Milwaukee’s Mini Million Man March

Nearly 100 Black men gathered for a Men’s Night Out, in which they walked through Mayfair Mall in an orderly fashion to see the movie "Catch a Fire." The men proudly showed that "We Are Somebody!" (photo by Barbara White)

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

by B. White
Holla!
Twelve thousand, five hundred (12,500) down 243,500 to go, I-Witness touching Black people all over the city of Milwaukee, one event at a time.

Okay y’all, I do not care who you vote for just go and vote, choosing the candidates of your choice. Just remember when in doubt Malcolm X said: "two wings on the same bird, so flip a coin," Holla!

I do encourage you to vote against the death penalty because justice is not blind. I know Black people do commit crimes, but justice only seems to look at Just-Us when crimes are committed coupled with the fact that we are portrayed guilty until we prove ourselves innocent. So, I-Witness is opposed to the death penalty amendment. If you agree with me Vote No!

As for the Same Sex Amendment ... well I understand the arguments on amending the constitution and I do not like the idea of amending it. But I have nothing against gay people--to each his or her own. Nonetheless, I do not support the Same Sex Amendment.

Holla-Outs

To: Tina Thomas, Tammie McHenry and Natalie Wade do not forget we have to have that Soul Food dinner, Holla!

To: Jo Jo Witherspoon over at New Birth Church hope everything goes well. Just remember: God is just making you an angel, Holla!

Hey, Jessica Spencer and Darbi Huebscher had good time with you over at 311 Lounge. Jessica you are gonna have to fill me in on the girls’ night out, Holla!

To: Harry and Jordan Cain over at Gospel Lutheran School, keep advancing that next generation I love it!

To: my comrade Drew Little, special agent FBI, Holla! It was good seeing you again.

Birthday Holla-Outs

To: Brenda Lister and Cristal Christ! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, you two didn’t know I could sing did you, Holla!

Milwaukee’s Mini Million Man March

Close to 100 Black men ranging in age from 81-14 came together for a Men’s Night Out at Coffee Make You Black. Tony Courtney hosted the night. Men’s Night Out is held once a month where Black Men come together to show the positive images and attributes of Black men.

With the portrayed images of Black men in this society, the men want to show their community and the world they are good husbands, fathers, friends and mentors. However, more importantly, they want to define who they are. Many were proud to announce they were married and fathers.

It was a beautiful sight seeing Black men getting together to just bond and have a good time. There were fathers and sons, grandfathers and grandsons, men who are in recovery from drug use, working class men, professional men, business men, and they all came together to say: "I am a Man and I am somebody!"

The Men’s Night Out started with dinner that was cooked by some of the wives of the men. It was a soulful healthy meal and the men enjoyed it. As they ate, the men chatted, laughed and just began to bond with each other.

The energy in the room was dynamic, so full of hope but equally so full of love.

Tony Courtney, who is the founder of Men’s Night Out, got the men’s attention and stated: "I-Witness is the only woman who will be allowed to join us this evening. She has very positive things to say about Black men, but she will also challenge things when they aren’t right, she wanted to be here to share this evening with us."

They all began to introduce themselves, telling a bit about who they were. Longtime business entrepreneur Jessie Reed spoke quite eloquently as he introduced himself, saying: "we must stick together. As men we must stand up for what we believe in and never wavier on righteousness."

Tyran Saffold Jr., a "Community Journal" columnist attended, as did Felix Ramsey who brought his son Deyounte. For Ramsey, this was his third Men’s Night Out event and he wished he could have brought all of his family for that night.

Jim Miller of Phenomenal Men’s Support Group brought a number of young men and he applauded the young warriors in the room.

James Croruth talked about money and Black men learning the meaning, management and the value of money.

Oshi asked the elders permission to speak and there were real elders like Wesley Gram, 80 and Ron Shabazz, 70. Oshi said: "we need real men who aren’t afraid, who respect themselves and are willing to face the challenges! Our challenges are to bring positive things to our community." He also acknowledges Courtney for bringing them all together.

Ron Pounds of ASCAS announced their new books on "Black Male and Female Relationships" and "Boys to Men."

I loved how the young men asked the elders for permission to speak before they spoke. The men were relaxed and so full of joy and felt honored to be with each other.

There were discussions about good health and their bodies. They talked about how seven out of 10 women in Milwaukee are carrying AIDS/HIV or STDs. You could see the pain on the faces of many at the statistics for Black women.

"We are at war and we (Black Men) are the target," stated the Reverend Maurice Lawrence. Reverend Lawrence’s comment resulted in a discussion of voting and the amendments on the ballots, the death penalty and same sex marriage.

The Reverend Nate Stampley talked of his return to New Orleans to take supplies to those who still need them, noting that things are still not well in New Orleans. He then invited anyone who wanted to go to join him.

It was now time to go to the movies to see "Catch a Fire" at Mayfair Mall. Ben Watson went over the instructions with every one to stay together no matter what. I went ahead of them.

The men assembled at the Quality Candy Store. Just imagine close to 100 Black men in Mayfair Mall--it was like a mini replica of the Million Man March. The mall security did come and ask them were they waiting for someone. The men were cool and told them yes.

The men lined up with the elders in front and the youngest in the rear. Very similar to the scene in the movie "Malcolm X," in which Denzel Washington rose his hand, pointed his finger and signaled for the men to move, one of the men at the event put his hand up, pointed his finger and lead the men to the theater.

My brothas stayed focus, obedient, patient and displayed their Godliness made in their Creator’s own image. It was so powerful! As they entered the escalator, it seemed like a 1,000 of them and folks were still at a stand still trying to figure out who were these Black men.

They entered the theatre; again, folks just stood still, security was everywhere. I watched as they began to file in and I felt so proud of them, so much so that out loud in the theatre I just hollered out to all of them: "Y’all know you are my Heroes and I love you!" They all lit up like Christmas trees as they went in to the theatre, I was so proud.

As I was leaving many Black men approached asking who they were and what were they doing, I shared with them, "They are being Black men and just want to show the world they are somebody." They then gave their phones numbers to me to be in the next Men’s Night Out.

Hey, Tony and all you guys, whether other women admit it or not we like to know that we can look to Black men as Superman; our heroes. I just want you to know on that day y’all were my Supermen. Keep doing the good things I love it! Atten--tion Salute!

***Attention Salute***

And the House is Open...

The Wisconsin African American Women’s Center (WAAW) hosted its fourth Annual Open House and it drew folks citywide. This year’s theme was "A Catered Event" featuring some of the best caterers and party planners in the city.

The mission of the women’s center is to enhance and empower Wisconsin communities through education, and economic development. Josephine Hill is president of the center and states all monies raised will be used to fund the many in-house programs like computer classes, tutoring programs and dance classes for the children.

The place was festively decorated in balloons, beautiful table wear settings by Marrisa Weaver of Let’s Party, party store and then there were caterers galore. Folks went to the different food stations sampling all the goodies prepared from entrees to desserts, to all healthy veggie raw entrees to sauces.

Y’all know I-Witness was in heaven it was as if I was live on my favorite show the "Food Channel," Holla! I tried so many things, but what I kept going back to was Seasoned with Grace who served chicken Alfredo, garlic shrimp scampi and it was goooood, five snaps and a pop. Seasoned with Grace even had the chocolate fountain with strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels to dip and their station also had a good presentation. I also like Sunset who had crab and desserts.

Folks were having a good time and getting stuffed as we listen to the sounds of D.J. Henny (Gary Hendricks) who rocked the house and took us there. I-Witness had to get some of that. Y’all know when I hear my song, I will do some stuff. D.J Henny gets five snaps and a pop!

Many caterers participated in the event like QF&H, Mocais Cafe, Pepper Pot Catering, Debbie Jo’s Catering and that hot water cornbread, (I love it!), Catered by Karen, Cakes by Divine Design and Eat Cake who designed a pretty Leopard Cake all took part in the "Catered Event" donating their service to the center.

Esther’s Authentic Foods Ready Stews came all the way from Chicago to let folks sample her sauces and they were good. I even tried grape leaves stuffed with rice from Abu’s Home of Exquisite Middle Eastern Dining; it was different. Many of the caterers offered many good dishes and I suggest in the future consider some of them.

Hey, Josephine and all my sistas at the women’s center, I know you all work extremely hard to help your community and I appreciate you for that hard work. Keep doing the good things, I love it.

Class of ’61 reunites

The North Division Alma Mater is full of allegiance and love for a school whose colors are white and blue and mascot is a blue devil.

At the 45th North Division High School Class of 1961 reunion, held at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, North Division alumni echoed the essences of the school.

Over 70 classmates attended to celebrated 45 years of being together reflecting on reunions gone by and their themes for every year, like the 15th "The Way We Were" 30th "Let’s Do It Again." They paid tribute to deceased classmates.

There was a reception and exhibits of days gone by, displaying photos of many of them and the "Milwaukee Times Black Newspaper," which contained many North Division students and their activities, back in the day.

It was time for dinner and James Smith did the Invocation. It was a nice spread catered by A Division of J.K. Harris. Claudette Holloway did the welcome and the introduction of the Reunion Committee. Preston Bailey took the class on a look back on their years together. The had a video presentation and just imagine looking at your self and your class mates 45 years later and of course, no one has changed a bit, Holla!

The classmates and good friends shared in much laughter and memory lane; there were door prizes nice ones like leather portfolios, and CD cases.

The state and county congratulated the Class of "’61"city with citations and the city presented them with a resolution.

At evening’s end the class was presented with a class cup and a certificate of Outstanding Performance for holding it all together on the 45th reunion of the North Division High School, "Class of 1961." The presenters were Irie Grant and Henry Polk.

The classmates took photos and looked at the exhibits as they chat and remembered the day, like it was only yesterday...but it’s 45 years and they are still going strong.

Governor Doyle, Congresswoman Moore chop it up at Gee’s Clippers

Governor Jim Doyle, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton and State Representative Barbara Toles recently visited Gee at his barbershop, Gee’s Clippers. (bottom photo) Gee cuts Governor Doyle’s hair. (photos by Barbara White)

As I approached Gee’s Clippers, it became clear that the campaign season was near its end, but the battle had just begun. Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Governor Jim Doyle’s signs were being paraded up and down Fond du Lac and Sherman.

Once in the shop, nine barbers and six beauticians worked feverishly as customers waited their turn for beautification, not knowing what would soon take place.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Governor Doyle were stomping all over the city and Gee’s Clippers was one of those stops.

Clover Percy who is a manger over at the Isaac Coggs Health Center was unaware that the Governor and Congresswoman were making a stop at Gee’s Clippers. I asked what she thought about that.

"I think its good that he would come to the community and stop in a Black-owned business that does positive things in the community," Percy said.

I asked if you could chat with the Governor what would you say to him? "I would tell him to provide more healthcare because there are so many people without health who need so badly," she said.

The Governor and the Congresswoman have arrived, and State Representative Barbara Toles and Alderman Willie Wade joined them as Gaulien (Gee) Smith, owner of the shop, welcomed them. The Governor chatted with Gee congratulating him on his business being an institution in the community that does good things.

The Congresswoman stated: "no wonder all the women come up here, this is where all the men are," as laughter filled the air.

Representative Toles began calling Gee, Mr. Wonderful and had everybody calling him that; I think even the Governor called him Mr. Wonderful, Holla!

The Governor got comfortable and began chatting with the customers kidding about shooting hoops, basketball because Gee’s shop is a replica of the Milwaukee Bucks’.

The Governor and Gee chatted a bit as Congresswoman Moore shared with folks some of the things about Doyle; she tooted his horn. The Governor than addressed the voters stating, "this is a close race and I need your support. I need you to on November 7 (to vote)." The Governor and Congresswoman continued to chat with voters and Clover Percy got her chance to chat with the Governor about health care, he told her that it was a hard battle, but he appreciated the work that they do and they must get hospitals involved. He stated that to her, "I know you all do God’s work." Clover said it was good to meet him and let him hear what we are talking about and go through.

The Governor also chatted with Michael McCree and Emmanuel McCray both who attend Nicolet High School; it made their day. Michael said it was interesting and it seemed like he will do pretty good things for the community.

The Governor and Congresswoman said their farewells headed to Lena’s Food Market and the Ponderosa Steakhouse, their next stomping sights again encouraging folks to get out and vote on Tuesday.

I asked Gee how he felt about the Governor’s visit. He stated, "I’m glad he chose Gee’s Clippers to stop. It lets me know I am headed in the right direction.

"I like that the Governor has put money into education and I can tell he has a level of compassion for African Americans. He has experiences with African Americans that his counterpart hasn’t been able to experience. He has raised two African American sons and has seen them become successful. I would like to encourage our community to turn out and vote." Hey, Gee keep doing the good stuff, I love it!

I-Witness in Guy Heaven at the Gallery

I-Witness was at the Gallery Lounge again where the stripper’s pole is housed. I want y’all to know I was really in guy heaven.

My experience started when I had stopped at Gee’s Clippers where all the guys: the barbers and customers a like started talking about the pole over at the Gallery. Y’all perhaps remember Mr. Wonderful (Gee) and Kerric Stephen did the pole. Therefore, they were telling the other guys how they had a new respect for the work that strippers do on the pole because they found out you have to really be in shape to do that pole. Well there was a debate. Please believe that jock juice was running through the place; they all said that they could do the pole with no problems. So you know it, we all headed across the street to the Gallery so we could see who could really do the pole.

Mr. Excitement (Larry Raye, Jr.), the bartender, greeted us. He is quite exciting my sistas, Holla! However, it did not take much for me to get more excited seeing as how I was I already in "Guy Heaven," Holla! Ed Clayton, Mike Thompson, Peanut Smith, Antonio Gardner, Harry Evans, Greg Williams, Garland and Fred Clayton were all there to do the pole. They were hilarious because they found out it was not so easy to do, even if you are a jock, Holla! I watched them and tried to coach them a bit because they just were not doing it the right way to go up. So, I had to call Mr. Wonderful (Gee) and ask him to come show them how to do it, Holla! Mr. Wonderful (Gee) came and showed them the correct way to do it and all of them except for a few were able to do, Garland did it, Peanut also reached the top Kerric... It was wild, my sistas! I was in heaven, Holla!

The guys talked about how you really have to be in shape to do the pole. They all said that now they had a new respect for the dancers when they do the pole. A few of the guys stated: "Gee is going to have all of us in shape by next summer ... he’s always on this physical fitness thing."

Rodney Wilson who I call Humphrey Bogart waited until all the guys left and walked over to the pole examined it and said: "I will not do it right now, but one day I am going to do this pole." I was rollin’ on the floor!

Hey, Mr. Wonderful and Mr. Excitement you two had me exhaling on that night! I can’t wait until the rest of those guys get in shape ... you too Boggie, Holla! I had a good time!

I-Witness gets "Flushed Away"

Well y’all I got a chance to really cool out. I went to the movies for a pre-screening of the animated movie "Flushed Away," which is produced by the maestro of animation DreamWorks. When DreamWorks partnered with Aardman, who has a trademark style, they created this movie. And it’s a movie, y’all.

I have never really been into animated movies, but I decided to do this to do something different because I like bringing you fresh stuff. I-Witness was truly surprised; I found myself laughing and enjoying this movie. Tramon Moore with SPI security also watched the movie and he thought it was a good movie; he liked how the movie showed the characters helping each other. He thought it would be a good movie for children to see.

The movie is based in London, where there are real definitions that split the classes. There is the upper class and of course those who live down under. Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman voices the role of Roddy, an upper-crust "society rat" who lives the life of a pampered pet in a posh Kensington flat. A common sewer rat named Syd comes spewing out of the sink and decides he has hit the jackpot, Roddy schemes of the pest by luring him into the "whirlpool." Which is really a toilet. Syd catches on and pushes Roddy down the flushing toilet where he has to now encounter commoners. Of course, he meets the girl who is a rat named Rita voiced by Kate Winslet, and there he picks up an enemy. The toad (a frog) voiced by two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen who also played in "The Lord of the Rings," the bumbling thug voiced by Andy Serkis who starred in "King Kong" and "The Lord of the Rings." Roddy learned many things about life and living in a shell thinking, he was better than other people when he hooked up with Rita and the real folks down under.

I need to stop now before I give away the movie, but it is an excellent movie, it keeps you going and the children will enjoy as well.

I have a little treat for you I-Witness also got a chance to interview Andy Serkis who played Spike and has starred in such movies as "King Kong" and "The Lord of the Rings." I also interviewed Sam Fell and David Bowers who were the directors of movie "Flushed Away."

The phone interviews were great, I was chatting with guys who spoke like the people in England Andy talked of how he really had a great time working on the animation movie, he has done this kind of work before

"I read the script and loved it," he says.

Andy brought a lot to the role. He says: "whenever I play a character that’s non-human I give him human qualities of someone I know in real life. Then I picture the human character; the directors then give you some pointers and ideas. In this case, Bill Nighy who played Whitey my partner in crime got a chance to bounce off each other, we were a good mix."

He continues, "I love the message and the lessons that Roddy learns the importance of people, family and he learns how to love and live. I think the movie has a good message."

Andy is presently working on a project for HBO called "Longboat," a video game made for the play stations except they have characters and story lines. It is not just an action packed game. Andy and I had a good conversation.

Then I chatted with the two directors Sam Fell and David Bowers they were hilarious they spoke with an English accent. They were really excited about the movie. Sam said that they started making a film of the difference of class in London it was not working. "Therefore, we came upon a real life gent who has everything but yet has nothing."

David added, "there was a lot of truth in the movie."

The two directors have been doing animated movies for about 20 years. When choosing to direct a film, they look too for a few things: is the movie going to stimulate, is there a good story line and a host of other things they feel will make a good movie. It took them three years to make the movie and two years to develop it. They shared with me the kind of work that goes into making these kinds of movies, it is a little different from regular movies.

For instance, when you have so many animated characters, you have to pay attention to the breathing of the characters and their movement. Over 600 people worked on the project, it is a big budget movie. Both Sam and David, (I didn’t know who was who at times, Holla!) stated the cast was great, they gave a wish list and got every actor on the wish list that they wanted to work with. They further stated the movie’s message is powerful: money cannot buy you happiness and that you must have people in your lives to really live life.

"We really tried to keep bringing fresh things, to keep people going. We made a film for everyone," they said.

I-Witness wants y’all to know they had me cracking up, they were too funny. Other actors who appeared in "Flushed Away" include, Ian McKellen, Shane Richie, Jean Reno and producers Peter Lord, David Sproxton and Cecil Kramer. It was a good movie for me; I got a chance to relax, enjoy a good movie and laugh. I will encourage y’all to go and see, and take the family it will be worth it. I give it five snaps and a pop. The performances were great. The movie comes out November 3.

Parents being pampered

Parents, students and teachers at Madison University High School were treated to a night of pampering and relaxation during their recent parent/teacher conferences. (photos by Barbara White)

It was Parent/Teacher Conference at Madison High School and Parent Coordinator Gwen Washington decided to make it really special for the parents, students and teachers as well.

Marissa Weaver of Let’s Party, Party Store had decorated the cafeteria in balloons. Let’s Party is also the schools business partner. There were several vendors, Mary Kay, Cynthia’s Silk Hair Gallery, and Basils Spa. I-Witness got a massage and did I need it.

Washington and I chatted during the event. She was very down to earth and very spirited. She is the school’s Parent Coordinator as well as the president of the parent’s group called Madison University Can Do Parent Club, y’all know I loved that.

She said the organization developed the parent/teacher/student pamper night to offer a relaxed atmosphere during parent/teacher conferences, which can sometimes be tense.

"We felt if we could have the student, their parents and our teachers get relaxed before partaking in the conference, everyone would be relaxed and then they can all talk," Washington said.

Washington just had one son graduate from Madison, but she has two sons that will be coming into the new school next year. She states, "the new school at Madison will have smaller classes and a reduced population at the school."

She says Madison’s focus in the new school will become a career and trades school. "Every parent belongs to our Can Do Parent Club and we support our children."

Washington stated that all of the businesses at the event volunteered their services. "It is our way of networking our school with businesses in our community."

Well not only, were the parents, students and teachers pampered, they were also fed a good meal. Ed Lewis, whose granddaughter Shanquia attends Madison, is the Can Do Parents Club’s chef and he laid it out for them. He had Bar B Que brats and burgers with all the fixings. Y’all know I love brats and he makes some pretty good ones. I give him four snaps and a pop!

Hey, Madison University Can Do Parents Club, I love that name and I love that parents support their children by participating with them. Thanks for the invite. Keep advancing that next generation, I love it!