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Black and White Inequality in All 50 States - 24/7 Wall St.
Michael B. Sauter
Published: August 18, 2017 4:00 pm
Last Updated: January 12, 2020 9:00 am

source: news-milwaukeenns

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Michael B. Sauter


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Behind The Civil Rights Act
Emily Bogle, Kat Chow, Danny DeBelius, Christopher Groskopf, Tanvi Misra and Helga Salinas


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Panelists urge action, not talk, to better Milwaukee - Milwaukee Business Journal
Jeff Engel – Reporter, Milwaukee Business Journal
Mar 12, 2013


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Indulgence Chocolatiers moving to Walker's Point - Milwaukee Business Journal
Stacy Vogel Davis – Associate editor, Milwaukee Business Journal
Mar 20, 2013


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Election Day: Lyft to Offer Free and Discounted Rides to Voters | Fortune
BYNick Lichtenberg and Will Daniel

author: BYNick Lichtenberg and Will Daniel


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Potawatomi to hire minority contractors for hotel project

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Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity to erect 10 homes in “Build-a-Thon”

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Milwaukee granted money to clean up idle sites, open them for business
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MPS introduces "Common Core" standards to parents
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Blue light bulbs shine in effort to deter crime in Milwaukee
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$6 million project will help renovate 22 foreclosed homes
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Victory Garden Initiative builds 500 garden beds in 15 days
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MPS' Rufus King is only school in the nation to win ACT award
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MPD, MFD recruit police officers and fire cadets, looking for diversity

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"Everyone benefits:" Common Council approves program that will sell foreclosed homes for $1
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WBUR
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DPI: 73 percent of statewide voucher students already enrolled in private schools
MOLLY BECK | Wisconsin State Journal | | 608-252-6135
Oct 30, 2013


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A study finds parents and ads can influence what kids eat - Los Angeles Times
Jeannine Stein, Los Angeles Times / For the Booster Shots blog Oct. 7, 2011 12 AM PT
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Eradicating Poverty Through Entrepreneurship | Madison365
David Dahmer
Apr 2, 2018

author: David Dahmer


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Milwaukee Midwife Aims to Reduce Infant Mortality in Black & Brown Families | Madison365
Jordan Gaines
Feb 19, 2018

author: Jordan Gaines


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How Students Use ‘Service Learning’ to Cover Diverse Communities
Herbert Lowe November 13, 2017
November 13, 2017

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author: Herbert Lowe November 13, 2017


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National solution to Black high school dropouts - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
May 19, 2011
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
NNPA Columnist
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
For the last several years there has been an endless stream of negative reporting about the growing and persistent problems of the terrible rate of high school dropout rates for Black American students across the United States. Of course, it is always important to focus on the most critical problems that beset the quality of life of the African American community. Certainly, there is no greater challenge than encouraging our young sisters and brothers to stay in school to complete their high school education, and to prepare for their life careers by going on to finish college and graduate school or to enroll in some type of hands-on career training or to start their own businesses that may require special entrepreneurial internship and mentorship.
But, to just keep describing and analyzing the “problems” of Black American high school dropouts or pointing the fingers at the internal and external forces or contradictions that plague the African American community will do very little to change this situation. It is not a hopeless state of being that cannot be changed. There are solutions to this problem. Brother Malcolm X reminded all of us that in life you are either going to be part of the problem or part of the solution to the problems that confront the daily life circumstances of Black people in America and throughout the world.
Recently, there was a related article in the ‘Economist’ magazine that typically described the problem of the direct causative relationship between the high rate of Black unemployment and the high rate of Black high school dropouts. Among African Americans, 70 percent of those who have dropped out of high school are also devastatingly unemployed. But, the article in the Economist offered no solutions. It painted, what may appear to most of its readers, a hopeless situation for Black high school dropouts.
During my 50 years or more in the Civil Rights Movement, we were always confronted with sometimes life-threatening problems and challenges. But, we never let fear or hopelessness determine our strategies for progress and success in the very face all those forces of oppression and repression. We kept our faith in God and in our own abilities to participate in the development and implementation of “movement for change” organizing, mobilizing, and in the institutional- building process so necessary to move our race and community forward. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) along with countless Black churches and other grassroots organizations, including organized labor, helped to build and sustain a movement that irreversibly changed America for the better.
Now today in 2011, we must address today’s educational problems and challenges with that same kind of fortitude, alternative institutional-building, and resilience. The education of our children and young adults, and in particular the millions who have dropped out of high school during the last 10 to 20 years, is of paramount concern. During the last couple of years I have been blessed to work directly with innovation in the educational system. The rise of online education from K-12 to post-secondary undergraduate to graduate school has seen to many new and effective educational alternatives that have emerged in the United States as well as internationally. Education Online Services Corporation has gain invaluable experience in helping Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) enter successfully onto the online degree program global marketplace. The Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) continues to lead the way to encourage Black parents and students to explore and select the best educational options available today to give students from our communities the best quality education inclusive of considering charter schools and other innovative educational models that have proven to be effective in 2011.
Thus, today through the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), America’s Black Press, I am announcing a unique solution and my personal contribution to make this solution available as an option for those who may have dropped out of high school, for whatever reason, to be able to return to high school and to complete their high school education online and receive an accredited high school diploma together with career training, job placement, and college entrance incentives built into this “High School Re-engagement Program.” That’s right, I am going establish and run a national online high school expressly to reclaim, redeem, and encourage the re-engagement of Blacks and Latinos, in particular, back to high school with the mission of high school completion together with career training, job placement, and a direct access to a high quality college education. We will announce the name of this special and focused online high school in the very near future. But, I wanted to let our readers know now that we are serious about providing and participating in the “solution” process concerning this issue. We are serious about institutional building and capacitybuilding for the future. Education is the key to liberation and economic empowerment.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is Senior Advisor to the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) and President of Education Online Services Corporation.


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Cream City Medical Society announces new hypertension guidelines for African Americans - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
June 16, 2011
According to the Maryland Heart Center, one African American dies as a result of high blood pressure every hour in this country, which is nearly twice as often as their white counterparts. Blacks also suffer from heart and kidney disease at alarmingly high rates, both of which are adversely affected by high blood pressure. As a result, African Americans currently make up about 30 percent of those on dialysis due to kidney failure.
Blacks also develop high blood pressure at younger ages than Whites and suffer more damage to their organs as a result of the disease. Therefore, the Cream City Medical Society is strongly recommending adherence to current guidelines as to how the disease is treated and how it should be managed.
“Back in 1997, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute drafted guidelines for treating hypertension that listed 140/90 mm Hg as the goal for lowering blood pressure in most patients. The Cream City Medical Society is recommending all patients with hypertension who have also been diagnosed with other health issues such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, aim to lower their pressure to 130/80 mm Hg.” says, Dr. Alicia Walker, pharmacist, president, the Cream City Medical Society..
Based on the latest studies, the Cream City Medical Society also urges doctors to start treating African American patients with at least two medications instead of just one when deemed appropriate. One of these medications often includes a diuretic, due to the high prevalence of salt sensitivity in African Americans, likely due to social and environmental factors.
Another recommendation to drug therapy in patients with diabetes and kidney disease is to include an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blockers. These medications have been shown to slow the progression of kidney disease which is a major complication of chronic high blood pressure.
“Every patient, Black or White, should be encouraged to make changes in their lifestyles. This is especially true among African American patients because of the especially prevalent and devastating complications from high blood pressure in the black community which is why we have emphasized the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension or DASH diet as well as the inclusion of exercise into a weekly routine,” said Walker.
“Studies have shown that blacks who follow the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber, and exercise regularly, have been able to successfully lose weight and contribute to the control of their blood pressure. Bringing down blood pressures and making the necessary lifestyle changes translates into less morbidity and mortality from other diseases,” continued Walker.
One of the most dangerous factors about Hypertension is that there are no symptoms. This is why it is so important for patients to get their blood pressure checked regularly. Even though patients rarely experience any symptoms with hypertension, they do report feeling a lot better, in general, once they get their blood pressure under control.
Finally, a person can take less medication once they have their pressure under control. It is NOT recommended a patient stop taking medication once diagnosed with hypertension unless approved by their doctor.


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Wisconsin’s best run program reaches highest accuracy rate in its history - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
June 23, 2011
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a statement last week lauding States for improved performance in administering FoodShare, and Wisconsin was on the list for top ten with payment accuracy.
“This is truly great news and underscores that Wisconsin’s management of FoodShare is fair and responsible. With more than 800,000 Wisconsinites dependent on FoodShare to put food on the table, administrative integrity and payment accuracy for this valuable program is more important than ever,” said Sherrie Tussler, executive director of Hunger Task Force.
The FoodShare Program (formerly known as Food Stamps and nationally called SNAP) is administered by the State Department of Health Services (DHS). 100 percent of FoodShare is federal funding, provided on a debit card after a rigorous interview requiring proof of all claims of eligibility by applicants. As of April 2011, the average benefit in Wisconsin was $116.64.
The FoodShare program has been the subject of recent media criticism, with news stories suggesting that increased enrollment and program fraud are symbolic of mismanagement. Spirited by a request from State Representative Samantha Kerkman, Wisconsin’s Joint Audit Committee recently ordered an audit of fraud within the FoodShare Program.
“Sadly, precious State funding will be spent to investigate assumptions about program fraud that were made without a complete review of the facts. With an error rate of 1.97 percent, Wisconsin ranks sixth best in payment accuracy despite increased demand brought on by the 2008 recession.”
The USDA oversees state administration of the program and matches state administrative funding, dollar for dollar. 100 percent of all FoodShare benefits are federal funds. The USDA provides monetary incentives to the seven states with the best payment accuracy rates annually. This is not the first time Wisconsin has received recognition for its low error rate. In FY 2008- 09, Wisconsin’s payment error rate was 1.11 percent and the state received bonus awards of $1.89 million for high payment accuracy and $967,000 for improved negative error rate. Sherrie Tussler offered, “Contrary to recent media speculation about program integrity, the FoodShare Program in Wisconsin has strong program integrity. Seniors, children, working poor families and people with disabilities rely on FoodShare to put food on the table and we want to acknowledge that our state is once again being recognized nationally as a well run program.” Hunger Task Force believes that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity.
Hunger Task Force works to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow. For more information visit hungertaskforce.org.


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Youth organize rally against violence - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
July 16, 2011
By Cassandra Lans
BP gas station co-owner Jay Walia addresses the crowd at Tuesday evening’s rally and march against violence. Other speakers included (l to r), Sen. Lena Taylor, Ald. Willie Wade, Ald. Nik Kovac, Ald. Ashanti Hamilton, Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr., Ald. Milele Coggs and rally organizer Michael Hagler. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
Young people in Milwaukee organized a rally and march on Tuesday evening, July 12 to demonstrate unity against violence in the aftermath of the BP gas station mob looting and attacks that occurred at the BP gas station on Humboldt and North on July 3rd.
Dozens of young people were joined by local city officials, community organizers, parents and the co-owner of the BP gas station that was looted, Jay Walia expressed their disappointment in the mob looting and violent attacks that occurred in this Riverwest neighborhood two weeks ago.
“These young people are here today, to remind us that not all young people are like the ones that were seen on the news, and in the media looting and attacking innocent people. There are plenty of good young people who live in this area and are elsewhere in Milwaukee that are about being positive and who can organize and be responsible.” Senator Lena Taylor expressed during the rally.
Alderwoman Milele Coggs and Alderman Nik Kovac both represent the Riverwest neighborhood in their districts, both spoke at the rally and march with the young people as well.
“While I was asked to be here to speak on behalf of the Common Council I am also joined by Ald. Kovac who shares the Riverwest district with me. Though we have a district that is divided into two representatives, the two of us are united in how we represent this area.” Coggs stated.
Ald. Nik Kovac’s district is where the BP gas station is located, and yet Coggs’ portion is just across the street. Kovac spoke to the crowd, and stated, “Riverwest is a diverse community, representing a variety of ages, and races. This is the kind of neighborhood that has the future of Milwaukee in it–not segregated. Every city, and in every family there are some negative things that sometimes come out. We are here today, united to say we do not want this type of behavior to ever happen again here, and we are marching together to let people know that it will not be tolerated”.
Michael Hagler better known in the community as ‘Big Mike’ was one of the organizers for the rally and march and has organized others throughout the city. Big Mike/STOP (Students Taking On Prevention) the Violence worked to help bring out these dozens of young people (about 100) on this Tuesday evening to demonstrate that the majority of young people are not like the ones that were shown looting, and attacking people.
Also at the rally was recording artist Que, who spoke and marched as well, and later performed at the end of the march in the park to encourage these young people to stay on the right course and be positive.
BP gas station co-owner Jay Walia spoke and thanked law enforcement for their quick response, he stated that he realizes that there are still some improvements that are needed within the city’s police department, but he says that since Chief Flynn has been in charge the response time has been faster. He also expressed thanks to the officers that stopped and helped at his store after the attack. He also acknowledged that since the incident, people in the neighborhood have had an extra eye open on his business. “The people here in the neighborhood have shown me and my business great concern, and they check on us quite often, since the incident.” Walia stated.
State representative Leon Young, who had released a statement last week regarding his concern and disappointment in the actions of those who perpetrated the looting and attacks shared with the crowd his thoughts as well.
“I grew up in this area, and the behavior that occurred on July 3rd is not how this community behaves. I would like to applaud all the parents and others who recognized various individuals on the looting video tape and for turning them in to the police. These individuals need to be punished. And I encourage any one else who knows of anyone who participated in that incident to also do the right thing and turn them in.” Young stated.
Tracey Dent of the Peace for Change Alliance who is also a youth organizer said that this rally and march is not a Black thing or a White thing, it affects everyone. “This is about everyone getting involved, it’s not just up to the police, we need to help the police. They need us and we need them, the community needs to come together, all men need to come back home and take care of their business. Adults need to invest in the youth.” Dent said.
The rally ended with a prayer, and the releasing of balloons that represented the victims from the July 3rd incident and for peace in the community.
In his prayer the minister stated that the ‘no snitch code’ that some young people have needs to stop, and people need to hold each other accountable. He also stated that other pastors from throughout this city need to come out from their walls and get involved directly with the community. He ended by stating that it only takes one match to start a forest fire, and that his hope is that this march is the one match that lights a fire in people and the community to act against violence and for peace.


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Minority communities must prepare for Voter ID Law - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
July 28, 2011
Complied by Courier Staff
“Voting is a right, not a privilege, but it is evident that there are people and politicians who see it differently”, Alderwoman Milele Coggs stated during the recent Community Brainstorming meeting on Voter ID, this past Saturday.
But most minority communities know there is no right more precious in our nation than the right of citizens to cast a ballot on Election Day. That is why generations of Americans have sacrificed and even died in efforts to expand the right to vote. Yet across the country, powerful corporate interests and the right-wing politicians who do their bidding are working hard to make it more difficult for citizens to vote.
Wisconsin is unfortunately included in the two dozen states this year where bills have been introduced to restrict the right to vote; and in several states where Wall Street-backed Republicans control both houses of the legislature, governors have signed these fundamentally misguided measures into law. Again Wisconsin joins this group.
Here in Wisconsin this May, Gov. Scott Walker and his corporate-backed cronies in Madison enacted a law that will require every voter to show a government-issued identification card before they are able to cast a vote. Hundreds of thousands of Badger State voters will be denied their right to vote. A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee determined that this change in Wisconsin’s law will have a serious impact, particularly on students and minorities. More than 50 percent of the African American men and 49 percent of African American women in the state do not have a driver’s license or passport. Even more staggering; among African Americans aged 18- 24, 78 percent of males and 66 percent of females lack a valid ID.
While most adult Americans have a driver’s license, it is not necessarily true for large groups of Americans. Students, other young people and the working poor living in metropolitan areas often rely on mass transit, rather than own a car. Senior citizens living in nursing homes or with their families often give up driving. The blind and others with physical disabilities don’t drive. All of them will be affected by these new restrictions. And what about the homeless.
Wisconsin’s minority politicians are gearing up to help fight the negative implications that come with this law. At Saturday’s Community Brainstorming meeting the basement was packed with representatives from organizations, churches, and community grass root volunteers who came out to here ways to educate and inform people in the community on how to obtain the necessary IDs that will be needed to combat the obstacles that are now in place with this Voter ID Law.
In addition to forcing this law down citizens throats, this law is also coming with limited funds to implement and educate communities to prevent them from having their rights restricted in voting.
The City of Milwaukee Election Commission states that this new law will require voters to show a photo ID to vote starting with the 2012 Spring Primary. An acceptable photo ID is not required to contain a current address. Here are the IDs; A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended. A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card. A Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service. A U.S. passport. Note: These identifications must have an expiration date after the November 2, 2010 election. Additional forms of ID are: A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented. An unexpired driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT. An unexpired identification card receipt by Wisconsin DOT. An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian Tribe in Wisconsin. An unexpired identification card issued by a Wisconsin-accredited university or college that contains the following: Date of Issuance, Signature of Student, Expiration date not later than two years Date of Issuance.
Now it is very important to note, that if a person does not have any of the above forms of acceptable ID, then you can go to the DMV and state that you need a Wisconsin ID in order to vote, and this card will be available free of charge. It is important to note that you must ask for this, and clearly state that this ID is for voting, because it is quite unlikely that this information will be voluntarily given. Wisconsin law requires the Department of Transportation to provide free ID cards to any individual who will be at least 18 years of age on the date of the next election and who requests a free ID for the purpose of voting. The regular fee is $28.00.
Also, since a certified copy of a birth certificate is required in order to obtain the State ID, State Senator Spencer Coggs has a bill requesting that the first copy of a birth certificate be free of charge.
Also remember that DMV requires in addition to a birth certificate, something with your address on it (piece of mail, bill, bank statement), and a social security card.
The Milwaukee Courier will also do its part in educating our community by providing these voting ID tips in our paper weekly in the weeks following this article.


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Summer meals still available - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
August 13, 2011
As we enter the second week of August, children and families need to know that there are still summer meal sites open for business through the end of the month. Some meal sites have closed for the season, but visitors have options if the site they have been visiting all summer is no longer open. People looking for the meal site closest to them should dial 2-1-1, visit www.impactinc.org or be on the lookout for green “Free Summer Meals HERE” signs.
Thousands of children in Milwaukee, ages 18 and under, have received free meals this summer at area summer meal sites. No paperwork or proof of eligibility is required. Hunger Task Force executive director Sherrie Tussler said, “Just because the back-to-school supplies are lining the shelves doesn’t mean summer is officially over! We’ve still got three weeks of August left. Kids and parents need to find their closest, open meal site so they can enjoy the rest of their summer.”


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Milwaukee Youth Council show positive side of youth actions - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
August 20, 2011
Compiled by Courier Staff
Milwaukee Youth Council. Photo by Robert Bell
The Milwaukee Youth Council (MYC) hosted a news conference last week in the City Hall Routunda. The group spoke on recent legislative successes, the Council’s current mission and the positive actions of youth in the community.
With all of the recent negative attention that Milwaukee youth have received regarding the Rivewest incident and the State Fair uproar, these young people represent the positive things that more youth are doing in the city. As the saying goes, “a few bad apples ruin the bunch”. The youth involved with MYC are working to show that these young people do not represent the majority of young people in Milwaukee.
The City of Milwaukee Youth Council is a powerful and diverse group of young leaders committed to making a difference in Milwaukee. They work on issues important to youth, talk to their peers, family, and neighbors about their concerns and take action to address them.
Youth Council members represent young people in their aldermanic districts. They meet with leaders like the Mayor, Common Council, School Superintendent, business owners, and community groups to advocate for youth. The community is invited to attend all Youth Council meetings and most meetings are broadcast on City Channel 25.
MYC felt that in light of the most recent State Fair episode, this was an opportunity to give the press and the public an opportunity to hear about the positive actions, the leadership initiatives and the success of Milwaukee’s youth.
Youth Council president Zachary Komes (District 10) stated, “The Youth Council has done incredible work this term. We’ve worked to take a legislative stand against the marketing of alcoholic malt beverages to young people, we’ve urged changes to the state budget, we’ve reviewed proposals for youth development funds and we’re setting the example: just this week youth from Chicago who are trying to establish a council of their own have come to study how we operate and lead.”
Other young leaders were also invited to present as guests of the Youth Council members including those involved in Pearls for Teen Girls, the Be the Change project, Urban Underground, Urban Diversity and Voces de la Frontera.
“The events at State Fair Park earned so much attention from the public,” Komes said, “We want to show the public that there are youth making positive efforts to build a better Milwaukee and there is great dedication among the young leaders in our community. The violent actions of a few shouldn’t be showcased over and above the continued efforts of many.”
The Milwaukee Youth Council was established in 2004 under an ordinance sponsored by Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. “I strongly believe that creating a youth council is a legitimate way of giving our young people a voice in their affairs while also getting them engaged in civic life and, hopefully, sparking their interest in public service,” Ald. Davis said.
Student terms are one year long and the group meets formally once a month and informally as an executive committee once a month at City Hall. The group’s meetings are open to the public and the formal meetings are televised on City Channel 25. News of the students’ efforts is also available on Facebook or through Twitter, @mkeyouthcouncil.


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MLK National Memorial has a local connection - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
August 25, 2011
By Gerald Hyler
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, which opened this week, is an historical event for Americans, especially African Americans. Not only is it the first monument on the Washington Mall dedicated to a non-President but it is also the first one dedicated to an African American.
This feat was spearheaded by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first collegiate fraternity for African American men whose members include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, local attorney John Daniels, Jr., local physicians Dr. William Finlayson and Dr. Randle Pollard.
The local graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Delta Chi Lambda Chapter, has close ties to the national monument and the man called Dr. King. Dr. King was initiated into the Sigma chapter while a graduate student at Boston University in 1952.
“I can’t think of a better person who embodies the virtues of the way we should be,” says Albert L Smith, president of Delta Chi Lambda Chapter.
“This tribute to our Brother symbolizes how much more we need to accomplish, in order to truly live out his dream.”
When asked about the significance of this memorial in the Milwaukee community, Smith added, “Look at what we have already done. When was the last time America has come together to raise $125M to do anything? Just look at the strength in numbers we have shown. We can do anything when we come together.”
Dr. King came to Milwaukee to speak at UW Milwaukee on November 23, 1965 as favor to Dr. Finlayson, also a Morehouse man.
The dedication will take place on Sunday, August 28 on the Washington Mall. This date is significant because Dr. King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech on August 28, 1963 and President Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Nomination on August 28, 2008. Thousands of people are expected to attend. And the local graduate chapter of Dr. King’s fraternity will be in attendance.
The mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Develops Leaders, Promotes Brotherhood and Academic Excellence, While Providing Service and Advocacy for Our Communities.
175,000 men have been initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. since its founding in 1906. There are now 686 chapters in 45 states, the Bahamas, Bermuda, District of Columbia, Germany, Korea, US Virgin Islands, London, Liberia and South Africa.
Visit www.alphaphialpha.net for more information.


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MPS to benefit from Growing Power and Sysco partnership - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
September 3, 2011
Growing Power staff members along with founder Will Allen are excited about new partnership with Sysco. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
A 34-acre tract of land in Jackson, WI, will give Southeastern Wisconsin food lovers a chance to enjoy the healthy flavors of locally grown produce when dining at nearby eateries and in local public schools, thanks to a partnership between Growing Power, Inc. of Milwaukee and Sysco Eastern Wisconsin.
In partnership with Will Allen, founder and CEO of Growing Power, Sysco recently launched a local cooperative farming project. It is donating the use of 34 acres adjacent to its Jackson distribution center on Mill Road to Growing Power. This will allow Growing Power to harvest carrots, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot pepper, zucchini and yellow squash in the project’s first year.
Additionally, Sysco and Growing Power are working with local public schools to allow children to participate in the cultivating of fresh, healthy food options within their local communities. The first year’s crop has been planted and will be harvested in throughout the 2011 growing season. Sysco and Growing Power currently participate in the Milwaukee Public Schools Initiative, which has helped serve more than 25,000 MPS students with locally grown food. The Jackson farm program aims to triple the number of MPS students served to 75,000.
“This is a wonderful beginning to a healthy partnership that will improve the nutritional content of our schools’ meals, support local agriculture, and teach our youth about healthy eating,” said Will Allen, founder of Growing Power and nationally recognized urban agriculture leader. “It’s important that all stakeholders, especially food distributors such as Sysco, are at the good food revolution table to develop a more integrated, local, sustainable food system.”
Cathy Henry, president of Sysco Eastern Wisconsin, said, “This opportunity to partner with such a reputable organization as Growing Power is an excellent way to develop a source of highquality local produce at a lower cost – and to put that food on our customers’ tables within 24 hours of its availability. It’s also a meaningful way to support our local economy, to contribute to managing our environmental impact on the community and to offer our local schoolchildren the chance to become involved in local farming activities.”

created: September 3, 2011


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Poverty is violence, a look into the Black unemployment surge - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
September 10, 2011
By Lynda L. Jones
A demonstrator at a recent rally held up the sign “Poverty is Violence” in the wake of the violent outburst of some area teens this summer. As unemployment surges for Black men and women, it is something to think about. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
Over this recent Labor Day weekend, unemployment news was beyond dismal for the Black population especially. The August jobs report shows that Black unemployment is the highest now than it has been in 27 years, with a rate surge of 16.7 percent nationally. While Black unemployment surges, White unemployment fell slightly to 8 percent, and the Latino rate remained at 11.3 percent. These numbers are generated by the Labor Department.
“This month’s numbers continue to bear out that longstanding pattern that minorities have a much more challenging time getting jobs,” said Bill Rodgers, chief economist with the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.
Black unemployment has been roughly double that of Whites since the government started tracking the figures in 1972.
Economists blame a variety of factors. The Black workforce is younger than the White workforce, lower numbers of Blacks get a college degree and many live in areas of the country that were harder hit by the recession — all things that could lead to a higher unemployment rate.
Wisconsin rates at 21 tied with Pennsylvania with an overall unemployment rate of 7.8 percent. However, in June 2011 Milwaukee had a 34 percent unemployment rate for Black men. Nationally, Black men also have it worst than Black women with a 19.1 percent rate versus a 14.5 percent for the women.
Just 40 years ago, 8 out of 10 Black men were employed in Milwaukee. Most found jobs in manufacturing, where coming straight out of high school allowed men to earn a very comfortable income. An income that made home ownership a reality, and educating your children beyond high school. This sustainable wage also created stability in the home, where single parent households were not the norm.
Today, in Milwaukee there are no more of these jobs, and now the other safe haven for jobs for Black men and women with government jobs are threatened as well. Legislators here are still challenging the decision to close 5 Milwaukee post offices, all in the central city of Milwaukee, another potential blow to Black employment.
Back in June, the Milwaukee NAACP released its report; ‘Milwaukee Today: An Occasional Report of the NAACP. This report was prepared by R.L McNeely, a lawyer and professor of social welfare at UW-Milwaukee, David Pate, UW-Milwaukee assistant professor of social work, and Lisa Ann Johnson, a bachelor’s degree candidate in social work at the university.
In the report, more than half of all African American males in Milwaukee between the ages of 16 and 64 are unemployed. Where the Department of Labor report bases its numbers on those filing for unemployment and looking for jobs, there are other factors that reports such as the NAACP report take into consideration, such as incareration, and those individuals who do not receive unemployment benefits. Critics have stated that the term that should be used in the more in-depth reports should be joblessness. The bottom line is whatever term you use Blacks are suffering the most from not working.
The public sector is the most important source of employment for African Americans and a key source of high-paying jobs, especially for Black women, according to a study by the U.C. Berkeley Department of Labor. African Americans are 30 percent more likely to hold government jobs than other workers; from 2008- 2010, 21.2 percent of Black workers were employed in the public sector, compared to just 16.3 percent of non-Black workers.
Milwaukee has attempted to attack this crisis with programs through such organizations as Workforce Development, the Social Development Commission (SDC) and Transitional Jobs Programs.
Back in June, 2011 one of the transitional jobs programs developed a program where high school drop-outs, low-skilled workers, even ex-felons with businesses willing to train them. For six months men are paid to learn carpentry or electrical installation skills. Troy Reese, owner of T.L. Reese Construction is one of the participates who signed up to be a trainer.
In June, five months into the program 124 trainees had signed up. Of that group, 88 were in transitional jobs and six had landed full-time jobs. None had dropped out.
Programs like these demonstrate that once given an opportunity, unemployed men and women do want to work. This is obvious in contrast to those that say, unemployed men and women do not want to work, and are just lazy.
What Milwaukee does not need are politicians who work hard at making life harder here. It is no secret that our legislators in Madison consistently have a uphill battle when they go to fight for Milwaukee. Recent policies such as conceal and carry laws, voter ID bill restraints, cuts in education, cuts in bus service, killing a high speed transit deal, and encouraging professionals such as teachers, police and firefighters to leave the city in residency all hurt this city and those who live in it.
A sign recently held up at a local event gives a great summary to what is going on here and nationwide. ‘Poverty is Violence’, for those who do not see that when an entire community is under attack with lack of opportunity and poverty takes its root, families are destroyed, unhealthy habits are often developed, mental illness, incarceration and drugs have the potential to explode. So yes, ‘Poverty is Violence’ this is not an excuse it’s just a fact.

created: September 10, 2011


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Sign up underway for preschool program - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
September 18, 2011
A preschool program that provides free preschool education in the Milwaukee area is signing up new students. The Head Start, coordinated by the Social Development Commission (SDC), is now recruiting three, four and five year old children from income eligible families in Milwaukee County. The nationally recognized preschool program prepares children for elementary school with a blend of academic and social skill preparation, dental and health screenings, and parental participation. To find out the location of the nearest Head Start site of SDC or one of its several delegate agencies or to get registration information, visit the SDC website at www.cr-sdc.org, click on the “Programs” page and then the link for Head Start or call 414-906- 2777.

created: September 18, 2011


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Barrett sets historic goal to impact infant mortality - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
November 12, 2011
Mayor Tom Barrett and Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker announced an historic goal to reduce infant mortality in the City of Milwaukee by 2017.
From 2008-2010, there were 340 infant deaths in Milwaukee. For every 1,000 infants born during that time period, just over 10 infants died before their first birthday. This number, while bad enough, also hides stark disparities: African American infants were 2.6 times more likely to die than Caucasian infants (infant mortality rates of 14.1 vs. 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births for this three year period.
Milwaukee’s African American infant mortality rate is worse than the overall rate of at least 35 countries around the world. It is also higher than the African American infant mortality rates of many other large US cities, such as New York and Chicago.
This week, Barrett announced a goal to reduce the overall infant mortality rate (IMR) by at least 10 percent by 2017. In order to focus efforts on the population that is most impacted by infant mortality, and to begin to reduce Milwaukee’s unacceptable racial disparities in infant mortality, he set a simultaneous goal of reducing infant mortality among African-Americans by at least 15 percent.
The final target is the 3-year Baraverage infant mortality rate of 2015-2017, and the reduction will be compared to the most recent 3-year average baseline (2008-2010). Three year rolling-averages are used because single year rates are too statistically unstable to be reliable indicators of progress. Specifically, by 2017, the goal is to reduce Milwaukee’s overall infant mortality rate by at least 10 percent, from 10.4 to no more than 9.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, and to reduce the African American infant mortality rate by at least 15 percent, from 14.1 to no more than 12.0 deaths per 1,000 live births.
“Milwaukee has never had an overall three-year average infant mortality rate under 10, and we have never had a Black infant mortality rate of less than 13 in any three-year period,” said Mayor Barrett. “These goals are important and historic. Infant mortality is an incredibly complex issue. We are making progress through increased awareness of the various causes of infant deaths like prematurity, unsafe sleep, and access to quality prenatal care.
But the fact is, we need to do more to impact the many multiple layers and rootcause factors that affect infant mortality. It’s a tall order, but with focus and increased partnerships with leaders like the United Way, and the Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families, I am confident that we can achieve our goal and save babies’ lives in Milwaukee.”
Earlier this year, Mayor Barrett and Commissioner Baker were joined by United Way of Greater Milwaukee to announce a new partnership to help combat the city’s infant mortality crisis. This partnership, using the very successful model to prevent teen pregnancy, was kicked off when United Way announced an initial grant of $200,000 to the City of Milwaukee to improve birth outcomes in a targeted geographic area with the worst birth outcomes in the city: 53206, 53210, and 53216.
The United Way partnership is only one of several initiatives in Milwaukee to address the problem of infant mortality. Another is the Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIHF), which is funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program and has been led through its initial phases by the Planning Council for Health and Human Services, along with many other community partners.
“The City of Milwaukee Health Department is a key partner in the effort to improve birth outcomes, but we cannot tackle this problem alone,” said Commissioner Baker. “The entire Milwaukee community needs to come together and direct our efforts towards our youngest members. We challenge residents, businesses, media and other organizations to help intervene. We challenge you to be innovative in doing the important work that must be done in order to achieve this goal and improve birth outcomes in Milwaukee.”
As part of this week’s announcement to reduce infant mortality in Milwaukee, Mayor Barrett unveiled a provocative new print advertising campaign to further raise awareness of unsafe sleeping conditions, one of the most preventable causes of infant death in Milwaukee. The ad, development in partnership with SERVE Marketing, shows an infant sleeping in an adult bed with a butcher knife beside him with the tagline, “Your baby sleeping with you can be just as dangerous.” The ad will be seen on bus shelters throughout the city beginning November 14.

created: November 12, 2011


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Community organizations, elected officials converge for job creation - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
December 1, 2011
By Maricha Harris
Job creation was the center of discussion at a town hall meeting that was organized and hosted by several community- based organizations, including Citizen Action of Wisconsin, League of Young Voters, Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH), 9to5 Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Labor Council, Urban Underground, the African American Chamber of Commerce, Voices de la Frontera, Laborers Local 113, Tikkun Ha-Ir, and Wisconsin Jobs Now. The meeting was held at Cross Lutheran Church.
Many of the organizations gave two-minute remarks, and several elected officials, including Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Willie Hines, Representative Barbra Toles, Alderwoman Milele Coggs, Senator Spencer Coggs, and Mayor Tom Barrett, addressed the audience of approximately 150 residents.
“The first purpose [of the meeting] is to begin a conversation with the community about what they would like to see their city doing about job creation,” said Jennifer Epps- Addison, organizer for Citizen Action of Wisconsin and meeting facilitator.
Mandela Barnes, organizer, MICAH, raised awareness about jobs moving from Milwaukee to Waukesha. Barnes said many manufacturing and factory types of jobs are moving. “We’ll take the Target Distribution Center for instance; that’s all the way out in Oconomowoc,” he said. “They employ a lot of people, but a lot of people [who] really need the jobs aren’t able to get there easily.” Barnes says that when you lose these jobs, “you lose everything that goes along with that job.”
David Bowen of Urban Underground talked about the need for youth employment. “Jobs that traditionally went to young people, don’t go to young people,” he said. “If you have to compete with people who have more work experience, and you have no work experience period, you can not compete. So young people need an opportunity to gain that experience.”
Other organizations talked about various employment issues, such as supporting small businesses, decreases in wages, poverty and racial disparities.
Following the presentations, Ald. Coggs greeted attendees and opened the floor for public testimony. Eager to speak, residents quickly formed two lines. Many people gave ideas for solving the job crisis—such as helping youth develop entrepreneurship skills—while others shared personal stories. Still, others gave their perspectives of the problems within Milwaukee.
Tonisha Howard, 27, shared how today’s challenging job market affects her and her family. As a single mother of three children between seven and four and a full-time Alverno College student, she has to work two jobs. Even with those jobs, Howard is “still barely making ends meet.” Howard is a certified nursing assistant and works for Hales Corner Care Center and Comfort Keepers.
Dedicated to school, she takes on 18 credits per semester. Howard expects to graduate in December of 2012 with a degree in Community Leadership and Development; she plans to attend graduate school at Alverno College.
As she pursues her goals, Howard is faced with many financial burdens. She says her biggest challenges are paying rent, her Wisconsin Energy bill and her daycare co-pays. She receives Badger Care and Foodshare.
In today’s economic crisis, people from all walks of life are experiencing financial adversity. But in Wisconsin, disparities exist among certain populations. African American men have an alarming unemployment rate. The problem has caught national attention. Earlier this year, CBS News covered the issue and reported that 34 percent of Black males in Milwaukee are jobless.
Michael Hagler, III., 21, is fortunate. He has a job. Hagler attended the job-centered town hall meeting and says he understands the challenges in today’s job market. For him, wages are a major issue. His $8.00 an hour job at Office Max hardly brings home enough money.
“Gas is a big thing, and food is a big thing,” he said about his financial challenges. When it comes to helping people like him in the community, Hagler said, “The only big issue to me is how much you get paid to work. Nobody wants to work every two weeks for [very little money].”
During public testimony, ideas given by residents were recorded. The suggestions will be considered as the Milwaukee Jobs Act is being developed. Ald. Ashanti Hamilton will be the lead sponsor on the proposed legislation.
After public testimony, elected officials were given the opportunity to respond to what residents said. Mayor Barrett was first to address the audience. “I think we have to keep our eye on the prize,” Barrett said. “I think what we have here is a commonality where we want a future for our community. But the challenge is we do not make enough ‘stuff’ in this community. We do not make enough ‘stuff’ in this country.”

created: December 1, 2011


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COA Youth & Family Centers ranked the number one Children’s & Family Services nonprofit in the nation - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
December 10, 2011
On the heels of being ranked the top nonprofit organization in Wisconsin across all categories in September, COA Youth & Family Centers is now the number one Children’s & Family Services agency in the nation, according to Charity Navigator. Based in Glen Rock, NJ, Charity Navigator assesses nonprofits on their financial health, accountability and transparency.
COA executive director Tom Schneider stated, “Now more than ever, donors want to know that their generosity is going to support kids and families in need, not to administration and fundraising costs. COA has balanced its budget for ten straight years, spends less than ten percent of its revenue on management and fundraising, and has had clean audits year after year. Charity Navigator’s rating means donors can be confident that their money will be spent to help people in need.”
According to the Charity Navigator website: “Charity Navigator works to guide intelligent giving. Our goal is to help people give to charity with confidence. At the same time, we aim to help charities by shining lights on truly effective organizations.” In Wisconsin there are thousands of nonprofit agencies, but only eight in Milwaukee received a 4-Star rating. In descending order they are: COA Youth & Family Centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Medical College of Wisconsin, Public Allies, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, PAVE, and the Wisconsin Humane Society.
Having begun 105 years ago by sending eight inner city children to camp, in 2011 COA Youth & Family Centers serves more than 25,000 children and families at 42 locations throughout the City of Milwaukee. COA accomplishes its mission through five core program areas: Early Childhood Education, Family Support Services, Youth Development, Camping, and Adult Education. COA’s Camp Helen Brachman is nationally accredited by the American Camp Association, and COA’s Early Child Education is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the recipient of a Five-Star rating from Wisconsin’s YoungStar program.

created: December 10, 2011


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Time is right to apply for Energy Assistance - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
December 10, 2011
Don’t want to wait in line? Now is the time to apply for Energy Assistance! Income eligible residents are encouraged to apply for help with their energy bills. You do not have to be behind on your energy bill to apply for Energy Assistance.
Historically, there is a heavy demand for the program in early fall and then again in the spring. This is when the moratorium cut-off for utility services is lifted by the Public Service Commission and services can be disconnected by We Energies.
Sandra White, Energy Assistance Program Manager at the Social Development Commission (SDC), notes that some residents who are behind in their utility payments tend to wait until the last minute to apply for assistance. She urges them to come now to one of the three Energy Assistance sites, rather than later. Applications for Energy Assistance are accepted at the following locations; 4041 N. Richards Street, 2701 S. Chase Street suite D and 6848 N. Teutonia Avenue. All sites are open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm except on holidays.
For more information on the site locations, hours of operation and what documents you need to bring, call the Energy Assistance Hotline at 414- 906-2800. For home visits, residents can call Community Advocates at 414-875-2009.


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Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee receives grant for financial literacy for young learners - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
January 14, 2012
Youngsters of the Boys & Girls Club will have the opportunity to learn financial literacy through fun, games and creative programs thanks to the grant awarded to the club by PNC Bank.
Learning how to manage money can’t start early enough. That’s why the PNC Foundation is awarding a $75,000 grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee for a new program to teach local children about sharing, saving and spending and to equip their parents to reinforce the lessons. “For Me, For You, For Later” helps young children begin to understand the value of money using their everyday actions and those of their parents.
Thanks to the grant from PNC Foundation, the program will be implemented at 10 Boys & Girls Clubs locations over the next two school years and summer months. The Clubs will also offer family-friendly events tied to “For Me, For You, For Later.” In addition, PNC employee volunteers will help deliver programming after school, working closely with Club members to help them understand the value of making smart money choices. The grant is in support of Grow Up Great, PNC’s innovative early childhood education program, which has been extended by $250 million over 10 years to reach more children, families and teachers.
Vincent Lyles, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Beth Wnuk, regional president for Wisconsin, PNC Bank and children and staff from Daniels- Mardak Boys & Girls Club announced the program on Friday, Jan. 13 at Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club, 4834 N. 35th St. Early learners and their families engaged in activities including; Spending, Sharing; draw colorful pictures demonstrating Values; and helping Elmo identify things he needs verses what he wants.
PNC recognizes that learning in a child’s early years is essential for his or her long-term success. Through Grow Up Great, a multi-year bilingual program in early childhood education, PNC provides the leadership, advocacy, funding, tools, and volunteers to help educate parents, caregivers, and communities on how to prepare young children for success in school and life.

created: January 14, 2012


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Stop the Violence Summit introduce plans - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
February 3, 2012
Compiled by Courier Staff
Tracey Dent, president of Peace for Change Alliance Inc. speaks at the podium as Priscilla Coggs-Jones, president of Urban Grass Roots Inc. looks on at Saturday’s Stop the Violence Youth Summit held at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
The Peace for Change Alliance, Inc. and Urban Grass Roots hosted its follow-up to the Stop the Violence Youth Summit called “Bridging the Gap” on Sat., Jan. 28 at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. This is the second time that the group has organized a forum that allows youth and public officials to meet and collaborate ideas and plans on addressing violence in the city.
“The first time that we got together several months ago was a brainstorming type of forum. This time the Summit was geared at discussing solutions. Individuals who participated the first time were asked to come back with some action plans.” Priscilla Coggs-Jones, president of Urban Grass Roots Inc. shared.
“We were pleased with the 150 plus people who came to witness adults and youth working together on how to reduce crime in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.” Tracey Dent, president of Peace for Change Alliance Inc. added.
The ages of the youth who participated in Saturday’s event ranged from 15-19 years-old, and was held from 2:00 pm until 6:00 in the evening. The daylong event featured various entertainment; singing performances from Voices of a Fatherless Child, tumbling by the Milwaukee Flyer Tumbling Team, dancing performed by the Nefarteri Dance Company, and a anti bullying skit performed under the direction of Dorothy Green Productions. The entertainment was designed to inspire the youth in addition to exposing them to different types of artistic activities that they could perhaps choose to be a part of in the future.
Participants from other youth organizations were also represented at the Summit; The Running Rebels, an organization that has a long and successful history of working with at-risk youth. Norma Balentine, of Safe and Sound and of course the venue that hosted the event the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, nestled in the neighborhood of West Lawn Housing has a long successful history of working with youth as well.
Solutions were the focus of this second forum for the youth and public officials. The goal of the Summit is to attack violence in the city from a collaborative effort from those that help to make policy and those that are often disrupting policy through violence. This type of forum allows youth to express their views on the causes of and solutions for violence. At last week’s forum there was an opportunity for youth to speak out and share testimony on how they are affected by violence.
Some projects announced by public officials included: State Representative Elizabeth M Coggs: Young Women Health Fair, State Representative Dale Kooyenga: Financial Literacy workshops for Teens, County Supervisor Michael Mayo Sr.: Youth Day, Alderwoman Milele Coggs: Dirty Jeans- Teen Day of Service, Judge Derek Mosley: I Pledge Milwaukee (Teens & Adults Volunteer Campaign).
Other Public officials who are working on Bridging the Gap projects are: State Representative Barbara Toles, County Supervisor Eyon Biddle, Sr. County Supervisor Nikiya Q Harris, County Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr., Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Robert G Donovan and Project Manager of Safe & Sound Norma Balentine.
In the coming weeks, a full list of the Bridging the Gap projects will be made to the public.

created: February 3, 2012


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America’s Black Holocaust Museum re-opens as virtual museum - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
February 25, 2012
America’s Black Holocaust Museum, shuttered since 2008, will re-open as a virtual museum on February 25, 2012, in honor of the birthday of its founder James Cameron, the only known survivor of a lynching. The opening website is only the first phase of what will be a cutting-edge 21st century online museum geared to the general public, scholars, teachers, and students aged 13 and up.
The interactive museum will tell the seldom-told stories of Africans brought in chains to America, their descendants, and the freedom-loving whites who tried to help. The story, stretching from before Africans’ captivity by European slave traders to the present day experiences of African Americans, will be told through dozens of scholar-curated exhibits.
These will include text, photographs, videos, art, original documents, learning games, user-generated content and other forms of interactivity. ABHM will contribute to scholarship about the Black Holocaust; provide a safe place for cross-racial dialogue; and promote the highest ideals of American democracy.
On opening day, visitors to www.abhmuseum.org will be able to:
Reggie Jackson, ABHM Board Chair, observes, “Dr. Cameron envisioned our country as ‘one single and sacred nationality.’ He believed that racial equality and reconciliation depend on a thorough, accurate understanding of our history–and a safe place to dialog about it. We are excited to provide access to these for people around our nation and world.”

created: February 25, 2012


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Arne Duncan announces tool to shed light on education disparities - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
March 17, 2012
By Macy L. Freeman and Lauren McEwen
Special to the NNPA from the Afro- American Newspaper
In this March 2, 2012 file photo, Education Secretary Arne Duncan speaks during a forum on education at American University in Washington. More than 70 percent of students involved in school-related arrests or cases referred to law enforcement were Hispanic or African-American, according to an Education Department report. It’s raising new concerns among civil rights groups about a “school-to-prison” pipeline for minorities. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
New findings show that several factors have widened the achievement gap for students of color in the United States.
“Our work is all geared toward ensuring that the achievement gap closes, but without more information about where it exists, where opportunity is provided, how resources are being distributed, getting to our common goal is all the more difficult,” said Russlynn Ali, assistant secretary for Civil Rights during a March 6 press conference in Founders Library on Howard University’s campus.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Ali announced new findings from a data collection tool to help analyze the achievement gap in the U.S. education system. That tool, the Transformed Civil Rights Data Collection, consists of self-reported information covering college and career readiness, discipline, school finances and student retention.
The CRDC, compiled during the 2009-10 school year, is not only the largest study of its kind – with a sample representing 85 percent of American students – it is also the most detailed. Statistics were broken down by race and ethnicity, gender, disability and native language. It also focused on resource equity, access to and success in higher-level courses, retention rates, discipline and more.
Part of the Department of Education’s research revealed disparities in disciplinary practices in the U.S. Education system. Findings show that African-American students, especially boys, are more likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their counterparts. Although Black students made up 18 percent of the students used in the sample, they made up 35 percent of students who have been suspended once, and 39 percent of the students expelled from school.
“I have fought for such analysis for years given my personal and professional observation of the over-discipline of African-American boys,” said Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.). Davis said the CRDC findings reveal that an opportunity gap still exists in American society.
“The opportunity gap and school-to-prison pipeline are very real for students of color, students with disabilities, and students who are learning English—especially for the first time,” Duncan said.
Findings also show that while 55 percent of predominately white schools offer Calculus, 29 percent of high-minority schools offer the subject. Students who speak English as a second language constitute 6 percent of the high school students in the sample and make up 12 percent of the students who are retained.
Discrepancies not only appear in the quality of education provided to students, but also in teachers’ salaries. Teachers in high-minority schools tend to be younger, less experienced and paid less.
In Philadelphia, teachers may be paid up to $14,000 less than one of their older counterparts. In New York, the discrepancy is $8,000.
Duncan stressed that the data is not being used to accuse administrators and school boards of discrimination and that the data collected needs to be studied further. Instead, he cites a lack of transparency, saying that officials and educators “would be shocked” to learn about the data.
“I don’t think these are bad people,” Duncan said. “They just didn’t know how to handle a child that was struggling.”
Ali added, “This is a call to action for all of us to study what’s happening – not enough to signal a violation of the Civil Rights Act.”
While any complaints of civil rights violations will be investigated, the CDRC is to be used to improve struggling schools. Ali pointed out that the data examines schools that are “defying the odds” so that other schools can use their tactics to challenge the status quo. The CDRC data can be found online at ocrdata.ed.gov, and Duncan encourages people to check the site for updates.
“No other issue holds greater promise for opportunities,” he said.


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Housing Authority and Growing Power partner to create a healthier Westlawn - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
Share:FacebookTweetEmailPrintHousing Authority and Growing Power partner to create a healthier Westlawn
May 3, 2012
Growing Power’s president/CEO Will Allen is joined by Tony Pérez, HACM Secretary- Executive Director at the reception held last week announcing the partnership between Growing Power and the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM). (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) and Growing Power have established a partnership to improve nutrition, health education and access to fresh food as part of the revitalization of the Westlawn public housing development. The partnership was celebrated at a reception last week at Growing Power Headquarters, 5500 W. Silver Spring Drive.
“This partnership demonstrates how communities can utilize their local experts to become stronger, healthier places to live. The combined efforts of Growing Power and the Housing Authority will truly help to transform the neighborhood,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.
Among other activities, Growing Power will manage 30,000 square feet of new community gardens planned for Westlawn along Lincoln Creek, provide training and education on sustainable food production and healthy nutrition, and recruit residents for employment and job training. Growing Power has also begun housing interns in HACM apartments within the Westlawn development, providing the interns with increased opportunities to dialogue with residents about healthy food options and nutrition.
“Growing Power is excited to further develop our partnership with the Housing Authority and all of the other folks involved in the Westlawn development,” said Growing Power founder and CEO Will Allen. “This new development will complement our plans to construct the world’s first fivestory vertical farm building at our Silver Spring Drive location and expand our services to the immediate community and beyond.”
The Westlawn revitalization plan, developed through extensive community sessions with residents, local businesses, community stakeholders and professional developers, is replacing distressed, barracks-style buildings with an aesthetically and economically diverse mix of housing and services. The plan seeks to increase quality of life for residents and serve as a catalyst for positive change in the surrounding neighborhood.
“We are pleased to partner with Growing Power to bring their innovative and practical applications in urban farming and health education to Westlawn. We are neighbors working together to strengthen our neighborhood,” said Tony Pérez, HACM Secretary-Executive Director.
Located five blocks east of Westlawn, Growing Power has established a Community Food Center that supports sustainable food-producing systems that are used for demonstration, production, and hands-on learning. These systems are cost-effective, reduce negative environmental impacts, and can be integrated into any community, especially high-density urban areas.
Growing Power has provided job training, leadership development, and skill-building in urban sustainable agriculture to countless youth from and around Westlawn who have participated in its youth programs, such as the Growing Power Youth Corps and the afterschool Urban Agriculture program at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center.
The first phase of the Westlawn revitalization is well under way with work moving forward on 250 affordable units on 37 acres extending from 60th Street to 64th Street between Silver Spring Drive and Lincoln Creek on Milwaukee’s Northwest side. Two 47-unit mid-rises are complete and an additional 156 family units in a combination of townhouse and side-by-side styles are underway.
HACM is rebuilding Westlawn to meet or exceed new environmental standards, including LEED Neighborhood Development certification. Sustainable design strategies will create economic efficiencies and reduce impact on the environment and city infrastructure through improved storm water management. In addition, new streets will reconnect Westlawn to the city grid to improve traffic flow.


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HUD awards nearly $760,000 in grants to combat housing discrimination in Wisconsin - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
May 19, 2012
Last week the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded nearly $760,000 to three fair housing organizations to assist people in Wisconsin who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination.
“We are pleased to provide the only federal grant support to private fair housing enforcement and education,” said HUDs Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasviña. “Our local partners are essential to ending housing discrimination.”
“With these grants, our partners in Wisconsin will help HUD ensure the American public has equal access to their dream homes in inclusive communities,” said Antonio R. Riley, HUDs Midwest Regional Administrator.
The competitive grants are funded through HUDs Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), and are part of nearly $41.18 million distributed nationwide to 99 fair housing organizations and other nonprofit agencies in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The grants will be used to enforce the Fair Housing Act through investigation and testing of alleged discriminatory practices, and to educate housing providers, local governments and potential victims of housing discrimination about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. HUD had over $70 million in requests for FHIP, but funded only $41 million. HUD is awarding FHIP grants to the following agencies:
Wisconsin
Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council Milwaukee $311,322.00
Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council Milwaukee $322,629.00
Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council Milwaukee $124,814.00
FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate more than 9,300 housing discrimination complaints annually. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 (voice), or (800) 927-9275 (TTY).


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Talgo hosts more than 1,000 visitors at Milwaukee central city factory - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
May 26, 2012
Talgo, Inc. introduced the newly designed Amtrak Hiawatha Trains last week. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
More than 1,100 visitors got on the train Sunday at Talgo, Inc.’s Milwaukee factory for the chance to be among the first to experience Talgo’s Series 8 trains, built for use on Amtrak’s Milwaukee-to-Chicago’s Hiawatha line.
“We are very excited at the turnout and support we received from the greater Milwaukee community at our open house on Sunday,” says Antonio Perez, president and CEO of Talgo, Inc. “This was a very successful event for us – it is clear that citizens of Milwaukee are on our side and enthused about putting these new trains into service and keeping these jobs in Wisconsin.”
Sunday’s open house was the first time Talgo’s Milwaukee manufacturing facility was open to the public. Visitors from throughout the state of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee-to-Chicago corridor, along with local, elected officials, attended the three-hour open house.
“Talgo and our Milwaukee workforce were very pleased at the opportunity to introduce our Series 8 cars to future riders at this event,” says Talgo vice president of Public Affairs and Business Development Nora Friend. “These train sets offer numerous improvements over the existing, aged Horizon Fleet sets, including WiFi, a café car for upgraded food service, ADA-compliant lavatories and bike racks. We look forward to their operation.”
Visitors to the Century City facility took train tours, enjoy refreshments and entertainment during the three-hour open house. Talgo representatives were on hand to answer any questions and provide information about the new trains. The open house was also an opportunity for the public to meet the Milwaukee workers, many who grew up in the surrounding neighborhood, who would be thrown out of work if the Walker Administration does not honor the state’s agreements.
The two completed Talgo Series 8 train sets are much lighter than the current Horizon Fleet sets, which will result in a signifi cant savings on fuel costs once the trains are in operation on the route. The lighter weights also improve the engineer’s ability to accelerate and brake more quickly. The innovative Series 8 design, including passive tilting technology, allows the train to take curves more comfortably and safely at higher speeds.
More than 80 Milwaukee-based employees, primarily members of the Machinists union, built two train sets in the Milwaukee factory for the Hiawatha corridor. They also have almost completed the manufacture of two train sets for the State of Oregon. Almost two-thirds of the parts used were sourced from local and regional American suppliers.
These trains were built according to specifications provided by the State of Wisconsin after more than 10 years of cooperative work, initially led by Governor Tommy Thompson.
Talgo has operated in the USA since the 1950s, and the American subsidiary has been headquartered in Seattle, Wash., since 1994. Talgo signed this contract irrespective of political parties and in good faith with the State of Wisconsin.
For more information on Talgo’s Wisconsin operations, follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/TalgoWisconsin) or on Twitter (@TalgoWisconsin).


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Common Council approves Milwaukee Jobs Act initiative - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
July 27, 2012
The Common Council this week approved creation of the Milwaukee Jobs Act -Transitional Jobs Program – a multifaceted effort to create employment opportunities for city young people and job seekers from areas of the city that have been particularly hard-hit economically.
Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, the primary sponsor of the legislation creating the Milwaukee Jobs Act, said he believes the initiative is a strong “initial step forward” in helping young Milwaukeeans connect with a strong and positive first employment experience, while addressing key neighborhood needs in the city.
“The Jobs Act programs are all intended to improve the physical infrastructure of deteriorating neighborhoods, and to do it with people from the block and from around the corner who will leave the Transitional Jobs program with a whole lot more than money in their pocket and a cleaner, better neighborhood,”Alderman Hamilton said. “They will leave our program with formal training in the professional trades and with access to a career ladder for future employment.”
In the works for nearly a year, the $700,000 program is made possible entirely from a payment to the city connected to the development of the Harley-Davidson Museum. Because of Common Council action, the developer of the museum project agreed to pay the city $700,000 in return for being relieved of the requirement to complete the third phase of the museum project.
Co-sponsors on the Jobs Act legislation were: Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.; Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs; Alderman Willie C. Wade; Alderman Nik Kovac; Alderman Robert J. Bauman; Alderman Willie L. Hines, Jr.; Alderman Tony Zielinski and Alderman Jose G. Perez.
A key element of the program is making the Mayor’s Earn and Learn program a year-round opportunity for city young people. Currently, the Earn and Learn program provides summer intern employment opportunities for young people who learn valuable job skills working in city departments and at local employers.
Mayor Tom Barrett said he believes the Milwaukee Jobs Act can mirror the success of the Earn and Learn program. “I’d like to thank Alderman Hamilton for his leadership and members of the Common Council for their support of this program. This was a unique opportunity to give Milwaukeeans the chance to gain meaningful work experience through these various programs,” he said. The additional allocation of $168,000 for a year-round Mayor’s Earn and Learn program will create opportunities for an additional 87 young people (the program in its current form serves more than 470 young people). The year-round program will be administered by the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board.
The details of the elements of the Jobs Act program are attached, but other parts of the program include:
Mayor’s Earn and Learn Program – $168,000
Common Council’s Neighborhood Ambassador Program – $80,000
Garage Demolition Program – $180,000
Mayor’s Manufacturing Partnership Program – $207,000
Hybrid Deconstruction Pilot Program – $55,000
LEAP Program – $10,000
Alderman Nik Kovac, a cosponsor, said the economic downturn has affected many people throughout Milwaukee, but those impacts “have been most severe in those neighborhoods which had the least amount of economic cushion to start out with.”
“The joblessness and foreclosure crises are happening on the same blocks and in the same neighborhoods,” said Alderman Kovac. “This Jobs Act is the beginning of our attempt to turn two overlapping problems into two overlapping solutions.”
For Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, the Jobs Act is most important because of what it can offer residents. “Each day I speak with residents, the issue I hear the most is the need for more jobs. The passage today of the Milwaukee Jobs Act is a step in the right direction toward getting people employed and assisting them with gaining marketable skills,” Alderwoman Coggs said.
“The 100 percent RPP requirement is a demonstration of how serious we are about putting Milwaukeeans to work,” she said.


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Civil Rights Division now accepting tips from Milwaukee citizens about MPD - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
October 19, 2012
Residents who believe Milwaukee Police officers have violated their rights have an outlet for their concerns starting this week, with the announcement by U.S. Attorney James Santelle that the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has set up a toll-free tip line and email address. The information gathered through these sources will be used to help determine whether Mr. Santelle and the Civil Rights Division should conduct a formal “pattern and practice” investigation of the Milwaukee Police Department.
Anyone interested in providing information can contact the Department of Justice by calling 1-855-544-5132 or via email at community.milwaukee@usdoj.gov. The recorded phone message is in both English and Spanish.
Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. and Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs are urging all residents who believe they have witnessed a police abuse of power or have had their rights violated to contact the USDOJ. They also applauded Mr. Santelle and thanked him for his quick response to their concerns.
“The vital information the Civil Rights Division is collecting could end up forming the groundwork for a formal ‘pattern and practice’ investigation of the Milwaukee Police Department,” Alderwoman Coggs said. “In light of recent events, such an investigation could provide much-needed transparency and justice for those who have been wronged.”
“We have said repeatedly that structural change, an administrative paradigm shift, is what’s needed in the Milwaukee Police Department,” Alderman Hines said. “A formal ‘pattern and practice’ investigation and accompanying legal case could be the vehicle for those crucial changes to make MPD more accountable and responsive to citizens’ needs.”

created: October 19, 2012


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Deadline for free foreclosure review program ends in less than 30 days, could affect thousands in Milwaukee - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
December 6, 2012
By Lynda Jones
Trena Bond, executive director of Housing Resources, Inc. and Alderman Joe Davis
held a joint press conference. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)
Thousands of Milwaukee residents could miss out on an opportunity to participate in a program that was the result of federal regulators issuing enforcement orders against 14 large mortgage services for deficient mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices.
The orders required those servicers to retain independent consultants to conduct comprehensive review of foreclosures that were in process or completed in 2009 or 2010 (the Independent Foreclosure Review) to identify financial injury to borrowers that resulted from errors, misrepresentations, and other deficiencies in the foreclosure process.
Getting the message to Milwaukee residents, especially minorities has been extremely poor. Mailers were sent out to some residents back in June, yet many may not have realized what the mailers were for. While other cities, such as Chicago have had many newspaper full page print ads in community newspapers, Milwaukee has not. Alderman Joe Davis, who represents an area hit hard by the foreclosure crisis has taken a stand and is determined to help get the word out on this program.
“A December 31, 2012 deadline for the Independent Foreclosure Review Program (IFRP) could affect thousands of eligible Milwaukee mortgage holders who may have been victimized by improper lending practices and/or services”, according to Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.
Alderman Davis, chair of the Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee, held a joint news conference on the matter with officials from Housing Resources, Inc. on the first floor rotunda at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.
Trena Bond, executive director of Housing Resources, Inc. said that HRI has been working diligently during the past several years to assist homeowners with mortgage delinquency issues or those who are facing foreclosure. Recently, HRI received notice that the Independent Foreclosure Review will be ending at the end of 2012.
According to Bond, The Independent Foreclosure Review is being required as part of the consent order with federal bank regulators. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) (independent bureaus of the U.S. Department of the Treasury), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB) issued the consent order against 14 mortgage servicers and their affiliates. The Independent Foreclosure Review applies to those servicers’ customers who were part of a foreclosure action on their primary residence during the period of January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010.
Alderman Davis said HRI has indicated that the purpose of the review is to provide eligible borrowers with the opportunity to request an independent review of their foreclosure process. If the review finds that financial injury occurred as a result of errors, misrepresentations or other deficiencies in the servicer’s foreclosure process, the borrower may receive compensation or other remedy.
The participating mortgage servicers have been working with federal banking regulators and independent third party consultants to create a process that ensures all eligible borrowers are treated consistently, and receive a fair and impartial review of their foreclosure. The foreclosure process does not necessarily include the final sale of the home. The homeowner can still be in their home and be eligible. The mortgage loan may be eligible if the home was the owner’s primary residence and was in the foreclosure process in 2009 or 2010 with one of the participating mortgage servicers.
Foreclosure actions include any of the following occurrences on a primary residence between the above dates:
To know if you are eligible for the Independent Foreclosure Review your loan must meet the following initial criteria:
People who believe that they meet these requirements listed should call the number or visit the website information given above. Independent parties will be directing and monitoring the review process.
Any Request for Review Form must be submitted by December 31, 2012 to determine if one is eligible to request a free Independent Foreclosure Review.

created: December 6, 2012


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Early Voting Locations, Times and Instructions - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
October 7, 2016
By Urban Media News
Your vote is the power you have to improve your community. For generations, the disenfranchised fought to ensure access to the ballot. This fall, it is the sacred duty of every eligible voter to honor the sacrifices made by the Civil Rights warriors of the past and cast a ballot.
Due to recent court rulings, Wisconsin voters once again enjoy liberal access to in-person early voting before Election Day, November 8th.
If you are already registered to vote, all you need to bring is a photo identification. If you are not registered, you can register when you vote by bringing proof of residence – typically a bill or lease which includes your address – and a photo identification. For additional information visit www.myvote.wi.gov.
There is no early voting the Sunday or Monday before the election.
The following are the locations and times that early voting is available in Milwaukee and Madison.
Milwaukee – Downtown
Early voting is underway at the Zeidler Municipal Building voters who have already registered can enter on 830 N. Market Street. Voters who need to register before voting may enter at 841 N. Broadway. Early voting at Zeidler is available every Monday through Friday until October 22nd between the hours of 10:00AM and 6:00PM.
On the Saturdays of October 15, October 22 and October 29, early voting is available between noon and 5:00PM. On the Sundays of October 23 and October 30 early voting is also available between noon and 5:00PM.
Beginning Monday, October 23, early voting is available between 8:30am and 7:00pm on weekdays until November 4.
Milwaukee – Central/ North Side
Early voting begins October 10 at Midtown Center. Voters can enter on N. 56th St. and W. Capitol Dr. or on W. Ely Pl. and W. Fond du Lac Ave.
Early voting is available Monday through Friday between October 10 and October 21 between 10:00AM and 6:00PM. On Saturday October 15 and October 22 early voting is available between noon and 5:00PM.
On Sunday, October 23 and October 30 early voting is available between noon and 5:00pm. On weekdays between October 23 and November 4 early voting is available between 8:30AM and 7:00PM.
Milwaukee – South Side
Early voting begins October 10 at Forest Home Library on 1432 W. Forest Home Ave. Early voting is available Monday through Friday between October 10 and October 21 between 10:00AM and 6:00PM. On Saturday October 15 and October 22 early voting is available between noon and 5:00PM.
On Sunday, October 23 and October 30 early voting is available between noon and 5:00pm. On weekdays between October 23 and November 4 early voting is available between 8:30AM and 7:00PM.
Madison
The City Clerk’s Office (210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) will be open for early voting between 8:00AM and 7:00PM every weekday through November 4. On the Saturdays of October 8, 15 and 22 voting is open between 9:00AM and noon. On the Saturdays of October 29 and November 5 voting is open between 9:00AM and 2:00PM. On the Sundays of October 30 and November 6 early voting is open between 1:00PM and 4:00PM.
Early voting is available every weekday through November 4th between the hours of 10:00AM and 7:30PM, and between 9:00AM and 4:30PM on every Saturday in October at the following locations: Goodman South Madison Library (2222 S. Park Street), Hawthorne Library (2707 E. Washington Avenue), Lakeview Library (2845 N. Sherman Avenue), and Meadowridge Library (5726 Raymond Road).
Streets East (4602 Sycamore Ave.) will hold early voting between 7:00AM and 4:00PM every weekday until November 4.
The Central Library (201 W. Mifflin St) is open for early voting Monday through Thursday between 9:00AM to 8:30PM through November 3. On Friday September 30 and Friday November 4 early voting is available between 9:00AM and 5:30PM. You can also vote at Central Library between 9:00AM and 5:30PM every Saturday in October and between 1:00PM and 4:30PM every Sunday in October.
Alicia Ashman Library (733 N. High Point Road) and Sequoya Library (4340 Tokay Blvd) is open for early voting between the hours of 9:00AM and 8:30PM every weekday until November 4. You can also vote between 9:00AM and 4:30PM at these locations every Saturday in October.
Sequoya Library will also hold early voting hours every Sunday in October between 1:00PM and 4:30PM.

created: October 7, 2016


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‘Know Your Rights’ is Survival Guide for Law Enforcement Encounters - Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper
October 22, 2016
By Dylan Deprey
De Torre keeps the crowd engaged by using them as hypothetical examples. (Photo by Dylan Deprey)
Whether it is the first time or the fifteenth time, the heart sinking feeling of red and blue lights in the rear view mirror spring an emotional roller coaster of responses.
To some, an MPD officer walking up to the car may invoke fear, having witnessed hundreds of police shooting videos online. Others burn with anger knowing their bank account may take a critical hit following the experience.
According to American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Youth Coordinator Emilio De Torre, the cards are not always stacked for civilians when they interact with law enforcement.
“It’s like playing Monopoly,” De Torre said. “The banker has all the money, the banker has all the muscle, the banker is the enforcer, and the banker can cheat.”
De Torre spoke to UWM students, faculty and the community during an ACLU ‘Know Your Rights during Law Enforcement Encounters’ training event at the UWM Fireside Lounge Oct. 17.
He sat low adjusting the volume on the imaginary radio in a checkered armchair, which doubled as an imaginary car, to show the proper way to handle oneself during a traffic stop.
He said that people get nervous and fidget while getting pulled over. He said to always keep one’s hands where the officer can see them (on the steering wheel/folded in your lap), and always tell the officer if you are making any movements, whether it is grabbing for a wallet or registration from the glove box.
Emilio De Torre teaches the audience the best way to handle oneself during a traffic stop. (Photo by Dylan Deprey)
He also said that if an officer asks about weapons in the car, even if they are knives for carving pumpkins in the trunk, let the officer know.
“The time to debate is later, do not give them anything that misconstrues with them,” De Torre said. “Don’t give the cops a reason to freak out.”
Whether it is a police officer knocking at the door or asking to search a car, De Torre had one powerful statement regarding the fourth amendment, “Respectfully officer, I do not give you consent for you to search my personal property.” This also applies to Smartphone footage because unless a person offers it or shows police, they cannot take it.
“Nobody arrests people on the planet like the U.S.A.,” De Torre said.
Taking a look at the numbers, the United States sits near the top for incarceration, police involved shootings and police funding. Around 2.2 million people are incarcerated in the United States. Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code is nefariously known for 62% of adult black men being incarcerated, which is the largest in the world.
De Torre said that whether we like to admit it or not people have cultural biases, and that includes police officers. He shared the example that in a 2010 CDC study black and white people used Marijuana roughly the same amount, but in Milwaukee County black people were 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for possession.
In 2015, the City of Milwaukee reduced the fine for Marijuana possession of 25 grams or less from $250-$500 to $0-$50.
While prison and jail time usually never follow for low level offenders, De Torre said that once people are in the system their hole has been dug. Amenities like Government assisted housing, food share and student aid are out of the question.
Clyde Macklemore made the trek from Illinois for the event. He was formerly incarcerated back in 1995, and is now running for office. He worked on Ban-the-Box legislation in Illinois.
Macklemore said he knew people with felonies could not vote, but was dumbfounded that those on parole and probation also lost their right to vote.
“This is their voice, this is their right to vote” Macklemore said.
De Torre said that a minute number of people know that even a person with a felony is off of probation or parole they are actually allowed to vote as well.
Over the course of the event De Torre covered countless examples involving cavity/strip searches, warrants and cellphone footage of police.
He summed up the two-hour event with six simple steps:
1) Stay Calm
2) Be polite
3) Can say ‘I don’t consent to search of my person or property’
4) Can ask ‘Am I being detained or am I free to go?
5) Can ask for a lawyer while being interrogated
6) Keep copies of any law enforcement complaints.

created: October 22, 2016