What do you think of the opening of two new Black-owned restaurants--Soche’ Milwaukee (2213 North Martin Luther King Drive) and Finesse (2733 North Martin Luther King Drive)?

photos by Harry Kemp

Walter Lanier: "I’m always excited about new businesses in our community. Unfortunately, I’m working too hard and haven’t had a chance to visit either. I will soon."

Shirley Carson: "I think this is a good question because we need lots of Black(-owned) restaurants in the community. It will bring the Milwaukee community up to par."

Francine Hale: "First of all, I do not frequent bars, but I am willing to support Black(-owned) establishments based on what their services are. I believe in supporting Black(-owned) business, even if it means spending more money."

Cheops McKnight: "I was not aware of both of these bars/restaurants, but I think we need more Christian-based businesses in our community as well, to offer more to our Christian families. We need more moral values and structure."

The pulsating percussion, the breathtaking color, the foot-taping feat for the eyes that is Ko-Thi Dance Company is sure to captivate during a community performance at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 22 at Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, 2819 West Richardson Place. Everyone is welcome.

Ko-Thi will perform in recognition of the richness of Black History during the month of February. For ticket information, call 414-933-6161.

Blackpoetree Workshops Presents

Prognosticating Childhood Sexual Abuse at the YWCA (1915 North Martin Luther King Drive). How to prevent, protect and prevail from sexual abuse. This workshop is open to professionals and the public and will be held March 1 at 6 p.m. The seating is limited, so RSVP by February 28 via telephone (888) 513-6975, ext. 4 or online. Tickets available at blackpoetreeworkshops.com.

"The Vagina Monologues"

The Healing Center, a nonprofit agency that supports and advocates for survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones, will host a performance of "The Vagina Monologues," an Obie Award-winning episodic play written by Eve Ensler. It will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the Healing Center, 611 West National Avenue on the fourth floor. Tickets to the performance can be reserved by calling The Healing Center at 414-671-HEAL (4325).

BET.com ranks Charlotte, North Carolina as "Best City" for Black Americans, Milwaukee ranked second worst

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com)--BET.com announced recently the results of a multi-city research project to determine the Best Cities in America for Black Families. Taking the #1 spot as Best City is Charlotte, North Carolina. Tied for second place in the Best Cities category were Columbus, Ohio--the top city in BET.com’s 2001 research project--and Washington, D.C.

Charlotte, a growing city nestled in the Piedmont of North Carolina, proved to be a city where Black families can settle in communities of educated, well-paid African Americans, of whom 50% own their own houses. Amenities such as pro basketball and football teams, a thriving nightlife and the nearby location of world-class colleges and universities, including the historically Black Johnson C. Smith University, make it a magnet for Black young professionals who are enticed by the gentle climate as well as the relatively low cost of living and affordable housing prices.

Research showed the Worst City for Black Americans was Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland came up short in nearly all the major economic indicators, including Black income level and homeownership. Crime and a troubled public school system also pulled Cleveland down in the rankings. Detroit and Milwaukee followed Cleveland as the second and third worst cities for Black Americans.

"Along with learning which areas of the country are more conducive to Black families, the Best Cities study helps explore family issues in a cultural and political context," said Retha Hill, BET Interactive vice president of Content. "We hope the results will spark ideas and inspire positive conversations within the Black community."

The research project conducted by BET.com examined 22 cities across the United States including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles and Philadelphia using a number of criteria including economics, education, and crime. To find out how each of the 22 cities ranked and for more information on the findings and details on the report, log onto www.BET.com.

Why Milwaukee didn’t make the cut

by Mary Chapman, www.bet.com
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total Population: 556,948
Black Population: 40 Percent
Summary: Milwaukee’s plight is similar to that of Cleveland and Detroit. It, too, is a rust belt city staggered by changing industries and an economy gone south. Milwaukee has a low crime rate, though, and houses are affordable.

Why it’s No. 20 of 22: The average median income for African Americans is low--$25,000. The poverty rate for Black Milwaukeeans is very high--36 percent. And, only 13.7 percent of African Americans in Milwaukee have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The teen pregnancy rate for Black Milwaukeeans is high at around 84.6 percent. Only 39 percent of Black Milwaukeeans own their own homes, although they cost an average of $119,000.

The cost of living index is right at the national average, which is one bright spot. And per-pupil spending is reasonably high at $10,352. Another good thing is the city’s low crime rate. The index for violent crime is 457; 3,521 for property offenses. Both figures are under the national average.

Black entrepreneur Prentice Freeman said it’s an uphill battle just to stay afloat. "Blacks in business all face the same issues, whether you live in Detroit, Milwaukee or wherever.

"There are minority programs up here, set-asides to help get minorities in the door, but there’s still that struggle. Seems like the ball’s a little heavier; it compounds things when you’re African American," said Freeman, 35 and owner of an eight-employee contracting business.

There are 6,685 Black-owned businesses in Milwaukee.