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August 2008
This N That
Stop the violence ….
A Southside neighborhood that has been working on cleaning up crime
was faced with another incident last week. A domestic dispute lead to
a murder on Badger Road. Domestic violence continues to plague some of
our families. Let’s continue getting messages out there that will help
diminish these situations and get the people the help that they need.
We are one….
Diversity Picnic sponsored by the Dept. of Civil Rights was held on
Thursday, July 17th in the Warner Park Shelter. Richard Davis was
given the James C Wright Humanitarian Award for his work on
eradicating racism. There was great food and much networking that went
on. To add to the fun were activities facilitated by the Madison
Children’s Museum.
In the beginning ….
Mt. Zion Baptist Church held a greatly attended Bible Study in Penn
Park on Wednesday, July 16th. Those in attendance said it was moving
to hear people talk about taking back the park. Let’s keep this
momentum going.
There are other events planned. Neighborhood Officer Tammi Droessler,
with the help of others is spearheading this action.
Virtuous women ….
The Third Annual Women in White honored 10 women who have given to
others in this community. The theme of this year’s celebration was
“Giving the Fountain of Life” and these women were heralded for making
a difference in the lives of others. They were: Michelle DeBose,
Letrice Stanley, Glenette Randle, Becky Steinhoff, Mercedes Martin,
Melva Bishop, Betty Banks, Sandra Willis-Smith, Milele Chikasa Anana,
and Linda Hoskins. Pastor Erik Maiden and Elder Alicia Maiden are the
founders of Now Faith Ministries International and emphasize the
mission of Women of Power, which was founded by Elder Alicia Maiden.
This mission includes bringing women together and helping them
network. The group is diverse in professions, race, cultures and
faiths. Their commonalities are that they care about others and put
action behind their beliefs.
A woman of God ….
 July 12th was
an important date for Rena Simmons, also known as Mother Wisdom. She
celebrated her 90th birthday. This energetic and classy woman is an
inspiration to many. You probably have heard her give her wisdom on
the Let’s Go To Church and Heart and Soul radio shows. She was given
this title by Super Producer, Gaddi Ben Dan who feels he has benefited
from her wisdom and knew she would be a great addition to these two
programs that bring information, education and fun to the community.
Both broadcast on WTDY1670AM radio station. Let’s Go To church can be
heard from 7-9am on Sundays and his hosted by Pastors, David Smith and
Ernest Winters. Heart and Soul is hosted by Richard Brown and Betty
Banks and can be heard on Saturday evenings from 6-8pm. GBD is the
Super Producer of both. Tune in. Your Sunday mornings and Saturday
evenings will never be the same.
Fountain of joy ….
On Sunday, July 27th, Pastors Alex and Jackie Gee along with members
of the Fountain of Life congregation hosted a cookout at Belmar Park
which designed to let residents know that they along with their
members are onboard to support them as a continuation of their
ministry. FOL holds church services at the Boys and Girls Club on
Jennewein Rd. on Sundays. In an interview with Club TNT, Pastor Gee
emphasized that they are taking their spiritual work to the streets in
hopes that the residents understand that they consider themselves
members of this community that reaches beyond the walls of the
facility they meet in for services. It was a lively crowd that enjoyed
Christian Hip Hop as well as dusties spun by Walter Cowan, also known
as Double D. Food was served as well as spiritual networking. Hats off
to FOL for taking this initiative.
Men of honor ….
 During the
Fountain of Life event Freddie Clark and Johnny Ellis honored several
men as part of their “Real Men, Real Dads” initiative. There was much
love in the air as wives and daughters came forth to tell why they
made their nominations. It is hoped that when school begins in
September, there will be many Dads standing at school bus stops or
walking their kids to school in support of being Real Men, Real Dads.
Kudos to Johnny and Freddie for encouraging the recognition of
honorable men in this community.
The “Time is Now”….
 The Urban
League of Greater Madison held its 40th Anniversary Celebration on
Friday, July 25th. Governor Doyle was the featured speaker and his son
Gus was the master of ceremonies for the evening’s festivities.
Recognition and scholarships were awarded to several in attendance.
Rocky Albert Schulz received the High School Senior Scholarship Award,
Returning Adult School Scholarship was given to Myron Petties, and the
Friends of Urban League Scholarship was given to Delphine Biinyi
Vakunta. The Betty Franklin-Hammonds Memorial Scholarship Fund
provides money for these awards. Betty was a former Director of the
Urban League and believed strongly in supporting those who wished to
further their education. The Whitney M Young Jr. Equal Opportunity
Award is given annually by Boards of Directors of Urban League
national affiliates. This year’s honorees are the members of the 2007
State of Black Madison Coalition, a group of people who are
responsible for publishing a report that talks about racial
disparities in Madison. Food and music by Hanah Jon Taylor and Maggie
Brown rounded out the evening. We salute the Urban League of Greater
Madison. Here’s to 40 more years of service to the community!
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