NAACP launch voters campaign

Gloria Rogers, left, president Racine NAACP,  stands behind a banner  encouraging people to vote in upcoming elections in 2012.  The civil rights organization is also sending

letters to African American churches asking them to join the campaign by erecting a sign in front of their churches and to seek to have 100% registration by the next election. Joining Rogers at this years Juneteenth celebration at the John Bryant Center, were  Marlin Harman, Janet Mitchell, State Representative Robert Turner, and Beverly Hicks.

Friends Remember Jasmond George

Rev. Mark Freeman, pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church, leads over 250 people in a candlelight vigil in front of his church

Friends and relative mourned the death of Jasmond George, 32, who was killed when his car crashed into Second Missionary Baptist Church

Friends Remember Jasmond George

Over 250 people came out to remember Jasmond George, 32, of Racine, who was set to graduate from Gateway this summer. According to his mother he was getting ready to buy a house and he had planned to bring his kids to Chuck E. Cheese’s this weekend.

The group stood in front of Second Missionary Baptist Church, Lathrop Avenue, just blocks from his home.  Rev. Mark Freeman, pastor of Second Baptist, told the crowd not to forget Jasmond, “but long after remember those that he left behind.”

At this time cause of the crash is unknown, but his mother, Yvonne George, said he had asthma. He had a device at their home to help manage it, but sometimes when it got bad he would drive himself to Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital, 3801 Spring St., for treatment, she said in the daily paper.

Police said he was traveling north on Lathrop Avenue, struck a utility pole on the western side of the street, and then came to rest after hitting the church.

DSD: Racine Steppin Chicago Style

Instructors Donnie Snow, Sheronda and Derrick Glass

No one seems to know how it got started, but most believe that “Steppin” got its start in the Windy City of Chicago. In Chicago they call it Steppin’, or Chicago Style Steppin’ in other parts of the country they call it Jazz dance, The Cakewalk, The Ring shout, The Jitterbug, The Swing, Jazz.

Stepping is an urban dance that continues to evolve defining its unique style and culture within the context of mainstream Swing dance. Stepping has gained popularity, particularly but not limited to the urban neighborhoods of America. Stepping makes reference to other urban styles of dance found throughout the United States larger enclaves in cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore and Washington DC.

In Racine, Donnie Snow, a local elected official, and husband and wife team Derrick and Sheronda  Glass, has emerged as Racine’s top Steppin promoters as DSD Steppers. DSD says that stepping now days are catching on with both the young and old.  The groups weekly dance classes attract individuals of various ages; 20 to 70 years of age. It is also enjoyed by more than its traditional audience of African-Americans. 

Snow said that his passion for Stepping comes from his remembrance of when people danced together as couples.

The Glass’ started dancing after they attended a birthday party back in 2007 in Milwaukee at ARJ’s.  They saw a couple dancing and asked what type of dance they were doing. They found out about classes at that time being held at Vipers (now closed) conducted by the steppin’ group MSBU (Milwaukee Steppers and (Boppers) Ballroom United).   The Glass’s states that “It was one of the best things they have done as a couple.  Everybody is always smiling. They go on to state that the dance is a very romantic dance.”

At their classes Snow said that individuals are taught the basics of Steppin, using a simple 8-count step pattern that easily translate into any style of improvisation that a dancer wants to use to be creative.

   

Classes are held each Monday at 6:30 P.M. at the John Bryant Center, 601-21^st Street and every Wednesday, at Gerald’s Smokehouse, 1501 Washington Avenue, at 7:00 P.M. The trio also hold a fun pack social event each second Sunday of the month. Steppin-2^nd Sunday is held at Gerald’s Smokehouse, 1501 Washington Avenue, in Racine from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

  

"Dee" celebrated his 50th in a big way!

Dyland Weather, white suit,  pose with newly formed Chicken Grease Band

Dyland Weather voice cracked as he told friends and relatives about the killing of his daughter, grandchild, and nephew a year ago. 

Weather described the tragedy to about 250 individuals who came out to Gerald’s Smokehouse, 1501 Washington Ave., to help him celebrate his 50^th birthday. He told them that he had not yet gotten over the incident, but wanted to thank so many people that mean so much to him. 

One-by-one he called his supporters to the stage, describing how each had a positive influence in his life.  “As you all know I have at onetime lived a rough life before becoming saved, and many of you played a part in me turning my life around, but ultimately it was God who saved me,” he explained.

The highlight of the birthday party was the performance of a newly formed soul band named “Chicken Grease.”  

Some of Dee's many guess!

Baker's celebrates 10th Anniversay bikers style

Vernon R. Barker, Jr. and Shawn M Barker, both Harley Davidson enthusiasts, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary at Racine Elks Club in Racine, Saturday.  Relatives and friends attending the event listen as the couple reaffirmed their love for one another. The Barker’s credit “being patient” as key to the success of their marriage.

Shortly after the ceremony, the two led a group of biker freinds north on Douglas Avenue about two miles for a few minutes before returning to the event where they hosted about 150 guests.

Student group helped in defeating Wandgaard

Members of a student group, Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), which is affiliated with Voices de la Frontera, canvas throughout the inner-city and helped to turnout record number of African Americans and Hispanic to the poll.  The group, along with other GOTV organizers can share in the victory of democracy 21^st District Senator John Lehman win over incumbent Senator Van Wanggaard.   

In the daily paper Wanggaard claims, “Over 70,000 people voted yesterday in a historic election. We know that there are a number of outstanding absentee ballots, voting irregularities, and that there were problems across the county in the unofficial tally of ballots.”

Alderman Fair to analiyze Recall results

In a first for radio news station WRJN 1400, Alderman Keith Fair will be feature as a guess political analyst as the returns come in for the Recall Election of Governor Scott Walker. 

The highly controversial alderman who is also a downtown businessman, will co-host the incoming result with David Macck, a formal alderman.

The two will give opinion as state wide results trickle in. 

Fair said that he feels great in WRJN giving him the opportunity to be a part of the show, “Especially in such a historical election.”  

The polls close at 8:00 and result will begin coming in soon after.

Blacks are playing their part in Racall

The Martin Luther King Community Center, who voter’s turnout is usually low, at noon today was tipping closed to 65% in voters turnout. Kenneth Lumpkin, who is serving his seven terms as County Board Supervisor, said that we are witnessing a historical moment in Racine politic.  “In my 14 years as an elected official I have never seen the numbers I am seeing at the King Center.”

He said that he hope that this thrust could also be translated into votes in November election for President Obama.

The polling places throughout the city will remain open tonight until. 

Rev. Jessie Jackson in Racine to get out the vote

Rev. Jessie Jackson enter the Bray Center's gym after speaking in Milwaukee

Longtime civil rights leader Rev. Jessie Jackson was in Racine Sunday at the George Bray Center to rally about 250 people to get Out the Vote in Tuesday’s Recall Election.

Also attend the event with Jackson was Mahlon Mitchell, the Democratic candidate trying to unseat Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. Mitchell got a loud applaud from the crowd when he enter the center’s gym. .

Today’s march will start at 5:30 p.m. at the George Bray Neighborhood Center, 924 Center St., go south to 10th Street, west to Washington Avenue and then to Racine City Hall, 730 Washington Ave.

Rev. Jackson address about 250 attendees

A rally featuring Democratic legislators will then be held on City Hall property. However, the march is open to anyone.

Rev. Bobby Vinson listens to Rev. Jackson call for people to help get people to the poll.

Insider News Wisconsin hits the stand

Click here to view the Insider News Wisconsin Father's Day  edition.