Tak ONEe FRE E
If Dr. King Was Alive Today? By Sindy Howell-Stewart
 Martin Luther King were alive today, he’d have many issues to address. Majority falling under his vision for everyone. But first of all let’s keep in mind he would have been, turning 82 yrs old Jan 15th. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing. He’d still be a human rights icon. One of America's most influential leaders. Let me also add he would have been our first African America President years ago. Not to take Anything away from Obama, because all things happen the way Our Good Lord ordered, so that’s just “Food for thought”. Topping the list of many topics he’d be addressing: The current issues of Southern Sudan. If you haven’t heard much about this, that’s because it’s not in the public eye the way it should be. The upcoming referendum on Southern Independence from Sudan has divided black Americans interested in affairs on the African continent, pitting African
American Muslims against black Christians. Some want to call it Louis Farrakhan vs.the Rev. Al Sharpton. Are you aware that this Sunday about 4 million Sudanese in the war-torn southern part of the country will go to the polls-to decide if they should remain a part of Africa’s largest country Or become the continent’s newest nation. For black Americans, there are two conflicting. Currents in the issue of Southern Sudan. There is a strong religious affinity on one side; On the other, a strong sense of racial unity. “They, (we) may well be on the verge of the worst civil war of the decade.” This had to be brought to my attention, and a opportunity to bring it to yours, I could not pass up Please, Read more on this at http://www.theroot.com This issue clearly falls under us “overcoming”, and being “free at last”You may recall Martins ‘Where do we go from here’ speech? Google it. It covers topics such as, Depiction of Blackness and Negro Contributions, Basic Challenges, Developing a Program?, Commitment To Nonviolence, About Communism, And his conclusion statement ends with "We have overcome, we have overcome, deep in my heart, I did believe we would overcome." Have you “Overcome”? Are you Free at last”? Can you hear me now?
Page 2 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
If Dr. King Was Alive Today? by Ahmad K. Qawi If Dr. King was alive in the 21st Century, I believe that this nation wouldn’t be in the state that it is. I cannot fathom that the Blacks would be so disunited as a people. He led through example, and would of galvanized not only the Black faithbased communities but others to stop the spread of drugs in low-income communities; challenging men to value God and the institution of marriage. When Nelson Mandela became President of South Africa, he ended apartheid. Dr. King would have developed a global dream that would of created a culture that held God’s values as the guidelines not man’s. He would have been a global Ambassador, not just for one people. God called Dr. King and man killed him. Dr. King in the 21st Century???? Things wouldn’t be how they are.” By Cheree Allen If Dr. King was alive today I believe that a lot of things would be different. I think we would be living in a different world than what we do today. We were a different people back when he was alive. Our people believed in change, believed and supported each other and believed in themselves. Today we are a lost people! Some of us do exactly the opposite of what he fought for. Why are we killing each other? Why are we not supporting our businesses? Why are we not trying to keep his dream alive and live right? The answer is simple! It's because we stopped believing! We've accepted life as it is! We've given up the fight! Many of us don't even talk to our children about who Dr. King was and what he tried to do. Why? Instead they hear a watered down version of who he was and what he did. Do you realize that our history has gotten lost because we don't spread the word of our ancestors? President Obama says it best, "Change will not come if we wait for some other time. We are the one's we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." So, what are we waiting for? We want to make a difference in the lives of our children and our children's children. We need to get up off our butts, vote, believe, support, love, acknowledge and appreciate all of what our ancestors tried to accomplish. We need to walk in those things that not only Dr. King believed in but what our people believed in. Stand up and take back our communities, live the lives we were destined to live, and not settle for what or who we've allowed ourselves to become!
Minister James Ford, Pastor of the Vine Ministries was awarded an Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church 20 Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast. The event was held at the Miracle Center adjacent to the church. Minister Ford ‘s was commend for his work with inmates in and out of the Wisconsin Prison system. Presenting the award was Bishop L. l. Kirby, pastor of St. Paul Church.
Page 3 The Insider News, December 15-30, 2011
Page 4 The Insider News, December 15-30, 2011
Park 6 owner says the city is out to break him like you break a mule!
Run Black Man Run! As the college football season came to a close on Monday night with Auburn taking their rightful place as the BCS National Champions, led by Heisman Trophy winner, Cameron Newton, I sat back and reflected on the unbelievable football that was played by many teams this season with a smile. However, I came home from work to view a story on the lack of equality in how athletes and coaches are treated in regards to race. It reminded me that 25 years after Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday was made a national holiday, we still have not progressed far enough. In Division I College Football, 46% of the student-athletes are of color, while only 10% of the head coaches are non-white. Surprisingly, the number of African-American Athletic Directors at these institutions of higher learning is slightly higher at 16%. Nevertheless, when you break down the numbers, the statistics don’t lie. During slavery, the slave masters bought and sold the biggest, strongest, and fastest slaves to work the fields. Likewise, the coaches and athletic directors, buy and sell (recruit) the biggest, strongest, and fastest slaves (athletes), to work the fields (play football on Saturdays). The slaves got the scraps to eat and to sleep in the slave quarters. The athletes get to eat at the training tables and live in the athletic dorms. The slave masters got rich off the backs of the slaves. The coaches, athletic directors, universities, and the NCAA especially, make millions of dollars each season off the backs of the athletes. In return, the athletes get a scholarship. Do the math and “Run Black Man Run”! The slaves got beat and separated from their families with no remorse. Sometimes they were killed for trying to protect what was theirs. Likewise, the athletes get suspended, or lose their eligibility for securing any personal gain from their own efforts. A prime example of this is the 2011 Sugar Bowl. Ohio State had 6 players that violated master’s (NCAA’s) rules and are facing suspension for the 1st 5 games of next season. If the rules are truly that important, then the suspensions should have been enforced immediately for the bowl game. But wait a minute…that could mean a loss in revenues. “So get your black butts out there and make me some more money” says the slave master. “After I have used you up, and gotten even richer off you once again, then I will suspend you during those early games against meaningless
opponents to start next season” he adds. But like the slave masters of old, and prior to the Civil Rights Movement, who did not disguise their true intentions, the NCAA and the CEO of the Sugar Bowl, in no uncertain terms, told us, it is about the money! These hypocrites come down on the athletes for simply wanting to get a piece of what everyone else is making off them. All of this came about because they sold some trophies, rings, and jerseys that they earned and belonged to them. So, let’s get this straight. The NCAA, the universities, sponsors, even video game companies can sell your likeness, jerseys with your name on the back, videos of your highlights, and anything else that you did on the field, and make millions. But if you make a dime of the money for yourself, your name is dragged through the media mud, you get suspended or possibly lose all eligibility, and given your walking papers? Well, “Run Black Man Run”! I don’t know about you, but I find this to be a disturbing truth. I would almost be ok with the NCAA if they were consistent. You look at the Cam Newton situation; or the situation involving the Ohio State players, and the E.J. Green situation at Georgia. In addition to those three scenarios this season, there have been countless other high profile cases of improper benefits being accepted by college athletes over the years. When it happen, the same question comes to mind. Why is it always the black athletes? Are you seriously telling me that in all these years, no white athletes, at any of these schools, have received improper benefits? I know for a fact they do and here is the proof. For those that remember the Oklahoma powerhouse teams of the mid-late 1980’s will remember Brian Bosworth. You may better remember him for getting ran over by Bo Jackson on the goal line in that infamous Monday Night Football game between the Raiders and Seahawks. Anyway, I remember him writing a book less than a year after leaving college talking in detail about all the corruption that went on at Oklahoma and how he cashed in from it. I respect him for being bold enough to tell it, but I cannot respect the NCAA for its lack of consistency at that time, since then on how they deal with a high profile white athlete versus a high profile black athlete. In closing, I want to apologize for being on hiatus for so long. Happy New Year…and Run Black Man Run!
For those of you that have followed his establishment, but can keep running the saga of Park 6 over the past few the business as a dance hall. months and felt it was all over with the In the meantime, a number of quesrevoking of their liquor license, hold on tions have surfaced to whether or not there’s more to come. Holmes’ due process hearing was carriedA due process hearing resulting in a out legally and fair. strong recommendation by City Council's Holmes and his attorney has comPublic Safety and Licensing Committee, plained that the hearings should have that the Park 6 Club licensing would be been stopped immediately after it was yanked, was recently held. disclosed that Wahlen had not sworn to The proceedings initiated by the comthe complaint. mittee were based on an unusual comThe Insider News requested a copy of plaint filed Wahlens’ comby the plaint and Racine notices that it Police Chief was prepared Kurt Wahlen, and notarized against the by the city popular hired Attorney downtown Kenneth hip-hop club. By Kenneth Lumpkin Rusch. This The means that the Racine City city had Council voted in accordance with the already hired a prosecuting attorney prior committee. The two African-Americans to receiving a complaint from Wahlen. who sit on the Council, voted against the Holmes says the city has showed a patmeasure. tern of rushing to close his business Thomas Holmes, owner of Park 6, 500 down. “They had already made plans to Sixth St., and his attorney, Vincent Bobot, take me to due process before they had are seeking an injunction against the city. received a complaint from the Chief,” Holmes says he wants his license back explained Holmes. while a Racine County Circuit Court During testimony, Wahlen said that he judge reviews the city's decision. The was acting not as the Chief of Police, but hearing has not yet been scheduled. as a private citizen like you and I. If Holmes hopes the courts ruling will that’s true, then why did the city hire an be granted and he will be allowed to attorney to assist him in drawing up the reopen. Until then, he can't sell liquor at continue on page 6
NECK BONE OLOGY
Visit Our New Website at: http://racineinsideronline.com/Insider_News_Online/Home.html Page 5 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Park 6
from page 5
complaint? By phone, Holmes says the city has become outright blatant in their racism in an attempt to drive African-Americans from downtown. In a candid remark, Rusch said, "We're not putting Park 6 out of business, but it's time to take away its liquor license." This weekend in an attempt to save his investments, Holmes opened his club to private parties for college students. “After taking my liquor license, the police department is resorting to harassing my patrons in order to close me down completely,” said the angered Holmes. He said that at closing time and throughout the night, police sit near his place. In addition to placing a police nuisance van near his place, officers stop patrons, checking ID. The van is usually used at locations where there are expected drug dealings. Holmes says, “It is unfair for the police department to place a negative stigma on my business when nothing is going on but people enjoying themselves.” He added that the police department has complained that too many manhours are taken up at Park 6. How they have chosen to park squad cars outside the club through-out the night. “It’s as if they are trying to build a paper trail in order to lynch me,” Holmes suggested to me. Holmes said that the ‘Willie Lynch Syndrome’ is unfolding before your eyes. “They want to break me and other minority business owners downtown the same as you break a mule. They want to stop African-Americans from having the capacity to take care of their needs and
Thomas Holmas
the needs of others in the community. They want to break minority businesses from being independent from them and thereby create a dependency,” he explained. “It does not matter that my business provides 16 part-time jobs, that Park 6 contribute to the economy of the city, and the money that’s derived in my business stays in Racine,” said Holmes. “All that does not matter when you are man breaking and slave making, that’s Willie Lynch in its true form. As always we look forward to hearing from you and hearing your comments. Send your comments to: insider@wi.net.
Page 6 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Transitional Jobs Demonstration Project totaling 33 workers
Racine County was awarded one of 17 Transitional Jobs Demonstration Grants from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families in September, 2010. The grant is part of federal stimulus dollars funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The goals of the program are two-fold: to stimulate the economy by assisting employers to be able to bring in additional workers to meet their workforce needs at no additional cost; and to provide paid employment and skills training to job seekers that meet program guidelines. The program, implemented in September, is designed to provide “time-limited, wage-paying jobs” that combine real work, skill development and supportive services. “Our goal is to provide up to six-months, 40 hours-a-week combined wage paying employment and training opportunity for 52 transitional job slots to eligible Racine County residents,” said Christine Henning, Program Coordinator. Selected participants attend a paid two-week orientation devoted to training and coaching on work related topics included but not limited to work readiness, financial literacy, how to get and keep a job, and mock interviews. Transitional Workers are then matched with a worksite where they are employed for up to six months, earning a minimum of $7.25 an hour. The program utilizes for-profit, non-profit and public businesses that have a will-
ingness to provide training to Transitional Workers. All costs are covered through the grant’s funding, and employers are not required to retain a participant at the end of the transitional job placement. At the same time, Transitional Workers gain skills training, a positive work history, a work reference and a paycheck. To date two groups, totaling 33 Transitional Workers, have participated in a twoweek Orientation and 31 are now working at Transitional Job worksites. One employee was hired after just five weeks into the Transitional Job! Some employers are truly embracing the program and adjusting their training according to the skill levels and/or interests of their Transitional Workers. Many of the Transitional Workers will be considered for permanent positions at their employer worksites, given availability and their performance. Entrance into the Transitional Jobs Program is through a competitive application process. Applications for the third round will be available on Monday, January 17 at the Workforce Development Center, Resource Room located at 1717 Taylor Avenue, Racine. Completed applications are due on Friday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. Candidates must meet all program eligibility requirements. Employers interested in hosting a program participant can log onto www.wdc.racineco.com to learn more and submit an application, or call (262) 6386431.
Page 7 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Pastor’s Fellowship congregations holds King’s Day Celebration at Roma Lodge Top photo: Zeatha Fonder, shakes the hand of Dr. Riggins R. Earl, Jr. after receiving a signed copy of his book entitled “Dark Symbols, Obscure Signs: God, Self and Community in the Slave Mind.” Dr. Earl was the guest speaker at the Southeastern Wisconsin Baptist Pastor’s Fellowship (SWBPF) Second Annual Dr. King’s Celebration. Dr. Earl is a professor at the International Theological Institute, Atlanta, Georgia. Also shown in the photo were Jimmy Fonder and Rev. Jimmy Richmond. Above: Rev. Fred Richmond, Pastor of New Omega Baptist Church, President of SWBPF, told the public attending the event at the Roma Lodge,” It is up to each one of us to keep King’s Dream Alive; Learn to work as an understudy with someone accomplished much; Invest in our youth; Think I can..Not I Can’t and Mentors can see what the one you are mentoring cannot see!” Top right photo: Members of the combined youth choir consisted of ten members of the SWBPF’s congregations sang to 200 people that attended the event. Seated Lower Photos (left to right): Shown are members of SWBPF congregation; Seated: Pastor Daryn Crenshaw-Christ Baptist Church; Pastor Fred L. Richmond, Sr. (Presiding Prelate SWBPF); Dr. Riggins R. Earl, Jr. (Keynote Speaker); Standing Top Photos (left to right): Pastor Mark Gates, Christ Chapel Baptist Church; Pastor Jesse Sumerall, Greater St. Luke Baptist Church; Pastor Tommie Knuckles, Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church; Pastor Larry Jackson, New Birth Baptist Church; Pastor Jimmie Lockridge, Fellowship Baptist Church; Pastor Mark Freeman, Second Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor Keith Evans, and Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist
Cliff Reed Tour Line Let Us Take You There! Cliff's Tour Line has been serving the community for over 10 years. Providing classy, comfortable, and reasonable rate transportation service for: Conventions, Reunions, Wedding Parties, Casino Trips and more... Give us a call, let us service you next event! CALL TODAY TO BE PLACED ON OUR MONTHLY CASINO MAILING LIST AND INFORMATION FLYER.
OFFICE: 262-861-0784 FACEBOOK: cliffsonthego2
Cliff-262-865-1031 Trina-262-488-1236 Irma -262-676-8956 COME RIDE WITH US
Page 8 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Page 9 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Page 10 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Page 11 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Page 12 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
Page 13 The Insider News, December 15-30, 2011
Your Cell Phone Just Won’t Do It! You need to entrust your wedding to a professional photographer
Call us at (262) 632-9370
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Page 14 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
King Center Celebrates King’s Birthday
Songs of praise and words of inspiration and encouragement came forth from the Dr. Martin Luther King Center on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 to honor and commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A crowd of around 200 people gathered to show their support and dedication in keeping the spirit of the day alive. Several local churches including the Wayman Praise Dance Ministry and the Searching Together Praise Dance Ministry All photos by Kenneth Lumpkin
Page 15 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
200 celebrates King’s Birthday blizzard like weather The weather was cold and snowy, but the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was very much alive and warm during the 20th Annual Laying of the Wreath Ceremony held at the base of the Martin Luther King Statue in Racine. Elected officials, Pastors, leaders, and over 200 Racine Unified students gathered together in unity to honor the Civil Rights leader. Barney Nelles, a retiree from Family Service of Racine, shared that there is a need to continue Dr. King’s work. He said, “We are here today to continue that struggle, and recognize that each one of us must do whatever we can to change so that we can work for peace and justice in our communities, so that we can deal with the issue of racism, the issues of poverty, the issues of education, the issues of immigration, and realize that each of us has a role to play.” In addition, Maria Morales of Voces De La Frontera, stated that many of the laws that were used to oppress African Americans are now being used against Hispanic immigrants and she was critical of the decision by
some law enforcement agencies not to collect racial information on traffic stops. The ceremony ended with the students placing a wreath around the Martin Luther King statue and everyone singing “We Shall Overcome” to inspire hope and courage to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.
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.
Page 16 The Insider News, January 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
Christian Faith Fellowship Church
Sunday School 9:15 AM Sunday Worship Service 7:45 AM & 10:40 AM
Racine, Wisconsin Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott
Wednesday Prayer & Bible Class 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Dinner - 5:30 PM
262-631-0196
Sunday School - 8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m. Sunday NA Meeting 6:30 PM
Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service • 10:00 AM
Bishop Lawrence L.
Rev. Melvin Hargrove, Pastor
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
Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church 1201 Center Street • Racine, Wis. 53403
(262) 880-6521 Come Worship with us at: Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Bible Study Wednesday 6:00 Pm - 8:00 PM
New Beginnings of Faith Ministries
Christ Centered • Kingdom Driven • Family Focused
SeArChinG ToGeTher MiSSionAry BAPTiST ChurCh
Pastor Prentiss Robbins, Jr. & Frist Lady Juvida Robbins
Rev. Willie Riley, Senior Pastor 262.633.4421
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 Evangelism, Community Outreach, Teens, Media, and Substance Abuse
Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church
825 21st Street • Racine
210 7th St. - (262) 632-1201
Greater St. Luke’s
637-1606
306-5th Street, Racine, WI
Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am Bible Class (Wednesday) • 6 pm
Pastor Keith Evans
929 State Street • Racine, Wisconsin 53404
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
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
“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 Page 17 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
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.
Newly eleced NAACP president recieves 2011 King’s Humanitarian award The 17th Annual ceremony at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. drew a standing room only crowd. Dr. Michelle Hancock, right photo, the Kenosha Unified District Superintendent, who was the keynote speaker, is shown clapping for the Tremper Golden Strings. In her presentation, she referenced Dr. King’s “Living the Dream” speech and made it pertinent to today’s culture. She said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are we doing for others? What are you doing for others? “ She stated, “In order to answer that question, we must realize that in each and every one of us is the probability that we can make a difference.” Above: Gloria Rogers, second left, president of the Racine local Branch NAACP, received the covenant Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award. Joining her was the United States Congressman Paul Ryan, Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hancock, and President of Gateway Technical College, Bryan Albrecht. Also receiving the 2011 Humanitarian award were: Steve Frazier, Payton Campbell, and Khari Bell.
Authorized and paid for by Friends of Keith Fairr for Alderman
Page 18 The Insider News, December 15-30, 2011
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr. Page 19 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011
A neighborhood youth watched as a ceremony which included giving Martin Luther King’s Civil Service Award to Maria Morales, the founder of VOCES De La Frontera and Zakee Darr, the Program Facilitator of YMCA YLC, who have shown exemplary community service. Page 20 The Insider News, January 1-15, 2011