Thousands turn out to say good-bye to Gerald Levert
Fans and celebs gathered in the cold and ran to celebrate the life of R&B sensation, Gerald Levert. (photo by B. White)
by B. White
Holla!
Seventeen thousand, five hundred (17,500) down 228,500 to go, I-Witness touching Black people all over the city of Milwaukee, and the world one event at a time.
Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, Look to next week’s edition of the "Community Journal" for other stories of this week. Thank you.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Holla-Outs
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, its hunting season, a tradition where men and some women go and get their jock off. Just be safe and remember deer have four legs when you shoot.
To: Milwaukee NAACP President Jerry Hamilton, who was re-elected to the post for another two years.
To: April Smith, the Public Relations Assistant of DAR Public Relations for being so helpful to me.
To: Meredith Turner, community liaison to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who was very helpful to me and assisted me in everyway she could, Asante’ Sana (thank you).
To: Christ McMichaels and Elrod Daniely of Detroit, Michigan who was apart of security ... and I want y’all to know they did their job well. They became very helpful in the end; y’all know it’s hard for Black men to tell me no, Holla!
Celebrating a birthday at the grand opening of Milwaukee’s newest fine dining restaurant
Corey and LaMonica Smith with David Gooding, regional manager of Devon Seafod & Grill. The Smiths dined with I-Witness during the restaurant’s pre-opening sample dinner. (photo by Barbara White)
I do not know if any of you have checked out the new Bay Shore Town Center, but I suggest you do it. It is gorgeous. It reminds me of the little towns in the globe that you shake and snow falls all over it.
I-Witness was invited by the African American Executive Chef George Atsange of Devon’s Seafood Grill to an invitation only pre-opening of their new restaurant. It is one of the hottest places to eat and the food is goooood! But then Chef George could cook and serve me water and it would be the greatest, he is on my list y’all just fine for no reason, and he knows the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach, Holla!
It was Corey Smith’s Birthday so I invited him and his wife to attend with me. Corey and his wife, LaMonica, will soon open the next hottest restaurant in the city Soche’ Milwaukee on King Drive.
We arrived at Devon’s and were greeted with open arms by Manager Scott Jordan. The place alone is a must-see, there are wine rooms that seat a party of 14. With a banquet room called the Bayshore Room, which can seat 45 in addition, there are several main dining areas. Each of the wine rooms has their own unique characters with wines that are stored in tracks with lighted walls. Then there are the chandeliers that grace themselves over the tables and they are beautiful pieces of artwork. Another must-see.
We were seated at our table immediately and served warm biscuit rolls. Our order of drinks was taken, followed by our appetizer order.
We all selected a different starter so that we could share. I had Steamed Maine Mussels, Corey, Creole Gumbo and LaMonica Chipotle Grilled Shrimp. Okay y’all I-Witness was in heaven, Holla! All of the starters were great.
Scott brought over the Regional Manager of Devon’s David Gooding who wanted to know how our experience at Devon’s was going.
Next, we were served our entrees. I had George’s Bank Sea Scallops, with garlic-mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Corey had Seafood Mixed Grill, shrimp, scallop, salmon, jumbo lump crab cakes, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and spinach. LaMonica ordered Japanese Breaded Fried Shrimp with Jicama Slaw, cocktail sauce with fresh horseradish and French fries. We ordered a fourth steak entree to sample.
Okay y’all know I rave about the catfish at Garfield 502, the smothered pork chops at Brown’s Ham House and the shrimp at Redd Snapper, well I give Devon’s 5 snaps and a pop on all things, service, atmosphere, decor and maybe 6 pops on food. It is some of the best fine dining I have had in a while.
David took Corey on a tour of Devon’s, LaMonica and I just wanted to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. I did tour later.
Unbeknown to Corey, because it was his birthday, there was a little special treat prepared for him. A huge piece of key lime pie with a happy birthday face, he was truly surprised. Of course, LaMonica and I helped him out with that, Holla! I also would like to share with y’all Corey believes in tradition and on your birthday it is custom that the birthday person gives the first gift. Well Corey gave a $10,000 birthday gift to the Milwaukee Academy School of Science. What a birthday present to the children of that school.
At Devon’s the Seafood is flown in fresh daily direct from regional purveyors on the Atlantic Coast, the Pacific Ocean, the Northwest and Hawaii ensuring quality and freshness you can taste. There are also featured items like shrimp ravioli and almond encrusted Costa Rican Tilapia as well as the catches of the day.
For all the veggies eaters there are homemade soups and beautiful salads, and sandwiches of your choice. The menu selection is very diverse in seafood choices.
Hey, George I know I did not get a chance to chat with you for you, as you were far too busy in the kitchen, winning my heart, Holla! David, Scott I had a really good time, what took you so long to get here. The food was excellent and service was superb. I want you to know I will return. Welcome to Milwaukee and I wish you the best in your new endeavor.
Hey Corey, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday ... I hope you and LaMonica had a wonderful time, thank you for joining me. I had a good time with you two and I am looking forward to the grand opening of Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant and Lounge.
Thousands turn out to say good-bye to Gerald Levert
Fans and celebs gathered in the cold and ran to celebrate the life of R&B sensation, Gerald Levert. (photo by B. White)
Gerald’s father and brother, Eddie and Sean (left to right) take to the podium to speak of their son and brother respectively. (photo by Barbara White)
Celebs, including Stevie Wonder (pictured above with Levert’s father, Eddie), gathered to pay tribute to Gerald Levert in song and speech. (photo by B. White)
It was 2:30 a.m., when photographer Kai Smith and I arrived in Cleveland, Ohio to attend the Home Going Celebration of R&B Singer, Gerald Levert, and better known as the "Baby Making Maestro." Levert passed last week Friday unofficially of heart complications. His death sent shock waves across the world. Here in Milwaukee folks were devastated, which prompted I-Witness to go to Cleveland to bring back closure to many of our readers and his fans.
After settling, Kai and I headed to the convention center to advance our activity for the day. By 6 a.m., everything became Gerald Levert and everything purple as folks began to line up at the convention center to wait for the doors to open at 11 a.m. I began to see how much Gerald was loved. Fans came across country by plane, buses, trains, cars, some even came by cab to stand in line waiting their turn to bid farewell.
It has been stated Gerald could have lived anywhere in the world, but he chose to stay in Cleveland the city that he loved.
Multigeneration of Black people were everywhere. Many bravely bore the rain and cold to stand in line. In fact, many of my sistas chose beauty over warmth as they stood in line without hats or gloves, in high-heeled shoes and boots looking cute; hair whipped and the Creator kept snapping it back to its natural state as the raindrops and wind danced on their heads. Holla! Yes, everything purple. Purple was Gerald’s favorite color.
Folks brought their chairs, blankets, even milk crates to sit on while they waited. What really got my attention was the folks in wheelchairs who sat out in the cold and rain, reminiscing and singing Gerald’s songs as they waited for hours to get in to bid goodbye.
Artist Paul Orlando came from Detroit with a beautiful 6-foot painting he did of Gerald in many dimensions of his life. He stated that he would auction the picture to raise money with part to go to "Coats for Kids" and the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer division. "Gerald was big at helping people so in his honor, I will do that," he said.
Ladett Austin, community liaison to County Board Chairman Lee Holloway was at the celebration. Ladett is one of Gerald’s Angels, the Angels are a group of women nationwide who formed and make up the Gerald Levert’s Fan Club and they were all in purple.
On the humorous side, Lynn Ross and her friend, Resha Altman traveled from Massillon, Ohio to attend the celebration. Lynn states: "He has always been my teddy bear. I traveled many times to see him perform with the idea that I wanted to have his baby and I already had her name picked out, Gerald Lynn Levert, I loved him so much, he was my teddy bear." Y’all know she had me rollin’ on the floor, Holla!
It clearly showed how much this young man was loved for both his music and that big beautiful smile that had touched the lives of many not only in Cleveland but also around the world.
As the Levert Family arrived, they gave flowers to many of his fans as they entered the convention center.
The celebration was to take place at the Music Center, but it was determined to be too small so it was moved to the 10,000 seat Cleveland Convention Center ... and yes nearly 10, 000 fans turned out.
The Press worldwide in all forms, newspapers, magazines, television, film and photographers came to pay our respects and record the celebration. Almost every Black newspaper in the nation was represented.
Flowers dressed the front of the stage as well as teddy bears, photos and other momentums of Gerald, including his jacket. If any one thought, they were attending a funeral they were quite mistaken.
Music Hall of Fame, Eddie Levert, lead singer of the legendary singing group the O’Jays and Gerald’s father, blew kisses and thanked everyone for their love and support. "Our family has been overwhelmed by all the love and support we have been showed," he said.
He continues through teary eyes, he said: "Y’all know Gerald loved to party, as well as he loved to party he knew how to live and so today that’s what we are going to do, party!" Therefore, the celebration begins...
Lynn Tolliver was the master of ceremonies and he spoke of his love for Gerald, often near tears as you looked around you could begin to see many of his music comrades and friends, with tears streaming down their face seated throughout the center. Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupree, former heavy weight champion Mike Tyson, Playwright Tyler Perry and singer Robert McKnight.
Angela Winbush and Levert’s Band started the party off and rocked it with "Your Smile" Angela stated, "Gerald was my friend, I’m going to miss you as she asked everyone to flip their cell phones and wave their light in the air." The convention center lit up as the crowd joined her in song.
There was a beautiful video montage of Gerald with an array of his songs playing along; it was as if he was there smiling and singing to all of us.
His brother Sean shared with us, "Gerald always said he was going to go out as the Black Elvis, he just recently returned from Africa. I know he was not aware he was loved so much, he did not know."
His dad, Eddie said: "Gerald was against all injustices no matter what color you were, it came from his heart, his soul his whole body and he loved God. He loved so many that he did not take time to love himself more. So I say love yourself a little more, save some of that love for you, love one another, it’s the only way to get through life."
Judge Greg Mathis did the eulogy stating that the two of them had been friends for over a decade. "He was more than a singer," Mathis said, "I could always count on him. We talked about sports and things that men talk about; social justice and how things affect our community; and we challenged each other to do more. We all will miss him, let’s keep faith; we all need a spiritual rescue from our pain and I am not a preacher but God is not through with me yet." He recited "Job" from the good book and his faithfulness to God and said Gerald was faithful.
His children Lemicah, Carlysia, Camryn Levert spoke of their dad, Lemicah the eldest stated, "If my dad could he would’ve taken care of the entire world that’s the kind of guy he was. However, he left me in good hands with my pa pa (Eddie) and my uncles," he said as tears flushed his face. All the children spoke. Eight-year-old Camryn, who was being held by her brother so that she could speak into the mic, said: "I know my dad is with me. We thank all of you on behalf of our family and we thank God he was our dad." The MC Tyler broke down and wept, everyone was nearly in tears.
There were proclamations and acknowledgements Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones spoke of her love for Gerald. She said, he was an awesome campaigner as she held up her teddy bear that he had given her and said: "this is my teddy bear and don’t y’all try to get it"
Mayor Frank Jackson presented a proclamation and Councilmen Zack Reed and Kevin Conwell presented the family with a street sign where the council had proclaimed and designated East 25th Gerald Levert Lane. Proclamations and other tributes came from all over the country, the Congressional Black Caucus, the new speaker of the House, the mayor of Detroit, Michigan, the Shakey School District and a host of other places.
Person after person spoke of Gerald’s smile, his loyalty, how he kept it real and that you knew you had a great friend in him.
Actress Kym Whitley and Gospel Singer Yolanda Adams became each other’s rock, they helped keep each other together with Kym saying, "...and I thought I would have my friend forever. God did people love this man. I would not be where I am today if not for Gerald Levert."
Yolanda said: "I know Gerald was my friend and he was there when I needed him most." She then had us all join in with her singing "keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure that’s what friends are forrrr."
Johnny Gil and Keith Sweat took to the stage for a musical tribute singing "Casanova" and everyone went wild, then Sean and Eddie joined the two and folks went crazy. There were chats of "Gon’ have a party, Gon’ have a party, Gon’ have a party, shake yo’ money maker, shake yo’ money maker, shake yo’ money maker." It’s a party up in here, y’all.
Actor Clifton Powell in tears thanked Eddie for being a good role model. "Black fathers we don’t see how to be fathers, but with Eddie it’s here and starting today he has changed my relationship with my son, he has taught me what to do," Powell said. It was powerful.
Usher stated Gerald told him: "You do not have to have a six-pack to get the ladies, but you do have to work to get them." Everyone broke in laughter. He "God has this man, it is all right, y’all keep making babies," Usher said in referencing the music of Gerald as baby making music.
Gerald’s celebrity friends continued to fill the center Kelly Price, gospel giant Jeff Majors and Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth of the "Apprentice." It was announced that Bobby Brown was in the house and folks cheered for him, I loved it!
Shawn McEntire rocked the house with "Amazing Grace," and it was a praise party in there, it was rockin’!
Journalist Ed Gordon thanked Eddie for allowing him back stage and letting him be his light-skinned Levert son and thanked him for adopting him. "Some of us thought we were Gerald’s best friend until today," Gordon said. "We see that the world was his best friend."
The Rude Boyz, a Cleveland group who Levert had given their big break, reunited to do "Written All Over Your Face;" y’all know this convention center was rockin’. Bingo began to chant, "We love you, Gerald, we miss you." Hey, y’all love and I miss you’s were written on everyone’s face at the convention center.
The Levert Family took to the podium. Martha, his mom; Eddie, Sean, Eddie Jr. and his sister Kandice rose to thank everyone. His mom, Martha, stated: "he always said to me, ‘Mom I am big.’ I see now and we... I thank you, y’all are what has been keeping us going."
Eddie said: "y’all do not know how big his heart was, y’all, he had a big heart and we had a special relationship, I have a special relationship with all my children." He furthered encouraged fathers and mothers to take time to spend with your children. "Take time to be a father," Eddie encouraged. Dorothy was the cornerstone and rock of the family she was the caretaker. I taught them how to deal with the world and the backstabbers and make money. He continues everyone is special love one another.
In lieu of gifts and money all were asked to donate to the Blues Hall of Fame Foundations to preserve the legacy of Blues.
Songwriter Reggie Calloway formerly of Midnight Star who wrote Gerald’s hit "Casanova" said: "what we all have in common, we know it’s all about family and it’s bigger than just mom and dad. Keep the love going; keep love alive."
There was former BET Host Donnie Simpson who had us in laughter saying he agreed with Gordon he thought he was Gerald’s best friend just to come here and find the world was his best friend.
They continued to tribute and share, their good memories of Gerald with tears, wanting us to know when Gerald was down with you he was down and would be there for you, all you had to do was call. Gerald’s group Men at Large also performed what was almost like gospel "So Alone."
Murf, who worked for Gerald was very touching he wanted us to know just how great Gerald was as a man and how he knew how to love people. He states: "he brought me home with him and I know Eddie eyed me in question and Gerald told him dad it is all right, he is all right. So Eddie took me in not only as a worker but also as a son. Gerald did not just tell me to do things, he would ask me if I would do something for him and said thank you and please and he was paying me." At this point Murf broke down and cried.
Okay y’all, Stevie is in the House, Stevie Wonder had just arrived and he was taken to the stage greeting the family and showing much love. Stevie with Eddie by his side seated at the piano informs us of his mayhem in getting here, the airline cannot find his luggage and he had to wear this little jogging suit. Stevie said he was stuck on the turnpike forever, after all that he told us "...but I’m here, I made it.
"And I am here to support my friend and his family as a father. I know it must be tough to lose a son. Gerald was a good man with a warm spirit and a big heart."
Then Stevie and Eddie began to sing "All I Do" bringing the crowd to their feet. It was a party, y’all.
It is now the closing of the celebration and wherever Gerald is he knows he is having a party! Eddie and Sean took to the stage. Eddie, thanking everyone for all the love, letting us know he felt us.
Eddie and Sean, just as he and Gerald had done in the past, joined to sing Luther Van Dross’ song "Dance with my Father." The duo changed the words a bit, singing: "if I could get one final glance, a final walk, one final dance with him, I would play a song that would never end, how I love, love, love, to dance with Gerald again." They brought everyone to their feet as tears flowed from everyone’s eyes. Eddie burst into tears telling Sean he must continue and he walked away. Sean continued to sing with love to his brother.
It was nothing but love no sadness, the teddy bear, who graced us with the best baby making music on the planet, smiled that smile of love letting us know it’s alright, it’s alright love one another and keep making babies. RIP Gerald!
Corey Smith of the soon to open Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant, Gaulien Smith of Gee’s Clippers and the "Milwaukee Community Journal" sponsored I-Witness’ trip to cover the "Celebration of Life for Gerald Levert." Thank you!
Pizza and the Boys & Girls Club
The opening of the newly remodeled Bayshore Town Center has brought us many things new, things in restaurants and stores and many of them are planting their feet strongly in our community from day one.
I joined the Daniels Mardak Boys and Girls Club staff for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. This was a special luncheon for it was the pizza kitchens grand opening and with their grand openings, they do some pretty special things for the communities they plant roots in. All pizza proceeds for the day of the grand opening goes to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Milwaukee.
One of my favorite people Michelle Allison who works at Daniels Mardak Boys and Girls Club attended.
Hey, y’all, if you want a wide selection of pizza California Pizza Kitchen is the place to go. They have pizzas of all kinds, B.L.T, Vegetarian with Japanese Eggplant, Pear and Gorgonzola, Bar B Q, Hawaiian, Greek, and many more. I-Witness was not feeling that adventurous on that day so I stuck to the tradition Mushroom, Pepperoni and Sausage. Holla! Y’all know I love the real Italian made pizzas. I did sample some of Damon Landrum Hawaiian Pizza and the Greek. To my surprise, the pizzas were great. Okay so there goes my tradition and lack of adventure, Holla! Everyone loved the pizzas.
I chatted with General Manager Aaron Ross who shared with me many things about the California Pizza Kitchen and its history originating in California, and now are franchised in many other states.
The company strongly believes in contributing to children or intent foundations and programs, like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts and many other kinds of children focus organizations. Ross called it their way of investing in our future.
The Pizza Kitchen also offers other goodies for the children such as kids tours to their kitchen in the mornings. Here children learn how the pizza business runs. They go through the actual step-by-step process in the facility that the pizza-makers do. They then actually make their own pizza and decorate their own pizza box. Ross says it is a funfest field trip for the children. "We also sell cookbooks and do other fundraisers to raise money for our children’s charity foundation," Ross said.
While I have only talked about the pizza at California Pizza Kitchen they also offer appetizers, soups, salads, pastas Focaccia Sandwiches, desserts and other specialty items. Along with all kinds of nonalcoholic beverages and for you, real pizza lover’s they even have frozen pizza for you.
The service was average due to the volume of people coming and going on the opening day, but it was all right.
Hey Ross, California Pizza Kitchen is going to be a hit not only for your giving spirit but because you have good pizza. Wishing y’all the best in your new endeavor, welcome to Milwaukee.
To all the staff of the Daniels Mardaks thank you for allowing me to join y’all for lunch. Your club as well as the other Boys and Girls Clubs, are fortunate that California Pizza Kitchens believe in children and want to support all the good work that y’all do. It takes special people to work with children cherish and guide them. It is a good thing and excellent partnership. Keep advancing that next generation, I love it!
Staff members of the Daniels Mardak Boys & Girls Club pose with one of the California Pizza Kitchen chefs. (photo by Barbara White)
So you finally said: "good bye"
I recently went to Chicago for the retirement party of Nancy B. Miller, my sister. Her husband Clarence and her children Candice, Kim and Vince threw her the big bash at Niko’s Fine Dining.
Nancy retired for the Water Reclamation of Chicago after 30 years. My girl Delores Blue rode over with me.
Many of her colleagues, church family, friends and family joined her in her celebration of "put your right foot in take your left foot out, you spin it all around and then you say take this job and shove it," Holla!
Nancy looked gorgeous as well as all of her guest. There were many gifts, cards, and beautiful flowers. We played games of who knows Nancy best that was very hard because she changes on us daily trying to get to Las Vegas, Holla!
We had a wonderful dinner, a five-course meal. Soup, salad and an assortment of entrees chicken, beef, etc.
The light of our dinner was cherry Jubilee sauce over real French Vanilla Ice Cream where they actually flamed the sauce right in front of us.
Many shared a few memories of Nancy at work; of course, she thought she ran the place, Holla! They all wished her well in what they called the second phase of her new life. Pssst... I know she cannot wait to get on the plane to Vegas, Holla!
It was now time for the woman of the hour to share her thoughts with us. As she came center room roses pedals were scattered on the floor as she walked to her husband who had a beautiful banquet of roses waiting for her, it was so romantic.
Nancy thanked everyone for sharing in her day and saying, it is a day she could not wait to have. Now surrounded by her children who presented her with a beautiful White Diamond necklace and matching tennis bracelet, she was almost teary. Pssst... I know it was because she wanted to get to Las Vegas, Holla! We all shared the beautiful strawberry-filled cake and continued a good fellowship.
Hey, Sis I know we will not see much of you, Las Vegas here you come every chance you get, I love it! The universe has unstraped your brittle ride your horse baby ride, Congratulations! Love Ya!
