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VOL. 21 No. 1 |January 1-15, 2010 | Web site: Racineinsideronline.com | E-mail: insider@wi.net | 262.632.9370
MAN OF THE YEAR As African American people, we have a tradition of celebrating those in our community who have influenced, affected, and brought change to our world. As an example, every year BET honors a worthy person with the Humanitarian award. So in following the tradition of our heritage, the Insider News honors Pastor Melvin Hargrove as Man of the Year. Hargrove has been laboring and investing in the city of Racine for many years. He and his wife Marie started Zoe Outreach Ministries, located at 2130 Racine St., in 1998 and they have been ministering to the spiritual needs of the community for 12 years. He has not only served this city but also the country. Having been in the military since high school, he was called to the Iraq war in 2003 and faced the challenging task of taking care of his family, his wife and 3 children, and maintaining the ministry while serving in active duty. In addition to pastoring, Hargrove has a passion to make an impact in the educational system in Racine and has been advocating vigorously to close the achievement gap among African American students. As a part of his efforts, he was appointed to the Racine Unified School Board in October 2007 and was actually elected in April 20x08. Dr. Tony Evans, a renowned speaker, author, and Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX, inspired and encouraged Hargrove through his national “Adopt a School Initiative.” Evans spoke in Racine a few years ago about this program at the Miracle Center and that gave Hargrove more definition and direction to his goal of changing the face of education in Racine. In addition, he made several trips to Dallas to view the Continued on page 3
“An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life. “
Bishop Lawrence Kirby, Sr. to be Featured in Inaugural Edition of Who’s Who In Black Milwaukee™ RACINE—Who’s Who Publishing company, the nation’s largest annual directory publisher focusing on the African-American market, enthusiastically announces Bishop Lawrence Kirby, Sr. of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church to be featured in the highly anticipated inaugural edition of Who’s Who In Black Milwaukee™. Bishop Kirby is the spiritual leader of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, which is the oldest African American church in the state of Wisconsin. Other honorees from Racine who will be joining Bishop Kirby, will include Julia Burney, founder of Cops N Kids, George Stinson and daughter, Georgeann Stinson-Dockery, president and vice president of General Converters & Assemblers, Inc., Corinne R. Owens, civil rights activist and Louise Hunter of Love and Charity Mission. A kick-off breakfast was held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at the Miracle Center located in Racine to make the official announcement and to pay honor to Bishop Kirby and others from the Racine and Kenosha region who will be included in the publication. The event was sponsored by Prudential Insurance Company of America and hosted by Pastor Darryl R. Williams of St. Mark AME Church (Milwaukee), Pastor Daryn D. Crenshaw of the Christ Baptist Church (Racine) and Who’s Who in Black Milwaukee, Associate Publisher, Jo Ann Hattix (Racine). Among those in attendance were local community leaders and members of St. Paul Missionary
Baptist Church. The inaugural edition of Who’s Who In Black Milwaukee™ is scheduled for release in the spring of 2011and will focus on “Diversity Champions”. Northwestern Mutual, M&I Bank, Miller Coors, WE Energies, MATC, Pinnacle Motivations, The University of WisconsinMilwaukee, and the American Heart Association are a few of the “Champions” who have become corporate sponsors. The publication will be published as a compilation of inspirational stories and mini profiles showcasing AfricanAmericans in the southeastern Wisconsin area which will include; Milwaukee,
Racine, and Kenosha. Candidates nominated for inclusion in Who’s Who In Black Milwaukee™ will include those who have triumphed in business, community, education, nonprofit and groundbreaking moments in politics. The selected candidates will be joining prestigious honorees such as Joan Archie, executive director, The University of Chicago Medical Center; Alex Shumate, managing partner of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. of Columbus, Ohio; Debra A. Toney, PhD, CEO, of TLC Health Care Services; renowned lawyer, Julius L. Chambers of Charlotte, North Carolina, and, Chicago native, Linda Johnson Rice, president and chief
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executive officer of the No. 1 AfricanAmerican publishing company in the world, Johnson Publishing, Inc. Faithe Colas, Community Relations Director for the Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee has agreed to pen the forward for the publication. She is the co-host of Black Nouveau, a weekly news magazine featuring stories of interest to Milwaukee’s African American community, and co produced MPTV’s Punching In, a documentary recognizing African American men and women. We Energies Vice President of Local Affairs, Thelma Sias will pen the introduction for the inaugural edition of the publication. Local Affairs is responsible for building and enhancing long-term relationships with community leaders and local government to garner support and approval for critical corporate initiatives. A subsidiary of Real Times Media, Who’s Who Publishing Company was founded in 1989 and highlights the achievements of African Americans while providing a valuable resource and networking guide for the entire community. Real Times Inc. is dedicated to sustaining its presence as the leading source of African-American related news, entertainment and lifestyle information. To learn more about how you can be included in Who’s Who In Black Milwaukee™ contact Associate Publisher, Jo Ann Hattix at 262.634.7594 or at hattixj@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.whoswhopublishing.com.
Man of the year 2011 his goal of changing the face of education in Racine. In addition, he made several trips to Dallas to view the inner workings of Evans’ program and formulate a way for the concept to work in this community. Presently, Zoe Outreach Ministries sponsors a mentoring program where they go into Knapp Elementary during school hours to assist boys and girls with homework as a method of helping to close the achievement gap. To have more of an impact Hargrove said, “I really would like other churches to join with us to go into the schools.” Hargrove is also a part of a newly formed group called “Concerned Black Men of Racine”, which is comprised of black men who are pastors, leaders, and members of the community. Their purpose is to raise up healthy black men who will create healthy black families which will result in healthy black communities. They are diligently trying to put together strategies to empower the lives of black men in every area including education, economics, employment, etc. The group recently attended a Monday evening school board meeting to provide a strong black presence in the school district, show a united front, and express their dedication to help monitor and advance
from page 1 education among our children, especially the young men. Elements that contribute to the achievement breach are the target of Hargrove’s efforts. He said, “The top three contributors to closing the gap are good teachers in all classes, the support of families, and an administration that is focused on the hard tasks of closing the achievement gap.” He shared that the achievement gap is not a figment of our imagination and if we as a community do not step forward to fix this problem, it threatens the progress of our children and their ability to move forward. Hargrove also feels that more minority teachers in the system would be beneficial to provide a presence in the classroom and to help overcome the cultural barriers that exist when educating African American students. He also pointed out, “We definitely need more minority teachers, but it’s not just the skin color that will make our kids learn better, it’s having the ability to teach and relate in a way they will understand.” The election for school board is coming up in April 2011 and Hargrove will run for another term. His passion, dedication, and desire to see our children succeed is motivation to seek re-election.
Twins Food and Insider News help family during hard economic times “Tis the season to be jolly” echoes the words of a traditional Christmas song. That can be a tall order for families who are facing hardship. When meeting basic financial needs becomes a challenge, being “jolly” can easily slip away. However, Joseph Cunningham has kept his perspective and managed to think positive in spite of unfortunate circumstances. Cunningham once worked for the Chicago Tribune and was also a District Manager for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for the past 25 years. He has recently encountered enormous health problems that has left him unable to work and as a single dad, struggling to provide for his 4 children. Cunningham has had multiple strokes, quadruple bypass surgery, neuropathy, which causes degeneration in the muscles, and other health issues. He has persevered and found resources in the city to help. He visits the Community Action Agency to help with groceries and takes advantage of free meals around the area to feed his children. Cunningham is receiving Social Security and admits it’s tough to make ends meet. In light of everything that has happened, he shares that there are people worse off. He said, “I pray and thank God each day that I am alive.” The Insider News and Twins Food Mart, located at 1812 16th St. have joined to make this Holidays brighter for Cunningham and his family. They gave him a basket of food to help make his load lighter and encourage him that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Twins also gave him a cell phone to help him with seeking to gain employment. Page 3 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Upper: Thomas Homes, owner of Park 6 Lounge, visibly upset at the proceedings, lashed out at the city’s hired attorney, saying he is being single out for retaliation. "We're doing everything we can to comply with the law, to comply with this committee," Holmes said. "I can't even sneeze or you're going to call me in here and say you didn't cover your mouth." Right: 4th District Alderman Jim Kaplan, serves as one of four jury members who voted on the future of the downtown club primarily frequent by African-American patrons.
City Speeds Up Efforts to Close Down Bars that Cater to Blacks A due process hearing resulting in a strong recommendation by City Council's Public Safety and Licensing Committee, that the Park 6 Club licensing would be yanked, was held on Monday. The proceedings initiated by the committee were based on an unusual complaint filed by the Racine Police Chief Kurt Wahlen against the popular downtown hip-hop club. Under state law, a liquor license is the property of a bar. To remove a license, a municipality must hold a trial-like hearing with the bar represented by an attorney and the licensing committee serving as the jury. The full Common Council can then affirm or overturn the committee's decision. In recent months, Thomas Holmes, owner of Park 6, and others have questioned whether or not the process is fair
and applied equally across the board. In August, Kenneth Lumpkin, a County Board Supervisor and owner of the Insider News said in his monthly column entitled Neckboneology that members of an African American tavern group say that white clubs in Racine have had some of the same problems, but have not been subject to the same requirements. “There have been several shootings at white taverns up and down Main Street, but none have had to put in security systems in order to keep their doors open,” said one group member. In Monday night proceedings, four members of the Licensing Committee, all white, voted unanimously to take away Holmes’ liquor license. In a candid remark, city hired Attorney Kenneth Rusch said, "We're not putting Park 6 out of business, but it's time to
take away its liquor license." However, Holmes told the newspaper it would be virtually impossible to keep his doors open for the 18 people he employs without his liquor license. The nightspot which is frequented primarily by young African-American patrons, has been troubled with numerous efforts by the city to close the downtown establishment. Holmes, visibly upset at the proceedings, lashed back at members believing that it is unequal treatment of blacks and minorities that the city’s hired attorney, is saying he is being singled-out for retaliation. "We're doing everything we can to comply with the law, to comply with this committee," Holmes said. "I can't even sneeze or you're going to call me in here and say I didn't cover my mouth." The Committee voted unanimously
back in May to begin the process to revoke the bars liquor license. He was later given a 45-day suspension. Since the suspension, police chief Kurt Wahlen said that he filed his complaint because of the unique situation of drainage on the police resources that the club has caused. Holmes’ attorney objected to the procedures moving forward because it could not be determined whether or not Wahlen had sworn to the testimony in the complaint, which is required by state statute. Rusch built his case around high profile problems in October and November while Bobbitts’ case included emphasis on the client fulfilling all that he was asked, and more. The committee’s unanimous recommendation to revoke the liquor license goes to the January 4, 2011 common council meeting.
NECKBONEOLOGY:Was Holmes’ so-called trial held in a kangaroo court A city committee recently held a due process for Thomas Holmes, owner of Park 6, 500 Sixth St., to consider whether to suspend or revoke his liquor license because of incidents in and around his bar. Few such as myself who have paid close attention to the Holmes saga, do believe that it is a black/white issue, and for months the City Council's Public Safety and Licensing Committee has ran out of controll and out of touch, using its enormous powers against downtown establishments that attracts large minority gatherings. Some leaders in the African-American community have gone so far as to accuse the downtown merchants association along with other politicians of attempting to rid Blacks from downtown areas for political gains. A 10 page report by the NAACP alludes that the problem is so blatant that there’s a possibility that the NAACP will contact the Wisconsin and U.S. Justice Departments based on what members believe is the "unequal treatment of
blacks and minorities" and to "make sure constitutional protections are not being circumvented for a privileged few or turned into a mutant variation of Jim Crow laws." With new leadership heading-up Racine’s oldest civil right organization, few know what stands the new Executive Committee will make. It is worth noting that since the publishing of the report neither the present NAACP Administrator or the organization executive committee has refuted the document or its content. Holmes have said, "I can't speak for other people. I just know what's going on with me. I think that a lot of things that's going on down there is perception. To some degree I'm unfairly picked on. People should work together to find out what the problem really is instead of trying to close establishments." I have grown in my belief that the socalled trial was no more than a waste of taxpayer’s money. I have strongly suggested that Park 6, Place On 6, and Ginger’s, which cater to a young African-
Kenneth Lumpkin American clientele, will be used as political pawns in upcoming elections.
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Historically, closing of minority bars have been used as a go-to law and order issue in local alderman and Mayoral races. Already aldermen who are serving as a panel of adjudicators have said that they believe the bars need closing. They have prejudiced themselves and shown that their political careers mean more to them than working together with business and the public sector to bring about plausible solutions. It is hard for me to believe that a city government, where unemployment is the second highest in the state, would actively work to terminate 10 to 15 individuals employment. The members of the city Council should take a longer and harder look at what message the closing of Park Six is sending to a segment of the Racine families. I hope that our elected officials are not saying that we are just tired and are no longer willing to find solutions to our downtown problems because it is much easier for government to place a BandAid on wounds rather than cure them.
NAACP Hosts Education Summit; Calls For End To Resegregation The country's most prominent civil rights group has come to Raleigh to draw attention to what it calls a growing erosion of the gains made since a 1954 Supreme Court decision made segregated schools illegal. Using Wake County's ongoing debate over school diversity as a backdrop, the NAACP is holding a national conference on education in Raleigh to argue that schools around the country are, in essence, returning to Jim Crow-era patterns of segregation. "Resegregation is on the rise," said the Rev. William Barber, chairman of the state NAACP chapter. "The rates now are worse than in the 1970s." Wake County has been the scene of acrimonious dispute since the school board voted to scrap a decadeold policy that used busing to achieve socio-economic balance in public schools. The NAACP and other groups have staged protests and marches and filed a federal civil rights complaint. Barber is among several who have been arrested in demonstrations against the end of the policy. NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous addressed the conference on Friday night, comparing the centuryold organization to a family that rallies together in the face of adversity. "It is time for the family to go back out into the country and tell them what's going on in Wake County," he said. "Our schools today are more segregated than they have been at any time since the 1960s." Jealous gave an overview of what he says will be the NAACP's first comprehensive policy on education since the civil rights era. He said the four pillars of the policy will be improved teacher quality, longer school years, mandatory pre-kindergarten education and more resources for underperforming students. The NAACP's criticism of the Wake board is out of
touch with both the reality of public education and recent Supreme Court rulings, according to Roger Clegg, president of the Falls Church, Va.based Center for Equal Opportunity. A 2007 decision by the court found that school districts can't pursue integration policies by using students' race as a basis, which Clegg argues is what busing for diversity amounts to. "Even if you think there's something desirable about having a politically correct racial and ethnic mix, it doesn't justify the enormous costs of engaging in racial discrimination," he said. That decision coincidentally put Wake County in the national spotlight as a district trying to achieve integration without directly relying on race, according to UCLA professor and civil rights scholar Gary Orfield. "Raleigh was the leader in substituting social class and test scores for race-conscious remedies, and some people had a lot of hope in Beverly Hicks, a retired Racine Unfied School teacher and former that," he said. President of the NAACP, heads the civil rights group education Clegg also challenges the committee and has kept the issue of value in education. claim that schools are becoming more segregated, arguing that falling percentages of white stuother, Clegg said. dents matches the declining number of whites in the "If you use that definition, not only is there no population overall. resegregation in the United States, there is not a single The term "segregation" doesn't refer to demographic segregated school in the United States," he said. change, but to legal policies explicitly designed to keep people of different races separated from each
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Cliff Reed Tour Line
J A M SESSION
Pick-up musician’s from around town convene at the Place On 6 Bar, 508 6th Street, each Tuesday, between 7 PM and 11 PM to share musical experiences. Music by the players include blues, jazz, comtemporary, and R&B.
is on the road again. January 13th and 27th Day trips to Ho-Chunk Casino Feburary - 10th A bus trip to Tunica, MS. Call now to reserve your seat and to find out more information about our services. Cliff-262-865-1031 or Trina- 262-488-1236. Or join us on Facebook-at CLIFFSONTHEGO2.
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Dennis Clay, organizer of the session,has been a musician in Racine for the past 40 years. Each week, Dennis, and a group of his friends, gets together at The Place On 6 to ponder over some memories and the music that made them famous in southeast Wisconsin. Dennis said that he enjoys the weekly reunions. “It gives me the opportunity to experiment with other musicians in the various styles and techniques that they use in making good sounding music,� he explained. He says that people who come out can expect the unexpected. “When you come to our sessions, you can look foward to hearing anything from old-school to new school. He added,�We allow individual musicians to bring to the stage any talent they want to bring whether it is blues or country, it does not matter to us,� he concluded.
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JANUARY 19 & 26 FEBRUARY 16 & 23 MARCH 16 & 23 APRIL 13 & 20 MAY 18 & 25 JUNE 22 & 29 JULY 20 & 27 AUGUST 17 & 24 SEPTEMBER 21 & 28 OCTOBER 19 & 26 DECEMBER 7 & 14
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Rev. Victor Thomas and Johnny Jones present Jennifer Alvarez one of 10 food gifts for the holidays. Rev. Victor Thomas, a minister at Star Light Ministry, get his haircut frequently cut at Finches Barbershop on the corner of Racine Street and Dekoven Ave. On one occasion he shared his idea of the young barbers giving back to their community by offering food baskets to needy families during the Christmas holidays. This suggestion was met with enthusiasm by the young entrepreneurs, which own and operate the community business. Taking Thomas’ lead, the barbers were able to raise enough money to offer 10 food baskets to families in need this year. They plan to again give out gifts for Easter.
Idell Marsh moved from Enterprise, MS. to Racine, WI in 1955. Idell can be proud of reaching a milestone in her life of four score and 18, and being the first of five generations. He daughter Fareeda Dadzie, 64, was also born in Enterprise, MS. and moved to Racine, WI. in 1955. Her daughter Tonia (Toni) Grandy, 43, is the mother Treazure Bester, 21, who on Thanksgiving Day last year became the mother of DaSani, who rounded off the five generations.
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Racine/Kenosha Shepard’s Guide January Calendar of Events Christ Baptist Church – 1801 Durand Avenue (414217-5055) Pastor Daryn David Crenshaw Worship is every Sunday @ 9:30 AM, Join us at 1810 Durand Avenue (Racine Seventh Day Adventist Church Building).
Sunday, January 16 @ 7:45 & 10:45 Worship Services. The conclusion of the weekend celebration with special services honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.
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. Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church-929 State Street (637-1606) Keith T. Evans, Pastor Sunday, January 23 @ 3:30 PM Annual Usher Celebration Mt Sinai Institutional Baptist Church, - 2401 Argonne Drive North Chicago, IL (847-689-4422) Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon January 4 @ 6:00 PM Church Calendar Planning Meeting January 9 @ 11:00 AM Officer Installation Service 1/12 Budget Meeting 7:30 pm January 19 @ 7:30 PM 4th Qtr Business Meeting 7:30 pm New Omega Baptist Church – 5731 Northwestern Avenue (634-4655) Pastor Fred Richmond January 16 @ 3:30 PM Ushers Annual Day Celebration January 30 @ 3:30 PM Southeastern Baptist Pastors Fellowship Worship Service hosted at New Omega Baptist Church
For further information call 262-6321467, St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street, Racine, WI 53403 Greetings My Brothers and Sisters; 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
St. Paul Baptist Church – 1120 Center Street (632-1467) Bishop L. L. Kirby Friday, January 14 @ 7:00 PM The MLK 20th Annual Celebration. To kick-off the weekend celebration musical @ St. Paul. Guest choirs from Southeastern Wisconsin. Saturday, January 15 @ 8:00 AM The 20th Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast will be held at the Miracle Center, 1100 Grand Avenue. Theme: “We are Keeping the Dream Alive” Guest Speaker Pastor Randy Bush, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA (Pastor Bush is the former pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Racine) Tickets are $10.00. Call the church office @ 262-632-1467 for more info.
We Are Giving Each Minister In Racine A Free Portrait To Hang On Their Church Wall call for an appointment 262.632.9370
Young Minister wants to foucus his ministry on youth At a young age Lewis Givens, a 1994 graduate of J. I. Case High School, took advantage of his calling into ministry at Midtown Church of Christ , in Racine, Wisconsin. At the time, the minister of Midtown Church of Christ was Brother George Coleman. Coleman encouraged Givens to enhance his calling by telling him that his day to become a minister would surely come. Givens is a 35 year old African American who has been in ministry since 1998. While attending Midtown Church of Christ, he felt he had a calling to become a minister. He says Coleman gave young members of the church an opportunity to speak at an evening service. “I took that chance”, he said, “and it went on from there”. When asked was there any indication in high school that he would eventually become a minister, he chuckled and says, “A little bit.” Lewis said that he was not brought up in church. His journey to church started because he liked a girl, but while there he studied the Word and became grounded in the scriptures. When asked about what kind of kid he was in high school, Lewis said, “I was a laid back, easy type of guy. I got along with everybody, I was fun to be around, I guess.” When Lewis finished high school he
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worked a job, went to Gateway a few years, and became interested in Hospitality Management. He said, “I don’t think that area was for me.” Lewis has been the head of MLK Church of Christ, located 1131 Douglas Avenue in Racine, for two years. Previously, he assisted Coleman for four years. He felt it was not a hard decision deciding to become a minister. Lewis said, “ I knew it was coming because Brother George told me that my day was coming.” Lewis absolutely wants to make a difference in the city of Racine. He attracts young people and has a heart to see them prosper. He believes that the sky is the limit when they are presented with the real truth of the gospel. In addition, he encourages his congregation to invite people to church and share their faith. He reports that they have had good success with new people visiting. His main focus in the future is that the Word of God be proclaimed. He said, “I want them to hear the word of God, not someone’s story or what somebody dreamed about.” Lewis shares that everybody is welcome and to come see for themselves. There might be something they would hear that could change their life.
It's time for a revolution in our black megachurches Recent allegations of sexual coercion surrounding Eddie Long deserve some serious analysis involving the organizational structure of black megachurches. Black churches were once a staple and powerful institution in the African American community. But then a new movement of black megachurches developed over the past couple of decades, which has in many ways devolved the church into a myopic place fueled by capitalistic values with corporate interests. Mr. Long has been at the forefront of this movement. He has transformed his Atlanta church – the 25,000-member New Birth Missionary Baptist -- into a multinational corporation with satellite churches literally around the world. This situation, I believe, should force us to examine how black megachurches are organized and the lack of accountability that exist in some, including New Birth. By appointing himself Bishop, Mr. Long is just one of many examples of mega black churches gone wrong. Theologically, he is not accountable to any organized body but
himself. In political terms his dynasty can easily be compared to Saddam Hussein’s reign in Iraq. Thus, what we have in many mega black churches are theological dictators who are not held accountable by any governing body or even the parish they serve. A few years ago, while I was in graduate school, I recall vividly a protest by the 2006 graduating class at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta over Mr. Long becoming their commencement speaker. Their concerns were based on statements Mr. Long made belittling denominational heritages (and theological education as a whole), his questionable charitable practices and his stance on the role of women in the church. Likewise, esteemed theological scholar Dr. James Cones also showed his support for the students by not accepting an honorary degree out of protest of Mr. Long’s invitation. When a group of his very peers raises such critical concerns about him and his ministry, it should not be shocking when we hear that these types of allegations have sur-
faced. Whether the allegations are true or not is not my concern. However, if they are true, who has the power to remove Mr. Long from his post? What happens to his spiritual enterprise and the powerful institution that has been created? Ironically, Mr. Long’s critique of organized denominations has come full circle; he is now in a situation where he himself gets to decide his own fate, which is absolutely absurd! If we can agree that we, as a society, do not want to live in a political system organized under a dictatorship, then why do we think it is okay for our churches to be run in such a fashion? How can we as a body of Christ truly argue that megachurches like Long’s and others that have no accountability to their parishes or an impartial governing body should exist without checks and balances? I believe it is time for African Americans to take serious stock in the churches they attend and ask the question: Do I belong to a spiritual institution that is democratic or authoritarian? For those zealots out there who would
argue that Mr. Long is an ordained man of God and should be held accountable only to God and not man, I would seriously disagree. One of the main thrust behind the protestant movement, lead by Martin Luther, was to get away from Catholic priests who were abusing their power by arguing that salvation could be bought. It seems we are going backwards, and black megachurches are utilizing some of those same tactics through a theology that focuses on prosperity and running a church where all power is centralized around an individual. I strongly believe that a revolution needs to take place in these churches, with power distributed back to the people who make up the body of Christ, not consolidated in the hands of dictators posing as saints. (This article is dedicated to the memory and activism of Dr. Ronald Walters) *** Joseph L. Jones, Ph.D., is assistant professor of political science at Johnson C. Smith University.
Insider News
SHEPHERD’S GUIDES MLK Church of Christ
Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church 306-5th Street, Racine, WI
Christian Faith Fellowship Church Racine, Wisconsin Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott 262-631-0196 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 2330 Northwestern
New Beginnings of Faith Ministries
Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Prayer Service (Wed.) 5:00 PM Bible Class & Prayer (Wed.) - 6:00 PM
Lewis Givens Jr., Senior Pastor --
1131 Douglas Avenue Racine, WI 262.412.3984
262.635.1994
Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.
email: tumbcc@ameritech.net Rev. Buddy Vinson Senior Pastor
Mat: 6:33 Seek ye first the Kingdom God and his righteousness all these things shall be added unto you.
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
Gospel Mission Ministries
1120 Grand Ave. Racine, Wis.
262-632-1467 www.stpmbc.org
Pastor Joseph L. & First Lady Thomas
Pastor Prentiss Robbins, Jr. & Frist Lady Juvida Robbins
Sunday School 9:15 AM Sunday Worship Service 7:45 AM & 10:40 AM
2711 19th Street Racine, WI 53402 (262) 818.1265 probbinsjr1@live.com Sunday Service: 10:30 Am Bible Study: Thursday, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 pm
Wednesday Prayer & Bible Class 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Dinner - 5:30 PM
Evangelism, Community Outreach, Teens, Media, and Substance Abuse
Bishop Lawrence L.
KIRBY Senior Pastor
New Brighter Day Baptist Church 1225 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI
262-552-8090 A Family Church Where Jesus Abides
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.
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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 Greater Mt. Eagle Greater St. Luke’s ZOE Baptist Church Missionary Baptist Church OUTREACH Sunday School • 9:00 AM Ministries Sunday Worship Service • 10:45 AM Bible Study (Wed.) • 6:00 PM Word of Life (Youth Program) (Thur. ) • 6:30 PM
Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am Bible Class (Wednesday) • 6 pm
Pastor Keith Evans
Prayer Service (Thursday) • 6 pm
“A God Glorifying, Christ Centered, Spirit-Filled Church”
Sunday School - 8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m. Sunday NA Meeting 6:30 PM
Pastor Jessie Summerall
929 State Street • Racine, Wisconsin 53404
637-1606
Christ Centered • Kingdom Driven • Family Focused
2130 Racine Street Racine, WI 619-3027
1326 State Street 632-4146
210 7th St. - (262) 632-1201
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
Page 14 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
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.
Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church 1201 Center Street • Racine, Wis. 53403
(262) 634-6657 Come Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Bible Study Wednesday 6:00 Pm - 8:00 PM
Your Cell Phone Just Won’t Do It! You need to entrust your wedding to a professional photographer
Call us at (262) 632-9370
Page 15 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Page 16 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011