Firefighters pose with the Rev. Darryl Williams of St. Mark AME Church after their presentation on fire prevention. (photo by B. White)

by B. White

Holla!

Four thousand five hundred (4500) down 251,500 to go, I-Witness touching Black people all over the city of Milwaukee, one event at a time.

Holla-Outs

To: Kris Watson and classmates over at Metcalf Middle School. Hey, Kris remember our pact, to work hard, as well as be the best person you know how to be. Lastly, always remember to say “Yes” because it makes your face smile. Holla! Keep advancing that next generation, I love it!

To: Faith Jones and all her fifth grade classmates over at Central City Cyber School. Just wanted to Holla-Out at you, keep studying hard and making those A’s. Keep advancing that next generation, I love it!

To: David over at Russ Darrow Group thanks for the excellent service.

To: LaTasha Watkins, an attendant over at McArthur Square Parking.

To: Nicole (Nikki Brown) over at B&J Insurance agency.

To: Photographer Anthony D. Tatum. Hey Anthony just wanted to Holla at you and thank you for the wonderful poem.

To: The Geek Squad over at Best Buy,

Hey Tom Davis, Holla!

Congratulations-Holla-Out

Nationally renowned poets Dasha Kelly and Dan Vaughn have been invited to perform on Russell Simmons’s Def Poetry Jam on HBO! The taping will take place Tuesday, Oct 10. Congratulations Dan and Dasha, Spit!!!

Birthday Holla

MCJ Sales Rep. Jimmy V. Johnson, hey Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Big Daddy, Happy Birthday to you, Holla!

Psssssst…

their program book. Thanks

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is truly an epidemic among women and we do not know why. This year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 will die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year. If detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 95%.

Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women, 40 years of age or older, have never had a mammogram. Support the National Breast Cancer Foundation today and give the gift of hope to those in need.

Symptoms may include:

·  One breast larger than the other

·  Red or pink skin

·  Swelling

·  Rash (entire breast or small patches)

·  Orange-like texture (peau d’ orange)

·  Skin hot to the touch

·  Pain and/or itchiness

·  Ridges or thickened areas of breast

·  Nipple discharge

·  Nipples that appears inverted or flattened

·  Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit

·  Swollen lymph nodes of the neck (sometimes)

If you have one or more of these symptoms seek out more information and talk to a physician (doctor) with experience in breast cancer.

For all of you who have not had a mammogram yet please indulge yourself and encourage other women as well as men to go and be checked out.

Sheila Parrish-Spence spits…

"A sunbeam lightly shining on a grain of sand, a dew drop resting on a rose colored petal, a smile that softens a soul, a touch that reassures, are all one needs in life to give and receive while walking in the light with rainbows surrounded by God's grace."…

National Fire Prevention Week

The Milwaukee Brotherhood of Black Fire Fighters kicked off “National Fire Prevention Week” at St. Marks African Methodist Church.

The kick off is an annual event held by the Brotherhood in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Fighters who want to bring attention to the importance of fire prevention.

Y'all know I-Witness is a fire fighter fan now, Holla! Fire is a very serious thing in America, and as I recently found out fire fighters do a fantastic job for us (so much so that we cannot pay them enough for the job they do).

Many of the fire fighters, including the president of the Brotherhood of Black fire fighters Dewayne Smoots, Fire Captains James Hardy, Orlando C. Rice, Alonzo Chapman, Battalion Chief Michael, Fire Fighter Paramedic Joshua Parzich and Firefighters Mike Causey, Sharon Purofoy and Brenda Bradley all attended church services at St Marks in full uniform to bring attention to fire prevention week. They select a different church every year. They attend morning service and after service, they stay around to answer any questions folks may have regarding fire prevention.

Captain Rice states African American communities have a disproportionately large amount of fires than other communities. In 2005, eight people in our community died by fire, five adults and three children. This year alone three adults and three children have died, and we have a few more months to go before year’s end. Many of the fires can be prevented.

President Smoots states: “we want to make people aware that they can prevent many of the fires and save lives by doing some of the fire safety tips.”

Top Fire Safety Tips

Based on the survey results, Liberty Mutual and the IAFF have developed fire safety recommendations for families to stay safe and be prepared.

• Test smoke alarms once a month.

• Change smoke alarm batteries once a year - at an easy-to-remember time, such as when clocks are changed.
• Replace a smoke alarm that's more than 10-years-old.
• Buy a fire extinguisher, mount it, and learn how to use it. Revisit the instructions every six months.
• Never leave burning candles unattended or near combustible materials - home fires caused by candles have doubled in the past decade.
• If a fire alarm sounds or smoke is visible, evacuate first and then call the fire department.
• Close doors behind you when leaving the room and building to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• Plan an escape route that shows two ways out of each room.
• Identify a meeting place near the home.
• Practice an escape plan - during the day and night - at least twice a year.
• Talk to children frequently about preventing fires and escaping fires.
• Do not leave a dryer on unattended.
• Do not leave a stove or oven on unattended.
• Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from all combustible materials and never leave them on unattended.
• Never disable a smoke alarm.
• Do not overload power strips.
• Turn holiday lights off when not at home.

“Many Americans are dangerously negligent when it comes to taking fire precautions and are largely uninformed about what to do if a fire occurs,” Smoots continued. “Despite 90% of Americans expressing a basic understanding of the importance of fire safety measures (smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, and fire escape plan); there remains an alarming high numbers who do not put these practices into place.”

According to a survey taken by the International Association of Fire Fighters, 7 million Americans do not own a smoke alarm, 37 million Americans do not own a fire extinguisher and 50 million Americans do not have a fire escape plan

Additionally, many Americans admit to risky behaviors in the home, even when they know the dangers they present.

• 85% know that most home fires start in the kitchen; yet 26% say they have left food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended, and 16% have gone so far as to disable a smoke alarm while cooking;
• 41% report leaving the clothes dryer running when not at home;
• 32% report leaving their holiday lights on when not at home; and
• 12% admit they leave burning candles unattended

Behind all of these findings is the fact that more Americans die in home fires each year than all natural disasters combined. Indeed, home fires resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 people in 2005, according to the IAFF. And children are particularly vulnerable, especially those under 5, who are twice as likely to die in a fire as the rest of the population

It is suggested that Parents of young children must provide more guidance in teaching their children fire safety.

• 7 in 10 parents say their children are less than fully prepared to escape and survive a home fire

• 84% of parents admit they do not frequently discuss fire safety with their children

The Community Journal and I-Witness join the Brotherhood of Black Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters in their efforts to encourage parents, to take their children to the Stay Alive Survive House. There children can begin to learn what to do in case of a fire and we can make sure to show them what to do in their house in the event a fire breaks out.

Hey, Dewayne and Orlando I-Witness salutes the Brotherhood as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and its 275,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who are the first response to public safety to over 80% of the population in the United States and Canada. I love the way you do the things you do!

 For more information on fire safety tips go to www.befiresmart.com.

Whose Streets? God’s Streets!

Pastor Clarence Jones (center) stands with two church deacons outside of Greater St. Luke's new edifice, where the church hosted a meet and greet cookout for the neighborhood. (photo by B. White)

Many times I-Witness attends things and I have to wonder why I’m there. Then there are times when I go to places and I realize who sent me there and why.

My Creator recently sent me on a little mission so that I could share with all of you a little message, I believe. The message is He does not want you to run and hide from those who are less fortunate, the Creator wants you to go in and lend a hand.

In one of the most impoverished areas of our city – where poverty doesn’t hide its face and the streets weep with hopelessness and the sightings of drug induced zombies– members of the Greater St Luke’s Baptist Church have decided to build their new church home. Right smack in the middle of the undesired area, the church members have decided to erect their building. Today they are introducing themselves to the neighborhood as soldiers of peace, love and hope.

With the sun appearing to shine its brightest Greater St Luke’s Baptist Church held a free neighborhood cookout, hot dogs, burgers, chips cookies and good old gospel music.

Deacon Charles Jasper states: “We wanted our neighbors to know we’re here and that we want to break bread with them. Over 200 people from the neighborhood have come by to greet us today. Our church was founded in 1962, we were on 8th street the Lord knew we needed more space and he has given us favor to build the new church from the ground up.”

Greater St Luke’s Pastor Clarence Jones states, “we will do many things to reach out to the neighborhood.”

I asked the pastor why they chose this area with its reputation when most have deserted it.

Jones responded by saying: “we knew that when we came, God sent us here. We knew of the conditions when we came here, God is the lifter. I know most pastors do not want to build here in the inner city, but we want to be where the help is needed. It is our reason for coming to give help where needed. When you run from a problem, it will always be a problem. We want to work in the way Jesus did it; Jesus worked with those who needed to be worked with. We want to those in need that there is a better way. Jesus said in John 14-6, “I am the way’.”

“Our presence in the neighborhood has already had an impact,” he said as he pointed out some of the buildings where folks are now starting to work on their properties.

“We will help God sent us.”

Of course, he lead me to share in the hot dogs along with new neighbor, Clayborn Benson, director of the Wisconsin Black Historic Society who was enjoying the cook out and came to welcome Greater St Luke’s to the neighborhood.

The elder mothers of the church sang some songs switching with the Church’s Youth Choir, Voices of Praise under the direction Darren Taylor and Lyntrice Binns joining them in song,

“I came to leap for joy, I don’t know what you gonna do, I came to clap my hands, I don’t know what you gonna do, I came to praise his name, help me praise his name, I don’t know what you came to do.” I loved it!

Greater St Luke’s plans to officially hold church in their new home will be the third week in November.

Pastor Jones, I want to thank you and your members for believing you can make a difference. I had a good time with ya’ll after all we know who sent me, Holla!

Blues in the Afternoon

It’s yo' Birthday, It’s yo' birthday

William Richards (center holding cake) is joined by family and friends in celebration of his 69th Birthday. Paul Masson flowed, as guests partied the night away! (photo by Barbara White)

Okay y'all I became a bit nostalgic about this birthday party. It reminded me of days not too long ago, when Black families gathered in the back yard and just partied.

That is what happened on Sunday at the home of William and Rosetta Richards ...  we partied!

William celebrated his 69th birthday. His wife Rosetta threw the bash. Upon my arrival, I knew I was at the right place because I could hear ZZ Hill sangin’,

I joined William who they call ‘dog license’ okay y'all I was rollin’ on the floor too. It is a long story on that name, Holla!

I was introduced as Barbara. After my introduction, William’s best friend Nelson Taylor greeted me with the story of how the two of them became friends. Nelson said: “we are best friends. We disagree like ‘Ol Maids but we love each other. William is the smarter man. But I know some things he ain’t always right.” They had me rollin’ on the floor. They were hilarious.

As everyone talked William kept looking at me strangely. I did not know why, so I thought maybe it was all those gifts of his favorite, Paul Masson. He continued to look at me then, he said, “I know you!”  He sat back and thought again. He then asked, “do you write for a newspaper?” I smiled at him and answered, “yes.”

He then states: “I know you, I-Witness I read you all the time, I knew that was you.” He then turns to his buddy Nelson and tells him who I am and he starts saying “Holla!” William continued to tell me about all the stories he had read in I-Witness. He knew I was a firefighter and that I love to party, he was a hardcore reader, y'all. He was elated that I was there for his party.

William and Rosetta have some very nice neighbors, Juanita Williams who lives across the alley, Paul and Shirley Guy live next door and they are the property owners. They said that William is more than a tenant to them. The neighbors helped set up chairs and tables. William states that his neighbors are great.

They had every kind of blues CD there was Tyrone Davis, Little Milton, Johnnie Taylor, Al Green; WMCS1290 Blues Maestro Phil Anderson should have been here.

William sent me in the house to see his cake. Rosetta had the house decorated with streamers on the wall and his name plastered in several spots. There was a fountain with punch flowing and the cake was too cute, it said happy birthday and it was filled with little bottles of Paul Masson. William said he figured the cake was already drunk so he may as well catch up. He was too funny.

Many of his friends and family continued to flow through bearing gifts of his favorite and cards even lottery tickets too.

Rosetta laid out the appetizers; y'all know I-Witness loves deviled eggs well these were some of the best I’d ever eaten. Not only were they good they were topped with my other favorites: shrimp and olives. The dinner spread was delicious too--full of barbecue ribs/chicken, fried chicken and some of the best baked beans I’ve ever eaten.

I sat in on the spade game with my partner John Meadows. We played against his girlfriend Kim and her mother Anna (Bonnie) Richards. Bonnie and I had a good time playing cards and singing …  y'all quit laughing, y'all know I can sing, Holla! Ya will know who won because John and I were just too good, Holla!

Hey, William and Rosetta thanks for the excellent hospitality. You know I had a goose, time, I mean a good time, and it must be that little Paul Masson bottle on the cake you sent me home with, Holla! Happy Birthday!

The Iron Chefs

Okay ya’ll, you know my favorite television show is Wife Swap and my favorite television networks are TV One and the Food Channel, where I love watching the Contessa and the Iron Chefs. Well I got a chance to see the Milwaukee Iron Chefs David Knepper, Dereke Hackers and apprentice Chef Ian McGee in action.

Corey and LaMonica Smith hosted a food tasting at their home featuring the Iron Chefs and items that will be served at their new restaurant that will open early December in the Historical Bronzeville area on N. Dr. Martin Luther King Street.

The two brothers Corey and Gaulien (Gee) Smith of Gee’s Clipper’s will bring new life to the King Drive Area with side-by-side businesses. Gaulien (Mr. Wonderful) Smith will open a second shop that will consist of 23 barber’s booths; each one will cater specifically to men for all their grooming needs. The shop is set to open around November 1.

Corey and LaMonica will open “SOCHE’ Milwaukee” a two-tier upscale restaurant and lounge featuring fine dining.

I asked Corey why he decided to open this kind of restaurant. He states, “I build and own several Java Coffee Houses. My wife and I, in our travels, we have eaten in some of the best restaurants around the country and here in Milwaukee. I like extremely good restaurants and good food. Upscale dining, I know it’s the next chapter in my life, plus I want to give something back to the City of Milwaukee and we want to bring the community a place with a nice ambiance, good food. We want to display and share that creative edge that we have acquired through building and owning the coffee houses.”

Ok y’all I felt just like I was in the audience of the show the Iron Chefs I watched as the chefs baked, broiled, fried sautéed, chopped, diced and tasted as they whipped us appetizers and entrees. It was just like being right there on TV, Holla!

There were about 30 guest, nationally renowned comedian and WJMR98.3 radio personality Marlin Hill who is to funny and one of my favorites, poet Muhibb Dyer and newly wed model Shanel Cooper-Sykes. Fred Jackson and Milwaukee Bucks Community Relations person Skip Robinson were also in attendance. Folks from all lifestyles were there to sample the new cuisine of the restaurant and to give their opinions on what worked and what did not.

As we waited for the Iron Chefs to whip up their dishes, many of partook in sipping the many wines on display. My favorite wine was 2004 Mosel-Saar Ruwel Piesporter Michelsberg-Riesling Kabinett, my next favorite was Mark West Pinot Noir there were a host of wines. Hey ya’ll I-Witness has really stepped up from the wines she first drank ripple and T.J. Swan Mellow Days, Holla!

Iron Chef, Dereke Hackers who will become the Executive Chef has successfully assisted in opening three other restaurants, and has worked at places like North Shore Bistro, Eve’s Sauces and many other restaurants in the Top Ten. His style is more fusion. His assistant Iron Chef David Knepper came all the way in from Phoenix, AZ to assist in this major development and he has worked in many of the top 25 restaurants. Then there is the apprentice Iron Chef a young African American named Ian McGee who attends MATC Culinary School, who says cooking went from being a hobby to his passion. Nakia Ali served as the Iron Chefs assistant.

Finally, the appetizers were ready … I-Witness cannot disclose the menu items but let me tell you, think about what you would call fine dining and what you would want in food. Well they had it, from appetizers, entrees and desserts; of course, I still liked that wine ya’ll, Holla!

Iron Chef Dereke explained every item to us, and Corey shared with us what he was looking for from us. Y’all know I love food it is my favorite subject, but I have never had so many choices to sample nor have I ever eaten so much food in my life. Fred Jones and I really compared notes and we pretty much came to the same conclusion on many of the items.

As we sampled, I asked many others their thoughts. Of course, I kept drinking that wine I liked, Holla!

Soche’ Milwaukee is expected to open around December it will be open 7 days a week, serving some of the best cuisine till 11p.m. and appetizers until 1a.m.

Hey, Corey and LaMonica, I think I am still stuffed but I could use some more of that wine. You two have come up with something that is truly needed in our community for a long time. Wishing you two the best in your new endeavor, Keep advancing that business generation I love it!

Hangin'-Out

Sunday after covering the National Fire Prevention week, I went over to Mr. B’s Ham House and had breakfast with Isaac Sawyer of A-1 Security Locksmith. He is like a God Brother to me. Of course, he is the oldest. He has been a mentor to many young men in this community not only teach and train them how to become locksmiths but also teach them how to work. I have seen many fatherless young men come to his shop knowing nothing and come out with skills. Yes, and he does act like a father to many of them.

We had a good breakfast and chatted about world affairs and how he had to go and get caught up at work.

Of course, he was the big-time spender, I did not even have to leave the tip I loved that, Holla!

Hey, Isaac you know I can meet you next Sunday too if you would like I know I will be hungry then too. I had a good time with you. Thanks!