The Daniels Family

Attorney John Daniels

Valerie Daniels-Carter

Bishop Sedgwick Daniels

by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo
Milwaukee has been blessed to have many wonderful families. As such, it is always politically tenuous to begin to name one or two.

However, as we approach the newspaper’s thirtieth year, it has been rewarding to observe families in their youth and now in their adult lives and see the magnanimous contributions they make in the broader community and especially the African American community.

Thus, with the liberty of Publisher/Founder, unequivocally, the Kathryn Daniels family is acknowledged as one of our families.

Several of the Milwaukee siblings made and are positioned to make far-reaching accomplishments in the infrastructure and development of Milwaukee, today, and into the midyears of the 21st Century.

Yet, to appreciate the accomplishments of the family, today, one must examine the roots from which the members come.

For true to the Scriptural passages. "Train up a child in the way that he should go, so when he is old, he will not depart," the breadth and strength of the Daniels’ family lies within the tutelage and prayers of their mother.

Mother Kathryn Daniels was a woman propelled by her religious life. Her involvement in the Wisconsin Church of God in Christ dated over 50 years, where she served in various activities.

Mother Daniels seemed to be destined to fulfill her purpose through children, for she worked with them in the Music Department of her local church and on the regional level. Her choirs traveled throughout the United States.

She was equally involved with the Women’s Department, with ultimate supervision of the First Jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin of the Church of God in Christ, a major achievement. Her compassion and passion are legendary. And her influence on other women continues to bear fruit.

One of many teenagers who modeled after Mother Daniels is Phyllis Rhoden, who resides in Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Rhoden teaches in the LA Public School system and remains active in her church and community.

Mother Daniels made certain that her young women understood the importance of the multiple roles of women, biblically and civically.

"Everyone loves their mother, said Attorney John Daniels, spokesman for the family. "But what I admired most and what has been most important to us, is Mother’s genuine interest in people. And, her interest was never designed for public display, she truly had a heart and a passion for people," he said.

"As I reflect, she did everything with such limited funds. Yet, she organized event after event for the church. She showed us that you could work with whatever you have to enrich the lives of others. This attitude, this spirit, continues to permeate our lives, daily," Attorney Daniels shared.

"Mother had a keen understanding of people, and particularly her children, he continued. She understood, appreciated and promoted each child’s uniqueness. She encouraged us to try, to determine our own abilities, and to use those talents, not just for ourselves, but for others. These were daily nuances that became the foundation for our adult lives."

"Mother did for thirty years, with $40, what few of us can do with millions. And, every one of those dollars impacted someone’s life. We are now able to take her tenets and help people, thus, the Mother Kathryn Daniels’ Center. Her Scriptural beliefs are manifested each day that the center opens," John Daniels confides.

"It is important to know that this center began with the people. As with Mother, the first funds came from people small, $5 and $10, and big, with large gifts, who saw the vision, introduced first, by the Bishop. And, the joy of the center is the ‘place’ living in the lives of the people who use it."

"On any day, you will find the children, now over 2,000, frequenting the fastest growing Boys and Girls Club in the State of Wisconsin. And, you will find the business community, many who make a lot of money, there serving those who have so little," he beamed.

Of course, we recognize that within those walls are future leaders, parents, citizens and community advocates who will influence the direction of our city. No doubt, these were the thoughts that so passionately penetrated the mind of Bishop Sedgwick Daniels as he brought his vision to his family and then his congregation.

"The Bishop has the same passion as Mother. No one else would have dreamed his original dream," Attorney Daniels laughed. "A gym, Boys and Girls Club, a school! We truly thought he was off his rocker!"

Yet, over 10,000 kids live within a one-mile radius of the center. And, the Boys and Girls Club has become the prototype for component schools. It is understood that in order to really service the families, in the area, a holistic approach is mandated. So the school, church, social, civic and recreational spheres are integrated.

The Seminole word for the Daniels’ family is integration. Each sibling’s gifts and talents have been integrated into a holistic approach in their personal and familial successes. Their successes abound!

Attorney John Daniels, second born, is a senior partner and executive member in one of Wisconsin’s leading law firms, Quarles and Brady, with over 400 lawyers in multiple U.S. locations.

Attorney Daniels has distinguished himself in the area of real estate, having structured many major acquisitions for various local, state and international corporations.

An early interest in juris prudence led, ultimately, to graduation from Harvard Law School, and consult, as well as participatory interaction on numerous, esteemed legal decisions.

He has served for over thirteen years on the Board of Directors for the Medical College of Wisconsin, as secretary. That term just ended. He serves on the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, which oversees the benevolent awards of millions of dollars annually, through bequeaths, endowments and family foundations and trusts.

John works side by side with youth in their entrepreneurial aspirations under the Fellowship Open and spearheads the annual golf tournament, the major fundraising event for the organization’s scholarship awards, each year. That event will top a quarter million dollars in contributions to youth this year.

He, as well as other family members have been active in voter registration campaigns and worked behind the scenes for a diverse group of political aspirants. Candidates and their management have sought his depth and breadth, often.

Hattie Daniels-Rush is an educator. She recently retired after over thirty years of leading and designing programs for schools serving children with special needs.

Today, she volunteers at the Mother Kathryn Daniels Center as a social service coordinator teaching other community groups in social services and fundraising for their programs.

Mrs. Daniels-Rush has been the hands-on actualizer, in the family. Her skills and accomplishments were noticed by the White House, shortly after the Inauguration of President George W. Bush, as she was offered a position on the "No Child Left Behind" Council, under former Secretary of Education, Rod Paige.

She declined the honor in order to complete her commitment to the school and the anticipated opening of the center, which followed in 2004. Today, she grooms and motivates over 200 community-based organizations that work with children.

Valerie Daniels Carter is the businesswoman of the family. With skillful sophistication, she was the first female president of the National Minority Burger King Franchise Association, an honor that retains business importance.

She, with her brother, John, own over 100 Burger King and Pizza Hut franchises throughout the United States. In fact, she may still be the largest female owned operation in the U.S.

She has shared her expertise and experiences with Milwaukee’s Summerfest Board for many years. Additionally, she is on the Board of AAA and U.S. Bank. Active in her church, as well, she continues to inspire hundreds of young women with entrepreneurial interests, and like her mother, leads one of the choirs.

Valerie Daniels Carter has been listed in "Ebony" Magazine’s Top 100, a number of times. And, she is in the current 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of "Essence" Magazine, for her entrepreneurial savvy.

Of his sister, Valerie, Attorney Daniels said, "She is passionate about business, about creating job opportunities. Also, she is so even tempered, she is not easily distracted. She has always been very focused. Even amidst storms, she retains her equilibrium."

Continuing, he shared, "She, as we all do, believes that we have to invest in ourselves. She is often the one who brings the business ideas, then I am a part of finishing the deal."

There is one more member of the Daniels sibling-group, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels. Most of us have seen him recently officiating the funeral of Purvis V. Parker, the youngster who drowned at McGovern Park. Or, perhaps you remember his photo, along with other ministers, on the Courthouse steps, delivering signed petitions protesting the non-guilty verdict of the policemen in the Frank P. Jude case. And, last week, he was shown, along with Howard Fuller and Archbishop Dolan in the creation of the community task force to work on alleviating crime for the summer 2006.

The Bishop has always been active! He continues to be a passionate leader of his congregation and the visionary for a new neighborhood. One that meets the residents where they are and serves their needs holistically. He believes isolated departments and varied locations often preempt the services that sustain the investments of time, talent and monies already given.

The Mother Kathryn Daniels Center not only understands the holistic approach, they insist that members view themselves as a whole, only with compartmentalized needs, needs the center desires to address. And, each one is taught to reach one, so that the multiplication process bears fruit in ameliorating future need!

What used to be an abandoned factory is now the living legend of Mother Kathryn Daniels, 3501 West Mother Daniels Way, with over 40,000 square feet, costing $12 to $14 million.

With celebrities, including Michael Jordan, Reverend Kirk Franklin, Reverend Jesse Jackson, the Mayor Thomas Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker and many elected officials and dignitaries, the Mother Kathryn Daniels Center opened with much fanfare. However, as with many dreams, they do not stop at the beginning. They continue to evolve! As does the center.

Bishops Creek is moving toward an eventual fruition. A neighborhood development, with housing, businesses, and recreation facilities, is already a schematic. And, the schematic is fast becoming more than an artist’s rendering.

Single family homes, lofts, condominiums are realistic approaches to affordable housing that creates an integrated community, which supports the religious, educational, social and recreational needs of a vibrant residency that requires businesses and other supportive services to strengthen the whole person and hundreds of jobs for residents of the central city.

Ten acres have been acquired already and more is hoped to be purchased for the project. While three-to-five years down the road, the Daniels family is doing as it has always done.

They have identified the need, and now seek opportunities to better the lives of those around them.

They invest in themselves, while creating opportunities for others to share the vision. And they are moving to make major community concepts, with far reaching ramifications. Just as their Mother did! Jobs, fiscal health, yield community health.

The Daniels Family continues an exemplary legacy, one first inculcated through their Mother. And one that continues to influence and make Milwaukee a better place in which to live.

Because of their vision, their capacity to work together as a family unit; because of your penchant of integrating God given gifts for the betterment of the whole, we salute you! We acknowledge your model for success! And we boldly consider you, the "Best of the Best!"

The community applauds you, supports you, and wishes you always the BEST!!

Best of the Best
Early Black realtors made dream of homeownership real

This 1975 photo shows the first board of directors for United Realty Group, which was created when seven Black real estate firms merged into United. The company has been instrumental in helping African Americans realize their dream of home ownership. United Realty is still going strong today. (photo courtesy of the "Milwaukee Star Times")

There is no place like home, an adage true, regardless of its space, or accouterments. Home is where the heart is, and we seek that space, place, comfort zone that envelops and brings peace and calm.

Homeownership is the highest aspiration of the majority of citizens. Something to call one’s own is an overriding dream throughout life. In fact, recent evacuees from Hurricane Katrina continue to relate that they miss most their home, those things that have history, relevance and are "personal" to them.

In Milwaukee’s African American community, homeownership continues to grow. Statistics relate that 60.8% of "Milwaukee Community Journal’s" readers own their home, and an overwhelming 90% desire to own. Thus, it is understandable that real estate remains a viable business option that affects and influences the community today.

As Milwaukee continued to recruit and encourage residency for the growing manufacturing companies of the ’40s and ’50s, African Americans came to the area in masse. Many roomed in boarding houses, such as the Blue Spruce Hotel, owned by Beatrice Childs. Of course, others rented with family members, who arrived earlier, or with friends, who opened their homes, as new residents settled.

Early Black realtors, saw opportunities to begin lucrative businesses helping residents move into homes. But home availability was definitely limited, and restricted geographic boundaries were flagrant. Rental properties, even federally financed properties such as the "projects," were racially segregated, and new citizens, with the money to buy wherever they chose, were institutionally forced to settle where sellers would permit them to buy.

These policies were the precipice for Black realtors’ fight to serve their clients and to make known the practices that denied access, despite fiscal ability to purchase beyond boundaries, arbitrarily created by companies with the majority of home listings. Stories about majority couples going to rent or purchase a home and being accepted, after Blacks had gone to the same site and denied, were common.
Ultimately, open housing marches by Father Groppi and the Commando’s, on Milwaukee’s North-side, brought the issue of restricted housing to the forefront. After which Black realtors like Ed Smyth, James Perry, Beechie Brooks, with support from State Representative Lloyd Barbee and others, moved to get desegregation laws legislated, statewide and locally, corresponding with Equal Rights, national initiatives, under President Lyndon Johnson’s Administration.

Realty organizations such as the Milwaukee Board of Realtors and the Wisconsin Realtors Association had never had Black members until 1962 when James Perry and Edward Smyth were finally accepted into professional memberships. And, Smyth’s entry came only after he initiated an official complaint, while acting in the capacity of president of the NAACP. Colleagues Claude Baldwin and Haywood Green followed as members in 1963. Their exclusions had preempted Black realtors’ from multiple listings for homes throughout the metropolitan area, which restricted business growth and client satisfaction.

Several Black companies were dispersed throughout the central city, and individual owners augmented their client lists as housing restrictions were eliminated. Some saw significant growth, others recognized there was strength in numbers and moved to merge the smaller companies into a conglomerate with skills and experience that expanded the scope of services.

In January l975, United Realty Group held a press conference to announce the merger of James T. Perry Co.; Wycliff Realty Co.; LaSalle and Thomas Realty, Inc.; Baldwin Realty; Beechie O. Brooks Realty Co.; Green Realty Co.; and Mays Realty Co.; representing over l28 years of real estate experience. Unprecedented, and headed by James T. Perry, president; Edward W. Smyth, vice president; LaSalle Malone, secretary; and Claude Baldwin, treasurer; with offices located at 3882 North Teutonia Avenue, United Realty continues to serve today.

Some of the officers moved, several have passed, others created new companies in cities where their businesses were more lucrative. Ed Smyth joined Executive Realty, a majority firm in Brookfield, and the remaining members work in the same offices, today.

They continue meeting growing needs and identifying disparities in zoning, housing codes and absentee landlords, whose negligence destroy property values in stable residential communities.

To their credit, communities such as Capitol Drive, often called Blackfish Bay, because the original homeowners fled to Whitefish Bay rather than live with Black neighbors; Halyard Park, spearheaded by Beechie Brooks, a subdivision of forty-six homes on Garfield Avenue; Booker Ashe Homes, and the Sherman Park community, continue to appreciate in value making them prized properties for investment and residency.

Realtors handling the day-to-day operations at United Realty include original Directors Beechie O. Brooks and Robert Mays; Emma Butts, secretary; and sales professionals George Hooper Richard Lyles; Sharlene Young; and Ruby Hodge.

Their principal listings extend from Holton Street to 92nd Street; North Avenue to Brown Deer Road, however, they serve clients that purchase throughout metropolitan Milwaukee.

Mr. Mays stated, "These boundaries have come with hard fights, no one just opened up the doors and said ‘come on in.’" He reflected upon the incorporation of the Milwaukee Realtor’s Association, in l976, that supported goals of the Black realtor and the fact that the local organization has grown into a vibrant national association with members throughout the United States.

The problems of getting a fair share of the marketplace were not limited to Milwaukee. And, he lauded the years of committed work by Edward Smyth and others to create opportunities for Black Realtors, in general.

Smyth, original owner of Wycliff Realty, located at 2703 North 5th Street, the corner of 5th and Center streets, shared his efforts to just get an office on Center Street in l952.

He had seen this office space and felt it to be an ideal location, for the growing "Negro" population, however, when he approached the owner of the unit, he was told that he could not rent to "Negroes." He shared the challenge with a friend, who knew the owner. The girlfriend of Smyth’s friend then bought the building and rented the unit to Smyth.

He recalled other stories such as when Bishop Earl Parchia, in 1962, found the acreage that he wanted in River Hills. He was discouraged but ultimately purchased the five acres and sold acre lots to a number of other Blacks, on Pheasant Lane.

Newspaper accounts of George King’s efforts to build a 2200 square foot home in Mequon, in 1990, was objected to because of its size. King had his plans reviewed by the city’s architectural committee and they approved the Gettysburg-style, four-bedroom home. But neighbors objected saying, "our homes will look like outhouses and his a barn between them." The neighbors had homes of 1000 and 1200 square feet, respectively. However, the Riverdale ordinances had a minimum footage requirement of 1400 feet, and no maximums, so their appeal was overturned.
Ed Smyth spoke before the Riverdale board and openly questioned whether the objections had been racially motivated. King was a retired Milwaukee Public Schools counselor, whose $110,000 home has probably doubled in value since its construction. And neighboring homes, built shortly thereafter, were comparable in size and construction costs. His entry into the community ultimately led to expanded values, not depreciation.
Smyth confided that things have certainly improved since his early days. His application to membership of the Metropolitan Association of Realtors in Milwaukee, in l962, was held for six months. He needed two current members to vouch for him in order for his application to be considered. Smyth asked colleagues George Bockyl, a major realtor in the central city, and Milton Eittenheim to be his sponsors. He was accepted, an unprecedented accomplishment.
In addition to the Milwaukee real estate associations, he participated on several major committees, including "We Milwaukeeans," a biracial think tank designed to envision a Milwaukee that embraced all citizens and provided opportunities for growth regardless of race.
In l979, Smyth was voted president of the same association to whom he had complained. He continues to fight today. He relates, "the barriers are present, but we create many of them, unknowingly. For example, I have major sells every year and the bulk of them come from Black people. However, most White sellers continue to list exclusively with White realtors, today. And, many Blacks list their homes with Whites realtors, as well. That decision reduces the money Black brokers can make. And that restricts how effectively we can serve the buyers."
"Often Blacks will buy homes already owned by Blacks, but if the listing is with a White broker, my commission must be shared. Sharing commissions are part of the business, so I applaud the opportunity. The only thing I am suggesting is that when Blacks do decide to sell, they should list with Black realtors. Or, if you see something that you like, call your broker, he can co-broke and commissions will be shared. That money is re-circulated within the Black community, that way," he continued. (Next Week: Part two of United Realty profile)

 

 

Wanda Scruggs keeps community’s feet covered, comfortable, classy! Master cobbler Wanda Scruggs poses next to her prized miniature shoe collection at Scruggs and Sons Shoes. Scruggs learned her craft from her father and continues to carry on his legacy of craftsmanship and excellence. (photo by Harry Kemp) by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo "Walk one day in my shoes" goes one of the classic poems. Shoes, footwear, have a history, a story, an image all their own! Milwaukee has several experts on shoes. And there are many stories to tell! Additionally, connoisseur, Wanda Scruggs, has collected an interesting display of miniature shoes with their own stories and historical significance. Boots! Dress boots and fashion boots. Military boots and hiking boots. Cowboy boots and construction boots. Booties and snow boots. And, rain boots and galoshes. Shoes are equally varied. Slings, pumps, stilettos and mules. Round toes, square toes, pointed toes and baby dolls. Flip-flops and shower togs, tennis shoes and Sketchers. Escadrilles and platforms, loafers and flats. Brogans or wide soles and oxfords or lace ups. Ballet and tap. Slippers and slides. Stacy Adams, Florsheims, Nunn Bush and Nine West. And Hush Puppies and Bandolinos, Stuart Weitzmans, Versace and Gucci. Keds or Adidas or Jordans and Nikes. Speaking of shoe stories, have you heard the one, from your parents or grandparents, about, "Be thankful!"? "When I was a kid, we had to put cardboard into the soles of the shoes until we were able to buy new ones." Of course, these were true Depression era stories. Or, "Don’t worry about the style of the shoe, they are shoes." Yet, despite their ill attempts to pacify or deflect, I retain a passion for shoes. One that dissipates only because the current trendy styles have been purchased twice before, in their natural cycles of "fashion." The current owner of Scruggs and Sons Shoes, at 3570 North Teutonia Avenue, is a Master cobbler. A title not easily earned. Being born into the business does not a Master cobbler make! Wanda learned the trade from her father, who opened High Power Shoe Shine at 2552 North Third Street, in 1955. And, she attended classes at MATC in stitching and trimming to advance her skills and capacities. Her father had come to Milwaukee with the American Motors Company, after leaving the Hudson Motor Company of Detroit. His original store repaired shoes, shined them and sold other sundries, like records, candy, cigarettes and incidentals. "I interned under my Father," Wanda shared. "We were living upstairs above the store, so everyone helped him. Some of my brothers would shine shoes. I started learning how to do the seaming, while younger ones sold the other things in the store. It was always a family affair." The "family" consists of three brothers, two sisters, five grandsons and two granddaughters, who each have helped to make the family business viable. When her father passed in 1976, Wanda took over the business and she has been there every since. Her children came up in the store, right along their uncles and aunts. In fact, today, four generations have worked, continue to work, or have learned some of the cobbler/shoe shine skills. Scruggs and Sons should be around for a long time. But Scruggs Shoes does more than just shoes. They do everything associated with leather. Well almost everything! Boots, coats, purses and wallets. Zippers, snaps, luggage handles or zippers. The Scruggs Shoes Repair team has also repaired saddles, bridles, canteens and binocular cases. If it is leather and worth repair, Wanda or Frances or one of the family members can probably bring the product back to looking like new. "We have even done shoes attached to prosthesis," Wanda related. Years ago, shoes were actually more expensive than they are today. The new machines, with high power stitching and record-breaking speed, have made forming, cutting, trimming and stitching a pair of shoes so fast that every one can own multiple pairs. Cobblers however, made shoes, before the twentieth century, generally for the prosperous. The cobbler might have one nice pair for himself. But, hand me downs, or those made from salvaged remnants, frequently became the foot coverings of their children. Shoes took time to make. And, the art of designing the foot form and last, the upper and sole were skills masters’ acquired from foreign craftsmen, initially. Time made the cost of shoes an expensive affair. Today, Wanda’s customer base is quite diverse. Young people with expensive tennis shoes come in for repairs and new shoestrings. Or, sometimes they want dye jobs to extend the life of white shoes that have become badly scuffed. Or, often they want personalized colors. However, the majority of Wanda’s customers are professionals. They are businessmen, doctors, lawyers, teachers and ministers who love the feel of their favorite shoes, they want to retain. "There is no price for comfort," she quickly declares. "Most of my customers are repeat customers. They have been coming to me for years!" "Too many of the shoes of today simply do not feel good," Wanda stated. A lot of the shoes have very pointed toes; and women’s shoes are very high again. Not only do they hurt your feet, they should not be worn for long periods of time," she explained. Continuing, she shared: "If you are going to wear the new pointed toed shoes, buy them in the next width so that there is room for the toes. Do not get the next size because then the feet just slide down, creating greater problems. Increase the width, not the size." When asked to share additional tips, Wanda Scruggs enthusiastically continued. "We use vinegar to clear the salt from leather boots or shoes. But you have to know how much vinegar to use. Let the experts help you. Vinegar is also used to remove perspiration from leather coats and jackets." "Waterproof your shoes and other leathers when they are new. In the long run, it saves a lot of money to put those sealants in before you ever wear the item," she explained. And speaking of savings, Ms. Scruggs said, "heel plates prevent the heels of the shoes from running over. And the new nylon caps do not make the noise that the steel caps used to make. So, the pennies charged to put on caps saves many dollars over the course of years." When asked about shoes that fit tightly, she advised, "Shoes that are too tight can be stretched. We use varying widths of the traditional shoetree to expand the leather. And, remember you can use the shoetree to keep the shape of your shoes," Wanda encouraged. "Leather will curl, over time, and the shoetree keeps the mold of the foot and eliminates curling, as well. Also, buy your shoes at the end of the day, after your feet have had time to work, and retain water. Never buy your shoes early in the morning," she suggested. Scruggs Shoes sells shoe laces, ties, handkerchiefs, and other accessories. And, they are restocking for Father’s Day. Additionally, they dye shoes for weddings, proms, anniversaries and church events. Their leather services excel! In fact, Wanda suggests that you drop by to see what they can do with old shoes. She has samples of shoes that she has cleaned, repaired and displayed next to their worn/torn mate. The visual difference, after Wanda’s wondrous wand, is nothing less than a miracle. No longer do we have to worry about holes in our shoes nor inability to either replace or repair, but Wanda shows that saving a dollar is good business. And, a good shoe is the best shoe! Often a good repair is better for the foot and the purse than buying a brand new pair. Shoes of the poor have often been shown with cardboard substituted for leather soles, long ago worn away. Boots of Civil War militiamen show similar wear, as do the shoes of children and ball players who associate good luck and successive wins to the charm of their favorites. Shoes truly tell a story! Whether Cinderella’s slipper, the party shoe or walker. The marchers, the protesters, the revelers and New Orleans’ second liners! Too tight, too loose, too big or too small. Yes, there is always a story when you look at a pair of shoes! Wanda Scruggs of Scruggs Shoes knows shoes and she knows the stories associated with them. She and her family have, for four generations, kept our feet covered, comfortable and classy! They have seen styles come and go: New shoes replace baby shoes; and teenage flats become heels and slippers! Wanda Scruggs and family, we thank you for your expertise and your continued commitment to keeping the art of shoes, repair and retention an art form appreciated and available. You are the best of the best! You continue to give us your best! We thank you! The staff of Columbia Savings and Loan Columbia Savings and Loan pioneer lending institution continues vision of its founders by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo A look at the historical booklet prepared by Columbia Savings and Loan for their 75th Anniversary speaks to the strength of this pioneering savings and lending institution. With a charter dating back to September 24, l924, the vision of a larger, broader, more affluent Milwaukee had to have been evident, or the founders would not have begun. As a beginning freshman at Marquette University, I, like many, of the new girls in town, was carried to Columbia Savings and Loan to deposit the little funds culled to begin our semesters. Already Columbia Savings and Loan represented Black independence and the support of a Black institution. In the pre-civil rights days, Black Americans could save at majority banks yet could not be tellers, or loan officers in them. This was a time when as high school seniors we marched in East St. Louis, Illinois to get Black Americans into jobs beyond office clean up and maintenance. It was significant to be able to take my scholarship money to Columbia Savings and Loan, a Black business, with Black people running "everything." This was l957, twenty-three years after Wilbur and Ardie Halyard had taken an unprecedented plunge. The young couple had come to Milwaukee in the early l920s, from the South, and found the living conditions of many new residents unacceptable. Their desire to help those coming for new jobs was so profound that they began to talk about what needs could be met, with a little expertise and a little money. Soon thoughts of other players who would be so inclined began to surface and a group of prospective invitees was compiled. The original group met at the D.W. Raynor Funeral Home, with Wilbur Halyard, businessman, chairing; his wife Ardie Halyard, acting as recorder of the minutes; James Bryant; Eugene Thompson, minister; William Mimms, chiropractor; G.H. De Reef, attorney; L.T. Gilmer, physician; C.L. Johnson, tailor; F.G. Alleyne, ice/coal business; and D.W. Raynor, mortician, in attendance. Successive meetings led to the formation of Columbia Building and Loan Association, at their charter meeting, with the original attendants becoming the Board of Directors, and Wilbur Halyard, the Managing Officer, with daily oversight responsibilities and his wife, Ardie, the Bookkeeper. Mr. Halyard held that position, a historical first, throughout his life. And upon his death, Mrs. Halyard succeeded him, in l963, becoming the first female President and CEO of a Savings and Loan Bank in Wisconsin. The first savings are believed to have been taken within the funeral home offices, on 8th and Cherry streets, though records do not clearly document that. However, the first official building for the new savings and loan was listed at 2236 North 8th Street, just south of North Avenue at 8th Street. And Columbia Building and Loan began to create a legacy that endures, now, over 81 years. In l924, the average income for residents was around $1,124 per annum or $1.90 per day for women or children, an unbelievable amount when compared to today. However, then as now, "Colored People" earned less than their counterparts, so even with better paying jobs in services, semi-skills and apprenticeships, the amount available for "saving for a rainy day" could not compare. Yet, if digitized, today, those early savers probably padded away, percentage wise, more than we do today. Principally, because savings were an ethic, a rule, a mandate for upward mobility. Few lending institutions made significant loans to "colored people," and those granted were typically over collateralized for the paltry sums they borrowed. To get a better grasp on the beginning years of Columbia Savings and Loan, we must remember that in l955, Milwaukee’s African American community, was about 55,000 people. The massive increases came throughout the l960s; ’70s and ’80s. It is safe to estimate that the Black population at the time of the Columbia’s embark was probably not more than 20,000 strong. This realization makes more significant the decision that the founding directors made that September l924. With their personal investments, the savings and loan opened their doors on January 2, l925. Their ledgers showed a beginning $3,583 in savings deposits. By the end of that year, they had made a loan of $l,800; issued dividends in the amount of $4.10 to each saver; and had assets of $ 2,976. Clearly, it was a very good year! Today, Columbia’s assets approach $20,000,000. As the years mounted so did the role of Columbia Savings and Loan. In addition to savings and small loans, they began different retirement and investment instruments to augment assets and expand lending opportunities. George Gary, president of Columbia Savings and Loan excitedly prepared to introduce the many new items that are coming to the city of Milwaukee. To introduce that surprise, now however, would be to put the cart before the horse, so let us continue in the tenor of the early company. The spirit of "good business, sound business, business that continues to build, bringing profits to the investors and more cash flow to the borrowers were the overriding objectives in the creation of the savings and loan. And, those tenets, within the charter, continue to be the major influences in risk-taking and return on your dollar today. Mrs. Halyard succeeded her husband in l963, almost forty years after the first charter meeting. She retired as president in 1970, and continued to serve as Chairman of the Board until her death in 1989. With directors such as Attorney Dale Phillips; Willie Holloway; Thalia B. Winfield, who served as president and CEO from l974 until l992, the company witnessed the Black communities’ growth in multiples and attempted to stay abreast of competitive lending institutions in servicing the growing needs of the community. Thousands of residents purchased their homes with loans from Columbia Savings and Loan, they paid those homes off and moved on to bigger, better, more expensive homes. Over sixty churches in the community received their mortgages through Columbia Savings and Loan, paid them off, bought parsonages and many have bought adjacent properties for expansion or new sites for their larger congregational needs, Mr. Gary stated, "One of our greatest joys has been seeing new homeowners take possession of the keys to their homes. "Their smiles, their sense of accomplishment, their sense of the realization of a dream exceeds any other thing that money could buy". Continuing, he relates, "We believe that the sanctity of the home is like patriotism, it is a right that every citizen should have in their personal pursuit of happiness. "Every family should have the right to earn and own their own home." These were the objectives of the original charter and they continue to be my objectives, everyday! Part 2   Columbia Savings and Loan Financial institution poised for a bright future CAPTION George Gary, CEO, Columbia S&L by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo Last week we began a two-part series on Columbia Savings & Loan Bank, a savings and lending institution that has pioneered for over 75 years. Much of Columbia Savings and Loan, as we know it, is directly attributable to George Gary, President and Chief Executive Officer. With an aggressive Board of Directors, tenured staff and a vision of increased visibility and viability, Gary captains the ship, Dating back to charter formation in 1924, Columbia continues to be a major player in Milwaukee's central community. Coming to the S&L in l974, as the Loan Officer and Assistant Manager, under Miss Winfield, Gary chose Columbia after an extensive training program at First Federal Savings and Loan. "The institution was already fifty years old when I joined it," Gary stated. But what impressed me most about it was its record of solvency and slow but deliberate growth. When other institutions were being investigated and great losses had been the national norm, we were still succeeding in getting new locations financed, built and opened for our customers." Continuing, he said, "The on-slaught of condo living as a lifestyle trend had been over sold throughout a lot of communities. While we saw the economics of small lots, low costs, many residents, we believed Milwaukee was still basically a family-oriented setting where people still wanted their own backyard, their neighborhood, their individual lot, separate from their neighbor." "We continued to identify with the customer that came to seek our assistance. I believe that continues to be our hallmark, today. Today, just today, we had one of our final meetings and I can tell you that you are going to see a brand new Columbia. We are moving, into what our customer base deserves, a full service savings and loans." "We have the architectural renderings of our new plant, with circular drive through, free parking adjacent on 20th Street. In addition to IRA's; Certificates of Deposit and mortgage loans, services now offered, we will have ATM; debit/checking; credit card capacity and investments. Home loans were our original business and they remain our main business today", he excitedly revealed. " The new, fully expanded facility should improve our opportunities to serve. It will be more convenient, we shall have auto loans, business loans for capitol development; Columbia will shine unlike it has ever shone before." I reminded Mr. Gary that the S&L had been imaged as a conservative lending institution, to which he chuckled. "Columbia was created by the Halyards, the Johnson's, the De Reef's, pioneers who gambled on an idea which has proven to outlast their own lives, a credit to their vision and foresight." "I came at a time when people like Dale Phillips, Robert Starms, Calvin Beckett, Grant Gordan and others were the Directors of the Board. Others, less conservative, have also been members of the Board and we have known a few losses. History is the best teacher. Why lose? We returned to what we do best, that being to carefully examine our underwriting so as to minimize the losses. That projection is the reason for our success", he explained. However, Gary quickly interjected, "Every case is different. Every loan is different. And every loan is a good loan at the time that you make it. We work to make the borrower feel as good about the loan as we do in making it. Both of us want successful completion of the loan. We are mutually bound". Adding, " We made a loan to a single mother when her only income was her monthly public assistance check, but her mortgage note was less than her rent had been. We were able to show her and others that home ownership made economic sense. She fully paid the loan back. She was happy and we were happy." "So conservatism is not a good nomakker, we like to believe that we are " prudent lenders". We have relaxed a lot of our underwriting guidelines, and we welcome any customer considering Columbia. We are in the business to serve and generate a profit. Our customers are in the business to save and generate equity, thereby building their better tomorrow. We want to grow one another! That is our mission and that is our goal". Watch in the following months for Groundbreaking Ceremonies, later this year, and completion of this outstanding new facility with full service offerings competitive with any lending/checking/ investment company in the Milwaukee community, in 2006. We applaud Columbia Savings and Loan, its original founders, the Milwaukee community, who as early as the l920's understood the significance of having their "own". They are the foundation for the New Columbia Savings and Loan, 2000 W. Fond du Lac Avenue, on the corner of 20th at Fond du Lac. We await the new facility in 2006, with pride in your accomplishments. And we salute George Gary, CEO, his staff, Directors and the thousands of Milwaukee homeowners who make Columbia Savings and Loan a viable entity today. We celebrate your longevity, tenacity, and your vision. You truly are the best of the best.

Accountants/Certified Public Accountants smooth the tax experience by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo W2 statement, check! Some 1099 statements, check! Donations isolated, check! Interest payments, check! Investment income, losses and profits, check! Bank statements, check! Medical expenses identified, check! Church dues, got them! Yes, it is that inevitable time of the year again. Tax Preparation Time! February 15 is a time line date. It means that there are only eight more weeks before tax filing date. Three hundred and sixty-five days pass quickly when it is time to pull together the tax filing data. Of course, there are always the organized who do their banking, bill paying and savings online. And, there are those who input all of their data on a monthly basis. These are the early filers, who have no doubt already received their refunds. And yes, there are these splendid software programs that magically guide you through everything, making tax time a breeze, through electronic filing. But if you are like the majority of us, there are never enough hours in the day, already. And, we move desperately from one task to the next, feeling more exasperated and more inadequate with each new "must" that is thrust at us, each day. I call it "dancing with wolves," or "juggling new balls, which are ever increasing." So tax time is fast approaching. Who are you going to call! There are tax services that function this time of the year. And there are family and friends who tend to have special skills, principally patience and a good calculator, who successfully take care of this annual task. But sometimes you need someone with expertise, experience, and knowledge of the current Internal Revenue Service tax laws, that change frequently, dependent upon the presidential initiatives, legislated by Congress. If you have businesses or not-for-profit corporations, the utilization of professionally trained Certified Public Accountants is an even greater necessity. They are able to chronicle expenditures and revenue and ensure that the appropriate taxes have been filed, paid and appropriately credited. They also facilitate the correct categorization that keeps your business or corporation in compliance. A growing number of mathematics enthusiasts have moved into the bookkeeping and accountant professions. In Milwaukee’s central community, we have had a small number who have professionally completed the required courses to be called Bookkeeper or Certified Public Accountant, which entails the Bachelor of Science Degree, plus post graduate training and satisfactorily passage of the National Certified Accountant Examination. Bill Coleman of Coleman & Williams, Ltd. attended DePaul University in Chicago and graduated with BSC in Accounting and MBA in Finance and certification in the 1980s. However, in the African American community, he noted that very few were performing the certified accounting skills, excluding Morris Tharps, whom we shall spotlight next week, and Alvira Taylor, now deceased. Witnessing growing business development, plus an increased number of owners with tax difficulties from IRS, in 1990, he decided to begin his own business in Certified Public Accounting. Located at 319 North Milwaukee, Coleman & William, Ltd. Provides full service accounting and consultations for small and big businesses, alike. An important portion of his business lies in federal and local governmental contracts, where auditing and employee benefit programs comprise major staff utilization. With 26 professional and skilled employees, the business has grown, and continues to professionally guide innumerable nonprofit agencies, and hundreds of individuals in tax planning and consulting. "We, too often, fail to see the importance of tax planning in creating the most cost-efficient savings and legitimate deductions," Coleman shared. "Years ago, the majority of us could complete the simple, Short Form and identify our deductions. But most of us would gain more benefits with just a little advance planning, now. The tax laws afford so many opportunities to plan for retirement, future health care needs, and legitimate ways to put money aside for our grandchildren’s education. These are the areas in which only a professional can advise you," he explained. "What initially appears to be a cost, ultimately becomes a savings as professionals are able to hear concerns and propose multiple ways to accomplish one’s personal goals. Simple things like interest rates, estate planning, long-term care, scholarships, trusts, wills, are all possibilities dependent upon the individual’s projections or the business’s corporate structure," he continued. While it is probably too late to guide individuals, today, just eight weeks before the national filing deadline, Bill Coleman highly recommends that businesses in a growth pattern consider the advise and expertise of the CPA as they look toward the next year. Corporate fiscal year ends may be shifted to coincide with personal tax periods. Or conversely, it may benefit specific businesses to have the fiscal year end fall long before the personal filing deadlines. A certified public accountant has knowledge of the benefits and shortcomings of each option. Concerned about ensuring that the community will have future accountants, and that youngsters with interest in accounting may have mentors and tutelage, Bill Coleman launched the Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES) Program, five years ago. Designed to provide accounting clubs for youngsters in ninth grades and above, the program highlights career options in the field and incorporates a six-week internship, through the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh system. Partner companies such as Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company; Johnson Controls; Legacy Bank; The City of Milwaukee Comptroller’s Office and the Milwaukee Brewers have joined the Young Entrepreneural Scholarship Program and the list is growing. Interested parties should consult their Guidance Counselor in their respective schools for courses they should be taking, leading to completion of pre-requisites for scholarship consideration. One of the "Milwaukee Community Journal’s" success stories has been Kimberly Jones, a six-year recipient of the Dr. Terence N. Thomas Memorial Scholarship, who is presently studying in CPA certification. She is currently employed in the administrative department of the Milwaukee Athletic Club, having begun there in September 2005. A graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools, Kimberly enrolled at Alverno College and retained a 3.5 gpa throughout her matriculation. She took a foreign education study, one semester, in London, England, returned and begun DeVry University studies in 2003 for a Master’s in Business Administration. She completed her MBA and began to study for the CPA examination, which she plans to take later this year. Needless to say, we like Coleman & Williams, Ltd. are happy to see young people take up the torch. The relay for encouraging our young people to remain in Milwaukee and take their rightful place in the tandem of professionals continues. Helping them become contributing citizens capable of filling the growing professional voids are ongoing. The race has yet to be completed. However, each success breeds another success, thus we continue undaunted! As we extend applause and congratulations to Coleman & Williams, Ltd. For their example of definitive successes and visions for enhancing the economic development of the city of Milwaukee, we also extend well wishes to our new professional, Kimberly Jones, and the students of the Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES) Program. They are our future! As you continue to sort the mass of items necessary to file taxes, remember the professionals who compile our documents, but also advise. They bring expertise and planning to our financial lives, before the taxes. They ensure that our fiscal lives are as healthy as our physical lives, our spiritual lives, our communal lives. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., recognized, before his death, that our next battleground would lie not in civil rights but silver rights. We are attempting to understand the full ramifications of his vision. Mrs. Coretta Scott King, always revered, took his Dream of Non-Violent Social Change and expanded it through the national holiday and the center in Atlanta, that now holds their remains. Let us, in this Black History Month, look upon our personal responsibility to live the dream, nonviolently, within the civil laws already mandated. And, let us learn our economic responsibility, first to our families and our community and to our heirs. If there is a lesson to be learned from our Certified Public Accountants, the subject of our Best’s, this week, it is to also learn how to pass our wealth on to our children, and their children. Therein lies our fiscal continuity, our economic independence and our financial freedom! You are our Bests of the best! To Coleman & William, Ltd., Williams & Associates, Tennessen Accounting and Tax, Ford Accounting, Paradon Accounting, and others who help us keep our taxes in order; who help us make our money make us money, we thank you! We grow increasingly aware of your value in our monetary planning. We are growing in our knowledge of wise consumption, and bolder visions, and of the importance of our Savings! Next week we shall highlight M.L. Tharps & Associates, the first African American Certified Accounting firm, in the city of Milwaukee. Clearly, we understand that Blackness is not a criterion for these firms, dollars are green! And our growth issues are green issues. We make the delineation in this Black History Month, because it is significant to understand the pioneers who embarked, and succeeded. And we hope their example will encourage another student, an enthusiast who simply has not launched, or a counselor who will advise high school students. CPAs are here, several are of African American dissent. And they understand good finances, tax time, any time, three hundred and sixty-five days of the year! We applaud you and recognize that you are the "Best of the Bests:" in our economic destiny! With knowledge comes wisdom, with wisdom comes intelligent action! Ernestine O’Bee continues to earn accolades; is inducted into the Senior Citizen Hall of Fame by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo "Life is best when we learn to live our best"; an African proverb that resounds but typically has meaning as our decades mount and we experience life and its challenges. Living her best has been more than a saying for Ernestine O’Bee, for many years. She learned many of life’s profound mysteries at the knee of her grandmother through poems and rhymes. "A bell is not a bell until you ring it. A song is not a song until you sing it. Love was not put in our hearts to stay, for love is not love until you give it away." A poem taught as a child but retained as a motto, Mrs. O’Bee’s life has been one of love for her fellowman. Recognized last week by the Office on Aging, the Milwaukee County’s Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, Class of 2005, the name of Ernestine O’Bee was added to an auspicious list of senior contributors who work for the betterment of Milwaukee County. Other inductees include Jaime Davila; Esther Hussey; Dennis Kahuzny; and Jeanne McCue. County Executive Scott Walker congratulated the honorees, saying: "You are being recognized for your outstanding commitment to service in our community. "This community benefits from your experience, knowledge, and wisdom. Your generosity in sharing; your many talents provides enrichment for all of us." And, indeed the sentiments are all true for Mrs. O’Bee. A graduate from the University of Michigan in journalism, she was deflected into social work when none of the major newspapers would hire her. The newsrooms had not yet been integrated, so her communication skills were taken to her position at the Detroit YWCA. In 1939, she led a delegation of women to the First World Conference on Interracial Christian Youth in Amsterdam, Holland. She retains a deep commitment to the YWCA and women’s issues and achievements, today. In 1952, she came to Milwaukee as the bride of Emile O’Bee, owner of the O’Bee Funeral Home and began her fifty plus years of helping Milwaukee families. She became the first female funeral director licensed by the State of Wisconsin and participated as a member of the State Licensing Committee in reviewing other funeral director’s licenses. The State Association a few years ago awarded her a 50-year pen. Other affiliations have included the House of Peace, Salvation Army, her church, the Eastern Star and the Zonta International, Inc., which promotes women’s issues throughout the world, particularly business priorities. Mrs. O’Bee celebrated her 98th birthday this Spring, though her actions, interests and volunteerism belie that number. Except for her companion, "Mr. Walker", so named by Mrs. O’Bee, in jest, she is totally independent. And her "walker" was prescribed, after a fall, for safety not incapacity. She can be found daily doing what she does best, ministering to families, certainly in their times of grief and also in better times through financial planning, education, information and the quest for achievement. With colleagues, Frazier and Ford, Mrs. O’Bee began Northwest Funeral Chapel, a full service mortuary, one of the largest in the city. Internships, apprenticeships and entrepreneurial advice are as important to them as are the life planning, legal prescriptive and estate preparation sessions designed for Milwaukee families. She has sponsored innumerable children with scholarships to parochial schools; she promotes community businesses through her personal purchases and that of her friends. Her politics are private, yet she knows the importance of the right person, for the right job at the right time. The Ernestine O’Bee Award, under the Dr. Terence N. Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc., now boasts four post-graduate recipients—one in law, engineering, certified public accounting and now medicine. All recipients have retained a 3.0 GPA or better from Milwaukee high schools, followed by four years of college and now post graduate awards representing in excess of $22,000 over their college tenures. Mrs. O’Bee continues to give her best and life has brought her the best. We can continuously look at her example of wisdom, talent, generosity and compassion for her fellowman, as they continue to serve her well and also our community! She is the "best" of our bests!! We congratulate her and all of the Hall of Fame inductees.

The Spence Family

The Spence Family
Strong familial roots best define one of Milwaukee’s most accomplished families

by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo
From strong roots, mighty oaks always grow! Such are the thoughts as we examine one of Milwaukee's most accomplished families.

Many of us remember, with respect and affection, the late Judge Clarence R. Parrish, who was the last person elected as the Mayor of Bronzeville in Milwaukee, and Mildred, his wife and partner, the publisher and editor of "Excellence" Magazine.

Today, Milwaukee benefits from the strong familial bonds of this husband and wife team. Their tentacles continue to reach deep into the creation of Milwaukee, and sustains the tenure of numerous civic, service, fraternal, religious, and community organizations.

The same holds true of books written by the Judge, such as "Images of Democracy," a fiction novel, and many of his poems that remain on the shelves of homes, schools, and libraries where they are read, enjoyed, and retained as the treasure they represent.

Stories, poems and reflections of a gentleman moved by life, its subtleties and its dichotomies were penned by the late author.

His wife Mildred, contributed her talents to exposing historically Black colleges and universities that educated many of our present African American leaders in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Judge Parrish was a successful lawyer, realtor, businessman, and preacher, prior to venturing into public office. However, it is in his role as public servant that his magnanimous firsts have distinguished him.

In 1981, Judge Parrish became the first African American, in Wisconsin, to win a contested judicial election. He was appointed initially by Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus. Parrish served Milwaukee until his retirement in 1992.

"As I walk through the courthouse halls, not a week goes by without a citizen or a member of the bar stopping me, remembering my father on the bench, and telling me that he was such a gentleman and a fair and just judge." They said that, "Even if I lost my case, I felt he was fair, and he stood for no-nonsense". These are the words of his daughter, Attorney Sheila M. Parrish-Spence.

Judge Parrish served as a circuit court judge in Milwaukee County, and was privileged to be the first in several other accomplishments besides being the first to win a contested judicial race in Milwaukee County. A portrait of him in his judicial robe is the first portrait of a judge of African American decent to be displayed in a courtroom of the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

This honor was bestowed posthumously in February 2001 at a memorial ceremony and reception. Many of Milwaukee's leaders and citizens spoke highly of his accomplishments.

Other first for Judge Parrish were: the appointment as magistrate for Milwaukee, in 1975; appointment by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to serve on the Board of Examiners for the Wisconsin State Bar; and the appointment as a judicial court commissioner for Milwaukee County.

As a testament to commitments in the Milwaukee community and the legal community, scholarships have been created in the name of Judge Clarence Parrish at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, The Milwaukee Foundation, and with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Many students are the direct beneficiaries of the funds that these scholarships award.

With pride, his daughter, Sheila Parrish-Spence shared, "Dad taught at Milwaukee Area Technical College for many years and enjoyed the interaction with the students whom he said were eager to learn." Judge Parrish lectured at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, for the National Judicial College, and the National Bar Association.

Some of his social and civic memberships were Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Special Olympics, and the board of directors for the YMCA.

He was a 33rd degree mason and belonged to Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Not only was he involved with his community but Judge Parrish was a devout religious man. For over 30 years, he served Calvary Baptist Church as a member, a deacon, trustee, and a licensed minister.

The Clarence R. Parrish Apartments, a 40-unit development on Martin Luther King Drive were dedicated in his name in 1997.

Members of the Milwaukee community have reflected upon Judge Parrish's tenure as president of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in the turbulent 1960s.

Then Black America and Black Milwaukee, in particular, were ablaze with riots, blatant stereotyping, and deeply entrenched segregation in neighborhoods, schools, eateries, and public services.

There he made it known that open housing was paramount. Also, he stood for voters’ rights and spoke often to different associations about the importance of exercising the right to vote.

Judge Parrish's lovely wife Mildred was active in the community as well. She was the first African American to serve on the board of trustees at Alverno College, and served on several boards and committees at Marquette University.

While serving as president of the Wisconsin Court and Civil Women in Milwaukee, she instituted new organizational initiatives including luncheon programs on various judicial topics, which were well attended.

She was the national journalist for the Links, Inc., and organized a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. That chapter has a scholarship in her name.

The naming of children is an event with historical significance, within all cultures, and equally as important in the African American community.

And as parents, Sheila and Joseph Spence, no doubt thought long and hard as they determined the name of their first born. For their son, Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence, carries his grandfather’s name.

With such a full and distinguished life, many might have palled at the idea of passing on a name with such nobility.

Yet, parental goals, personal expectations, and their commitments to devoted parenting probably dispelled any misgivings and instead cemented their name selection.

In this family, the involvement and the advocacy of the elders continue in the actions and focus of their heirs, for Sheila and Joseph, both lawyers, writers, poets, and community leaders, guide their 15-year-old with aplomb and seasoned confidence.

The Spence family, which is comprised of Joseph Spence, his wife Sheila Parrish-Spence, and their son Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence, is known for its service to the Milwaukee community.

Joseph, an attorney, retired Army major, educator, minister, and community activist writes to educate, inform, and relax the mind.

Sheila, an attorney, violinist, and community activist writes to cause others to appreciate life. Jonathan, already a prolific writer and poet at age fifteen, is already a published author.

He has been writing and publishing works since elementary school. He has participated generously in the family's book, "A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul." He and his family have received awards nationally and locally for their writing, and their recital of poetry and prose. In 2005, Jonathan won second place in the YMCA Teen Achievers Poetry contest.

Jonathan and Sheila both play the violin. Jonathan says, "I started playing mother’s violin, and soon she said it was time for me to get my own." An accomplished violinist, Jonathan performs at small gatherings, at senior centers, nursing homes, schools, and throughout the Milwaukee community. He has also played his violin and recited music not only in Wisconsin, but in the Midwest and on the East Coast.

Jonathan has expressed a serious interest in Forensics, which is the art of debate, speech, and verbal expression. He has participated in state competitions each year since sixth grade.

He is the first freshman in the history of Wauwatosa West High School to compete on the national level at the National Catholic Forensic League.

In April 2006, he placed sixth in the state in the area of solo humorous, at the state tournament held at Ripon College sponsored by the Wisconsin Forensics Coaches Association.

Additionally, Jonathan was awarded the gold medal in dramatics and a bronze in original poetry for the NAACP ACT-SO and will compete nationally this summer representing Milwaukee. He also was the only freshman with a major role in the play "Anything Goes."

Jonathan is also a member of St. Mark AME Church, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Top Teens, serves as vice president of Leaders Club at the YMCA, and serves on the teen advisory council of the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

When asked about Jonathan, Joseph states, "Jonathan is just awesome! He is an inspiration to many, and has inspired me in many ways.

"He is already a walking giant with a database full of knowledge to share with others for their personal and professional upliftment."

At 15 years of age, Jonathan continues to seek new avenues to test his capacity, while strengthening his scholastic prowess for academic matriculation that will lead to his ultimate aspirations to be a doctor.

Whatever profession he settles in, be it engineering, legislative, or medicine, he has family support and personal ability to excel while serving his community. These are just some of the adolescent prerogatives that beam upon the horizon today.

Yet each has valuable potential for fulfilling personal dreams and lending increased substance to the name and the legacy of his family, particularly his parents and grandparents.

Young readers and seasoned readers, alike, must pick up a copy of "A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul." It is full of the beauty of its many messages, the trajectory of reflections, and the joy of the written word.

Jonathan shines like a beacon, casting light, rays of joy and mature examinations on subjects relevant to every growing, developing, conscientious young man. One of his poems that everyone responds to as their favorite is entitled, "If I Were a Paycheck:"
If I Were A Paycheck
By Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence
If I were a paycheck, I would
scream!!!
I would have a billion
questions to ask.
How much money am I worth?
Who do I belong to?
Am I stolen? Have I been spent?
I would go from place to place.
I would go from hand to hand
Or maybe even from pipe to pipe!
Was I forgotten about?
Am I the center of somebody's life?
Would I be turned into cash?
Would I be torn up?
Or would I be thought of as a lie
That no one thought about?
If I were a paycheck I
would scream!!!

Milwaukee is a better place for families like the Spence family who are committed citizens and exemplary parents who teach, not just preach! They are building upon the strengths of their fore-parents with each standing upon the shoulders of the generation that came before them.

These principles have been the cornerstones and foundations of every culture, particularly our culture in the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

These are the fundamentals that will, likewise, catapult Jonathan Clarence Parrish Spence as he moves to fulfill his purpose and his hierarchical legacy. You, Sheila, Joseph and Jonathan represent the bests in our families. We salute you, applaud you and wish you always, the Best of the Best.

Beauty specialist teaches what beauty really is

Beverly Benson-Kern

by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo
Beyonce’, Nicole Richie, Ashanti, Naomi Campbell, Imani, Vanessa Williams, what do these woman have in common.

Unquestionably, the answer is beauty!

And, dependent upon the responder, they will name other beautiful women; perhaps they will add Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Vivica J. Fox, or Oprah!
Clearly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yet, beauty has been depicted in small, svelte figures and full, curvaceous bodes. Facial beauty has included thin, perky lips and thick, puckered lips. Hair, as a symbol, has been long, flowing and straight; and short, curly and tight.

While the assets that dictate beauty have changed, many times over the decades, and innumerable women have epitomized the attributes associated with beauty, one Milwaukee resident has spent her life studying, analyzing and assisting women in their quest to define their uniquely personal qualities, and that person is Beverly Benson-Kern.

Born an only girl with brothers, as siblings, she was a tomboy until her early teens. Then she learned that girls were expected to look, dress, behave and model after the mothers, aunts and female elders that exampled in her church. But, the girly dresses were definitely not her style and the bright reds in lipsticks and nail polishes moved her even less. Finding our own style was probably the impetus for examining what was called beauty, as Beverly grew into her teens.

Modeling giants like Alyce Stoney and Marie Gaines were local modeling and charm school gurus, but neither of them wore the clothes that appealed to Beverly most. She did not see herself in those images of beauty, though she respected the professionalism and the young ladies they each enrolled in their classes.

In her early twenties, Beverly began her own modeling school. Targeted to woman of color, with curvaceous bodies, long, gazelle-like legs and hair styles that were wrapped or cropped to display the refined, beautiful lines of the face, the school had immediate enrollees.

Soon African fabrics and clothes reminiscent of African tribes in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and Ghana were introduced to further define the beauty of the hairstyles and body types of the Motherland. Beverly had found herself and recognized that there were many, like her, who loved the beauty of natural fabrics, styles, vibrant colors and cosmetics that highlighted the naturally full lip, big, bright eyes and soft, wavy hair.

Beverly Benson-Kern is singularly recognized for creating the Afrocentric look as a definitive female-fashion style, in Milwaukee’s inner city. A style that many woman continue to wear, daily, and every woman seeks as they prepare for Juneteenth Day celebrations and African World Festival opening ceremonies.

But beauty has been always been more than the exterior, for Benson-Kern. In the words of her mother, "Beauty is as beauty does." Knowing that we are what we eat, she has always encouraged good, healthy eating habits. Trans fats are not encouraged, nor are heavy sweets. Vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, and green tea are food firsts in Benson-Kern’s classes, each session. Beans, nuts, chocolate are permitted, with moderate portions recommended. Excessive sugar, salt and highly processed foods are definitely discouraged, as are fries, potato chips, skins and fried foods.
"Fish should be eaten at least three times a week, and salmon is a known anti-aging must," she explains.

Beverly promotes all natural foods as your way to live a long life and a high quality life. But she reminds me that "good food must be added to a daily regimen of exercise. Walking, running, aerobics, stepping or Pilates are a few body enhancers that keep the skeletal system young and vibrant. They also augment the elimination of poisonous toxins through perspiration, which speeds new cell development," she confided.
Benson-Kern created and coordinated the only Black History Traveling Fashion Show during the l980s, which was booked in over 50 cities, throughout the United States. She had the first and only one-and-a-half-hour show, on TV 4 devoted to African American women and their fashions. She continues to coordinate many fashion shows, locally.

Concern about etiquette and manners, particularly for young women today, led to the incorporation of Manners, Inc., which gives classes throughout MPS schools for pre-teens and teens, teaching basic manners and expected niceties in public, at dinners, during interviews and employment opportunities.

Her image, patience, professionalism and sensitivity have been credited with bringing numerous young women to graduation status in charm, goal-setting, personal esteem building and full service etiquette. Her students can be found in many corporations and even more university settings, today.

Additionally, Flori Roberts and Fashion Fair Cosmetic lines have employed Beverly. In the capacity of make-up artist, she learned many artistry skills, as well as unique styling tricks that made ordinary women more beautiful and attractive.

The acts of coloration, arching, moisturizing, lip-refinement and bone structure definition so distanced Benson-Kern’s work that she created her own cosmetic line, named after her daughter Jamila.

The full line of colors and specially designed foundations for African American women exceed all competitive lines, in cost and coverage capacity.

A new fragrance line, Azezza, named after Beverly’s second daughter, has just been introduced and is being marketed to women who are confident, feminine, and focused. These qualities led Beverly Benson-Kern to seek out "her own" style in her early teens. And these are the attributes that motivate Benson-Kern, today, as she continues to help young women "find their own styles," while learning that etiquette catapults their academic and employment futures.

Beverly Benson-Kern has made beauty a reachable, desirable, marketable quality to which every woman can aspire. She fosters beauty as not just a facial enhancement, but an interior quality that exudes to the outside through good eating, exercise, superior products and makeup artistry. Additionally, her introduction of African fabrics and African clothing styles refined our understanding of the Motherland and the beauty of our sisters on the Continent.

Beverly continues to be a personal shopper for many of our community celebrities. Her clientele has included politicians, teachers, principals, publishers and many professionals. Her expertise is continuously sought for organizations, service agencies and major fashion shows.

Beverly Benson-Kern, you have expanded our vision of beauty. You continue to teach through example and demonstration. You have made our community a beautiful place by accentuating the many faces of beauty, within the African American Diaspora.

You, Beverly Benson-Kern are our best, our model of beauty! You Beverly Benson-Kern are the best of our best. We thank you! We congratulate you! You make us all beautiful!