I-Witness Milwaukee’s Number One Community Column "Droppin' It Like It's Hot!"

by B. White
"Happy New Year, wishing you and yours good health, joy, prosperity, to find your inner peace and spread it through out the world..."

Holla!

(Twenty-four thousand, five hundred (24,500) down 220,500 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. We have survived and continue to survive in spite of those who wish for and work toward our demise.

Many of you will attend church on New Year’s Eve and I think it’s great. But for those of you who don’t have a church to attend and wish to go to church for New Year’s Eve Services, here are some of my favorite churches: Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God and Christ, St. Lukes and Christian Faith Fellowship Church.

If you go to church to ring in the new year and are spiritually fed but you want to continue "spreading joy," may I suggest Garfield 502, which is offering a private New Year’s Eve Champagne Dinner Gala from 6-9 p.m.

There will be lobster, gumbo, steak, shrimp and of course, champagne. The cost is $30 or $50 a couple. Garfield 502 will then open to the public after 9 p.m.

Andre’s on Garfield will also feature a private New Year’s Eve dinner with champagne and a exquisite cuisine catered by Sunset Caterers from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Doors will open to the public at 1 a.m. The cost $30-$50 dollars a couple.

Soche’ Milwaukee will host its first New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live entertainment. The event is open to the public.

Also hosting good New Yea’s Eve Parties are Gene’s Supper Club and the Catfish Lounge.

These are very nice places to bring in the New Year. I-Witness plans to attend all of them so come on out and let’s party like it’s 1999. Holla!

Holla-Outs

To Dorothy Buckhanan, vice president of Human Services at the Goodwill on 91st Street and all of the lunchtime I-Witness readers there. Y’all know you keep me humbled. Thank you for the beautiful Christmas card and have a wonderful New Year. Love Ya!

To Michael Christian of Christian Accounting Service. Just want to holler Happy New Year at you!

To Duke Williams of D&V Lounge and Everett Williams. I had a good time chatting with you guys and I want to wish the both of you a Happy New Year. P.S. Hey, Duke you know I am the girl that looooves you. Holla!

Hey Maxine Williams. I just want to welcome you back home. You know Milwaukee missed you.

Hey Hubert Howard. I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. I hear you’re doing pretty well at Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in criminal justice.

I just want to say Happy New Year and keep advancing that next generation. I love it!

Hey Valerie Daniels-Carter. I heard through the grapevine (yes, I heard it through the grapevine! Holla!) that the Daniel’s Family has a doctor in the house...you! I guess we will have to start addressing you as "Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter." Congratulations!

Hey Chester Henderson over at W.E.B. Dubois High School. I hear you’re "bad!" You have a 4.0 grade point average, as well as a member of the Urban Debate League where you finished third in the state. And that’s not all.

You also attend Marquette University’s Upward Bound program and lift weights (probably because you don’t have time to play basketball).

I love that! In addition, you know how to make two people proud--your mother and father, Chester Sr. and Lisa Henderson. You know you are going to be one of my favorites.

I too am very proud of you, so I thought I would Holla at you. I love the way you do the things you do. Keep advancing that next generation. I love it!

Get Well Holla-Out

To my mother, Kathryn Jackson, who is doing much better now and will soon be back on her feet again soon. Just wanted to tell you I love you and need you in the New Year. So get well! Holla!

Hey Ray Harmon, if I had another heart, I would give it to you because it sure knows how to love a lot of people just like you do. I’ll keep praying that another heart filled with love finds its way to you.

Birthday Holla-Outs

Alpha-Omega, the beginning and the end! Goats party and celebrate for the greatest Capricorn that ever lived, Jesus Christ

Y’all know I-Witness is a Capricorn, so I want to Holla-out to all the other Capricorns. "It’s yo’ birthday, It’s yo’ birthday, Happy Birthday..."

Hey, Raven Washington, just wanted to wish you a happy 16th birthday and to sing a little of your favorite song: "I’m Coming Out, I’m Coming out!" May your teachings and first steps toward adulthood take you far in life.

Hey Jennifer Dantzler over at Cynthia’s Silk Hair Gallery. Go Alpha-Omega, the beginning and the end! Celebrating Jesus Christ, the greatest Capricorn that ever lived! Happy Birthday!

To my niece Diamond, who made the honor roll.

To former CBS-Channel 58 Milwaukee reporter Chandra Cooper.

She’s gone and done the Jefferson’s on us and "moved on up!" She’s now at WMAQ NBC-Channel 5 in Chicago. Channel 5 is among the top five network affiliate stations in the nation.

Hey Chandra, you know I think you are one of the best investigative reporters around and I know you will do well in your new endeavor. Congratulations.

Holy Redeemer got it going on

Bishop Sedgwick Daniels stands with committee members and health officials who were instrumental in putting together Holy Redeemer’s C.H. Mason Health Clinic. (photo by B. White)

Gaulien (Gee) Smith cuts the hair of customer Chester Henderson, a 4.0 student at W.E.B. Dubois High School in the new Cosmetology Room inside Holy Redeemer’s Boys and Girls Club. Smith helped set up the barbershop and salon, which is staffed with volunteer barbers and stylists. (White photo)

Here I am again at Holy Redeemer Institutional Church in God of Christ. Y’all know I-Witness is where folks do the good stuff and Holy Redeemer is one of those places. I have been to Holy Redeemer many times and each time I find more and more of the good things that this church does in our community. I love Bishop Sedgwick Daniels because he truly believes in the things that he does and it shows.

Holy Redeemer held a rededication celebration that entailed the opening of the C.H. Mason Health Clinic on the campus of Holy Redeemer.

In 1897, C.H. Mason founded the Church of God in Christ and it was always his vision to promote wellness to all of the C.O.G.I.C. members regardless of income. In continuing the vision of Mason, Bishop Daniels, who believes in the spiritual enrichment and physical well being of all, commited himself to opening the C.H. Mason Clinic, which offers free medical services not only to the members of the Holy Redeemer, but to all C.O.G.I.C churches within the Wisconsin First Jurisdiction, as well as residents of the surrounding neighborhood who do not possess adequate health insurance.

The clinic is a collaborative with St. Michael’s Hospital and other local medical institutions. The purpose of the clinic is to promote community development through preventive healthcare with screenings and educational information, as well as offering valuable nutritional resources and information. There will be blood pressure screenings and other kinds of health screenings along with a variety of educational offerings. The clinic is open on Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. and Sundays, 9:30-10:30 am.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bishop Daniels spoke with us about his vision for the clinic and shared how strongly he felt about providing the community and COGIC members quality health care. "We must care for the whole person using the name of Luke, and know when God gives you something it’s for an eternity."

The Bishop used the "Bible" to point out examples of preventative health care. He further stated that as a person who has faced many health challenges himself, it was while at Duke University that it dawned on Bishop Daniels the importance of preventive health care and God has blessed him again to begin that process.

The CEO of the new clinic, Attorney Andre’ Townsel applauded the Bishop and every one of the committee members for making the clinic happen.

There was then a blessing made for the Gluclose Monitor because diabetes and hypertension is a big deal in our community.

Then the ribbon was cut and a "walk of faith" tour was conducted of the clinic.

Afterwards, I joined them for fellowship and good Christmas cookies.

Okay y’all, I followed the Bishop on this evening, not only was there the opening of the C.H. Mason Clinic on this same evening, there was also the opening of the new cosmetology room opened upstairs in the Boys and Girls Club. It will be in the new cosmetology room that children can get their hair groomed.

The cosmetology room was another brainchild of Bishop Daniels, who stressed that looking good is important to children.

The atmosphere in the new cosmetology room, which is a replica of a beauty salon and barber shop, was very festive and filled with holiday cheer, Christmas music played as the children munched on Christmas cookies and drank punch.

Gaulien (Gee) Smith--aka Mr. Wonderful--assisted the Bishop in setting up the salon.

Mr. Wonderful stated: "It’s an opportunity to get their (children’s) hair done by professionals and stay groomed, which will make them feel good."

Gee added that all the barbers and beauticians in the cosmetology room are licensed professionals who either own a shop or are working in one. Barbers and beauticians are volunteering their time.

The salon has five stations, shampoo bowls and dryers just like a salon. The boys and girls can make an appointment on Mondays and Wednesdays for hair braiding, shampooings, haircuts, perms and a nail tech.

Brian Edgerton brought his two boys Teschon Tahj, Minafete and their friend Dialo Fuller. Edgerton said: "Haircuts can be very expensive when you don’t have it (a lot of money) and you know your boys need a cut."

The participating barbers and beauticians are Fish of Millie Heart, LaToya Arnold of Split Ends, Demaris’s Style Team Beauty and Barber Salon, Jamal and Tyrone Winkers of Top Class Barber Shop and Mary Shirley of Heaven Sent.

All the pampering services received by the children will be free.

Following the Bishop was really something. We went to the campus holiday party for the staff, which teaches students in the Christian and public schools run by Holy Redeemer, as well as the Boys and Girls Club.

Many of the department heads greeted their staff wishing them a wonderful holiday and telling us all they each had the best staff. I sat with Billy Young, the director of the Kathryn Daniels Conference Center.

It was stated that the staff at Holy Redeemer was a special team because we all know it’s about the kids.

The Bishop had beautiful gifts for them as well as a wonderful spread laid out including dessert. There was also Christmas music provided by the Holy Redeemer Choir and Orchestra.

Hey Bishop Daniels, I am beginning to learn what a Bishop does--work, work, work and work, Holla! I love all the good things Holy Redeemer is doing in their neighborhood, meeting the challenges and changing lives one day at a time.

Lights, camera roll ’em!

Lori Waldon (second from right), the new news director at WISN-Channel 12, poses with (left to right) Channel 12 Weekend Anchor DeMarco Morgan, Ted Deadwyler, Waldon’s husband; and Roger Williams, sales director at 98.3 FM-WJMR. (B. White photo)

The Wisconsin Black Media Association hosted its Annual Holiday Party and Reception for the new Black News Director at WISN-Channel 12 Lori Waldon at the Wyndham Hotel.

The Wisconsin Black Media Association (WBMA) is comprised of all those in television news, print media (newspapers, magazines, etc.) public relations, and radio.

Vivian King, former co-anchor at TMJ4, is president of the WBMA, which is an affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists.

It was a who’s who of the media. There were journalists such as Eugene Kane, Joy Oglesby and her husband Tony Brian, as well as Lori Price, who wrote that nice piece on boots, I loved it. WISN Channel 12 was in the house, my favorite, DeMarco Morgan, Tony Coleman, Mike Anderson, Kia Reed, Doreen Scott, Markasa Chambers. Channel 12 co-anchor Toya Washington couldn’t make it because she had recently given birth to a baby girl. Congratulations! Nor was our girl Portia Young, who had to work.

Ty Milburn, Andrew Triplett and Shelley Walcott representing TMJ4 were also there, as was Yamilet Virgin-CBS-58, Martha Love-MATA and Chandra Cooper-formerly of CBS-Channel 58 now at WMAQ NBC5 Chicago.

Also present were Justin Williams-Fox News, Laura Taylor-WNOV Radio, Roger Williams, Devin Hudson, Andrea Williams, representing WJMR Jammin’ 98.3, WMCS 1290 Eric Von and Faith Colas of Courier Communications and co-host of "Black Nouveau" and yours truly I-Witness for the "Community Journal." There were a host of folks there to hang out for the holiday and welcome Lori to Milwaukee.

It is the first time ever in Milwaukee that a television station has hired a Black news director. Y’all know I have always called WISN-Channel 12 the "Black station" want to know anything about Black people in Milwaukee? Watch Channel 12.

Vivian welcomed us all and shared with us some of the exciting things that will be occurring in the new year with the organization. She also told us of a grant it had received from the National Association of Black Journalists to work with students in the community teaching them about the media.

She talked of the key mission of the organization and its important role of championing diversity in the news room. "We know how the news is done in Milwaukee and we need decisionmakers in the news rooms," Vivian said, "We are thrilled that WISN has made that step." And with that Vivian introduced Lori and her husband, Ted Deadwyler.

Lori shared with us the first thing she did in coming to Milwaukee was to find the WBMA.

She shared with us her history and how she became the behind the scenes person. It was because there were no Black people being in decision-making positions. So, she reinvented herself, which has lead her to this position.

I got a chance to chat with Lori before her introduction and she is a very down to earth person who appears to accept challenges very well, I shared with her the image things regarding Black people at WISN as well as other stations. I think her experience and spirit may do some good things at WISN.

DeMarco Morgan talked about her as he also welcomed her to Milwaukee. He told the gathering that Lori is a very talented, calm, real sister and a sweet woman. Speaking for the organization, DeMarco told Lori that they are with her and will support her.

The Black media organization then presented Lori with a beautiful gift.

There was a gift drawing and y’all should have seen the calendar that the men won along with a tie, every man would like it for his wall. There were all kinds of gift giveaways. We wrapped up and headed down to Soche’ Milwaukee’s grand opening.

Hey Vivian, I had a good time and I’m looking forward to the New Year and wishing you and all of our colleagues a healthy, joyful and prosperous New Year.

 

MMABSE gets into the Christmas spirit

Mac Weddle, executive director of Northcott Neighborhood House (standing in center) joined members of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators (MMABSE) during their first annual toy drive for children that was held before Christmas. The event was held at Northcott. (B. White photo)

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators (MMABSE) wasn’t teaching math, science or reading at Garfield’s 502.

They were doing the ABCs ala Michael Jackson (and the Jackson Five) on the dance floor where they were having a party. D.J. Larry K. Miles was rocking the house, Holla!

MMABSE was hosting its first annual Toy Drive for children in need of a wonderful Christmas.

MMABSE is affiliated with the National Alliance of Black School Educators.

The organization’s mission is to enhance the positive and challenge negative forces which obstruct the achievement, development, and educational opportunities of youth and adults--particularly Black children.

They further believe in the inherent worth, dignity and educability of Black people. MMABSE also advocates on behalf of the Black child and educators to make sure all governmental statues and polices that are most advantageous to the welfare of Black students are enforced.

The organization also develops programs, do research and award scholarships.

This year, MMABSE chose Northcott Neighborhood House to provide gifts to those children in need. Numerous educational toys were donated by the teachers.

Black Woman’s Network

The Black Women’s Network, Inc. hosted a Christmas party at the home of their president, Linda and Bill Cocroft.

The Black Women’s Network is a group of civic spirited African American Women motivated to respond to the challenges unique to women and their community. The women have sponsored and partook in many community programs designed to educate women, promote responsible citizenship and highlight the influence and power of Black Women.

It was holiday time in every way, it was a who’s who: Alderman Mike McGee Jr., Pretty Ben Watson, Milwaukee County Supervisors Lee Holloway, Michael Mayo and Willie Johnson, State Representative Polly Williams, Senator Spencer Coggs, Redonna Rogers, Attorney Betty Rodgers, Jenelle Elder Green, Mary Shaw, Josephine Hill and Bezelee Martin just to name a few.

The house had that "down home blues" feel, I loved it! The Cocrofts had that real Christmas music playing too that not only made you sing along, but also had you moving your feet.

There was a really nice spread laid out. Josephine and I stayed by the seafood salad. It was so goooood! I saw many folks I hadn’t seen in a while. That’s one of the great things about holidays, you get to see all those people you haven’t seen in a while and catch up.

ReDonna was the official "Santa’s Elf." She passed out tickets and called on folks to come forward and receive a Christmas gift with love. There were some really nice gifts. There was even a spa package that I could have used, Holla!

I chatted with Senator Coggs who is doing well now after prostrate surgery. He looked well and Gerisha (his wife) always looks good. For all you men who have not had your prostrate checked, please do so! It’s one of the most preventable diseases if detected early. So call your doctor today and get everything checked. A word from all the Black women networking in your lives! Holla!.

Hey Linda and Bill, I had a good time. It was really nice that the two of you hosted fellowship this season, we all needed it. Have a healthy and spirited New Year.

Christmas in the Big House

Jeffery Norman brought a breath of fresh air to I-Witness. I was invited to his family Christmas party in the big house over at Heritage Development, where folks like Curt and Helen Harris live. Former Milwaukee Police Chief Arthur Jones and Willie and Johnnie Cummingham also live in the development.

Norman is running in next year’s election for the Branch 3 judgeship for Milwaukee Municipal Court. Jeffery is "Mr. Everything," Holla! He is an attorney, police detective, an adjunct professor at UW-Parkside, not to mention a Milwaukee County assistant district attorney. But what he loves being most is a husband, father, son and grandson. And if you have ever met him he will have you cracking up. He is so funny.

Upon our arrival, Stephanie Findley says she saw real deer. Of course, I thought it was decorations until one of them moved on me, Holla! There was all kinds of wild game running around the place.

The house was beautiful y’all. The fireplace was lit and the tree was glimmering as I was introduced to little Norman’s wife Sharnecia--who is a medical doctor--and son Kyle. The sounds of Christmas, sung by Nat King Cole filled the new house bringing the warmth of the holiday spirit. The house was packed with guests who could just walk home, like former Chief Jones and Curt Harris.

I came with Stephanie Findley who is a candidate for school board. There was a big spread caterered by Mr. B. over at Brown’s Ham House.

Many of the Normans’ relatives were on hand to party and do what most Black folks love doing-- playing Bid Whist. It was late, so I wasn’t at my best.

But I was playing against former Chief Jones. Let me ask y’all something--how do you not let the police win a game, Holla!

We partied y’all and Jeffery had us rollin’ on the floor. He is too funny! Hey, Jeffery and Sharniecia thanks for the invite. I had a wonderful time.

Passages: "The Godfather of Soul," James Brown--Black and Proud!

Call him whatever you like: The Godfather of Soul, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Soul Brother No. 1 or Mr. Dynamite. Whatever you called him, James Brown was a legend whose legacy will never die. Brown died on Christmas Day at the age of 73.

His death brought back many memories of me as a teen who never missed James Brown in concert, even if I had to go by myself. I always got my money’s worth and was on high-energy for weeks after the show. I had never seen an entertainer like James Brown before. He knew how to rock my soul.
Mr. Brown, as he likes to be called, influenced music around the world.

And yes, he was the first rapper and boy could he dance. He always had me breaking out "in a cold sweat!" Holla!

All artists in his time--both living and deceased--mimicked Brown’s music. Many White artists--particularly those from England--were the biggest fans of Brown and were forever wishing they could get their music down like his.

But Brown, the genius that he was, created as he went along, setting the standard for hard work and creativity.

Brown won several Grammys for his music, as well as a Grammy for lifetime achievement in 1992. He also got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Brown was never given the recognition as a musician that he deserved. He could play every instrument there was by ear. Nor was he given his true due of being a proud Black Man living in America. He had a profound impact on Black people. Brown was never afraid to speak out against injustices, nor was he afraid to speak out and give Black people life directions through his songs, revealing to us how we could be the best people we know how to be.

A true entrepreneur, James Brown believed in his community and provided many business opportunites for us.

While at times he took missteps and stumbled in his personal life, Brown would always get back up, dust himself off and try it again.

His most constant words to America was that he was a man and he demanded to be treated as such. The Godfather of Soul will live forever through his songs and memories of his fight for and belief in human rights.

Asante’ Sana Mr. Brown for all my childhood memories and for showing me self-pride. It was you who taught the world that Black people were human beings by not being afraid to say it loud, "I’m Black and I’m Proud." Atten--tion Salute.