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Vol. 36 • No. 03 • Thurs., Jan. 19, 2017 - Wed., Jan. 25, 2017 • An NCON Publication Serving The Milwaukee Area • 65¢
Why Dr. King's 'Dream' is more important now than ever This past Monday, our nation remembered 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
Milwaukee Frontiers Club celebrates service with Drum Major Award and Dr. King luncheon
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, eco-
nomic 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 cynicism around and a lot of despair, and it's understandable despair, and I've tried to say to them, 'Don't lose 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 recently interviewed Michelle Obama about her experiences as the First Lady of the United 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)
YMCA hosts 20th Annual MLK Celebration Breakfast
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Saturday, January 14, 2017, the Milwaukee Frontiers Club hosted their annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Drum Major Award Luncheon at the Wisconsin African American Women's Center, 3020 West Vliet Street. In a sermon delivered nearly 55 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., described what he called the “Drum Major Instinct” to the congregation in Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. The words he spoke that day were the inspiration for a national service award that recognizes leaders who give their time serving others but seldom seek the spotlight. Pictured at the Awards luncheon are (back row, from left) Frontiers International (Milwaukee Club) members James Kimble; James Green; Johnny Moutry; Dr. Willie Hart; Richard Williams; Jim Copeland; Donald Jackson; (front row, from left) Congresswoman Gwen Moore's outreach coordinator Shelia Payton; North Division High School 12th graders Adrianne S. Jordan, Teyonda A. Hamier, Tiarra M. Bean; and St. Matthew CME Church Christian Education Board director Theresa Jeminson. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Monday, January 16, 2017, the 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Breakfast was held at the Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St. The event was hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee and celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. King, as well as honored local community members and organizations that are dedicated to serving others. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Healthy Citizenship award went to Next Door Foundation; and the Potawatomi Diversity and Inclusion award winner was St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. As part of the breakfast a spoken word contest was held, and three local students were awarded top prizes in their age group. Pictured at the breakfast are (from left) Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. President Clint Myrick; spoken word contest winners 6th grader Ayanna Bennet; 4th grader Jayda Cole; 10th grader Namira Collins; and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Vice President Brandon Rule. An NCON Communications Publication