Photo and story by Zachary Sell
Fe b r u a r y , Black History M o n t h , arrives as the first days of an Obama presidency unfold.
For a country whose past has been defined by racial oppression, November’s election has caused some to believe that the United States, ever progressing, has entered a post-racial era. Yet, as the New Year’s Day shooting of Oscar Grant by Oakland, California police officers painfully reminds us, race continues to define the contours of American society.
If you enjoyed making a difference in our federal government by exercising your right to vote, don’t stop now. On Feb. 17 you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in how our schools in Wisconsin and Milwaukee are run. School Board Election The Milwaukee Public School Board is up for some changes. In District 4, long-time board member Charlene Hardin is running as a write-in candidate, because the Election Commission ruled that she didn’t have enough signatures on her nomination papers for her name to appear on the ballot.
by Lawerence Dugan Nichols
Together we make up a consumer culture, and everywhere you look there are nonessential commodities for sale. Each Christmas, Americans purchase billions of dollars worth of these for gift-giving. Meanwhile, stores pump out carols over the loudspeakers, adorn the walls with wreaths, and hold special sales the day after Thanksgiving.
By Julie Strand
Ah, Christmas… ugly pipe cleaner ornaments you made when you were six hanging on the tree, listening to Jingle Bell Rock on 99.1, hanging mistletoe on your front door so that you can kiss whomever walks in…. well maybe that doesn’t happen as much. It is that time of year again Riverwest, and don’t try and deny the fact that everyone has a secret desire to jump on Santa’s lap in the mall. A holiday that centers on celebration is always a big hit – who doesn’t like a good party? The twinkle lights, the wreaths, the search through every toy store in Milwaukee for this year’s new cool toy for your second cousin’s kid, it is all done in celebration. For Christians who observe the holiday, the celebration is for the birth of Jesus – you know, God’s son.
Photo by Jason Santiago
“People live longer than they used to,” remarks Irene Wergin.
At ninetythree years old she certainly has the perspective to make such a statement.
After all, being born in 1915 means that her family and friends included people who came of age in the 1800s. And with a sharp and amazingly supple mind she is capable of capturing in words stories that bring to light not only her history, but also that of many of our families.
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