September 15 edition

TTaakkeeOONNEEFFRREEEE

VOL. 20, No. 15 |September 1-15, 2010 | Web site: Racineinsider.blogspot.com | E-mail: [email protected] | 262.632.9370

Farming in the city catches on fast Sanyiah

Maxey, the17-month-olddaughter ofClaudiaGonzales andKwameMaxey, wasnamed theRacineBranch 2010FreedomBaby at a pro-gram heldAug. 8 at theDr. JohnBryantCenter.

TheRacine Branch of the NAACP held its 45thannual Freedom Baby Contest which was inhonor of Mrs. Corinne Owens, the chairper-son and sponsor of the first Freedom BabyContest held in 1965.

The winning total turned in by her parentswas $1,215. Sanyiah received the FreedomBaby trophy, a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a$50 gift certificate from Walmart, clothingitems from Attitudes, a recordable pictureframe from Hallmark Cards, a baby strollerand other gifts.

All of the runner-ups received a $100 U.S.Savings Bond, a merchant-supplied gift cer-tificate, stroller, clothing items, recordablepicture frame and other gifts.

Sanyiah Maxey

Racine NAACP BabyContest Winner Named

Read story on page 3

Carolyn Hustonclears dead

leaves from hertomato plants on

her plot located734 Marquette

Street

No Supprise: City Close Park 6 for 45 Days

Page 2 The Insider News, August 1-15, 2010


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Tamika Esho and Carolyn Huston donot know each other formally althoughthe two share a common interest at thesame location. The pair is part of agrowing number of people living in thecity who want to experience the enjoy-ment of growing their own food productsin an urban community setting.

In May, Tamika learned of the smallplots of land that could be rented towould-be farmers for $20, or an amountaccording to a individual’s ability to pay.

The whole idea is the brainstorm of theRacine Urban Garden Network. The net-work seeks to promote a strong gardeningeffort in the Racine area, and to create anetwork of resources and education toimprove sustainable gardening and farm-ing.

In May, Esho bought her small plotand began to prepare it for food growth.“Everything is grown six inches aboveground,” she explained. Large mounds oftopsoil are available to each farmer whereyou enter the gardens located at 734Marquette Street. There are about 25individual plots divided by straw.

Esho says that the network have givenher an opportunity to do what she hasalways wanted, but because of where shelived was never able to own a garden. “Ilived in an apartment and did not have agarden in the backyard, nor did I have thespace for growing anything and I havealways wanted to grow something.”

In the hot blazing sun she beamed joy-fully at the items that she had grown from

seeds.She and her mother continually walked

to a large container of water with bucketsto water her small plot of land where shehad already grown zucchini, cherry toma-toes, yellow squash, pepper plants, andbasil.

Already she has attained the rewardsof her garden. “It feels great to havesomething grow that I planted in theground. I did the work and now I cantake it home and eat it,” she said.

Born in Mississippi, Carolyn Hustonremembers working in the garden withher parents and began her plot recentlywith the little experience she gained as achild.

She said she learned of the Networkwhile attending the 6th StreetNeighborhood Watch meeting.

Huston says much of her joy comesfrom sharing her food with others. “

She has grown a sizeable selection offood items . Although she prides herselfon her tomatoes, she has also plantedcumbers, jalapeño peppers, collardgreens, turnips, and pinto beans. Whenasked what she plans to do with the fooditems she responded, “Eat them.”

The gardening Network serves as acentral point to connect individuals andorganizations that have visions for theirown gardens, and to find available landand resources for people to start garden-ing projects. The goal is to facilitate com-munication among all who have the ini-tiative to start a garden.

Gardening NetworkProvides Opportunity forResidents to Grow FarmProduce

Tamika Esho carries a bucket of water to her plot of land she rents to grow veggies.

Page 4 The Insider News, September 1-15, 2010

Recording artist Ludacris, signed bottlesof Conjure, his brand of Cognac liquor onThursday, August 12, 2010 at Twins FoodMart, 1812 16th St. in Racine, Wis. Twinsheld this event Thursday evening whereLudacris appeared in person to promote hiscognac brand and pose for photos withguests.

Many people did not believe that he wasactually coming to town, but Ludacris madebelievers out of everyone and showed up ina black Suburban escorted by his entourage.He was very down to earth and friendly tothose who came to meet him and have theirpicture taken with him. As he promoted hisproduct, his message was clear, drinkresponsibly. As the kids came to have theirphoto taken, he joked, had fun with them,and was quite respectful. He insisted thatthe product be pushed aside and not appearin any photos with children.

The event started out with a small crowd,but as the day went on many fans poured out

National Hip-Hop Artist MakesStop In Racine at Twins Food Mart

Ludacris flipped the script and took pictures of the Twins Food Mart Conjuredisplay. Right: He took time out to take pictures with his fans. He insisted thatno pictures be taken with his product in the presence of young people. Heposed with over 65 fans during the two-hour visit. Right below: Anxious fanswaited for hour for Ludacris to see the national rap artist in person. Theylined 16th Street around the corner for a block. See pictures at:http://news.racinepost.com/2010/08/chris-bridges-aka-ludacris-swings.html


Paje’ Productions iscertainly about cele-brating talent, diversi-ty, and community.Established in May2009, Paje’Productions was con-ceived by a group ofwomen who wantedto see change come tothe community. In itsgrassroots beginning,Paje’ Productionssought opportunitiesto encourage empow-erment and diversityand involved itself inproactive eventsincluding cancerwalks, theatre produc-tions, open micro-phone events, andmore. To date, Paje’continues to be activein their communitythrough its eventsincluding this fashionshow and talent per-formances and only seeks to continue tosend the message to “Stop Existing andStart Living” through upcoming projectswith non-profit groups as well as eventsto entertain.

Paje’ Productions hosted its first fash-ion show, Strut Your Stuff: Love YourSize, on Saturday, August 14th. Thisdynamic and diverse show astonished allwho attended from start to finish. Takingplace at the sophisticated Racine TheatreGuild, Inc. {2519 Northwestern Avenue,Suite 1, Racine, Wisconsin} this red car-pet event introduced some of the mosttalented fashion designers of theSoutheast Wisconsin and NorthernIllinois region, as well as several of themost fabulous up and coming female andmale model talent of the area.

The night began with a welcomingreception for guests which included livejazz music and catering provided by theIvanhoe Pub of Racine. On hand to pro-vide guests with their own red carpetphoto opportunity were photographers,Eric Gaurkee of Lightworks Imaging,

Kryg Piatek ofKryg Photography,and HankMcClellan, all ofMilwaukee.

“Big girls can’tmodel,” exclaimedone young sassyfashionista. Shehelped to set thestage as the showbegan. Throughoutthe evening, Paje’Productionsfounder, TemaccaMcMurtry, wouldask the crowd,“Who you for?Petite or PlusSize?” That wasthe question of thenight! Regardlessof size, the mes-sage Paje’ wishedto send with theaudience, as wellas all who partici-

pated, was: nevermind the expectations of society andwhat is more socially acceptable, ALLshapes and sizes can be embracedwhether it is strutting out on the runwayor down the aisle of the market.

Paje’ was pleased to have fashiondesigners join the show who shared thevision of: love your self, size does notmatter. Collections featured on the run-way included designs by NEWD, MayVora Jewelry, Lolita Evonne, BDBM, GgCollections, Deztinni, Moda Muneca,AHBE, Seyah, and Conceited. In additionto the stunning creations provided by thedesigners, others involved to create andcapture the memories of the evening weremake up artists Dana McIntosh andNicole Tooze and photographers ByronGraves of The Racine Mirror, KennethLumpkin of Insider News, David Fayneof Discreet Designs and Photography.

In addition to fashion genius, Paje’Productions was excited to entertain theaudience throughout the night with per-formances included finalists fromStanding Room Only, vocalist JVocal,

poets Nicole White and Marcelles Brown,rap artists Bull Jr. and Tweet Deez, aswell as the winner of the Standing RoomOnly acoustic guitarist, Glenn Morrison.And if that was not enough, Paje’Productions was excited to have specialguest for the evening, plus model and

actress, Mia AmberDavis also joining thisfabulous production!

Paje’ Productionsfounder, TemaccaMcMurtry, would havenever believed in justhow incredible thisjourney would be andhow amazing the out-come after the manymonths of long hoursto prepare for this firstfashion event. "Thesuccess of the StrutYour Stuff FashionShow was beyond myexpectations. I expect-ed extravagance but Ireceived far more thanthat! Can't wait untilnext year!” exclaimedMc Murtry upon com-pletion of the show.McMurtry and thePaje’ Production teamare already in theplanning process oftheir next fashionevent, as well as otherupcoming projects.

They came, theystrut, and it was alllove!

The Paje’Productions Strut Your

Stuff: Love Your SizeFashion Show is definitely one event thatset a standard; however there is nothingstandard about Paje’ Productions. Forinformation about Paje’ Productions, tele-phone 262-237-1671 or [email protected].


STRUT YOUR STUFF: LOVE YOUR SIZE FASHION SHOWPlus Versus Petite: The Ultimate Runway Walk Off

Call 262.632.9370

Caution – This unique and creative design is not for theunadventurous or shy person. You must be bold, confident,and ready to show your flavor for fashion.

This elegant dress tells the whole story – full figured women are beautifuland can make any design come alive.

These ladies from Kenosha, WI came out to support the fashion show andenjoy the latest fashions from the over a dozen designers.

Visit us at: Racineinsider.blogspot.com



Hello Insider Family. Every sportsfan, athlete, coach, owner, and commen-tator says that there is no “I” in TEAM.As a former athlete, I was taught to sacri-fice my personal goals for the greatergood of the team. When that is done,then we are all successful. We win as ateam and we lose as a team. It doesn’tprofit anyone to be a prima-donna or asuperstar, but you never win. I rememberthinking I was bigger than the team whenI was in high school. I wanted to skippractice, and expected to still start. Iwalked in the barbershop before pregamewalk through to find my coach there. Itried to sneak out before he saw me, buttoo late. He looked at me and said, “Idon’t care if we are up 50-0 tomorrownight. The only time you will touch thefield is when you are warming up withthe team.” What? Are you serious? I ama returning starter, this is my senior sea-son, it’s our first game of the season, anda home game. I know you are not goingto bench me. Fast forward to the nextnight and when our defense took thefield, I was on the bench. No, he didn’tactually bench me the entire game, but hedid bench me the entire first quarter,which seemed like an eternity. At thatmoment, I learned a valuablelesson…with or without me; the teamwill keep moving forward. No one manis above the team.

I know you remember the exploits ofMichael Jordan in the 1990’s. His“Airness” has been hailed as the greatestplayer that the game has ever seen. I canremember seeing him do things with the

basketball in his hands that will never beduplicated by anyone else in this lifetime.His passion to will to win wasunmatched. However, we cannot forgetthat until he started to trust his team-mates, instead of trying to be a one-manshow, his teams could not conquer theelite teams of that day. Scottie Pippenmade one of the most insightful quoteswhen he said, “You all say I couldn’t winany championships withoutMichael…well, Michael didn’t win anychampionships without me either”. TheBulls did not become the dominant teamof the 90’s until they became a TEAMthemselves. A TEAM of players willbeat one player every time. If you don’tbelieve me, just check your sports history.The proof is in the pudding.

Another example that comes to mind isthe New York Yankees. I want you tothink back to when they first acquiredAlex Rodriguez. For a few years, itseemed that they forgot about the formulathat had led to so much success for their

franchise, which was team play. At thepoint that they started putting their focuson him as an individual, he could notdeliver when it was needed most. Youtake that, along with the distractions ofliving in NYC, where the media scrutinyis at an all time high for the superstars ofthe game that is a recipe fordisaster…even if you are A-Rod.However, last season, the focus came offhim as an individual and went back to theteam as a whole. As a result, not onlywas A-Rod able to shine, so was theentire team by capping off their seasonwith another championship. The MVPended up being the least likely candidategoing into the World Series.

My last example is the most com-pelling one, Brett Favre. When dealingwith Favre, it seems that he is, in fact,bigger than the team. He held the GreenBay Packers hostage for 2 seasons beforethey had enough of his antics andreleased him. Now he is doing the samething to the Minnesota Vikings. He has

used the threat of retirement for nothingmore than a clever way to hold out oftraining camp and demand more money,which the Vikings have willingly conced-ed. I would respect him more if hewould just “MAN UP” and tell the truth.What is more disappointing to me is thatFavre gets a pass for his behavior everyyear, but other players like BrandonMarshall, Anquan Boldin, or more recent-ly, Darrelle Revis, get scrutinized by themedia and called selfish for not honoringtheir contracts, when they hold/held outfor what compensation they felt is/wasdue to them. So let’s get thisstraight…there is no “I” in TEAM if yourname is not Brett Favre. However, ifyour name is Brett Favre, then there isnot only and “I” in TEAM, the TEAMwill bend over backwards for you and tellthe world that it is ok. Never mind whatthis does to your locker room and to theplayers that are sacrificing everyday forthe TEAM. All I can say is the Vikingsbetter win the Super Bowl this year tomake it worth all the trouble the rest ofthe team has to endure to accommodateone player. If they don’t win it all, then itis price you pay for giving an individualsuperstar treatment. I applaud thePackers for having the testicular fortitudeto send Favre packing and moving theTEAM forward with Aaron Rodgers.More teams should follow suit. They area shining example of showing that oneman is not bigger than the team, even ifhe is Brett Favre. Kudos to the GreenBay Packer from the world’s biggestDallas

Can One Player Be Above the Team




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Nearly 24 months ago, MichaelShields took the reins of the localbranch of the NAACP and has tried towork through an internal rift. Last weekhe told his executive committee mem-bers at the monthly meeting that as pres-ident he was kind of disappointed andwarned that members needed to learn towork together.

The Racine branch, which hasspanned over seven decades, has faced asplit in the organization based on theperception of Shields leadership style.Shields, who has been a city Aldermanfor 12 two-year terms, says he is notinclusive enough and operates outside ofthe organization’s committee structure.

Jerry Ann Hamilton, president ofMilwaukee branch, is no stranger toproblems of being the leader of a largemetropolitan branch of the oldest civilrights organization in the country. “Aspresident you have to run the organiza-tion,” she said by phone. Stepping downafter 12 years as president, Hamiltonsaid that it’s important that branchesgive their president flexibility. “Whatcan you do if you can’t make some type

of decisions.” Shields troubles are believed to have

begun when he made comments in theRacine Journal Times recently about areport alleging city leaders conspired to

keep African-American businesses outof Downtown Racine. People withknowledge of the Downtown Racinereport, titled "Sun City, Sister City orGaza on Lake Michigan: A Report onthe State of Racine's Downtown," saidlittle input was taken from NAACPmembers or its executive committee, andthat it was written and distributed by asmall group operating under the organi-zation's name, but without the organiza-tion's support. However, up to now, thegroup has not formally rebutted theclaims in the report.

One member of the executive com-mittee said she had received calls fromboth her White and Black friends andwas upset over the way the report waswritten. Some people from the city gov-ernment showed their distaste for thereport and considered it inflammatory."After investigation and talks with bothdowntown officers and officials withinthe Racine Police Department, it hasbecome clear to the NAACP that a gooddowntown Racine is viewed as a white

downtown," is one example sited in theNAACP report.

The report struck enough angeramong some members that a whistle-blower insider the organization releasedminutes as well as e-mails betweenexecutive board members. Finding outwho turned the information over to theRacine Post, a local blog site, hasbecome an obsession of Shields and hissupporters. In an executive meeting lastThursday, the RacinePost reported thatan informant inside the meeting, report-ed the committee voted to spend up to$500 for an investigator to find out wholeaked to the RacinePost. The moneywould be spent on investigative servicesto find out who accused the committeeof inappropriate behavior, the insidersaid. “I will get to the bottom of this,”Shields said during the meeting.

But the internal rift is not isolated tothe Racine branch. At 82, Rufus Brooksis old enough to know better. He's beena member of the NAACP since he was16. He served as president of the OrangeCounty branch. He's a respected educa-tor and civil rights activist.

But when he publicly criticizedbranch president Rev. Randolph BracyJr. during an Orange County schooldesegregation hearing earlier in May, heviolated an unspoken rule within theNAACP: never air internal differences.In doing so, he gave voice to thoseinside the organization who have com-plained about Bracy's style of leadership,while antagonizing Bracy's many sup-porters.

"Mr. Brooks knows that's not how wedo business in the NAACP," saidBeverlye Neal, a Bracy supporter.

But how does the NAACP do busi-ness? More important is the question,“How does the NAACP do business inRacine?” By phone, an officer in thebranch said that we need to be about


In a rare moment, Carl Laster, (left) treasurer of the local branch, and AldermanMichael Shield who is serving his first-two year term as president, shares informationduring a Mayor’s forum at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center. Organizationinsiders say that the two are heavily at odds over the branches finances and by-lawsprocessors.

Is the Airing of the Racine Branch ofthe NAACP Internal Rift A Violationof An Unspoken Organizational Law?

please turn to page 16

Christ Baptist Church –1801 Durand Avenue (414-217-5055)Pastor Daryn David Crenshaw Worship is every Sunday @9:30 AM, Join us at 1810Durand Avenue (Racine

Seventh Day Adventist Church Building).

The Church where Christ is Center, TheCommunity is Cared for and The Word ofGod is made Clear.

Follow us at: TheChristBC (At Twitter)for your daily dose of inspiration. Don’tfollow any man, Don’t Follow everyTradition,” Follow a Relevant Word.

Christ Chapel MissionaryBaptist Church - 815 ParkAvenue (633-6662)Pastor Mark D. Gates

Sunday, September 19 @11:00 AM Woman's Day

Celebration Guest Speaker Mrs. Mary A,Taylor

Sunday, September 19 @ 3:00 PM-GuestSpeaker Mrs. Barbara Richmond

Sunday September 26 @ 11:00 AMSunday School Promotion Day

Faith Christian FellowshipChurch 1200 Racine Street(637-6220)Bishop Sheila NeinhausSunday, September 5 @ 4:00PM Back to School Praise &Worship Service

Saturday, September 11 Women’s DayWorship Service

Sunday, September 19 @ 4:00 PMMembership & Evangelism WorshipService

Greater Grace TempleCOGIC – 522 N. MemorialDrive (634-6246)Elder Jettie L. Cornett

Sunday, September 5, 201012:30 PM - 2:30 PM Rally

Sunday

Sunday September 12, 2010 All dayYouth Sunday

Greater Mt. Eagle BaptistChurch-929 State Street(637-1606)Keith T. Evans, Pastor

Sunday, September 26 @10:45 Mission Annual Day

CelebrationTheme: Disciples of Jesus, BelievingHim, Learning Him, Following Him andLoving One Another Matthew 16:24-27/John 13:34-35

Fall Revival-Tuesday-Thursday,September 28-29 @ 6:30 PM Theme: Disciples of Jesus, Believing

Him, Learning Him, Following Him andLoving One Another-Matthew 16:24-27/John 13:34-35Guest Evangelist: Pastor NathanielChristian, Durant Missionary BaptistChurch, Durant, MS

Greater St. Luke’s BaptistChurch-1326 State Street(262-632-4146)Pastor Jesse Sumerall

Thursday-Saturday,September 23-25 @ 7:00 PM

Nightly Pre-Anniversary CelebrationPastor Sumerall 10th Year PastorAnniversary

Sunday, September 26 @ 4:00 PM PastorSumerall 10th Year Pastor Anniversary

Mt Sinai InstitutionalBaptist Church, - 2401Argonne Drive NorthChicago, IL (847-689-4422) Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon

The 15th Pastoral Anniversaryfor Pastor and 1st Lady Janice Wilcoxonis set for September 18-19, 2010.

Saturday the 18th ~ "Hats Off" with 1stLady "J" Wilcoxon, serving brunch @11:00 am (wear your favorite hat). Thisevent is at Mt. Sinai's Heavenly PlacesFellowship Hall- $5 donation.

Also, on Saturday the 18th ~ "Tee Off"with Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon, 10:00 am atFoss Park Golf Course. $30 donation isrequested.

Sunday the 19th ~ 15th PastoralAnniversary @ 3:30 PM, Mt. SinaiBaptist Church, "Seeking the Blessings ofGod" Jeremiah 7:23. Special guest~FirstBaptist Church of Melrose Park, IL.

New Omega Baptist Church– 5731 Northwestern Avenue(634-4655)Pastor Fred RichmondWednesday, September 8 @5:30 PM Family Life & BibleStudy

Sunday, September 19 (After 10:30Worship Service) Rainbow Tea Host bythe Women's Fellowship Ministry

Saturday, September 25 @ 6:00 PMMusical Host by the Love MinistryGuest-Rev Odell Hughes and Companyfrom Indiana & Local choirs and groups

Searching Together BaptistChurch – 825 21st Street(633-4421)Pastor Willie Riley

Saturday, September 11 @7:00 PM Pastor & First Lady

Riley Pre-Anniversary Theme: This is Your Life WorshipService/Musical Local Guests Choirs andGroups

Sunday, September 12 @ 3:30 PM Pastor

& First Lady Riley AnniversaryCelebration Theme: Your Turn AroundYear Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 Guest Church-Pastor Charles Thornhill,Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Milwaukee(Dinner served @ 1:00 pm…communityis invited)

Second Baptist Church –3925 32nd Avenue, Kenosha,WI 53144, 262 - 652-1692-MinisterLawrence Kirby, PulpitAssistance

Sunday, September 19 @ 3:30 PM Voicesof Second Baptist Choir's Anniversary

Sunday, September 26th @ 3:30 PMAnnual Fellowship Service with ChristianValley Church North Chicago, Illinois

St. Paul Baptist Church –1120 Center Street (632-1467)Bishop L. L. KirbySunday, September 5 @ 6:30PM Appreciation Service

Monday-Friday, September 6-10 NationalBaptist Convention, Kansas City KS

Saturday, September 11 @ 7:30 AMWord in Motion WorkshopSaturday, September 11 Word in MotionAnnual Worship Service

Sunday, September 12 @ 7:45 AM &10:45 AM Women’s FellowshipCelebrationSunday, September 19 @ Deacon’sAnnual Day Celebration

Friday, September 24 Gospel MusicWorkshop of America CelebrationSunday, September 26 @ 4 PM AdultChoir will host a Dinner and FashionShow in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are$8. Call 262-632-1437 for your ticketinfo.

Submit your church’s calendar by the 15th of each month to Minister Della Buckley @ [email protected] or by calling 262-634-0428

First Baptist ChurchPastor John L. Belser2114 Main Street, MelrosePark, Illinois 60160Phone: 708 344 7411 Fax:708 344 7265www.firstbaptistchurch.org

Sunday, September 5 @ 10:00 AMWorship Service and The Lord's Supper

Thursday, September 9 @ 7:30 PMBishop Porter's Anniversary Celebration@ Proviso Baptist Church, Maywood, IL

Sunday, September 12 @ 10:00 AMWorship Service Ministries' Annual DayCelebration

Sunday, September 19 @ 9:30 AMSunday School Promotion Day

Sunday, September 19 @ 10:00 AMWorship ServicesSunday, September 19 @ 3:30 PMFellowship with Pasotr G. Wilcoxon@Mt. Sinai Institutional BC, NorthChicago, IL

Sunday, September 26 @ 10:00 AMWorship Services, Inspirational VoicesAnnual Day Celebration & WaterBaptism

The Vine ChurchPastor James Ford2405 Northwestern AvenueRacine, WI 53404262-880-9479Sunday Worship @ 11:00 AMBible Study on Thursday @

6:30 PM - 8:00 PMChurch Theme: Connecting andEncouraging God's People. "THE TRUE VINE"


RRaacciinnee//KKeennoosshhaa SShheeppaarrdd’’ss GGuuiiddeeSSeepptteemmbbeerr CCaalleennddaarr ooff EEvveennttss

Submit your church’s calendar by the 15th of each month to

Minister Della BuckleyReligious Editor, Racine Insider News

@ [email protected] or by calling 634-0428.

Michael is the kind of guy you love tohate. He is always in a good mood andalways has something positive to say.

When someone would ask him howhe was doing, would reply, "If I wereany better, I would be twins!"

He was a natural motivator.If an employee was having a bad day,

Michael was there telling the employeehow to look on the positive side of thesituation.

Seeing this style really made me curi-ous, so one day I went up to Michael andasked him, "I don't get it! You can't be apositive person all of the time. How doyou do it?"

Michael replied, "Each morning Iwake up and say to myself, you havetwo choices today.

Life’s Choices

Please turn to page 14

You can choose to be in a good moodor .. you can choose to be in a bad mood.I choose to be in a good mood.

Each time something bad happens, Ican choose to be a victim or...I canchoose to learn from it. I choose to learnfrom it.

Every time someone comes to mecomplaining, I can choose to accept theircomplaining or... I can point out the posi-tive side of life, choose the positive sideof life.

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," Iprotested. "Yes, it is," Michael said. "Lifeis all about choices. When you cut awayall the junk, every situation is a choice.

You choose how you react to situa-tions. You choose how people affect yourmood. You choose to be in a good moodor bad mood.

The bottom line: It's your choice howyou live your life."

I reflected on what Michael said. Soonthereafter, I left the Tower Industry tostart my own business. We lost touch, butI often thought about him when I made achoice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard thatMichael was involved in a

serious accident, falling some 60 feetfrom a communications towe.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks ofintensive care, Michael was released fromthe hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw Michael about six months afterthe accident. When I asked him how hewas, he replied. "If I were any better, I'dbe twins. Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but I didask him what had gone through his mindas the accident took place.

"The first thing that went through mymind was the well-being of my soon tobe born daughter," Michael replied."Then, as I lay on the ground, I remem-bered that I had two choices: I couldchoose to live or... I could choose to die. Ichose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you loseconsciousness?" I asked.

Michael continued, "...the paramedicswere great. They kept telling me I wasgoing to be fine. But when they wheeledme into the ER and I saw the expressionson the faces of the doctors and nurses, Igot really scared. In their eyes, I read"he's a dead man. I knew I needed to takeaction."

"What did you do?" I asked."Well, there was a big burly nurse

shouting questions at me," said Michael."She asked if I was allergic to anything.

"Yes, I replied." The doctors and nurs-es stopped working as they waited for my

reply. I took a deep breath and yelled,"Gravity."

Over their laughter, I told them, "I amchoosing to live. Operate on me as if I amalive, not dead."

Michael lived, thanks to the skill of hisdoctors, but also because of his amazingattitude. I learned from him that everyday we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything."Therefore do not worry about tomor-

row, for tomorrow will worry about itself.Each day has enough trouble of its own."After all today is the tomorrow you wor-

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RRaacciinnee,, WWiissccoonnssiinn

Pastors Willie & Patricia Scott

262-631-0196Worship with us at:

Sunday Worship Service • 10:00 AM

Sunday School • 9:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study • 6:30 PM

Gilmore Middle School’s Auditorium

2330 Northwestern

Insider News

SHEPHERD’S GUIDES


--1131 Douglas Avenue

Racine, WI262.412.3984

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.

Mat: 6:33 Seek ye first the Kingdom God and his

righteousness all these things shallbe added unto you.

MLK Church of Christ

Lewis Givens Jr., Senior Pastor

“Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.”From page 13

TheVineChurch2405 Northwestern Ave.Racine, WI 53404262-880-9479

Sunday Worship @ 11:00 AMBible Study on Thursday @ 6:30 PM -

8:00 PM

Church Theme: Connecting andEncouraging God's People.

"THE TRUE VINE"6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Rev. Melvin Hargrove, Pastor

Sunday School - 8:45 a.m.Sunday Worship Service - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday NA Meeting 6:30 PMCommunity 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 OUTREACHMinistries

2130 Racine Street •Racine, WI619-3027

Come as you are, you won’t stayas you are.

Abundant Life ChristianCenter Ministries

ALCCM

Pastors Elliott & Josette Cohen

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 noonWednesday 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

ChristianTabernacle

BaptistChurch

1201 Center StreetRacine, Wis. 53403

(262) 634-6657

Rev. Tommie L. KnucklesSenior Pastor

Come Worship with us at:Sunday School 9:30 AMSunday Worship Service

11:00 AM

Greater St. Luke’sMissionary

Baptist Church

1326 State Street632-4146

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

Pastor Keith Evans

GGrreeaatteerr MMtt.. EEaaggllee BBaappttiisstt CChhuurrcchh

Sunday School 9:15 AMSunday Worship Service 7:45 AM & 10:40 AM

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Class

11:00 AM and 6:00 PMDinner - 5:30 PM

St. PaulMissionary

BaptistChurch

1120 Grand Ave.Racine, Wis.

262-632-1467www.stpmbc.org

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

Bishop Lawrence L.

KIRBYSenior Pastor

WAYMANAFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Pastor Joseph L. & FirstLady Thomas

424 MEMORIAL DRIVE • RACINE, WI

Pastor Charlene & Evang. Dimitr i Mi l ls

Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Sunday Worship Service- 10:30 a.m.Tuesday Prayer Service - 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

262-632-1650

Trinity United MissionaryBaptist Church

306-5th Street, Racine, WI

Pastor Jessie Summerall

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 Norton945 N. Memorial Drive • Racine, WI 53403

262.634.3156A Family Church Where Jesus Abides

Christian Education Classesto be announced

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.

Insider News

SHEPHERD’S

New Birth BaptistChurch1840 Howe StreetRacine, WI 53403262.898.8031

Rev. Larry Jackson

Sunday School - 9:30 amSunday Worship - 10:45 am

Bible Class (Wednesday) - 6 pm

For the perfecting of the Saints, For the Work of theMinistry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

Ephesians 4 & 12

New Brighter Day Baptist

Church1225 25th Ave.,

Kenosha, WI

262-552-8090

3433 Douglas Avenue,Racine, WI 53402

(262) 637-5433

Sunday Service10:30 Am

Bible Study • Tuesday7:00 pm

“A God Glorifying, ChristCentered, Spirit-Filled

Church”Sunday School • 9:00 AM

Sunday Worship Service • 10:45 AMBible Study (Wed.) • 6:00 PM

Word of Life (Youth Program) (Thur..)• 6:30 PM

SEARCHING

TOGETHER

MISSIONARY

BAPTIST CHURCH


For Lease Space Located at 5731Northwestern Ave Racine WI(New Omega MBC)3200 plus sq. feet (ideal for chil-dren’s day care). Also includesafenced in outside playground.Property is available immediate-ly.-Please call Pastor Richmond at(262-634-4655 ext 13 or 262-880-6254)

SundaysPrayer: 11:15amWorship: Noon

Wednesdays7pm

210 7th St. - (262) 632-1201

Christ Centered • Kingdom Driven • Family Focused

civil rights and stop the internal strife.However, he feels it will be hard tomove forward with mistrust sitting in theroom, he suggests.

I agree and feel that there are a num-ber of civil rights issues in Racine thatneed to be addressed rather than wherethe leak may exist on the board. Afterall the NAACP is not a clandestinegroup that needs to hold secrets from itsmembership. In fact the successfulnessof the NAACP has been it openness toits membership as well as the public.

We hope that these disagreementsamong members of the NAACP can beset aside for the good of and the pro-longed existence of the organization.

The Insider values your feedback onthis article. Please [email protected] with your comments.

Church for RentGreat place for a

growing congregation1848 Howe St.,

Racine, WIContact: Greater Shiloh Cathedral

(262) 456-1162

NAACP from page 13


It should come as no surprise that aDowntown nightclub owner ThomasHolmes, owner of Park 6, will get hisliquor license back after a 45-day suspen-sion as part of a forced agreementreached between him and the city.

The night before the hearing, Holmestold the Insider News that the city wantedto close him down for 40 days, but hefeared that if he tried to fight them toremain open his license would berevoked.

The city's Public Safety and LicensingCommittee scheduled the due processhearing for Holmes’ bar, which caters to aprimarily African-American clientele. Heagreed to the settlement offered in fear oflosing his business if he did not agree.Holmes also told the Insider News that hewill lose close to $20,000 because of theclosing. He also said that he was not surehow things will be once he re-opens.

The daily paper reported that ThomasBinger, an attorney hired to represent thecity, reached the agreement with Holmesand his attorney after weeks of negotia-tions. "The suspension that is in placewill close Park 6's door for a relativelysignificant period of time," Binger said.The paper also reported that Holmeswaived his right to appear at the dueprocess hearing Thursday. As part of theagreement, Holmes accepted the city'sfinding that he operated "a disorderly orriotous, indecent or improper house," asdefined by state law.

Many feel the committee has been outto close the popular club after a situationturned dangerous on May 20 when a stray

bullet struck a security officer outside ofPark 6. While initial reports suggestedsuspects were arrested in a car stopped inKenosha after the incident, the shootingremains under investigation and nocharges have been filed. In short, policedon’t know what happened that night.

Days after the incident, the Committeequickly voted to take Park 6 to dueprocess which would close his doorsbefore the police investigation was com-pleted. Some believe that forcingHolmes to agree to a charge of running adisorderly or riotous, indecent, orimproper house is an attempt by theheavy-handed committee to save face fortheir rush judgment.

In recent months, lot of effort hasgone into making a case to close the bar.On one occasion the Racine PoliceDepartment’s surveillance van wasparked near Park 6 filming patrons as

they wentin and outof the bar.Also, sev-eral peoplehave beenobservedrecordingthe crowdnear Parkand Sixthstreetsfrom aparkedvehicle. InJuly, avideo crew

was spotted on top of a nearby building.Most recently Holmes said he was issueda citation for under-age patrons, whichwere ticketed several blocks from hisestablishment who told the police thatthey had came out of Park 6. Theseactions have Holmes feeling like the cityis out to get him.

In a NAACP report that has met publicscrutiny over its unauthorized release,states that there seems to be an effort byRacine city officials to drive Blacks outof the downtown area.

Holmes’ agreement with the city putshim in a bad position. It give officials 45days to look deeper into the problem thatmany feel is a law enforcement issuerather than the bar owners’. The city-acquired attorney hinted this when hespoke before the committee, "It will giveus a good idea what issues that are pres-ent in that area of town are the result of

Park 6 or may be the result of other caus-es." This also shows a weakness in thecase that they city developed againstHomes.

Although Alderman Aron Wisneski,the committee's chairman, thinks theagreement is a fair deal for both partiesinvolved, we greatly disagree.

The forced agreement was a win-winfor the city only. But for the Black com-munity it was unfair and a foreseeableproblem.

First with police walking the down-town location on weekends, there hadalready begun an improvement in thearea. These actions by the Chief ofPolice, we feel was not allowed to cometo fruition.

Some others feel that the city is try-ing to dodge its responsibility to theAfrican-American community. “If some-one has a headache, you don’t cut offtheir head,” one suggested. Is the cityreally trying to solve the downtownissues, or are they trying to put a bandaidon the wound by punishing Park 6?

But what worries many other bar own-ers is wheather or not the closing of Park6 will put a new burden on their ownestablishments. Will the patrons leave thedowntown area and find other places togo or will they over crowd the other wellvisited downtown bars?

The committee's recommendation stillhas to be approved by the City Councilnext month.

What do you think? We would like tohear from you.

How We Feel: It should come as no suprise that the city wants to close Park 6

Thomas Holmes stands in front of hisPark 6 bar. Holmes worry that the cityis out to close his pouplar Hip-Hopestablishment down to his AfricanAmerican patrons


Wheelchair lift available

Let us plan

other trips for YOU

To: Do dge, Fox Lake & Waupun Correctional Facilities on the first Saturday of every month. To: Pr airie du Chien Correctional, Stanley Co rrectional on the Second Sunday of each month. To: Ke nosha Correctional ev ery third Saturday of each month.T


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September 15 edition