(Top photo) At the grand opening for his second barber shop, Gaulien "Gee" Smith (center) cuts the ribbon, officially opening the shop. On hand to help him are his brothers (left to right) Steve and Corey Smith.

by B. White
Holla!
Twenty thousand (20,000) down 225,000 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 Wonders of the World--We have survived and continue to survive in spite of those who wish for and work toward our demise.

Holla-Outs

Hey, Judge Derke Mosley and all of Branch 2 at the Municipal Courts, y’all know I-Witness thinks y’all are the greatest, Holla!

To: Officers Alvin Hannah and Rodney Vivette. I have to tell all my sistas while officer Kelly Brown is just fine for no reason down there ... you two are on I-Witness’ "He is handsome" list, Holla!

Hey, Michael, (Mike-T) Terrell just want to Holla at you! Tell Candace Dixon I said, "Holla!"

Want to Holla out to the Ellis (Shimmy) Turrentine, a retired teacher of Community High School housed at Sarah Scott, the proud father of Ellis Jr., a teacher at Ben Franklin Elementary School; Jamal, a teacher at Bell Middle School; Yolanda, a nurse in Minnesota; Takia works for Sony in California; Shamaria who is in college studying to be a lawyer and Courtney who is having a birthday, Happy Birthday to You. She attends Shalomon High School wishing you all continued success.

Birthday-Holla

Okay Mayor Tom Barrett when you do good things I have to say something about that too, So I decide to sing to you on behalf of our friend: Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to yoooou, Happy Birthday to you. You know I sound good singing that song to you, Holla! Have a good one.

Hey, Lanetta N. Greer, psssst your brother Charles K. Greer, a Safety Services supervisor over at Children Family and Community Partnerships, a division of the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, has spilled all the goods to me about you. I know you are a Professor at Mount Mary College, pursuing a Ph.D. in Education at UW-Milwaukee. He also told me you are a big fan of the "Community Journal," brothers just tell everything don’t they, and they cannot hold water, Holla!

Well, there is one more thing he shared with me, so I am going to say it for him as well as myself: "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday." Charles is so proud of you. Okay Charles take her on over to Soche’ Milwaukee for that big birthday dinner, do not forget the gifts, like jewelry, a Porsche, oh and cash gifts always work, Holla!

Condolences

To: the Family of Nathaniel Spicer, who was killed by a hit and run driver. Spicer was an assistant at Kagel Elementary School, he also headed the school’s Before- and After-School Program, and we hold you in our prayers.

Places to Go

Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant and Lounge "Grand Opening" Thursday December 14, 4 p.m.-until. It is a must see; Valet Parking available.

Kwanbean "People’s Champ" Nixon and Mi’Le’ Productions presents Verbal Hustlin Vol. 1 at the Miramar Theatre 2844 North Oakland Avenue. December 16 at 7 p.m.; there will be an after set presenting the release of the Campaign Against Violence’s Fifth Anniversary "Children are Crying" calendar featuring I-Witness. The after set will be held at Sakin Tunmi, 714 North Milwaukee Street. Hey, y’all pick up your yearly calendar.

Asant’e Sana

I want to thank Milwaukee Steppers and Boppers United (MSBU) on their success of the Annual Margaret Bedford Nutcracker Jam for the Sickle Cell Foundation at Children’s Hospital Toy Drive.

Every year they do a phenomenal job making sure the children receive toys for Christmas, they also make a beautiful holiday for more than 10 families who are in need, as well as making toy donations to the Children’s Outing Association. Their humanitarian efforts, Keith Franklin of KG Financial, Lena’s Food Market, the Milwaukee Frontiers and the #1 Stunners Sports Club.

Hey Cynthia and Lisa I know y’all work extremely hard all year long "Stepping in the Name of Love" to make sure every year end y’all can give in the name of love. Keep doing the good stuff, I love the way you do the things you do.

He who nurtures his seeds will grow beautiful fruit

(Top photo) At the grand opening for his second barber shop, Gaulien "Gee" Smith (center) cuts the ribbon, officially opening the shop. On hand to help him are his brothers (left to right) Steve and Corey Smith.

(Bottom photo) Gee (center) celebrates with local elected officials on his grand opening, among them (left to right) Mayor Tom Barrett and Senator Lena Taylor. (photos by B. White)

Visiting the hospital with a friend whose father was dying of prostate cancer and it was nothing further that could be done, I never felt so inspired.

The family was called together for this sad occasion. While it was sad, you felt so much love that filled the room. I had never seen anyone so prepared to leave the world with such dignity and grace. Even with all the pain medication, his mind was alert as one by one he gave each of his boys directions on staying close and the things he thought they needed to work on to find peace and joy in their lives. Even instructing them not to wear Black at his funeral; he wanted them to wear white to match his suit. He was guiding them as he had all their lives. He was an interesting man and you could see a piece of him in all of them.

He even told me something; he said that "I was a good person" and it made me feel good inside when he said it.

His name was Gaulien Smith, Sr. Gaulien and Clara Smith had seven children, six boys and one girl. It is said Gaulien always worked very hard; he was employed by Milwaukee County Transit as a bus driver and he also had his own business called Smith and Sons, a home improvement business. He and Clara were very proud of their children. None of the boys has ever been in trouble with the law, and though none are college graduates, their father taught them and expected them to be successful at what ever they chose to do; working hard to get it.

Gaulien gave his sons what over 80% of young girls and boys may never know today: a true Black man. He carried on the tradition of examples of what a Black man once was in the day when Black men would work two or three jobs if necessary to take care of their family. He was a man who knew how to build and fix things; a man who kept his word when giving it. He was a man who was a good father, being respectful as well as being respected. He was a man who made things happen and set examples for the males in his family of the responsibilities of manhood.

This is what Gaulien Sr. did after work each day at the transit company: he would get each one of his boys starting at age 10 out to work with him in the family business. He believed hard work paid off. It was from their dad that his sons David, Mark, Johnny, Steve, Gaulien "Gee" and Corey learned how to work hard and become successful men.

Corey, Steve, Johnny and Gaulien "Gee" are successful businessmen in our community with Corey employing David and Mark.

So Gaulien Sr., I guess I am going to write your story just as I said I would...

It was a "Who’s Who" on Sunday at the long awaited walk through at Gee’s Clippers on King Drive.

Gaulien "Gee" Smith of Gee’s Clippers on Fond du Lac and Sherman opened his second barbershop that is like no other in the city. The 20-seat barbershop includes two beauticians, professional sports memophibilia, plasmas televisions on every wall, two nail techs, two pedicure spas with massaging chairs, a shoeshine parlor, a retail space for personal grooming items and the ultimate, a spa room for massages. I-Witness personally painted it so that when all the guys go in there they can think about me and I become their fantasy, Holla! Equally as important close to 30 new family supporting jobs will be created.

I-Witness followed this project from its inception to its end and I am aware of the kind of work that went into this venture.

While there were many contractors on the project who were good, the jewels were Sammuel L. Grayer and Rafale Rollins Sr. and his son Rafale Jr., who is 15-years-old. They gave Mr. Wonderful all they had and then some. Sam is one of the most creative persons I have ever seen--I just think he can do anything and it will turn out gorgeous. I-Witness has never been as proud of Black men as I was watching these men work, using math and exact science to rebuild this old, worn building.

Mr. Wonderful had taken me in the building before any work had been done and I was scared to death, the building was worst than any in a horror movie. However, when he shared his vision, I could see it.

North Milwaukee State Bank financed this venture; they too wondered about this building. Even still, believing in their customer and recognizing his success at running the first Gee’s Clippers, they wanted a piece of it.

The whole building had to be stripped; my editor Tom Mitchell and I followed its progress weekly.

Mr. Wonderful learned about Murphy’s Law on several occasions: if things could go wrong they would, but divine intervention and blessings showered him.

Mr. Wonderful worked as hard as the contractors; he is an excellent painter ... he taught me, Holla!

Tremayne Glass of Trem Tech, an independent installer of security systems, cable and phone lines and computers, is a cracker-jack at installations; he is bad. I want y’all to know I am talking about Black men; many times I was on the verge of tears. It was a beautiful sight.

Numerous folks stopped in throughout the process giving encouragement and showing some love, like Jon from Martini’s Mike (formerly the Velvet Room) who gave his helpful hints. Mr. Wonderful had plenty of skills also his dad’s teachings really paid off for him in this venture.

Forty-eight hours before opening the doors, Murphy’s Law kicked in and we were devastated. But again the blessings of the Creator shined on us. Twenty-four hours before opening Murphy’s Law struck again. It looked as if we would not be finished in time to open the doors. Then just like in the movie, "It’s a Wonderful Life," here comes the Smith Brothers, the barbers from the shop on Fond Du Lac, the new barbers and many of Mr. Wonderful friends like Officer Alvin Hannah and Tshaka White, all came to pitch in and ensure a successful opening. It was beautiful.

It is 2 p.m. and Mr. Wonderful is just going home to get dressed. Folks were beginning to arrive. It is 3:30 p.m. now and the shop is filled with folks Community Liaison for the Mayor Richard Badger, representatives from the Governor’s office, Senator Feingold and Kohl, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Alderman Mike McGee who is the council member for the district. Many brought proclamations and letters of congratulations. Bishop Sedgwick Daniels of Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ was in the house.

Mr. Wonderful called me on the phone to instruct me to tell the Bishop not to leave he is on his way. Okay y’all Mr. Wonderful wanted me to tell the man who only waits on God to cool out and wait for him. Well I did and the Bishop cooled out and waited for Mr. Wonderful, Holla!

Mr. Wonderful arrives through the back door making his debut folks applauded him as he entered.

He thanked every one for coming, he talked about the good things he wanted to do. He made it clear it is not his work; he is just a vehicle of the Creator.

He talked of the diversity in Gee’s Clippers and its importance. He has White barbers, Latino barbers, and women and of course, Black barbers. He states, "money is green and if we are to grow as a people as well as a city, we have to deal with the broader world." He prided himself on the professionalism and quality service that Gee’s Clippers is known for and the many new services that will be offered.

He thanked many folks like Michelle Allison his publicist, the contractors, Chandra Cooper and then he brought Sam and the father and son Rafale and Rafale up and he could not say enough about them. He stated he knew his dad sent Sam to him. Becoming misty eyed, he said Sam reminded him of his father.

He continued to share with us his feelings throughout this venture and he began to talk about his father who passed early this year and how many nights that he was in the building working alone; he knew if his dad had been here, he would have been right with him on this.

Mr. Wonderful began to cry as he spoke of his father and how much he missed him. Folks in the audience shouted to him to get it out, it is all right. Every Black man in the house felt him, many joined him in tears or on the verge of tears. I was doing everything I could not to cry, it was a tearjerker and he touched everybody’s heart.

Michelle Allison came up and introduced all the politicians and other special guest. Mr. Wonderful introduced his brother Steve and Corey Smith. Corey will open Soche’ Milwaukee next door to Gee’s Clippers. Soche’ Milwaukee is an upscale fine dining restaurant and lounge.

He thanked them as well as his family for their support. The brothers hugged; it was another tearjerker.

The Bishop did prayer and blessings for success and joy on the new shop. Not forgetting to add to the prayer that he be the first to feel the hands of the new massage therapist, everyone broke out in laughter.

Folks continued to tour the shop and its uniqueness with ooooh’s and ahhhh’s of pure pride. Mr. Wonderful had his Christmas tree up with lights, as the guest came in they were given an ornament to sign their name on and place it on the tree wishing Mr. Wonderful well in his new endeavor.

Folks continued to come nonstop bringing gifts and cards and much love. Senator Lena Taylor and Mayor Tom Barrett; Attorney John Daniels; Tom Mitchell, editor, "Milwaukee Community Journal;" Hattie Daniels; the Perkins Family from Perkins Family Restaurant; Keith Franklin of KG Financial; and Michelle Pitts of the New Pitts Mortuary.

We moved next door to Soche’ Milwaukee where everyone partook in good food and wine as we watched the telecast of the feature that DeMarco Morgan, co-Anchor at WISN 12 Weekend News did on Gee’s Clippers and Soche’ Milwaukee. The feature spotlighted the uniqueness of two brothers opening side by side businesses on the historical Dr. Martin Luther King Drive making a combined investment of more than $1.3 million to our community.

Hey, Mr. Wonderful I bet you thought this story was about you huh; well this story was about Gaulien Smith Sr. you just happen to be in it showing us all the good things he left us to share of him.

I want to tell you I am so proud of you and I thank you for continuing to believe and invest in our community and allowing me to follow your project.

I have watched you for months work hard, stay focused, and still find time to give to people who needed you.

You dazzled this city on Sunday with class, and being the wonderful person that you are. Folks both man and female call you Mr. Wonderful now. Not because I call you that, but because they know you are a rare and special human being and the Creator shines on you and everyone sees it.

I know this is just a beginning for you. You are a visionary and you can dream your dreams and make them real, empowering and loving people as you move along and I wish you well. You know the universe is yours. Dance in it Gee, dance. I love the way you do the things you do. Atten-tion Salute!

Business-owners gather to meet, greet

Local participants gather during the Milwaukee County Community Business Development Partners Business Expo. County Supervisors Michael Mayo (far left) and Willie Johnson (far right) were among the government officials to attend. (photo by Barbara White)

Milwaukee County Community Business Development Partners (CBDP) hosted a Mix-Matcher/Connection Business Expo at the Italian Community Center. More than 200 businesses, government reps and associations attended.

Freida Webb, director of CBDP, coordinated the event. Many prime business as well as disadvantage businesses partook in the day long event attending workshops, Mixing and Matching Appointment Connections, Micro-Loan program for small Business, SBA Loans, Internet Cafe and Business Resources and Bonding Insurance.

The purpose of the expo as stated by County Board Chairman Lee Holloway is to provide opportunity to all disadvantage businesses who want to do business with Milwaukee County as well as venture with prime contractors.

He further states, "a city with a majority minor population is an economically healthy and desirable place to work and raise a family. Economic development is key to our success in Milwaukee County, and we use county contracting and purchasing funds to leverage greater opportunities for disadvantage businesses."

Milwaukee County has joined with business partners in both the private and public sectors to help strengthen and expand contract opportunities. Matching skills and relationships are keys to building good business.

Curt Harris did the invocation and our luncheon keynote speaker was Wyman Winston, CEO of Neighborhood Wealth Associates. Winston has also worked for the Portland Development Commission and Wisconsin Housing Development and Economic Authority.

Winston gave a presentation of Relationship and the Global Economy, he shared with us very powerful information regarding who reaps millions out of our community and where the decisions are made in regards to Milwaukee and its region.

Of course, Chicago and Madison are calling the shots for us, but we can take the decision-making power back if we work collectively as a region.

Folks were quite impressed with his knowledge of globalization and how we in Milwaukee can become a part of it. It was powerful.

I must tell all of you I was Vanna White on the "Wheel of Fortune." I was sitting by the machine and the remote was not working so I had to push the buttons, and I was a good button pusher, Holla!

County Supervisors Willie Johnson and Michael Mayo assisted Webb by presenting awards and recognitions to several small and prime businesses.

Great Lakes Contracting, Inc William Beson, Sr., for achieving outstanding growth in Milwaukee County.

Xerographic Supply of Wisconsin, Rose Marie Schrewe for outstanding service to Milwaukee County.

Abaxent, LLC Adonica Randall for successfully developing multiple relationships with Milwaukee County. Superior Support Resources, Inc.

Sarit Singhal, successfully developing multiple relationships with Milwaukee County and Milwaukee County Department of Administrative Services, Information Management Services Division (Das-IMSD) for Outstanding improvement in meeting DBE participation goals on behalf of Milwaukee County.

Hey Freida, good job, if only small businesses really knew how powerful they are in all communities, we could become the example for the world. That is why I-Witness is a strong advocate for Black people in business I know the difference that makes in communities, keep advancing our business community, I love it!

The beautiful house-warming like no other

Willie and Johnny Cummingham (first and second from right) pose with their guests during their recent house-warming party. (photo by Barbara White)

Willie and Johnny Cummingham moved into the new house in the Heritage Development where many Milwaukeeans now live, like former Police Chief Arthur Jones, Curt Harris etc.

Willie is president of the Atkinson/Capitol/Teutonia Business Improvement District, Johnnie who works at Badger Meter invited I-Witness to join the Cummingham family in celebration of their new home, and it was gorgeous.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom house was quite inviting. As I toured the house many of the bathrooms especially the one in the master bedroom was bigger than my whole bedroom and the walk-in closets were larger than my dining room. So y’all know I am talking huge, Holla!

Many of their family and friends stopped by to share in their excitement.

The Cumminghams laid out a feast of all my favorites if I did not know better I would have thought they called someone up to ask what I like to eat. There was 7-layer salad, some of the best fried chicken, but what I loved best was the peach cobbler and the pineapple cake, it was to die for and Johnnie made them herself, she can burn y’all nobody’s peach cobbler is better than my mothers.

Folks loved the house. It had a theatre in it to watch movies. It was beautifully decorated, it could have been in a magazine. Everyone had such a good time. Willie said he now wants Johnnie to retire and enjoy their new home and just simply take care of him.

Johnnie says Willie needs to get another job then and perhaps just maybe she might concede. The flow of friends and family was continuous. Okay so y’all know I left with some of that peach cobbler, it was "so goooood."

Hey, Willie and Johnnie I had a good time and do not forget to invite me over for peach cobbler and pineapple cake, it was the bomb. Your house is lovely and I know the two of you will fill it with all the love that you have shared for a lifetime. Thanks for the invite I had a good time.

P.S. Do not forget to call me for a piece of that cake and cobbler, just thought I would remind you again, Holla!

Emerald Holiday Brunch

(Left to right) Vivian King, Justine McCord, Joan Prince and Denay Davis stop to pose for a photo during the links recent holiday brunch. (photo by Barbara White)

(Pictured above) Gwen T. Jackson (seated) accepts the Edith Finlayson Volunteer for Youth Award with participants in the program. (photo by Barbara White)

The Milwaukee Chapter of the Links, Inc. hosted their annual Emerald Holiday Brunch at the Hilton Hotel.

The Links are a volunteer service organization of concerned, committed and talented women who linked in friendship to enhance the quality of life in the larger community. The group’s primary focus is to enrich, sustain, and ensure the identities, cultures and economic survival of African American and persons of African descent, while impacting humankind through community service and partnerships with people of good will and good deeds.

Lisa Ann Jones is the president of the Links.

It was star-studded event; every Black woman in Milwaukee appeared to be there at the brunch. Martha Love; Joseph and Sheila (Parrish) Spence; Judge Carl Ashley; Linda Jackson Cocroft, publisher, "Black Women’s 50+" Magazine; Thelma Sias of We Energies; Reuben and Mildred Harpole and their daughter Annette; Rev. and Mrs. Darryl Williams of St. Mark AME Church; Irv Palmer of Steel Tech and his wife; Journal Gloria Pitchford Trice, Dean of MATC’s Pre-College Division and Debra Goodwin.

I was the guest of UW-Milwaukee Vice Chancellor Joan Prince and Sheila Spence. I shared a table with Marie Britt-Sharpe, Priscilla M. Jackson, Karen Dotson, Jeanette Malone, Lela Davison and Jennifer Bell-Sharpe. They were all very nice and we did plenty of chatting, as we were having a good time.

Adekola Adedapo and the Berkley Fudge group, entertained us with some of the best jazz and Christmas songs; they were good. The mistress of ceremonies was none other than Margaret Henningsen of Legacy Bank y’all know she is too funny. She had us singing her "Jingle Bells" again this year I think it is her favorite song or maybe the only one she knows, Holla!

We were feed well. I loved the blueberry cheesecake it was the bomb. We were given nice goodie bags filled with Christmas candy and a calendar. There was an auction with some nice stuff.

There was acknowledgement of the 2006 scholarship recipients, after which Links Lorraine Carter and Lisa Jones announced the Edith Finlayson Volunteer for Youth Award winner. Gwen T. Jackson, who is the volunteer of volunteers and who has committed over 45 years of her life in service to the greater Milwaukee community as well as the nation, received the honor. Serving with Red Cross, Milwaukee Urban League, and Milwaukee County’s Child Care Voucher system, in short Gwen has been that one Black woman who has dared to stand to represent children. What was really touching was the many Black women in the room whose lives she has touch and affected. Many of the women were telling their stories to different ones at their table of how Gwen T. Jackson changed their life. With the award Ms. Jackson will also receive a monetary gift of $5000.00 which she will donate to the American Red Cross Youth Program, the Lady Pitts Fund at Greater Milwaukee and the Girls Scouts Multicultural Program.

Then there was the 2006 Fashion Parade and the fashion Divas, like Thelma Sias, were called on to pull their checkbooks out for those one of a kinds. The models were goodand they wore really nice outfits, Holla! Vel Phillips was even a model. Holzman Furs provided furs.

There were all kind of games like the moneybag and raffles. Link Jacqueline Moore-Bowles did the benedictions.

Hey, Links you gave eight scholarships advancing that next generation and recongized Gwen Jackson for her years of service to our youth, I loved it! I had a good time. Keep doing the good things; I love it.