December 2019

Features:

Calling all artists!

Put your artwork on a UMOJA cover! Works selected will fit the monthly editorial topic and reflect the county’s unique stories, history, and people.

UMOJA Inside:


Remembering Those We Lost in 2019

As 2019 comes to a close, here’s a look back at notable community members who have died this year. They are gone but not forgotten. Cordell AlexanderMarilyn BellMarjorie BridgesMarilyn Collins BrownVan BrownJimmie CampbellSina DavisAaron FirstDemetri FisherRita GamerdingerUniqua GreerEyvonne Crawford GrayDeborah HamerBessie HamptonTonya HardenDaniel HarrisVirginia Henderson, PhDFannie EllaFrazier Hicklin, PhDMarvin HillIrma IheukumereJettie JacksonGerod JacobsAndrew JohnsonPaula JohnsonTyreena [...]



A Joyous Season

Cover: Sound the Alarm



UMOJA Publisher/Editor: ‘Tis The Season to Count Blessings and Share Happiness

I get excited about this time of year. The music, lights and wonderment of the season brings out the kid in me. I know it’s not for everyone, but for me, there’s a magic in the air that makes almost anything seem possible.



In Loving Memory of Mother Jacqueline Wright

Jacqueline Wright was a lovely treasure who treated everyone like family. Affectionally known as Mother Wright, her compassion for others was instinctive and her unshakable devotion to Christ sincere.



Remembering Dr. Fannie Frazier Hicklin

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Anyone who ever looked into the eyes of Dr. Fannie Ella Frazier Hicklin saw an unmistakable twinkle that reflected the gleaming soul within. I have known Dr. Hicklin for about two decades and in that time, I have shared some special times with her where I learned about her remarkable life.



Edith Hilliard Exemplifies Community and Family: The Longtime Madison Resident Retires

Edith Hilliard has a new title. Retired. After 50 years of employment and volunteering, Hilliard is finally doing something for herself. She’s going to travel, rest a little and spend more time with her family.



Beloved Mail Carrier: After Nearly 4 Decades of Service in Beloit

Zachary Sherrod hung up his U.S. Postal Service uniform for the last time. Delivering mail in the rain, snow, sleet and hail since 1980, the beloved mail carrier starts each morning with the alarm clock off because he is officially retired.



Kwanzaa: A Time for Reflection, Remembrance and Recommitment

It’s that special, magical time of the year again. A time for family and gift giving. A time to sit back and reflect on the many blessings that has come your way this year. But most importantly, this is time to celebrate our many accomplishments, and excellences as we look toward the precious, and often overlooked holiday of Kwanzaa.



UMOJA’S ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFTS

Holiday gift guide 2019: Ideas for everyone on your list.



Busting the Biggest Myths About Blended Families

The experience of merging children into a new romantic relationship can be like a smoothie. Some households blend seamlessly, while others get banana and strawberries all over the walls as they struggle to fit peacefully into new family structures. Husband and wife Ronnie and Lamar Tyler of the award-winning website Black and Married With Kids know all too well the concerns of mixing love with children from a previous relationship, as Ronnie’s son and daughter became a part of their romance. In their new film, Blended, the couple tackle a subject rarely discussed in our communities, the stepfamily.



Easy Holiday Cookies to Make Right Now

Who can resist cookies on the holiday tray? Whether you go all-out with icing and decorations or try just a few simple sprinkles, cookies are the best way to say “Happy Holidays” to family and friends. Recipes courtesy of Betty Crocker™ and Taste of Home.



UW Diversity Forum Challenges Attendees to Actively Fight Injustices

Over 1,300 students, staff, and community leaders attended this year’s University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Diversity Forum on Nov. 5 and 6. This year’s forum marks the 20th anniversary of the signature event hosted by UW’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement. The forum comes on the tail of the release of a homecoming week video that failed to include students of color, despite inviting them to be part of the initial filming. This video led to student protests and demands made to administrators requesting more funding for multicultural services across the campus. The forum’s theme, “Building Bridges to a Better Future: Opportunities Through Access and Exposure” speaks to UW’s hope that the talks, workshops, and panels would provide attendees with the resources they need to make UW-Madison a more inclusive place to study and work.



10th Annual Scholarship & Community Recognition Jazz Brunch

The Madison Metropolitan Chapter of the Links, Inc. hosted its annual Scholarship & Community Recognition Jazz Brunch on Nov. 16, at Crowne Plaza Madison East. This year’s theme, “Diamonds, Emeralds and Pearls” commemorated the event’s 10th anniversary.



UW Odyssey Project Raises Record Amount to Help Transform Lives

The award-winning UW–Madison Odyssey Project can claim another accolade.



Housing Ministries of Wisconsin Scholars Prepare for Future

It was time for fellowship and sharing stories during the 2019 Scholars’ Banquet hosted by Housing Ministries of Wisconsin and the Carmen & May Porco Community Learning Centers at Northport & Packer. .



Still Don’t Know What Cryptocurrency Is?

Every year, the digital world encroaches further into our lives. We don’t hail taxis anymore, we press a button on an app. We don’t put checks in the mail, we just send a quick Venmo. The digital world is very demanding on our bank accounts. Check your online bank statement and you’ll see dozens of “pending” transactions.



2020 Scholarships



UMOJA Shorts — December

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #59 Relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in State Government MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #59 relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in state government. Executive Order #59, among other things, requires state agencies to develop and implement equity and inclusion action plans, directs the Wisconsin Department [...]