Tak ON e F RE E E
Insider News
Yolanda James Owner/Publisher 3001 Douglas Ave. Racine, WI 53402 262-681-2345
insiderwisconsin@yahoo.com
n i s n o c s Wi
Volume 1 No. 9
July 15-30, 2011
INW
African Americans help make Fourth Fest a success
See aditional pictures inside
Inside Racine’ s Hispanic Community Alicia Villa, left, bring the rich and colorful Hispanic heritage to this year’s Fourth Fest parade. See additional photos on page 19.
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Sandra Varner’s Celebrity Profiles
Everyone remembers his or her worst boss. Did you ever consider killing them?
This hilarious yet thought-provoking premise drives the Warner Bros. comedy, Horrible Bosses, starring Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Wendell Pierce, Julie Bowen, Donald Sutherland and Academy Award winners Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx. Even a “kiss up” gets dogged out. Management candidate Nick Hendricks (Jason Bateman) has towed the line and then some, clocking 12-hour days and taking everything his twisted supervisor Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey) dishes out; he wants the promotion that has been promised to him. After all that, now he knows that's never going to happen. On the other side of town, one of Nick’s best buds, dental assistant Dale Arbus (Charlie Day) has been struggling to maintain his self-respect against the never-ending X-rated advances of his cougar boss, Dr. Julia Harris, D.D.S. (Jennifer Aniston). She is driving him mad. Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), the third best bud, an accountant in good stead with the boss who suddenly dies, has his world practically turned upside down. He discovers that the company's corrupt new owner, Bobby Pellit (Colin Farrell), is not only bent on ruining his career but also plans to funnel toxic waste into an unsuspecting population. Quitting is not an option for either of them. So, on the strength of a few-too-many drinks and some cock-eyed advice from a hustling ex-con (Jamie Foxx), the guys devise a convoluted but foolproof plan to rid the world of their respective employers... permanently. Equally desperate and dopey, they set off on this crazy plan as a last resort. The problem is, apart from their outrage, their furtive fantasies and the knowledge gleaned from umpteen seasons of watching "Law & Order," they have no qualifications, no experience and certainly no aptitude for the assassination business. Jamie Foxx’s character, MF’er Jones, a seedy guy who operates in a bar on the so-called “bad side of town,” sells a killing strategy to these three friends, more so reminiscent of The Three Stooges. The half-baked scheme nets MF’er a quick five G’s and creates for the would-be killers, an extended nightmare. Asked how they fashioned such a character for Foxx, screenwriter Micheal Markowitz replied, “There are several terrible bosses I have had and I’m sad to say I lived through that. In terms of ‘MF’er Jones,’ I just wanted a guy who would be the worst nightmare that these suburban guys would have to talk to, someone who they would have nothing in common with.” As for me, commented John Francis Daley, “I wanted to find a great comedian to play that role with all the intensity that he could muster. I feel like Jamie -and it’s forgotten somehow that he started in comedy-- is just hilarious. His Oscar win is for playing a different side of things but I thought he brought such intensity and awesomeness to that role. I think it’s one of the really strong parts of the film and he tells a back story that is just marvelous. I’m glad he could be a part of it.”
Poll: 3/4 of African Americans Believe BET Award Sponsors Should be Boycotted
In a recent Your Black World survey, nearly three out of every four (74.4%) African American respondents believe that the corporate sponsors for the BET Awards should be boycotted. The survey asked a series of questions to measure the African American reaction to the most recent BET Awards show, which featured artists that regularly endorse violence, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, and other activities that activists have deemed to be a celebration of the dismal state of the black community. The survey asked the following question: “Some have cited the corporate sponsors of the BET Awards as a primary culprit in the promotion of negative hip hop. Should these corporate sponsors be held accountable via boycotts?” The majority of black respondents said that BET’s primary corporate sponsors, which include Dominos Pizza, Subway, Starbucks , Coca Cola, Macys, Sprint, and Ford, among others, should be boycotted. A total of 84.6% of all respondents say that BET is sending the wrong message by giving so many award nominations to artists like Lil Wayne, who has admitted to a willingness to kill newborn babies, shoot old women, carry weapons, etc. Some argue that the music goes far beyond simple entertainment, since millions of inner city youth emulate the behavior being featured in hip-hop lyrics. An artist earns respect from his audience by “keeping it real,” meaning that he must attest to a lifestyle which is authentic to the lyrics that he recites in his songs. Lil Wayne, who just finished a prison sentence earlier this year, is an example.
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People & Faces of Fourth Fest The theme of this year's parade was "75 Years of Goodwill Celebrations." The event gave area's festivals and fairs a chance to "strut their stuff" down the 2.6mile parade route. Viewers watched horses, clowns, antique cars, the popular Iwo Jima presentation, servicemen and servicewomen, awardwinning marching bands (and drum & bugle corps), colorful floats, dance troupes, sports heroes, school groups, politicians, and other dignitaries. More than 160 units in all participated inthis year’s parade. Indeed, Africa’s American played a significant part in the success of the parade. The where something for everyone!
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Are new voter ID laws in Wisconsin Jim Crowism by another name?
In few instances are legislators able to present any empirical evidence showing that the burdens imposed by the laws are justifiable or reasonable. The party line presented by those proposing the laws are that they are necessary to preserve the integrity of the electoral process and to prevent fraud and voter impersonation at the polls. However, there is no statistical evidence or real data in Wisconsin that supports these thin claims. A recent study by the Justice Department revealed that few people have been convicted of voter fraud and that most of those cases, in any event, could not have been prevented by voter ID laws.
Instead, what the evidence shows is a clear and undeniable racial impact. For instance, we know that there are many individuals who do not possess government-issued photo id such as driver's licenses and passports and that the burden associated with obtaining such an id may ultimately deter many from registering. To illustrate, the state of Indiana adopted a photo id law in the face of evidence that 13 percent of registered voters lacked the requisite id. And the impact was demonstrated in subsequent elections where long-time voters were denied the right to cast a ballot because they did not have acceptable id. In many of the states where these laws have emerged, there has been strong and
almost unanimous opposition presented from black legislators concerned about the impact that these laws will have on minority constituencies. For example, while many Americans have photo id, studies confirm that as many as 12 percent of eligible voters nationwide do not. A recent Pew Trusts survey conducted after the November 2008 election found that 16 percent of respondents lacked a driver's license that was both current and valid. In the last several months, voter ID and/or proof of citizenship bills have been adopted or cleared in our state of Wisconsin, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Kansas, and Rhode Island -- many of these being states with substantially large minority populations. In a number of other states, gubernatorial veto powers were evoked to prevent these restrictive laws from going into place including in North Carolina, Minnesota and Missouri. In Florida, the legislature has adopted a package of voting reforms that reduces early voting hours and will make it more difficult for ex-felons to have their voting rights restored. Vigilance will be demand-
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ed in those places where these laws are still being considered to ensure that the supposed benefits of the laws are outweighed by the substantial burdens that these laws impose. While hopefully we are not witnessing the re-emergence of Jim Crow, the effort to frustrate the exercise of our nation's most cherished civil right -- the right to vote -- should have us all concerned. As a civil rights lawyer who works in the trenches, I am well aware of the barriers that black voters face and particularly sensitive to the burdens that these new laws present. The goal this state and local communities should be to adopt progressive election reforms that tear down existing barriers while steering clear from Jim Crowera kinds of voting laws that turn the clock back and bring us closer to the past than we need to be. Because the law is now in place, Racine minority community should begin an all out effort to mobilize the community for the next election. It is important that we identify, educate potential voters. This can be done to our churches, as well as our organizations. In upcoming weeks the Insider News Wisconsin will lunch a campaign to help get potential voters new photo ID. If you are interested in helping us to give potential voters to the motor vehicle building for photo ID, please call us at 262–681–52345.
Photos by Yolanda James
Church group host outdoor event for neighborhood families
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Lumpkin survives roast by friends and colleagues
Lumpkin IS shown with his wife Helen, Tarence and Tashawn Banks, two of his 12 grandchildren. Photos by Yolanda James
Right photo: Gloria Roger, president of the Racine Branch of the NAACP presents Ken Lumpkin a plaque of appreciation at the Chapter’s Roast to honor his contributions to Racine as the former publisher/owner of the Racine Insider News and as a Racine County Board Supervisor. Shown above are the Rosters: Terry Kimmons (MC), Supervisor Ken Hall, Barney Nellis, Rev. Mark Freeman, Supervisor Donnie Snow, and Al Rogers. The event was held at Infusion’s Banquet Hall and drew over 100 people. Proceeds from the event goes towards the organization’s fights against injustices.
Is the City Out to Close Last Two African America Downtown Entertainment Spots? This week the local branch of the NAACP will meeting in executive session to decide if the civil rights organization will ask for national approval to futher investigate the claims of the two bar owners. If the approved, the local branch could hire outside counseling to investigate the allegations, and could lead to a lawsuit in behalf of the two business owner. In the early 90’s there were about 28 African American bars, taverns, and lounges. In less than two decades, the city has managed to close most of them leaving nine for a city whose African American population is well over 26,000. History shows that every since Blacks migrated from the south to Racine in the 40’s they have sought to entertain themselves within their own community. In the early 70’s Aldermen began using the closing of Black bars to prove their worth as elected officials. In the past few years, three minority establishments has open their doors in the downtown area and has been met with stiff opposition every since. In a 2010 investigation by the local branch of the NAACP, it report concluded that it seem to be an effort by downtown businesses and government to closed these three bars down that are frequent by primarily African-American patrons. Recently Gingers, one of the three, decided under pressure to no longer promotes minority events in order to keep their restaurant liquor licensing. Now the faith of the two remaining bars businesses future are being left in the hands of a five panel, all white city com-
mittee. Park 6 and the Place on 6th, owned by Thomas Holmas and Alderman Keith Fair, both located in the 500 block of Sixth Street, and both popular downtown entertainment location for African American patrons, could soon be shutdown by the city. The City Council's Public Safety and Licensing Committee voted unanimously last Monday to begin the process of non-renewal of the controversial bar's liquor license. Ironically, it is the same committee that suggest the two need to be closed, will set in judgment of the bars in a trial a like setting. More displeasing is the fact that only the two Black bars are being brought up for non-renewal, although city records obtained by the Insider News Wisconsin, shows several other bars with equal and more severe complaints. Fair said that he believe that it’s a city agenda is to closes down bar that host a minority cliental. “I believe it’s the mayor agenda. In a story about Racine Police Chief Curt Wahlen retirement, when asked what he would have liked to have seen through before retirement. He said closing down the Park 6 bar on Sixth Street. This week
he was rehired by the city until a news police chief. Holmes says he worry the former Chief will try to make good on his wish. “I fear that he will use his position and influence as acting Chief of Police to finish what he said publicly that he wished to do with my business,” explained Holmas. Holmas said that many of the police reports have been altered in order to cast a negative light on his bar. He said, “Police unfounded reports, couple with the Chief’s statements, prove that their an effort by this city to close down black bars in the downtown area. In Tuesday city council meeting two weeks ago, Fair said going over the bar’s history of police incidents, “There’s absolutely nothing that flies to the level of due process,. He added, “This is grievously unfair.” Fair also questioned why a two-year history report was only requested for the Place on Sixth and Park 6, saying, “If you do it for one, you should do it for all.” Is it reasonable to believe that city Alderman have already decided that it is easier to sacrifice one Black business, for the safeguard of others? Veteran Alderman Michael Shield feels
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that the city’s rush judgment of Park 6 and Place On 6th is tainted and biased, and hinders the committee’s ability to be fair to the owners. “They have done what the committee asked of them and is now being punished for it. You cannot control what a person does once they leave your establishment.” During the last summer months, police officers would walk the downtown area, resulting in fewer incidents. The measure was abandoned at the end of the fall months. Some people have long suggested that the closing of Black bars is a scam to free up liquor licenses for other proposed downtown bars and restaurants. This week the local branch of the NAACP will meeting in executive session to decide if the civil rights organization of four national approval to father investigate the claims of the two bar owners. If the approved, the local branch could hire outside counseling to investigate the allegations, and could lead to a lawsuit in behalf of the two business owner. Whatever the reason, it seems that Park 6 and the Place on 6th is doomed ill faith if some city alderman have their way.
FORMER MOTOR CITY MAYOR WRITES BOOK Kilpatrick, 41, eventually tion pleaded guilty to obstruc to st nte co no d an of justice in the e tim d ve ser d an lt au ass him to county jail. Groner sent t no for ar ye t las son state pri his adhering to the terms of for the probation, which called his of e sur clo dis ul truthf yor is finances. The former ma eks we n thi wi ed rol pa set to be lating from state prison for vio nal mi cri 08 20 probation in the case.
r - Disgraced former mayo an in s im cla k tric Kwame Kilpa unspoken upcoming book that an rsaries, ve ad alliance of political and an rs de lea ess sin Detroit bu ed on a liz ita aggressive media cap send to al nd sca sex and perjury erica's Am of e on g din lea m him fro l. cel son largest cities to a pri ls The former politician bil and ll Fa se, Ri e Surrendered! Th lpatrick Revelation of Kwame Ki While a. sag as the true tale of his an he takes responsibility fors told lie d an e aid an th affair wi o during a civil trial, he als his for ers oth of blames plenty downfall. f, I "When I perjured mysel d An e. lan a ies gave my enem hhig a o int e lan t tha d ne they tur ord acc s, ite way," Kilpatrick wr d ne tai ob py co e nc va ing to an ad y "M ss. by The Associated Pre s to second term intent entering office wa actions heading into my ened too many people's my d an rs, ite tro De r t threat empowe ability to do it. And tha . And suggested that we had the lines for me, then, became simple. Get rid of me m tto bo eir Th bottom line. they're not finished." elected at age 31, was p Mayor" when he was rs contradicted testiHo ip"H the ed bb du k, Kilpatric ssued page plicit er text messages on city-i charged with perjury aft 07 police whistle-blowers' trial. The sexually ex antic 20 rom a a g d rin ha du der oath that he mony he gave lied when he denied un text messages showed he e. relationship with the aid gressive Wayne County levels criticism at the ag two judges who heard the he , ok bo the t ou gh rou Th ll as y, who charged him as we prosecutor, Kym Worth . tem sys urt the co case as it went through chief of staff the affair with one-time yne County t ou ab r, ve we ho , en op Kilpatrick is front of the Wa sehoods he told, even in and his freedom. Christine Beatty and fal ure fut his e would decid Circuit Court judge who d my plea. 'I lied under vid Groner, who requeste jury and to impede and Da ge Jud e for be od sto "I and ord, ent to mislead the court oath,' I said, 'with the int tion of justice,'" Kilpatrick writes. "For the rec tra s nis wa mi th ad r oa r fai de I lied un obstruct the statement. The real reason s I lied when I made that wife to know I cheated. But be clear. There wa s my wa e nt cas wa e n't rs' suit. Th because I did uct in the whistle-blowe str ob to e tic jus no ly absolute t cornered." manufactured. I was jus
The book, co-written by Khary Turner, is set to be s ha released Aug. 1. Groner fits pro ok bo y an ruled that his relaintended for Kilpatrick, first be st mu ts en tives or other ag 0 in applied toward $860,00 y. cit the to n tio titu res id pa un
Surrendered!
The Insider News Wisconsin is a community based newspaper published in Racine, Wisconsin. The newspaper covers a variey 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 107 locations. All inquiries about advertisement or news should be made five to seven days before the 1st and 15th of each month.
Yolanda James, President/CEO Dadra Lockridge, Account Representative Julius Gails, Staff Photographer
3001 Douglas, Avenue • Racine, Wisconsin 262.681.2345 Page 8 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
NAACP releases report: State of the Black Man in Milwaukee MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee branch of the NAACP held a press conference Wednesday, June 22, to present a report on the devastating impact of segregation, job loss and the cycle of poverty
African-American families headed by a married couple are an endangered institution, with fewer than three of 10 families headed by a husband and wife. AfricanAmerican families headed by a single
At th payine same on a g $716 time, the All o dult corr ,589,270 state is com f these a ectiona per ye l a “hyp bined w nd othe facilities r it e r h r f a s M ctors . ing a egre ilwa the g devast gation,” ukee’s , Afric rowth a ating im are hav dest an-Ame nd matu pact on hoodroying u rican ch ration o auth s, say t rban ne ildren anf ors. he re ighb or - d port ’s
and incarceration on African Americans in Milwaukee. The “Occasional Report of the NAACP Milwaukee Branch” was prepared by R.L. McNeely, a lawyer and professor of social welfare at UWMilwaukee; David Pate, UW-Milwaukee assistant professor of social work; and Lisa Ann Johnson, a bachelor’s degree candidate in social work at the university. The report summarizes numerous local and national studies that paint a grim picture of prospects for African Americans in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee branch of the NAACP does these reports periodically to look at the quality of life and racial climate in the city.
mother can expect to earn less than onethird of what families headed by married African Americans earn. More than half of all African-American males in Milwaukee between the ages of 16 and 64 are unemployed. The estimated high school graduation rate for African Americans enrolled in Milwaukee Public Schools is only 40 percent, lagging far behind other major cities. Two out of three young African-American men without a high school diploma will spend time in prison. Wisconsin has the second-highest rate of black incarceration in the country, putting Blacks in prison at nearly 11 times the rate of whites. This further
decreases the ability of Black males to find jobs. At the same time, the state is paying $716,589,270 per year on adult correctional facilities. All of these and other factors, combined with Milwaukee’s “hyper-segregation,” are having a devastating impact on the growth and maturation of AfricanAmerican children and destroying urban neighborhoods, say the report’s authors. “The statistical data in this report confirm what many Milwaukeeans have concluded from anecdotal incidents and media reports,” says Barbara Becker, first vice president of the Milwaukee Branch, NAACP, and a member of the NAACP’s steering committee. “The circumstances for Black families in Milwaukee are dire, with obstacles stacked in layers both for males, and in turn. for females trying to raise children. This is a wake-up call requiring new ways of thinking to begin to turn this around. We cannot afford to put this out of our minds and shrug our shoulders. This is not a black problem, this is a problem that all of us who live here share. It requires ‘us,’ not ‘them,’ solu-
Police is on the hunt for two of the bad guys that broke into local taverns
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tions.” While the report paints a bleak picture, it also suggests some possible starting points for improvement. The report mentions the work of “dedicated public school teachers” and notes that students enrolled in Milwaukee Public Schools outperform students enrolled in voucher schools in both mathematics and reading. Educational achievement for AfricanAmerican students is particularly strong in the city’s Montessori schools, the report notes. The study urges more education as essential for employment opportunities in 21st century Milwaukee , noting the growing number of health care and other service-industry jobs that require more than unskilled or semiskilled backgrounds. “For most individuals with children, completion of, at least, an associate’s degree, will be required for a reasonable standard of living.” The report encourages support for more Black entrepreneurial activity as one way to offset high levels of unemployment. The report also urges educational and transitional programs to help African-American males move from prison back into gainful employment, citing a number of successful pilot projects teaching entrepreneurship to African American men who’ve been in prison. The report notes that ex-offenders making more than $10 an hour are half as likely to return to prison as those making $7 or less per hour. Copies of the report will be available for a small fee by contacting Barbara Becker at the NAACP, 414-562-1000, or stopping in at 2745 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Suite 203 in Milwaukee.
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Campaign Promotes Use Of Minority Banks The National Bankers Association {NBA}, a cosortium of minority-owned banks, is teaming with nationally-syndicated radio talk show host, Warren Ballentine, to spearhead a national campaign to get minorities and other consumers in the urban areas to bank with minority banks. A press conference to kick-off the campaign will be held this Friday beginning at noon at the headquarters of the National Bankers Association in Washington. The promotional campaign, being called "The People's Economic Movement," is being orchestrated to coincide with the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial statue in Washington, August 28th. According to Michael Grant, president of the NBA, "This self-help, empowerment movement is designed to stimulate much-needed economic development at our nation's urban core. By depositing their money in minority banks, getting mortgages, small business loans or loans for college tuition from banks in their communities, consumers begin a process of harnessing the economic strength of the masses in a way that creates direct benefits to their communities which are still suffering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression." Asked why the campaign is being called, "The People's Economic Movement," Radio One talk show host
Warren Ballentine explained: "This recession has created not a moment in time but a movement in time. Community economic development will only come with an intelligent and targeted approach to managing money. By investing their money in the minority banks in their own communities, consumers will begin to see how to make capitalism work in their favor." The consortium's member banks operate branches in 29 cities located across America. In the aggregate, these banks have over $15 billion in assets and serve over 3 million depositors. As an example of how little support minority banks are receiving from their potential customer base, economists have estimated that while the AfricanAmerican community has over one trillion dollars in disposable income a year, it has been estimated that AfricanAmerican owned banks manage less than 5% of the wealth in the communities that they serve. "The People's Economic Movement" will include NBA banks from all over America - especially in urban communities. Organizational leaders and celebrities who are supporting "The People's Economic Movement" include Reverend AI Sharpton, Roger Campos, Reverend Frank Reid of Baltimore, Reverend Buster Soaries of Newark, Boris Kodjoe, CeCe Winans, and Reverend Rudy Rasmus of Houston.
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What If Casey Anthony Had Been Hispanic, Asian, or Black? Are there Inconsistencies in Ethnic and Class Media Coverage? The media’s obsession with the Casey Anthony murder trial has brought attention to an unspoken and significant question: If Casey’s daughter had been Black, Hispanic or Asian, would the case have garnered as much attention? Known as “tot mom” by HLN’s host Nancy Grace, Casey Anthony was acquitted July 5 of a first-degree murder charge, which left viewers across the country puzzled and angry that no one had been held responsible for the death of two-year-old Caylee Anthony. Some news outlets questioned the trial’s overwhelming coverage and said race and social status played a major role in a case that saturated social media. The International Business Times (IBT) was shocked that the Casey Anthony trial drew as much attention as it did because significant elements that attract spectators were not there. Anthony lacked “wealth, celebrity and good looks,” which are qualities the tabloid media craves, according to IBT. The site called Caylee an “adorable child” and her mother “plain-looking.” “They didn’t appear to be an affluent family, though not exactly poor either,” IBT stated. “Overall, it seems to be an ordinary, mundane (white) American family in which an unspeakable crime has occurred.” IBM said a similar case involving beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey in the 1990s had the elements on which mainstream media thrives. “That tale had virtually everything a tawdry tabloid market demanded – a horrifying murder of an innocent child; attractive wealthy parents (including an ex-beauty queen mother and millionaire businessman father)…,” the news agency stated. “Oh, and they were White.”
David Hazinski, a former NBC News correspondent who teaches broadcast journalism at the University of Georgia, said the media disproportionately covers other races in missing person’s cases.
Clark said the media’s coverage of cases reflects how society views different races, sexes. “In many, many cities going back 50, 75 years or more, journalists would refer to
good; old is bad. And I think we can find versions of this story going back to the tabloid wars of more than a hundred years ago.” Casey Anthony was acquitted of the murder charges but was sentenced to four years in prison for lying to police officers during the case. With time already served in jail while awaiting the murder trial and good behavior while incarcerated, she is expected to be released July 17.
Call us with a news story, or a comment on the newspaper
“When was the last time you heard something about a 23-year-old Black female who was missing on NBC or ‘World News Tonight’?” Hazinski asked MSNBC.com. “I think in general we just really don’t hear about Latin or Black or Asian people who are missing.” “I’m not sure why.” Instead of race, gender may be the reason for the heavy coverage of the Casey Anthony, according to Roy Peter Clark, vice president of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, Fla. “There are several common threads,” Clark told MSNBC.com. “The victims that get the most coverage are female rather than male. They are White, in general, rather than young people of color. They are at least middle class, if not upper middle class.”
‘good murders’ and ‘bad murders,’” Clark said. When covering police stories, Clark said there is “this perverted, racist view of the world. White is good; Black is bad. Blonde is good; dark is bad. Young is
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Yolanda James 262.681.23454 or email insiderwisconsin@ yahoo.com
Drive Heats Up to Overturn Florida’s Mandatory Drug Test for Welfare Recipients Mandatory drug testing for needy Florida residents seeking government assistance is less than two weeks old but civil rights groups are stepping up their challenge of Gov. Rick Scott’s directive as unconstitutional. A lawsuit to overturn the law is expected to be filed by civil liberties advocates. Effective July 1, drug screening is required for state residents who request Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. The applicant is to pay for the drug screening. If no evidence of illicit drug use is found, the cost of the drug test will be reimbursed. If the tests return positive results, however, money will be distributed only for a dependent child and only to a designated family member, who also is subject to drug screening. The law would cover an estimated 113,000 residents, according to state officials. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida is worried that the Department of Social Services will turn over positive drug tests to a child service agency—causing an investigation of child abuse. Howard Simon, the executive director of the ACLU said the governor’s executive order is sending a harsh message to low-income residents. “What (Scott) is doing is giving ugly legitimacy to an unfortunate stereotype that has been in this country for a couple of decades – that all welfare recipients are a bunch of drug abusers,” he said. The ACLU has not filed suit over the law but Simon said that it would continue to fight the legislation. “Don’t be surprised if we file a suit soon,” an ACLU
spokesman told the AFRO on July 8. The ACLU succeeded in winning a suit against a similar law in Michigan in 2003. "This has to be stopped here," Simon said. "There is a concerted attack on the personal freedoms of all Floridians." The group had previously sued to block implementation of a law to require drug screening of state employees resulting in Scott rescinding an executive order mandating employee screening in early June. Jacksonville defense attorney Thomas Bell said the new law is based on the premise that all welfare recipients are on drugs. “There's no logical connection being in need of government assistance for your family and the presumption that you may have used drugs,” Bell told The Florida Times-Union. “Essentially, the effect of the law is to deter people from getting benefits, both the cost and the intrusion.” Five Florida Democratic legislators issued a joint statement against the law and called it “downright unconstitutional.” Despite protests from state residents and lawmakers, Scott continued to defend the mandate and said it would provide “personal accountability and responsibility” for Florida, according to the Examiner.com. “It’s the right thing for citizens of this state that need public assistance. We don’t want to waste tax dollars. And also, we want to give people an incentive to not use drugs,” Scott said, according to The Imperfect Parent.com.
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Sonic, Burger King, U.S. Outlets Add Alcohol to Menus
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Loyal customers of popular fast-food chains Sonic and Burger King will now be able to order beer or wine to wash down burgers and fries. Later this summer, Sonic—a drive-through eatery— will sell alcohol at two locations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, according to USA Today. Patrons will be able to choose from three types of draft beer, 25 varieties of bottled beer and 10 types of wine, according to Drew Ritger, Sonic senior vice president for business planning and purchasing. “We look at this as an opportunity to drive evening business in the market,” Ritger said. Burger King recently opened “Whopper Bars” in Miami, Las Vegas and Kansas City, Mo. where patrons could buy beer. Any fast-food restaurant’s move toward selling alcohol may be a way to boost sales and compete with casual dining, said Ron Paul, president of a restaurant consulting firm Technomic. “For consumers, it’s basically about having it your way—even if it’s having a beer with your burger,” Paul told USA Today. Continued on page 18
Page 14 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Above: Members of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity are shown with their wivees at a recent function held in Racine. The Fraternity is best known as the Boulé', a Greek term meaning "council of noblemen." Founded in 1904, Sigma Pi Phi is the oldest "Greek letter" organization comprised primarily of African-American men. The Boulé' has more than 5,000 members and 119 chapters throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Its membership consists of some of the most accomplished, affluent and influential men leaders who are making lasting contributions in their communities, our society and the world. Right: Edward Jenkins, Sire Archon (President) of the Racine Boulé, presents Javen M. Smith, winner of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity’s Carl S. Tidwell Memorial Scholarship for 2011. Javen a graduate of Washington Park High School, having graduated with a grade point average of 4.157. His community service activities include Positive Impact, K.I.D.S from Wisconsin, and Burlington’s Chocolate Fest as an Entertainment Associate. He was a proud member of the Health Occupations Students of America, The National Honor Society, The Drama Club and he still finds time to work at Abercrombie & Fitch. Javen has been actively taking voice and piano lessons for the past 10 plus years and has performed over 100 times in his young life. Javen states in his scholarship essay “I am often my hardest critic. I believe that the only indubitable techniques of excellence can be explained in two simple words; continuous
Howell & Lopez: One could be Racine’s next Chief of Police Racine is looking for a new chief of police and two qualified minority candidates exist within the department and community leaders is questioning why the process has changed compared to previous hiring procedures. Deputy Chief Art Howell, foreground, a life long resident of Racine, and Deputy Chief Carlos Lopez marched the entire Fourth Fest paraide route last Monday. At this time members of the Police and Fire Commission is undecided weather or not that will request the highly controversial national search. The next Police and Fire Commission meeting to discuss the issue of the national search will be held on Monday, July 11 at 3:30pm. The location of the meeting has not yet been released. Check our website: www.insiderwisconsin.com for details. Photos by K. Lumpkin
Page 15 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
Insider News
SHEPHERD’S GUIDE St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
ZOE OUTREACH Ministries
1120 Grand Ave. Racine, Wis.
262-632-1467 www.stpmbc.org
2130 Racine Street Racine, WI 619-3027
Sunday School 9:15 AM Sunday Worship Service 7:45 AM & 10:40 AM
Bishop Lawrence L.
Wednesday Prayer & Bible Class 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Dinner - 5:30 PM
Christian Faith Fellowship Church Racine, Wisconsin Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott 262-631-0196
Melvin Hargove Pastor 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
Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service • 10:00 AM Sunday School • 9:00 AM
KIRBY
Wednesday Bible Study • 6:30 PM
Senior Pastor
Gilmore Middle School’s Auditorium 2330 Northwestern
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
SeArChinG TOGeTher MiSSiOnAry BAPTiST ChUrCh 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
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
Come Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Bible Study Wednesday 6:00 Pm - 8:00 PM
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.
Gospel Mission Ministries
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”
Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church
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
Pastors Breon and Karen Norton 945 N. Memorial Drive • Racine, WI 53403 262.634.3156
Rev. Buddy Vinson Senior Pastor
Sunday Service • 1:30 p.m. Wednesday • 7:15 p.m. Friday Prayer and Praise Dance • 7:15 p.m.
Page 16 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
` By Mike McCray We all know the safest bet to avoid being booed during Amateur Night at the Apollo is to sing a gospel song. Well, GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain is singing some gospel of his own, except his gospel isn't rooted in the belief of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Cain's gospel is steeped in the worst kind of party politics, xenophobia and utter ridiculousness befitting of a reality show but woefully unfit for the highest office in the land. Never mind the fact that a leaked gospel album he recorded a decade ago surfaced on the internet to his chagrin, Cain needed little help to convince even more people that he's a strange case. Cain's official campaign had nothing to do with the sudden re-emergence of the strikingly 90s, generic, poorly executed, albeit heartfelt, album but it only adds to the lunacy of narrative of the shrewd and accomplished businessman turned political commentator and television talking head. LISTEN TO HERMAN CAIN'S 'GOSPEL' on our website at: insiderwisconsin.com The Morehouse College alum has been called a number of things for his frequently outlandish comments, his steadfast mission to prove he's, in fact, blacker than President Barack Obama and his partisan pandering that many times come off like a well-rehearsed soft shoe routine for his predominantly white base. The gospel according the Herman Cain at times seems to be coming up implausible solutions for America's woes, with the earnest ditziness of Jessica Simpson but the moxie of Karl Rove. His irrational, oft-times silly, ideas for
moving the country forward even elicit laughs from his supporters but that's the scariest part, what if his whole shtick is entirely serious? Most recently, he spoke to a group of supporters about his recent trip to China and how he marveled at the Great Wall and its sturdiness. Inspired by the Great Wall's great girth, his solution to our complex immigration issues involved the United States building a great wall of our own, much like China's, which can be seen from space, with technological advances and, wait for it, an alligatorinfested moat surrounding the whole thing. A failed attempt at humor, sure. But Cain's track record for bizarre ideas turned what was probably a joke amongst fellow Republicans into an entirely believable negative headline. His Liberals adversaries aren't the only ones to find his candidacy laughable. National Hispanic GOP groups are asking for him to bow out of the race after his comments on "fixing" immigration but Cain doesn't seem deterred. He's so bullheaded in the notion of his post-racial-ness, that he isn't much concerned with labels either. In fact, he doesn't even describe himself as AfricanAmerican. Just a black, conservative.
Page 17 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
Black Women Stress Compounded Using incense or lighting a candle may seem like good ways to let go of racial stress, but a recent study found that might not be the case in terms of racial tension among women. In fact, some coping strategies employed by African-American women may actually increase their stress instead of alleviate it, according to a recent study from Psychology of Women Quarterly. Race-related stress has been studied extensively. This new research looks at the various methods of coping with the effects of race-related stress among African-American women to determine whether the use of various methods of coping were more successful. Coping strategies were categorized as: Collective-centered coping, such as asking for advice from elders or the community Cognitive-emotional coping, such as seeking out people who could draw out emotions like laughter or happiness Spiritual-centered coping, such as prayer Ritual-centered coping, such as lighting a candle "I expected that higher use of coping efforts would reduce the severity of psychological outcomes associated with individual race-related stress," wrote Tawanda Greer, the study's author. However, the outcomes were surprising. The results showed that the use of one particular method of coping, the use of ritual-centered coping, actually increased stress levels. "African American women are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of race-related stress, given their socially constructed identities as African Americans and as women," wrote Greer. "Thus, it is critical to the overall well-being of African American women that coping efforts are identified that assist in alleviating the psychological impacts associated with race and the intersection of race- and gender-related challenges."
Drinks Continued on page 18 “You don’t want someone downing a quick beer, then getting into their cars and driving off. It’s a delicate balance of risk and reward,” said Christopher Mullen, dean at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. “Fast food plus fast alcohol equals fast drunks,” Michele Simon of watchdog group Marin Institute told USA Today. Four Starbucks in Seattle sell beer and a fifth will sell alcohol in September—beer goes for $5 and a glass could cost up to $9. In Singapore, Venezuela and Spain, Burger King Whopper Bars already exist. According to London news agency The Independent, fast-food chains in Europe have been selling beer since the 1970s. In 1971, the first McDonald’s opened in Munich, Germany and was the first chain to sell beer.
Civil Rights-era Rockwell painting borrowed by Obama Decades after Ruby Bridges made history walking into a desegregated New Orleans elementary school, the nation's first black president has chosen to honor her courage and that moment in time by hanging the painting outside of the Oval Office. According to The Boston Globe: The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge has just announced that President Obama has asked it if the White House can borrow one of its most treasured paintings, Rockwell's "The Problem We All Live With," to mark the 50th Anniversary of Ruby Bridges's momentous walk to school, which marked the beginning of the racial integration of the William Frantz Public School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960. Rockwell's painting was made for the cover of the January 14, 1964, issue of Look magazine. It's one of his most powerful, courageous, and ardent pictures. While the image shows her historic walk as a child, Ruby Bridges now goes by Ruby Bridges Hall and serve on the board for the Rockwell Museum. Speaking about the painting significance, she said: "Here was a man who had been doing lots of work -- painting family images -and all of the sudden decided, 'This is what I am going to do -- it's wrong and I'm going to say that it's wrong.' " The painting will be on display at the White House until October 31st.
Page 18 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
Inside Racine’ s Hispanic Community
Alicia Villa, sings to over 100, 000 people who watched this years Fourth Fest two and half mile parade through downtown Racine. Angeliza Anchondo,(center) 15, a member of Horlick High School Pom-Pon squard wave to her mother Amanda Craddock, shown right. Another highlight of the parade were the dancing horses ridden by Mexican riders.
Miss Latina Racine 2010 Jessica Cark, left, were among hunders of Hispanic that participated in this year Fourth Fest. Jessica is a freshman at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Biology, in a pre-medicine path to become a doctor. A graduate of Washington Park High School, Jessica was active in Health Occupation Students of America organization (HOSA), and the Health Youth Apprenticeship program (HYA). In addition to being president of HOSA, she was active in introducing HOSA to fellow students, as well as encouraging team building and leadership skills. Her role in HYA allowed her to become a Certified Nursing Assistant after her sophomore year of high school, and through the program, she worked at the local hospital. Along with her successful academic career, she was an athlete in basketball and track & field. She has also participated in, and led, many community service and volunteer events. Her involvement and the skills she built on these experiences have given her confidence, and self-esteem, and helped shape who she is
Page 19 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
Page 20 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011