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VOL. 20, No. 9 |June 1-15, 2010 | Web site: Racineinsider.blogspot.com | E-mail: insider@wi.net | 262.632.9370
Left: Reta Rogers and Beverly Hicks, former president of the local branch of the NAACP prepare to sign a gigantic “best wishes” card during a roast for Attorney Charles Swanson. Above: Mayor John Dickert presents Swanson with an official proclamation for his service to the Racine community, while Alderman Michael Shields looks on. Swanson started his law practice in the early 70’s and was acknowledged for his free service to the disadvantaged. Before his retirement recently, Swanson, served as the legal council for the local branch of the NAACP. The proclamation was given at a roast in his honor at the Second Annual Nancy Henry Award Banquet, held at Infusino’s Banquet Hall, in Racine. About 200 people attended the event.
The City Target Another Black For Closer
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 have moved 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. An example is how Jim Kaplan, Alderman of the 4th District, during his recent campaign for
NECKBONEOLOGY by Kenneth Lumpkin Alderman bragged how he closed Viper’s Lounge and others small businesses in his district. When an all out effort was made to close Viper’s Lounge, on the corner of High and Erie Street, some African American leaders suggested to the Aldermen that closing bars and taverns in the so-called inner
city could lead to the proliferation of crowds in other areas of town. Now after the city council has closed most minority businesses, they are now prepared to close even another one. But the question remains, is it being done because of problems the bar is causing, or is it being closed because it attracts too
many Blacks to an almost White downtown business district. Could the city have legitimate reasons to take action?
The Facts: The Park 6 on Sixth Street, a popular entertainment location for African American patrons, is in danger of being shut down after a shooting outside of the bar last weekend. The Racine Post reported that the City Council's Public Safety and Licensing Committee voted unanimously Monday to begin the process to revoke the controversial bar's liquor license. Alderman Bob Mozol made the motion.
"Every day this place stays open increases the chances of someone getting killed here," Mozol said. A security guard was shot in the leg early Sunday morning on Sixth Street. Three suspects were arrested in Kenosha about 45 minutes after the shooting. No charges have been filed. The Public Safety Committee strongly backed Mozol's lead. "This is impossible to ignore," said Alderman Aron Wisneski, chairman of the committee. Alderman David Maack said, without city action, "We're going to have a major problem." Turn to page 6