I-Witness

Milwaukee’s Number One Community Column

"Droppin' It Like It's

The 36th Annual CYD Image Awards

CYD Image Award Coordinator James Nelson and CYD CEO Jeannetta Robinson congratulate Woman and Man of the Year honorees Martha Love and J.D. Watts. (photo by B. White)

by B. White
Holla!

"I feel like bursting loose, bursting loose!" We have done it! In one year and 4 months "I-Witness" and the "Community Journal" have touched the lives of over 253,000 Black people all over the city of Milwaukee showing the beauty of Black people, our passions, compassion, intellect and Black life in love one event at a time.

We are honored to have shared all of your stories with this community as well as the nation, you have allowed us to show the world Black people are more than a song and a dance we are the drum beat of the world and we thank you.

Next week I will share with you several e-mails and thank you cards that I-Witness has received from many in this community, thanking us for telling the good stories of contributions made by Black people in our community and some of the wonderful people I’ve met doing my travel.

We have delivered. As promised, for every one of our folks they have shown in the negative light, "I-Witness" and the "Community Journal" has shown you 10 who are our here making good contributions to our community.

I-Witness also feels we have been objective in our view on many things that have occurred in our community.

However, more importantly we have been solution oriented, not just the whiner and moaner. We see a problem we have not only put it back to you to come up with solutions we have offered many ourselves.

The African Proverb that I-Witness now tags in her column is one that holds many truths:

"Until the Lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter."--African proverb

It may not matter right now, to many how we are portrayed, but 50 years from now, it will make a difference.

Our children of the future will again be judged by what others see of us now.

The world as well as the universe will also make them share the burden of today, thus making them lepers in the world forever.

Thanks to Black newspapers, Black writers and Black filmmakers, we can keep showing the world that we too are human beings doing some great things in society.

Through our stories, we don’t have to seek or ask for their acceptance because we have the power of the pen and pictures to tell our own stories.

So, the next time you’re doing the good stuff and the major media is not there to highlight your efforts and you ask the question: "where is the media now?"

Look around and you’ll see I-Witness, Black photographers or Black filmmakers. We’ll say, "we are here." When you repeat the question, again we will answer: "we are here," then it’s for you to just remember the proverb: "Until the Lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter."

Black writers, photographers and filmmakers, we are you and no one can tell our stories better than we can.

We can only get better with your support. So, take out a subscription and advertise with Black newspapers. We are your voice. ’Nuff said.

Holla-Outs

To: Felmer and Jessie Chaney who I encountered at Brown’s Ham House having a late lunch after Mrs. Chaney finished bowling. Yes, she still bowls y’all and I don’t advise you to challenge her she’s still pretty good at bowling, averaging 434.

To: Tina, Lynn, Gwen, and Cheryl, waitresses at the Brown’s Ham House y’all know you are the best. I also would like to thank Cheryl and Janice Crump for the beautiful earrings they gave me. Asanté Sana!

Hey, Willie Turner Jr., I just wanted to holler at you. Hey, Cliff Fowler welcome back to Milwaukee, I know you may be here only a short while and labor will have you off again, getting folks Labor Ready. Just hollering at you.

Birthday Holla-Outs

To: My wonderful son, Tshaka White, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, you’re the only one who knows your mother can sing and that I do it pretty well Holla! Love Ya!

To: Orlando Rice, Happy birthday you are now a half of a century old. Well, you can’t have a quarter party but I know a 50-cent party would double your fun; then you could include the celebration of your 25th anniversary. Wishing you the best day ever and you and Tammie nothing but bliss. Hey, Hammer Jackson, It’s yo’ Birthday, It’s yo’ Birthday. Happy Birthday and many more, Holla! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Brandon Riley. Brandon turned six on Sunday and his parents Pam and Edward Riley, family and friends threw him a party at McGovern Park. Brandon has Autism, but we are expecting great things from him.

Saying of the Week

Mr. Mill Town shared with a few words. He stated, "If a woman shares a man’s food she must become his Genie." I need ya will to help me out here and help me understand what he is saying, Holla!

Pssst

WISN 12 Co-Weekend Anchor DeMarco Morgan served as master of ceremonies at the Congressional Black Caucus last week. Many people from Washington, DC and other places called to Milwaukee seeking and asking who is that Masked Man from Milwaukee he is awesome!

Well DeMarco we know that you are the best-kept secret in the nation. We heard you represented your adopted home well. We are very proud of you. Thanks for keeping Milwaukee on the map in a positive light. I love it!

Congratulations

To: G-Limit Productions (God’s Limit), on the up coming release of their new gospel movie "I’m On Fire," which will open at the Marcus Theatre in November.

They will also perform the play version of "I’m On Fire" on October 20 at Greater New Bethel Church on 29th and Galena.

Congratulations! To: WMCS 1290 Talk Show Host, Queen Jestene McCord who was out being adventures she recently returned from Los Angles and Hollywood, California where she "oversaw" the rehearsal and taping of the UNCF’s: "An Evening of Stars Tribute to Aretha Franklin."

Hey, Jestene you are a star among stars and with your touch, I know we can expect a fantastic show. The tribute will be televised in January ’07.

To: The Reverend Nate Stampley and his wife Carolyn. They have bore some very talented children, Nate Stampley, Jr. is on Broadway staring in a production of the "Lion King," while his sister Malkia Stampley is in Chicago starring in "Raisin."

Hey, Nate, Carolyn as parents I know your hearts are bursting with pride. I just want to say a job well done. Keep advancing that next generation I love it! Congratulations Nate Jr. and Malkia keep breaking a leg, Holla! More