july 1st edition
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African American newspaperTRANSCRIPT
WisconsinVolume 1 No. 8 July 1-15
TakeONEFREE
Yolanda James
Owner/Publisher3001 Douglas Ave.
Racine, WI 53402
262-681-2345
Insider NewsINW
Juneteenth 2011
Photos by Yolanda JamesSee more pictures inside.
Right: Mia Bell enjoys the festivities at Racine’sJuneteenth held Saturday, June 18 at the Dr. JohnBryant Center. Over 2,000 individuals attended the allday family event. Bottom left: the John Bryant CenterDancers take center stage with their performance.Bottom right: Ada Hamilton gives a customer a sampleof her products.
Above left: Pastor Breon Norton and his companion “Leon” bring happi-ness and fun to the Juneteenth celebration. The pair spent the afternoonspreading laughter everywhere they went.
People & Faces of Juneteenth
Page 2 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
Racine is looking for a new chief of police since Chief Kurt Wahlen has announcedhis retirement. The Police and Fire Commission (PFC) is considering doing anational search which will cost the city over $20,000. The questions raised bymany is why an external search is needed when two qualified minority candidatesexist within the department and why the process has changed compared to previoushiring procedures.In 1992, Karl Hansen retired and the PFC limited the applications for a new policechief to in-house applicants with the necessary qualifications set forth by the com-mission.Then, in 2000 when Police Chief Richard Polzin announced his retirement, thePolice and Fire Commission stated that a search for a replacement would beginwithin the department. The chairwoman of the committee at that time, MarilynMurrack, according to the Racine Journal Times said, “I know for a fact there arequalified people right here. I think our first desire would be to promote first fromwithin.” The same pattern was repeated in 2006 when David Spenner retired. The PFCagain first looked inside the Racine Police Department. The presiding chairmanthen and now, Chuck Johnson, stated, “We’re not going out for a big search.” Hetold the Racine Journal Times the commission was looking within because it feltthere were good candidates in Racine.After looking at this precedence set by the PFC, it makes one wonder what is thejustification for changing the process. The procedure should follow past practiceand first limit the search to internal candidates before taking away funds from thecity budget that could be utilized elsewhere.
Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to equality everywhere.”
We must hold our elected officials accountable and let them know that our goal is
to ensure fairness and equality in the decisions that affect the whole city.
The next Police and Fire Commission meeting to discuss the issue of the nationalsearch will be held on Monday, July 11 at 3:30pm. The location of the meetinghas not yet been released. Check our website: www.insiderwisconsin.com fordetails.
Our Opinion: Is a national search really necessary?
Deputy Chief Art Howell, right, a life long resident of Racine, is oneof the two candidates who is qualified to be the next Racine Chiefof Police.
Page 3 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
The Insider News Wisconsin (INW) is salut-ing this year’s Juneteenth celebration.Yolanda James, publisher/owner spenttime walking the grounds meeting, greet-ing, and talking to people as well as takingpictures of those who attended this year’sfabulous event. The INW wants to thank all those who
allowed us to capture your photo for thisedition. Copies of your picture in colorcan be purchased from the newspaper.
The annual Juneteenth celebration marks the signing ofthe Emancipation Proclamation by President AbrahamLincoln in 1862 and the freeing of the last slaves in Texas.The sunny weather made it ideal for the various vendorsthat sold corn on the cob, bar-b-que ribs, fried fish, andother novelty items. Right bottom: Michael Blake and his partner Una Walkerwere selling T-Shirts. Blake has been the official t-shirtvendor for the Juneteeth celebration in Milwaukee for 40yrs. He joined Racine this year to market his business inthis area.
People & Faces of Juneteenth
Page 4 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
People & Faces of Juneteenth
The Divine Cakes Social club,which has been in the communi-ty since 2009, was fundraisingat this year’s Juneteenth. Theirmission is to mentor young girlsand give back to the community.The ladies worked hard sellingsweet treats. Pictured:Ebony Jeans (CEO), ValenciaWashington, Elizabeth Edwards,TaRia Riley, Delitha Bostick,Shirleeta Miles, TamikaWhite,Jakitta Hollins, ChampagneBurnette, Latoya Jackson,Christa Scott, AdriannaWilliams, and Lashawn Luster.Members not pictured: CandiceBurnette, Ericka Hubbard,Mercedes Jackson, RashandaLuckett, Ruby Cobb, DianaYoung, Joreena Cobb, andLatrice Tiller
Page 5 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
Tanya Evans, center, the administrator for the Racine Community Health Center, listensattentively as Sharon Shultz, the Chief Executive Officer of the Racine/KenoshaCommunity Action agency, speaks during a forum held to tackle the African AmericanInfant Mortality Crisis in Racine. The meeting, held on Thursday, June 23, was spon-
sored by the Greater Racine Collaborative for Healthy Birth Outcomes, LifecourseInitiative for Healthy Families and the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread.Community leaders, politicians, and local pastors were in attendance supporting theeffort.
Cuts to Wisconsin's state budget are resulting in layoffs of 519 staffmembers in Milwaukee Public Schools, including 354 teachers, reportsCNN. "The layoffs are effective Friday, the beginning of the third quar-ter, when cash-strapped state and local governments are forecast to shedup to 110,000 jobs, according to IHS Global Insight." The cuts will like-ly expand the class sizes and ensure the use of old textbooks for stu-dents, said Superintendent Gregory Thornton. The move follows thesigning of a two-year state budget by Gov. Scott Walker on Sunday thatcut spending to schools, resulting in $200 less per child. MilwaukeePublic Schools has approximately 82,000 students and slashed $182million in budget cuts, according to its communications director. CNNreports that budget cutting in Wisconsin is likely to be echoed across thecountry. "Though tax revenue is starting to rise, states continuewrestling with multibillion-dollar budget gaps. Federal stimulus fundshelped minimize job cuts until now, but that money essentially runs outon June 30. Property tax assessments have plunged in many areas."
Wisconsin Slashes Budget, 354 Teachers Laid Off
2 years
Page 6 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
St. Paul Gardens Apartments 1120 Center Street ~ Racine
Sponsored By:
St. Paul Baptist church
1-bedroom or Studio Apartments Homes! St. Paul Gardens is now accepting
Applications for immediate occupancy!
HUD-Subsidized for eligible Seniors 62, older or Disabled (single person household earning under $23,800 annually) (two person household earning under $27,200 annually)
Rent approximately 30% of gross income
Allowable medical expenses apply to lower monthly rent!
Kitchen Appliances / Monthly Electrical Allowance Laundry Facility / Community Room / Off-Street Parking
Resident Manager / Secure Entry / Elevator / ADA
Direct inquiries or request an Application at: St. Paul Office (262) 632-6086
Rosenthal Assoc., Inc. (414) 362-7240
Caleb Robinson, a 26 years old entrepreneur, has been making his living for2 years in the hot dog business. He is the owner of “Top Dog Hot Dog” locatedat 520 Main Street, Racine.
Robinson was born and raised in Racine. He attended Case High Schoolwhere he played baseball and football. From there, he proceeded to UW-Whitewater and transferred to UW-Parkside where he is currently finishing hisbachelor’s degree.
Difficult economic times is what inspired Robinson to start his own busi-ness. He was employed by Phoneix Chocolate Shop, but was laid off becauseof the recession. He found another job but hated it. He said, “I remember goingdowntown for lunch and walking around thinking about what a great idea itwould be to have a hot dog cart down- town.” There he began his journey.
Robinson started with one cart and worked the downtown area through thesummer. He did pretty well which is what prompted him to go further. In addi-tion, the owner of the space he now occupies wanted to have that particulararea rented by wintertime. His hard work paid off. He now has 3 carts in addi-tion to the business. One of those carts is on a project a couple days a week.The other outdoor carts are put in use as the weather permits. He has used thecarts at the Regency Mall, at Westgate Mall, and when there was a Farmers’Market. However, he said, “My priority is downtown because that is where Istarted and it draws so many people.”
Robinson attributes a portion of his success to working in the corporateworld at an early age and being a part of the “TOP” program sponsored byS.C. Johnson. This program is geared toward helping minority students whoare at the top of their class get started in business. He shared that he gainedvaluable experience in this program.
His advice to young people who want to be in business, “Starting a businesscan be difficult, but look for a market where you can start a business.” He stat-ed that your attitude, the way you dress, and the way you present yourself willmake a huge difference in your success.
Above are pictures from Robinson’s two year celebration of business. Heheld a “Hot Dog Eating” contest, on Mounment Square, for both youth andadults.
Top Dog Hot Dog Celebrates
Written by Yolanda JamesOwner/PublisherInsider News
With one stroke of the pen,on Wednesday May 25, 2011Gov. Walker signed into lawthat voter ID is now requiredin Wisconsin to vote, despitethe fact that there has been nohard evidence of voter fraudin the past. This move willcreate hardship on manyfronts.
For one, in Wisconsin,implementing photo IDrequirements will cost thestate at least $7 million. Thisseems to be fiscally irrespon-sible as the state faces budgetdeficits, education cuts, andteacher layoffs.
In addition, this law wouldincrease the barriers to votingfor minorities, the elderly, andthe handicapped . One mainconcern is transportation tothe DMV, which is locatedoutside the city and is not sit-uated on a bus route. Also, the hours of operation for the DVM are not convenient forthose working.
It is imperative that the African American community work together to identifythose who need assistance and get them registered now. Same day voter registrationhas been eliminated because of this bill which means if we wait, many will not vote.We cannot allow this to happen. The African American community will lose its voiceif we do not go to the polls.
The Insider News is committed to keeping our readers informed of upcoming elec-tions. Election dates and candidate information will be provided to help voters makeinformed decisions.
BE READY TO VOTE IN 2012!
Wisconsin law has changed so that voters are required to show a photo ID at pollingplaces. These changes will be in effect beginning in 2012.
Acceptable forms of ID:• Wisconsin DOT issued driver’s license • Wisconsin DOT issued identification card• Identification card issued by a US uniformed service• US Passport(Identification cards must be unexpired, or if expired, have expired after the date of
the most recent general election)• A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before
the date of an election at which it is presented• An unexpired driving receipt issued by WI DOT• An unexpired ID card receipt issued by WI DOT• An ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian Tribe in WI• An unexpired ID card issued by a WI accredited university or college that
contains:Date of issuanceSignature of StudentExpiration date not later than two years after date of issuance
TO APPLY FOR A WI STATE ID THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE NECESSARY• Proof of name, date of birth, • Proof of Identity (usually a document with a signature or photo)• Proof of Wisconsin residency• Proof of US citizenship, legal permanent residence status, legal conditional
resent status or legal temporary visitors status• Your social Security number
UNDER WISCONSIN ACT 23 THEDEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ISREQUIRED TO PROVIDE PHOTO IDS ATNO COST TO APPLICANTS WHO REQUESTONE FOR THE PURPOSES OF VOTING.
Page 7 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15- , 2011
The comic book hero comes to the bigscreen for the first time in GREENLANTERN. Costars include AngelaBassett and Blake Lively, in theaters.
Sandra Varner’s Celebrity Profiles
If you didn’t get enough of Oscar nomi-nee Angela Bassett (What’s Love Got toDo with It) in the acclaimed romantic com-edy, Jumping the Broom, check her out as“Dr. Amanda Waller” in GREENLANTERN.
The classic human conflict, good vs.evil, centers the action sci-fi thriller thatstars Ryan Reynolds (The Proposal,Smokin’ Aces, The Amityville Horror),Blake Lively (Sisterhood of the TravelingPants franchise, TV’s Gossip Girl), Bassett(Jumping the Broom, Malcolm X), PeterSarsgaard (Jarhead, The Skeleton Key) andMichael Clarke Duncan (Daredevil, The Scorpion King). Rated PG-13, GREEN
LANTERN is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Hal Jordan (Reynolds), your typical human being --though the cocky test fighter pilot would argue other-wise-- has been chosen to wear the fabled green ringthat bestows supernatural powers and by default,enlists him into a brigade of fellow crusaders.
In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, an elite,powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors ofpeace and justice, they are called the Green LanternCorps. Warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order,each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him theability to create anything his mind can imagine. Whena new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy thebalance of power in the Universe, their fate and thefate of Earth lie in the hands of Hal Jordan.
Racine Insider’s Entertainment columnist, SandraVarner, talked to the cast of GREEN LANTERN.Read the full article at HYPERLINK"http://www.Talk2SV.com" www.Talk2SV.com.
The Ladies also shine in GREEN LANTERN
Page 8 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
The Insider News Wisconsin is a community based newspaper publishedin Racine, Wisconsin. The newspaper covers a variey of events thathighlight lifestyles in the African-American comunities in SoutheasternWisconsin. The Insider News Wisconsin is a free publication, printed onthe 1st and 15th of each month and is distributed in over 107 locations.All inquiries about advertisement or news should be made five to seven
days before the 1st and 15th of each month.
Yolanda James, President/CEODadra Lockridge, Account Representative
Julius Gails, Staff Photographer
3001 Douglas, Avenue • Racine, Wisconsin262.681.2345
Urban League speakes to young people
By Marc H. Morial
President, CEO, National Urban League
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the chance to
speak to young people, especially college students at gradua-
tion time. This year, I was honored to be the commencement
speaker at both Xavier University in New Orleans and Howard
University in Washington, DC, two of the most historic and
outstanding HBCU’s in the nation.
I want to take this opportunity to
congratulate college
graduates every-
where and to share with you
some of what I
said at the two
commence-ments:Class of
2011, theworld that you
face is a world
in the throes of
change and trans-
formation. From the
growing economic
power of India
and China, to the
presence of a
black man in the
White House, this
nation has come a long
way since college students like
you joined the Freedom Riders to change the American South.
As you look toward the horizon and see the many valleys,
hilltops and mountains that you will traverse throughout your
life, I would like to ask you to keep three E’s in mind: The
first E is Excellence. Whether we are talking about Oprah
Winfrey, Barack Obama, or Thurgood Marshall, we are wit-
nesses to lives that have committed to excellence.
I want to see the graduates of 2011 accelerate themselves
and their lives through an absolute commitment to being the
best you can be in everything that you do. Whatever profession
you choose, commit to be the best. The second E is Equality.
You must work for a more just and equitable America. An
America which will not tolerate deep poverty amidst great
prosperity.A nation which does not tolerate almost 40 percent of its
young black children not finishing high school on time each
year. We cannot be comfortable when the great recession has
cost millions of people their jobs and millions of people their
homes. Like the Freedom Riders of 50 years ago, like the stu-
dents that challenged the Vietnam War or those who marched
against Apartheid, you must have the courage to commit to
work for social and economic equality for all.
The third E is expectations. A nation which expects failure
will fail. A people that accepts second place, will remain in
second place. You are living proof, today, that a child who
grows up anywhere is a child who can succeed. Whether you
grew up uptown or down-
town, with two parents or
one, whether you grew up
with prosperity or poverty,
hold fast to the highest
expectations.As a great writer once
wrote, “You have brains in
your head and feet in your
shoes. You can steer your-
self in any direction you
choose. You’re on your
own and you know what
you know and you are the
one who will decide
where to go.”Class of
2011, choose wisely.
That is your mission, this
is your moment.
Congratulations. Good
luck and Godspeed.
By Marc H. Morial
Page 9 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
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Page 13 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
Designer showcases her fashions at GeraldsD2 Distingued & DWB Xclusives joined forces to put on the first annual “Addicted toFashion Extravaganza” at Gerald’s Smokehouse on Saturday, June 18. Sarah Martin ,
right, showcased her own designs. Fashions from both businesses were featured.
Visit Our Website at:InsiderWisconsin.com
Page 14 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
Diverse business relationshipsare an important part of anevolving community. That’s whywe’re dedicated to the successand advancement of minority-and women-owned businesses.Diverse businesses not onlycontribute to our supply chainand business strategies, but alsoto the communities we serve.
From architectural andconstruction services tofinancial and legal services,minority- and women-ownedbusinesses provide theresources needed for usto evolve together.
2K11
078 -
PC-IW
Visit www.wisconsinenergy.com/supplierto learn more about participating in theWe Energies Supplier Diversity Initiative.
The New Omega Missionary Baptist Church Women’s Ministry held their first100 Women In Red program on Sunday, June 26, at New Omega Church.Above: Women from the host church as well as Christ Chapel Baptist Churchparaded into the sanctuary wearing a variety of fashionable red dresses.Upper photo: The singing sensation group “Admiration,” sung two muscialselections to an audience of more than 125 people. Below: Pastor Mark andIris Gates, left, pastor of Christ Chapel Baptist Church, is joined by Pastor Fredand Barbara Richmond, and Doris Frierson. Standing: Virgina Barnes, WinnieMcGhee, chairperson of New Omega Women’s Ministry, and Annie Berry,Worship Leader.
100 Women In Red Celebrate
Photos by Yolanda James
Page 15 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
Kenosha Juneteeth Annual Community Celebration
Kenosha held its Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 25, one weekafter the Racine festivities. It was held at Lincoln Park and drew a good crowd of young people,as well as adults. The aroma of tasty bar-b-que ribs, fried chicken,corn-on-the-cob, and many other delicacies filled the air of the festivalgrounds.
Sunday School - 8:45 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m.
Sunday NA Meeting 6:30 PM
Community Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Midweek Worship 6:15 a.m.- 8:15 p.m.
Thursday NA Meeting 6:00 PM
ZOE
OUTREACH
Ministries2130 Racine Street
Racine, WI
619-3027
825 21st Street • RacineSunday School Worship Service 9:00 a.m.
Mid Morning Worship Service 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study 12:00 noon
Wednesday Dinner 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Morning Prayer 8:00 a.m.
Rev. Willie Riley, Senior Pastor262.633.4421
Christian
Tabernacle
Baptist Church
1201 Center Street • Racine, Wis. 53403
(262) 880-6521
Come Worship with us at:Sunday Worship Service
11:00 AMBible StudyWednesday
6:00 Pm - 8:00 PM
Greater St. Luke’sMissionary Baptist Church
Sunday School9:15 am
Sunday Worship 11:00 am
Bible Class (Wednesday) • 6 pm
Prayer Service -(Thursday) • 6 pm
929 State Street •
Racine, Wisconsin 53404
637-1606
1326 State Street 632-4146
Pastor Keith Evans
Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church
Pastor Jessie Summerall
Insider News
SHEPHERD’S GUIDE
“A God Glorifying, ChristCentered, Spirit-Filled
Church”
Sunday School • 9:00 AMSunday Worship Service • 10:45 AM
Bible Study (Wed.) • 6:00 PMWord of Life (Youth Program) (Thur..)
• 6:30 PM
SEARCHING TOGETHER
MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHuRCH
Pastor Joseph L. & First
Lady Thomas
Joseph L. Thomas, PastorSunday School - 9:00 a.m.
- Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.Tuesday Prayer Service - 6:00 p.m.
Bible Study - Tuesday 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
New Brighter Day Baptist Church1225 25th Ave., Kenosha, WI
262-552-8090
Christian Faith
Fellowship ChurchRacine, Wisconsin
Pastors Willie & Patri cia Scott
262-631-0196Worship with us at:
Sunday Worship Service • 10:00 AM
Sunday School • 9:00 AM
Tuesday Bible Study • 6:30 PM
2849 92nd St.
Sturtevant, WI
Sunday School 9:15 AM
Sunday Worship Service
7:45 AM & 10:40 AM
Wednesday Prayer &
Bible Class
11:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Dinner - 5:30 PM
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
1120 Grand Ave.Racine, Wis.
262-632-1467www.stpmbc.org
Bishop Lawrence L.
KIRBYSenior Pastor
Sunday School 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship 10:30 AMPrayer Service
(Wed.) 5:00 PMBible Class & Prayer
(Wed.) - 6:00 PM
262.635.1994
email:[email protected]
Rev. Buddy VinsonSenior Pastor
306-5th Street, Racine, WI
Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church
Page 16 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
Melvin HargovePastor
Gospel Mission
Ministries
Sunday Service • 1:30 p.m.Wednesday • 7:15 p.m.
Friday Prayer and Praise Dance • 7:15 p.m.
Pastors Breon and Karen Norton
945 N. Memorial Drive • Racine, WI 53403
262.634.3156
Page 17 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
If you feel you have been discriminated against in your search for housing, contact the City of Racine’s Fair Housing Department
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
City of Racine
FAIR HOUSING DEPARTMENT 730 Washington Ave • Room 102
(262) 636-9595 (Fax) (262) 635-5347
e-mail address [email protected]
“Fair Housing is FAIR for EVERYONE”
Here for YOU…
Race
Family Status
Source of Income
Disability
Sex
Marital Status
National Origin
Color
Sexual Orientation
Religion
Ancestry
Age
Fair Housing it’s Not An Option.
It’s The Law!
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Stella Young, left, President of the Racine Rotary West Club (RRWC), and MelvinaLube, President-Elect of RRWC held a banquet to celebrate the 43 year legacy of theorganization. It was held at Infusino’s banquet hall on Monday, June 20.
Empowering for Evangelism Weekend
Photo left: Evangelist David& Mary Bluford from LivingWord Christian Center inForest Park, IL ministeredat Changing LivesMinistries Non-Denominational ChurchJune 25-26. Theirmessage equipped andencouraged the congrega-tion to share the gospel ofJesus Christ to the world.Above left: the CLM wor-ship team prepares for themessage as they singpraises to the Lord.
Page 18 The Insider News Wisconsin, July 1-15, 2011
Gaborone - After more than two years as America'sfirst lady, Michelle Obama won't say she's hit her stride.
Her performance on a good will mission to Africa,including an emotionally rousing speech about youthleadership and a packed itinerary that rivalled her hus-band's travelling schedules, said otherwise.
On her second overseas business trip without the pres-ident, and to Africa, America's first black first lady waswarmly received everywhere she went, often with songand to the point of almost being moved to tears.
She spoke passionately about her causes, tickled anddanced with some of the youngest Africans, and sat withpresidents and first ladies, including Nelson Mandela,South Africa's former president and a hero of the anti-apartheid movement.
She held 20 public events in five days, landed onnewspaper front pages and was fashionably dressed, asusual, including outfits with an African connection.
In between all that, Mrs Obama squeezed in dinnerwith gal-pal Oprah Winfrey, who was in South Africa forunrelated business.
Setting her own agendaIt was the first lady's biggest moment on the world
stage.She was reluctant to grade herself, telling reporters
that it embarrasses her to "talk about my stride and beingon my game". But she does realise her power as firstlady and says it's a time-stamped opportunity that shedoesn't want to waste.
"I have the advantage of really being able to set myown agenda and not having to deal with the day-to-daychallenges that ... just keep coming at you," she said,speaking of President Barack Obama. "That's a privilegeand there is real opportunity there."
Her signature issue - both in the states and around theworld - is encouraging young people to become the nextgeneration of leaders and problem-solvers. It's a majorreason why she spent a week visiting the model democ-racies of South Africa and Botswana, her first visits tothose countries. In Africa alone, nearly two-thirds of itspopulation is younger than 25-years-old.
Mrs Obama also promoted education and uses thestory of her upbringing by working-class parents inChicago to inspire high school students to dream big.
ResonanceShe lately has taken to arranging for groups of stu-
dents, particularly those who aren't from the best back-grounds but who have shown academic promise, tospend a day at a top university. She held such as sessionat the University of Cape Town for 50 South Africanhigh school students, following up on one last month atthe University of Oxford in London.
"I want to make sure that you all see the promise inyourselves," the first lady told the youngsters. "It's soclear to me and so many others. The challenge is tomake sure you see it in yourselves."
Mrs Obama's message resonated with women inAfrica.
"She gives hope not just to women of colour, but towomen everywhere," said Kiri Maponya, a member ofone of Soweto's leading families who now lives in theUS. The first lady spent Wednesday in Soweto, a blacktownship in Johannesburg that was at the centre of theuprisings against apartheid, the now-abolished system ofracial separation.
Before the youth leadership speech, Mandela's wife,Graca Machel, gave Mrs Obama a rousing introductionthat nearly moved the first lady to tears.
"We welcome you as a daughter of African heritageand we can call you the queen of our world," Machelsaid.
President's secret weaponMrs Obama said she doesn't understand why some
things, such as that speech, go really well, and why otherthings just go OK.
"I just want to be useful," she said.There's no question that she is useful and will contin-
ue to be because, as she often says, there is much morework to do.
For one thing, the presidential campaign season isrevving up in the US and her husband wants another fouryears in office. While also shies away from the idea thatshe's the president's "secret weapon", as she came to beknown during the 2008 campaign, Mrs Obama is helpinghim raise money this coming week at three fundraisers inBoston and Burlington, Vermont.
Mrs. Obama hits her stride as first lady
King/WillamsMarian King, the daughter of Archie (Dan) and(The Late) Brenda King, became the bride ofClenton Williams, the son of (The Late) JoeCurtis and Lula Mae Williams on Saturday June18th, 2011 at two-o’clock in the afternoon atSearching Together Missionary Baptist Churchwith Pastor Willie Riley officiating. The bride’s-maid of honor was Tonya M. King, and thebridesmaids were Tasha M. King, Sonya M.Farris, Anna R. Baker, Leslie Bruno, andEarlyMae Williams. The junior bride was CeaniWilliams and the flower girls were TianaMarshall, Essence Williams, and KeyairaMarshall. The groom’s best man was AndrewWilliams. The groomsmen were Micah Tharpe,Josiah Willams, Billy Smith, John Buruno, andJames Williams. The junior groom and ringbearer was Leaf Burno. A reception in theirhonor was held at the Roma Lodge in Racine fel-lowing the wedding.
Brown/CarterTiffany R. Carter (Brown), the daughter of Leonand Debra Brown Sr. and Frank J. Carter III, theson of Frank Carter II and Stepmother JoanneCarter, were wed on June 18, 2011 at GreaterGrace Temple COGIC. The ceremony was offici-ated by Elder Mitch Bravermann of ChristianFaith Fellowship, Bishop Darrell Hines.
June Wedding Bells Ring
Page 19 The Insider News Wisconsin, June 1-15, 2011
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