge in the case, Patricia Cosgrove, said that her sentence was appropriate ''so that others who think they might defraud the school system perhaps will think twice.'' Secondly, it's interesting how courts find it convenient to make someone into an example when they happen to be poor and black. I'd love to see how they prosecute wealthy white women who commit the same offense. Oh, I forgot: Most wealthy white women don't have to send their kids to the schools located near the projects. Third, I'm not sure why the court is treating this law-abiding mom like a thug who ran into a building with a shotgun and robbed the district of $30,000. Instead, they could simply subtract the amount it costs for her kids to go to the second school from the amount that would be spent for them to attend the first one. I'm sure the difference would still be substantial, since American educational apartheid dictates that schools in poorer
neighborhoods are of significantly less quality than other schools. The racial divisions within American schools are nothing less than a blatant and consistent human rights violation and should certainly be treated as such. A final interesting blow by Judge Cosgrove that reflects the experience of marginalized African Americans in the criminal justice system relates to Williams-Bolar's quest to obtain a teaching degree. The single mother was in school studying to become a teacher so that she could create a better life for her girls. But that won't happen for her family now, given that the judge has all but shut the door on her chance to fulfill her dream: ''Because of the felony conviction, you will not be allowed to get your teaching degree under Ohio law as it stands today,'' the judge said. ''The court's taking into consideration that is also a punishment that you will have to serve.'' This case is a textbook example of everything that remains racially wrong with America's educational, economic and criminal justice systems. Let's start from the top: Had Ms. Williams-Bolar been white, she likely would never have been prosecuted for this crime in the first place (I'd love for them to show me a white woman in that area who's gone to jail for the same crime). She also is statistically not as likely to be living in a housing project with the need to break an unjust
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law in order to create a better life for her daughters. Being black is also correlated with the fact that Williams-Bolar likely didn't have the resources to hire the kinds of attorneys who could get her out of this mess (since the average black family's wealth is roughly 1/10 that of white families). Finally, economic inequality is impactful here because that's the reason that Williams-Bolar's school district likely has fewer resources than the school she chose for her kids. In other words, black people have been historically robbed of our economic opportunities, leading to a two-tiered reality that we are then imprisoned for attempting to alleviate. That, my friends, is American Racism 101. This case is also an example of how racial-inequality created during slavery and Jim Crow continues to cripple our nation to this day. There is no logical reason on earth why this mother of two should be dehumanized by going to jail and be left permanently marginalized from future economic and educational opportunities. Even if you believe in the laws that keep poor kids trapped in underperforming schools, the idea that this woman should be sent to jail for demanding educational access is simply ridiculous. Dr. Boyce Watkins is a social commentator, and a scholar in residence in the entrepreneurship and innovation unit at Syracuse University. Read his blog at http://drboycespeaks.blogspot.com.
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