mcj july 8, 2015 edition

JJouRouRnALnALW i S C o n S i n ’ S L A R G e S T A f R i C A n A M e R i C A n n e W S P A P e R

CCoMMuniTYoMMuniTYVoL. XXXiX number 49 July 8, 2015 www.communityjournal.net 25 Cents BULK RATE

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSINPERMIT NO. 4668

noted educator, scholar and historian Taki S. Raton passes

The Milwaukee

Historian, educator, scholar, mentor and Community Journalcontributor Taki S. Raton died Tuesday morning of a heart at-tack according to reliable sources from within the community,though an official cause of death has yet to be announced.Raton was an Adjunct Professor at Springfield College, Milwaukee on the un-

dergraduate and graduate levels.Raton was a noted writer and lecturer on the national stage detailing African

World Historiography, urban community concerns with an emphasis on education,the social development of Black youth and African American male issues.He additionally hosted the weekly Thursday evening radio show, “MenThink”

on the Harambee Radio & TV Internet Broadcast network.A former teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools, Raton was especially known in

the community as the former founder and principal of Blyden Delany Academy, aParental Choice School.Operating under the African Centered instructional and student-centered devel-

opmental model, this all-Black private school served area children from 1998 to2008 in K4 through 8th grade learning levels.Raton’s work and authorship in the education of African American youth has

been referenced in “A House Divided No More – Time for Indigenous CommunalHealing” (James, 2011), “Why aren’t African Centered charters running turn-arounds” (Herold, “The NoteBook” – February 2011), “The Afro-Centric Educa-

QueSTion of The WeeK:“During the recent 72 hour workstoppage by Milwaukee CountyBus Drivers, did you have a diffi-cult time celebrating the fourth ofJuly without bus service? Why orwhy not?”

WILLIE RILEY:“I depend on thebus whereever Igo. I am a de-voted bus rider. Iam a senior citi-zen, so I had towalk everywhere I wanted to go. Thiswas a great inconvenience. I enjoy rid-ing the bus and meeting people.”

ZOINISHI-AYIA CRAPE:“I work(ed) atSummerfest onthe Fourth. Get-ting to work wasvery difficult. Peo-ple were offering rides, but they weretaking advantage of us by chargingover the top prices.”

ALEXANDRIAUNDER-WOOD-BROWN: “Yes, because Icouldn’t get towork and I could-n’t get my grocery shopping done likeI usually do. I couldn’t even get toSummerfest.”

SAMUEL HOLT:“Yes, because Iwanted to see myfamily. I alwaysride the bus. I enjoyriding the bus be-cause you get tomeet people; con-necting with theneighborhood. I live in the middle of theinner city and the busline can take meanywhere I want to go.”

Milwaukee County TransitSystem Announces StrikeReimbursement Plan The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is issuing reimburse-

ments for passengers who had active 7-day or 31-day passes during lastweek’s strike by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 998. ATU leaders went on a three-day strike despite a new contract proposal

from MCTS that would significantly increase bus drivers and mechanicspay.The strike stranded tens of thousands of people across Milwaukee,

Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties who rely on MCTS to getto work, school and medical appointments.MCTS is updating RideMCTS.com with a FAQ page that has more in-

formation about the contract and debunking false rumors some union lead-ers are spreading.Reimbursement InfoM•CARD holders: M•CARD reimbursements must be obtained by phone (414-937-

0470) or email ([email protected]).For each day your 7-day or 31-day M•CARD pass was active during

the strike, you will receive the value of three free rides ($1.75 per ride instored value) on your M•CARD.

1 day reimbursement = $5.25 in stored value2 days = $10.50 in stored value3 days = $15.75 in stored value

If you are requesting your reimbursement via email, please provideyour name, contact phone number and M•CARD serial number locatedon the back of your card (number starts with 05-).Emails will be responded to within three business days.Note – it may take up to 48 hours for the reimbursement to show up onyour card.Paper Passes: If you have a weekly paper pass for June 28, 2015 - July 4, 2015 or a

monthly pass for July 2015, please bring your pass to:• MCTS Administrative office - 1942 N 17th Street, 8am- 4:30pm• Kinnickinnic Station - 1718 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, 8am – 4:30pm• Fond du Lac Station – 3201 W. Fond du Lac Ave, 8am - 4:30pmAfter submitting your ticket, you will be given a booklet of 10 tickets touse any time.

Note - you need to hand in your paper pass in exchange for the reim-bursement, so July monthly pass holders will not want to come in untilAugust.

PULSE OF THE COMMUNITYPhotos/question by Yvonne Kemp

Milwaukee County Supervisor Martin Weddle, a former statechess champion, and Sup. Khalif Rainey helped unveil a new pro-gram Monday designed to teach youth how to play chess and en-gage in games of chess Tuesday, at the McGovern Park Pavilion,5400 N. 51st. Blvd.

The program targets youths in grades 2 through 12, and will in-clude chess instruction, coaching and accessible equipment for thepurpose of learning the game and skills of chess with the potentialof competitive participation in tournaments.

Said Weddle: “Chess is an excellent self-esteem builder andstudies show participation in chess correlated with higher math andreading test scores.”

Said Rainey: “This (the chess program) is an important step to-ward giving inner city youths an activity that can actually improvetheir critical thinking skills, and I applaud Sup. Weddle for sponsor-ing this measure.

“I’m excited for the youths who will soon have the opportunity toplay this fascinating game.”

In a year where Mil-waukee homicides havecontinued at a pacedoubling recent years,Milwaukee Ald. AshanteHamilton and othercommunity leaders in-troduced an initiativeaimed at curbing the vi-olence through commu-nity-drivenintervention.The Safe Zone Initivative will es-

tablish “safe zones” in four of thecity’s most troubled neighborhoods,where community leaders will beavailable to intervene in potentiallyviolent situations and counteract theroot causes of violence, like povertyand educational disparity. Eleven community members (pic-

tured above right during a news con-ference last Thurdsay kicking off theinitiative), called “H.O.O.D. (Help-ing Others Obtain Direction) Ambas-sadors” have been hired and trainedin crucial skills like conflict resolu-tions, de-escalation, communication,community mapping and counter-

human trafficking.“Sometimes the most effective

help has to come from within a trou-bled area,” said Hamilton. “The am-bassadors who will work in the safezones are people who are from theseneighborhoods. “They have a stake in turning them

around, they know the people andthey know what it means to strugglewith poverty.” Throughout the summer,

“H.O.O.D. Ambassadors” will work

in the safe zones Tuesdays throughSaturdays from 1 to 11 p.m.The city-backed effort is made

possible by a partnership with com-munity leaders Khalil Coleman andShawn Moore, as well as Muham-mad Mosque #3, New Hope BaptistChurch, Northwest Side CommunityDevelopment Corp., the GardenHomes Neighborhood Association,Peace for Change Alliance, TrueStrength Group Milwaukee, We GotThis, I Will Not Die Young cam-

paign, Cross Jordan Ministries,Alpha and Omega Ministries, theCoalition of Hope and the UniversalCompanies.Safe Zones will be located in each

of the four “Promise Zones” desig-nated under Ald. Hamilton’s “Mil-waukee Promise” legislation:Division/Harambee, WashingtonPark, Greater Old North Milwaukeeand the Near South Side.“With the support of our neighbor-

Alderman and community leaderskick off Safe Zone initiative

CHECK MATINGSUMMER BOREDOM!Youth Chess program at McGovernPark targets Inner City youth

Milwaukee County Supervisor MartinWeddle, a former state chess champion,comtemplates a move during a game withoversized chess pieces after the officalunveiling of the chess program designedto teach youths how to play chess. (All photos by Yvonne Kemp)

Sup. Weddle (left) and Sup. Khalif Rainey after the program unveiling Youths play games of chess at McGovern Park Pavillion.

(continued on page 8)

Article compiled by MCJ Staff

(continued on page 8)Photo by DavidJames-MATC

The Milwaukee Community Journal July 8, 2015

THETHE PULSEPULSEThe Who•WhAT•WheRe• When of YouR Community!

f o r m e r l y t h e 4 W C o m m u n i t y h a p p e n i n g s

CLASSICSOUL AT THE LAKEFRONTThe Isley Brothers(above, left andright) and Otis Clay(at left) broughtsome “Ol’ School Fla-vor” to the worldsbiggest music festi-val, Summerfest atthe Henry MaierSummerfest Groundson the lakefront. (Photos by KimRobinson)

MAC DADDY...ANDGRANDDADDY! McArthur (Mac) Weddle (far right) takestime out from his stewartship of June-teenth Day activities to proudly posewith his son, Milwaukee County Sup.Mark Weddle (far left), and his grandchil-dren. The festival, which is a state holi-day, was held June 19 along MLK Drive.(Kemp photo)


PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES Quote of the Week: “This war on drugs andmass incarcerations have decimated theBlack male population...It’s Slavery!”

--Film maker Quentin Tarantino

SIGNIFYIN’SIGNIFYIN’By Mikel Kweku osei holt

TheTheMiLWAuKeeMiLWAuKeeCoMMuniTYCoMMuniTYJouRnALJouRnALPublished twice weekly,Wednesday & Friday3612 north Martin LutherKing Drive, Milwaukee, Wi 53212Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not nec-essarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Let-ters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for contentand length.

MCJ STAff:Patricia o’flynn -PattilloPublisher, CeoRobert J. ThomasAssoc. PublisherTodd Thomas, Vice Pres.Mikel holt, Assoc. PublisherThomas e. Mitchell, Jr., editorTeretha Martin, Technical Consultant/Webmaster BillingDept./Publisher’s Admin. Assist.

Colleen newsom,Classified AdvertisingJimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep.ConTRiBuTinG WRiTeRS:Taki S. Raton, Richard G. Carter,fr. Carl Diederichs, Rev. JoeMcLinPhoToGRAPheR: Yvonne Kemp

Black Self-DeterminationThe self-determination for Black people in America has been and will continue

to be a long and arduous struggle and any interruption can/will seriously cripplethe movement possibly permanently. Complicating our efforts is the fact that theclock is still running. No matter where we are in the struggle and/or what we want to accomplish,

the American machine continues to move at an unbelievable speed (the speed ofa free market) which makes slowing it down to allow for Black people to catchup IMPOSSIBLE. Blacks face extinction or the relegation to a permanent second class citizenship

if we don’t figure out how to restart the movement and design, build, and fly theplane at the same time (this is why we can’t afford any interruptions in the move-ment for self-determination). Brothers and sisters, what direction are we heading in now? What are the cur-

rent goals and objectives for the Black family in America and who is managingthe outcome of those goals? To make a point, I would like to use a football analogy, everyone from the front office to the

players is working to win the game on the field and everyone has a role to play. The team is led by a host of coaches under the leadership of the head coach,

who creates a “game plan“ that directs the offensive team (quarterback, runningback, offensive line, wide receivers, tight-end, etc.): their job is to score againsttheir opponents every time they hit the field; the defensive team (defensive line,cornerbacks, safety’s, tackles, etc.); their job is to stop their opponent from scor-ing; and the special teams (kickers, punters, players, etc.); their job is to makelife very difficult for the opponent by putting them in the worst position on thefield to mount an offensive (this makes the defensive teams jobs very easy). The Black community is under extreme pressure because it too has an opponent

that has a game plan to continue the oppression of Black people at every point inAmerican life and the sad reality is that the Black community has, not only nooffense, but has no defense. If all of this coordination, planning and plotting is being done for a football

game, where is the effort and energy being deployed for the game of life that isbeing waged on behalf of the Black community for its self-determination? The answer is that it’s not happening and the sad reality is that we have no

chance at maintaining and/or advancing the movement without this type of”planned“ approach: NONE. Most, if not all of the issues that impede our ability to chart our own destination

resides in our inability to have capital. Many have confused capital with income and my argument is that while we

have passed the one trillion income mark, this number is very misleading because1) if you factor in the nearly two thirds of our population living at or near poverty;the high rate of incarceration among Black men; the high level of unemploymentand underemployment especially amongst our Black men; the one trillion incomenumber should be more like four trillion and 2) income doesn’t equate to capitalwhich is needed to create wealth; when you compare the ownership structure ofAmerica’s wealth, Blacks own nearly zero percent, this where it all begins and ifparity was achieved, Blacks would be nearly $14 trillion wealthier (this is truefreedom and independence). If Blacks don’t own any real portion of America’s economy and wealth, we

can never chart our destiny; we can never achieve self-determination. And if we’re unable to achieve our own self-determination, technically the

Black man in America is still not free; therefore he has the dubious distinction ofbeing the highest paid slave in the world. The Black man must be determined to achieve full and complete freedom jus-

tice and equality in America but that won’t come without a well-organized andsustained fight (movement). What does full and complete freedom, justice, andequality look like? • Freedom (real freedom is economic freedom):The Emancipation Proclama-

tion signaled the end of the American institution of slavery. When you considerthe following two key facts (there are so many more): 1) Black ownership of thenation’s wealth remain where it was in 1860 near the end of slavery (pre-eman-cipation) at one half of one percent. After 150 years and 100percent physical freedom; America’s token addressing

of social issues, Blacks still only own one half of one percent of the nation’swealth. Why is this? Wealth inheritance is the passing of past benefits and gains from

previous generations to future generations. Currently, nearly 90percent of all of the nation’s wealth was passed from one

generation to another, this wealth is forever locked up (i.e. cash, stocks, bonds,land, business, trust accounts, endowments, foundation, etc.). While not all white people are rich, there is a massive disparity between the

net assets of the average white family versus the average Black family ($100K+vs $6-8K). This plays out in educational opportunities, housing and neighborhood selec-

tion, capitalization of entrepreneurial aspirations, and a genuine ability for self-determination for Black people. A recent report valued the promise of 40 acres and a mule at nearly $7 trillion

(that is the minimum owed). • Justice (real justice is the abolishing of structural and institutional racism) -

In spite of this unforgivable economic position that Blacks faced after emanci-pation, Blacks would make real progress in nearly every area (i.e. literacy attain-ment, education, land ownership, small business development, functionalcommunity life, etc.) but this progress was met with a vicious and lethal attackand terrorism and an adaptation of slavery and oppression by racist whites in theform of the Ku Klux Klan and Jim Crow laws which were designed to undermineany and all social and economic gains by Black people. Blacks responded with a civil rights fight, battle that would consume them for

nearly 60 years that ultimately placed Blacks further behind economically. Nothaving both economic and political freedoms was extremely damaging to the ”in-fant“ Black community. While Blacks might have won the civil rights battle, we continue to lose the

economic war (this needle hasn’t moved since emancipation). Since the 1960s,as a result of hundred years of chattel slavery and then outright structural and in-

Remember when…

The brutal murder of Emmett Till stunnedMilwaukee and AmericaBy Richard G. CarterFor me, and countless other Black people who lived it, the summer of

1955 -- 60 years ago -- will always be with us. Why? Because of the viciousmurder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. And I recall it as clearly as yesterday.That long, hot summer was the kind we used to called “the dog days.”

But my teen memories of those sweltering months that year have little todo with searing heat. They are about the vile event in Mississippi thatburned hotter than the sun in the hearts and minds of countless Black Mil-waukeeans.Sadly, this horrific event will never leave our memories. Why? Because

it could have happened to any of us who often spent part of our summersdown South with relatives.The gruesome killing of Till, who lived in nearby Chicago, reinforced

the often violent reality of racial segregation. For many of us, the horrorwas relived by graphic photos in Jet Magazine showing his grotesquelydisfigured face as he lay in his glass-covered coffin. They sent shock wavesthroughout Black America.All of this recently came rushing back as I recalled the especially cruel

way young Till lost his life to fiendish, adult White racists in the Mississippidelta country.To put things in proper perspective, it must be understood that in the

1950s and ‘60s, America in general -- and the deep South in particular --was strictly segregated. And although northern Whites wouldn’t admit it,Black people faced roadblocks everywhere.I can’t count how often I was stopped and hassled by White police in

Milwaukee simply for being out at night. For example, this happened whilewaiting at a downtown bus stop about 3 a.m. after my night shift at the PostOffice, in an alley walking home from my girlfriend’s house and drivingthrough a White neighborhood.And, of course, we suffered severe job and housing discrimination. As a

brand new graduate of Marquette University’s College of Journalism, I wasturned down for a reporter’s job at The Milwaukee Journal while a half-dozen of my White classmates were hired. As a brand new husband and fa-ther, I was turned down in efforts to rent an apartment in certain areas ofthe city. And this was in the North.Ironically in 1963 -- as an editor-reporter with the Black-owned Milwau-

kee Star -- I interviewed the late William Bradford Huie. It was this cele-brated White novelist and screenwriter whose sensational Look Magazinearticle on the Emmett Till case contained confessions by two White menthat they had done the killing.In those days down South, it still was not unusual for Black men to be

lynched or simply disappear without a trace. This often happened to some-one accused of raping a White woman. So in mid-summer 1955, whenyoung Till’s hideous murder was made known, most Blacks were not reallysurprised. But we were saddened and horrified.Till, who left Chicago by train on Aug. 20, 1955 for a family visit, was

abducted the night of Aug. 28, and disappeared. This was a few days afterhis speech impediment apparently caused him to whistle in the directionof a 21-year-old, White female, Carolyn Bryant, co-owner of a grocerystore in Money, Miss. -- a tiny, single-street, redneck town.On Aug. 31, his body was found in the Tallahatchie River -- weighted-

down by a 75-lb. cotton gin fan tied around his neck with barbed wire. Anunthinkable atrocity.On Sept. 23, the White J. W. Milam and Roy Bryant -- husband of Till’s

accuser -- were acquitted of the murder by an all-White jury after theirlawyers argued that the body in the river was too disfigured to be identified.This, despite Black eyewitnesses who saw them abduct Till, and a Blackman who was forced to wash blood out of Milam’s car.Till’s mother, the late Mamie Till Mobley, insisted on an open-casket fu-

neral on the south side of Chicago, so the world could see her son’s un-re-touched, horribly mutilated face. The Sunday ceremony was attended by50,000 people, many of whom were overcome with emotion.Years later, Mrs. Mobley said that Emmett Till was “the sacrificial lamb

of the Civil Rights Movement,” and that “his death was the real beginningof the movement.”According to published reports, a latter-day initiative in the Till case was

inspired by TV documentaries of two Black filmmakers: “The Untold Storyof Emmett Till,” by 32-year-old Keith Beauchamp, and “The Murder ofEmmett Till,” by Stanley Nelson, 52, also well-known for his 1999 historyof the Black press “Soldiers Without Swords.”Beauchamp’s film and Nelson’s critically acclaimed Till documentary --

the latter shown nationally in 2003 on Public Television’s “American Ex-perience” -- came to the attention of U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem)and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). They carried the ball in a suc-cessful attempt to convince the U. S. Department of Justice to reopen theTill case. Kudos to them.In the best of all possible worlds, Milam and Bryant -- the two deceased

White men who confessed to killing Emmett Till -- posthumously will befound guilty in court. And their names will be mud.For those of us who recall how it all went down in the long, hot summer

of 1955, it won’t be a moment too soon. Perhaps some semblance of justicewill be done. Finally.--Milwaukee native Richard G. Carter is a freelancecolumnist


Marva Collins:The “Mother ofBlack Academic excellence”

Don’t try to fix the students, fix our-selves first. The good teacher makes thepoor student good and the good studentsuperior. When our students’ fail, we asteachers, too, have failed. —MarvaCollinsIf I have any influence over it, ‘our’

history will describe to the world howtwo African American women were cat-alysts for America’s 20th century edu-cational revolution. The first was Milwaukee’s own An-

nette Polly Williams, the Mother ofSchool Choice. Williams died last yearafter a distinguished—albeit sometimes tumultuous--career in the state legislature. Polly, as she was affectionately known, was the author of the school choice ini-

tiative, a program that was first suggested by the superintendent of Milwaukee Pub-lic Schools and his deputy, Robert S. Peterkin and Deborah McGriff, as an optionfor Black parents who were being failed by the public school system.The program has become a key component in the national campaign to empower

low-income families, and to bring about greater accountability within the publicschool eduocracy.Central to Polly’s campaign was the realization that several small Black and His-

panic private schools were able to do what the public schools could, or would not:educate and inspire Black students.Williams, and Peterkin, were impressed with the success of the second educa-

tional revolutionary, Marva Collins.Williams once called Collins an inspiration and pioneer, and an advocate for

Black educational achievement and high expectations. She was all that and more,and her name became a rallying cry for frustrated Black parents, and a thorn in theside of the eduocracy, which was embarrassed by the fiery educator’s ability to ac-complish what they were not.Collins, who could easily have held the title of “The Mother of Black Academic

Achievement, “came to national prominence after the Black students in her start-up private school outperformed their public school counterparts.Many of today’s educational and political leaders would do well to study Collins,

who became a catalyst for educational revolutionaries in the 1980s and 90s. Thoseof us, who grew frustrated with the failure of the educracy, following the so-calledSchool Integration settlement, learned that the best weapon against educationalapartheid was providing low-income parents with educational options. In a nut-shell, providing them with the resources to find local Marva Collins’-type schools.

Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the thingyou will do best—Marva CollinsA former public school teacher who grew disenchanted with the failure of the

Chicago public schools to educate its Black charges, Collins took $5,000 out of herretirement fund and started the Westside Preparatory School on the second floor ofher home. She also introduced what has become known as the Collins’ Method, a curricu-

lum that emphasized phonics, and great detail to math, reading and English, par-ticularly the classics.I’m a teacher A teacher is someone who leads. There is no magic here. I do not

walk on water. I do not part the sea. I just love children.Collins’ school accepted all students but she specialized in Black students cate-

gorized by the Chicago district as ‘learning disabled.’ Collins believed most of thestudents were merely stigmatized because of the inability of teachers to teach them.

"If Abraham Lincoln were enrolled in public schools today, he would probablybe in a learning disability program. Lincoln didn't learn to read until age 14. Noone should rule any child out of the educational picture."---Marva CollinsCollins’ system worked beyond expectations, and her name and teaching method-

ology were embraced, in whole or part, around the country.The educator was a frequent visitor to Milwaukee where she campaigned on be-

half of Black children who had been failed by the educracy. She and Williams be-came friends. And several local community schools embraced her teachingmethodology, including Harambee and Urban Day. She also helped open a schoolnamed after her. The school ultimately changed its name to Milwaukee CollegePrep, one of the best private academies in Milwaukee.Collins’ impact on the educational revolution can’t be overstated. A movie about


Marva Collins

emmett Till before and after his lynching.


RELIGIONRELIGION

In Loving Memory

Quality Service...a tenured tradition

sincere concern at your time of need.

Offering pre-need, at need andafter-care services to families inMilwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and

other communities throughout our state. J.C. frazier, funeral Director

Milwaukee6630 W. Hampton Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53218

Telephone: (414) 462-6020Fax: (414) 462-9937

Racine800 Barker St.

Racine, WI 53402Telephone: (262) 637-6400

Fax: (262) 637-6416

Families served by:Northwest Funeral Chapel O’Bee, Ford & Frazier

Aaron, MarjorieAge 93 years. July 6, 2015.Beloved mother of John L.(Mar-garet)Browder. Loving grand-mother of Deadra(Dewayne)Richelle-Purifoy andEvan(Sherry)Browder. Loving sis-

ter of Marcel Butler, Adastine(Odell)Henry, DorisRenfro and Rose(Berkley)Fudge. Also survived by ahost of other loving relatives and friends. Funeralservices will be held on Friday, July 10 at 12 Noon atGreater Mt. Zion Baptist Church 2479 N. ShermanBlvd. Visitation Friday 11AM at the CHURCH untiltime of services. The family is served by:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Barry, Clyde Sr.Age 92 yrs. July 4, 2015. Funeral services will beheld on Friday July 10 at 11AM. Visitation Friday10AM until time of services at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Golden, Mary LouisePassed away peacefully on Tues-day, June 30, 2015 at the age of81. Beloved mother to Jerri A.Stanford, Charles Alan Golden (An-drew Johnson), the late Jacqueline

and Bruce Golden. Sister of Martha E. Carter. Alsosurvived by a host of other loving relatives andfriends.Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July11, 2015 at 11:00am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church,2207 N. 2nd St. Visitation Saturday 10:00am at theCHURCH until time of services.In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name to bemade to Mt. Zion Child Development Center.The family is served by:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Ragsdale, Henry C.Age 80 yrs. July 1, 2015. Funeral services will beheld on Saturday, July 11 at 12 Noon at NewCovenant Baptist Church 2315 N. 38th St. VisitationSaturday 11AM at the CHURCH until time of services.The family is served by:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

Banks, Otha B.Age 71 yrs. June 28, 2015. Visitation Only Tuesday,July 7 at 1PM at:Northwest Funeral ChapelO'Bee, Ford & Frazier6630 W. Hampton Ave. (414)462-6020

ernestine o’Bee, founder

Brothers of unity recently held “Praise in the Park: The Great Commission” at the Washington Parkbandshell. The event called the community to unite in song, prayer, praise and worship. (Photosby Yvonne Kemp)

Praise in the Park at Washington Park bandshell

Tony and Tia neff (seated center) were given a surprise 25 wedding anniversaryparty at Celebrations recently. They are flanked by their two children and sur-rounded by parents, relatives and friends. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)

The Neffs celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss

The guest columnist this month is my daughter,Camille Bryana Lester. She is a recent graduate ofDePaul University, where she received her Bache-lor’s degree in Psychology and African & Black Di-aspora Studies. Currently, she is a graduate studentat Marquette University receiving a Master’s of Sci-ence degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her ultimate goal is to become a Child Psycholo-

gist and make mental health services readily avail-able and accessible by opening up her own privatepractice in the black community. Camille is also apast recipient of the Terrence N. Thomas MemorialScholarship (“TNT”) and has foregone the awardingof the TNT Scholarship this year to allow anotheryoung person in the community to be blessed by thescholarship. Her submission is a young person’s per-spective on the issue of “Black Lives Truly Do Mat-ter.”

“If we have the courage and tenacity of our fore-bears, who stood firmly like a rock against the lashof slavery, we shall find a way to do for our day whatthey did for theirs.” – Mary McLeod Bethune What is to be said about the state of black Amer-

ica? As my eyes peruse the daily headlines and Ioverhear the subtle murmur of the news reports, itis no secret that black America is in a state of alltime crisis. The smell of fire and ashes blowing in the south-

ern wind, countless churches burning and the inces-sant no indictments; we as a community are onlyrewarded with lifeless black bodies strung out on the

pavement. With no one, truly held accountable. It is a reoccurring theme that black life consis-

tently does not matter. I often times feel myselfburning with pain, anger and fear, screaming withmy mouth sealed shut. What can we do? What isnext for America? More importantly, what type ofworld do I hope to curate for my children, in tomor-rows black America? The first order of business is to address the ni-

hilism in black America. Nihilism in respect toblackness can be defined as psychological depres-sion, despair and feeling of worthlessness that canbe found on every corner of the inner city and inter-nally burning in our souls as we matriculate throughcorporate America, dodging micro aggressions andfeelings of inferiority. This nihilism is a viciouscycle; starting with feelings of despair and hopeless-ness, resulting in acts of violence to self or thosearound us. It is that ever repeating, “What do I haveto lose” mindset. What do we have to lose?

We are living in the age where sit-ins and boy-cotts are proven sadly ineffective. We are fightinga hidden, covert and institutional fight. What I charge you to do, is do what you are pas-

sionate about. Make your passion your career, curatea life that includes interests that make you unapolo-getically happy. With that career or interests, workto make resources and services accessible, shed lightand be a catalyst of light to the African Americancommunity.We are an infinitely strong race of people. People

who have survived the middle passage, slavery, thereconstruction period and Jim Crow. I often timesfeel weak and unsure if I am able to do this work.In these moments of fear and weakness, I think ofwho I am, and who’s I am. I am a child of God, and through Him all things

are possible and all feats conquerable. What I amcalling for our community to do is be tenacious, giveback, and think back. There is hope, there arebrighter days on the horizon—but it all begins withus. Because our ancestors could, we can. This is ourcommunity, we are a family. Black lives truly domatter.

RELIGIOUSRELIGIOUSCOMMENTARYCOMMENTARY

Guest Columnist Camille B. Lester, B.S. Psychology

“Black LivesTruly Do Matter”


stitutional racism, Blacks have continued to lose ground innearly every category. After emancipation, every American system was legally,

morally, and physically blocked to Blacks in America. From1865 until the massive migration of Blacks to the northeastand Midwest, Blacks lived in segregated and contained areaswhere extreme levels of racism and hatred were committedagainst them, by denying them access to the multitude ofAmerican systems offered to whites. .. Today Blacks suffer from structural and institutional

racism. We have countless stories of discrimination andunfair treatment of Blacks under these systems across everybusiness sector. As a result, there are few Blacks repre-sented in the CEO suite of big businesses. • Equality (equal representation of both the good and bad

of American life) - Equality is a state of being equal in quan-tity, degree, value, rank, ability, and opportunity. I will primarily focus on “quantity.” This has been and

continues to be the struggle in America for Black people.Black people, because of their start in this country, don’thave the equality of ”quantity.” Basically, if Blacks represent 13percent of the nation’s

population, Blacks should own 13percent of the good de-mographics (i.e. wealth, income, businesses, etc.) and also13percent of the bad demographics (i.e. academic failures,incarceration, unemployment, health, etc.). The sad realityis that Blacks are nearly invisible in the good demographicsand dominate the bad demographics (the disparities canrange between 15 and 60 points). For example, if equality was achieved based on equal

quantity, Blacks would own 13percent of the nation”swealth and good demographics and own 13percent of thenation’s problems.

For example, Blacks should have nearly 13percent of thenation’s $110 trillion in wealth, yet Blacks only have 0.5per-cent of the nation’s wealth - this disparity is nearly a $14trillion differential. This disparity is lethal and impacts every aspect of Black

American life. The wealth disparity for Black people will remain and/or

worsen when you consider key components that are directcontributors to wealth creation (i.e. business participation,unemployment and underemployment, long-term educationfailure, demise of the Black family, etc.). The fight for self-determination (movement) must con-

tinue just like it did in the 19th century when we had to de-stroy the nearly 300 year vicious and most inhumaneAmerican institution of slavery, Blacks had to escape thephysical violence (THE BLACK AGENDA AND BLACKSELF-DETERMINATION WAS CRYSTAL CLEAR). After emancipation and the United States government’s

termination of reconstruction (there were no resources allo-cated for the transition of millions of Black people from en-slavement to freedom), the turn of the 20th centurypresented wholesale and legal segregation of Black people,outright racism coupled with violence and terrorism un-leashed against Black men that, in many cases rivaled en-

slavement with race prejudice existing within every Amer-ican institution. Blacks had to escape being relegated to becoming a per-

manent second class citizenship (THE BLACK AGENDAAND BLACK SELF-DETERMINATION WAS CRYSTALCLEAR).Now the 21st century presents a whole different set of

challenges for the Black community in America. Today, theBlack agenda is not “crystal” clear as it was for the previousgenerations (escape physical violence and open racism) andas with previous generations, the Black community has anumber of leaders with different approaches and focuses(the difference is that the agenda for the previous leaderswas crystal clear). Today, because the problems are so material and, in many

cases, the opponent is invisible, there are some Black leaderswho are championing an African centered re-education;some are focused on reparations; some are focused on Blackmales and the mass incarceration of Black men; some arefocused on health issues; some are only focused on businessgrowth; and some are focused on social issues like drugsand alcohol, teen pregnancy, workforce development, whilemany others solely focus on religion as the sole solution tothe issues facing the Black community. Some have put all of the lack of progress on the Black

elected officials, which is flawed. While one of the morevisual gains made by Blacks over the past 50 years has beenincreased political participation with Black representativesat local and state government elections on city council, staterepresentatives and senate and in some cases mayor, it hasn’tbeen equitable – there is still too few. In fact Blacks, while having the largest voting bloc in

many urban cities, lack any real political power because theBlack elected officials have refuse to work together as a cau-cus. Our issues are more complicated because the millennial

generation, those that have grown up in this so-called pos-tracial environment all of their lives, have neither venturedout of their Black enclaves, or have been blessed with re-sources and have seen limited or no racism to date sothey’ve become disconnected from their Black cultural her-itage (i.e. having a real understanding of Black history, re-specting and honoring elders, etc.) and the need for theongoing fight (movement). Because of this and other factors like individualism and

self-destructing behavior, many young Blacks don’t under-stand the real threat of white supremacy – they don’t believein the power and impact of this opponent. By deduction, because of the alarming disparities of

Blacks compared to white, if they don’t understand the in-fluences and the legacy of slavery then they must believe(subconsciously) in Black inferiority. Many have bought hook, line, and sinker into the idea of

assimilation “if I act correctly (good N) at every turn then Imight be accepted in by white people” – this is the illusionof inclusion that many of our elders have already attempted. While we have a number of proposed solutions, none

seem to be coordinated and consolidated. Yes we still have too many leaders and too many different

strategies, which unless combined and coordinated will nothave the capacity to move the needle for Black people.

If the Black community is unable to organize and restartthis movement, it’s the equivalent of having the peeweefootball team (unorganized Black movement) playingagainst the world champion New England Patriots.

universallyuniversallySpeakingSpeaking(continued from page 3)

her that starred Cicely Tyson only touched on the greatnessof this Black educational activist and brought before the pub-lic how educational apartheid doomed millions of Black chil-dren to second-class citizenship.Marva Collins was not about the blame game, but instead

advocated that Black parents also beared responsibility fortheir children’s’ success or failure. If the public school didn’tprovide for their needs, it was the parents’ responsibility tochallenge the system, or seek options. They must also committime and energy toward assisting their children in achievingacademic success.

"Parents, particularly black parents, have to be willing tomake sacrifices to make sure their children are educated prop-erly."—Marva CollinsObviously, if we followed Marva Collins’ advise, and

words of wisdom, we could finally obtain some of the rocksneeded to knock down the walls of educational apartheid inthis country.Following are quotes by Marva Collins, followed by the

creed each of her students were required to learn, and recite:“Trust yourself, Think for yourself, Act for yourself, Speak

for yourself. Be yourself Imitation is suicide.Success doesn’t come to you, you go to itThere is a brilliant child locked inside every studentCharacter is when you know you are, not what others think

you have…The older you get the more you realize that it isn’t about

material things, or pride or ego. It’s about our hearts andwho they beat for.

The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious tohave one idea spark another.

Determination and perseverance move the world, thinkingthat others will do it of you is a sure way to fail

THE CREED by Marva N. CollinsSociety will draw a circle that shuts me out, but my supe-

rior thoughts will draw me in.I was born to win if I do not spend too much time trying to

fail.I can become a citizen of the world if I do not spend too

many energies attempting to become local.I will ignore the tags and names given me by society since

only I know what I have the ability to become.

I will continue to let society predict, but only I can deter-mine what I will, can, or cannot do.Failure is just as easy to combat as success is to obtain.Education is painful and not gained by playing games, but

I have seen failure too destroy millions with promised hopesand broken dreams.While I have the opportunity, I shall not sit on the sidelines

bitter with despair and wish later that I had become a literatelifter of this world instead of a failing leaner.I will use each day to the fullest. I promise that each day

shall be gained, not lost, used, not thrown away. Yet it is myprivilege to destroy myself if that is what I choose to do.I have the right to fail, but I do not have the right to take

my teacher and other people with me.God made me the captain of only one life, my own. There-

fore, if I decide to become a failure, it is my right.We were all promised a pursuit of happiness, and that is

what I must do, pursue happiness and success for myself. Noone will give it to me on a proverbial platter, and no one willcare as much about me as I must care about myself. But I mustbe willing to accept the consequences for that failure and Imust never think that those who have chosen to work while Iplayed, rested, and slept, will share their bounties with me.I will wave proudly my flag signifying that I am a failure

by choice. But I will never envy those who have selected towave their unfurled banners announcing their success.My success and my education can be a companion which

no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, no enemycan alienate. No envy or names can hurt me.Education and success can be a lifetime solace. It guides

goodness; it gives at once grace and genius to governments,communities, cities, townships, villages, homes, and palaces.Without education, what is a man? A splendid slave, a sav-

age, a beast, wandering from here to there believing whateverthey are told. God is not some cosmic bellboy who comes atmy beckon and call. If I want to achieve, the first step mustbe my own undertaking. Likewise, if I want to fail, that too ismy choice. Time and chance come to us all. Whether I decideto take that time and chance is indeed my own choice.I can either be hesitant or courageous. Life does indeed ma-

roon the hesitant and inspire the brave. I can swiftly stand up and shout, "This is my time and

place. I will accept the challenge, or I will let others make my de-

cisions for me."Hotep.

Marva Collins(continued from page 3)


KALEIDOSCOPEKALEIDOSCOPEt h e M C J l i f e s t y l e & e n t e r t a i n m e n t s e c t i o nYY&&EEY O U T H & E D U C A T I O N

Gilbert Brownhold his annual FootballCamp for community youth

former Green BayPacker DefensiveLineman GilbertBrown held his an-nual football Campfor central cityyouth. The campnot only teaches theyouths the fundi-mentals of thegame, but also fo-cuses on valuesnecessary to bewell-rounded citi-zens and contribu-tors to thecommunity. (Photoby Yvonne Kemp)


KALEIDOSCOPEKALEIDOSCOPEt h e M C J l i f e s t y l e & e n t e r t a i n m e n t s e c t i o n

The ResultsWhat is it that you need to see happen?What is it that you need to see move in yourfavor?Who is the soul mate that your heart dothseeketh?Who is the one person in this world that youcan truly call your friend?What monkey do you need to get off ofyour back?What obstruction stands in your way of hap-piness?What promise did you make to another?What promise did you keep to yourself?Which way will you choose to handle all ofthis?Will you choose faith or fear?Will you on this day… let go and let God…grant you the best desired results for yourlife?Sonya M. Bowman“It Is What It Is”

In God We TrustWe all want to believe and trust in thoseclose to us. We may even cover for someoneas

we believe and trust they do have the po-tential to do better.We believe and trust in mankind thatchange is going to come in this world.We believe and trust relationships will lastforever...as we put our trust in that one per-son.We believe and trust as parents… our chil-dren will take care of us as we grow older.With all this being said let's take the time ifyou can relate… that We only need toBelieve and Trust in God.Tara R Pulley"Keeping it Real"

Restating the Importance of…Faith is believing in the unseen.Faith is hoping for a desired outcome.Faith is conviction of a firm opinion.Faith is confidence that success is in-evitable.Faith is expecting the impossible.Faith is reliance on the All Mighty.Faith is committing without question.Zelda CoronaVision Represents Faith!

Tara R. PulleySonya Bowman

Zelda Corona

Sista Speak...Speak Lord!Sista Speak...Speak Lord!

TRuST!TRuST!

old School: we Ain'tThrough Yet! - Black men60 yrs. old and older are in-vited to attend a meeting atthe Wisconsin African Ameri-can Women's Center 3020W. Vliet St. on Monday, July13th from 4:30PM - 5:55PMto discuss solutions that canaddress the conditions in ourcommunity. The discussionwill center around Mentoring,Outreach, Philanthropy,Health and Resource Gath-ering.

heal the hood and BnD presents heal the Womb andheal the nation!

There will be women advocates addressing women's is-sues, spoken word artists and vendors. Sunday, July 19th at2PM at the Wisconsin African American Women's Center3020 W. Vliet St.

Respecting the humanity of Prisoners - A encounterwith the stories, poems, art and witness of Wisconsin pris-oners. Family members of those in prison will share theirstories. This event will be held at The First Unitarian Societyof Milwaukee 1342 N. Astor St. on Saturday, July 25th from10AM-1PM. This event is sponsored by MICAH, The Bodyand Soul Healing Center, ACLU of WI, Project Return, Wis-consin Community Services, Prison Action Milwaukee andJustice Point.

"Stress free for Life" - Order a copy of this book todayfor yourself and order a copy for a loved one that is incarcer-ated. You can order this book by calling 718-469-3199 atTauienterprises. This book will give you the insight of how toeliminate, not manage the stress in your life.

FROMTHEBLACKBy Tony Courtney

hoods, our faith community and our dedicated corps of ambassadors, andworking together with police and city officials, it is my hope that we can beginto steer would-be offenders away from the path to violence and dispair,” thealderman said.“Eradicating violence is a big job,” Hamilton continued, “and it will take

no less than a total commitment from each member of our community. I chal-lenge every one of our neighbors to get engaged with this critical effort.”After the news conference, residents of nearby Garden Homes Neighbor-

hood rallied together for a neighborhood cleanup with the ambassadors.

(continued from page 1)

Alderman and community leaders kickoff Safe Zone initiative

“Motown the Musical” afinger-snapping flashback

to R&B’s golden age

ByWarwees HoltEarly in the play ‘Motown the Musical,’ Berry

Gordy visits a pop radio station seeking to get air-play for a new Miracles’ record. A apprehensivewhite disc jockey adamantly rejects the request,asking, ‘what make you think White people willpay for your (R&B) records?’Well, history answered that question, and given the enthusiasm of the

slightly majority White audience who showed up for the opening of the mu-sical at the Marcus Theater Tuesday night, they not only loved the sound, butthey embraced the culture that came with it.In fact, most of those in attendance apparently knew most of the lyrics for

the pioneer company’s endless parade of hits featuring such legends as theTemptations, Four Tops, the Supremes and the Jackson Five.‘Motown’ is loosely adapted from founder Gordy’s book, ‘To be Loved,

The Music, The Magic, the Memories of Motown,’ and scans the period fromthe label’s inception to the 25th anniversary television special that cementedthe company as the world’s preeminent soul music company.The storyline details Gordy’s hesitancy and sense of betrayal by artists he

founded and groomed who later abandoned the label for creative and financialreasons. Nearly all of them returned for the anniversary special, as much tocelebrate the label as to honor Gordy. Interestingly, a major subplot of the play dealt with racial turmoil during

the early years of Motown.There is an eye-opening scene in which two southern police officers keep

on Stage



“Mister Speaker, I am proud that theMilwaukeeCommunity Journal hails from the 4th Congres-sional District. It has consistentlyinformed, analysedand entertained readers for nearly 38 years. I ampleased to give praise to Patricia O’Flynn Pattilloand her staff for providing a voice to the communityand providing educational opportunities to students. I wish themmany moreyears of success.”--A segment from Cong. Gwen Moore’s remarks she made on the Congressional Record paying tribute to the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Dr. Terence N. ThomasScholarship Annual Brunch

tion Debate Alive in Milwaukee” (Asmerom, The Atlanta Post – November22, 2010) “Brother to Brother – A Message of Hope” (James, 2008), Ameri-can Journal of Education (Merry and New, 2008), and “Why our childrenhate us – How Black adults have betrayed Black children” (Grimes andSlaughter, 2006).Raton was known for organizing panel discussions and lectures, bringing

to the community not only local Black scholars and historians, but also well-known and little known--but still important--Black authors, documentary filmmakers and historians from around the country, whose books and documen-taries challenged and debunked the preconceived notions that Blacks madevery little or no contributions to world history and achievement. Raton’s lectures, panels, workshops and scholarly guests revealed that peo-

ple of Africa and of African descent--made incalcuable contributions to civ-ilization, including the creation of “civilization” itself.Some of the most notable presentors Raton helped bring to Milwaukee were

Dr. Umar Johnson, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, and Dr. Joy Degruy-Leary. Ratonalso organized and moderated two panel presentations on Tom Burrell’s book,“Brainwashed” in Milwaukee at UWM and Chicago’s Black Start Project in

2010. Raton was a consultant with private schools in obtaining their pre-ac-creditation and accreditation standard requirements.Since 2009 under the co-sponsorship of 100 Black Men Chicago and Mil-

waukee chapters, Raton coordinated an annual trip to Chicago for the annualHonors Student Reception, attended by the top African American high schoolseniors from Milwaukee, Kenosha, Beloit, and Madison. These studentswould join over 200 other Chicago area seniors, to interact with national col-lege and university representatives to explore admissions and scholarship op-portunities. Invitational student criteria include 3.3 GPA and a 23 cumulativeor above on the ACT.For several years, Raton has been responsible for in putting together an ex-

tensive Black History Month display at Milwaukee Area Technical College’s(MATC) downtown campus. Raton was a regular contributor to the MCJ writing on Black culture, atti-

tudes, religion and history that challenged the preconceived and acceptedideas and beliefs about Americans of African descent and Africa’s place onthe world stage of history and contributions in science, medicine, politics, thearts, the family, Black male and female relationships.His writings on current issues confronting Black America were often con-

troversial not only to Whites, but to many Blacks as well. His last article for the Community Journal best demonstrated his pincence

for “shaking things up” within the status quo of the Black and White com-munities. In the article, printed in the July 1 edition, Raton questioned the focus by

the media, civil rights and religious leaders, and others on the attitude of for-giveness shown by the families of nine individuals fatally shot by an avowedracist while they were having Bible study at Emmanuel AME Church inCharleston, South Carolina.Said Raton in the article: “...Expressions of forgiveness, prayer vigils

around the country, and finally resolution in the form of swaying circles ofBlacks and Whites together singing, ‘We Shall Overcome’ has presented--inthis writers mind--a shameful view of a Black people with no sense of dignityor self-respect in the eyes of themselves, in the eyes of America, the world’speople or even in the eyes and hearts of our children.”Raton also contributed articles to the Milwaukee Courier newspaper. His

series, “Young, Gifted & Black” appeared bi-monthly in the Courier high-lighting exemplar achievements of African American youth elementarythrough college. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

(continued from page 1)noted educator, scholar and historian Taki S. Raton

Communityexpressessorrow, remembersTaki Raton(Courtesy of facebook)

Lacesha EdwardsIn 1990 this man Baba Taki S. Raton changed my lifeand my entire way of thinking with one question? What isyour nationality? Unable to answer this question sparkeda desire in me like a bolt of lightning and roaring thun-der!!! Thanks to him I know now who I am and where Icome from. It all started with a picture of a Kemet Queenthat he "gave" to me and said girl that is you in this pic-ture now study it and let me know if you need help. Hetaught me something very valuable that day and everyday since that day. He continued to teach me from 1990- 2015 so graciously. Any questions or gudiance Ineeded he made sure I had the tools to educate myselfespecially in regards to my history. Rest In Power BabaRaton you will truly be missed.

Thomas E. MitchellI guess it's true...though I didn't want it to be! My friend,teacher, and mentor Taki S. Raton has gone home to theancestors and fellow scholars who went before him. I havefew brothas I call friend! Taki was one of my friends. He wasone of my groom's men in my wife Clarene and I's wedding.The other groom's men had trouble staying in step with theprocessional. But not Taki. He stayed in step by snappinghis fingers to the beat in his head, just like stepping he toldme later. Taki was one of the brothas who awakened myconsciousness as a Black man! I will miss my friend, men-tor, teacher, and scholar! Rest in peace my friend. Rest inblessed peace!

James CauseyWe lost a good brother this morning. Taki S. Raton was amentor and a strong advocate for our community. In my lastconversation with Taki, he told me to "keep doing what youdoing brother." I told him I'm trying, and he said "No brother,you are doing."I shook his hand right in front of the blue building and we wentour separate ways. I wish I would have told Taki that I lovedhim. I didn't because like most of us, I thought I would see hissmiling face again.Never take these small moments for granted. Tell the personyou love that you love them because tomorrow is not prom-ised.

Russell Stamper Sr.Bro Taki, We last spoke on May 16, 2015 when you wereone of our panelists at Brainstorming, the last of yourmany presentations there. Over the years you havenever said no when asked to share your wisdom andknowledge with the community in one of our early Satur-day morning forums. We could always depend on you tobring it straight, no chaser. Yet, you were always themost gracious one to say thanks for inviting you, thegiver expressing gratitude. We will miss you, dearBrother! Peace!Debra Flint-Salter I'm still trying to grasp the news I read today of the passing of afriend. Taki S. Raton was an honorable human being, a man of con-victions, a proponent for the scholastic achievements and develop-ment of Black students, who required to know of the history andculture of our race. He was an adjunct professor, columnist, author,activist,and would keep us educated with his postings of past andcurrent events, as they related to us, and mankind. Taki was also avery respectful man, and would sometimes refer to me as 'ma'am',which I asked him one day, why. He told me that he was raised to re-spect women, no matter the age difference, and the fact that he wasolder than me, and dutifully did respect women, and man alike. Inmy former residence, I would host New Year's Eve parties, and hewas at attendance at a few. When I posted a throwback pic last year,he messaged me that if I were to give another one, he would behonored to attend. Well, I did....and he came. He lived in Milwaukee,but would still visit his hometown, Chicago. The other thing I remem-ber about Taki, was his ability to 'step' better than most I've seen! Hehad a gentle smoothness as he would glide you on the dance floor,with a style all his own. All of his friends and family will mourn hisloss for years to come, and the students he touched, have lost theiradvocate. May his gentle soul rest in Heavenly peace.


Read thenewspa-per with its finger onthe pulse ofYOUR community in print or online!

tion Debate Alive in Milwaukee” (Asmerom, The Atlanta Post – November22, 2010) “Brother to Brother – A Message of Hope” (James, 2008), Ameri-can Journal of Education (Merry and New, 2008), and “Why our childrenhate us – How Black adults have betrayed Black children” (Grimes andSlaughter, 2006).Raton was known for organizing panel discussions and lectures, bringing

to the community not only local Black scholars and historians, but also well-known and little known--but still important--Black authors, documentary filmmakers and historians from around the country, whose books and documen-taries challenged and debunked the preconceived notions that Blacks madevery little or no contributions to world history and achievement. Raton’s lectures, panels, workshops and scholarly guests revealed that peo-

ple of Africa and of African descent--made incalcuable contributions to civ-ilization, including the creation of “civilization” itself.Some of the most notable presentors Raton helped bring to Milwaukee were

Dr. Umar Johnson, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, and Dr. Joy Degruy-Leary. Ratonalso organized and moderated two panel presentations on Tom Burrell’s book,“Brainwashed” in Milwaukee at UWM and Chicago’s Black Start Project in

2010. Raton was a consultant with private schools in obtaining their pre-ac-creditation and accreditation standard requirements.Since 2009 under the co-sponsorship of 100 Black Men Chicago and Mil-

waukee chapters, Raton coordinated an annual trip to Chicago for the annualHonors Student Reception, attended by the top African American high schoolseniors from Milwaukee, Kenosha, Beloit, and Madison. These studentswould join over 200 other Chicago area seniors, to interact with national col-lege and university representatives to explore admissions and scholarship op-portunities. Invitational student criteria include 3.3 GPA and a 23 cumulativeor above on the ACT.For several years, Raton has been responsible for in putting together an ex-

tensive Black History Month display at Milwaukee Area Technical College’s(MATC) downtown campus. Raton was a regular contributor to the MCJ writing on Black culture, atti-

tudes, religion and history that challenged the preconceived and acceptedideas and beliefs about Americans of African descent and Africa’s place onthe world stage of history and contributions in science, medicine, politics, thearts, the family, Black male and female relationships.His writings on current issues confronting Black America were often con-

troversial not only to Whites, but to many Blacks as well. His last article for the Community Journal best demonstrated his pincence

for “shaking things up” within the status quo of the Black and White com-munities. In the article, printed in the July 1 edition, Raton questioned the focus by

the media, civil rights and religious leaders, and others on the attitude of for-giveness shown by the families of nine individuals fatally shot by an avowedracist while they were having Bible study at Emmanuel AME Church inCharleston, South Carolina.Said Raton in the article: “...Expressions of forgiveness, prayer vigils

around the country, and finally resolution in the form of swaying circles ofBlacks and Whites together singing, ‘We Shall Overcome’ has presented--inthis writers mind--a shameful view of a Black people with no sense of dignityor self-respect in the eyes of themselves, in the eyes of America, the world’speople or even in the eyes and hearts of our children.”Raton also contributed articles to the Milwaukee Courier newspaper. His

series, “Young, Gifted & Black” appeared bi-monthly in the Courier high-lighting exemplar achievements of African American youth elementarythrough college. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

noted educator, scholar and historian Taki S. RatonWhites and Blacks apart during a show in the south.Gunfire mars another southern performance. Andracial strife is highlighted with both of the deathsof John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King.History records that Gordy did not use the influ-

ence of his music empire to impact the civil rightsmovement, and in fact resisted Marvin Gaye’s land-mark social commentary album, ‘What’s GoingOn.’ But those inconsistencies, as well as the origins

of his relationship with superstar Diana Ross aresecondary to the music that makes the play one ofthe most engaging and entertaining to open in Mil-waukee in some time.Speaking of Ross, Allison Semmes steals the

show playing that role. Josh Tower as Gordy is thestar, and noteworthy roles are performed by JesseNager as Smokey Robinson and Jarran Muse asMarvin Gaye.Give two thumbs up to Elijah Ahmad Lewis’s im-

personation of Stevie Wonder and Nathaniel Cullorsas Michael Jackson. Cullors’ performance in partic-ular had the audience rocking in their seats.But it is the intoxicating acting and superb

singing of Semmes that stands out. Her acting wasbelievable, and her singing top notch.

(I saw the Broadway version of ‘Motown’ andwith the exception of the Smokey Robinson role---the Broadway cast member was a slightly strongersinger and looked more like Robinson) the travelingmusical was equally remarkable.)If you were around in the 1960s and 70s, Motown

the Musical is a journey down memory lane. Andif you didn’t, the musical will illuminate why thattime span was called the ‘golden age of Blackmusic.’If I found fault with the music it was that too

many songs were crammed into the two and onehalf hour performance. Motown was considered the bellwether of soul

music and social protest in the turbulent years ofcivil rights and social unrest, and some of the 50plus songs in the musical attest to that fact. But it was somewhat disappointing that longer

versions of some of my favorites from the era hadto be sacrificed because of time constraints.That minor--and albeit personal--problem aside,

Motown the Musical is the perfect end to a summerday. If you grew up during the height of Motown’s

soulful sovereignty, take a younger family memberto the play to brag about what they missed.The play runs through July 12 at the Marcus Cen-

ter for the Performing Arts.

(continued from page 7)

Review of...“MoToWnThe MuSiCAL”

mcj july 8, 2015 edition

Documents