January / February 2021

Features:

The Peace Maker
As we ring in the new year it’s important to recognize the special symbolism that the New Year brings. It is the first page in a blank book. You can write a phenomenal story.
Even though it took place 55 years ago, the hour or so of conversation Dr. James H. Latimer shared across the dinner table with Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. seems like it happened yesterday.
In the age of information there is a new cause to support every minute. And every other minute there is a new sentiment to abhor. There is a constant yin and yang - pushing and pulling of sides to choose from and sets opposing information to consume. Everyone has an opinion and so many of us are in contention on what we believe is right.
On Monday, Jan. 18, the nation will pause to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the continuing struggle for equality. The Civil Rights icon would have turned 92 this year.
Take a moment and think about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The King Coalition of Madison and Dane County held its 36th annual King Holiday observance celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day virtually with hundreds tuned in. Challenging injustice with strength and love was the theme of this year’s commemorative event.
Thoughts of completely erasing 2020 from memory is nothing more than wishful thinking. It happened. All of it. The deadly pandemic. The recession. The racial unrest. The political strife.
Carolyn Williams still catches her breath when recounting the day she learned Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the father of nonviolence in the American civil rights movement, was killed by an assassin’s bullet. It happened over a half a century ago, but the memory feels like it was just yesterday.

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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:


King’s Legacy Matters

The Peace Maker



UMOJA Publisher/Editor: Happy New Attitude!

As we ring in the new year it’s important to recognize the special symbolism that the New Year brings. It is the first page in a blank book. You can write a phenomenal story.



Up close, King had “a rhyme with life.”

Even though it took place 55 years ago, the hour or so of conversation Dr. James H. Latimer shared across the dinner table with Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. seems like it happened yesterday.



Why is the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Relevant in the Year 2021?

In the age of information there is a new cause to support every minute. And every other minute there is a new sentiment to abhor. There is a constant yin and yang - pushing and pulling of sides to choose from and sets opposing information to consume. Everyone has an opinion and so many of us are in contention on what we believe is right.



Remembering Martin Luther King’s Impact on the Fight for Civil Rights Across Wisconsin

On Monday, Jan. 18, the nation will pause to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the continuing struggle for equality. The Civil Rights icon would have turned 92 this year.



Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. in the Midst of American Tumult

Take a moment and think about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.



Madison, Dane County Commemorates Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Virtual Ceremony

The King Coalition of Madison and Dane County held its 36th annual King Holiday observance celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day virtually with hundreds tuned in. Challenging injustice with strength and love was the theme of this year’s commemorative event.



Stand For Justice!

Thoughts of completely erasing 2020 from memory is nothing more than wishful thinking. It happened. All of it. The deadly pandemic. The recession. The racial unrest. The political strife.



In the Shadows of a Lost King, A Queen is Crowned

Carolyn Williams still catches her breath when recounting the day she learned Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the father of nonviolence in the American civil rights movement, was killed by an assassin’s bullet. It happened over a half a century ago, but the memory feels like it was just yesterday.



UMOJA SHORTS — January / February 2021

Madison Region Economic Partnership: Announces Jason Fields as next CEO The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) Board of Directors has selected Jason M. Fields, CCRS, CFEI to succeed Paul Jadin, CEcD as president and CEO of the economic development organization. Fields, a finance professional and outgoing Wisconsin State Legislator, will begin serving as MadREP’s president [...]



Actor Brian Distance

Brian Distance is an American film and television actor recognized for his portrayals as the “tough-yet-honest” law enforcement officer. He has appeared in numerous films, television and off-Broadway productions. Distance is known for his role in the multi Oscar (multi-Oscar)-winning and multi-Golden Globe-winning film “Green Book”, his recurring role on NCIS: New Orleans (CBS) as New Orleans Police Department Sgt. Gordon, and co-star appearances on Billions (Showtime), Bull (CBS), Blindspot (NBC), Daredevil (Netflix), The Mysteries of Laura (NBC), House of Cards (Netflix), 30 Rock (NBC), and a host of other movies and television shows.



The Power of One

Twenty-Twenty was a year of need. As many were forced into unemployment, lost their homes, struggled to find their next meal, or didn’t have the means or tools to attend school charities were strained to their limits.



Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School:

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. ~ William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet



Sheridan Blanford Reveals Next Career Move

The past year gave the topic of equality renewed importance in all aspects of society. It has forced many to look in the mirror and ask whether we are part of the solution or perpetuating the problem that divides us. Collegiate athletics were no exception.



Gospel Carols 11

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with candy canes, special gifts, and Christmas concerts. But as with most things in 2020, the annual Gospel Carols found a unique way to deliver holiday spirit with a twist!



5 Ways To Reset Yourself For The New Year

We’re officially in the first month of the year. It took a while to get here but we made it! Many of us are using this time to set New Year’s resolutions and assess the success of last year’s goals.



Black Hair Matters:

The night before I chopped off my hair, I got nervous.



Are You Throwing Treasure Away In Your Trash?

Who loves coffee, besides me? If you’re smiling right now I’m going to say you, and if that’s true I’ve got good news; some plants also love coffee too!