A Pattern or Practice In the City of Racine

Short summary

      A pattern or practice of discrimination, means that there's  a policy or a practice of discrimination or a pattern of discrimination. It is been conducted against a group of persons or an issue of general public importance.

     In the past six years in the City of Racine 13 minority owned bars or nightclubs and 2 white owned bars with minority patrons have been closed while in contrast no white establishments have been affected.

This all started: With the documentary Pattern or Practice, the documentary was going to bring awareness to the fact that minority businesses were being close an alarming rate by the City of Racine.

What happened ?  As the film crew interviewed each business owner and as we dove into the meeting minutes of the City of Racine. We saw a disturbing pattern of how targeted business owners, particularly Hispanic and Black owners were subject to different standards.  As we interviewed persons affected by the policies instituted by the City of Racine, we discovered the systematic closing of minority businesses in particular areas.

Why? A "cleanup" effort by the City of Racine in three targeted areas, where the majority of these businesses were operating.

Came together : As we brought each business owner together they discovered that they were not alone in the way things were handled by the City of Racine in the closing of their business. Individuals started to step out and discuss the institutional racism that was happening in the City of Racine.

What we need: We need funds to stop the continue action of the City of Racine. We need funds to be used for pretrial investigations, open records requests, depositions, vandalism reports, police reports, subpoenas, specialists. None of the funding will go toward the documentary, Attorney fees, or anything not associated with bringing this case to court.

• Where's the NAACP? 
• Where is the ACLU?   
• Where's the Justice Department?                                   

All three have been contacted. The NAACP has never gotten back to us. The ACLU said they were too busy. The Justice Department has been contacted  "no response".

We decided to come to you.

What we will do for you:  First and foremost is to keep you informed of what is happening. This is a very complicated case with a lot of twists and turns and heartache. We will post videos, comments, and anything pertinent that would be of interest to our supporters. And of course the cool perks, download of the documentary, T-shirts, movie posters etc. all items will be sent out at the close of our fundraising. The documentary Download or DVD will be released after the film Festival circuit is complete approximately January 2014 all other items will be sent on close of fundraising.                                                             

The pattern                                                                                            

Application process:  Restrictions were placed upon minority businesses at a much higher standard, age, music, dress code, side agreements. Cost prohibitive requests were made of minority business owners. The application process for white establishments were considerably less.

Surveillance:  The term used by the Racine Police Department is crime prevention. Surveillance vans, cameras, police cars with videos are parked outside of minority establishments waiting for an incident. Incidents are logged reported to the Public License and Safety Committee. This practice is not done to white owned establishments.

Called in:The minority owned establishments are called in at a much higher rate and for infractions that white owned establishments are not called in for.

Poor public image :Incidents are played out in public on minority bars and downplayed when white bars are involved.

Side agreement or due process:The minority business owner is threatened with closing of his/her business or accept a side agreement, understanding that the restrictions must be adhered to or he/she will lose their business.

Due process:  After repeating the process the minority business owners now are voted to due process. The committee that conducts the hearing is the same members who voted to send the business owner to due process. There is no chance the minority owner can survive the hearing. Once the hearing is completed and the businesses is then recommended for revocation the same members are on Racine Common Council to judge the outcome. To date there have been 13 owned minority businesses and 2 white owned business with mostly minority clientele taken to due process hearings or forced into closing in the last six years, none have survived. In contrast no white bars have had their business closed by the City Of Racine.

Business closed:The Alderman, Mayor, Police Chief, and concerned citizens use the local media to praise the good work of all involved in ridding the city of troublesome bars/clubs and have made the city a better place to live.

FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/PatternOrPractice 

http://www.racinecommunicator.com/32-what-happened-to-the-cruise-inn

http://racinecommunicator.com/36-the-unfair-treatment-of-rosie-s-bar

http://racinecommunicator.com/35-rosie-bar

Community Women’s Club holds event in honor of civil rights leader Corrine Reid-Owens

Shown is newly appointed Racine Police Chief Art Howell and his wife April Howell, along with Al Gardner and his wife Denise Gardner, who is president of the Community Women’s Club.

The Racine Community Women’s Club for months had planned to celebrate the birthday of one of the club’s founding members Corrine Reid-Owens. The event was altered when Owens died Tuesday, Nov. 6, one day before she would have turned 100.
Denise Gardner, the club’s president, said the group felt it was important to continue by honoring Owens for all the things that she had done for the community through civil rights, housing, and for the people of Racine. 
About 150 people, made up of elected officials, church members and friends, attended the event to pay homage to the woman who arrived in Racine from Mississippi in 1946.
George Stinson a retired businessman, who himself served as Racine Branch President for over 20 years, said that Owens is leaving a big void in Racine when it comes to civil rights.  “I hope that others can step in and take her place and be as productive as she was”
Soon after arriving, Owens began to devote her time to education and quality of life issues. She joined the local branch of the NAACP in 1947, and was elected as its president in 1953. Her fight for what was right, however, began even earlier with her own quest to be an educator.
Alderman Michael Shields, who served one term as the branch president, said, “When she first came to Racine she wanted to be a teacher, but she could only get hired as a janitor, even though she had a teaching degree” 
Owens would later become one of the first black teachers in the Racine Unified School District and then went on to become the first black woman to be elected to the board of directors for Gateway Technical Institute.
Morris Reece, who heads the city’s Fair Housing Program, said Corrine Owens is not only a legend that will be missed in the Racine community, but she left so many things that we have built on and continue to build on and we so gracefully admire her courage for standing up when she came to this community.  He said for her achievement, Racine will always remember her as an icon and she will never be forgotten
Owens was also a kind, considerate person — one who never hesitated to speak up for what she believed in, said Shields. “She was just a wonderful person, who really stood up for justice. She is going to be missed”
Al Gardner, a community activist, said that Owens was a grand lady and should be an example to the Black community to speak up on issues and not remain silent.  “Hopefully we can do what Mrs. Owens did, open our mouths so we can get fed.  If you keep your mouth shut you will not get fed.  She always opened her mouth for the rights of all people”
Thomas White, a long time friend of Owens and State President of the NAACP, remembers when he came to Racine in 1965 and met Owens.  He described her as having lots of energy.  “If she didn’t feel well and you mentioned the NAACP she would perk right up, that was the kind of person she was” he stated.
In the 1970’s, Owens, with the help of  Joe Harris, formed the Concerned Citizens Group, which led to the hiring of a record number of African American police officers.  Our current Chief of Police, Art Howell, was a member of that initial group of hirees.  He described Owens as a visionary and said that many of his accomplishments are directly attributable to some of her early efforts.  
Rev. Ernest Garrison,  who recently became pastor of  Wayman AME Church, said that he has had many opportunities for a blessing.  Early on he was astonished when he had the opportunity to pastor a small church in Detroit, not knowing that the church would be the one that Rosa Parks would choose to be her place of worship.  “The same thing happen when I came to Racine, and I had the opportunity to pastor a woman of the same caliber as Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan”

Golden Gate Funeral Home Helps Family With Burial Of Children
According to Racine fire officials, a candle apparently started an inner city house fire that killed three children and critically injured a fourth.
Officials said last week that the electricity to the home in the 1900 block of Linden Ave. had been turned off. The four children were pulled from the burning home by firefighters who described the heat and the smoke as intense.
Two children, Dayja, 9, and her sister, Dalijah, 8, died Thursday after being pulled from the fire. On last Friday their brother, Michael, 7, died of injuries suffered in the fire at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa.
A fourth child, Luther Patterson, 5, remains at Children's Hospital.
The children's mother, Deborah Scott, ran from the home to her parents' home across the street and called 911, screaming and crying that her children were trapped in the home and that smoke prevented her from getting them out of the house, fire officials said.
Funeral services for the three Scott children will be held Friday in Racine. There will be a public viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Greater Mount Eagle Baptist Church, 920 State St. in Racine.
The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery. On Thursday there will be a public viewing at the Golden Gate Funeral Home, 1910 Taylor Ave. in Racine, beginning at 10 a.m.
The Golden Gate Funeral Home, who recently opened a satellite location in Racine, will provide service to the family at no cost, explained Arthur Reid, president/CEO of Golden Gate. When asked why, he replied, “This is what I do.”  He added, “I put myself in a person’s position.  If I was in their situation and needed help, I would hope that someone would help me.”   
A Scott Children Memorial Family Fund has been established at the Educators Credit Union and Associated Bank in Racine and Kenosha.

 

 

 Black Nouveau profiles Corinne Owens, the Mother of Civil Rights for the city of Racine; showcases poet Spitfire and artist Brad Bernard; and discusses Diabetes and the African-American community.

To view click here

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.

Black Pastors make plans to GOTV

Pastors of local African American congregations and local black elected officials met tonight to layout strategy on how to inform minority voters the importance of voting in the upcoming Recall Election.

Bishop L. L. Kirby, pastor of St. Paul Church, said that he would commit to a group of 1,000 people from his church and the surrounding neighborhood getting to the poll.

Racine’s Second Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Mark Freeman pledged to the group the use of his church vans to take people from their homes to voting locations.  

Pastor Buddy Vinson, organized the meeting, and about 20 people who attended, agreed to hold a get-out-the-vote rally noon Saturday at St. Paul Church.  The State Recall Election will be held Tuesday, June 5^th.  The polls open at 7 am and remain open until 8 pm.  People do not need pictured ID in order to vote.   People can register on election day.

President Bill Clinton Adds to Building Momentum for Tom Barrett

MILWAUKEE-Following is the statement from Phil Walzak, Communications Director for Tom Barrett's campaign for Wisconsin governor, on news that President Bill Clinton will campaign Friday

 with the mayor.

"As Scott Walker grows more desperate and sees more headlines about criminal corruption, Tom Barrett continues to gain in the polls with his vision to end Wisconsin's ideological civil war and bring the state together. With polls showing Walker's narrow lead evaporating, Friday's visit by President Bill Clinton, a fellow champion for the middle class, adds to the surging momentum building around Tom going into Tuesday's historic election."

Center hire people to canvas neighborhood

Jameel Ghauri, right, recruited individuals to help his organization to get out the vote in Tuesday, June 3^rd Recall Election.  About 200 people attended a rally held at the  Bray Center on Wednesday evening, May 30, 2012.  
During the African-American Agenda: The Power of the Vote forum held at the center, more than 30 people signed up to work as nonpartisan election canvassers. 
Ghauri said that the effort to organize the African American community into a valuable voting block would not end after the recall election.

NAACP do not want you to forget to vote

Gloria Rogers says that voters’ rights and encouraging disenfranchised individuals remains an integral and essential part of the local NAACP branches as well as the national association. 

In keeping with the spirit of the importance of one person, one vote, the Racine Branch of the NAACP has launched a “Your Power, Your Decision” campaign as a constant reminder for people to get out and vote in the upcoming recall election as well as the presidential election to be held in November.

Rogers said that three of the colorful 5’X 3’ banners, design by Kenneth Lumpkin,  will be installed over the weekend at three key locations near Racine’s inner city.  “Our goal is to have signs erected in front of most inner-city churches before the end of June.  We want 100% voter participation this fall,” she explained.

For any additional information call: 262.554.4611

"D" talks about turning 50

Dyland Weather will be celebrating his 50th Birthday Party at Gerald's Smokehouse, 1500 Ann Street, Saturday June 9.  He had a chat with us on why this is a special birthday for him.

Rev. Kyles became the only living person to have been with King during the last hour of his life.

Lavaron Lumpkin, right, Front Line Leader for Humana's, greets Rev. Sammul “Billy” Kyles, an activist leader during the1960’s Civil Rights movement in Memphis, Tenn.

In 1968 Kyles helped form and lead an effort to gain community support for striking sanitation workers. The group looked to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to rally support and lead the workers' march. When the first march ended in violence, King decided there would be another peaceful march. Kyles, along with other Memphis ministers who had been organizing nightly rallies and raising money for the strike, planned a major rally to prepare for another march. The rally, held at the Mason Temple on April 3, 1968, was the meeting that King gave his now famous "mountaintop" speech, foreshadowing his own assassination.



The following day, Kyles was to host King for dinner at his home. Kyles went to the Lorraine Motel to pick up his dinner guest at 5:00 p.m. There, Kyles talked with Ralph Abernathy and King for an hour before leaving the motel for dinner at 6:00 p.m. As the two were leaving the motel, King was assassinated. Kyles and Abernathy spent the last hour of King's life with him in his hotel room.

When Abernathy passed away in 1990, Kyles became the only living person to have been with King during the last hour of his life.

Four decades later, Kyles remains in Memphis, building his ministry, Monumental Baptist Church. He also frequently speaks on his experiences with King, and gives tours at the Lorraine Motel, now refurbished into the National Civil Rights Museum.

Kyles was the keynote speaker Humana's Diversity and Inclusion Day, held Wednesday, May 23. Lumpkin is the son of Racine County Supervisor Ken Lumpkin.


View video of Rev. Kyles