One hundred twenty-eight thousand (128,000) down 113,000 to go, I-Witness touching Black people all over the city of Milwaukee, and the world one event at a time.

Black People are the First Wonder of the World...

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

Thoughts for the Week

Power concedes nothing without demand--Frederick Douglas

Holla-Outs

Hey, Mary McClain: your friend Misty shared with me that you are a big-time I-Witness reader, thank you, I love it!

Hey Michael Blake, the big time chef over at the Milwaukee Jewish home. Just hollering at, you waiting for you to cook me that meal, Holla!

Hey, Norman Howard over at Information Management System Department over at Milwaukee County Court House. I think you are aging a bit; no, we did not go to grade school together, Holla!

Apostle A.P & Apostle MP, Shabach Worldwide Ministries, Hey, Rev. I-Witness enjoys chatting with you.

Birthday Holla Outs

To: Gregory Brown. Happy Birthday to you!

Hey, Frankie Q (Frank Armstrong) over at Ray’s Clippers: well since it’s your birthday, I thought I might sing to you but then you might want me to sing to you all the time, ’cause you know I sound good! So I decided to just wish you a Happy Birthday, Holla!

Hey, Nini Knyja Reed, You know you are my favorite niece but do not tell the others. Holla! Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday!

Okay, Fred Brown, I love how you celebrate your birthdays. You just bought your wife, Mary a $40,000 Lincoln as a gift on your birthday. I like that. Mary, I am not hatin’ because Fred said next year on his birthday he and Mac Weddle are buying me a gift on his birthday, y’all know I cannot wait, Holla! Happy Birthday, Fred.

Congratulations

Hey, George and Delores Pumphrey, I hear you are celebrating eight years. Congratulations!

Atten-tion Salute

Hey, all North Division Alumni: one of your own, Jesse Anderson, who is a teacher at Phyllis Wheatly Elementary School, has been called back to active duty with the U.S. Army. Please put him in your prayers and as soon as someone gives me an address, I will print it so y’all can write to him and send him a few care packages, letting him know our hearts and prayers are with him. Thanks.

Psssst

Okay, y’all it is time. For all of you who need to apply for energy assistance, here’s how: Call SDC at 906-2800 for an appointment, office hours 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You do not have go without heat this winter. So take advantage of this assistance.

FYI

Alderman Joe Davis is the new Board Chair of African World Festival.

Should any of you want to see pictures of the March on Jena, Louisiana where those who believed in freedom came to support the Jena 6. Here is the website:

http://www.

pichadis.phanfare.com/

slideshow.aspx?

It is truly inspiring.

Concoctions Exotic Liquors and Darryl Salley owner of "Smokin’ Cigars" have collaborated. For all of you who love cigars, you can now purchase the hand rolled Lavoeja Habana, new Cuba GR Special at Concoctions.

A look at public transportation for Milwaukeeans County Board Chair vs. Common Council President

Okay y’all yes, I-Witness gets information from all kinds of sources. Well, the info I have for you today is from an unlikely source: County Supervisor Lynn DeBruin. Yes, Ms. Milwaukee Public Museum herself, and I loved it! No, I did not ask her where taxpayers $25 million was. Perhaps she would tell us in the upcoming trial, but I thank her for the info.

Here goes: County Board Chair Lee Holloway wrote to Mayor Tom Barrett and Common Council President Willie Hines regarding the transportation needs of the vast majority of poor and low-income residents in the City of Milwaukee.

Holloway asked both the mayor and the council president to include and set a side in their budgets $1 million for bus passes for the poor and low-income who heavily rely on public transportation to get to work, health appointments, to go to school, church, etc. To many of them the bus is the only option for them.

He continues, "in fact, more than half of the bus riders in Milwaukee come from households earning less than $22,000 per year. We can help by making it easier to use our mass transit system, by providing bus passes to these individuals, giving them the opportunity to travel to the places most important to them and their families. As leaders, we must do everything we can to help them live their lives to the fullest."

Well there was no reply from the mayor as of yet but President Hines responded. He thanked "Chairman Holloway for his concern and compassion for those residents in critical need of access to public transportation. However, I will continue to push for a sustainable revenue system for our local transportation needs."

Hines goes on to call the million dollars in free bus passes not a viable long-term solution for the poor. Then he thanks Holloway for his leadership on behalf of their shared constituents.

Now I-Witness has a problem with President Hines’ answer to the question. He disagreed with the Holloway strategies but failed to say perhaps I will look into this or let us talk, let me hear this out. But more importantly he failed to perhaps offer up another solution.

He called the Holloway suggestion "a one-time fix and not a viable long-term solution." It appears President Hines would rather do nothing until Milwaukee gets a "sustainable revenue stream system." Okay y’all how long have we been waiting for the "sustainable revenue stream system?," Forever and a day.

He goes on to thank Holloway for his compassion and "Leadership" for their shared constituents.

President Hines, first of all I-Witness and thousands of other poor and low-income citizens of Milwaukee thank Holloway for providing leadership, having vision and creativity to attempt to address the harsh needs of poor and working class residents of this city.

Those whose only option to travel is public transportation need all the assistance they can get to have some sort of quality of life like all other citizens in the city of Milwaukee. To outright reject the suggestion from Chairman Holloway without discussion or consideration reflects a lack of skills in leadership, vision, concern and the lack of real representation of all citizens in the city of Milwaukee.

Here is what I-Witness and her friends (many poor and low-income bus riders) suggest: We suggest that President Hines meet with Holloway, look at what he is suggesting in detail and from there look at an array of ideas that can perhaps assist the poor with their transportation needs. Sharing ideas and coming up with good solutions is what leadership is all about. Never shut the door on ideas that may help people without a full review especially when you have the poorest district in this city. Remember they elected you to represent them too. To whom much is given, much is required.

Chairman Lee Holloway: I-Witness and her friends thank you for providing leadership and daring to dream. Atten--tion Salute.

Hey Granny, Hey Grandpa

Browning Street School and the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center Drummers pay a special tribute the many "Foster Grandparents" of the Interfaith Foster Grandparents program. The tribute program was recently held at the African American Women’s Center. (photo by B. White)

How wonderful the words to say for many children. Grandparents have always played a major role in our lives. Grandparents have been the ones who have accepted us unconditionally no matter which side of our family they come from. They have always been a jewel to us; we could always go to grandma to fix that favorite meal, take us to church, teaching us how to be clean and polite. Granny was always on our side, no matter what. Our grandpa fixed our favorite broken things and showed us how to work, picking us up from school as well as going with us for those after school activities, always giving us that common sense advice and a few bucks.

Interfaith hosted an "Evening Celebrating Foster Grandparents" at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center. Veronica Azi is manager of the Interfaith Foster Grandparents programs.

The Interfaith Foster Grandparents programs consist of persons 60 or older and retired from regular work, who volunteer at schools, head start sites, hospitals, daycare centers and developmental centers. Foster Grandparents also are placed at many organizations and institutions. Each Foster Grandparent provides over 20 hours of service and sheer love to children weekly throughout Milwaukee County.

The celebration and recognition of these volunteer Foster Grandparents was a truly celebration of love. Azi brought us the welcome, Minister Johnny Taylor was the master of ceremonies and a volunteer Foster Grandparent as well gave us Reflections and a poem.

Senator Lena Taylor was the guest speaker; she was often on the border of tears, as she remembered her grandmother and shared all the special things that a grandmother shares with her granddaughter.

She told the Foster Grandparents in attendance that she thanked God for them. "We need you, our children are in trouble. I thank God for you. I often didn’t know if I could walk in my granny’s footsteps but I know now, I can it’s her blood that runs through my veins and if I expand my faith, I know I can."

She continued: "Milwaukee children are in a crisis. You could be off playing bingo, laid back doing whatever you choose. I love you and appreciate all that you do. I love that you are guiding our babies; you are making them know that when it is hard, they can still get up."

There were many tributes from Browning Street School and the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center Drummers, Q&S Gospel Singers, singer Tara Kinlow, soloist Annie Carter and the 10-year-old poet Brittany Kinlow.

Awards were presented to Jesse Rankin who has given more than 22 years to the Foster Grandparents program and to Lula Neal who has dedicated 19 years to loving children as well.

Linda Jackson Crocroft, publisher of "Black Women 50+ Health and Lifestyle Magazine," was honored for creating the magazine in her mom’s honor. Crocroft’s mom was a foster child with disabilities, but was encouraged to go on to learn a trade in spite of her challenges. Crocroft’s husband, Bill Crocroft accepted on her behalf, as she was out of town.

The entertainment celebrating the Foster Grandparents was great. The Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center, Rosette Dancer came out and got us moving; they danced all kinds of dances.

Singer David Skinner also from the senior center came out and started serenading the women as if he was Elvis. He rocked us with "oww wee baby let me take you on a sea cruise" and "Down Home Blues." Move over Elvis, David showed out; the women partied with him, I loved it!

There are over 40 Foster Grandparents in the program covering over 25 sites, putting in over 16,000 hours of volunteer time, loving our children annually.

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent, you must be 60 or older, retired from your regular job, have a current physical exam, give an average of 20 hours a week, meet the low-come program eligibility standards and have a love for children, contact Veronica Azi at (414) 291-7500.

Hey Veronica and Huber Canfield, thanks for the invite. I-Witness always states that it takes special people to love children and the Foster Grandparents in your program are some real special folks. Keep advancing and loving that next generation, I love it!

Juror Appreciation Month

Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway announces the passing of a resolution making October Juror Appreciation Month, as Chief Judge Kitty Brenner looks on. (right photo) Former juror and County worker Lolita Davis-Spears discusses her involvement in auditing the jury pool. (photos by Barbara White)

In the latest round of efforts to bring more citizens into the jury pool, Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway has gotten the county board to pass a resolution proclaiming the month of October, Juror Appreciation Month, with the theme: "It was Fair, I was There."

Holloway states: "we must get more citizens from all demographics involved in the judiciary so that citizens will have the comfort that our justice system is fair here in Milwaukee County."

A press conference, which is the latest in a series of efforts led by Chairman Holloway to make sure juries are more representative of the diverse communities in Milwaukee County, was held in the rotunda of the Milwaukee County Courthouse to launch, Juror Appreciation Month.

Chief Judge Kitty Brenner and Clerk of Courts John Barrett, as well as a host of county supervisors, past jurors, and District Attorney John Chislom, joined Holloway.

There was an excitement in the air and the feeling was that this was a good thing. Chief Judge Brenner showed much excitement as she welcomed everyone. She stated: "we wanted to thank all the jurors; we could not have court or commerce without jurors."

Supervisor Willie Johnson, who is chair of the Judiciary committee, thanked the jurors as well and talked of the passing of the resolution declaring October 1 Juror Appreciation Month. The Chief Judge wills authority to activate the declaration annually.

In his excitement, Clerk of Courts John Barrett talked of some of the things that they would implement, like giving jurors stickers like one gets on election day. As well as many other initiatives, they have planned. "Service by citizens is indispensable it brings fairness and effectiveness. The declaration of Jury Appreciation Month will give them opportunity, to promote the importance of jury duty," Barrett said.

Several past jurors were recognized for their jury service. Saj Thachenkary, who stated he was honored to service, at first receiving the summons felt like getting your income tax in the mail. However, Barrett and others made it a pleasant experience. Bernadette, who was also a past juror stated, "servicing was an honor and a privilege and she hopes she can serve again."

Lolita Davis-Spears, who was not only a past juror, but she also works for Milwaukee County, was given the task of auditing the juror pool that reflected the juror service deficit, which did not reflect the total community at large.

Holloway states: "we have come a long way we have increase the jury pool by 11% but we must get it up, it is not fair, we must do more to improve it." He states Brenner, Barrett will do better. He recognized the D.A. Chislom and his colleagues as well as staff.

The Blood Center of Wisconsin, Crystal McNeal was on hand to thank all the jurors for being the largest pool of blood donors of all organization. Every Monday, jurors called for duty donate blood as well (their option), accounting for over 2,000 units of Blood last year. This partnership with the Blood Center was the brainchild of Supervisor Beth Coggs-Jones.

All who spoke also thanked the employers of those who serve on juries. Most employers will pay employees for the day if they have jury duty. Holloway stated for any juror whose employer does not support them to call his office so that he can meet with them. Jurors are paid, $19 a day for their civic duty. Half of the $19, should they only serve a half a day.

Benner stated she and Lolita had many disagreements on how to proceed with this but they worked it out. "With the assistance of Holloway, Barrett and jury manager Lori Watson, we will make this work," she said.

Hey, Holloway, I love the leadership you are displaying. Chairman Holloway, I applaud your efforts as well as all of your team’s efforts. It is a great beginning. We must keep in mind many young African Americans and other people of color do not have driver’s license where the random majority pool of jurors are selected. Oh yes, perhaps we need to give jurors a bit more economic stimulation by increasing the stipend. Good job Chairman Holloway!

A tribute to Dr. Asa Hilliard, III

ASCAC honors the memory of the late ‘Father’ of African-centered education

Dr. Asa Hilliard, III

Knowing your history is a valued measure that guides one through life. Your history reflects your value base, your spiritually; it defines and shows your purpose and compliments your existence in the world, as well as gives you a sense of being by definition of culture and its traditions.

Knowing the history of where your family came from, all your human ancestors as well as the beginning of the world in truth becomes a powerful source for all humans. The saying goes, in order to know where you are going, one must know where they have been to understand where they are now, in order to fulfill the role they must manifest to contribute goodness to the future of the world, as the intent of the Creator.

Let it be, we salute all Black historians who dare to challenge our minds. Making us look at history in truth as a way to our existence for the future. Therefore, we salute one of our most brilliant scholars, Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III who challenged the world to always put the truth in History, no matter how awful in our lives to always keep us moving forward in righteousness and being decent human beings.

ASCAC (Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations) hosted "‘A Tribute’ to Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III" at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center.

Dr. Hilliard transitioned this life this summer from what was believed to be Malaria, in Africa where he so loved being. ASCAC is a study group developed in 1984 at Los Angeles College. The thrust of ASCAC is to bring together, scholars, thinkers, planners, artists, students, scientist, etc. to promote and preserve our ancient African heritage. We continue to organize, mobilize and publish many of our initiatives by reclaiming our history.

The world-renowned historian was a Fuller E. Callaway, professor of Urban Education at Georgia State University with duo appointments in the departments of Educational Policy Studies and Educational Psychology and Special Education.

Dr. Hilliard, a teacher, psychologist and historian, began his career in the Denver Public Schools. He earned a BA in Educational Psychology, MA in Counseling, and Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Denver. He also taught in the College of Education and in the Philosophy colloquium of the Centennial Scholars Honors Program. However, his passion and thirst was history.

In celebration of Dr. Hilliard, touching their lives ASCAC invited all those who knew of the historian, or had read his books or heard him speak to come celebrate his life.

A video presentation of Hilliard’s interview with Listervelt Middleton was played. In the interview, Hilliard and Middleton discussed the Master Keys to the interpretation of data on Kemet (Egypt), which included Ancient African history, the civilities of African people, our development of civilization far before all other humans, and continued existence all the way through the seventh century AD

Hilliard answered many questions for us through his studies, dispelling many myths of history, African people and Kemet.

In the video Hilliard cited how important it was to know your history. In his words, he cautioned folks in learning the truth in history and not giving false meaning to our experience.

Ron Pounds, the president of ASCAC gave many the opportunity to speak about Hilliard and his contributions to the study of Ancient Kemet culture. Among the speakers were Taki Raton, Oshi Adelabu and others.

As many of us looking through the movies all our lives have only seen White historians, now our children can see that there was a world renowned Black historian, named Dr. Asa Hilliard, who taught us the real truth of history.

Thanks Dr. Hilliard from bringing true meaning to our existence. Thank you, ASCAC for inviting me and being the gatekeepers to keep our history sacred and recorded.

It’s Yo’ Birthday, Lamar Franklin!

Lamar Franklin, co-owner to Garfield 502 celebrated his birthday with many friends and family. Doss and Pandora Bender, Gail Hicks, Lisa Smith, Senator Spencer Coggs, WNOV 860 sales representative Laura Taylor and her father Champ. Additionally, Sidney and Diane Levy of the Junction Lounge in Chicago, Illinois came over with a busload of folks to celebrate with their friend Lamar. Ann and John Denton from Chicago were also in attendance.

DJ Cal was rocking the house, with none other than MCJ’s Speech and Arrested Development’s song, "Every Day People," and it’s a party in there y’all.

A couple others celebrated their birthdays along with Franklin. Albert Coleman who is now a half of a century old celebrated with his sister Vickie Coleman, his wife Connie and other friends were making his day.

I-Witness shared a table with Owedia Tucker, German Powell and Faye Richardson for a while. DJ Cal has them on the floor asking them can they feel it. He is rockin’ the house.

Loren Smith, Ralph Hines, Lee Smith, Delta and Chandra Staples, my bid whist partner, Dr. Pam Malone and several bar owners Catfish of Catfish Lounge were in the house.

Okay y’all Lamar and his wife, Lynda, were the husband and wife, looked like twins; they were dressed in very similar suits, I loved it.

With summer also over I-Witness is trying to get all her summer in so I was on the patio with John (Cowboy) Strokes and 502 Chef Drucula Benner. Cowboy and I were doing our thing: he sipping Budweiser and me a Heineken, both of us smoking a Habana cigar from "Smokin’ Cigars" with owner Darryl Salley. Mr. French joined us as well as Mac Weddle who had just come from the Badger game. The Badgers won. Fred Brown was also celebrating his birthday with his wife Mary and she got a major gift on his birthday, Holla!

A nice spread was laid out and the party continued. Hey, Lamar I had a great time. I love the patio, where I can have hot fun in the summer time. Happy Birthday!