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Vol. 37 • No.02 • Thurs., Jan. 11, 2018 - Wed.,Jan., 17, 2018 • An NCON Publication Serving The Milwaukee Area • 65¢
Why Dr. King's 'Dream' is important now more than ever On January 15, 2018 our nation will remember civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a day in his honor. It couldn't come at a better time, as this nation deals with extreme polarization and a resurgence of negativity of all kinds, from racism to political apathy. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., never held political office, nor was he a mighty businessman. But he accomplished more for our nation with eloquent words than decades of political infighting or millions of dollars have since. He created unity and hope during a time when our nation desperately needed them. While his focus was primarily on eliminating racism, King also pushed for equality among economic sectors of the nation. Many say this is the key issue that dominated last fall's election, and nationwide, it continues to be obvious in our schools, our court rooms, and even our public health centers. Those who come from
communities and families with more resources have disproportionate opportunities and quality of life, and there continues to be little action to change that. When you think about it, true equality requires a portion of people to give something up. While it may be true that equality benefits us all, there is deep inertia from many toward the act of true equalization and instead, our nation seems to be moving slowly toward deeper and deeper inequality, especially in our economy. Take education, for example. While it is true that a minimum wage worker's children can, theoretically, attend college, most can barely afford the cost of co-curricular activities, let alone four years of tuition. To get in, most would have to fight tirelessly for scholarships and loans, and even with a four-year degree, would not be guaranteed a job. Where social barriers have been removed between many races since King's famous "Dream" speech, economic barriers have been
constructed in their place. So how do we reconcile this disparity and move forward? The answer can again be found in King's belief in the power of hope. "I see a lot of cynicism around and a lot of despair, and it's understandable despair, and I've tried to say to them, 'Don't lose
Zembo Temple #70 hosts Winter Concert at School for Early Development and Achievement
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Thursday, December 21, 2017, Zembo Temple #70 Prince Hall Shriners hosted a Children's Christmas Party and Winter Concert at the School for Early Development and Achievement's MCI Main Conference Center, 2020 West Wells Street. The event aimed to bring holiday cheer to children who may not have the opportunity to celebrate or receive a gift at Christmas. Gifts were donated by Prince Hall Shriners, school staff and friends. The event was officiated by Wesley Jones and the students from the various classes performed Christmas songs for students and invited guests. Pictured with the children are Noble Ricky Townsell; Noble Dewitt White, Captain of the Guard; Noble Chief Rabban Gerald Woodard; Illustrious Potentate John Odom; Illustrious Commandeers Tygeen Taylor; Noble Chief Rabban Terry Jackson; Past Potentate Steven Quezaire; and High Priest and Prophet Marcel Clarke. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
hope; don't give up; picture disappointments and transform them into your own assets and into something creative'," King told an audience at a Feb. 15, 1968, rally for the campaign. Oprah Winfrey once interviewed Michelle Obama about her experiences as the First Lady of the Unit-
ed States. Throughout the interview, Obama exhibited extraordinary poise and grace as she refused to criticize the incoming president or his supporters. Our nation needs to be behind its leader, she said, and most importantly, it needs to have hope. (Continued on pg. 2)
Milwaukee remembers 2017's homicide victims
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Saturday, December 30, 2017, Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc., hosted their annual "Milwaukee Lights A Candle for Change" candlelight vigil for the homicide victims of 2017. The vigil was officiated at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 3022 West Wisconsin Ave., and was presided over by Rev. Dr. Patrick Keen. Along with songs, praise dances, and words of comfort and encouragement, family members lit candles in remembrance of their loved ones who died by violence this past year. The names of all 168 victims who died by violence last year were read by Sr. Rose Stietz and Rev. Gregory Lewis of Pastors United before a candle was lit in their honor. The event was co-sponsored by Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc., Pastors United, MICAH, and Wisconsin Annual Conference of United Methodist Churches, in cooperation with Milwaukee County.
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