African Americans have been involved in civil rights, politics, journalism, religion, land resources, public service, medicine, academia, law, science, economics, music, arts, etc. While African Americans are deeply entrenched in the history of our country, often they don’t get the recognition they deserve. This month, I am recognizing several African American men and women, … [Read more...] about Milwaukee’s African American Trailblazers (Week 2)
Rev. Judith T. Lester
Milwaukee’s African American Trailblazers (Week 1)
This month, in honor of Black History Month, I will be highlighting several African- American trailblazers. These leaders, past and present, were and continue to be strong members of our community. Their work is an example of the history that we turn to as inspiration during Black History Month. This list this month is not exhaustive but represents the many inspiring … [Read more...] about Milwaukee’s African American Trailblazers (Week 1)
Social justice issues in America: Food insecurity
Hunger and food insecurity in communities across America is a problem most people are aware exists but some have never experienced it. Food insecurity is defined as a household’s inability to provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life. According to Feeding America, 1 of 9 people struggle with hunger.(1) Fighting hunger is more than just providing … [Read more...] about Social justice issues in America: Food insecurity
Social justice issues in America: Gun violence
The Brady United, an organization inspired by Jim and Sarah Brady that led to President Clinton signing the Brady Bill into law, notes that gun violence is a racial justice issue. Brady United notes that Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to die from gun violence and 14 times more likely than white Americas to be wounded. Gun violence, according to … [Read more...] about Social justice issues in America: Gun violence
Social justice issues in America: Prison reform
Prison reform is a movement to improve conditions inside prisons, the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety. Last week, statistics were given regarding the number of persons of color incarcerated in America. To end mass incarceration, reform is needed. Advocates of prison reform realize there is unfairness in our … [Read more...] about Social justice issues in America: Prison reform
Social justice issues in America: Mass incarceration
A social justice issue that is extremely troubling and continues to be a challenge for African-Americans and people of color in the 21st century is mass incarceration. Michelle Alexander, author of “The New Jim Crow,” (1) in an interview with Frontline (2) defined mass incarceration as: “a massive system of racial and social control. It is the process by which people are swept … [Read more...] about Social justice issues in America: Mass incarceration
Social justice issues in America: Racial profiling and economic inequity
As we begin a new year, this column will turn its focus to social justice issues in America as it is recognized there are still some very serious social justice issues that must be addressed. Social justice issues can range from issues involving one’s race to inequality in education, healthcare and economic injustice, etc. Since America has a long history with race issues, this … [Read more...] about Social justice issues in America: Racial profiling and economic inequity
2020 year-in-review and a preview ahead into 2021
What a year 2020 has been! We watched as the coronavirus became a global pandemic. According to the CDC the pandemic has claimed more than 266,000 lives at the time of the submission of this article and continues to disrupt lives in unprecedented ways. While a vaccine is likely to be approved soon, we are not there yet. So, let’s continue to do the 3 W’s: Wear a mask, Wash your … [Read more...] about 2020 year-in-review and a preview ahead into 2021
Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary Rev. and Mrs. Hill
Normally in December, I write the Year-In-Review, then take a sabbatical for the remainder of the month. However, with 2020 being such a tough year for many of us, I want to run this “feel-good” story before my usual Year-In-Review. A “feel-good” story is one that brings a smile to one’s face and makes them feel happy. The story of the Rev. and Mrs. Hill is one of those … [Read more...] about Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary Rev. and Mrs. Hill
Favorite family recipes (conclusion)
When I decided to offer family recipes this month, I was certain that as soon as I requested my family’s favorite recipes, I would get the response, ‘Sorry, but I don’t share my recipes!’ But that didn’t happen; my children, their spouses and my Sista all said, ‘When do you need it?’ This week I am sharing two more recipes: Shawn’s White Chicken Chili Recipe Another … [Read more...] about Favorite family recipes (conclusion)