Dept of Workforce Development

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"All That's Left Now is His Music"

The World Says Good-Bye to Michael Jackson, by Hazel Trice Edney

ASHINGTON (NNPA) — Michael Jackson. The name itself is synonymous with music legend. That is why reports of his death from cardiac arrest June 25 continue to stun fans around the world this week. As details of this surreal story continue to unfold, the one thing that remains clear is that the revolutionary music of this dazzling icon called the "King of Pop" will live forever. "Michael kept climbing," says the Rev. Jesse Jackson in an in... MORE >>

Millionaire's Club teaches students to invest in their futures

by A. David Dahmer

"Do you remember how things used to look in the 70s?" asked PEOPLE Program's "Millionaire's Club" guest speaker Nedra Bobo to a group of students who were all born in the mid-90s. Bobo was in the process of describing an ugly orange, green, and yellow carpeting that she ripped out of an old place to increase the value of a property she was selling. It was all part of her PowerPoint presentation to PEOPLE program kids called "Real Estate Development: A Proven Av... MORE >>

"Dismantling Structural Racism in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare"

Timebanks USA 2009 Conference, by A. David Dahmer

Experts gathered from around the nation and world to join in the TimeBanks USA Colloquium "Dismantling Structural Racism in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare" June 26 at the Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor's Club. As a part of TimeBanks USA 2009 Conference "A Time For Justice, A Wealth of Opportunity," the colloquium on racial disparities in the criminal justice system hoped to spearhead a new initiative to dismantle the structural racism that pervades the j... MORE >>

Michael Jackson's tragic story is as important to us as his tremendous legacy

by A. David Dahmer

It can’t be true. There's no way. He's too young. Millions of people around the world were in denial late last week when the word came through that Michael Jackson had died. But as Facebook statuses lamented the news at a breakneck rate never seen before in the young history of Facebooking, and as the Internet actually almost came to a complete hault because of overload, ... MORE >>

Clarence Thomas: Wrong on voting rights

by Ron Walters

It is worth noting that when the Supreme Court rendered its most recent decision on whether to uphold Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act in the Austin Municipal district case, Justice Clarence Thomas was the only one to vote against it in the 8-1 decision. That isolated vote was a monumental confirmation of many things his opponents have been saying about his lack of fidelity — indeed his hostility — to the African-American civil rights tradition. What makes it so bad was ... MORE >>

Testing is key to curbing AIDS among blacks

by George E. Curry

Blacks are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to have been tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, but will need to be examined at much higher rates in order to curb the devastation the epidemic is having on African Americans. That's the conclusion of a new report by the Black AIDS Institute titled, "Passing the Test: The Challenges and Opportunities of HIV Testing in Black America." The r... MORE >>

Remaining "Jena 6" are free

WASHINGTON (NNPA) —The racially-charged "Jena 6" case came to a quiet end on Friday, June 26 as the remaining five young defendants accused of beating a classmate accepted a plea deal. The five —Carwin Jones, Jesse Ray Beard, Robert Bailey Jr., Bryant Purvis and Theo Shaw — pled no contest to charges of misdemeanor simple battery before a judge in Jena, La. on June 26. The charges had previously been reduced to aggravated second-degree battery from ... MORE >>

Congress's chance to fix the health care system for all children

by Marian Wright Edelman

On June 23, I testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, to comment on its comprehensive health reform discussion draft. I pressed the Subcommittee on the need for health care reforms that extend affordable and accessible coverage with comprehensive benefits to all children in every state and urged them to simplify enrollment and retention, particularly in Med... MORE >>

Journalist beaten - One year later

by Mohammed Omer

(In an earlier article, "Gaza journalist faces death daily to do his job," The Madison Times interviewed award-winning Palestinian journalist Mohammed Omer and got a unique insight into the daily dangers he faces just to do his job and the terrible things he has seen in his young life as a journalist in Palestine — riots, burned cars, blood, body parts, targeted assassinations, hunger, pain, destruction, despair, artillery shellings, bulldozers, helicopters, and ch... MORE >>

State superintendent inaugural agenda set

MADISON —Tony Evers will take the oath of office at 11 a.m. Monday, July 6, at Hi-Mount Community School in Milwaukee to become Wisconsin's 26th state superintendent of public instruction. Demond Means, superintendent for the Mequon-Thiensville School District, will serve as master of ceremonies and open the program with a welcome address. Jonathon Irias, a fifth-grade student at Vieau School in Milwaukee, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Lincoln Center of the Arts Middle ... MORE >>

Health Insurers Defrauded Consumers of Billions

by Brian Stimson - Special to the NNPA from the Portland Skanner

PORTLAND, Ore. (NNPA) —As the debate over health care reform heats up in Washington, D.C., a report released June 24 could make a major blow to private insurance companies' credibility. A series of private lawsuits and government-lead investigations revealed that in every region of the United States, private insurers have been under-paying valid claims —defrauding consumers of billions of dollars. The report, released by the Senate Commerce Committee staff, reveals t... MORE >>

Western aid declines, financial bailouts mount

by Thalif Deen

UNITED NATIONS (IPS/GIN) — As the world's poorer nations warn about the gravity of the global financial crisis on their fragile economies, the United Nations has exposed an apparent contradiction by Western donors who cry poverty even while they raise trillions of dollars to rescue their beleaguered financial institutions. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned that the current financial meltdown should not be an excuse to slash development aid or marginalize developing nations... MORE >>

Women display new militancy in pro-Democray vigils

by Sara Farhang

TEHRAN (IPS/GIN) —Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters ignored government warnings and gathered in Tehran's Baharestan Square in front of the Parliament building last week. They were met with some of the harshest violence seen since Iran's post-election turmoil erupted nearly two weeks ago. "All of a sudden some 500 people with clubs ... came out of [a nearby mosque], and they poured into the streets and they started beating everyone," an unidentified woman tol... MORE >>

Middlespread July 2

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What's Up July 2

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Office of Justice Assistance

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An important community parental resource

Family Resource Center Open House, by A. David Dahmer

The Family Resource Center (FRC) of Dane County, an agency focused on developing the parental skills in the community so children can benefit, held an open house June 18 to show all of the positive programs that are hosted under their roof located at 810 W. Badger Rd. "The objective of the Family Resource Center is to make sure that the parents have all of the skills that they need to be good parents," said FRC supervisor Romilia Schlueter, "and to create environments wh... MORE >>

Omega School graduation a proud moment for many

by Pamela Gates

Omega School, which offers GED and HSED instruction to help people earn their high school equivalency diplomas, held its spring graduation ceremony in the West High School auditorium June 17. This year's theme, said Executive Director Oscar Mireles, was family: "We have a set of sisters, two brothers, two half-sisters, a younger brother of a graduate, and a married couple." Ashley Suarez (r... MORE >>

Adam McClain brings southern style to Madison Mallards

by Timothy Garrett

The Madison Mallards baseball team is doing quite well this year and a key reason for that is Adam McClain, who at the time of this writing is leading the Northwoods League with 19 RBI (Runs Batted In) to go with his 13 runs scored and three homers.  McClain was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn. and plays ball for the University of Memphis Tigers during the school year. McClain is working on ... MORE >>

Obama: "Tear Down That Wall"

by Ron Walters

In the heat of all the evaluations of the administration of President Barack Obama, we should not let this moment pass that connects his speech in Cairo to the progressive movement in Iran. I don't agree with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, very often, but on "Meet the Press," Sunday June 21, he answered the question of whether Obama should give more credibility to the freedom movement in Iran by saying that Obama began the process with his Cairo speech. It... MORE >>

Members of Congress are cowards on health care reform

by George E. Curry

  Health care reform, especially with the rising number of Americans losing their jobs and health benefits, is one of the more pressing public policy issues of the day. Yet, to borrow a phrase from Attorney General Eric Holder, too many Democrats and Republicans are cowards when it comes to taking on the powerful insurance and health care lobby. Some have weak knees because they are in the pockets of industries that have the most to lose if the U.S. adopted universal health c... MORE >>

South Madison's very own fitness center

Heavenly Bodies LLC, by A. David Dahmer

Most fitness centers are huge spacious areas where anonymous people wander in and out and clank on machines without ever interacting with another soul. Not the brand-new fitness center Heavenly Bodies LLC. "My vision for Heavenly Bodies is for people to come in here and to pay for what they do and not for who I am," says John Wright, who runs South Madison's very own fitness center located in the basement of the Genesis Enterprise Center. "My goal is to h... MORE >>

"R.E.A.C.H. a Child" attempts world record hugs

The innovative program,"With Wings and a Halo — R.E.A.C.H. a Child," has announced that it will host the Mascot & Celebrity Charity Hug, which will be held at the Rhythm & Booms Fourth of July Celebration Saturday, June 27, 7 p.m. on the softball diamonds at Warner Park. The world record for most hugs to one person in one hour is 765. The Mascot and Celebrity Charity Hug will break a new record for the most hugs given to multiple well-known mascots and l... MORE >>

Wisconsin - Original people, places and possibilities

by from Travel Wisconsin

Relax. Reconnect with family and friends. Reacquaint yourself with the little voice inside of you — the one you silenced eons ago.  And as you discover the many multicultural sides of Wisconsin, who knows, you might just find a new side of yourself. There are so many possibilities … the rhythmic African roots of Ko-Thi Dance Company … the sublime reflecting pools and grounds of the Thai Pavilion at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens … ... MORE >>

Insuring Taylor's future

by Marian Wright Edelman

Leigh Bernard expects her seven-year-old twin daughters Taylor and Sydney to grow into productive, self-sufficient adults. That shouldn't be an unreasonable expectation as they're both bright, active children who are doing well at their school in Glen Allen near Richmond, Virginia. But Taylor suffers from cerebral palsy brought on by a brain injury at birth, and the challenges of receiving adequate health care have thre... MORE >>

Madison families and children graduate from Play and Learn

On Friday, June 12, more than 200 families and children gathered at the Henry Vilas Zoo to celebrate their graduation from the Madison Metropolitan School District's Mobile Play and Learn program. "We have had such a wonderful experience playing and learning this past year," said Nelly Hernandez, who attends the program with her three children, 10-month-old Manny, two-year-old Eric and four-year-old Melanie. "We've learned so much together and met so many other w... MORE >>

Local high school students attending business program

MADISON — Over 100 Wisconsin students will participate in this year’s program at Edgewood College in Madison from June 28 – July 1. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, Business World provides hands-on business experience for students and teaches them about the challenges facing business. The program is sponsored, developed, and delivered by the business community of Wisconsin, and since its inception, has educated over 13,100 high school students from across the state. This ye... MORE >>

More migrant deaths in border crossings

by Valeria Fernández

ARIVACA, Arizona (IPS/GIN) — Humanitarian groups trying to avert migrant deaths on the U.S.-Mexico border are facing increased roadblocks, arising not from a spike in drug cartel violence, but from federal government actions. Transporting a migrant in despair to a hospital could mean a volunteer is charged with human smuggling, and a simple act of kindness like leaving water in the desert can be subject to penalties as well. "We're being intimidated and criminalized a... MORE >>

Border issues worsen Palestine's water problems

by Eva Bartlett

GAZA CITY (IPS/GIN) — Diminishing water resources are a global issue, but in Palestine, the foremost concern comes not from global warming or multinational corporations, but from groundwater contamination resulting from Israeli attacks. Mohamed Ahmed, director of the Water Control Department in the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA), says "there continues to be a very rapid depletion and deterioration of ground water." The main source of water is the coastal aquif... MORE >>

Middlespread June 24

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What's Up June 24

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Outgoing Urban League president continues his work in Minneapolis

by A. David Dahmer

"I am very thankful for my time in Madison and being able to work with so many folks who care about the plight of African Americans — people who want to roll up their sleeves and find solutions to the challenges that African Americans face," said Scott Gray. "This transition is certainly very bittersweet." The Urban League of Greater Madison wished a fond farewell to outgoing president and CEO Scott Gray and welcomed interim president and CEO Edward Lee at an ... MORE >>

President Obama in Green Bay

"We have finally decided to fix what is broken about health care in America", by A. David Dahmer

"If the country puts off health care reform, it's never going to happen," President Obama told a packed Green Bay Southwest High School gymnasium crowd June 11 as he laid out his case on the necessity of revamping the broken United States health care system at a town hall forum. "We have the most expensive health care system in the world. We spend almost 50 percent more per person on health care than the next most-costly nation," Obama said. "But here's the thi... MORE >>

Juneteenth Celebration turns 20

by A. David Dahmer

The annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 20 at Penn Park. This year, the event which has gained quite a bit of recognition is celebrating its 20th year in Madison. "Good, wholesome family fun is still needed just as much now as it was 20 years ago; probably even moreso," says Mona Winston. "I'm just really glad that after two decades we are still here to be able to do it." Along with longtime co-chair Annie Weatherby-Flowers, Winston ... MORE >>

Omega School holds family literacy event

by Pamela Gates

  Omega School's family literacy event June 11 featured Trish O'Kane, who taught creative writing at an Alabama state prison for women for three years. O'Kane read from a book that came out of that effort, a collection of her students' best writing, titled "The Right to Remain Silent." Her audience was an extended Omega family, from 4-month-old Aaliyah all the way up to Fred Robinson, who prepares brunch and snacks for staff and students. At Omega School, literacy... MORE >>

Are racist 'lone wolves' really alone?

by Ron Walters

On the evening of Wednesday, June 10, I was supposed to have attended the preview of a play by Janet Cohen, an African-American writer and wife of Jewish former Secretary of the Army, Steve Cohen, at the Holocaust Museum. But that day it was attacked by James von Brunn, longtime avowed White racist. At the entrance to the Museum von Brunn shot and killed Stephen Johns, a beloved African-American security guard who had worked there for six years. This was a supreme irony because Janet's... MORE >>

Fixing a sick health care system

by George E. Curry

The debate over universal health care heated up this week amid false charges that President Obama wants to institute "socialized medicine" and that health care reform hurts those already covered by private insurers. One of the most important facts to keep in mind is that although the United States spends twice as much as other industrialized nations on healthcare ($7,129 per capita), it is at or near the bottom when it comes to such indicators as infant mortality and... MORE >>

Madison Magazine Award goes to Club TNT

by A. David Dahmer

The 2009 Madison Magazine Editor's Choice Award winners were honored at a private reception preceding the Best of Madison Celebration at the Madison Club June 12.  Each year Madison Magazine announces the Best of Madison determined by a reader poll.  In addition, the editorial staff of Madison Magazine choose their own "Best" for the Editor's Choice Best of Madison Award. Madison Magazine Editor Brennan Nardi explained that the Editor's Choice Award is give... MORE >>

Pope Farm gardens grow Wisconsin history

by Lisa Nunez

Pope Farm Park sits atop a hill, commanding a view of Lake Mendota, Black Earth Creek Valley, and the Capitol. The park's 100 acres, once part of the Art Pope family farm, contains seven miles of trails, restored prairie and oak savannah, and examples of regional crops such as soy bean, barley, alfalfa, and rye. Pope Farm Park preserves living examples of Wisconsin's agricultural, geographic, and ethnic history. For the last four years, the Historic Society of Wisconsin (HSW) has creat... MORE >>

Dane County launches new ambulance, summer effort to train public on saving lives

MADISON — Dane County is set to begin a campaign to educate the public on a life-saving skill that's credited with dramatically improving the survival rates of heart attack patients in the county.  County Executive Kathleen Falk made the announcement June 15 standing in front of a brand new ambulance the county has purchased to assist emergency responders across the county. Starting Saturday, June 20, county staff will be offering training on cardio-cerebral resuscitation (C... MORE >>

Museum attack seen as home-grown terrorism

by Daniel Luban and Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — Last week's killing of a guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum by an elderly White supremacist is the latest incident in what many see as a potential new wave of right-wing violence, triggered at least in part, by the election of President Barack Obama and the economic downturn. While it is Islamic terrorism that has dominated U.S. government and media attention in recent years, the Holocaust Museum shooting - which comes on the heels of the assassina... MORE >>

Israel's prime minister offers a "big zero"

by Mel Frykberg

RAMALLAH (IPS/GIN) — Yasser Abed Rabbo, secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization's executive committee and a close confidant of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's foreign policy speech Sunday night as a "big zero." Abed Rabbo said the speech was empty of content and pointless. "Netanyahu is a swindler ... who makes up tricks about the achievement of peace," he was reported as sayin... MORE >>

Juneteenth Calendar

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Health Matters June

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Middlespread June 18

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Foundation honors youth with academic promise

Mann Scholars Open House, by A. David Dahmer

Promising young students of the past, present, and future were honored at the annual Mann Scholars Open House June 8 in the Great Hall of the University Wisconsin-Madison Memorial Union. The Mann Scholars program honors the legacy of Bernard and Kathlyn Mann, African American parents whose five children graduated from Madison schools, went on to earn college degrees, and demonstrated a lifelong advocacy for education while becoming role models for education and achievement. After their... MORE >>

Students celebrates a lifetime milestone

17th Annual High School Completion Recognition Ceremony, by Lisa Nunez

On June 4, the Mitby Theater filled with jubilant cheers as 100 students received their high-school equivalency diplomas through the Madison Area Technical College (MATC). Clad in jewel-blue robes and mortarboards, they represented all ages, experiences, dreams, and life stories. Their words at the Recognition Ceremony, and the congratulations they received, spotlighted their long journeys, their dedication, and their talents. "Whatever direction your life may take you," said... MORE >>

Double Dutch champions

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President Obama changing Islam's opinion of the U.S.

by Ron Walters

President Barack Obama's recent trip to the Middle East where he gave a speech in Cairo, Egypt was a triumph in his attempt to change the opinions of over 1.2 billion Muslims about the character of the United States. It was a bold and audacious attempt that was conceived to place America, probably for the first time in the eyes of Muslims, as an honest broker for peace and not so Israeli-centric that negotiations were over before they began. I agree with Chris Matthews of MSNB... MORE >>

Questions about Sonia Sotomayor

by George E. Curry

For President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it was Earl Warren. In Richard M. Nixon's case, it was Harry Blackmun and Lewis Powell. And for George H.W. Bush, it was David Souter. In those instances, justices appointed to the Supreme Court voted contrary to the way those appointing them had expected. Could Judge Sonia Sotomayor join that list? At this point, there is no way for us to know. I began to have second thoughts about this nomination when I realized that the same president who a... MORE >>

Exploring employment and educational opportunities: Securing employment, starting a business, going to school

Wisconsin Women of Color Network (WWOCN) Annual Conference, by Anita Martin

Part 2 of 2 It was a warm, humid Saturday with hot topics on the agenda at the annual Wisconsin Women of Color Network's seminar, which took place at MATC Truax campus. The May 23 speaker lineup included presentations by Malika Monger, Rose C. Jenkins, and Jo-Ann Moore. As Diversity Recruitment and Employment Coordinator at Madison Area Technical College, Malika Monger oversees recruitment, advertisement, and contracts involving employment. She says that there's a perception th... MORE >>

Celebrating civil rights in the shadow of civil wrongs

by James Clingman

  On June 20, Major League Baseball will hold its annual Civil Rights Game in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. The game was previously held in Memphis, Tenn., the city in which our most notable civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated in 1968. The game is the crowning event of a weekend comprising several other activities to celebrate the civil rights struggle in America. There will be awards, panel discussions, dialogues, and a youth summi... MORE >>

Frank Allis first grade puts on a great show

by Pamela Gates

Vivian Franklin's 12 first graders gave a delightful performance of song, choral recitation, and skits based on nursery tales in the Frank Allis Elementary School gym the evening of May 26. The narrators didn't appear the least bit shy as they took the mic and recited — from memory! — "The Big Turnip," "The Gingerbread Man," and "The Little... MORE >>

MSCR Club at Shabazz promotes anti-smoking

by Nicole Graper - MSCR

The MSCR afterschool program at Malcolm Shabazz City High School has formed a chapter of the Fight Against Corporate Tobacco (FACT). Through activism and education, participants hope to raise awareness about the negative consequences of tobacco use. The club evolved as an effort to combat the stereotype that youth tobacco use is embedded in school culture at Shabazz.  Cameron Welty-Lopez ... MORE >>

U.S. Recession impacting children's well-being

by Marina Litvinsky

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — America's children's quality of life is expected to decline through 2010 due to the impacts of the financial crisis, said a new report recently released by the Foundation for Child Development (FDC). According to the report, progress in U.S. children's quality of life has fluctuated since 2002 after beginning a decline in 2008 as a result of the recession. The Child Well-Being Index (CWI) is an annual evidence-based composite measure of quality of li... MORE >>

30-year-old festival falls victim to economic downturn

by Ayana Jones and Eric Mayes

PHILADELPHIA (NNPA) —After three decades, the annual Unity Day festival in Philadelphia has been cancelled for the first time in 30 years. The event, which was billed as the largest radio-driven outdoor free event in the nation, was known for drawing thousands of Philadelphia residents out for a day of festivities. The annual event known as Unity Day has been cancelled for the first... MORE >>

Woman elected as house speaker

by Ranjit Devrj

NEW DELHI, (IPS/GIN) —India's list of top women politicians grew after the country's Parliament elected Meira Kumar as the speaker of its powerful lower House. The Lok Sabbah, or lower parliamentary house, also is known as the House of the People. Meira Kumar Kumar, a former career diplomat, will join Sonia Gandhi, India's most powerful politician and leader of the ruling ... MORE >>

Middlespread June 11

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Students invest in their futures

Fourth Annual Latino Youth Career Awareness and College Fair, by A. David Dahmer

Approximately 300 Latino high school students from Madison and surrounding areas took the initiative to invest in their future at the Fourth Annual Latino Youth Career Awareness and College Fair May 27 at Edgewood College. Throughout the day, members of the Latino community provided information to Latino high school students about colleges and careers through presentations and speeches. "The event was a huge success. The initial feedback from the students was very ... MORE >>

Football star puts NFL on hold for higher education

Myron Rolle Speaks to High School Graduates, by A. David Dahmer

Talk about your tough decisions: NFL stardom or Oxford University classroom? Myron Rolle, a star football player who graduated from Florida State University in 2½ years as a pre-med student, has big money and fame waiting for him as a professional football player. But he has other aspirations. Rolle is postponing his NFL dreams to head to the prestigious Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in September as he takes a year away from the game he loves to pursue his ... MORE >>

Catholic Multicultural Center supporters hold vigil

by Pamela Gates

The abrupt closing of the Catholic Multicultural Center on Beld Street May 29 — staff had been notified two days earlier — left people angry, desperate, resigned, in tears, in shock, or all of the above. About 100 —young, old, and in between — gathered outside the 7-year-old building May 29 to voice their feelings or simply to show solidarity. The bright, modern building may be only 7 years old, but the history goes back 63 years, to 1946, when St. Martin House ... MORE >>

Conservative justice and the Ricci firefighter's case

by Ron Walters

  In the developing fight over the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, some conservative Republicans such as Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, and Tom Delay are raising the charge that she is "racist" and would be an "activist" judge because of her ruling in the Ricci v. DeStephano case. Better known as the New Haven Firefighters' case, its opponents apparently believe that activism only applies to Democrats or liberal judges. Moreover, the recent ... MORE >>

Another 'Blame a Black Man' hoax

by George E. Curry

 Move over Charles Stuart and Susan Smith. Bonnie Sweeten of suburban Philadelphia has now qualified to be inducted into the Hall of Shame that bestows special recognition upon Whites who have committed crimes and then falsely blamed a Black man. Last week, Sweeten and her 9-year-old daughter, Julia, were the subject of a national missing persons search. The drama began when Sweeten made a frantic 911 call rece... MORE >>

Empowering the next generation through the CDF Freedom Schools program

by Marian Wright Edelman

Close your eyes and think about the words summer school. What comes to mind? If you picture a room full of children clapping, chanting, laughing, and learning to fall in love with books and reading, you could be imagining the experience thousands of children across the country are about to have over the next few months as they participate in the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program. ... MORE >>

Wisconsin originality - and it's many faces of color

What is it about Wisconsinites? They just seem to step to the beat of a different drummer — their own. Their passion for life, for fully engaging in the moment, is infectious. When you travel within Wisconsin, you just become more alive. And the people you meet along the way somehow make fun, well, more fun. In fact, it is the unique people of Wisconsin that make this Midwest state unlike any other. It must be something in their cultural DNA that inspires people — all kind... MORE >>

Surviving a tough economy: Seminar highlights strategies

Wisconsin Women of Color Network (WWOCN) Annual Conference, by Anita Martin

(Part 1 of 2) Are you wondering where the jobs currently are in the private and public sectors? Thinking about getting an advanced degree or acquiring new skills? These were some of several timely topics discussed over Memorial Day weekend at a leadership seminar held at Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Truax Campus. The Wisconsin Women of Color Network (WWOCN) presented the day-long annual conference, which this year focused on strategies for surviving a tough economy. Speakers ... MORE >>

YES donates to Dane County Humane Society

by Sally Hestad

MADISON — Members of Young Entrepreneurs Succeed (YES) donated $200 to the Dane County Humane Society and were recognized for their business achievements June 2 at the Girl Scout Office.  The group also gave $200 to Smile Train and $200 to Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation. They spent the remaining profit on an overnight at the Wilderness for themselves along with their leaders and their moms.  The program is co-sponsored by the National Association of Women  ... MORE >>

"There's no way I'm going to deploy to Afghanistan"

by Dahr Jamail

MARFA, Texas, (IPS/GIN) —"It's a matter of what I'm willing to live with," said Specialist Victor Agosto of the U.S. Army, who is refusing orders to deploy to Afghanistan. "I'm not willing to participate in this occupation, knowing it is completely wrong." Agosto, who returned from a 13-month deployment to Iraq in November 2007, is based at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. While in Iraq, Agosto never left his base, located in northern Iraq. "I n... MORE >>

North Korea: Japan has little leverage over Korean testing

by Catherine Makino

TOKYO, Japan (IPS/GIN) —North Korea's nuclear tests are a grave security concern to Japan and have significantly raised tension in the region. Most analysts believe Japan would be a likely target if the regime were to ever use nuclear weapons in a major conflict. Even if that scenario never develops, Tokyo is nervous about having an unpredictable and potentially unstable nuclear-armed state as a regional neighbor. "It absolutely cannot be allowed," Prime Minister... MORE >>

Middlespread June 4

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Donna Brazile speaks in Madison

Wisconsin Women in Government Annual Banquet, by A. David Dahmer

Veteran Democratic political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile keynoted the Wisconsin Women in Government's 22nd annual Scholarship Recognition Banquet on May 21 at the Alliant Energy Center. "The year 2008 was a remarkable political year," said Brazile at Wisconsin Women in Government's annual dinner, a bipartisan political event attended by more than 1,000 state and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts. "In 2008, ... MORE >>

Getting children ready to succeed

by A. David Dahmer

"Our goal is to empower children at an early age in their life to be successful in whatever they decide to do," said Angela Beckam, the owner, director, and administrator of Sandbox Childcare Center, which hosted an open house on May 21 to give a chance for parents, families, and people in the neighborhood to come out and view the facilities. "It was a great event. The turnout was excellent," Beckam said, despite the construction work going on by the Beltline Highw... MORE >>

Obama to appoint Winslow Sargeant to SBA post

President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate Winslow Sargeant, managing director of Madison-based Venture Investors, to the post of chief counsel for advocacy of the Small Business Administration.  In leading the Office of Advocacy within the U.S Small Business Administration, Sargeant's role will be to protect, strengthen, and effectively represent the nation's small businesses within the federal government's legislative and rule-making processes. The Office of Adv... MORE >>

From murder to miracle in Philadelphia, Mississippi

by George E. Curry

To many Blacks who grew up in the deep South before the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, last week's election of James Young as the first African-American mayor of Philadelphia, Miss. was as monumental as the election of President Barack Obama. The Mississippi soil is soaked in the blood of civil rights activists. Three of the most famous — James Chaney, a 21-year old African American from Meridian, Miss.; Andrew Goodman, 20, a White Jewish student from New York and Michael ... MORE >>

Local leaders talk about end-of-life issues: Reactions to national bereavement conference

(Part 2 of 2), by Anita Martin

Last month's annual Living With Grief ® National Bereavement Teleconference was broadcast April 29 at Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center. It examined how diversity influences end-of-life decision making and the impact that culture has during terminal illness, at the time of death and during bereavement. Following the teleconference, Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon, Reverend David A. Smith, Dr. Patricia Tellez-Giron, M.D., and Shwaw Vang shared their reactions and responses to the... MORE >>

David and Tracy Smith, Stan and Yolanda Woodard, among 2009 Spring Water Bearer awardees

by Jeanne Erickson

On May 28, the Village People will host the 2009 Spring Water Bearer Awards Dinner at the The Lussier Community Education Center, from 6-8:30 p.m. This gala event will honor the following people who have made fine contributions to the Madison community: Peter Munoz, executive director of Centro Hispano; Heidi Pascual, editor and publisher of Asian Wisconzine; Rena "Mother Wisdom" Simmons, community leader; David and Tracy Smith, pastors of Faith Community Christian Church; S... MORE >>

Making the most of summertime: Youth keep eyes toward the future

by Anita Martin

While some are off having fun the whole summer, young people who have their eyes on their future not only spend time hanging out with friends, they also take advantage of learning and leadership opportunities. And what they often find as they participate in camps and other local programs, many of which are free or low cost, are that they meet new friends along the way.  Three ways middle school and high school students can make the most of their summer vacations include YouthPowe... MORE >>

Black selling power

by James Clingman

Much has been written, discussed, researched, and analyzed on so-called "Black Spending Power" or "Black Buying Power," as some would call it. For Black consumers especially, but also for other so-called minority groups in this country, the respective aggregate amounts of money earned each year, and then spent, are staggering. In addition, and again especially for Black consumers, our aggregate "buying power" can be described as a perpetual cash register,... MORE >>

"Buffalo Soldiers" ride into Overture Center

by A. David Dahmer

Richard Scott has developed "Buffalo Soldiers: The Legacy" a community-based production that highlights the historical contributions of the African American soldiers. "This is a story that I always felt needed to be told," says Richard Scott, the producer of "Buffalo Soldiers: The Legacy" — a community-based production that highlights the historical contribut... MORE >>

Colin Powell fights back

by Ron Walters

"Face the Nation" was probably a favored TV venue on Sunday, May 24 for most viewers of the Sunday talk shows. That's because former Secretary of State, Colin Powell defended his place in the Republican Party from charges by Rush Limbaugh and former Vice President Dick Cheney. On the same show a week earlier, Cheney said that he preferred Limbaugh to Powell who had left the Republican Party because he voted for Barack Obama. Limbaugh said that Powell did it only because Obam... MORE >>

Gov. Doyle announces over $10 million in savings on bids for road, bridge projects

MADISON — Governor Jim Doyle has announced the bids for the second round of road and bridge projects in Wisconsin funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act came in 11.66 percent lower than expected for a savings of over $10 million.  ”Wisconsin is moving quickly to use federal recovery act funds to invest in projects that add long-term value to communities across the state,” Gov. Doyle said. “The competitive bids that we have received for road a... MORE >>

New promise to shed light on resource trade

by Marina Litvinsky

WASHINGTON  (IPS/GIN) —A global effort to set concrete standards for the transparent management of revenues from the oil, gas and mining sectors culled largely from the developing world, recently won four new member countries to its cause. Albania, Burkina Faso, Mozambique and Zambia joined the list of 26 candidate countries now implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), according to a board announcement issued on Monday in Washington. &quo... MORE >>

At East-West crossroads, Turkey presses ambitious agenda

by Helena Cobban

ISTANBUL (IPS/GIN) —Two soaring bridges link Asia and Europe in this historic city, which straddles the two continents. For the past few years Turkey has likewise acted as a crucial bridge between the western and Muslim worlds. Turkey is a member of both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The current secretary-general of the OIC is a Turkish historian. In early April, U.S. President Barak Obama issued a cruci... MORE >>

Middlespread May 28

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What's Up May 28

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Breast cancer survivor uses her inspirational plight to help others

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation celebrates the Komen Race for the Cure, by A. David Dahmer

A diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence. Willie May Conklin will attest that it can be a scary thing, but there are effective treatments for breast cancer and that there are a lot of women not only surviving, but who are thriving "God determined that it wasn't my time," Conklin said, "so, I'm here to help as many others as I can." A 20-year survivor of breast cancer, Conklin is set to become a trainer in the Allied Wellness Center's Welc... MORE >>

"On the Line" with Jenelle Kennedy

Star of Madison Metro Bus Ads, by Maria Bibbs

If you take the bus as often as I do, you'll know who I'm talking about. You might have seen her face smiling down at you from the print advertisement posted above a window on one of Madison Metro Transit's hybrid buses. She's an operator with her hair slicked back, a curly tendril hanging on one side of her face and a headset microphone on the other side. "Who is that Jane Doe in the Madison Metro bus ads?" I had often thought to myself. I hadn't seen many B... MORE >>

Vander Lee Blue Jr. - A leader on and off the court

by Rose Johnson-Brown

(Memorial High School game pictures provided by family) He moves swiftly up and down the court, jumping and dunking, intertwined in the web of talents displayed by the Memorial High School Spartans' Basketball team. When off the court, he’s a shy, well-mannered, deep thinking, 6'4", 16-year-old named Vander Lee Blue Jr.  He is a junior and the second highest scorer on the team averaging 17 points per game this past season. He helped lead his team to win the WIAA State ... MORE >>

Sharpton and Gingrich: An Unholy Alliance

by George E. Curry

As anyone who tunes in each week for my weekly radio segment on "Keeping it Real with Rev. Al Sharpton" knows, he and I usually agree on most civil rights issues. However, Sharpton and I are not clones of each other and there have been times when we have also disagreed. This is another one. While I applaud Sharpton's campaign to close the racial gap in education achievement, I fervently disagree ... MORE >>

Republican Pelosi's Torture Division

by Ron Walters

One look at the record and several things become clear about the current debate over torture, which former Bush administration officials — with the help of the media — are attempting to cover up by waging a diversionary campaign against Speaker Nancy Pelosi. First, President Bush, under a weird theory which his Justice Department attempted to codify in law, asserted the right to expand executive power as head of national security that extended to the approval of the use of... MORE >>

Governor Doyle makes Wisconsin smokefree

MILWAUKEE, GREEN BAY, MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle today signed legislation to make public places, including restaurants, taverns, and other indoor workplaces, smoke free.  The Governor was joined at bill-signing events around the state today by business owners, health officials and smoke free Wisconsin advocates. “It’s time for every person in Wisconsin to breathe freely at restaurants, taverns, and workplaces across the state,” Governor Doyle said. “A s... MORE >>

LAPD display nearly 1,700 firearms collected at gun buyback program

by Special to the NNPA from the Los Angeles Sentinel

LOS ANGELES (NNPA) — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has joined City Council members Wendy Greuel and Jack Weiss, LAPD Deputy Chief Charles Beck and Sheriff Department Deputy Chief Cecil Rhambo to display nearly 1,700 weapons that were collected during the city's Gun Buyback program in an effort aimed at reducing levels of gun violence in  neighborhoods. ''I want to thank the L.A. residents who joined us today in securing a safer city for every family by turning in their guns an... MORE >>

Massacre puts war trauma in the spotlight

by Aaron Glantz

SAN FRANCISCO (IPS) — A U.S. soldier shot five of his colleagues dead at a base in Baghdad, Iraq. The Pentagon says at least two other people were hurt in the shootings and the gunman is in custody. The incident happened at a stress clinic where troops get help for personal issues or combat trauma. At an afternoon press conference, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was tight-lipped about the details of the shooting, the first such spree by a U.S. soldier through six years ... MORE >>

Using Facebook, young women take to political activism

by Adam Morrow and Khaled Moussa al-Omrani

CAIRO (IPS) — In recent years, Egypt has witnessed increasing participation by women in grassroots political activism. Local civil rights advocates attribute the phenomenon to novel means of communication and organization, especially the social networking website Facebook. "Technological advances have provided a greater scope for political participation by a new generation of young women, traditionally inclined to staying in the home,"says Hossam Bahgat, director of the... MORE >>

Health Matters May

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WORT Community Radio's 12th Annual Block Party

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Middlespread May 21

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What's Up May 21

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"Real Man/Real Dad" campaign gaining momentum

by A. David Dahmer

A combination of factors led to the creation of the local "Real Man/Real Dad" campaign, including the unfortunate reality that a lack of male role models continues to affect African-American boys. "Fathers need to play a more important role in their children's lives," “Real Man/Real Dad” founder Johnny Ellis says. Johnny Ellis The "Real Man/Real D... MORE >>

Live fully while dying, and living with grief

Part 1 of 2, by Anita Martin

Why is it that Whites make up 67 percent of the country's total population, yet 81 percent of the patients that received hospice services in 2007 were White? (Source: ASHPCO Census numbers) Why is it that African Americans who receive hospice start this care on average a mere five minutes to 72 hours before they die, and therefore, they don't get the full benefits hospice could provide? These are two of myriad issues addressed at last month's annual Living With Grief ® National Bereavemen... MORE >>

Sistah 2 Sistah celebrate mothers

by A. David Dahmer

"While you might look into a mother's eyes and see stress as she's going through her many day-to-day tasks, you need to know what's behind those eyes, and that is a whole lot of love for her children," says community activist Jackie Hunt. "It's important that we honor our mothers. They are the backbone of the family and all life is created through her." Mothers were honored at the Fountain of Life Family Worship Center May 9 in an elaborate program organized... MORE >>

Insurance CEOs get rich while denying health coverage to children

by Marian Wright Edelman

Katie Hebert, age 4, is a very sick little girl. She gets severe seizure-like attacks that can last 11 hours from an undiagnosed neuro-developmental disorder. She is deaf in one ear, has a feeding disorder, and requires daily medication for asthma. In her short life, she has been rushed to the emergency room six times and has been hospitalized twice. Her health was put at even greater risk when she lost... MORE >>

Jack Kemp, Arlen Specter and the GOP

by George E. Curry

The recent death of Jack Kemp and Senator Arlene Specter's switch from the Republican to the Democratic Party are reminders of just how far the GOP has swung to the right. And with GOP Chairman Michael Steele and titular Republican leader Rush Limbaugh applauding Specter's switch, there are no signs that Republicans are ready to deal with the reality of their fading influence. One person who understood the ... MORE >>

Business Opportunity in the Government Sector a success

by Mathew K. Jallow

An estimated two hundred people representing 40 major and 100 minority businesses throughout Wisconsin attended the bi-annual seminar organized by the Department of Administration's Minority Business Development program. The DOA in collaboration with Wisconsin DOT, Commerce Department, U.S Small Business Administration, UW Small Business Development and the Business Procurement Assistance Center organized this year's seminar. Earlier, Department of Administration Secretary Mic... MORE >>

Our Museums Need A Museum

Multicultural Wisconsin, by From Travel Wisconsin

When it comes to unique and unusual museums, no other place compares to the badger state's originality. For instance, there's the Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb which features more than 4,300 varieties of prepared mustard from around the world. Or, how about the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward that takes up residency in a towering, four-and-a-half story muskie. (That's a fish for the uninitiated.) Yes, Wisconsin has more than its fair share of the quirky. It also ha... MORE >>

Local R&B star takes a stand against sexual exploitation

by A. David Dahmer

It's been awhile since The Madison Times first did its centerspread feature on "Trade," local R&B star Felicia Alima's ambitious campaign to raise awareness about the human trafficking epidemic. But after much anticipation, Alima's CD release party is set to happen at The Frequency on Friday, May 22 at 9 p.m., and the three-time 2009 Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) award winner is hoping for big things. "It takes awhile to book a party in Madison when you want ... MORE >>

Local Urban League CEO heading to Minneapolis Urban League

 MADISON — The Urban League of Greater Madison Board of Directors has announced that Scott Gray, the organization's president and CEO, has been named to head the Minneapolis Urban League. He will be leaving Madison to assume his new role at the end of the month. Board chair Annette Miller expressed, on behalf of the board, "their best wishes to Scott and thanks for his leadership over the last four years." She also announced that the board had unanimously approved... MORE >>

School of the Americas watch lobbies El Salvador

by Raul Gutierrez

SAN SALVADOR — Representatives of School of the Americas Watch visited El Salvador to ask the incoming government of the leftwing FMLN, which will take office in June, to stop sending military officers to the U.S. army academy, an institution that has long been accused of teaching torture techniques. El Salvador has a special significance for School of the Americas (SOA) Watch, because the movement was founded in 1990 by Maryknoll priest Roy Bourgeois (a former naval officer and ... MORE >>

Middlespread May 14

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Why I'm Not Thankful We'll Have Obama as President — Yet

by David Almasi

Washington, D.C. — Black conservative leader Deneen Borelli, a full-time senior fellow with the Project 21 black leadership network, says she's not thankful America is about to have Barack Obama as President — at least, not yet.   While she's grateful for "our nation's greatness and endless opportunity..." which made it possible for "a fatherless, racial minority of modest means rise to the most powerful position in t... MORE >>

Black Activist Calls for Rangel's Ouster from Congressional Leadership

by David Almasi

As yet another potential tax-related ethical lapse involving Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) surfaces, a member of the Project 21 black leadership network is calling for the veteran lawmaker to be removed as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee – at least until these serious allegations are fully investigated.   Bishop Council Nedd II, a member of Project 21's national advisory council, said: "It's galling that the head o... MORE >>

The Progressive's magazine celebrates a century

Robert M. LaFollette's legacy lives on, by A. David Dahmer

The torchbearer of Robert M. La Follette's legacy in contemporary politics, The Progressive magazine celebrated 100 years in style last weekend with a two-day conference May 1-2 featuring famous guests from around the world that included Robert Redford, historian Howard Zinn, Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman, columnist Katha Pollitt and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.  Jesse Jackson speaks to the crowd... MORE >>

Odyssey Project Graduation Ceremony

by Emily Auerbach

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Odyssey Project Graduation Ceremony Program will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Great Hall of the UW-Madison Memorial Union. Project Director Emily Auerbach and Writing Coach Marshall Cook will present certificates attesting to students’ successful completion of six introductory UW credits in English. Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson will make congratulatory remarks. Organizers will also... MORE >>

A Madison link to the Sri Lankan civil war

A cry for my homeland, by Gail Perry Daniels

Fighting between the Buddhist Sinhalece and the Hindu Tamils of Sri Lanka has been occurring for centuries. Recently, the fighting has reached a new level of violence resulting in thousands of causalities, the creation of barbwire concentration camps, and the use of chemical weapons. Shiva Sathasivam of Madison wonders if the world will come to the aid of his homeland. Shiva Sathasivam &qu... MORE >>

The National Day to prevent teen pregnancy

by Marian Wright Edelman

  After falling for many years, the teen pregnancy rate is again on the rise. According to a report released in March by the National Center for Health Statistics, the teen birth rate increased 5 percent between 2005 and 2007. And a 2007 Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals that the declines in teenage sexual activity and increases in teenage contraceptive use have come to ... MORE >>

A stimulus plan for Black colleges

by George Curry

We need a stimulus plan to preserve and expand historically Black colleges. If the federal government can come up with rationalizations for bailing out Wall Street, making sure there is No Bank Left Behind, and pumping millions into what comedian Bill Maher calls “Notorious A.I.G.,” it can produce a stimulus plan for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Established in the post-Civil War era known as Reconstruction, HBCUs have made phenomenal contributions t... MORE >>

In age of Obama, medial must improve minority coverage

Part 2 of 2, by Audrey Buchanan

Steps include better ethics, more balance, diversity in staff and sources Imagine an almost entirely Black press corps covering George W. Bush's presidency. If that seem to invite bias, you may have a better idea what it feels like to be a minority person reported on by the American media. "We have a predominately White press covering the first Black president," says Katy Culver, a University of Wisconsin-Madison journalism professor. Culver teaches se... MORE >>

Building Winners!

by Jeanne Erickson

The Boys and Girls Club's Allied Family Center swelled as several hundred people gathered for the annual Building Winners Luncheon. As youth greeted guests when they entered the center, it became clear that the focus of this luncheon was truly on Madison's youth. Rumbling sounds of the Boys and Girls Club Drum Team echoed as guests made their way to their tables where they found beautiful handmade thank-you cards from the BGC youth carefully placed at each seating.  NBC-1... MORE >>

14th Annual La Mujer Latina Conference

by A. David Dahmer

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UW-Madison awarded National Alzheimer's Research Center

MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle has announced that the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) has been awarded a $6.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to create an Alzheimer’s disease research center. “The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a national leader in medial research, and I am proud that we will begin a new era of discovery here in Madison,” Gov. Doyle said. “The Alzheimer’s research center wi... MORE >>

U.S. taxpayer rage builds over credit card abuses

by Matthew Cardinale

WASHINGTON — With the fabled U.S. economy in tatters, Congressional leaders and President Barack Obama are seeking to rein in credit card abuses, including high interest rates, fees, and other practices that affect millions of U.S. households. "We expect opposition, no question about it. These are major powerful banks," Rep. Maurice Hinchey, a Democrat from New York, told IPS. Hinchey and others in the House of Representatives, including legislators from Vermont,... MORE >>

Angola: No law to stop domestic violence

by Louise Redvers

LUANDA — Teresa Barros' problems started last year with the death of her baby. "Our youngest daughter died," Barros explained. "My husband blames me, and now he drinks a lot and picks fights and makes confusion. "My family won't do anything. They said my other children need their father, and I must stay with him. But it's desperate, I can't go on like this," she added. Julieta Paulino has been forced to move in with her 24-year-old son after... MORE >>

El Dia de los Ninos brightens el dia

by A. David Dahmer

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Middlespread May 7

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Recognizing those who make a difference

Volunteer Tutor Appreciation, by A. David Dahmer

"The statement is often made, 'It takes a whole village to raise a child,' and while I think there is an inherent truth to that statement, the questions that follow that statement are oftentimes not asked and that is: What does it take to raise a village?" said Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Dan Nerad. "From my perspective, your gathering tonight gives evidence to what it takes to raise a village and what it takes is a lot of people who are concerned about ... MORE >>

Gearing up for May Day

by A. David Dahmer

“We want to be a big part of this national and international movement and show that there is big support in Madison," said Alex Gillis of the Immigrant Workers Union and an organizer of this weekend's May Day event. "We want to show that we are here to back up the low-income families and the people who are suffering. We want to be out there and continue this great movement that started in 2006 with immigration reform." Thirty-two organizations will celebrate May 1 ... MORE >>

Walk for Babies happening this weekend

March of Dimes

The fact that the March of Dimes is hosting its annual March for Babies is not new. The fact that Alex, Jackie, and Lexi Gee have recently been named the March of Dimes Ambassador Family for Wisconsin is new, however. As spokespeople for March of Dimes, the Gees are helping to spread the word about the Madison Walk for Babies event Saturday, May 2, 9:30 a.m. at the City County Building downtown.  "This cause is important to us because March of Dimes funded the... MORE >>

Remembering Betty

by Ray Allen

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Madison Times Founder Betty Franklin-Hammonds, who died of an asthma attack. Through her work with the Urban League, having served as its CEO for eight years, and her leadership of the Madison branch of the NAACP, Betty touched the lives of many in our community. Her revitalization of the Madison Times gave Madison diversity in its journalistic coverage and presented a multicultural perspective of our region. Long before comedian B... MORE >>

Raising the stakes

by James Clingman

In case you haven't noticed, the level of hateful language against Black people has escalated during the past couple of months. Also, purchases of guns and ammunition have increased exponentially during that same period. Talk show hosts are taking more liberties with their acid-tongued, venom-laced, political rhetoric, and we are seeing more heinous acts of violence across this nation every day. Both symbolically and substantively, images of what is yet to come are before our ... MORE >>

"Whatever It Takes"

by Marian Wright Edelman

''Whatever It Takes." That's the title of the recent book by New York Times Magazine Editor Paul Tough about Geoffrey Canada, a vice chair of the Children's Defense Fund's board of directors and the visionary creator of the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ). ''Whatever it takes'' is Canada's philosophy about serving and saving the thousands of children in the nearly 100-block radius that constitutes the... MORE >>

UW students call for jounalists who are better trained in writing about diversity

Part 1 of 2, by Audrey Buchanan

When it comes to covering issues of diversity and minority communities, some University of Wisconsin-Madison students say that journalists are not educated on how to properly do so, and may be lacking ethics. "In the campus setting our newspapers are free, so there is not the same pressure from an editor to make an exciting story that sells. It's more about learning and writing under the ethics that you're learning about in class," says Tiffany Jones, an African American stu... MORE >>

Top Black doctors tell how to avoid swine flu

by Hazel Trice Edney

 WASHINGTON (NNPA) —The Obama Administration has declared a public health emergency in the U.S. in response to an outbreak of a swine flu virus that has reportedly killed as many as 103 people in Mexico. There have been at least 91 non-deadly influenza cases in the U.S., the Center for Disease Control reported on April 29. President Obama has said that while the country is in a constant state of alert, there is no cause for alarm. Meanwhile, two top African-American ... MORE >>

Your travel dollar goes farther in Wisconsin

by Travel Wisconsin

For a state that plays host to a United Nations of ethnic festivals every summer; that owns bragging rights to Georgia O'Keeffe and Eric Benet; that pays homage in bronze to the "Fonz" and Dr. Martin Luther King; that offers every kind of culinary delight from Japanese to Ethiopian to German and nearly every taste bud in between, Wisconsin is nothing if not diverse. It fact, Wisconsin may just be the next 'it' state, where a heaping helping of authenticity is topped off with homegro... MORE >>

1st annual Youth Diversity Summit

by A. David Dahmer

The 1st annual Youth Diversity Summit was held April 28 at the Overture Center for the Arts. The summit provided an opportunity for students to share their thoughts and ideas that matter to themon issues of race, culture, and identity. Students had been selected by their principals to attend the Youth Diversity Summit based upon their leadership and communication skills.  One of the hopes for Summit participants is that they will return to their respective schools better eq... MORE >>

Governor Doyle announces $2 million for Emergency Food Assistance Program

MADISON — Governor Jim Doyle today announced that more commodities will be made available through The Emergency Food Assistance program (TEFAP) as a result of $2 million included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding will go directly to 16 organizations that administer the distribution of commodities to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters. “This money comes at a time we expect services will be in demand at an unprecedented level,&r... MORE >>

Update: Ebony, Jet orders reorganization to avoid layoffs

Johnson Publishing Co. employees told to reapply for jobs, by Marcia A. Wade

from www.blackenterprise.com Even before the stock markets began to crash in September, revenue from advertising, circulation, and subscription sales had started to grow scarce in the magazine publishing industry. While many print publications are falling along the wayside, Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co. decided last week to undergo a reorganization, which will require all current employees, including those working for Ebony and Jet m... MORE >>

Hopes for 'historic breakthrough' may be premature

by Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON — Despite a growing sense of anticipation coming out of the Trinidad Summit of the Americas last weekend regarding the possibility of a historic breakthrough in U.S.-Cuban relations, specialists here remain uncertain about how and even if that breakthrough will be achieved. The uncertainty revolves around the question of whether the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is prepared to take further unilateral steps to ease the 47-year-old U.S. trade embargo and ... MORE >>

Iran's president hands Israel fight in speech

by Jerrold Kessel and Pierre Klochendler

JERUSALEM — Just when it seemed as if the international community was gearing itself up to put pressure on the new Israeli government to engage the Arab world and the Palestinian authority seriously on the goal of peace, Iran's president hijacked the moment. But, in again lashing out against Israel, he handed the Israeli prime minister a whip of his own with which to question the merit of the dialogue with Iran that the Obama administration has been promoting. Only last we... MORE >>

"Cookies & Cream" spoken word poetry night

by A. David Dahmer

On April 18, Johnson Brothers Entertainment presented its second "Cookies & Cream" spoken word poetry night. The "Cookies & Cream" spoken word poetry event gives young spoken word artist the opportunity to let their creative voices be heard. One by one, performers were introduced by the host Johnny Herndon. All of the young artists took the audience by surprise when t... MORE >>

Middlespread April 30

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What's Up April 30

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A day of positive interaction

Madison's 1st Annual Youth Change Hip Hop Conference

Hip-hop has been around for more than three decades, and in many ways it transcends generations. But no matter how old it becomes, it will always be considered an expression of youth culture. And the scene was extremely youthful at Goodman Community Center April 18, which was host to fascinating workshops, celebrity rappers, and talented performances at Madison's 1st annual YOUth Change Hip Hop Conference titled "Hip Hop Elevates the Mind." "We decided to ... MORE >>

First annual Youth Diversity Summit set

by A. David Dahmer

The first annual Youth Diversity Summit on April 28 at the Overture Center will be a chance for students from all over Dane County to get together, share thoughts and ideas, and to talk frankly about issues that matter to them, like race, culture, and identity. "It was an idea I had last year after we had several incidents at the schools — mainly the one that got the most publicity at Madison Memorial High School," says Judith Rosario, director of College Readiness &... MORE >>

Obama's first 100 Days

Key civil rights leaders give an 'A', with 'incompletes' on grassroots economics, by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — This Sunday, April 26, will mark the 100th full day since the inauguration of America's first Black president. January 20 was a day marked with tears of joy and painful reminiscing. But it will be most remembered for the overwhelming glory of the historic moment. President Barack Obama's initial accomplishments have included: • His immediate confrontation of the nation's failing economy in which he now sees “glimmers of hope”; &... MORE >>

UW Spring Game

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Anne Fischer named principal at Jefferson Middle

by Ken Syke

MADISON — Anne Fischer has been named the new principal at Jefferson Middle School, beginning with the 2009-10 school year.   Fischer will replace John Burmaster, who will retire after four years as Jefferson principal and 19 years in the MMSD.  Jefferson Middle School Principl Anne Fischer Fischer will return to the school at which she worked for 10 years... MORE >>

Abu Ghraib victims can sue interrogators

by William Fisher

NEW YORK — In a ruling that could have widespread implications for government contractors overseas, a federal court has concluded that four former Abu Ghraib detainees, who were tortured and later released without charge, can sue the U.S. military contractor who was involved in conducting prisoner interrogations for the Pentagon in Iraq. U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee, appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1998, denied a motion to dismiss the detainees' claims by the contr... MORE >>

Arizona State apologizes for degree flap, honors Obama

WASHINGTON (NNPA) —Arizona State University has backtracked in the controversy over not giving President Obama an honorary degree, saying it would instead pay tribute to the president by naming a prestigious scholarship program after him. ''I apologize for the confusion surrounding our invitation to President Obama to address ASU students at commencement,'' ASU President Michael Crow said in a statement. The president is scheduled to speak at ASU on May 13, his first comm... MORE >>

More than two million refugees waiting to come home

by Marina Litvinsky

WASHINGTON —The government of Iraq and the international community must establish safe conditions for the return of 2.6 million displaced Iraqis, says a new field report by the nonprofit group Refugees International. The report, "Iraq: Preventing the Point of No Return," issued last week, notes that despite encouraging returns, the government of Iraq has not realistically assessed the country's ability to absorb large numbers of returns. RI found that Iraqis who have re... MORE >>

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

by Marian Wright Edelman

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month — a good time for us to look at the child abuse and neglect crisis in America. The statistics are shocking: A child is abused or neglected every 40 seconds. During 2007, an estimated 794,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect, and almost 3.2 million children were subjects of abuse or neglect investigations. Nearly 60 perc... MORE >>

Obama should have attended UN Racism Conference

by Ron Walters

I am missing something here. President Barack Obama just went to Europe and Iraq and made speeches saying that he would be deferential to Communist China, that he would meet without conditions with the leadership of Iran and that he wanted to open up a new relationship with the Islamic world. Then he went to the Conference of the Americas in Trinidad and shook the hand of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela who has said some devilish things about America and the Bush administration. But ... MORE >>

"We Shall Remain" airs Monday on PBS through May 11

by Pamela Gates

 "We Shall Remain," says University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Patti Loew, is an "unprecedented" history of American Indians that will air on PBS for three more Monday evenings. The five-part series, presented by American Experience, illustrates "America through native eyes." The individual episodes are: "After the Mayflower" April 13, "Tecumseh's Vision" April 20, "Trail of Tears" April 27, "Geronimo" May 4, and &... MORE >>

United Way honors outstanding community volunteers

by Tom Kuplic

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Ceasefire in drug war

by George E Curry

After more than a quarter century of crafting well-intentioned, but poorly thought out drug laws, there are increasing signs that the nation is finally moving toward adopting more reasonable drug policies. The most recent evidence comes from a report by the Sentencing Project titled, "The Changing Racial Dynamics of the War on Drugs." The report, authored by Executive Director Marc Mauer, contains the startling conclusion that from 1999-2005, the number of African Americans i... MORE >>

President Obama took Dr. King's dream to the world stage

by Marc Morial

  Early this month, President Obama made an impressive debut on the world stage in his first foreign visits — to London for the G20 economic summit and to Strasbourg, France where he met with his fellow NATO members. And while Obama's standout performance has practically made his status as this country's first African-American president a nonissue, one cannot help but notice how he and the First Lady added a splash of color to the meetings with their European counterparts. ... MORE >>

Globalization should protect workers around the world

by George E Curry

   KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — As nations move toward more economic interdependence, they should also protect the weak against the strong and make sure workers around the world enjoy human rights and fair wages, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. said in a major address here this week. “Our crisis comes because we have globalized capital, but we have not globalized human rights,” Jackson told students, diplomats and government dignitaries at Multimedia University, the firs... MORE >>

Middlespread April 23

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What's Up April 23

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A crisis of huge proportions

Dane County Task Force on Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System, by A. David Dahmer

The statistics are ugly. Racial disparities in Dane County prisons are among the worst in the state, and disparities in Wisconsin rank near the highest in the nation. "In Dane County, of Black males between 24 and 29 years old —young African American men — almost 50 percent of them are either in jail or on probation or parole," says Laurie Mlatawou, co-chair of the Dane County Task Force on Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System. "That's almost hal... MORE >>

Outstanding Women of Color Awards

Five outstanding women were honored at the 2nd annual UW-Madison Outstanding Women of Color Awards hosted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity and Climate April 13 in the Alumni Lounge of the Pyle Center. The following women were recognized for their outstanding acheivements: • Peggy Choy, lecturer and senior outreach specialist, Dance Program and Southeast Asian studies; ... MORE >>

Africa Night: Welcome To The Kingdom

Multicultural Organization at UW showcases African culture, by Audrey Buchanan

The student-run African Student Association of UW-Madison is hosting a cultural celebration, "Africa Night: Welcome to the Kingdom," on April 18 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The student group hopes to highlight the beauty of Africa and do its part in changing the campus climate for minorities. "We are excited to invite members of the Madison community to join us for Africa Night on Saturday," said Tiffany Jones, co-chair of ASA. "Event... MORE >>

A public health insurance plan can cover all of our children

by Marian Wright Edelman

  It's plain that our nation's health insurance system is broken: over 46 million people in America lack health coverage — nine million of them children — and the number of uninsured are growing during the current recession. Since 2001, the cost of family coverage from an employer has climbed by almost 80 percent, while workers' earnings have risen only 24 percent. And the number... MORE >>

The Employee Free Choice Act

by Ron Walters

One of the apparent mysteries many people ponder is how it was that union membership was responsible for virtually building the American middle class after World War II and now so many people appear to blame unions for the loss of jobs rather than the push for more profits by company bosses. The answer is fear. In reality, the intimidation of workers has made it more difficult for them to organize in various companies for fear they would lose their jobs. Employer influence over the un... MORE >>

Workshop: Business Opportunity in the Government Sector (BOGS)

by Mathew K Jallow

The Wisconsin Department of Administration will hold its biannual workshop, Business Opportunity in the Government Sector (BOGS) Tuesday, April 21 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. The daylong workshop event will highlight public sector business opportunities, and it is geared towards enhancing the relationship between minority, women, veteran owned, HUBZone enterprises, and private sector firms and state and federal government. This year's workshop is especially important becau... MORE >>

Curry named NNPA AIDS coordinator for new Obama Administration program

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Doyle announces $1.7 million for Green energy projects, job creation

MADISON — Governor Jim Doyle has announced $1.73 million in economic recovery funds to support clean diesel projects, stimulating the state’s economy, creating jobs, reducing diesel emissions, and protecting human health. “With wise use of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Wisconsin will continue to build upon the successes of our clean energy efforts,” Governor Doyle said. “These clean diesel funds will help create jobs, boost the eco... MORE >>

Legal scholars welcome pursuit of Bush aides

by William Fisher

NEW YORK — Human rights organizations and legal scholars are applauding the efforts of Spanish lawyers in seeking the indictment of six former officials of the George W. Bush administration in connection with the torture of detainees at the U.S. military's Guantanamo Bay prison. Some, however, think more should be done at home. Ben Wizner, attorney in the National Security Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, said, "The idea of Spain investigating America's ... MORE >>

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Under Scrutiny

by Zenitha Prince

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — The political career of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. could be jeopardized by a congressional ethics inquiry into his finagling for the Senate seat vacated by President Obama, a well-known Black political analyst said. "The stakes for him are dire," said Ronald Walters, a University of Maryland professor well-known for his analysis of Black politics and politicians. "A negative report can damage his political career," Walters said. &... MORE >>

Blogger's sentence shocks internet users

by Marwaan Macan-Markar

BANGKOK, Thailand — A Thai court has sentenced blogger Suwicha Thakhor to 10 years in prison for posting an image on the Internet that was deemed to have insulted the Thai royal family. The court's verdict on April 3 contained an unequivocal message — the Internet in this country is being policed with the aim of limiting free expression. Suwicha's sentence — initially for the maximum of 20 years but reduced to half — has pushed this Southeast Asian nation... MORE >>

Following Tiger into the woods

by George Curry

I saw very little of Tiger Woods playing at the Masters tournament and what I saw was enough for me to know that he was not out of the woods. Literally. A couple of his shots landed in the trees as he and arch-rival Phil Mickelson, the two favorites, finished fifth and sixth. Of course, thousands of African-Americans were deeply disappointed that Woods did not collect his fifth green jacket in Augusta. The problem with placing so much faith in someone, even an athlete as great as Tiger... MORE >>

Coaches should be paid for performance on and off the court

by Marc Morial

There is a dirty little secret in college basketball. The sad truth lurking just beneath the surface of March Madness is that each year a large number of athletes — mostly Black — play their hearts out for coaches whose salaries continue to rise, while graduation rates for their student-athletes remain unacceptably low. And with only about 1 percent of college basketball players making it to the NBA each year, I am reminded of the words of William Gates, a struggling student-athle... MORE >>

El Dia de los Ninos set for April 25

by A. David Dahmer

The fifth annual El Día de los Niños event, the brainchild of community activist Fabiola Hamdan, will be held Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Union Sport Club, 155 Braun Rd. in Oregon, Wis. "This is entertaining, but informative," said Hamden, chair of Latino Children and Families Council who organized the event. "It's a very special day." ... MORE >>

Health Matter April

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Middlespread April 16

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Applications available for the Betty Franklin-Hammonds Scholarship

by Urban League of Greater Madison

MADISON —  Applications are now available for the Betty Franklin-Hammonds Scholarship. The Betty Franklin-Hammonds Scholarship Fund was created to honor one of Madison’s most dynamic and visionary leaders, Ms. Betty Franklin-Hammonds. With her passing in April 1999, this scholarship was started through a generous endowment from the Madison Community Foundation, with subsequent gifts added by friends, family, and community people. The Betty Franklin-Hammonds Scholarshi... MORE >>

What's Up April 16

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Shaping community at the barber shop

Spencer Johnson celebrates 10 years, by A. David Dahmer

Exactly one decade ago, Spencer Johnson tried something on a whim to help out an old buddy. Ten years later, Johnson has made a great career out of it and couldn’t be more positive that he made the right choice. "Things are going well," Johnson says. "I have met a lot of great people and have had a lot of great experiences. I really like what I'm doing now and where I am at." It was in April of 1999 when Johnson began his barbering career at JP Hair De... MORE >>

Bidar-Sielaff triumphs in the 5th District

by A. David Dahmer

The westside Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace was alive with excitement on April 7 as longtime community activist Shiva Bidar-Sielaff announced that she had beaten Hamilton Arendsen in the 5th District Common Counil race for the city of Madison. “Im very proud of the campaign that I ran,” Bidar-Sielaff told The Madison Times. “I look forward to being able to represent my district and the City of Madison.” Bidar-Sielaff’s campaign was one of the most div... MORE >>

CASA’s Stand Up for Kids comedy showcase

Laughter for a great cause, by A. David Dahmer

  All are invited to share a good laugh for a great cause at Dane County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)'s 3rd annual Stand Up for Kids comedy showcase on Saturday, April 18. The event will be held for the first time in a large private area of Scatz Sports Bar and Night Club in Middleton. "Scatz has been so wonderful to work with so I hope we've found our permanent home for the event," says CASA Executive Director Jenee Jeanblanc.  The come... MORE >>

No slam dunk in the classroom

by George E. Curry

If the basketball championship games had been based on how athletes performed in the classroom instead of on the basketball court, April 6's championship game in Detroit would have been between Duke and Villanova instead of North Carolina and Michigan State in the men's division. Top-ranked Connecticut would have faced either Ohio State, Stanford, or Vanderbilt instead of Louisville in the women's championship gam... MORE >>

As baseball season opens, so should another discussion of St. Louis #21

by Bill Fletcher Jr

Well, spring is here and so is Major League Baseball. As each baseball season begins, I always have the same feeling in my gut: Until the late Curt Flood is inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, a basic injustice will not be undone. Readers of my commentaries know that I have been making this point for quite a number of years. The story is a simple one. Curt Flood, #21 on the S... MORE >>

Lea Zeldin: Meanderings through a dedicated life

by Pamela Gates

The Madison Times is in mourning over the death of its dear friend and writer Lea Zeldin. Lea, the founder of Madison's Dr. Martin Luther King Free Community Dinners and the winner of the 2007 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award — passed away last week at age 80. Her bright smile, her energy, and her compassion will be missed by many. In tribute to her, we are re-running a beautiful article about her by Pamela Gates originally printed in TMT in January of 2007 after she won... MORE >>

Next stop: New York City!

Toki Middle School captured the Junior Division championship at the 15th African American History Challenge Bowl (AAHCB) March 28 at the Doyle Administration Building. Justin Xayarinh, Coach Ashley Umberger, Alexis Meyer, and Victoria Carter are off to New York City for the African American History Challenge Bowl finals. The Challenge Bowl is an annual ... MORE >>

Dr. John Hope Franklin - Scholar, teacher, activist, friend

by Marian Wright Edelman

On March 25, beloved historian John Hope Franklin, the nation's leading scholar of Black history, passed away at age 94. Dr. Franklin became a scholar of Black history at a time when many other ''experts'' didn't believe there was anything about Black history worth studying. One of the first to treat the subject with the academic respect it deserves, he mentored three generations of historians and was an inspiration to countless young people. Dr. Franklin said he was always mo... MORE >>

Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Take Action

by By the National Cancer Institute NNPA Special Commentary

 (NNPA) — Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States. In fact, one in 19 men and women born today will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. It does not have to be that way. Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable form of cancer. This means that actions you take can make a real difference in lowering your risk of colorectal cancer. Do you know wha... MORE >>

Music icon leaves big impression on Madison students

Joan Baez celebrated her 50th year of singing in concert at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison March 15 by singing a variety of songs that span the five decades of her singing on many different stages.  Eight local students and a teacher assistant got a special treat at the Joan Baez concert. Seven of these students attend St. James' Elementary School and one student attends Edgewood High scho... MORE >>

Red Ribbon Affair 2009

by A. David Dahmer

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Moore announces DHS Security grants for Milwaukee Bus System

MILWAUKEE — Congresswoman Gwen Moore has announced the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Transit Authority both received grants from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009.  The City of Milwaukee received $766,686 for a Port Security Grant and the Milwaukee County Transit Authority received a $232,780 transit security grant.  The funding is part of the funding from DHS for 10 federal grant progra... MORE >>

U.S., Russia affirm ideal of "nuclear-free" world

by Ali Gharib

WASHINGTON — On the eve of the G20 summit in London, the leaders of the U.S. and Russia prepared to take the first concrete steps towards a "reset" of relations between the two countries. President Barack Obama and Russian Federation President Dmitriy Medvedev released a joint statement last week pledging to negotiate a replacement for the 1991 Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (START), which expires in December 2009. The statemen... MORE >>

Black America remains a largely untapped financial market, report says

(NNPA) — Financial services providers that do not attempt to reach African- Americans are missing out on a treasure trove in their midst, asserts a recent Marketing Daily story. Marketing Daily reports statistics stating that over two million African-American households have incomes of $75,000, and the aggregate income of the most affluent African-Americans is $116 billion. Additionally, the collective purchasing power of African Americans from all income levels is projected to reach $9... MORE >>

Mideast: All unclear over Israeli policy

by Jerrold Kessel and Pierre Klochendler

JERUSALEM, (IPS/GIN) —How genuine is Israel's new leadership about peace when the Prime Minister says that he will go a long way towards striving for a settlement with the Palestinians, but purposefully fails to endorse an independent Palestinian state; and, when his foreign minister warns, "If you want peace, prepare for war", a blunt statement upon which the prime minister remains studiously silent? A week ago, Israeli officials and academics heard from several promin... MORE >>

Middlespread April 9

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What's Up April 9

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Big things happening on Madison's south side

Interview with Urban League President Scott Gray, by A. David Dahmer

The Urban League of Greater Madison recently unveiled to the community a bold new vision for Madison's future. Its president and CEO could not be more thrilled. "We're excited that the community is embracing us and that it wants us to be a part of all that is going on here," says Urban League of Greater Madison President and CEO Scott Gray in an interview with The Madison Times. "We don't necessarily have to be the leader in all of this, but we want to play a solid role ... MORE >>

The scoop on today's standardized tests

What to know about ACTS and SATS, by Anita Martin

  Perhaps you've been hearing lately that taking an SAT test is no longer required for admission into college. Not so fast. Before you, your son or daughter shout, "Yahoo!", it's important to have the facts behind the scuttlebutt. While it's true that a number of colleges nationwide are getting away from standardized tests, the vast majority of colleges throughout the U.S. still requires an SAT and/or ACT Test. Just four schools in Wisconsin are currently listed ... MORE >>

Red Ribbon Affair highlights great work AIDS Network does all year round

by A. David Dahmer

The 2009 Red Ribbon Affair is set for Friday, April 3 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Now in its 19th year, the Red Ribbon Affair gala is AIDS Network's oldest and largest fund-raising event. This annual dinner and silent auction benefits the HIV/AIDS service provider for south central Wisconsin. AIDS Network Executive Director Karen Dotson "AIDS Network... MORE >>

A real solution to the U.S. financial crisis: Mortgage relief, not bank relief

by Gary Gates

To a great extent, the U.S. financial crisis has been caused by the financial system's sloppy — and criminal — "management" of mortgages. Government efforts to solve this crisis have centered on propping up and providing more money to the financial system, in the hope that the money will flow through to borrowers at reasonable interest rates. This hasn't worked, because the fina... MORE >>

Important free help at tax time

by Marian Wright Edelman

Mabel Pichardo is a self-employed mother of two young children from New York City. She earned approximately $31,000 last year making ends meet through three different freelance jobs. In 2008, she had her tax returns prepared for free at the nonprofit Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation. She found the workers courteous and helpful and often referred friends and co-workers to their site. But this year, a personal financial emergency caused Mabel to go to a commercial tax preparer... MORE >>

John Hope Franklin, a "mighty scholar"

by Hazel Trice Edney

  WASHINGTON (NNPA) —When historian, author, and scholar John Hope Franklin mounted the stage at the Newsmaker of the Year Awards Gala three years ago, he told the members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), "I think that I deserve this reward for reasons you may not know." Receiving the organization's 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award that evening, Franklin received extra applause from the Black publishers when he announced that 80 years... MORE >>

Questions for Madison alderperson candidates

Madison Common Council: District 2 Brenda Konkel District 2 incumbant 1. I'm encouraged by the promise of having more diverse hiring panels, but we have to dig deeper than that. We need to examine our recruiting practices and figure out how to recruit more diverse candidates, we need to u... MORE >>

Questions for Dane County Executive candidates

Kathleen Falk Incumbant     1.  As County Executive, I have taken decisive steps to promote and safeguard the diversity that makes Dane County such a unique and wonderful place to live. I march, walk and speak out to promote diversity and against discrimination. Working with,... MORE >>

Latino Ball 2009

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Madison Memorial and Toki prevail at Challenge Bowl

by A. David Dahmer

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Gov. Doyle announces $2.3 billion in tax relief for Wisconsin citizens

MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle recently announced that Wisconsin taxpayers will benefit from $2.3 billion in tax relief over the next two years through the Making Work Pay Credit enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The credit, which will average $506 for Wisconsin workers, will be primarily distributed through paychecks starting in April. "President Obama knows our hardworking families are facing difficult times," Gov. Doyle said. "The Ma... MORE >>

Mideast-U.S.: Hamas must have role in peace process, group says

by Ali Gharib

WASHINGTON — A new report from a New York-based think tank recommends that Washington forcefully reinsert itself into the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, calling for "a more pragmatic approach to Hamas." The report was delivered to President Barack Obama by a signatory who is also a current adviser. Even by its title, the report from the U.S./Middle East Project (USMEP) alludes to the urgency of U.S. involvement: A Last Chance for a Two-State Israel-Palestine ... MORE >>

Europe: Economic slump creeping toward Eastern EU nations

by Zoltan Dujisin

BUDAPEST, Hungary  — The region that liked to see itself as the engine of European economic growth and as immune to the global economic crisis is now being pointed to as the next to hit the slump. Foreign capital is fleeing the region, currencies are weakening, and a slowdown in economic growth or even a contraction of the gross domestic product is expected in the Central and Eastern European member states of the European Union. Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcs&... MORE >>

Middlespread April 2

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What's Up April 2

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NNPA award winners exhort Black press to hold friends and enemies accountable

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - The National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation, giving four top awards during its annual Newsmaker of the Year Awards Gala, was told by those same honorees that its contributions to justice in America is yet untold. "We have not adequately evaluated the stature of the Black Press and what it has meant to this country," said civil rights dean Rev. Joseph Lowery, who was honored as the Black Press of America's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient ... MORE >>

"The Birds That Are Your Hands...How to Start a Fire Under Siege"

by A. David Dahmer

"The wall along the U.S./Mexico border is being constructed by the same company that is building the wall in Palestine," says Madison activist and artist Sol Thea Kelley-Jones, noting just one of the commonalities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the daily struggles along the U.S.-Mexico border. "But that's not where the similarities end. There are checkpoints in both areas. [There are] helicopters, drones. [There are] people asking everywhere for your identification &md... MORE >>

Cherokee Middle School back to defend its national championship

African American History Challenge Bowl turns 15, by A. David Dahmer

  Who was the first black woman to lecture on anti-slavery issues? Maynard Jackson became the first African American mayor in what city? What African American civil rights activist founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church? These are questions you might find at the 15th African American History Challenge Bowl, an annual educational program designed to enhance the study and advancement of African American history, which is set for Saturday, March 28 at... MORE >>

Dentists remember and respond to a child's preventable death

by Marian Wright Edelman

To the horror of us all, Deamonte Driver, a seventh grader from Prince George's County, Md., died of complications from an abscessed tooth on February 25, 2007. The outrage is that Deamonte's life could have been saved by routine dental visits and an $80 extraction. As a response to this needless death, a team of Black dentists have established the Deamonte Driver Dental Project which provides mobile de... MORE >>

A stimulus guide for dummies

by George E. Curry

With dueling economists and back and forth between Democrats and Republicans over President Obama's economic recovery package, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has provided us with a Stimulus Guide for Dummies. Actually, it's a report by Chad Stone, the center's chief economist, titled, "Attacks on Congressional Package Don't Withstand Scrutiny." "The plan for the most part is well... MORE >>

Economic Ignorance 101

by Ron Walters

In the discussions about what to do to fix up the economic mess left by George Bush, I have come to understand why it happened when I hear the unimaginably ignorant proposals put forth by many Republicans. I wonder what planet someone could come from who says, for example, "Just let the auto companies go into bankruptcy and work themselves out of their financial problems without government assistance." Just what will the market for automobiles be doing while ... MORE >>

Putting a smile on the face of a child in the time of need

With Wings and A Halo, by Jeanne Erickson

In December of 2007, With Wings and a Halo piloted its innovative program by packing 350 B.A.C.K. (Become a Cheerful Kid) packets for police squad cars in Dane County. One year later, With Wings and a Halo is expanding to 12 states, in the midwest along with New York and California.   On Saturday, March 21, co-founders Paul and Chris Gilbertson from Waunakee, honored top supporters in several categories at the 1st Annual R.E.A.C.H. Child Recognition Benefit at the Ma... MORE >>

5th annual Pastoral Anniversary for Bishop Godfrey A. Stubbs

by A. David Dahmer

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MMSD students among top young scientists picked for Intel Science Talent Search

by A. David Dahmer

Two Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) 12th-grade students, Gabriela Farfan from West High School and Suvai Gunasekaran from Memorial High School, were among only 40 students invited to participate in the Intel Science Talent Search national competition.   At  news conference in Madison prior to the competition, Gabriela and Suvai field questions about their groundbreaking resea... MORE >>

DPI helps schools assist families impacted by economic crisis

MADISON — State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster announced that the Department of Public Instruction is providing resources, strategies, and support to Wisconsin schools that wish to assist families impacted by the economic crisis. An eight-page document, Resources and Strategies to Assist Families Experiencing Challenges Related to the Economic Recession, has been distributed to educators statewide. Department staff are also available to provide support to any school district wishing... MORE >>

Anger at banks, big bonuses boils into streets

by Adrianne Appel

SAN FRANCISCO — Thousands of angry U.S. workers took to the streets March 20 to protest some major banks and insurance companies that have handed out extravagant bonuses on the taxpayers' dime. Last week, the U.S. House voted to get some of the bonus money back. "Banks get bailed out, and people get sold out!" yelled janitors, hotel workers, security workers and others pounding on makeshift drums outside a Wells Fargo bank in San Francisco. The protesters,... MORE >>

Economic slump creeping towward Eastern EU nations

by Zoltan Dujisin

   BUDAPEST, Hungary — The region that liked to see itself as the engine of European economic growth and as immune to the global economic crisis is now being pointed to as the next to hit the slump. Foreign capital is fleeing the region, currencies are weakening, and a slowdown in economic growth or even a contraction of the gross domestic product is expected in the Central and Eastern European member states of the European Union. Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc ... MORE >>

Health Matters March

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Middlespread March 26

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What's Up March 26

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Dane County Job Posting

Dane County Job Postings for this week:   Clean Air Coalition Project Coordinator   Clerk Typist III (Bilingual) (Spanish/English) ... MORE >>

Providing collective voice for Wisconsin entrepreneurs

Propel Wisconsin Innovation, by A. David Dahmer

Creative, persistent, and goal-orientated, Henry Sanders Jr. has demonstrated that he has been nothing if not an entrepreneur in life, and now he wants to help other entrepreneurs across the state. Sanders has recently launched Propel Wisconsin Innovation, an innovative nonprofit membership based advocacy organization that serves entrepreneurs and high-growth companies with an entrepreneurial spirit. In short, entrepreneurs in Wisconsin now have a collective voice. "Since ... MORE >>

Urban League stands tall in troubled economic times

Groundbreaking set for Center for Economic Development & Workforce Training, by Scott Gray

"As we rebuild our economy, the focus on job creation is imperative to moving the country forward," said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, back in December 2008.  I am pleased to report that your local Urban League has taken this call seriously. Despite one of the worst economic downturns in our nation's history, the Urban League of Greater Madison intends to push forward with the construction of a modern Center for Economic Development &... MORE >>

Passing of Employee Free Choice Act now a distinct reality

Interview with Manuel Vellon, by A. David Dahmer

The following scenarios represent just a few of the thousands upon thousands of situations that transpire daily in both our state and our nation. • A security guard who works at Pabst in Milwaukee has worked there 11 years. He makes $9 per hour and has no health insurance. He has wanted to join a union for a long time so that he can have regular wage increases every year and health insurance. • A retired postal worker who got a job after he retired from the post offic... MORE >>

Why we need the Employee Free Choice Act

by Bill Fletcher Jr

The legislation has not yet been submitted but already the cannons are firing. The proposed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) represents legislation that would make it easier for workers to join or form unions. The political right, including some major corporations, has assembled significant resources to fight this. Their central argument is that EFCA will deny workers the right to a secret ballot electio... MORE >>

The girl next door may now be on the corner

by Marian Wright Edelman

We rarely see headlines that read: "Prostitute Arrested for Soliciting" because such law enforcement incidents are so commonplace. But behind the thousands of stories about prostitution that don't make their way into the newspapers is the brutal nightmare of child trafficking in America today. One such story is that of a 13-year-old girl who ran away to New York City to escape sexual abuse at home. Without friends or money, she met a man who said he could introduce her to so... MORE >>

D.C. is the nation's HIV/AIDS Capital

by George E. Curry

The disclosure that more than 4 percent of Blacks in the District of Columbia have HIV, matching San Francisco's city-wide rate at the height of the epidemic in 1992, is but one example of how the disease is devastating the Black community. D.C. health officials made public a report Monday that showed the overall HIV/AIDS city rate of 3 percent is three times the level considered a "generalized and severe" epidemic. One percent of the population is the standard yards... MORE >>

Delta's national president coming to Madison for historic visit

It's going to be a first for Madison. The national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will be here this weekend.  Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre The Deltas are set to host their national president, Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, at the Community Leadership Collaborative (CLC) March 20 and 21 at Grainger Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. "Transfor... MORE >>

Buying Black - the ebony experiment

by James Clingman

  You have probably heard or read about John and Maggie Anderson, who live in Oak Park, Ill., just west of Chicago, and their year-long initiative to make all of their purchases from Black-owned businesses. This couple should be commended for such an effort and the sacrifices they are making to conduct their "Ebony Experiment." They are exemplary of what Black people must do to achieve true economic empowerment. The Andersons, their tremendous sacrifices ... MORE >>

DNC chair confesses his state has "abysmal record in minority contracting"

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — As the Commonwealth of Virginia is poised to spend more than $4 billion of the $787 billion stimulus money being spread across the U.S., Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, admits Virginia's record of spending with minority contractors has been pathetic and even worse with specifically Black-owned businesses and contracting firms. "It is the case that the state has had an abysmal record in minority contracting. ... MORE >>

MEP Task Force forum honors Rebecca Young, continues her work

An impassioned look at racial disparities in Wisconsin, by Pamela Gates

  The Task Force on Money, Education and Prisons (MEP) and Edgewood College sponsored a forum March 11 to report on racial disparities and other issues in Wisconsin's criminal-justice system and hopes for the future. The forum was dedicated to the memory of activist Rebecca Young, who died in November and whose tireless efforts for social justice made her a well-known figure in Madison since the 1960s. Young was on the Madison school board, served seven terms as a state rep... MORE >>

Young Girl Scout makes tremendous impact on her community

by Rose Johnson-Brown

On Sunday, March 8, the Girl Scouts of Black Hawk Council awarded seven gold, 21 silver, 54 graduating seniors, and two Council Board Teen Member awards at their Young Women of Achievement Recognition Program held in the Lowell Hall of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. These young ladies were honored for their service work through Girl Scouting. Also recognized were the seven Girl Scouts traveling around the world doing service work this summer. Family and friends came out to cel... MORE >>

YWCA Madison honors five outstanding women with the 35th Annual Women of Distinction Awards

MADISON — On May 28, 2009, the YWCA Madison will present the 35th annual Women of Distinction Awards at the Concourse Hotel. Brenda Brown, Sharon Chamberlain, Iris Christenson, Mary Lang Sollinger, and Jeanette Schreier will be honored for work exemplary to the YWCA mission: empowering women and eliminating racism. The YWCA is proud to have recognized 176 women since the first Woman of Distinction was bestowed the honor in 1974. Their community service, professional achievement, ... MORE >>

U.S.: Reform groups praise new drug czar

by Marina Litvinsky and Ali Gharib

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's pick for his new drug czar signals a radical shift from the policies of his predecessor, George W. Bush, by focusing on treatment for drug offenders rather than jail time. Recently, Vice President Joe Biden announced the nomination of R. Gil Kerlikowske, the chief of police in Seattle, for the post of director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, as the drug czar is formally known. "[N]ever has it been more important to ... MORE >>

China: Premier asserts priorities, admits U.S. worries

by Antoaneta Bezlova

BEIJING—While much hope is focused on China as the one bright spot in the current financial gloom, Chinese leaders are drawing a line on global expectations, reminding the world that their country's priorities come first. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said recently, in his only scheduled press conference of the year, that Beijing's first and foremost priority, in the face of the global financial crisis, is to take care of China's national interests. Speaking at the closing of... MORE >>

Middlespread March 19

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What's Up March 19

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UW-Madison on the cutting edge of spoken word scene

by A. David Dahmer

People are surprised to see the tiny town of Madison looming big on the urban hip-hop and spoken-word map. But it's true, due in no small part to the work done by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI). "We're the only university in the country — and I think in the world, too — that has an office that is dedicated to using not just spoken word, but hip-hop arts as a vehicle for outreach, improving campus climate, and recruit... MORE >>

Stan and Yolanda Woodard - the neighborhood power couple

by Lisa Nunez

"You put all this knowledge and stuff together," says Yolanda Woodard, "and that is just more to give away." She and husband Stan Woodard have spent almost three decades together, synthesizing their experiences to foster the educational and cultural growth of Dane County families. "We [all] have a responsibility, as parents, to educate our children from our home and then outward," says Yolanda. "It is our obligation to help the teachers to teach."... MORE >>

Lussier Center Black History Celebration

by Jeanne Erickson

The Lussier Education Center celebrated African American History Month with song, dance, poetry, and fellowship on Saturday, Feb. 28. Stanley Woodard, program director for the center, was the celebration emcee. Youth from the neighborhood opened the afternoon with the "Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice." Other youth performances included song, praise dance, and spoken word of Sojourner Truth. Madison Poet Laureate Fabu spoke to the over 100 community mem... MORE >>

Michael Steele genuflects for Limbaugh

by George E. Curry

Michael Steele, basking in the celebration of his sixth-ballot election as the first Black chairman of the Republican Party, was quick to pick a fight with President Barack Obama, saying, "It's going to be an honor to spar with him." However, Steele refused to get into the ring with Rush Limbaugh, the reigning GOP champion. After giving an accurate description of Rush Limbaugh on D.L. Hughley's CNN show, Steele bent over backward — or just plain bent over — to apo... MORE >>

A look at race, incarceration, and American values

by Marian Wright Edelman

Glenn Loury, a Brown University professor of economics, has long been one of the nation's most outspoken Black intellectuals. For many years he was a leading conservative voice on topics like affirmative action, and whenever he focuses on a policy issue affecting the Black community, people pay attention. In his title essay in the recent book "Race, Incarceration, and American Values," Professor Loury sounds the alarm on some of the same concerns the Children's Defen... MORE >>

"Gran Torino": Controversial cultural phenomenon or Hollywood blockbuster

by Audrey Buchanan

Whether the pioneering 2009 Warner Bros. film "Gran Torino" stands as a cultural phenomenon or is simply an action-packed Clint Eastwood classic is in the eye of the beholder, even among members of the Hmong community. "Yeah, I watched it as an action movie," said Seng Yang, a University of Wisconsin-Madison student, at a recent campus presentation titled "Media and Hmong Masculinity: From Immigrant Misfits to Perpetual Warriors to 'Gran Torino' Gangbangers.&qu... MORE >>

At the precipice of change: The federal budget

by Ron Walters

With lightning speed, President Barack Obama has moved from stimulus package to a home foreclosure package to working on a financial bailout package — and now he's moved on to the budget. In his recent speech to Congress, Obama said something most people who know anything about government agree with: The budget is not only about spending dollars and cents. It is also a statement of priorities and is therefore the most important policy document that reveals the direction he is ta... MORE >>

Local artists to give jazz legend Mary Lou Williams her due

by A. David Dahmer

Jazz legend Mary Lou Williams is seriously underappreciated in history, but if it is up to Fabu Carter Brisco, that will soon begin to change. "[Author] Alice Walker lifted Zora Neal Hurston up from obscurity. Hurston was a contemporary of Langston Hughes and an amazing artist who toiled in obscurity. I would like to see the same happen with Mary Lou Williams," Carter Brisco says. "How could she have done so much and been such an intrical part of the jazz scene for 60 ye... MORE >>

New homeless program proposed

Will offer basics, plus support for change, by Timothy Garrett

For James Kruger, the current solutions to the Dane County homeless problem may not be enough. Kruger is a young man of passion, with a solid vision, who very much wants to offer more than just a hot meal and a bed for a homeless person for just one night. It is in Kruger's plans to support the homeless as they find a job and a more solid residence while staying at the shelter he wants to create. It is with those intentions that Kruger has started the Homeless Outreach Prevention Effort (HOPE... MORE >>

Addrena Squires' "Tribute to Village Cooks"

Addrena "Super Gram" Squires has been a vigilant advocate for youth, education, and the community. She is well known to adults and youth alike and has had an influence on many. As a lifelong Madisonian, Addrena is also a historian of the community and understands how the sharing of a meal and stories will strengthen "Comm-Unity." There have been many cooks in the past who have passed on stories and recipes and taught others their skills, and there are those today w... MORE >>

Dr. Suess Day

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Local fundraising chapter announces new initiative

MADISON — The Greater Madison Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has announced a new pilot program aimed at strengthening the fundraising capacity of emerging nonprofit organizations. The Diversity Partners pilot program aims specifically to work with an organization deeply embedded in one or more of Greater Madison’s communities of color. As AFP Diversity Committee Chair Edward Lee explained, “there is a long list of reasons why these organ... MORE >>

U.S. Mideast military power a costly myth

by Gareth Porter

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — The arguments for maintaining a major U.S. combat force in Iraq at least through 2011, escalating U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, and assuming a confrontational stance toward Iran appear to assume that the United States remains the dominant military power in the region. But recent history has not supported that assumption. Not only has the United States been unable to prevail over nationalist and sectarian forces determined to resist U.S. influence, but ... MORE >>

Israel's East Jerusalem settlements increase tension

by Helena Cobban

JERUSALEM (IPS/GIN) — As human misery continues in Gaza, the situation in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem is emerging as another potentially explosive issue in and far beyond the Middle East. The city's long-term governance is of prime importance to both Palestinians and Israelis and to their supporters around the world. Israeli and Palestinian peace activists are warning that provocative actions of Israeli government-backed settler activists in Jerusalem could spark yet another escalat... MORE >>

Regulator, journalists protest media changes in Ghana

by Francis Kokutse

ACCRA, Ghana (IPS/GIN) — The state-sponsored National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists" Association (GJA) have separately slammed attempts to "privatize" the state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corp. (GBC) and railed against the practices of commercial radio stations. The cause: "unsubstantiated" news reports by commercial stations Radio Gold and Oman FM, which publicly backed rival political parties before the Dec. 7 national elections. "... MORE >>

Middlespread March 12

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What's Up March 12

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Road to the White House highlights Leopold Black History program

Wisconsin's First African American Mayor speaks, by A. David Dahmer

In an evening of song, celebration, inspiration, and displays of academic achievement, about 200 students, teachers, parents, and community members gathered Feb. 26 for Leopold Elementary School's annual Black history program. The program's theme was "The Road to the White House." Not only were prominent African Americans showcased for their key roles in U.S. politics both past and present, but outstanding Leopold students also received academic achievement awards. ... MORE >>

Oscar Mireles' can-do philosophy, patience inspire and support many

2009 Dane County MLK Recognition Award Winner, by Pamela Gates

On Jan. 19 at the 24th annual City-County Martin Luther King Jr. Observance, County Executive Kathleen Falk presented Omega School Director Oscar Mireles with the Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition Award. In his acceptance remarks, Mireles spoke of what King meant to him: hope, freedom, responsibility, and making a difference. "Our country has so much to offer," he said. "We waste so much … We need to bring others along the way. I strive every day to make a diffe... MORE >>

The First Lady

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Over-policing in our schools: A growing problem

by Marian Wright Edelman

Imagine being handcuffed because you and your friend, both of you 4 years old, wouldn't take naps in your pre-K class. Imagine being handcuffed and taken by ambulance from your school to a hospital psychiatric ward after you threw a tantrum in the kindergarten room. You are 5 years old. These scenarios might sound far-fetched, but both are true. They captured the local media's attention after they happen... MORE >>

Not out of the woods with the chimp controversy

by George E. Curry

The crude New York Post cartoon starring President Barack Obama as a dead Stimulus Bill-writing chimpanzee has been roundly and justifiably criticized as racist. And the half-hearted apologies by the editor and, later, the owner of the New York Post have been exposed for what they are : half-hearted. While much has been written about longtime efforts to equate African Americans with apes, not enough has been said ... MORE >>

Meadowood Neighborhood Center opens

by Lisa Nunez

Although it was early in the evening's festivities, the large, open room buzzed with high energy, conversation, and the excited yells of youngsters playing. This was the first of many such evenings to come, as Meadowood Neighborhood Center (MNC) welcomed the community to its open house Feb. 23. The Center, which occupies the former Jacobson Bros. Meats & Deli storefront in the Meadowood Shopping Center, represents an inventive partnership involving the community, the city of Madis... MORE >>

Longtime labor activist Bill Fletcher visits Madison

by Maria Bibbs

Bill Fletcher, a longtime labor activist and passionate voice for issues of inclusiveness in the labor movement, visited the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus Feb. 24 to discuss his recent book, "Solidarity Divided." His lecture was titled "The Crisis of Organized Labor and Possibilities for Renewal." With his varied and impressive resumé — Fletcher has served as executive editor of Black Commentator, as a visiting professor at Brooklyn Col... MORE >>

Siding with Eric Holder

by Bill Fletcher Jr

Attorney General Eric Holder's recent comments, to the effect that when it comes to race, the USA is a ''nation of cowards," were immediately condemned by right-wing talk radio. This was to be expected. The more mainstream media also reacted, albeit more mildly. Nevertheless, they tended to focus on Holder's wording, suggesting that he would be more likely to be heard if he used other language, such as that the people of the USA need to be more sensitive to race. The probl... MORE >>

Republicans refuse stimulus for citizens deep in poverty

by Ron Walters

I understand that several Republican governors, such as Haley Barbour of Mississippi, are considering refusing money from the Stimulus Package. Well, at this writing I am in the Mississippi Delta on a poverty tour arranged by Antionette Harrell, a courageous African American woman from New Orleans, and what we are seeing definitely marks such actions as cruel at most and unaccountable at the very least to the needs of people living in the most vicious form of abject poverty. A... MORE >>

Sable Flames Scholarship Firefighters Ball

by A. David Dahmer

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Two Madison students prepare for prestigious national science competition

by Ken Syke

MADISON — Among the 40 finalists preparing for the Intel Science Talent Search national competition this week are two Madison School District 12th grade students — Gabriela Farfan from West High School and Suvai Gunasekaran from Memorial High School. These two science superstars will compete for $1.25 million in awards and scholarships against the best and brightest young scientific minds in America by demonstrating the background, research and implications of their indepen... MORE >>

Gen Y members read nine minutes a day, report says

by Alexandra Beggs

NEW YORK — Seduced by TV, the Internet, video games, and text messaging, young people are reading less and less. Fifteen- to 24-year-olds in the United States spend less than nine minutes a day reading for pleasure, according to 2008 U.S. Department of Labor statistics. Yet in other ways, Gen Y is deeply engaged in media. The most popular books reflect the elements that teenagers have always valued in storytelling: a relatable hero or heroine and an intriguing fantasy world. The ... MORE >>

Mayor to quit over Obama watermelon e-mail

(NNPA) —The Associated Press says that Los Alamitos Mayor Dean Grose heard calls for his resignation after he forwarded an e-mail showing a watermelon patch on the White House lawn under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year." The mayor of this small Southern California city has apologized. He told the media he was unaware of the racial stereotype that Blacks like watermelon. AP reported that Los Alamitos officials said Grose would officially resign as mayor. But Gros... MORE >>

To end starvation around the world, help farmers

by Kristin Palitza

ROME (IPS/GIN) — Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) — Doctors Without Borders — is calling for changes to reduce the number — almost 5 million — of children under 5 who die from malnutrition every year in the developing world. Food aid does little to provide the diverse diet that would prevent starvation. So MSF is urging policymakers to improve both food security and the quality of food aid. But to fight malnutrition in the long run, African governments need ... MORE >>

Israeli lurch to right is big

by Helena Cobban

EAST JERUSALEM (IPS/GIN) — The efforts of Israel's presumed next prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to assemble a right-wing-dominated government have sparked serious concerns about the effects that government could have on peace efforts with the Palestinians. Netanyahu has invited anti-Arab Yisrael Beiteinu Party leader Avigdor Liberman to join the government, sparking fears that this government might act harshly against Palestinian Arabs, who are over 20 percent of Israel's citizens.... MORE >>

Middlespread March 5

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What's Up March 5

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Moonshine: the heartbeat of hip-hop and the drums of Africa

by Maria Bibbs

In several parts of rural Jamaica, "Moonshine" is a community tradition that allows people to come together under the light of the full moon to share their experiences through songs, dance, poetry, rhythms, and storytelling. During this fabled ritual, elders pass down cultural histories to the youth, while others sustain the oral and movement traditions by performing spoken word and neotraditional dance. University of Wisconsin-Madison Dance Program Assistant Professor Chris... MORE >>

"From Freedom's Shadow: African-Americans at the United States Capitol"

(photos by Gaddi Dan), by A. David Dahmer

"From Freedom's Shadow: African-Americans at the United States Capitol" was unveiled at the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., on Feb. 18. The traveling exhibit, which was unveiled by NAACP President Linda Hoskins and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz (pictured below), was created by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society and depicts the journey of African-Americans from slavery to freedom and political representation in Washington. ... MORE >>

Richard Scott's secret to happiness

by Lisa Nunez

Richard Scott arrived in Madison in 1969 from Cleveland to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After completing his master's degree in social work, he accepted his first professional position at age 22, joining the staff of East High School. Thirty-three years later, he is still at his first job, working directly with students, and has no immediate plans to retire. "I get a lot of energy from the young people," he says. "It has kept me grounded." Re... MORE >>

Sable Flames' 16th annual Second Alarm Scholarship Benefit Feb. 28

by A. David Dahmer

The Sable Flames will be taking a short break from putting out fires to host their 16th annual "Second Alarm Scholarship Benefit" Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Edgewater Hotel. The Sable Flames are the African American firefighters of the City of Madison Fire Department, and this "firefighters' ball" is one of the great social opportunities in Madison. "It started with about five or six guys after the fire happened at Sommerset, and it really has changed ove... MORE >>

A solution to the Roland Burris mess

by George E. Curry

Roland Burris should borrow a page from Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, President Obama's short-lived pick for Commerce Secretary, and agree to resign his Senate seat immediately, on the condition that he be replaced by another African American. The embattled Illinois senator has been in office little more than a month, but there have been increasing calls for his resignation. He has been less than fo... MORE >>

National Cradle to Prison Pipeline Summit Feb. 25-26

by Marian Wright Edelman

As most children grow up in America, they hear, spoken aloud, the dreams and expectations that their parents and other adults have for them: success in school, a fulfilling career, and a family. Regrettably, those are not the dreams and expectations that many poor Black and Latino children grow up with. For too many of them, childhood means starting school not ready to learn, not reading at grade level, being p... MORE >>

Black History Month: We need it, now more than ever

by Marc Morial

The perennial debate about the need for Black History Month has intensified this year as the shock and awe of America electing its first Black president still reverberates across this land. Even before Barack Obama achieved that extraordinary breakthrough, there were some who questioned the necessity of a special month to recognize the many unknown and unsung achievements of African Americans. With O... MORE >>

Circle of Women celebrates YWCA's 100 years of service

Grand Event Dedicated to a Common Cause, by Anita Martin

This year's Feb. 17 Circle of Women was a grand celebration which highlighted the YWCA Madison's past, present, and future. In its sixth year, the fundraising luncheon drew nearly 1,000 folks to the Alliant Energy Center. The program featured testimonial speakers who ranged in age across seven decades and similarly widely in backgrounds.   The event raised over $25,000 in donations and pledges to support the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women t... MORE >>

"Buffalo Soldiers: The Legacy"

by A. David Dahmer

    It's been about a decade since Richard Scott first started to develop "Buffalo Soldiers: The Legacy" — a community-based production that highlights the historic contributions of African American soldiers of the 1860s. But it was well worth the wait as the production is set to premiere May 29-30 at the Overture Center for the Arts.   &... MORE >>

Men Who Cook event continues to grow

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Kappa Psi Omega Chapter, by A. David Dahmer

The 15th annual Scholarship Fundraiser sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Psi Omega Chapter, will feature delicious homemade food prepared and served by men, raffle and door prizes, a great social atmosphere, and money that will go to a very worthy cause. "It's a winning formula, so we don't tweak it too much," says Enid Glenn, vice president of the AKAs. "I think it's a unique event." On March 7, 15 cooks — who are also professional me... MORE >>

"Beat the Winter Blues and all That Jazz"

by A. David Dahmer

Community members will come together at the Top of the Inn at the Inn on the Park on Madison's Capitol Square March 5 to raise funds for a worthy cause: helping the Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM) continue its advocacy for social justice. “Beat the Winter Blues and All That Jazz,” MUM's annual fundraiser and silent auction, will once again feature Jan Wheaton (pictured above).... MORE >>

Kindergarten registration for Madison Public Schools set for March 2nd

by Ken Syke

MADISON — Kindergarten registration for incoming students in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is Monday, March 2, 1-6 p.m. at all MMSD elementary schools. Parents or guardians should register their child at the school the child will attend. To be eligible, children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2009.  When parents or guardians register their child, they will be required to show proof of age (birth certificate, baptismal record, or medical assistance card); ... MORE >>

Israeli-U.S. relationship strained due to Iran, etc.

by Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON — After eight years of the closest possible relations, the United States and Israel may be headed for a period of increasing strain, particularly given the likelihood that whatever Israeli government emerges from last week's election will be more hawkish than its predecessor. While Iran and the future of its nuclear program will no doubt be the greatest source of tension, Obama's commitment to achieving real progress on a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict ... MORE >>

Rhetoric, reality clash on Obama's first foreign visit

by Chris Arsenault

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (IPS/GIN) — On his first foreign visit as U.S. president, Barack Obama's rhetoric of "hope" and "change" came face to face with reality in Canada, where there are hard, divisive policy realities on climate change from Canada's tar sands, on the growing insurgency in Afghanistan, and on the sputtering world economy. E.g., environmentalists and some aboriginal groups say they've been left in the cold by Obama's energy policies. "... MORE >>

Botswana's efforts to rein in HIV see little success

by Sello Motseta

GABORONE, Botswana (IPS/GIN) — Despite significant financial investments in prevention and treatment, Botswana has had only a modest decline in HIV, especially among women. Official estimates reveal that 1 in 6 Botswanans over age 15 was living with HIV and AIDS in 2008, although Botswana was the first African country to provide free antiretroviral (ARV) treatment countrywide and to introduce routine HIV testing in public health facilities. But government officials say the high prevalen... MORE >>

Middlespread February 26

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What's Up February

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The power of parental involvement displayed at Midvale Elementary

National African American Parent Involvement Day, by A. David Dahmer

Parental involvement is a surefire way to enhance children's academic successes. "Involvement is huge," says Michelle Belnavis, a reading specialist and 25-year staff member at Midvale Elementary School. "I want to continue to increase the involvement of parents and really try to break that barrier of school being just where your kids go and teachers teach and you just leave it alone. I want parents to know that school is a place where they can come and be comfortable an... MORE >>

International author stops in Madison

Interview with Azadeh Moaveni, by A. David Dahmer

"I think that Iranian women are the most sophisticated in the Middle East," says Azadeh Moaveni, Tehran correspondent for Time Magazine. "We have musicians, painters, poets, scientists, and racecar drivers. It's a country where women are active in political, cultural, and social life. It's very sad because Iranian women have made so many strides and are so sophisticated, yet the American conception is that Iranian woman are all oppressed underneath a black Khimar and a veil and... MORE >>

Betty Bracey celebrates Black history through her art

by Pamela Gates

Betty Bracey (left) explores her art through many media. She creates still life and collage, is working on a series she calls folk art — a celebration of Black history in portraits of great African American musicians — and she paints landscapes and modern art as well. She does commissioned work, too, and like most artists would like to be self-supporting through her art. Brac... MORE >>

China's human rights progress in dispute

by Antoaneta Bezlova

BEIJING (IPS/GIN) — When China's human rights record came up for review before a key United Nations panel Feb. 16, this nominally communist country offered two contrasting accounts of its human rights situation. A report submitted by the government appraises human rights progress in China as a continuous improvement of people's living standards and their economic betterment. The huge reduction in poverty in the past decades is highlighted as the core of the government's human rights ach... MORE >>

Pakistan's civilians fear continuing drone attacks

by Zofreen Ebrahim

KARACHI, Pakistan (IPS/GIN) — The U.S. military's continued use of drone attacks has made residents along the Afghan border angry and fearful that changes in Washington won't alter their situation. On Jan. 23, days after Barack Obama was sworn in as president, missiles slammed into Pakistan's tribal areas along the border, continuing Washington's policy of targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban regardless of sovereignty issues. Drones, remote-controlled pilotless aircraft that hover... MORE >>

Colin Powell addresses immigration in New York

by Herb Boyd

NEW YORK (NNPA) — When an alumnus like Colin Powell returns to campus, it's a major event. Powell, whose military and governmental credentials are extraordinary by any standards, was at City College early this month to deliver the keynote address at a conference on immigration. Powell's remarks provided a summary of the "National Concern, Local Action: Immigration Integration in New York" presented by the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies in conjunction with the Carnegie ... MORE >>

Preserving Black History Month: Part 2

by George E. Curry

The clamor to get rid of Black History Month ignores a crucial yet often overlooked fact: Congress has authorized and every president — Democrat and Republican — has signed an executive order each year honoring the contributions of not only African Americans, but of Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, and women as well. February is Black History Month, March has been designated Women's History Month, Ma... MORE >>

Economic crisis puts children at risk

by Marian Wright Edelman

In the middle of all the headlines and 24-hour news reports about the economic crisis, one critical story is just beginning to be told. Four days after Christmas, the Washington Post ran this article: "Child Neglect Cases Multiply As Economic Woes Spread." In the article, area child welfare workers talked about the noticeable rise in the number of child abuse and neglect investigations. Many of the ne... MORE >>

UW School of Music honors Black History Month

The University of Wisconsin School of Music has scheduled two concerts this February that tie in with Black History Month. First, the Black Music Ensemble, directed by Professor Richard Davis, will perform on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 8:30 p.m. in Morphy Hall. Professor  Richard Davis is the director.  First Wave Then on Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Wind Ensemble, directed by Scott Teep... MORE >>

NAACP Timeline revisits 100 years of service and action

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"Alcohol, Drugs, and the Teen Brain"

Second forum in series announced, by Jeanne Erickson

How many times as a teenager did you hear the words "What were you thinking!?" Or maybe you have said that to your own teens. Dr. Charles Nelson, UW-Madison alumnus and current research director of Boston's Children's Hospital tells us, "Teenagers, particularly when they are becoming teenagers, have every reason to believe and feel that no one understands them." Adolescence is defined as that awkward period between sexual maturation and the attainment of adult role... MORE >>

Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin provides invaluable services - to both Haitians and to the HMMW teams

by Pamela Gates

Nursing student Haley Stellmacher and R.N.s Merta de Macedo and Kathy Roberg returned recently from a 10-day trip to Thiotte, a small city in the southeastern corner of Haiti. The three were part of an eight-person medical team participating in the Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin (HMMW), which maintains a hospital and clinic in Thiotte (pronounced "Chote") that serves a population of about 25,000. Three different groups of varying sizes visit the clinic and hospital at va... MORE >>

African World Festival launches Community Cares Campaign

by Bridgette Ridgeway

MILWAUKEE —  Despite exhaustive efforts to secure corporate funding and eliminate outstanding debt in 2008, African World Festival was canceled. Since then, African World Festival has received hundreds of calls, letters, and emails offering to help.  In response, the festival’s new board of directors has made significant changes to ensure a successful 2009 festival including restructuring the board, hiring a professional consulting firm to provide brand strategy,... MORE >>

Health Matters February

Heart Attack: Not Necessarily Noticeable, by St. Mary's Hospital

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Middlespread February 19

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What's Up February 19

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Deltas give their Heart and Soul

by A. David Dahmer

The Madison Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will host the 14th annual Heart and Soul Scholarship Fundraiser Feb. 21 at the Madison Overture Center. "The Heart and Soul Ball will benefit high school students who have the potential to go to college," says Chapter President Pearl Leonard-Rock. "We really need to empower our youth. We want to give them as much money as we possibly can for scholarships. The Madison Alumnae Chapter hosts the Heart... MORE >>

MUM still going strong

2009 MLK Heritage Award Winner, by A. David Dahmer

"The vision of a beloved community where wages are fair and there's health care — all those issues that Martin Luther King cared about, worked for, and gave his life for — is what it's all about at MUM," says Linda Ketcham, executive director of Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM). So it was fitting that MUM's tremendous impact on the Madison community and Dane County area was rewarded on Jan. 19 with the Martin Luther King Jr. Heritage Award at the noon ceremony at... MORE >>

Rev. Richard Jones moves to GEC

by A. David Dahmer

Mount Zion Baptist Church's Rev. Richard Jones will be the newest addition to the Genesis Development Corp.(GDC) team starting Feb. 15. "We are especially pleased that Rev. Jones will be joining us here at the Genesis Enterprise Center," said GDC Executive Director Richard Harris. "Our plans are to have him become more involved in assisting me with the overall administration of the Genesis Enterprise Center. This will include focusing on accounting, financial man... MORE >>

We still need Black History Month

by George E. Curry

An increasing number of people, including two of my journalism colleagues — Rochelle Riley and Cynthia Tucker — are proposing that we stop celebrating Black History Month. I strongly disagree, and evidently so does Barack Obama, who signed an executive order designating February as African American History Month. "I propose that, for the first time in American history, this country has reached a point where we can stop celebrating separately, stop learning sepa... MORE >>

National African-American History Month, 2009

by Barack Obama

This proclamation by Barack Obama for Black History Month is an NNPA Special Commentary.                                  —Ed.       The history of African Americans is unique and rich, one that has helped to define what it means to be an American. Arriving in ships on the shores of... MORE >>

Mike Tomlin make Super Bowl history

by Marc Morial

Like many Americans, I was glued to the television last Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers came from behind to clinch the sixth Super Bowl victory in their storied history. With that exciting win, the Steelers and their coach, 36-year-old Mike Tomlin, made history of another sort. Tomlin became the youngest head coach to earn a Super Bowl championship, and only the second African American coach to do so. ... MORE >>

On 100th anniversary, NAACP challenges first Black president

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) —As it celebrated its 100th anniversary this week, the NAACP, under the leadership of Benjamin Todd Jealous, set aside euphoria over the historic inauguration of the first Black president and challenged the Obama administration on his stance on human and civil rights issues as they pertain to people of color. ''We're not simply interested in a bailout for Main Street. It's a good goal. It's a good starting point. But we want a fix for back street,'' said Jealou... MORE >>

MSCR and city teaam up for Meadowood Neighborhood Center

by Rose Johnson-Brown

The far southwest side of Madison has long sought assistance to build a safe place for youth, families, and elders in the community to learn, grow, and experience positive interactions. Finally, Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) and the City of Madison have created that space for the Meadowood community in the Meadowood Shopping Center on Raymond Road at Whitney Way. ... MORE >>

The crade-to-prison pipeline: America's new apartheid

by Marian Wright Edelman

Incarceration is becoming the new American apartheid, and poor children of color are the fodder. It is time to sound a loud alarm about this threat to American unity and community, time to act to stop the growing criminalization of children at earlier and earlier ages, time to tackle the unjust treatment of minority youths and adults in the juvenile and adult criminal-justice systems with urgency and persistenc... MORE >>

Community input sought on new South Madison Library Branch

MADISON — Madison Public Library invites interested citizens to help define the future of the South Madison Branch. A listening session, which is being rescheduled for the third time due to inclement weather on previous dates, will be held at the South Madison Branch Library, 2222 S. Park St., on Tuesday, March 3, 6-8 p.m. Community input will be crucial in determining the best possible design for the new South Madison Branch Library. The architectural design team, Engberg Anders... MORE >>

Gov. Doyle unveils first step towards economic recovery

 MADISON—Gov. Jim Doyle today unveiled legislation that will reduce the state’s current budget gap by $675 million.  The Legislation includes $125 million in cuts to state spending, secures new federal revenues through an assessment on hospital revenues, invests in growing the state’s economy by expanding tax cuts for businesses and expanding worker training programs and authorizes the spending of federal stimulus funds so work can begin immediately on transportati... MORE >>

Don't forget children of Guantanamo, activists say

by William Fisher

  NEW YORK (IPS/GIN) — Legal experts and human rights advocates are challenging the public to remember Guantanamo's "child soldiers" when the detainees there are characterized as "the worst of the worst." Since the U.S. detention center opened in Cuba in 2002, about 22 juveniles have been imprisoned there, and contrary to the U.N.'s Rights of the Child protocol, all but three have been housed with the general population, despite the obligation to promote "t... MORE >>

Mutilation continues

by Mercedes Sayagues

 PRETORIA, South Africa (IPS/GIN) — Laws against female genital mutilation (FGM) are driving the practice underground and across borders, says UNIFEM, the United Nations agency for women. UNIFEM released a study in 2008 that looked at girls who traveled from Burkina Faso to Mali, Niger, Ghana, and Cote d' Ivoire for FGM. All the countries except Mali have laws against FGM, although enforcement varies widely. People now deny that FGM continues. Group excisions are no longer a... MORE >>

Cambodia labeled "country for sale"

by Marwaan Macan-Markar

BANGKOK, Thailand (IPS/GIN) — U.S. energy giant Chevron is under fire for failing to answer questions about how much it paid to secure rights to drill for offshore oil in corruption-ridden Cambodia. Gavin Hayman, campaigns director for London-based anti-corruption watchdog Global Witness (GW), said a small, powerful elite has "captured the country's emerging oil and mineral sectors" for personal gain. Hayman made this and other, similar comments after GW recently published a r... MORE >>

Middlespread February 12

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What's Up February 12

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MAC display delves into local and national histories

Salute to Black History Month, by A. David Dahmer

The Madison Municipal Building is the place to be this month if you want to learn more about Shirley Chisholm, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Judge Louis Butler, Thurgood Marshall, and Judge Vel Rogers Phillips — or many other civil rights icons. The City of Madison Minority Affairs Committee (MAC) is once again presenting a Black History exhibit in the ARTspace located in the lobby of the Municipa... MORE >>

Are Blacks expecting too much from President Obama

by Hazel Trice Edney

"Hello. My Name is Freida. I am a 52 years young Black female that had three strokes and [am] doing fine right now. I am a full time stay at home artist ... I have sent you a copy of my hero, Sir Barackster. I created him on Nov. 1 because I felt he would be the hero." Those are the words of Freida Thompson of Manalapan, N.J., in a letter to the editor of the NNPA News Service. "I really, really, really want him to take care of the health issue," Thompson sai... MORE >>

R Place on Park welcomes community every evening

by Pamela Gates

Rick Flowers has run a successful electrical contracting business for years. He's also a musician and has played with a band for years. He's very sociable, too, and he has the interests of the community at heart. All these talents have come together in his relatively new venture, R Place on Park, which he says has been open for about a year now. Rick Flowers R Place, at 1821 S. Park St., ... MORE >>

Governor Doyle calls on Legislature to require insurance companies to cover autism

  MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle today called on the Legislature to pass a bill that would require insurance companies to cover autism. Gov. Doyle was joined at a press conference today in Madison with Sen. Judy Robson and Rep. Kim Hixson, as well as Mike Crute and Dr. Morton Ann Gernbacher, two parents with autistic children. “We have a special and sacred obligation to all the children of our state,” Gov. Doyle said. “My proposal will help provide the care and ... MORE >>

Cold weather frays safety nets for poor

by Adrianne Appel

BOSTON (IPS/GIN) — The world's poor are especially at risk in today's global economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Jan. 28. "We expect the global economy to come to a virtual halt" in 2009, said IMF chief economist Olivier Blanchard. The IMF released its latest report as leaders of the world's richest companies and nations met in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual World Economic Forum and as activists, indigenous peoples, and progressive nongovernmental organizat... MORE >>

Mitchell's Mideast mission risks bogging down

by Jerrold Kessel, Pierre Klochendler

JERUSALEM (IPS/GIN) — At the start of his Middle East mission, Sen. George Mitchell was told by President Barack Obama on Al-Arabiya TV that he "should start by listening, because ultimately we cannot tell Israelis and Palestinians what's best for them." Listening was indeed a central element in Mitchell's first venture into his mission. But with ongoing skirmishes between Hamas and Israel's army, Mitchell's initial talks focused even more on Gaza's immediate situation and fea... MORE >>

Water crisis point near

by Daniela Estrada

SANTIAGO, Chile (IPS/GIN) — "Humanity does not have full awareness of the danger it is facing [regarding water] and will only act under extreme circumstances. The bad news is that those extremes are drawing near," says Manuel Baquedano, president of the Chilean nongovernmental Institute of Political Ecology. Baquedano will head one of the panels at the "Peace with Water" Conference taking place Feb. 12-13 at European Parliament headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The ... MORE >>

Black history, American history

by Marian Wright Edelman

A century ago, a two-day race riot in Springfield, Ill., where White mobs lynched two Blacks, turned out to be the final straw for a small interracial group of Americans committed to social justice. Lynchings and other acts of terror against Blacks at the height of the post-Reconstruction Jim Crow era had become all too common. But after the White mob violence instigated by some of the ''best citizens'' in Pres... MORE >>

SCLC faces another turning point

by George E. Curry

Five years ago, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Atlanta-based civil rights group co-founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was in disarray. It had just concluded a convention in Jacksonville, Fla., that was so contentious that police had to be summoned to keep the peace. Instead of choosing between the two candidates vying for president at the time, TV Judge Greg Mathis and Ralph D. Aberna... MORE >>

Obama coattails: Black Republican chair

by Ron Walters

Republicans have just named an African American, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, as party chair. I congratulate Mr. Steele, but I am also aware that this probably would never have happened if Barack Obama had not won the presidency. And now that he is chair, the biggest question he confronts is how to turn around the strong perception that Republicans are actively opposed to Black interests. As he was campaigning for the chairmanship just after the presidential election, Steel... MORE >>

Can Obama reverse Bush's Somalia policy?

by Bill Fletcher Jr.

It has become almost a cliché to say that it will take years, if not decades, to recover from the disaster that was the Bush administration. This is true not only in the realm of economics, our immediate challenge, but also in the foreign policy arena. A case in point is Somalia. The Bush administration, looking at Somalia through the lens of the so-called war against terrorism, completely misread... MORE >>

The excuse game

"Every child has lost every excuse," declared James Clyburn, D-S.C., majority whip in the House of Representatives. He spoke those words on BET, of all places, in response to Barack Obama's election as president of the United States. As soon as I read his statement, I thought, "Uh-oh, here we go." Now that we have a Black president, all bets are off and all is right with the world; we have reached our highest pinnacle. "Every child," as Clyburn said, whic... MORE >>

"Freedom Song" is music to the eyes

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

"Freedom Song" by Mary C. Turck c. 2009, Chicago Review Press   $18.95 / $20.95 Canada 146 pages plus CD Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer How many songs do you know? You've probably been able to sing your ABCs since you were 2 years old. "Jingle Bells" has been one of your favorites since you were 3. You learned "Billie Jean" and &qu... MORE >>

The 10th annual Celebrating Youth

by A. David Dahmer

The 10th annual Celebrating Youth! celebration will take place Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. This year’s theme will be “Up in the Air.” “We will be showcasing the soaring, free spirit of youth,” says Celebrating Youth! Coordinator Ilana Caplan. “We will be highlighting all things that are fun and fly. We will have juggling, trapeze artists, birds, kites, and much, much more.” ... MORE >>

Volunteer of the Month

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Middlespread February 5

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What's Up February 5

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History made

“The vibe and the feeling of togetherness was just outstanding,” said Gus Doyle (pictured below with his father, Wisconsin Gov. James Doyle). “It was a once-in-a-lifetime event.” The 2009 Inaugural events in Washington, D. C., included balls, parades, speeches, singing, prayer, and celebration. The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial featured Stevie Wonder singing with Shakira and Usher and later U2. Barack Obama was sworn in as the Unite... MORE >>

Girls on the Run builds self-esteem

by Anita Martin

Amada Cooley and Shaneece Taylor are definitely on the go, and they're jazzed about their journey. These two fourth graders like putting on their running shoes, and they love participating in the program called Girls on the Run. We recently met at the Boys and Girls Club on Taft Street, one of more than 13 sites in Dane County where the twice-weekly program takes place, to talk about Girls on The Run. Their faces light up as they start talking about the program and what they like best about i... MORE >>

Tapping his unlimited potential, and others'

Rumont TeKay, by A. David Dahmer

Rumont TeKay founded Murray Park Publishing.  His first novel "The Ruthless Dictator" will be out March 2. Rumont TeKay's upbringing, his surroundings, and the people in his life created a mold in which distorted thinking is commonplace. But he smashed it. "There's an old saying that people use: 'I didn't choose this life; it chose me,'" TeKay says as he s... MORE >>

I never believed...but I always hoped

by Gail Moore

I never believed but always hoped that the words which define our country in its Declaration of Independence were more than just pretty prose: that if they were followed, they would be the path to justice for all; words like "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and t... MORE >>

Prophet King to President Obama

by Marc Morial

''The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.'' Martin Luther King Jr. On behalf of the National Urban League and its affiliates, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Barack Obama and Joe Biden as they officially assume their roles as president and vice president of the United States. For millions of Americans and freedom-loving people all over the world, the inauguration of President Barack Obama breathed new life into our nation's oldest ... MORE >>

Time to bail out our most vulnerable children

by Marian Wright Edelman

As the current recession has turned into what may be the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, we have all witnessed televised coverage of the CEOs of big banks, investment houses, mortgage companies, and automakers testifying before Congress, pleading for financial bailouts, arguing that the bankruptcy of these corporate behemoths would result in a national economic catastrophe. So Ame... MORE >>

"The Ruthless Dictator"

A novel by Rumont TeKay, c. 2009, Murray Park Publishing By A. David Dahmer Does he tackle a lot of deep societal issues in his new novel? "Not a lot," Kirkpatrick smiles. "The reason being is that I'm planning a sequel and that will really be the moral, where I really give my opinion on why societies are the way they are. Is this going to be a movie ... MORE >>

Memo to Republicans: You lost

by George E. Curry

I don't know who is the most ridiculous: Rush Limbaugh, who said he hopes President Obama fails, or Republican congressional leaders, who are not saying that but are trying to make Limbaugh's wish come true. Both forget that we had an election on Nov. 4 and that their side lost. Handily. Limbaugh, the subject of a book titled "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot," picked his words carefully w... MORE >>

Republican obstructionists defeat bipartisanship

by Ron Walters

President Barack Obama's pledge to bring America together and specifically attempt to work across party lines with Republicans in the governing process was laudable, but I always wondered if it would work. The principal reason I wondered was that the key to Republicans' power has been their remarkable clarity of ideology and the party discipline behind it. This was patently evident when Newt Gingrich took over leadership of the House of Representatives in 1994, after the "Republi... MORE >>

DeDe Mayberry receives CWU's Human Rights Award

by Pamela Gates

Longtime Wisconsin activist Cordelia (DeDe) Mayberry, who has spent a lot of her many busy years in Madison, was honored Jan. 10 by Church Women United Inc. (CWU) at gathering titled "Seeking Shalom." Close to 100 people attended the CWU-sponsored human rights celebration at Memorial United Church of Christ in Fitchburg, where Mayberry was presented with CWU's Human Rights Award. Long... MORE >>

An African American Initiative

Introducing the Madison Home Buyer Mentor Program, by A. David Dahmer

A home remains one of the safest investments you can make — and with lots of homes at affordable prices, now is a great time to buy your first home. "I was at a WHEDA (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority) meeting and we were talking about the disproportionate number of African Americans not owning homes or who are getting turned down for loans," said Rev. David Smith of the South Madison Planning Council. "I just felt like we should have a mentorsh... MORE >>

"Cookies and Cream"

by A. David Dahmer

Johnson Brothers Productions presented "Cookies and Cream." Saturday, Jan. 24, at the East Point Plaza with some of the best poets and spoken-word artists in the Midwest. The event was hosted by Johnny Herndon and featured several exceptional spoken word and poetry artist such as Erick Maiden Jr., Sofia Snow, Love Eternal, Charlie Campbell, Danez Smith, Aleta T, Derek Johnson also know as Phredum, Phoenix Star, Dion Johnson, Angel, Tanisha Jackson and many others.  ... MORE >>

Hold Change Accountable

by A. David Dahmer

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Athena Award finalists

MADISON — Five nominees will be honored and one will be named the 2009 ATHENA Award recipient at the 12th anniversary of the ATHENA Award® Program on March 10 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. This year's nominees are: • Nancy Abraham, co-founder of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and co-founder and former president of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Wisconsin • Justine Alexander, director of Sales, Holiday Inn Ma... MORE >>

Foreign policy high road seen as road less traveled

by Ali Gharib

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — The people of most countries don't necessarily see even their own government's foreign policy as estimably moral, according to a survey released by WorldPublicOpinion.org, a global collaborative project of the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland. Only about a quarter of respondents in 21 countries polled said their country's foreign policy was of above average morality, while just over 20 percent thought their country's morals i... MORE >>

Activists say migrant workers more likely to be abused

by Prime Sarmiento

MANILA, Philippines (IPS/GIN) — The global recession is causing heightened job insecurity for millions of migrant workers, making them more vulnerable to abuse, migrant-rights advocates say. The global economic slowdown has already compelled many companies to lay off workers and stop hiring. The International Labor Organization (ILO) forecasts the loss of some 20 million jobs, and migrant workers are among the most likely to be let go. Ellene Sana, executive director of the Cente... MORE >>

World's biggest army plans to flaunt its gains

by Antoaneta Bezlova

BEIJING (IPS/GIN) — China will showcase its newest weaponry and its military modernization in an army parade this fall to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of modern China. Since last fall, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been offering grants to attract college and vocational school graduates, aiming to raise the army's profile and enhance its skills. China's 2.3 million-strong army is the biggest in the world, as far as numbers go. It is followed by the United Sta... MORE >>

Middlespread January 28

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What's Up January 28

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Inauguration Day: Continuing the dream

by Marian Wright Edelman

''Rosa sat so Martin could march. Martin marched so Barack could run. Barack runs so our children can fly!'' From text messages to T-shirts and everything in-between, versions of this quote have circulated everywhere during last year's historic presidential election. The popular message captured many people's belief that just like Mrs. Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President-elect Barack Obama is part of a historic legacy of trailblazers and leaders, each one taking a gia... MORE >>

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Jan. 20, as delivered

OBAMA: My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oa... MORE >>

In racially inclusive inaugural ceremony: President Obama expresses hope to 'remake' America

by Hazel Trice Edney

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) — Barack Hussein Obama — a Black man — was inaugurated the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, Jan. 20 before a historic crowd of at least 1.5 million people. The first African-American to hold the office, considered the most powerful in the world, his inaugural address and overall ceremony included strong and specific references to the historic and modern-day struggles of ... MORE >>

Fifteen reasons to be happy Bush is gone

by George E. Curry

George W. Bush is gone, not a moment too soon. I am not the only one who feels this way. A recent CNN poll found that 75 percent of Americans - 3 out of every 4 - said they were glad Bush was leaving office. When I started writing this column, I did so with the intention of listing Bush's top 10 failures. I could have easily named 30 reasons Bush should let the door hit him where the Good Lord split him, but in the spirit of David Letterman, I wanted a Top 10 list. I couldn't ... MORE >>

Obama conducts exclusive Black press interview during historic 'whistle stop' train tour

by Hazel Trice Edney

BALTIMORE (NNPA) — Then First Lady-to-be Michelle Obama, standing behind a little boy inside the Baltimore War Memorial, placed her hands on the child's shoulders and guided him toward her husband. "I want you to meet my new friend," she gleefully told then President-elect Barack Obama. Looking down at the approximately 7-year-old, Obama broke into his trademark broad smile. His hands replaced hers on the boy's shoulders. "Yes, I know," he said, looki... MORE >>

Keith Beauchamp shares his inspirations

28th Annual State of Wisconsin Tribute, by Lisa Nunez

(Photos by A. David Dahmer) When Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Keith Beauchamp spoke at the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Jan. 19, he spoke of American heroes. "I come to you in the spirit of Dr. King, of Rosa Parks, of all those who've gone before," he said. "I hope their legacy will foster brotherly love." Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker... MORE >>

"I Have A Dream Ball"

Women in Focus Inc., by A. David Dahmer (Photos by Gaddi Dan)

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City County MLK Observance themed in hope, inspiration, and responsibility

by Pamela Gates

(Photos by A. David Dahmer) At the Overture Center Monday night, Jan. 19, the Capitol Theater was packed with bodies and enthusiasm. The larger-than-ever Community Choir, led by Leotha, Letrice, and Tamera Stanley, stirred the room with several powerful songs, and Joe Thomas sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz presented UMOJA Magazine editor M... MORE >>

25th Annual Youth Recognition Breakfast

Celebrating 170 outstanding young people, by Anita Martin

Nearly 900 gathered early Sunday morning, Jan. 18, to honor 170 youth of color for what they've been doing inside and outside their Dane County classrooms. The 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast took place at Edgewood High School, hosted by the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM) and sponsored by State Farm Insurance. Barclay Pollak, an NBC 15 reporter, emceed for the record-breaking crowd. Dr. Willie David Larkin, chief of staff at UW Colleges and Extension, wa... MORE >>

"Just like in the olden days"

3rd Annual MLK Youth March to the Capitol, by A. David Dahmer

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22nd Annual Free Community Dinner

by Pamela Gates

(Photos by A. David Dahmer)  The King Coalition held its 22nd annual Free Community Dinner Friday, Jan. 16, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Gordon Commons on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Numbers were creditable, given the bitter cold: About 270 people from all walks of life managed to get themselves to this campus location to enjoy a wonderful meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, corn, beans, biscuits, and sweet potato pie. ... MORE >>

Land availability dictates China's growth

by Antoaneta Bezloval

BEIJING (IPS/GIN) — As China rushes to implement its $585 billion economic stimulus package, success is seen to depend on government ability to find free land for hundreds of new infrastructure projects that Beijing hopes will keep recession at bay. But land is a precious commodity in China. When leading mainland economist Mao Yushir suggested recently that Beijing's insistence on keeping at least 296 million acres of arable land was "a hurdle for China's further industriali... MORE >>

U.N. says too many women, kids die

by Daniela Estrada and Emilio Godoy

SANTIAGO, Chile (IPS/GIN) — "Latin America is not in the tragic conditions of the least-developed countries, but … 130 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births is very high," said UNICEF representative Egidio Crotti. Along with Chile's Planning Minister Paula Quintana and Public Health Minister Jeannette Vega, Crotti took part in the local presentation of UNICEF's State of the World's Children 2009 report Jan. 15 in Santiago. The report was launched in South Afric... MORE >>

Clinton outlines vision for State Department

by Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) —In the first comprehensive statement of President-elect Barack Obama's foreign policy priorities, his secretary of State nominee, Sen. Hillary Clinton, said "cooperative engagement" backed by "smart power" will define Washington's approach to the rest of the world. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is likely to recommend her confirmation as early as Jan. 22, Clinton promised that "diplomacy will be the vanguard... MORE >>

Action plan sets creative pace for Wisconsin

Investment in the artistic and creative energy of Wisconsin students throughout their education is the over-arching recommendation of the Wisconsin Task Force on Arts and Creativity in Education final report and action plan unveiled recentely. The 36-member task force, appointed in March 2008 by State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster and Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, was charged with examining state-level policies and local practices to determine their impact on the scope and access to qu... MORE >>

Health Matters January

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Middlespread January 22

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What's Up January 22

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Taking responsibility on the brink of history

MKL City-County Observance Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray, by A. David Dahmer

As the Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray began to research the many writings of Dr. Martin Luther King in preparation for her keynote address at the City-County Observance that will be held Monday, Jan.19, she began to notice that Dr. King used the word 'responsibility' a lot. "We can lay the responsibility all on the hope of the new Obama administration and somehow think that we've arrived and there is nothing more for us to do," McCray said in an interview with The Madison Times.... MORE >>

Annual MLK awards

by A. David Dahmer

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk have announced the recipients of their respective annual awards honoring community members who reflect the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Milele Chikasa Anana, publisher of UMOJA Magazine, is the winner of the 2009 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. Virgil Ward of La Follette has won the award in the "Youth Leader" category. “I am very honored to receive this award,&... MORE >>

Martin Luther King Jr. Events

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King Day is all about our liberation as human beings

Madison's 2008 King Humanitarian Award winner speaks out, by John Quinlna

In recent weeks, the headlines have been filled with statements of growing mistrust, and even feelings of betrayal, by gay community members toward President-elect Barack Obama, especially after he chose gay rights opponent Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural invocation. This choice was especially stinging because the gay community was still reeling from the losses represented by California's Proposition 8 and other ballot initiatives on Election Day, when much of the rest of the world was j... MORE >>

Area youth compare past and present

A continuing dream, by Lisa Nunez

   The fighting spirit of hope embodied in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work was alive in the United State's recent presidential election. We showed the world that we are capable of coming together, inspired by calls to protect our future, to help each other and to make sacrifices. This year's MLK commemoration provides an opportunity to congratulate ourselves on how much closer we've come to Dr. King's vision. But how far do we still have to go? At the Lakeview Publi... MORE >>

Quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Letter from Birmingham Jail

by Martin Luther King Jr.

APRIL 16, 1963 I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the eighth century prophets left their little villages and carried their “Thus saith the Lord” far beyond the boundaries of their hometowns; and just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Greco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown. Like Paul, I must cons... MORE >>

After all these years, King Coalition still going strong

by A. David Dahmer

There's a little more excitement in the air for this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday events. Yes, there's always plenty of excitement at this time of year as thousands come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but 2009 is going to be even more special with the inauguration of the United States' first Black president, Barack Obama. "It's so fitting that the inauguration comes literally on the heels of the Martin Luther King Holiday,... MORE >>

Virgil Ward wins MKL Youth Award

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Obama presidency brings new dawn, new day for America

by U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee

By U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif. NNPA Guest Commentary Jazz legend Nina Simone once sang: "Birds flying high, you know how I feel. Sun up in the sky, you know how I feel. Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel. It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, And I'm feelin' good." Though I have heard that song many times, never have... MORE >>

The inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama

by Ron Walters

Even after a long campaign in which we have analyzed every twist and turn of the road together, what I have just written as the title to this piece has the clear and unmitigated ring of unreality, if one has been Black in America as long as I have. As I write this some days before the inauguration, I am sure I am not alone in my feeling that, as Barack Obama places one hand on the Bible that once belonged to Abraham Lincoln, puts his other hand in the air, swears fidelity to t... MORE >>

The Community Speaks up

about Dr. Martin Luther Kin Jr.

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'We've got to roll up our sleeves,' says Martlin Luther King III

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) —As we approach the Martin Luther King Holiday Jan. 19, Martin Luther King III says that "we've got to roll up our sleeves" during what he describes as "a very special period in the history of our nation and world." Speaking this month at the ceremonial swearing in of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), King said America must remind itself that despite the historic swearing in of the nation's first Black president Jan. 20, his father's &quo... MORE >>

Remembering pioneering arts educator Sally Smith

by Marian Wright Edelman

 It was a catered evening reception at the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., but this event didn't signal an exhibit opening for a famous painter. The guests of honor were 30 outstanding, though generally unheralded, elementary and high school art teachers. They were from across the country and were flown to Washington to receive a personalized award and a print signed b... MORE >>

Paving the way to a positive future:

Getting the FAFSA to work for you, by Anita Martin

Many college-bound students do not fill out a key financial aid form or complete it incorrectly. This can jeopardize their receiving funding and for some may make the difference in whether they attend college at all. The purpose of this article is to help you make sense of the often confusing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. On average, a person with a college degree earns almost twice as much per year as one with a high school diploma. This difference in income c... MORE >>

Mayor presents Metro low-income rider proposal

by Rachel Strauch-Nelson

"For many people in Madison, Metro is vital," Cieslewicz said. "By implementing both the fare increase and a low-income rider proposal, we can improve the Metro system and the service it provides while working to make sure those who need it most have access to it." The mayor's proposal would take $100,000 from Metro's contingency fund to provide 3,600 low-income passes,  assuming the fare increase goes into effect. Those who get food stamps will qualify for the... MORE >>

Analog to digital TV switch impacts less fortunate

by Dorothy Rowley

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — For people who rely on antennas to watch their favorite TV programs, time is running out, particularly in communities of color and for people living on fixed incomes, those least prepared for the country's conversion next month from analog to digital-only broadcasting. The Feb. 17 conversion, touted as the nation's biggest changeover since the introduction of decimal currency, has been criticized as a public sham. A current Black Agenda Report (BAR) claims tha... MORE >>

Russia again on world stage

by Kester Kenn Klomegah

MOSCOW (IPS/GIN) — For 18 years since the end of Soviet political dictatorship, Russia has steadily made its way back onto the global stage. Many see the first 10 of those 18 years, under Boris Yeltsin, as a "lost decade" that made way for rapid progress under former president and now Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, progress expected to continue during President Dmitry Medevdev's administration. But Russia does face new challenges — the recession, Barack Obama&rsqu... MORE >>

Report warns of centuries of poverty for Africa

by David Cronin

BRUSSELS, Belgium (IPS/GIN) — Extreme poverty will continue to blight sub-Saharan Africa for another 200 years unless action to overcome it is intensified, a new report has suggested. Social Watch, a network of campaigning groups, has devised a measure known as the "basic capabilities index" to assess the level of hardship throughout the world. Its latest report finds that 80 countries — home to half the world's population — fare badly when three criteria are exami... MORE >>

Middlespread January 15

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What's Up January 15

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Students give back to the community

by A. David Dahmer

If you read only the local paper, you'd think that Madison teenagers are nothing but trouble. Recent local stories about our area youth have highlighted — in great detail — delinquency, gangs, in-school fighting, and even the depravity and immorality of certain students' MySpace pages. As always, there are amazing, positive stories that balance the bad ones; but for some reason people feel they don't make interesting newspaper reading. One such positive story is about the ... MORE >>

UW-Madison chooses Dawn Crim after national search

Named special assistant to the chancellor for community relations, by A. David Dahmer

After a national search process, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin recently selected Dawn Crim to lead community-relations initiatives for the UW-Madison. Crim has long been active both in the Madison community and with the UW as well. On Jan. 1, Crim formally took over the role of special assistant to Chancellor Martin for community relations, after serving as acting director since March 2007. Crim first came to UW-Madison as an assistant bask... MORE >>

Gov. Doyle announces new initiative to further improve criminal justice

 MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle has  announced that he is directing his administration to join leaders from the state’s legislative and judicial branches to develop and implement new strategies to improve Wisconsin’s criminal justice system, reduce recidivism and improve public safety. “Ever since I became governor, my administration has implemented smart, cost-effective programs through the bipartisan support of the Legislature to address many challenges ou... MORE >>

Climate change, possibly, sending penguins north

by Adrianne Appel

BOSTON (IPS/GIN ) — Warm ocean currents may have confused about 2,500 penguins from Argentina's Patagonia region. Dead and alive, they washed up on Brazil's northern coast, animal welfare experts say. About half the penguins found on Brazilian beaches in October were dead, and the others were starving and in very bad shape, said Valeria Ruoppolo, an emergency veterinarian with the International Federation for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, who coordinated the rescue of many... MORE >>

Police say 'Jena Six' teen Mychal Bell shot himself

by James Wright

(NNPA) — Mychal Bell, a teen convicted in the "Jena Six" beating case, shot himself in the chest with a .22 caliber firearm and was taken to a hospital in Monroe, La., on Dec. 29, according to police. Monroe Police Sgt. Cassandra Wooten told the Associated Press (AP) that the wound was not life-threatening. The shooting took place days after Bell's arrest Dec. 24 for shoplifting, resisting arrest, and simple assault. Wooten said she believed Bell was "upset over the [shop... MORE >>

Media banned from Gaza as crisis grows

by Mel Frykberg

RAMALLAH, West Bank (IPS/GIN)— On New Year's Eve, Israel was again preventing journalists from entering Gaza to report firsthand on the escalating crisis there as its military operation entered its fifth day. In November, Israel had imposed an unprecedented news blackout and banned foreign journalists from the Gaza Strip for an entire month, following an Israeli cross-border military incursion into the coastal territory which broke the fragile cease-fire between Hamas and Israel and set... MORE >>

Seat Roland Burris

by Ron Walters

[Originally denied his U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that while the Senate Rules Committee might take up the matter soon, the Senate as a whole would ultimately have to vote on whether to seat Burris. The process could take a month. This Ron Walters editorial was written on Monday.] —Ed. Ethics are important in government. If Roland Burris had received his appointment to the U.S. Senate as a result of a discovered deal with ... MORE >>

All parents can use support

by Marian Wright Edelman

Parenting offers the most wonderful and daunting challenges in the world. Parents are their children's most important teachers and mentors, and they bear primary responsibility for nurturing their sons and daughters and keeping them safe. Yet parenting is one of the most undervalued and least-prepared-for roles in America. Virtually everyone who has children wants to be a good parent; but some do not kn... MORE >>

Quotes from 2008

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What MKL Service Day really means: Talking to the kids

by A. David Dahmer

They come from different backgrounds — Toki, Wright, Sennett, Cherokee, Jefferson, and Madison West — and are different ages. Some are tiny sixth graders; others are rapidly maturing ninth graders. But their goal is the same. "I like making a difference in my community," said Corean Donalson of Madison West. "It's something that's important to me." The Madison Times sat down with some of the incredible young students who have taken time out... MORE >>

Let's rid ourselves "potential"

by James Clingman

In one of my recent conversations, the topic of the "potential among Black folks" came up. Surely you have heard that topic discussed before, and many of you have probably even engaged in philosophical, statistical, and rhetorical conversations about our "potential." I don't know about you, but I am tired of Black folks having all the "potential" in the world. I am tired of all the talk about how great our "potential" is to change, to become, an... MORE >>

JTW Productions' New Year's Eve Bash a big success

by A. David Dahmer

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Middlespread January 8

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What's Up January 8

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New Year's Eve Bash 2008

JTW Productions present, by A. David Dahmer

Organizers are hoping to achieve numerous goals by teaming up three of the biggest forces in local business for a New Year's Party — the first and foremost of these goals is to provide much needed relief for needy organizations. "These are tough economical times, and there really is a need for scholarships and to help feed people at the Salvation Army," said Dwayne "DJ Chill" Williams, president and CEO of WES Productions. "They only have a certain amount... MORE >>

Gratitude at Christmastime...

by Rev. Alex Gee

Webster says that to be grateful is to have a sense of benefits received. It means to be thankful. It is derived from an old English word that means thought. Lately, I have been giving a lot of thought to this topic, and I have realized the following things about gratitude: • It is hard to remain angry while being grateful, truly grateful. • It is hard to be selfish while being grateful, truly grateful. • It is hard to keep score on the times you've... MORE >>

Tammy Baldwin to help lead inaugural activities

Presidential Inaugural Committee announces Honorary Co-Chairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the honorary co-chairs for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. In keeping with the president-elect's commitment to an inclusive and bipartisan Inauguration, the list of honorary co-chairs includes members of the president-elect and vice president-elect's immediate families as well as prominent Americans from both sides of the aisle who have dedicated thei... MORE >>

Black middle class in crisis

by Zenitha Prince

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — The current economic crisis has waged a particularly severe attack on the Black middle class in the United States, experts say. For African Americans, "2008 was not a good year," said Algernon Austin, director of Program on Race, Ethnicity and the Economy at the Economic Policy Institute, "and unfortunately, it looks like things will get worse." The adage that when America sneezes, Black America catches a cold has held true, making i... MORE >>

AAA predicts a decrease in travel this holiday season

MADISON — The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects a slight decline in the number of Americans traveling during the Christmas holiday period. Nearly 63.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Christmas holiday season, a decrease of 1.4 million travelers (2.1 percent) from last year's total of 65.3 million. This is the first decline in Christmas holiday travelers since 2002. AAA projected year-to-year decreases in the number of travelers fo... MORE >>

Iraq still perilous for journalists despite fewer deaths

by Ali Gharib

WASHINGTON -- The improved security in Iraq has had benefits for everyone there. That has included fewer Iraqi civilian deaths, U.S. casualties, and, a new report said, journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) release said that 41 journalists worldwide were killed this year. And while Iraq has improved, it is still the deadliest nation in the world for journalists, as it has been for nearly six years. "The 11 deaths recorded in Iraq in 2008, while a sharp dro... MORE >>

Bush announces $17 billion rescue for auto industry

by NNPA

(NNPA) President George Bush has offered $17.4 billion in emergency loans in exchange for concessions from the deeply troubled carmakers and their workers. At the same time, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Congress should authorize the use of the second $350 billion from the financial rescue fund that it approved in October to rescue huge financial institutions. Tapping the fund for the auto industry basically exhausts the first half of the $700 billion total, he said. Pre... MORE >>

New anti-terror laws Draconian, Indian activists say

by Praful Bidwai

NEW DELHI — Following the late November terror attacks in Mumbai, India has passed two tough laws that human rights activists see as potentially eroding the country's federal structure and limiting fundamental liberties. Parliament — meeting under the shadow of the November 26-29 attacks on India's commercial hub that resulted in close to 200 deaths — approved the legislations on Dec. 18 with no considered debate and the ruling United Progressive Alliance of Prime Min... MORE >>

A Christmas prayer: To end poverty in our time

by Marian Wright Edelman

As 2.1 billion Christians in our world prepare to celebrate the birth of the most famous poor baby in history, I hope they and all peoples will commit to helping all the poor babies in our rich nation and world find a place in our hearts and at our tables of plenty. At a time when the gap between rich and poor in our nation and the world is at its widest ever, an economic downturn driven by the greed of a few has jeopardized the lives and economic security of all of us. I hope we will... MORE >>

Consumers are being consumed

by James Clingman

In light of the fact that the broad components of this country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are consumption, investment, net exports, government purchases, and inventories — and that consumption is by far the largest component, totaling roughly two-thirds of GDP — why haven't consumers been bailed out yet? Instead of the most vital segment of the GDP receiving relief, we see the high and mighty getting billions of dollars. What's up with that? Private consumers, who provi... MORE >>

I am not dreaming of a White Christmas

by George E. Curry

There is a picture of me at the age of seven or eight decked out in my cowboy suit — replete with hat, gun, scarf and cowboy boots. My gun is drawn and pointed in the direction of my sister Charlotte, four years younger. Charlotte is appropriately attired in a cowgirl suit as we stand smiling in front of a well-decorated Christmas tree. Clutched in Charlotte’s left arm is a doll, a White doll. I... MORE >>

Who will get the 2,500 million new jobs?

by Ron Walters

President Election Barack Obama has been formulating plans for the stimulus package that will be enacted shortly after he takes office. It is reputed to be in the area of $800 billion to $1.2 trillion and he originally proposed to create 2.5 million jobs. More recently, however, he has adjusted his goal to 3-3.5 million jobs because of analyses that show the probability that the economy will lose 3.5 million jobs in all of 2009. Yet this goal should be juxtaposed again... MORE >>

National Public Radio: How can you get rid of 'News & Notes'?

by Bill Fletcher Jr.

I opened the Washington Post the other day and saw an article detailing that National Public Radio (NPR), hit by the global economic crisis, was preparing to lay off in March 2009 more than 60 staff and eliminating two major programs, one being ''News & Notes.'' ''News & Notes'', a program particularly targeted at people of color, is hosted by Ms. Farai Chideya. In the interests of fu... MORE >>

Black state legislators looking for economic bailout in their neighborhood

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — They clearly won't have it by Christmas, but the nation's Black state legislators are now looking for what they perceive as their fair share of an economic bailout of "the neighborhood," while Congress is doling the bailouts to corporations. "While we support the bailout of Wall Street, the bailout of the financial institutions and the automobile industry, we feel very strongly that Main Street and our streets need to be bailed out as well,"... MORE >>

Winter Activities Update

by Laura Whitmore

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New Year's Bash

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Middlespread December 24th

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What's Up December 24

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The Capitol Tree

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Interfaith holidays unwrapped

by Audrey Buchanan

Since the 1960s, religious and racial lines have been blurring. Observers say that with the election of mixed-race President-elect Barack Obama, public discussion of people and families of blended cultures, races, and faiths will increase. Here, a Madison clergywoman and a Madison mom offer their perspectives on how holidays are celebrated in blended-faith or interfaith families. Through a mom's eyes Just as in Decembers past, this month the Shahranis — mother Joan, fathe... MORE >>

North Korea still defies nuclear inspections

by Antoaneta Bezlova

BEIJING (IPS/GIN) — China has failed to coax North Korea to sign an agreement to verify its secretive nuclear activities. Multilateral talks to get its old ally to give up its nuclear program in return for more aid and better diplomatic standing have failed. Diplomats said the imminent departure of the Bush administration and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's poor health were probably among factors that precluded progress in the Dec. 8-11 round of six-party talks that also involved Russ... MORE >>

U.N. chief says going green can solve problems

by Ramesh Jaura

POZNAN, Poland (IPS/GIN) —U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a new green deal that would work for all nations, rich and poor, in the face of both climate change and the global economic crisis. Addressing the high-level segment of the gathering of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that kicked off Dec. 11, Ban pleaded for "global solidarity on climate change. He said the current crises of climate change and in the global economy present... MORE >>

Author attempts to inform U.S. about Iran

by Ali Gharib

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — While in New York this fall for the U.N. General Assembly, conservative Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad admitted to National Public Radio that he watches Western television. Most Western media is banned or censored in Iran, but many Iranians watch U.S. television and movies and international news on illegal satellite dishes and are familiar with U.S. culture, at least through what they're watching. But most Americans have little understanding of Iran's cultu... MORE >>

Bond retracts resignation as NAACP chair

BALTIMORE (NNPA) — Julian Bond, longtime chair of the nation's oldest civil rights group, last week retracted his decision to bow out of the 2009 bid for chairmanship of the National Board of the NAACP. In a Dec. 8 letter to NAACP Board members and trustees, Bond said an outpouring of support persuaded him to change his mind. He also agreed that the continuity his presence provides would only enhance the organization's centennial celebrations. "I will be a candidate for Chai... MORE >>

U.S, automakers held to double standard

by George E. Curry

Nothing has been more interesting in recent months than the contrast between Congress' treatment of the Big Three U.S. auto manufacturers seeking a bridge loan to keep their troubled industry afloat —and the overly generous handouts that have rewarded Wall Street greed. Considering the different constituents, one would have thought that the greatest hostility would have been directed at the fat cats o... MORE >>

The radical right rides again

by Ron Walters

Think about it. A group of Southern right-wing Republican senators have stopped the U.S. Senate from approving a package of financial assistance to the Big Three auto companies, which directly employ over 150,000 workers and affect 3 million, including suppliers, dealers, etc. This kind of cold-blooded action on their part strikes me as just the kind of narrowly conservative, mean-spirited, and reckless decision making that the nation voted against when it elected Barack Obama. The iss... MORE >>

Tips to prevent home burglaries

Away for the Holidays?, by Response Insurance

Just about everyone looks forward to this time of year, including burglars. With many people away visiting friends or just out of the house shopping, there are many good prospects for break-ins. Experts agree that it is a vulnerable time for homeowners. "People are busy and distracted," says Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. "As they race out the door, they are not thinking about what they leave behind." Palermo offere... MORE >>

Hanukkah, eight-day Jewish festival, begins Dec. 21

by Steven M. Morrison

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival, will begin at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 21, corresponding to the Jewish date of 24 Kislev 5768. The holiday concludes at sunset on Monday, Dec. 29 (2 Tevet 5769).  The Jewish year follows a lunar-solar cycle.  Hanukkah, therefore, can occur anytime from late November to early January.  Because it usually occurs in December, it is sometimes called the "Jewish Christmas." But the two holidays have nothing in common, other than the t... MORE >>

Interfaith Awareness Week celebrates a decade of tolerance

by A. David Dahmer

Orthodox Christians, Mennonites, Unitarian Universalists, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and more came together to celebrate "A Decade of a Week of Awareness: Interfaith Awareness Week" Dec. 7-13 at the state Capitol. Various displays in the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda, titled "World Religions in Wisconsin," showcased the diversity of faith traditions in the area.  The Rev. John Brian Paprock, who serves as the organizer of Interfaith Awareness Week and is a priest at H... MORE >>

Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration returns to Olbrich Gardens

by A. David Dahmer

Edith Lawrence-Hilliard says she has been involved with Kwanzaa "forever." "1966 was when it started, and it was something that was exciting and something that was new," Lawrence-Hilliard recalls. "And the principles just represent so much, not just for the Black community, but I think for all communities, because those principles stand for a great deal." Lawrence-Hilliard will once again organize and emcee Madison's third citywide celebration of Kw... MORE >>

Diwali, the festival of lights

by from www.hinduism.about.com

Deepawali, or Diwali, is certainly the biggest of all Hindu festivals. It’s the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row; i.e., a row of lights) that is marked by four days of celebration that literally illuminate the country. Each of the four days in the festival is separated by a different tradition, but what remains constant is the celebration of life and its goodness. Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was likely an important harvest festival. Howev... MORE >>

Latin American Christmas dinner set

Latin Americans will be enjoying the Christmas holiday as one on Saturday during the first Latin-American Christmas dinner hosted by the Americas Group, a new coalition of organizations representing people from countries of Central and South America. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at St. Peter Parish, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., and is open to everyone. The evening will start out with Mass, followed by meals, pastries, beverages and music in the Christmas traditio... MORE >>

Important Islamic holiday dates

December 6 - December 9 Hajj (Annual Pilgrimage to Mecca) The Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Mecca, consists of several ceremonies meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, such as submission, brotherhood, and unity, and to commemorate the trials of the Prophet Abraham and his family. Required once in a Muslim’s lifetime, over two million Muslims perform the pilgrimage annually. December 8 Eid-ul-Adha (Festival o... MORE >>

No need to march, says Obama advisor: "There's room for everyone at the table"

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) —Valerie Jarrett, who will likely become a household name very shortly as she serves as a senior advisor and public liaison for President Barack Obama, says the landscape of activism may drastically change under the Obama administration, because those who have traditionally fought to be heard will likely have seats at the table. "You do not need to have demonstrations in front of the White House to convince this president that there is a disparate i... MORE >>

National Urban League proposes economic recovery plan for urban communinities

by Marc Morial

Last week, the National Urban League submitted its ''Economic Recovery Plan for Job Creation in Urban Communities'' to President-elect Barack Obama and to Congress. Our plan is designed to help stabilize our reeling economy and stem the steady erosion of jobs, including another 533,000 lost in November. Nearly 2 million jobs have been lost so far this year. The overall unemployment rate has now reached 6.7 percent, and African American unemployment has risen to 11.2 percent. S... MORE >>

New workers for Allied Redevelopment take part in ceremony

by from WHEDA

(Pictures by Gaddi Dan) MADISON — During the latest ground breaking ceremony for the Allied Drive redevelopment Dec. 17, leaders of the project proudly introduced 18 newly employed workers, who helped to commemorate the event. The workers were hired from over 100 applicants at the Allied Job Fair earlier this month, which was hosted by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and McGann Construction. ... MORE >>

Creation of advisory council on Early Childhood Education and Care

MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle today announced the creation of the Governor’s State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care.  The Council will strive to ensure that all families have access to quality early childhood programs and services. “I want this state to be a place where our kids can grow up knowing that their highest ambitions are never out of reach,” Governor Doyle said.  “As I’ve said many times, the single most importan... MORE >>

Homeless and impoverished constantly face painful stigmas

by Steven Malik Shelton

Special to the NNPA from the MIchigan Chronicle and Front Page DETROIT (NNPA) — The homeless are usually portrayed as strange people whose addictions, idiosyncrasies, and mental health issues are the cornerstone of their adverse condition. But detailed research paints a different picture. National surveys conducted by Toro Warren in 1999 show that 6 to 8 percent of Americans have been homeless and that 9 to 15 percent of children ages 12 to 17 have experienced homelessn... MORE >>

It's time for us to end public corruption

by Harry Alford

I guess we should call the antics of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (bla-go-yea-vich) the last straw for political corruption. Here is a guy already under FBI investigation deciding to go out and sell the precious Senate seat vacated by the next President of the United States. The prize was too precious to assign it to someone based on their merit. He felt he could make some quick cash despite the fact that he... MORE >>

Health Matters December

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Middlespread December 18

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What's Up December 18

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Jackie Millar, Alex Gillis rewarded for outstanding community contributions

Wisconsin Community Fund's 2008 Community Changemaker Awards, by A. David Dahmer

"I am a miracle," said Community Changemaker 2008 awardee Jackie Millar. “I was brought back to living to tell people they have choices in life. And my goal is to tell as many people I can about choices, about forgiveness, and about love." On Nov. 4, 1995, Millar drove from Madison to Reedsburg to spend a weekend with a friend. She was alone in her friend's house when two boys, Craig and Josh, walked in, looking for keys to the red Honda parked in the open garage. ... MORE >>

Innovative initiative aims to put people on equal footing

First Timebank Store in Dane County opens on Allied Drive, by A. David Dahmer

Allied Drive is the first neighborhood in Dane County to get a taste of what many communities across the United States have already experienced — a vehicle that helps locals participate as equals in the economy. The new Dane County Timebank allows people to give something back and be valued for things they do — and not just be defined by their needs. The Time Dollar Store, the first ever in Dane County, opened its doors the day after Thanksgiving. "It's a good way for... MORE >>

Call for pictures of cooks of the past made as "Tribute to Village Cooks" is announced

Addrena “Super Gram” Squires has been a vigilant advocate for youth, for education, and for the community. She is well known by adults and youth alike, and has had an influence on many. As a lifelong Madisonian, Squires is also a historian of the community and understands how the sharing of a meal and stories will strengthen “Comm-Unity.” There have been many cooks of the past  who have  passed on stories and recipes while they have taught others, and there a... MORE >>

Library systems to share $16.8 million in state aid

Library systems to share $16.8 million in state aid MADISON — Wisconsin’s 17 public library systems will share $16.8 million in state aid in 2009 to economize on shared resources and cooperative library services. The aid payments support regional cooperation and sharing of library resources so that libraries can provide higher levels of service to all state residents while reducing duplication. Library system funding is the state’s primary program of support for publi... MORE >>

Mideast experts urge Obama to quickly engage Iran, Syria

by Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — The incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama should move quickly to engage Iran without preconditions and to promote an Israeli-Syrian peace accord, said two veteran Middle East experts whose views are likely to have influence over Obama's foreign policy team. Obama should also "make a serious effort from the outset to promote progress between Israel and the Palestinians," propose its own solutions soon, and enlist the Arab League's active... MORE >>

EU bank accused of financing destruction

by David Cronin

BRUSSELS, Belgium (IPS/GIN) — The European Union (EU) is financing ecologically and socially destructive projects in Africa, officials reported at a conference in Brussels on Dec. 2. Officially, the Luxembourg-based European Investment Bank (EIB) is committed to using the $67 billion it releases each year to pursue policies that protect the environment and alleviate hardship. But evidence gathered from projects this EU body has financed in Africa indicates that its loans are having the ... MORE >>

U.S. court clears Chevron in Nigerian suit

 (GIN) — A U.S. court has cleared oil giant Chevron of complicity in a deadly hostage incident in Nigeria, ending a 10-year struggle by Nigerian survivors of the event. Chevron was sued by Larry Bowoto and other members of “Concerned Ilaje Citizens,” who testified that soldiers and police shot unarmed residents of the Ilaje community when they staged a nonviolent sit-in on Chevron's offshore platform. They claimed that Chevron was liable for damages because it paid, fed... MORE >>

Are we preparing our children to lead in science?

by Marian Wright Edelman

On Oct. 4, 1957, history changed when the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I, the world's first man-made satellite. Americans, alarmed that we had been outpaced technologically, saw the Soviet feat as a threat to our national security. To catch up with the Russians, our nation swung into action, infusing new funding and resources into scientific research on a priority basis. New labs sprang up all ove... MORE >>

Slavery was music to the Beatles' hometown

by George E. Curry

LIVERPOOL, England — The Beatles are credited with putting this city on the map. But long before Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison conquered the music world in the mid-1960s, the city of their birth was prominent on another map —it was one of the largest slave-trading centers in the world. "The estimate is that on Liverpool ships alone, there were more than 1.5 million enslaved Africans; [and] that's a low estimate," said Richar... MORE >>

MSCR Hawthorne Community Learning Center hosts family night

The MSCR Hawthorne Community Learning Center held a unique family night called the "Love of Library" on Dec. 2 at Hawthorne Public Library.  The goal of the event was to promote literacy and connect families to the library.  Andreal Davis, a story teller, told a story about Ghanaian Kente Cloth called The Black Snowman. The event also had a parent resources table, ESL resource table and a kids' craft area.   About 34 families attended the event.... MORE >>

Marimba Quartet to play annual Our Gift to You Concert

From the Madison Marimba Quartet The Madison Marimba Quartet will play the 13th annual holiday concert, “Our Gift to You, 2008,” Saturday, Dec. 27, at 1 p.m. in Mills Concert Hall, Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St. (corner of Park and University) on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Each year, the Madison Marimba Quartet performs a free concert, billed as "Our Gift To You," between the holidays of Christmas and New Year's Day to give something... MORE >>

Save auto worker jobs

by Marc H. Morial

A loud and incessant car alarm is going off in the American economy warning of the potential loss of more than 2 million jobs, and Congress and the president are the only ones who can shut it off. We suggest they do so by extending to the troubled auto companies a $25 billion bridge loan that requires a detailed plan of “innovation, accountability and viability,” as called for by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The automakers did not help themselves a few weeks ago whe... MORE >>

News flash! "We are in a recession!"

by James Clingman

Thanks, Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke, for letting us know. If it weren't for you, we probably never would have found out about this. We never even saw it coming. It sure is good to have the two of you in Washington watching our backs. With your combined Wall Street experience, your financial acumen, your Ph.D.s from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and your knowledge of economics, you have guided us along this treacherous economic path, protecting us and calling out the ... MORE >>

The time for revolution

by Ron Walters

It struck me, as I was analyzing the current victory of Barack Obama, that the last time there was such a formidable Democratic landslide was in 1964, when Lyndon Johnson used his mandate to create the Great Society. The racial progress of Blacks was at the center of the '64 election, but Americans' fears and anxieties for their own economic viability drove the 2008 election. Given the difference, the great question that Blacks must face now is whether they yield their own needs for c... MORE >>

Each job loss represents a 'personal crisis,' Obama reminds us

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — As Christmas nears and families watch their purses to be sure they are spending wisely, President-elect Barack Obama has called on Americans to view the economic crisis from a human standpoint, rather than as just another political issue. ''The 533,000 jobs lost last month, the worst job loss in 34 years, is more than a dramatic reflection of the growing economic crisis we face. Each of those lost jobs represents a personal crisis for a family somewhere in Am... MORE >>

City implements comprehensive new winter weather strategies

by the City of Madison

MADISON — With the first major winter storm of the season Dec. 9, the city of Madison began implementing a comprehensive package of new efforts to improve awareness of snow emergencies and winter parking regulations, increase compliance with these regulations, and ultimately allow the city to efficiently clear the streets. Alert Madison Alert Madison, the city's new text-messaging system, is in effect. It has over 900 subscribers and is growing every day.... MORE >>

Middlespread December 11

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What's Up December 11

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Caires honored for their efforts to further justice in education

by Lisa Nunez

"By any means necessary," Kaleem Caire said, quoting Malcolm X to summarize his own approach to education when he spoke recently as part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Distinguished Lecture Series. Caire and his wife, Lisa Peyton-Caire, have devoted 15 years to creating opportunity in education through school choice. The couple is among the first recipients of the UW-Madison Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA)’s Forward Under 40 Award, which honors graduates un... MORE >>

Ebony Fashion Fair

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Purple and Gold Jazz Affair Achievement Week Banquet

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, by A. David Dahmer

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity hosted the Purple and Gold Jazz Affair Achievement Week Banquet Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Sheraton Hotel on Madison's west side. "The day went well and we have a lot of people here," said Shannon Blackamore, the treasurer of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc..,Gamma Gamma Gamma Chapter. "People came from all over Madison and all across the state of Wisconsin." The affair highlighted the many accomplishments of Omega Psi Phi from ove... MORE >>

World AIDS Day and President-elect Barack Obama

by Phill Wilson

Dec. 1 was World AIDS Day, and I'm thinking about President-elect Barack Obama. As a 52-year-old Black gay man with HIV, I have many reasons to welcome the inauguration of Barack Obama. A big one is that an Obama administration has enormous potential to reinvigorate a struggle that has been allowed to flag over the last eight years: our national fight against HIV/AIDS. With our country facin... MORE >>

Library seeks community input on new South Madison Branch

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On World AIDS Day

by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold

Today I join individuals and organizations from around the world in recognizing the continued scourge of HIV/AIDS and in committing to keep working for its eradication. I have seen firsthand in my travels across Africa the devastating effect that HIV/AIDS has on entire communities and people of all ages.  Since the first World AIDS Day 20 years ago, we have come a long way in bringing high-level attention to this pandemic, developing effective prevention and treatment strategies,... MORE >>

Moving forward with fresh, new initiatives

African Association of Madison, by Mathew K. Jallow

As the African Association of Madison celebrates its 17th anniversary this year, the challenges the organization faces are not lost on its membership. Undoubtedly, though, the ever-growing African population in the city and county also present the association with opportunities that can be harnessed to benefit the association's membership and the wider community. Up until now, the association has cautiously taken baby steps to move its agenda forward, but some argue that the time has ... MORE >>

Dr. Julius Richmond, creator of Head Start

by Marian Wright Edelman

In July, Dr. Julius B. Richmond passed away at age 91 at his home outside Boston. Dr. Richmond served as U.S. Surgeon General under President Jimmy Carter. He was a pediatrician, a professor of medicine, a child-development specialist, and a co-creator and the first director of Head Start. He understood early on how crucial a quality, comprehensive child-development program could be for the physical, emotional,... MORE >>

Two Black U.S. senators? Possibly

by Ron Walters

 Before Barack Obama's victory, the possibility of having two Black U. S. senators would have been more unlikely than having a Black U.S. president. But right now there is at least the possibility, given the expected ascendancy of both Sen. Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton to the ranks of president and secretary of State, respectively. In Illinois, the decision lies with Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The senior senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin, has said that race shoul... MORE >>

Civil rights movement inspires Blacks abroad

by George E. Curry

LONDON — A trip from Gatwick Airport to London's central city is visible confirmation that national entities are no longer restricted to imaginary geographical boundaries. Among the United States-based businesses I passed on this route were TGI Friday, Pizza Hut, Texaco, Coca-Cola, Nike, a Chevrolet dealership, KFC, a Hilton hotel, a Hyatt hotel, Starbucks, McDonald's, Subway, Burger King, and Blockb... MORE >>

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — With the election of former Democratic Sen. Barack Obama as president of the United States with overwhelming support from communities of color — 95 percent among Black voters and over 65 percent among Latinos — many Black Republicans, as they contemplate their future, are also reflecting on their place in a party that critics say has always marginalized them. Leading the way is former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who has decided to run... MORE >>

Jesse Jackson: Blacks not exempt from international terrorism

by Hazel Trice Edney

LONDON (NNPA) — In the wake of last week’s terrorist killings of nearly 300 people at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, India’s largest city, Black leaders are pressing for more information and cautioning African-Americans to be clear that they are not exempt as targets at home or abroad. “Terrorism must not be seen in Black-White terms. There is no safe haven for Blacks when terror strikes,” says the Rev. Jesse Jackson during an NNPA interview as he ... MORE >>

New director hopes to see the growth of CASA

by A. David Dahmer

Every year, hundreds of abused and neglected children come into Dane County Protective Services in need of safe, nurturing, permanent homes. That's where Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) comes in, providing a voice for these children in court and advocating for the child's best interest. CASA Executive Director Jenee Jeanblanc "We recruit, train, and support volunteers to becom... MORE >>

WHEDA and City of Madison team up for Job Fair

by WHEDA

MADISON — With construction plans for the first Allied Drive redevelopment project set to get underway, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) hosted a job fair in partnership with McGann Construction to help bring in workers for the project being developed by the City of Madison’s Community Development Authority (CDA) on Dec. 3 at the Allied Drive Boys & Girls Club. ... MORE >>

Realists to reign in Obama administration

by Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — Less than two months before taking office, President-elect Barack Obama is making clear that realists — some more identified with Republicans and the military than with Democrats — are likely to rule the incoming administration's foreign policy roost, at least at the outset. While Obama was expected to formally unveil his Cabinet-level national security picks Dec. 1, recent leaks to the media have made it virtually certain that Pentagon hief Robert Gat... MORE >>

Mumbai attack shows security forces' faults

by Indranil Banerjie

NEW DELHI (IPS/GIN) — Over 24 hours after a group of armed men mounted a series of deadly coordinated attacks on Mumbai, it has become painfully apparent that India is woefully unprepared for terrorist attacks of this type. As exchanges of gunfire between Indian security forces and the terrorists, who had seized control of two of the city's finest luxury hotels and a building owned by a Jewish family, continued through Nov. 27, Indian security experts were unanimous in criticizing the f... MORE >>

Conga President Kaila's link to 'brutal repression'

by Special to the NNPA from GIN

(GIN) — The executions of some 500 in northwest and southern Democratic Republic of Congo were linked by a leading human-rights group to the government of Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila. ''At least 500'' suspected political opponents have been killed in the last two years, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a just-published report. ''About 1,000 more'' have been detained since the July 2006 elections and possibly tortured, HRW said. Kabila himself set the ton... MORE >>

Middlespread December 4

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What's Up December 4

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"Time to Talk" features call to action

Taking steps to reduce disparities

More than 50 individuals gathered Nov. 20 to talk about racial disparities in the criminal justice system and ways to address these inequalities. "It's Time to Talk," sponsored by YWCA Madison, took place at the Catholic Multicultural Center. Attendees included mental health advocates, folks from Family Connections of Wisconsin and Common Wealth Development, police department personnel, and other community members.  Colleen Butler, director of community outreach... MORE >>

Induction Ceremony for Top Teens

On Sunday, Nov. 16, Top Teens inducted five new members into their organization. The new members, Trinity Bobo, Angelica Pach, Alyson Norton, Sakaia Norton, and Brianne Oden, all attend school in either Cottage Grove or Sun Prairie.  Top Teens ages 13 to 18 focus their attention on developing leadership skills, high academic achievement, and participating in cultural activities. They also volunteer with various community agencies. Their latest volunteer project was helping at the... MORE >>

UW-Madison students sound off positively on diversity plans in "powerful thought circle"

by Audrey Buchanan

A forum of ethnically diverse students recently debated whether or not a decade-old university plan to retain and recruit minority students was successful. "I'm not to sure if Plan 2008 failed or succeeded," said University of Wisconsin-Madison senior Johanne Verpil. "But I am sure that more students need to take responsibility with getting involved in other groups, rather than depending on the university plan to fix everything." Plan 2008, a seven-goal plan ... MORE >>

Domestic Violence Through Survivors' Eyes

by Anita Martin

At times, all survivors of domestic violence have felt alone, their voices quiet. But when these voices combine, they are strong and competent, with the power to make a difference in the lives of those who follow. This concept resonated at a recent public discourse on domestic violence hosted by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV). People from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom have been victims of violence and/or serve as advocates, gathered Nov. 12 at Monon... MORE >>

25 years of Wisconsin's Presidential Teaching Award finalists honored at anniversary recognition ceremony

by Wisconsin DPI

MADISON — This year's finalists for Presidential Teaching Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, along with finalists for the past 25 years, were recognized at a ceremony Nov. 20 at the State Capitol in Madison. "It is indeed my honor to recognize each of you and say thank you on behalf of all of the students you teach," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster in her address. "Your dedication and love for the profession is exemplary. Equal... MORE >>

U.S. intelligence analysts see multipolar, risky world by 2025

by Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — While the United States will still be the world's single most powerful country in 2025, it will be less dominant and more constrained in its freedom of action, even in the military sphere, than it is now, says a major new report released here Nov. 20 by the National Intelligence Council. Instead, "a global multipolar system" will likely have emerged, marked especially by the rise of the so-called BRIC countries — Brazil, Russia, India, and C... MORE >>

Ending abuse of women

by Joyce Mulama

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (IPS/GIN) — A continental meeting here Nov. 19-21 to review progress toward gender equality in Africa focused particularly on the need to end violence against women. Participants in the sixth African Development Forum in Ethiopia's capital took their leaders to task over failure to implement international declarations made to end violence against women. "There is much talk and signing of these things, and less action," said Botha Mbuyiselo of Sonk... MORE >>

A time for Thanksgiving

by Marian Wright Edelman

The past year has been a tumultuous and uncertain one for many Americans. Each day's headlines brought worrisome news: the collapse of Wall Street; massive home and job losses; and a spreading global economic crisis. We all felt enormous fear and insecurity for our family's and children's futures. Yet a bright rainbow of hope broke through the clouds of despair with the election of Sen. Barack Obama as ... MORE >>

Giving the gift of change

by Bruce Moffatt

This holiday season, we need to make our charitable giving count more than ever. Like many people, I want my charitable gifts to make a positive impact in a world full of need.  Like others, I've struggled to figure out how best to choose among the many groups doing good work. In Madison alone, there are well over a thousand nonprofits, many doing exemplary work. Then there are the groups working statewide... MORE >>

Share Your Holidays Food/Fund Drive to benefit ECHO

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HospiceCare helps patients, families enjoy the holidays at home

by Monica Cicci

The holiday season can be exhausting for people caring for a loved one with a life-limiting condition. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it takes a physical and emotional toll. Extra holiday obligations and activities may require caregivers to stretch their time and energy even further. Realizing the coming holidays may be the last with their loved one can intensify a caregiver's emotions and ratchet up their stress. As others make merry, no one wants to think about dying — or ho... MORE >>

A more direct connection betwen you and those who create your purchases

Holiday trade fairs coming up Saturday, Dec. 6

The Madison Hours Holiday Trade Fair will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Use local money to purchase holiday gifts - and beer from Ale Asylum! There will be food, jewelry, clothing, cards, crafts, local music, and great company. For more information, visit www.madisonhours.org. Another... MORE >>

Middlespread November 26

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What;'s Up November 26

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Al Qaeda Leader's Anti-Obama Racial Slur Denounced by Black Conservatives

Members of the Project 21 black leadership network are denouncing the racial slur made against President-elect Barack Obama by al Qaeda deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri, and hope al-Zawahiri's crude action is a sobering reminder for the President-elect and his supporters about the harsh attitudes of our nation's enemies.   "While no fan of Barack Obama, I am a proud American.  I find this terrorist's remarks directed at our nation's incoming ... MORE >>

Black Backing of Barack Should Not Be Unconditional

by Deneen Borelli

Barack Obama's election is a capstone on black Americans' struggle for equality.   While isolated racial intolerance can be expected to continue, Obama's electoral landslide and victory in majority-white states such as Iowa and southern states such as Virginia put to rest concerns about a so-called "Bradley effect," in which whites allegedly publicly support - but secretly vote against - black candidates.   Presiden... MORE >>

Black Leader to Bush: Commute Sentences of Jailed Border Agents

by Mychal Massie

Washington, D.C. - After a federal judge last week refused to reduce the sentences of incarcerated U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, Mychal Massie - chairman of the Project 21 black leadership network - is calling on President George W. Bush to use his executive power to commute the agents' sentences before he leaves office in January.   Massie said: "At this juncture, whatever penance demanded fr... MORE >>

Don't "Change" Religious Freedom

by Bishop Council Nedd II

As the nation waits with great anticipation for President-Elect Barack Obama to begin unveiling his policies for rescuing our economy and managing our two wars, the real indicator of his presidential success may be how well he handles his most ardent supporters.   While Americans may have voted for "change," the Pandora's Box of extreme political interests supporting Obama's candidacy could end up shocking many of his supporters.... MORE >>

What's Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander

by Ak'bar Shabazz

National rules for bankruptcy were overhauled by federal legislation in 2005.   The new law means that bankruptcy is no longer a guaranteed path to a fresh start and relief from heavy financial burdens.  To declare bankruptcy, one must now meet more rigorous standards to prove one's inability to deal with debt and wipe one's slate clean.  There are even stricter guidelines covering confirmed victims of identity theft.  &nb... MORE >>

Elites Denying Affordable Energy to Average Americans

by Deneen Borelli

Failing schools, crime and single-parent households are just a few of the challenges facing urban communities.  Now, thanks to "Club Green" - radical environmentalists and their supporters - soaring energy prices join the list.   Club Green fights against oil exploration in Alaska and off our coasts.  A moratorium on offshore drilling was removed from a temporary spending bill, ending a 26-year ban on new leases at th... MORE >>

Jackie Hunt recognized for hands-on community work

by A. David Dahmer

In working for the betterment of Allied Drive, Jackie Hunt believes that it's best to be hands-on. "Trust is a hard thing to earn," Hunt said.  "Over in that community, people have made promises; they've come in and tried to dictate what that community needs and the changes that need to take place, without really knowing who those people are or really getting a feel for who they are. But the only way you can do that is by being hands-on, by being there and interacti... MORE >>

Hibiscus Collective presents first public reading

by Pamela Gates

The Hibiscus Collective, a group of women writers "dedicated to ensuring that multicultural voices are heard in oral and written traditions," presented its first afternoon of poetry and prose readings Nov. 15. The event was held at the Harambee Center on Madison's south side, and the good-sized audience was very appreciative of the authors and the quality of their work. The name "hibiscus," several collective members explained, was chosen because that flower is found in di... MORE >>

National UW-Madison poetry slam team assembled

by Angela Simmons

Fourteen brave poets graced the Wisconsin Union Theater stage Nov. 9 to compete for one of the five spots on the University of Wisconsin-Madison's national poetry slam team. For the second year, the Multicultural Student Coalition (MCSC) hosted and the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiative (OMAI) co-sponsored the UW-Madison collegiate slam, which determined the team of spoken word artists from this campus that will compete at the national collegiate slam next April. The atmosphere w... MORE >>

Shantelle James wins Presidential Service Award

Madison’s own Shantelle James recently won a Presidential Volunteer Service Award “in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to strengthening our nation and for making a difference through volunteer service." James was part of Fountain of Life's Haiti Mission team, along with (l-r) leader Gloria Zeller, Tori Pettaway, and Marian Jordan, who have paid two long visits to the Institution Univers, a nondenominational Christian school in the village of Ouanamin... MORE >>

Gov. Doyle announces Web Site enhancements to keep communities SAFE from sex offenders

MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle announced the state’s Sex Offender Registry Web site now offers a mapping feature as well as an e-mail notification system for residents through collaboration with Family Watchdog.  “Thousands of parents, grandparents and neighbors have looked to our Sex Offender Registry Web site for information about sex offenders who reside in their communities, and our new mapping and electronic notification features will equip users with more informa... MORE >>

U.S bank bailout not flowing to homeowners

by Adrianne Apel

BOSTON (IPS/GIN) — Nearly five weeks after Congress approved a $700 billion bailout fund — and as the recession deepens — no definite plan is in sight for struggling U.S. homeowners, who are defaulting on loans at record rates. "The foreclosure problem is getting worse, not better," said Martin Eakes, CEO of Self Help and Center for Responsible Lending, a community-development nonprofit, who spoke Nov. 13 at a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Commit... MORE >>

Obama 'revolutionized politics' PR mogul says

by Bankole Thompson; Special to the NNPA from the Michigan Chronicle

 DETROIT (NNPA) — Ofield Dukes, often called the dean of public relations in Washington, D.C., said Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign had excellent public relations with voters from the very start all the way to Election Day. The former Michigan Chronicle editorial writer and columnist, who left Detroit in 1964 to work with then Vice President Hubert Humphrey, was in Detroit recently to address the Public Relations Student Society of America. In an interview, Dukes s... MORE >>

Hamas, Fatah torture opponents in prison

by Cherrie Heywood

RAMALLAH, West Bank (IPS/GIN) — Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas refused to release 400 Hamas prisoners held in the West Bank, causing talks between rival political factions to collapse before they began. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, demanded their release as a precondition for attending the talks with Fatah that were to take place in Cairo under Egyptian mediation. Earlier this month, Hamas released 80 Fatah political prisoners from Gaza's jails and demanded ... MORE >>

2008 Wisconsin Women of Color Network (WWOCN) to hold annual Scholarship Fundraiser

MADISON — The Wisconsin Women of Color Network Inc. will host its annual scholarship fund-raising event on Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, 525 W. Johnson St. Once a year we appeal to our members, family, and friends to raise money for the Wisconsin Women of Color Network Scholarship Fund.  There will be a buffet brunch.  For your shopping spree, there will be a silent auction with lots of donated products and services, including celebrity meal... MORE >>

A hobby turns into a thriving bed and breakfast business

by Milele Chikasa Anana

Kishah Walters transformed her insatiable appetite for hosting parties and entertaining guests into a thriving business.  She now owns her second bed and breakfast inn.  "I consider each person who enters my Inn to be a guest and not a customer." This carries over from her earlier years. "Whenever there was a party, it was always held at my house. My family and friends would always come over and I would be the host. I love cooking, decorating, and adding my personal t... MORE >>

Is the U.S. living its creed and preparing for the future?

How America ranks in investing in children, by Marian Wright Edelman

At this transformative moment in American life, with the election of Sen. Barack Obama as our first African American and 44th president of the United States of America, we citizens must now roll up our sleeves and help translate this new presidency into a transformation of America's investment priorities and a values-real change. Every child's life has equal value, and our nation has a responsib... MORE >>

Racist incidents increase in wake of Obama's election

by George E. Curry

The rise in racist incidents —from university campuses to police stations — is a sobering reminder that despite the election of Barack Obama, there are still a lot of sick people out there stuck in the Stone Age. Editor & Publisher magazine, the Associated Press, and local newspapers recently catalogued some of the most egregious incidents. In addition to the garden-variety hate crimes, such as painting racist graffiti on cars and houses, one particularly disturbing inc... MORE >>

Do we save the auto industry?

by Harry Alford

We have just witnessed one of the most daring schemes and hustles in modern history: the secretary of Treasury forcing Congress and the president to fork over nearly $1 trillion that we really didn't have, under the pretext that it was going to save millions from losing their homes. As Congressman Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, put it: "It was simply a bait-and-switch game." People in danger of losing their homes are no better off, and the money went in various directions other th... MORE >>

Reconceputalizing civil rights for the 21st century

by Ron Walters

As new opportunities for social change are opened by Barack Obama's election to the presidency and a newly Democratic House and Senate, we continue to need a concept that will define the struggle we will have to go through to achieve equality. I believe that the acquisition of civil rights remains the goal. However, there is considerable confusion around that term, primarily, I think, because the concept of civil rights is trapped in the iconography of the 1960s in the minds of many people an... MORE >>

Jump start the economy - pass a stimulus package now

by Mark H. Morial

If we needed any further proof that our economy is in dire need of emergency resuscitation, exactly four days after the presidential election the government reported a staggering loss of 240,000 jobs in the month of October, substantially more than the 200,000 job loss forecasted for the month. This past weekend, we also learned that 15,000 more jobs have already been eliminated in the first week of November. The unemployment rate is now at 6.5 percent, the highest level since... MORE >>

Black businesses will rise with others, says Obama economic advisor

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Time Warner Chairman Richard “Dick” Parsons, a member of President-elect Barack Obama’s Transition Economic Advisory Board, says Black and other minority-owned businesses, which dominate the rock bottom of the economic crisis will be swept upward as the bailouts and stimulus strategies begin to work. “We all know it’s the people on the bottom who suffer most. But you’ve got to fix it on a holistic basis. You’ve got to... MORE >>

Middlespread November 20

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What;'s Up November 20

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Thousands urge Congress and Obama to lead us to a green economy

by A. David Dahmer

"We have been given a planet, and we are responsible for maintaining that planet and ensuring its stability and its ability to go forward," said Bishop Marque E. Duncan (pictured below), senior pastor of Berean Communities Inc. "That is all of our responsibility." Duncan was part of 20 different organizations, dozens of community members, and University of Wisconsin-Madison students who delivered a strong message about the need for urgent action on climate change in... MORE >>

Operation Fresh Start gets huge gift

by A. David Dahmer

The Madison Club Foundation has presented a check for $58,000 to Operation Fresh Start (OFS). The formalities took place at a press conference Nov. 6 at an OFS work site, a house on Madison's south side that is being built by the young builders of OFS. "This contribution to us is one of the largest contributions in the history of Operation Fresh Start," said Connie Ferris Bailey, executive director of Operation Fresh Start. "We are so appreciative of it. What we are tryi... MORE >>

Mocha Moms host "Boys Booked on Barbershops"

National Initiative encourages reading, by A. David Dahmer

The Madison Mocha Moms had a successful "Boys Booked on Barbershops" kick-off on Saturday Nov. 8 at JP Hair Design on Madison's Westside Nov. 8 "It went really well. It was well-received by JP's clients and the parents that were in there with their kids," said Cassaundra Edwards, who founded the local chapter of Mocha Moms Mocha Moms Inc., a national support organization for stay-at-home mothers of color, and The National Institute for Literacy, a U.S. feder... MORE >>

Signing Day

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Letter to the Editor

Dear Mr. President

Dear Mr. President: Congratulations! It has been a long campaign season, one that has made us all dream and hope for a better future. Now the real hard work starts: It is time to act on all the promises made. In your first 100 days, we ask you to provide the leadership necessary to move the following key issues forward. Comprehensive immigration reform: Immigrants are part of this country's fabric. We are hardworking, committed members of our communities. We deserve a fun... MORE >>

Anita Martin

In the not-so-distant past, a new car cost the same as it costs to attend one year of college today. So how can you prevent the cost of college from keeping you or your child from pursuing higher education? On Oct. 30, Steven D. Lamb and Robert DeCock presented a workshop designed for parents and students titled "Save on College: How to Effectively Prepare to Ensure College Success." It was the first of several free workshops being hosted this fall by the Madison nonprofit A... MORE >>

Odyssey Showcase an uplifting experience

by A. David Dahmer and Jeanne Erickson

With photo boards of past graduates as a backdrop, current and past Odyssey students filled the South Madison Health Center on Nov. 1 for "Odyssey Voices: A Showcase of Student Talent." UW Odyssey Project students shared excerpts from their creative work, including winning entries in a "Why Vote?" essay competition.  Audience members were honored with personal stories of the Odyssey journey shared by Josephine Lorya, Annette Bland, Rockameen, Shanita Lawrence,... MORE >>

On the election of President Barack Obama

by Scott Gray

After the longest and hardest-fought presidential campaign in American history, the votes are now in; and Barack Obama has just been elected the 44th president of the United States. The Urban League of Greater Madison congratulates President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and their families for turning what began as an improbable journey into a historic victory for their party and our country. We wel... MORE >>

No more excuses

by Gail Moore

Like millions of Americans, I cried tears of joy on Nov. 4, 2008, when the news commentators announced that Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, a Black man, would be the 44th president of the United States. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, an event I never believed I'd see in my lifetime. An event which has brought renewed hope for our democracy. An event which filled me with pride and underscored the rea... MORE >>

Jackson, Sharpton say their activist roles will not change

by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) —The Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, perhaps the highest-profile civil rights leaders in the nation, both say their roles will not change as America beholds its first Black president. "The issues haven't gone away," says Sharpton. "Barack Obama said this is the beginning of change. This is not change itself. It's almost insulting to act like Blacks should now shut up, just because we have a Black president." In a recent interview... MORE >>

Something else to celebrate

by James Clingman

It's the time of the year when we start thinking about our taxes, the time of the year when I usually dedicate this column to the largest Black tax-preparation firm in the country. Now, in 2008, with 156 offices across the United States and growing, Compro-Tax Inc. should be high on your list of businesses to support during the initial four months of the tax season — and beyond. So as I give you something else to cheer about, go to www.comprota... MORE >>

The Black vote in 2008

by Ron Walters

Pardon me if I begin this with a little crowing, since I attracted considerable heat months ago when I declared that Barack Obama would win this election in a landslide and that the Black vote would reach unprecedented levels. Both of these predictions materialized. So I will go on to briefly describe the performance of the Black vote in this election, knowing that it is always dangerous to talk statistics while votes are still being counted. But I will try to give some estima... MORE >>

Yes, we can!

by Marian Wright Edelman

I am so proud of America! I am so proud of President-elect Barack Obama, who calls us to greatness and to rise to our best selves. And I am so proud of all the young people who joined with him in saying, "Yes, we can!" The election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States has revived America's dream from the smoldering rubble of war; the quicksand of racial, religious, and class strife; and the selfish individualism and reckless greed that have brought our n... MORE >>

Religious right still vocal

by Bill Berkowitz

OAKLAND, Calif. (IPS/GIN) — The election of Sen. Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States will not mark the end of the religious right. Although many in the mainstream media will write and talk about the movement's imminent demise, that demise is not likely. More relevant questions are how the religious right will behave during an Obama administration and what steps the movement will take to resurrect its troops. While Obama's victory was a major ... MORE >>

100-year-old celebrates

by Melanie Holmes

PHILADELPHIA (NNPA) — Raymond Bowman's memory has not failed him in the least. To this day, the 100-year-old vividly remembers the welts whipped into his great-grandfather's back, each painful protrusion an unsightly symbol of slavery's sting throughout the Black community. But on Nov. 4, Bowman witnessed the ultimate reparations in the form of 50 states and a White House when America elected Sen. Barack Obama as its first African American president. "I was jubilant," ... MORE >>

China's Tibet, Taiwan talks get different reactions

by Antoaneta Bezlova

BEIJING (IPS/GIN) — Chinese negotiators last week discussed Tibet's quest for genuine autonomy with the Dalai Lama's representatives and also advanced establishing economic rapprochement with Taiwan. Beijing has been seeking reunification with Taiwan for as long as Tibet has pursued a promised right to self-determination, but the two negotiations got very different treatments in the state-sanctioned Chinese press. The Taiwan talks, which sought to build foundations for closer eng... MORE >>

"Michelle: A Biography"

Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer

They say that behind every great men is a woman who's willing to give him a goose in the posterior when he needs it most. Marc Antony had Cleopatra. Henry VIII had Catherine, Kathryn, Katherine, two Annes, and a Jane. Harry would have been lost without Bess. Martin had his Coretta. And Barack has Michelle. By now, we know a lot about our future leader, but what do we know about the woman behind the office? You'll find out when you read "Michelle" by Liza Mundy. To trul... MORE >>

Middlespread November 13th

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The Healing Touch of Robotic Hands

by St. Mary's Hospital

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What's Up November 13th

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Barack Obama elected America's first Black president

by Hazel Trice Edney

 WASHINGTON(NNPA) — After a fierce fight of two years to change the course of history, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama has been elected the first African-American president of the United States. His win culminates an American history that expands from Black slavery to Jim Crow to a modern day civil rights movement still marked by institutional racism. “America is in the process and has taken the first step of turning from darkness unto light, turning from war unto piece,... MORE >>

Historic presidential election brings hope

Dawn of a Brand New Day, by A. David Dahmer and Ray Allen

Dreams do come true. Any worry of a "Bradley effect" or an "October Surprise" for the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign was put to ease with an overwhelming Electoral College win of 349 to 147 over Republican Sen. John McCain on Tuesday night. Locally, Barack Obama did not merely win Wisconsin; he swept the Badger state — 56.5 percent to 42.5 percent — with a popular vote majority unseen here since President Lyndon Johnson's 1964 victory. ... MORE >>

Annual event addresses growing Latino campus population

UW-Madison Latino Summit 2008, by A. David Dahmer

 The UW-Madison Latino Summit 2008 discussed the ways the university can further meet the needs of the fastest-growing minority on campus on Oct. 30 in Tripp Commons of the Memorial Union. This is the second year for the summit, which is sponsored by the Latino Faculty Staff Association (LAFSA), Dr. Damon Williams, vice provost for diversity and climate, was one of the key speakers along with Dr. Jose F. Vasquez, a Regent at the University of Wisconsin System. "... MORE >>

Dane County Youth Board open house highlights referendum

At the recent Dane County Youth Board (DCYB) Open House, area students highlighted some of the programs in jeopardy if voters fail to pass the upcoming Madison Metropolitan School District referendum on Nov. 4. The referendum would later pass with more than 67 percent of the vote The DCYB provided several fact sheets. If the referendum does not pass, the school district estimates that in order to comply with state-imposed revenue limits, $8.1 million would have to be cut from the 2009-... MORE >>

Veterans for Peace plan November Memorial Mile

by Paul McMahon, Madison Veterans for Peace

The Madison chapter of Veterans for Peace (VFP) is once again planning for Veterans Day week in November. The public is urged to attend VFP's Memorial Mile events, which encourage greater movement toward ending the war in Iraq and emphasizing policies of strong diplomacy in international relations within the family of nations. To that end, on Saturday, Nov. 8, some 4,700 tombstones will be erected along Speedway Road in Forest Hill Cemetery on Madison's near west side. After two succes... MORE >>

Creating a safe and inclusive community:

Disparities in criminial justice in Wisconsin, by Anita Martin

Nearly 300 folks gathered at the seventh annual YWCA Racial Justice Summit, which took place at the Sheraton Madison Hotel Oct. 16-17. The event attracted attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, social workers, and other community members along with a blend of local experts as well as nationally known speakers. UW Madison Professor of Sociology, Pamela Oliver spoke on racial disparities in criminal justice in Wisconsin. Dr. Oliver serves on the board of a number of organizations ... MORE >>

For food industry leaders, a meeting worth its salt

by Kathy Glass

MADISON —  Salt — a.k.a. sodium chloride — can't easily be cut from the American diet. It is a key preservative, one that has been used for thousands of years to combat the growth of pathogenic microbes in foods. Now as much as ever, we rely on it to keep our processed, ready-to-eat meals safe. Despite the challenges, food companies are interested in finding alternatives to salt that won't compromise food safety. For these industry leaders, the University of Wisc... MORE >>

Experts on Latin America call out to Obama

by Haider Rizvi

NEW YORK (IPS/GIN) — An open letter to Sen. Barack Obama was fashioned around one question: Will Washington's policy toward Latin America be genuinely different from past U.S. administrations if Obama is elected as the next president in November? To some experts on Latin America, the answer is “no.” Others believe the U.S. role would be far more positive. “I don't think Obama is devoting a lot of energy to focus on Latin America. That may be due to the s... MORE >>

Experts predict a change in Cuba-U.S. relations fueled by oil discovery

by Patricia Grogg

HAVANA, Cuba, — The discovery of a significant oilfield in Cuban waters could persuade the United States to modify its policy toward the island nation, experts say. The experts were also warning that the possibility could also entail risks. “When there are important economic interests at play, in terms of market and resources that are strategic for Washington, the ideological components that have driven U.S. Cuba policy come tumbling down,” Cuban academic and r... MORE >>

Governments still don't do enough about poverty, experts say

by Zahira Kharsany

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (IPS/GIN) — Anti-poverty activists are saying governments must listen to the more than 116 million people in 131 countries across the world who participated in the global “Stand Up and Take Action” campaign that became the biggest mass mobilization on a single issue. The activists criticized the fact that the gap between the rich and the poor continues to increase, while governments have refused to make poverty alleviation a priority. ... MORE >>

A historic victory, Obama will face limitations

by George E. Curry

Now that Barack Obama has defeated John McCain, Joe the Plumber, and a barrage of negative television commercials, he will now strive to balance the high expectations of African Americans and other progressives with the reality of an anemic economy and supersized budget deficits. Like McCain, the president-elect promised that shrinking finances will not deter him from keeping his central campaign promise... MORE >>

Benjamin Jealous: A new generation of NAACP leadership

by Marian Wright Edelman

In September, with his selection as the new president and CEO of the NAACP, Ben Jealous became, at 35, the youngest president in the organization's history. He represents a new generation of Black leadership ? one of many Black adults and youths who grew up benefiting from the increased access to education and opportunity opened up by the Civil Rights Movement, which was spearheaded by the NAACP.  His challenge is to honor that legacy by focusing the next phase of the movement on those s... MORE >>

Awards banquet is also fun time

19th Annual Center Hispano Banquet

The 19th annual Centro Hispano Banquet will be held Friday, Nov. 7 at the Madison Marriott West. At the banquet, Centro Hispano will honor Bryan Grau, the recipient of the 2008 Professor Roberto Sanchez Award.  The award was established in 2004 by Centro Hispano to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to promoting the academic achievement of Latino students. Troubled by the lack of programming related to Latino students in the schools, Gra... MORE >>

Meet the Author - Daphne Brown

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Neighborhood Center reaching out to community:

Can you host a food drive to help folks in need?

It's the oldest neighborhood center in the Madison area, and it's undergoing several changes. The Neighborhood House Community Center, 92 years old this year, has three new staff members and has embarked on a number of new projects over the past couple of months. Housed at 29 South Mills Street, the new staff includes program assistant E. Oroki Rice, youth program coordinator Craig Henrickson, and Zanna Majerle, executive director. Henrickson, who is originally from Two Rivers, Wis., has work... MORE >>

Middlespread November 6th

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What's Up November 6th

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Vote to make your ancestors proud

by George E. Curry

I am voting for someone else on Tuesday. No, not John McCain. I am voting for my beloved Big Mama, Sylvia Harris. I am voting for my stepfather, William H. Polk. I am voting for my Uncle Frank Harris, who could not read or write. I am voting for Aunt Katherine Foster, who could write, but barely. I am voting for all of my deceased relatives and so many non-relatives who did not live to see the day when a Black man could become president of the United States. We don't only have a right ... MORE >>

The Madison Times choice: Obama

America is at a historic crossroads. A failing economy, an unpopular war, rising energy prices, and an eroding middle class are some of the problems that await the next president of the United States. Disasters have characterized the current Bush administration: incompetence in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, massive loan failures that jeopardize the financial futures of millions of American families, and the virtual collapse of the stock market. And to enhance the crisis, as CNN r... MORE >>

Six honored for community excellence

2008 Water Bearer Awards, by A. David Dahmer

"It's hard not to give back when you come from such a good community," said LeeAnne Banks, resource coordinator for the Madison Development Corp. "I would really like to thank my mom for all that she's done for me. I was raised in a home that gives back, and I look forward to my children being a part of this community and giving back." Born and raised on Madison's south side and always an integral part of the community, Banks was one of the six awardees at the 2008 ... MORE >>

Afghan jounalist to serve 20 years for blasphemy

by Zainab Mineeia

WASHINGTON — International human rights groups have called on Afghan authorities to free Afghan journalist Perwiz Kambakhsh, who has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for blasphemy. Kambakhsh, 24, a journalism student at Balkh University and a reporter for the newspaper Jahan-e-Naw (New World), was arrested on Oct. 27, 2007, and accused of "blasphemy and distribution of texts defamatory of Islam." Afghan authorities claimed that Kambakhsh downloaded material from the... MORE >>

Market crises may help jungle, but not for long

by Mario Osava

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (IPS/GIN) — The global economic slowdown resulting from the U.S. financial crisis could bring some short-term benefits for the environment, but the overall effect may be negative. A decline in global demand for farm products and the ensuing drop in prices, especially in the case of beef and soy, would ease pressure on the Amazon jungle, said Paulo Barreto, a researcher at the Amazon Institute of People and the Environment (IMAZON). The expansion of cattle-r... MORE >>

Next president will inherit Guantanamo

by William Fisher

NEW YORK (IPS/GIN) — Leading human rights groups reacted with outrage Oct. 21 to media reports that the Bush administration has decided not to close the prison at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The New York Times reported that Bush never considered State Department and Pentagon proposals outlining options for transferring the detainees elsewhere, adopting instead the view of his most hawkish advisers that closing Guantánamo would involve too many legal and po... MORE >>

Jennifer Hudson and relatives identify body of her slain nephew

by Alan King

CHICAGO — Jennifer Hudson and other relatives positively identified the body of her 7-year-old nephew Oct. 27, just hours after his body was found in a sport-utility vehicle sought in connection with the murder of Hudson’s mother and brother. The white, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban with Illinois license plate X584859 was found on Chicago’s West side after police received a 7 a.m. call from a neighbor about a suspicious vehicle. The man noticed the vehicle while walking his... MORE >>

Dear Mr. President-Elect Obama

A letter to Mr. Obama on Nov. 5, 2008, by Stephen Braunginn

Given the historical magnitude of this year's campaign for the White House, I thought I would write a letter to my candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, as if he had won the Nov. 4 election for president of the United States. Below is the letter I imagine I could possibly write to Mr. President-Elect Obama on Nov. 5, 2008.      —Stephen Braunginn Nov. 5, 2008 Mr. President-Elect Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania, Ave. Washington... MORE >>

Letter to the Editor

by Dr. John Y Odom

Dear editor, The excerpts below are from a speech titled "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" delivered by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1967.  Beyond Vietnam may be Dr. King's least well known speech. Nonetheless, these excerpts hold a vital and prophetic message for us all on the eve of the 2008 election. I am convinced that … we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a "thin... MORE >>

Millions to vote in historic election on Tuesday

African American expected to lead the way, by Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — For the first time in American history, millions of voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday in an election in which an African American is the nominee of a major political party, fulfilling the long-held dreams of civil rights veterans. “I’ve always hoped so, and I’ve also worked for this idea,” says 96-year-old Dr. Dorothy Height, president emeritus of the National Council of Negro Women. “I think this will help the whole count... MORE >>

Facts about the Nov. 4 Referendum

The Madison Metropolitan School District's Board of Education voted unanimously to ask the voters to consider a referendum question on November 4. Voters will be asked Election Day whether to allow the school district to exceed its tax limits by $5 million during the 2009-10 school year, then by an additional $4 million in each of the following two years. Why these budget gaps? In 1993, the State of Wisconsin created two competing pieces of legislation.  First, the revenue... MORE >>

Vote to mke your ancestors proud

by Marian Wright Edelman

On the way to the voting booth on Nov. 4, in addition to thinking about who should occupy the White House, we should also be concerned about who he will appoint to the federal courts. The next president will likely name one to three justices to the Supreme Court and hundreds to the lower federal courts. I can't overemphasize how important this is to America's children and their future. Federal judges are appointed to life terms and preside over cases involving a broad range of issues ... MORE >>

Obama v. McCain: NAACP questionnaire reveals contrasting agendas on Black issues

by Hazel Trice Edney

Cuts to stay under revenue cap Since 1993, the Madison School District has reduced programs and services by over $60 million.  The two largest categories of reductions in this period have been 1) direct services to students, and 2) administrative.  Together they make up more than 86% of the total reductions.  These reductions include: • 157 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) from special education • Central office staffing in the areas of phys... MORE >>

Seventh annual Wisconsin Book Festival a winner

"Changes Places", by Pamela Gates

With the help of many sponsors and volunteers, the Wisconsin Humanities Council held the seventh annual Wisconsin Book Festival Oct. 15 to 19. The variety offered was amazing: from spoken word artists Dave Hart, Dasha Kelly, Patricia Smith, and Josh Healey to children's events to Wisconsin history and culture to politics to writing workshops to topical conversations — the list goes on. Eminent writers were there — Marilynne Robinson, Ann Beattie, Judy Blume, Sara Rath, Jacquelyn M... MORE >>

Governor Doyle announces $19 million in flood relief

MADISON – Gov. Doyle has announced that Wisconsin is receiving an additional $19 million in emergency funding from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund long-term disaster recovery and infrastructure support through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.  On Sept. 17, Gov. Doyle formally requested that HUD allocate more funding to help the state recover from job losses, infrastructure damages, and tourism business damage resulting from June flooding. ... MORE >>

Longtime Congresswoman tackles health care, education, alternative energy, and Karl the Plumber

by A. David Dahmer

Like never before, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin is excited about what she hopes to see on Tuesday, or, more specifically, Election Day. "I describe the challenges our nation faces right now as challenges of epic proportions," Baldwin says. "I can't remember a time since World War II and The Great Depression where our country has been facing a future with such uncertainty. "In particularly, with our economic uncertainty that we are facing right now, there is a... MORE >>

UW Odyssey Project Student Showcase

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Middlespread October 30th

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What's Up October 30th

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Back on Track

Interview with former Wisconsin Badger Booker Stanley, by A. David Dahmer

If you Google Booker Stanley's name, a ton of bad press will come up among your hits. At the end of 2004, the former star Wisconsin Badger running back and one time Wisconsin State Player of the Year was involved in an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, which resulted in him getting booted off the Wisconsin Badgers football team. A promising young career was ruined. On Dec. 21, 2004, Sta... MORE >>

Creating a safe, inclusive community

(Part 1 of 2), by Anita Martin

Over 275 people gathered Oct. 16-17 at the Sheraton Madison Hotel for the seventh annual YWCA Racial Justice Summit, titled "And Justice for All: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Community." The conference, which featured local experts as well as nationally known speakers, targeted attorneys, judges, law enforcement, social workers, and other community members. Local presenters included Madison Police Department Chief Noble Wray; Professor Pamela Oliver with the University of Wisconsin... MORE >>

RISE helps UW students rise to challenges

by A. David Dahmer

Many students of color — undergraduates, graduate, and professional students alike — come to campus seeking a culturally enriching experience. Despite the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s best efforts, many students of color still do not feel connected. That is where the Recruitment Initiative for Student Employees (RISE) comes in, a new program that helps diversify the pool of applicants for student-hourly employment and increases the number of qualified candidates ... MORE >>

Campus Summit addresses growing Latino campus population

MADISON  — The University of Wisconsin-Madison Latina/Latino Summit 2008 will discuss the ways the university can further meet the needs of the fastest growing minority on campus. The summit, which is sponsored by the Latina/Latino Faculty Staff Association (LAFSA), will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Oct. 30 in the Tripp Commons at the Memorial Union. LAFSA, which promotes the awareness of UW-Madison faculty, academic staff, classified staff, and graduate students, will... MORE >>

Average people watch as banks reap billions

by Adrianne Appel

BOSTON — The $125 billion handed to nine of Wall Street's richest banks will do little to help the economy that is crumbling around ordinary U.S. citizens, independent experts and activists say. President Bush's new Office of Financial Stability, led by former Goldman, Sachs & Co. Vice President Neel Kashkari, sealed a deal Oct. 14 to provide the billions, plus $125 billion more for small banks, to encourage them to start lending to each other and to the world's biggest businesses a... MORE >>

Zimbabwe to host COMESA Summit

by Stanley Kwenda

HARARE, Zimbabwe (IPS/GIN) — Zimbabwe's government has announced that it will host the 13th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) summit. Originally scheduled for May, the summit was canceled at the last minute after state-sponsored violence engulfed the country following President Robert Mugabe's loss to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in a first-round presidential election in March. The violence also forced Tsvangirai to pull out of the second round presidential v... MORE >>

Anti-poverty leader citews West's shortfalls

by Zahira Kharsany

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (IPS/GIN) — Since 2005, the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) has mobilized millions of people to demand an end to poverty and inequality. Last year, 43.7 million people took part in the "Stand Up" campaign's events around the world on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty; this year, the goal was for 67 million people to not just stand up but to take action against inequality Oct. 17 to 19. IPS (Inter Press Service) ... MORE >>

Lightweights in high places

by Dr. John Odom

The joke goes: "Who was the most successful U.S. president of the last half of the 20th century?" Kennedy? Reagan? Clinton? The answer is: George Bush Sr. "Why?" I'll provide the first part of the answer: "He got his son elected president." But I will cruelly withhold the punch line, because it's … cruel. All joking aside, George Herbert Walker Bush may truly be the most... MORE >>

Vote 'Yes' on school referendum

by Arlene Silveira and the Madison School Board of Education

The Board of Education voted unanimously to go to referendum to support Madison's public schools. We are committed to this referendum because we believe it will provide resources desperately needed in our schools. We are also very aware of the economic environment and worked hard to develop a plan that will minimize the referendum's impact on property taxes. If passed, the referendum will permanently increase the property-tax support base for our schools by a total of $13 million over ... MORE >>

Express Yourself! Los Angeles

by James Clingman

Remember Charles Wright and the Watts' 103rd Street Rhythm Band's song, "Express Yourself"? Younger folks are more familiar with N.W.A.'s version on their famous "album": "Straight Outta Compton." Because both originated in Los Angeles, I thought it appropriate to draw a business analogy. Why is it so difficult for us to accept that Black businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods? Can't you see it in the comparative statistics on wealth and family ... MORE >>

Republicans can't see the forest for the ACORN

by George E. Curry

So far, lacking an "October surprise" that will dramatically turn the election in their favor, Republicans are gradually shifting their attention from William Ayers, "an old, washed-up terrorist " from the 1960s, to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, better known as ACORN. At the GOP National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., former presidential candidate Rudy Giu... MORE >>

Black Women's Business Expo and Job Fair Nov. 1

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Middlespread October 23rd

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What's Up October

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History is Always the Final Judge

"A wolf wrapped in monk's robes. A devil with a human face and a beast's heart.", by Ak'Bar A. Shabazz

That's how Tibetan Communist Party Secretary General Zhang Qingli recently described the Dalai Lama, Tibet's traditional political and spiritual leader.   It almost makes me laugh.  How can someone really believe this?  As I am very familiar with the work of the Dalai Lama through his books, articles, interviews and speeches - and his Nobel Peace Prize - it seemed natural for me to find humor in this Chinese puppet leader's assessment... MORE >>

Congressional Liberals Having Their Cake and Eating It, Too

"Let them eat cake", by Kevin L. Martin

It's a phrase attributed to Marie Antoinette, the excess-addicted wife of French King Louis XVI, after being told the poor didn't have enough bread to eat.  While some scholars think someone else said it, there is no disputing that it highlights a disconnect found between the elite and the poor.   Marie was a victim of the guillotine in 1793 at the height of the French Revolution, and yet her lesson still seems unlearned today. &nbs... MORE >>

Gov. Doyle outlines services for those affected by GM closing

by Office of the Governor

MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle has outlined services available to workers affected by General Motors’ decision to cease operations at its Janesville plant in December. He encouraged affected workers to take advantage of the many opportunities the state offers.  “I am committed to providing a full array of employment and training services to all affected workers,” Doyle said. “Like the working families in the Janesville area, I am very disappointed by this ... MORE >>

World leaders blame U.S. for financial mess

by Adrianne Appel

BOSTON (IPS/GIN) — British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's comment on how Britain may have gotten into the global economic turmoil reflects the sentiments of other world leaders. "Most of this has come out of America and then affected the British banking system," Brown said. And German Chancellor Angela Merkel said recently that she had tried in vain last year to convince the G-8, the world's wealthiest nations, to enact tighter regulations on risky hedge-fund trading, wh... MORE >>

Toxic milk scandal leaves Chinese feeling cheated

by Antoaneta Bezlova

BEIJING (IPS/GIN) — The poisoned milk scandal — possibly the worst crisis of its type in modern Chinese history — has dealt a devastating blow to the public's trust in its government's benevolence. Generations have been brought up to believe in the Confucian credo that real governments exist to promote the people's welfare. But in the tainted-milk scandal, which was the result not of poor product safety but of deliberate adulteration of milk with harmful chemicals to maximiz... MORE >>

Activists show Japan's death row to world

by Catherine Makino

TOKYO (IPS/GIN) — Japan's death-row inmates participated in this year's World Day Against the Death Penalty by answering 14 survey questions from Forum 90, a civic organization opposed to capital punishment, which in turn published their responses Oct. 10 on its Japanese Web site. The World Day is focusing on Asia this year and calling for an end to executions in 14 Asian countries. Japan's death row inmates wrote of their suffering in solitary confinement, said Akiko Takada, an ... MORE >>

Guess who's hurting the most?

Hint: It isn't the fat cats, by Steve Braunginn

 Wall Street is committing suicide with our tax dollars. Housing foreclosures are at their highest levels since the Great Depression, gas prices — until the last week or so — have been higher than ever before, and the federal government is in panic mode. This isn't a good thing for anyone, but the people feeling it the hardest are the ordinary workers, Joe and Joann Doe on Main Stre... MORE >>

"Blazing Saddles" scandal at UW

Have we lost our sense of humor?, by Dana