Tak e ONE FRE E
Insider News Yolanda James, Owner/Publisher
Wisconsin
3001 Douglas Avenue 262.681.2345 InsiderWisconsin@yahoo.com
VOLUME 2, NUMBER 6
Empty Bowls Fundraiser A Community Effort
Gloria Rogers, president of the Racine NAACP, joined the community recently to serve at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser to help those less fortunate. Students from the local schools crafted and donated the bowls. People then purchased the bowls and enjoyed a variety of soups made by volunteers. The money raised goes to the Racine County Food Bank and Racine’s Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization.
Best Liquor Prices in Town
Twins Food Mart 1812 16th St. (262) 632-3642
MARCH 15-31, 2012
Nathaniel Jones, a young member of the Christ Chapel Baptist Church combined choir, sung his heart out at the Christian Faith Fellowship (CFC) Men’s Choir anniversary. A number of choirs performed during the event held CFC’s new church location, 3001 Carpenter Avenue in Racine. Additional pictures on page 14.
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Racist Obama Insult By Judge Surfaces Montana's chief federal judge said Wednesday that he forwarded an email that contained a joke involving bestiality and President Barack Obama's mother, but he did so because he dislikes the president and not because he's racist. Judge Richard Cebull, of Billings, forwarded the email from his chambers to six other people on Feb. 20, The Great Falls Tribune reported. Cebull told the newspaper that his
brother sent him the email, which he forwarded to six "old buddies" and acquaintances. He prefaced the email with the message: "Normally I don't send or forward a lot of these, but even by my standards, it was a bit touching. I want all of my friends to feel what I felt when I read this. Hope it touches your heart like it did mine." The judge apologized and acknowledged that the content
of the email was racist but said he does not consider himself racist, the newspaper reported. He said he has treated all people in his courtroom fairly and he has not heard any complaints otherwise. "The only reason I can explain it to you is I am not a fan of our president, but this goes beyond not being a fan," Cebull said. "I didn't send it as racist, although that's what it is. I sent it out because it's anti-Obama." Cebull did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press on Wednesday afternoon. Cebull was nominated by former President George W. Bush and received his commission in 2001. He has served as chief judge of the District of Montana since 2008. Travis McAdam, executive director for the Montana Human Rights Network, said the email's content was unbecoming of a federal judge. "It's one thing if the judge is not a fan
of President Barack Obama, but you would think someone in his position would articulate that in a way that criticizes his policy decisions or his position on issues," McAdam said. "We have a hard time believing that a legitimate criticism of the president involves distributing a joke that basically compares African Americans with animals." A recipient of the email forwarded it to another person, who then forwarded it until it eventually reached the inbox of a Great Falls Tribune reporter. Cebull said he was surprised the people he sent the email to would pass it along with his name still on it. “This is a private thing that was, to say the least, very poor judgment on my part," Cebull said. "I did not forward it because of the racist nature of it. Although it is racist, I'm not that way, never have been."
Daughter of Sammy Davis Jr. Speaks on Blackface The daughter of Sammy Davis Jr.’s second wife has spoken out about the controversy surrounding Billy Crystal’s Oscar bit in which he portrayed her father in blackface. While many folks found the sketch uncomfortable, as Twitter reflected almost immediately, Tracy Davis tells The Hollywood Reporter, “I am 100 percent certain that my father is smiling,” adding that it wasn’t Crystal’s first time paying homage to the late Rat Packer, who died in 1990. As previously reported, Sammy Davis Jr. was one of Crystal’s most popular impersonations during the 1980s. “Billy previously played my father when he was alive, and my father gave Billy his full blessing,” she continues, noting that
“Saturday Night Live gave” the imitation “legendary status.” Tracy Davis, now 50, does however take issue with using the word “blackface,” attributing the term born in the 1800s to describe white actors in makeup playing black characters, to early film stars such as Al Jolson. The ensuing debate, which was sparked in part because of last year’s controversy involving a gay slur uttered by Oscar director Brett Ratner (he later resigned), has many asking why, 25 years after Crystal first satirized Sammy Davis, Jr.’s look and mannerisms scandal-free, audiences are taking offense now. For her part, Davis’ daughter is sending nothing but love to Crystal. “I know the mutual love, respect and admiration
that you had for each other and for his kids, Jeff, Mark and I,” she says. “Thank you.”
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Bobbi Kristina Brown said she’s “doing as good as I possibly can” - In her first interview since Whitney Houston’s death, daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown said she’s “doing as good as I possibly can” and recalled the tender last moments she shared with her superstar mother before her sudden death last month. “She’s always with me,” said the 19-year-old, Houston’s only child and sole heir. “Her spirit is strong, it’s a strong spirit. I feel her pass through me all the time.” Brown made the comments in a Sunday interview with Oprah Winfrey on Winfrey’s network, OWN, that also featured Pat Houston, the singer’s manager and sister-in-law, and Gary Houston, the brother of Whitney Houston. Brown credited her family and God for helping her cope since her mother’s death on Feb. 11 at the age of 48. “It comes in waves. One moment I can be happy and laughing, but then it comes over me. It’s my mom,” she said. Houston, who had struggled with drugs and alcohol in the past but according to family had been apparently clean, was found in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on the eve of the Grammys. She was to attend a pre-Grammy party the night she died. Brown said the night before her mother’s death, she asked Houston to spend the night with her. “I slept in her arms all day, all night long,” said Brown, whose father is singer Bobby Brown. Pat Houston said in the days before Houston died, the singer had not been abusing drugs, despite reports that she had been acting erratically. She said an event she attended two days before her death where Houston looked disheveled was particularly difficult because the legendary performer got into a verbal spat with a former contestant on the “X Factor.” Pat Houston would not name the woman, but Stacy Francis has said that she and Whitney Houston had words that night. According to Pat Houston, Francis “made herself present everywhere we were,” unnerving Houston and leading to an argument. The day of her death had been uneventful, according to her manager. Houston had lunch in her hotel and was preparing for her mentor Clive Davis’ annual party. Houston was scheduled to tape an infomercial and other interviews that day. Pat Houston went out to run errands for about a half hour and when she came back, Whitney Houston’s assistant went to check on the singer. “When I headed down the hallway (to her room), I heard screaming,” she said. When Pat Houston arrived in the room, she saw the singer’s security guard frantically trying to revive her ahead of the paramedics. He told her: “I tried.” Pat Houston said the singer had “a peaceful look on her face.” The cause of Houston’s death has not yet been revealed. The 90-minute television special also touched on the singer’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, who had a tumultuous marriage with Houston. While some have accused Brown of introducing Houston to drugs, leading to the once pristine singer’s downfall, Pat Houston said that was untrue, and both Pat and Gary Houston had warm words for Brown. “I loved Bobby Brown. Bobby was a good guy,” said Gary Houston, her older brother. “I don’t know how good they were for each other.” They also denied that the Houston family had asked Brown to leave her funeral service or didn’t want him to come; Brown showed up briefly but left after a dispute over seating. “Bobby was supposed to be there,” said Gary Houston. Pat Houston said Bobby Brown and his daughter have a relationship, but indicated they hadn’t spoken since at least Houston’s funeral. Bobbi Kristina Brown said she planned to carry on her mother’s legacy and become a singer, as well as act and dance. She expressed frustration over the “negativity” surrounding her mother’s image: “That’s not my mother.” Instead, she described her as her confidant, a sister, her best friend – “my everything.” She still spends time in the house she and her mother shared together, and at timessaid it’s hard to believe she’s not there. “Sometimes, it’s so surreal. I still walk into the house like, `Mom?’” she said. “But I’ve accepted it.”
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC On or about May 3, 2012 the City of Racine will submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Substantial Amendments to its 2010, 2011, and 2012 Housing and Community Development Annual Action Plans. The Substantial Amendments will be submitted for the purposes of securing federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding, and adding Tenant-Based Rent Assistance (TBRA) to the eligible activities for which its HOME Investment Partnerships funding may be expended. Copies of the Substantial Amendments are available for review at the Department of City Development during normal business hours (8:00 a.m.-4:55 p.m., Monday-Friday). The Department’s telephone number is 262-636-9151. The Substantial Amendments may also be viewed online at http://www.cityofracine.org/Community_Development_Block_Grant.aspx. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the Amendments no later than April 18, 2012. Comments should be addressed to the Department of City Development, 730 Washington Avenue, Room 102, Racine, WI 53403. All comments received will be considered by the Department and forwarded to HUD. Brian F. O’Connell Director of City Development
Register and Vote Tuesday, April 3, 2012
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Scott Walker’s Wisconsin Voter ID Law Blocked by Second State Court Judge By Andrew Harris and Marie Rohde A second Wisconsin state court judge has blocked a voter identification law signed by Governor Scott Walker last year. The law unconstitutionally burdens the rights of otherwise eligible voters, Dane County Circuit Judge Richard G. Niess in Madison said today in an 11-page ruling barring enforcement of the measure. “The government may not disqualify an elector who possesses these qualifications on the grounds that the voter does not satisfy additional statutorily created qualifications,” such as voter identification, Niess said. Signed by Walker in May, the legislation requires Wisconsin voters to present a government-issued photographic proof of identity such as a state driver’s license, a U.S. passport or an armed forces or college ID. At least four state and federal lawsuits have been filed challenging the measure. “Voter fraud is no more poisonous to our democracy than voter suppression,”
Niess said. “Indeed they are two heads on the same monster.” David Flanagan, another judge sitting in Madison, the state capital, last week issued an order temporarily barring
enforcement of the law after finding it may place an improper burden on voters. Voter Fraud Niess on March 9 heard argument from attorneys for the League of Women
Voters and for the state, which defended the measure as a hedge against voter fraud. State statutes are presumed to be constitutional, Assistant Attorney General Carrie Benedon told Niess then. “It’s a shame activist Dane County judges continue to stand in the way of common sense,” said Cullen Werwie, a spokesman for Walker, a Republican. “We are confident the state will prevail in its plan to implement photo ID.” Werwie likened the measure to requirements to obtain cold medicine, public assistance and a public library card. Susan Crawford, who argued the issue for the league, today called the court’s ruling “well-reasoned” and said the organization was “confident it will hold up on appeal.” The case is League of Women Voters of Wisconsin v. Walker, 11-cv-4669, Dane County, Wisconsin, Circuit Court (Madison). To contact the reporter on this story: Andrew Harris in Chicago at aharris16@bloomberg.net.
RACINE ELECTION 2012
Lawson says jobs is her number one pority The Racine presidential primary election will be held Tuesday, April 3. This election will give voters of the 4th District the opportunity to show their support for President Barrack Obama, elect school board members, judges, county board supervisors, and Aldermen. On the same day you will be able to cast an important vote for me for Alderman. For those that do not know me, I am Sherrie Lawson. Recently in a online forum hosted by the Racine Journal Times, I stated that jobs and a safe community is my top priority. The district has the highest unemployment in the state, so it's important to me that the city and county work together to bring resources that can reduce unemployment. A solution to this probem would be to hold a series of job fairs at local community centers that would connect job seekers with employers. I will push for an expansion of money to the GED program at the King Center. I will also work closely with the apprentice program in Racine that works with our young people to get them job ready.
As a grandmother of two, I want to be an active partner in improving the 4th district. In recent years, several businesses that were located in the 4th District have pulled up stakes and relocated. Another one of my major goals would be to retain and attract small businesses back to the district. By working with the city and the county, more money and resources could be infused into the business district located on High Street and Douglas Avenue. Getting young people involved in the improvement of the community is important to me. If elected, I would immediately implement a program where young people beautify the neighborhood. This would be accomplished by doing something similar to what the mayor did in the cleanup of the Root River waterfront. I would love to see kids going throughout their community shortly before spring, cleaning-up trash and debris that has been left from the winter. It's all about encouraging the entire community to take pride in our neighborhood. In addition, I feel there are too many boarded up houses that could be used for our residents. I would introduce legislation whereby if a individual was willing to fix up one of these abandoned properties and agreed to stay in it for 6 years, then the city would sell the property for $1. This would enable that particular property to be back on the tax roll. If you would like to contact me I can reached at 262-880-5784.
Kaplan: “We will continue to improve our 4th District” I am Jim Kaplan. I am 63 years young. I was married to Julie, my wife, the former Julie Steberl, on September 7, 1984 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. We are members of Harbor Rock Tabernacle. I have now served the 4th District of Racine as their alderman for 3 terms, 2006 to 2012. My maternal grandmother Ella Proeber took care of me at 1416 Marquette Street until I entered 1st grade at St. John’s Lutheran Grade School for 8 years. I graduated from Lutheran High School in 1966. My wife and I are privileged to live in a former parsonage of St. John’s Lutheran Church at 400 Kewaunee Street. I retired from the Department of Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services of the City of Racine in 2003 after 28 years of service to the citizens of Racine. I served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1966 to 1972 serving on active duty from July of 1968 to April of 1970 at the Subic Bay Naval Supply Depot in the Republic of the Philippines. I am on the Board of Directors for Racine County Jail Chaplaincy, after volunteering to do weekly jail ministry in the drug
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and alcohol section from 2003 to 2009. When first elected in 2006 I was handed a baggie of spent handgun shells from a gunfight the night before near 5 corners, Albert, Barker, Douglas, and Superior. The citizens were afraid to call the police from fear of retaliation. Street walkers and prostitutes operated multiple houses on Douglas Ave. I believe our streets are now safer. A new restaurant and a pre-owned appliance store has opened among other businesses. I have invited Wal-Mart, The Disney Company, Black Bear Beverages, Sonic, and the Dole Corporations into the 4th District. If you have an idea call me at 262-939-8157. Together we can accomplish much. We do little when we stand alone. I have nominated Marquette Street Park to be renamed William James Dyess Park. The Affirmative Action and Human Rights Commission, on which I serve, has fully supported this name change with Alderman Ray Dehahn seconding the motion. It will now go on to the Park, Rec, & C.S. Commission. We cannot afford to turn back 6 years and start over. Neighborhoods belong to neighbors not gangs. Vote for me and together we will continue to improve our 4th District. I have served this city since 1975. I can only continue to serve my God, my neighbors, and this city when you re-elect me as your alderman to work for you on April 3rd, 2012.
St. Paul Church Celebrated 155 years “Word in Motion” praise dancers gave God their best as St. Paul, the oldest African American church in the state of Wisconsin, celebrated its 155th anniversary on Saturday, March 4th at the Miracle Center. This event was an opportunity to pause and reflect upon the roots of the church and those soldiers on the battlefield of life who prayed, labored, and worshipped God to make the church what is is today.
Respected in Law, Respected in the Community The measure of a good man should be no different than the measure of a good person. Mike Piontek has had a 38 year legal career handling a wide variety of legal issues and trying hundreds of cases in court. Mike has also given back to his community; educating young people about the law, serving on the Racine School Board and helping many other community organizations. This is why Mike Piontek is respected in the law, and respected in his community.
Respected in Law: 22 years as Racine Circuit Court Commissioner Tried hundreds of cases in State and Federal Courts State Bar of Wisconsin Attorney of the Year Lecturer – Professional Ethics for Attorneys: Kenosha Country Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program Committee Member Graduate of Marquette Law School
Respected in the Community: Elected Racine Unified School Board Racine Youth Sports Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Endorsed by: Bishop Lawrence Kirby State Representative Bob Turner Attorney Jennifer Bias Lamar Hargrove Bobbie & Beverly Reynolds Judge Jack Jude Barney Nelles Racine Firefighters Local 321 Executive Board UAW Southeastern Wisconsin CAP/PAC Teamsters Local 43
Vote April 3rd Authorized and Paid for by Piontek for Judge, Joan Barry Treasurer.
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Sunday Worship Services
8:00am & 10:00am Sunday School - 9:00am Wednesday Bible Study - Noon Family Life - 5:30pm Saturday Prayer - 10:00am
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Money Matters: Dealing With Rising Banking bank in the form of fees. Here are a few ways that you can deal with rising bank fees.
There was a time that having a bank account at a big bank was a money maker for customers and not a money loser. Those days have come and gone. The national banks have increased the number of fees that customers are being charged in order to generate more revenue. Customers are being hit with monthly maintenance fees, service fees, and low balance fees that could take as much as $15 a month from their accounts. There is no reason that you should start forking your hard money over to a
Start shopping for a new banking home There are still banks out there that will not charge you fees for a checking or savings account. You should start by checking with community banks and credit unions since they are known to offer a number of free services to customers. Next, you should look at online banks since they tend to have better interest rates and possess many no fee products. Search for financial institutions that have low minimum balance requirements, no monthly maintenance fees, and no transaction requirements. Find out how to avoid fees at your current bank If you choose to stay with your bank then you need to find out how to get around bank fees. Banks often offer free accounts to customers that take advantage of their services. For example, customers with large balances in their checking accounts are not subject to minimum balance fees. Banks refer
TUPAC COMES TO BROADWAY Good news for Tupac Shakur fans! The late hip-hop icon’s music will be featured in a new Broadway musical titled, “Holler If Ya Hear Me.” According to Playbill, the Kenny Leon directed musical will begin casting in New York City on March 10 and are seeking African American Male and Female rappers between the ages of 18 – 35, in addition to one “Caucasian actor” between the ages 20 – 25 with a “strong facility for rap and terrific guitar skills.” While Leon previously revealed to The Huffington Post that he has held small workshops with Shakur’s mother, Afeni, he also mentioned during an interview with PBS that he has always wanted to direct a production inspired by the rapper’s illustrious discography. Get the rest of the story and out when you can expect to see this show at Black Voices.com.
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to these customers as premium customers because they count on their large deposit balances to keep the doors open. You can also enroll in direct deposit since many banks waive the monthly maintenance fees for customers that sign up for direct deposit. Negotiate with your current bank Don’t let your bank take you for granted. As a long-term customer, you have a lot of leverage with your bank. It costs banks a lot of money to advertise and attract new customers to replace existing customers. You can threaten to take your business elsewhere if your bank is trying to subject your account to additional fees. The chances are good that your bank will waive your fees if they believe you will close your account and take your money with you. As you can see, you have a number of options that you can try to keep your bank account from getting hit with additional fees. The key is to be proactive and not just accept a rise in fees. Banking fees can cost you thousands of dollars over your lifetime. So, take the time to find a bank that shows you they appreciate your business by helping you to actually hold onto your money.
Funny Lady Yvette Nicole Brown Sandra Varner’s Celebrity Profiles
First and last images photo credit to Tina B. Henderson; three middle images from NBC’s “Community” Perhaps you know her smiling face from TV commercials or the numerous roles she’s had on situation comedy shows, among them, NBC’s The Office, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage. Maybe you recognize her trademark scowl and eyebrow roll or tune in each week to see her hilarious character, Shirley Bennett, on the popular NBC primetime sitcom, Community. It might be her familiar voice as “Cookie” in the animated series, Pound Puppies. Either way, funny lady Yvette Nicole Brown is someone you won’t soon forget. I spoke to her about the fame she’s enjoying and her road to stardom. Sandra Varner (Talk2SV): You are becoming one of the most recognizable faces on TV with a penchant for unique character portrayals, not to mention your role on the successful sitcom, Community. What makes Yvette Nicole Brown standout in the most competitive industry there is?
Yvette Nicole Brown (YNB): I never knew that I was a standout so I’m really happy to hear that and thank you. I think if it’s anything, it’s probably how grateful I am and the joy that I have to be an actor. There’s not a lot of us with my skin tone or my body size that are allowed to have a shot at this so the fact that I was able to be on a show (Community) that has lasted three years is just a great blessing. Maybe it’s the joy that I feel every day going to work; people see it and maybe that’s what makes me stand out, if I do at all. TalkSV: Gratitude and appreciation for one’s work does speak volumes. One particular character trait I’ve noticed is your ability to communicate through a range of hilarious facial expressions. Is this a characteristic that you’ve worked to perfect or are they just instinctive reactions? YNB: I think they’re just instinctive reactions. I have a very expressive face and a big old apple head so I think that everything I’m thinking crosses my eyes and my eyebrows-- it just kind of shows up. I come from a funny family. My mom is hilarious. Growing up, she always made our lives so much fun. I think many times it’s just me hearkening back to the things that I saw her do as I was growing up. So, it’s probably a little bit of mom along with having an expressive face. Talk2SV: How did growing up in East Cleveland, Ohio enhance your sensibilities as an actor? YNB: I grew up in a single parent home with my mom and my brother. We
didn’t have money when I was coming up so we had to be creative, especially around Christmas time. When it came time to entertain ourselves we would put on plays, write songs and that kind of thing to entertain my mom because she was always working so hard. And, on her part, she was always trying to make ends meet. She didn’t want us to see the struggle so she would always come in the house with a big smile on her face. Whatever play or skit we had created after an eight or nine hour day of working, she’d come in excited to see it even though she was probably very tired. I think that informed my work ethic now: put a smile on your face no matter how you feel. That little performing spirit was in me as a kid because we were performers for my mom and I think that’s how it has colored my acting now. Talk2SV: You started performing as a kid. When did you know that you were good at it? YNB: I still don’t know that I’m good at it…sometimes I can’t believe they’re letting me work (laughter). I don’t think I’ve ever given a performance and thought, ‘yeah, look at me.’ I don’t think I’ve ever done that. I know that I am at least doing the bare minimum that’s required because I keep getting a paycheck and I haven’t been fired. I always try to be better. I hope that I make people laugh; I hope that I lighten their load in these strange times and that’s all that I could ask for as a performer. Read more at www.Talk2SV.com.
Analysis: Cutting Government Spending Disproportionately Means Destroying Black Jobs
JO B
S!
Although initially set in motion by anti-big government Republicans, cutting government jobs has become a nearly unstoppable trend in the nation's capital as well as in state capitols around the nation. However, a seldom discussed issue is that when government spending cuts lead to job reductions, African Americans are disproportionately affected. According to the Labor Department, for example, since January 2008, 375,000 government jobs have been eliminated. Blacks disproportionately become unemployed when government job cuts take place because although they are roughly 13 percent of the nation's population, they are nearly 21 percent of the working adults holding government jobs. By way of comparison, 17 percent of white adults and 15 percent of Hispanic adults work for state, local or federal governments. Indeed, one reason the current Black unemployment rate is much higher than the rates for other major population groups is because Blacks are losing gov-
ernment jobs at such a rapid pace. For example, last month the Black jobless rate stood at 16.2 percent "up from 15.5 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, the white jobless rate was 8.0 percent " down from 8.8 percent a year ago. Further, Labor Department data suggests that African Americans will continue to be disproportionately affected by government job cuts. Right now, government agencies are the single largest employer of Black men and the second most common employer of Black women. And conservative Republicans are pushing for even more drastic cuts in government spending before they will agree to a new debt ceiling with the Obama administration. Black dependence on government jobs to climb out of poverty and achieve middle class status has a long history. It actually began after the Civil War in the 1860s when the federal government sought to aid the former slaves by giving them jobs in the postal service. According to Philip Rubio, University of North Carolina (A&T campus) labor historian, by 1940, 14 percent of the Black middle
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class worked for the postal service. Overtime, government work (including the military) became a social equalizer providing Blacks with employment opportunities they could not easily find in private industry. hus, the loss of government paychecks may indeed reduce often out-of-control government spending but it also serves to undermine Black economic progress in America by eliminating middle income jobs. Meanwhile, African Americans can expect only token help from the Obama administration as they struggle to hold onto their "good government"jobs. One of the president's top economic advisers Austan Goolsbee announced this week that he was leaving his post as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. Goolsbee's departure leaves virtually no major figure in the Obama administration resisting Republican budget cutting efforts and calling for more job-creating stimulus programs. Insiders say Goolsbee is leaving in frustration, in part, because Obama was often too willing to compromise with Republican demands.
The choices we make on a daily basis can ensure our safety The choices we make on a daily basis—wearing a seatbelt, lifting heavy objects correctly or purposely staying out of any dangerous situation—can either ensure our safety or bring about potentially harmful circumstances. As Christians, we also have choices to make. To keep us in God’s safety zone, the Word of God establishes the necessary boundaries. It tells us what we can do to be safe and what we shouldn’t do if we don’t want to be unsafe. Where Are Your Boundaries? You and I need to make a decision that we are going to get our lives in order. Exercising self-control, self-discipline and establishing boundaries and borders in our lives are some of the most important things we can do. A life without discipline is one that’s filled with carelessness. We can think it’s kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of “Yeah! That’s me! Living on the edge! Woo-hoo!” It’s become a popular way to look at life. But to be honest, God doesn’t want us living on the edge. If we do, then we have no margin for error. Staying in the Lines Highways have lines, which provide margins for our safety while we’re driving. If we go over one side, we’ll go into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. And we like those lines because they help to keep us safe. Sometimes we don’t even realize how lines help to keep us safe. Similarly, when we begin to have boundaries, borders and margins in our personal lives, we feel much better and experience God’s peace. Stay stable in God's Word Maybe you’re living an unsustainable life. This means that you say things like, “I can’t do this much longer. I just can’t keep this up forever. If I have to live like this one more year, it’s probably going to finish me off. It’s all too much!” If we’re making comments like these, what we’re really saying is, “I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it.” I’m not proud of this, but for the first 20 years of my ministry, I ignored limits in my own life. I felt horrible physically most of the time. I ran to doctors, trying to make myself feel better through pills, vitamins, natural stuff and anything I could get my hands on. Some of the doctors would tell me, “It’s just stress.” That just made me mad. I thought stress meant you don’t like what you do or can’t handle life, and I love what I do. But I kept pushing myself, traveling, doing speaking engagements and so on— simply exhausting myself. Stop Putting Off Change I look back and think if it wasn’t for the mercy of God, I’d be dead. After all those years of thinking the doctors were all wrong, I finally realized that we can’t break God’s spiritual laws or His laws of health and rest and not pay a price. So I made some changes! The same goes for relationships. People give us warnings to let us know they’re not happy in our relationship with them. But how many people do anything to make their relationships better before it’s too late? If we discover we are living unsustainable lives, we need to stop putting off making the necessary changes until we have a nervous breakdown, a heart attack or lose everyone in our life. Be Balanced, not Pressured In Numbers 11, Moses gives us an example of what we can do when we’re under stress. Talk about pressure—he was leading the Israelites through the wilderness on what should have been an 11-day trip, but took 40 years. Because of it, the people were depressed and weeping over their situation. In verse 14 Moses tells God, I am not able to carry all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. Like Moses, it’s okay for us to say, “I’ve reached my limit.” Yes, scripture says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13 NKJV), but that’s really referring to times when we face various trials and situations that God will help us through You and I don’t have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. Each of us needs to be who God created us to be, and we don’t have to apologize for it. We’re not all alike and we need to find the comfort zone God has established for us to live in, so we can enjoy our lives instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and pressure. And remember: Just because God’s Word sets boundaries doesn’t mean that He’s trying to imprison you or hold you back. God is not into controlling us contrary to our will. We can get outside of those boundaries if we want to leave the safety God has established in His Word. Ultimately, He has given us guidelines and commandments to help us have a better life, and every single thing He tells us to do is for our benefit.
CHURCH DIRECTORY ST. PAUL MISSIOnARY BAPTIST CHURCH
1120 Grand Ave. Racine, Wis.
262-632-1467 www.stpmbc.org
Bishop Lawrence L.
KIRBY Senior Pastor
Christian Faith Fellowship Church Racine, Wisconsin Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott
Sunday School 9:15 AM Sunday Worship Service 7:45 AM & 10:40 AM Wednesday Prayer & Bible Class 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM Dinner - 5:30 PM
Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church
New Location 3001 Carpenter (off Durand - west of Memorial Dr)
9:00am - Sunday School 10:00am - Sunday Service 6:30-8:00pm - Tuesdays 631-0196 PO Box085576 • Racine, WI 53408
Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church “A God Glorifying, Christ Centered, Spirit-Filled Church”
Rev. Keith Evans Pastor
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
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306-5th Street, Racine, WI 262.635.1994 email: tumbcc@ameritech.net Rev. Buddy Vinson Senior Pastor
Sunday School - 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Prayer Service - (Wed.) 5:00 PM Bible Class & Prayer (Wed.) - 6:00 PM
CHURCH DIRECTORY ZOE OUTREACH Ministries Pastor Tommie Knuckles
2130 Racine Street Racine, WI 619-3027
Melvin Hargove Pastor Will President Obama’s New Outreach to Black America Work?
Is It Possible to Re-Ignite the Enthusiasm Associated with the 2008 Election? According to the latest Gallup Daily tracking “three day average” President Obama has reached a new low in popularity. Only 41 percent of Americans surveyed approve of the job being done by the nation’s first African American president. Meanwhile, his disapproval rating stands at 50 percent. Obama rates much better among African Americans where his approval rating stands at 85 percent. However, even that figure is down from a high of nearly 95 percent. As he prepares for a re-election bid in 2012, a leading part of Obama’s effort to re-capture the enthusiasm of his historic 2008 race for the White House has been to launch an aggressive new outreach campaign aimed at Black America. Obama has begun sending senior Black White House advisors to African American communities across the nation. The ambitious goal is to establish direct contact with 1 million potential Black votes and to host at least 100 events. However, the president’s new outreach comes in the wake of increased criticism from Black activists – most prominently Princeton University professor Cornell West – who charges Obama has failed to do anything significant for Black America. Indeed, he has labeled Obama a “black mascot” for Wall Street suggesting that he has done far more for the wealthy and the powerful than for Blacks. However, Obama’s advisors are arguing that Blacks may not be fully aware of his accomplishments. The director of the African American Outreach program Michael Blake says of the new outreach effort: "There are a lot of positive and transformational initiatives to help the African-American community that people are not aware of.” He added that the administration is working daily to improve the quality of life for African Americans.
Sunday School - 8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m. Sunday nA Meeting 6:30 PM Community Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday: Midweek Worship 6:15 a.m.- 8:15 p.m. Thursday nA Meeting 6:00 PM
SearchiNg TogeTher MiSSioNarY BapTiST church Rev. Willie Riley, Senior Pastor 262.633.4421
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
Pastor Joseph L. & First Lady Thomas
New Brighter Day Baptist Church 1225 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI
262-552-8090
825 21st Street • Racine Sunday School Worship Service Mid Morning Worship Service Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study Wednesday Dinner p.m. Wednesday Evening Bible Study Saturday Morning Prayer
9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon 5:30-6:30 6:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m.
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.
Visit our website: www.insiderwisconsin.com
The Insider News Wisconsin is a community based newspaper published in Racine, Wisconsin. The newspaper covers a variety 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 100 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 Aneillo Lindsey - Account Representative Jared Edwards - Account Representative C-Moe Vision Photography - Photographer
3001 Douglas, Avenue • Racine, Wisconsin
Page 13 The Insider News Wisconsin, March 15-31, 2012
Christian Faith Fellowship Men’s Choir Anniversary The celebration had the flavor of an old time gospel singing revival. Groups throughout Racine, primarily male chorus groups, provided spiritual encouragement and enjoyment to those who attended. Photos by Craig Morris
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Rihanna Defends "Man Down" Video, While Suffering Partial Ban in Britain Is It Artistic Freedom or Just Being Crude? Singing sensation Rihanna was wrapped up in controversy this week and it centers on her new video "Man Down." The video shows the 23-year-old performer in a crowded train station calmly shooting an alleged rapist in the back of the head. Rihanna says the video demonstrates female empowerment. But the Parents Television Council has blasted the singer saying the video only shows a "cold, calculated execution of murder." Meanwhile another industry watchdog group, Industry Ears, is also encouraging television networks not to air the video because it is harmful to children. In a press statement, Industry Ears said, "If Chris Brown (Rihanna's former boyfriend who was found guilty of assaulting her) shot a woman in
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his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop. Rihanna should not get a pass ." Rihanna's response has essentially been she is a young woman making an artistic statement. She wrote on Twitter, "I'm a 23-year-old rockstar with no kids. What's up with everybody wanting me to be a parent?" Meanwhile, a report in London's The Daily Mail has led to the partial banning of a Rihanna video. The report compiled by Reg Baily of Mother's Union targeted what it called the "sexualization of children" and included a denunciation of racy videos which feature skimpy clothing and sexual play. Both Rihanna and another performing sensation Lady Gaga had videos placed on a list which bans them from television before 9 p.m.
Page 16 The Insider News Wisconsin, March 15-31, 2012