It’s My Birthday, It’s My Birthday!

I-Witness celebrated her birthday in style has she trave ed the city, going from one hot spot to the next celebrating her big day. The day that she turned 36, Holla! The Birthday girl stopped at Jo’s Cafe for breakfast, attended the homegoing services for her friend’s dad, and even had time to stop at two night clubs on her special day. Pictured above are highlights from three spots on I-Witness’ two-day Birthday celebration.  (Top photo) I-Witness parties with the Duchie Rodgers and Black Earth Plus band at Piano Blu in Pewaukee. (Center photo) I-Witness spend her night as a “busty woman, when she visited Soche Milwaukee were she got big money on her special day. (Bottom photo) Andre Lee Ellis serenaded the birthday girl at his night club, Andre’s on Garfield. (photos by Barbara White)

 

This year in celebrating my birthday, I just wanted to do me. I did not want to have a party; I did not want the fanfare this year. I just wanted to spend some time with me to reflect on my life this past year. I needed to feel the things I have accomplishments, look at the things I need to improve on and I needed to see the things I can do different in the new year to challenge myself at being a better person. While at the same time, accept the challenge to doing my part in making my neighborhood, my community, my country and the world a better place to live.

 

My birthday literally started at 2:30 in the morning when Hip Hop Queen Michelle Allison sent me a text message,  wishing me a Happy Birthday, after which then Mr. Wonderful (Gaulien ‘Gee’ Smith) texted me and sang "Happy Birthday to My Angel," I loved it! Ya’ll know he is my favorite. I received many other calls wishing me a great day.

 

Jo’s Café

 

Andre’ Lee Ellis and Angie Murphy came to take me to Jo’s Café, where they make good veggie omelets, for a birthday breakfast.

 

My great-nieces, Angel, Pershun and Diamond performed an acappela version of "Happy Birthday" … I had never heard this version before and they had me rollin’ on the floor I loved it!

 

I was in a very high spirit because I just turned 36, Holla! Not to mention, because two missing Missouri boys had just been found. One of the boys had been missing for four days and the other four years. I was so excited about their capture that everywhere I went I sang "I believe in Miracles, Yahoo Miracles," which sparked even more conversation about the boys and seeing miracles.

 

Our server was Vicky Hagen, who is one of the best. Many of the customers there wished me "happy birthday" and joined the party. Rick Rendon shared with us that the group Hot Chocolate also made a song called "I believe in Miracles" and we began to sing that too. His wife Martha just laughed at us. Ya’ll it was a party in the restaurant.

 

We all dined on our breakfast, which is always too much to eat, but it is good. Andre’ began singing to me: "You are my sunshine, my funny sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray … You never know boo how much I love you please don’t take my sunshine away." I loved it it was so special. We wrapped up breakfast and Vicky came over to tell me that my breakfast was on her, as she wished me a happy birthday. I loved it, thank you Vicky.

 

I hugged Andre’ and Angie and thanked them for a wonderful birthday breakfast.

 

Richard Armstead

 

I continued my day with Richard Armstead, Jr. of Gee’s Clippers on Fond du Lac whose father, Richard Armstead, Sr. recently passed; the home going was at Patton Funeral Home. I also joined him at the repass along with Mr. Wonderful (Gee), Kwabean Nixon, Muhibb Dyer, Mimi and Lelah of Mi’Le’ Productions, Chandra Cooper and Ms. Kenndi.

 

We fellowshipped with Richard and his family for a while and then it was time for me to move on. To the Armstead Family, our prayers are with you.

 

Piano Blu

 

Okay, I shared with ya’ll that I wanted to just do me for the day, but I did not say I did not party at all, Holla!

 

I went to a supper club in Pewaukee, called Piano Blue where Duchie Rodgers and Black Earth Plus performed. It was a short ride to Pewaukee with Hip Hop Queen Tanya Whitaker and my sister Kay White of Atlanta, Ga. On the way to Pewaukee, my favorites were checking in with me. Mr. Debonair, KG (Keith Franklin) of KG Financial called to wish me a big Happy Birthday. Stating, we would hook up later because he had the kiddies that night. Then the Distinguished Gentleman, DeMarco Morgan Co-Anchor at WISN 12 weekend news called and sang Happy Birthday to me, he is one of my favorite singers and he can blow ya’ll, I loved it!

 

My niece Ashley sent me a birthday cake all the way from Atlanta, Ga. Thank you, Lady Ashley. My nieces Pat Washington, Leonie Keith, and Nini Reed sang to me as well. If any of you have ever heard Nini sing before ya’ll will know I was in tears with laughter, I loved it!

 

Piano Blu is a supper club that reminds you a bit of Vegas with its dinner shows but it also had a flair of the supper clubs where greats like Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington and others used to perform. There were dark colored wood trimmed windows, a blazing fireplace, and baby grand piano, tabled clothed tables with 21st century modern accents of track lighting.

 

It was a packed house. We were seated close to the front where the band was performing. It is a really nice and classy place.

 

We started dinner with cocktails. I had a black cherry martini; Tanya had an apple martini and Kay ... well she was the designated driver so she had lemon water.

 

Duchie and Black Earth Plus took to the stage and did what they do best: showed out. Duchie opened with my favorite song "Lady Love" ya’ll know "I’m just as peaceful as a summer breeze" I love it when he sings that song.

 

Before breaking, Duchie introduced me and wished me a Happy Birthday! You know he made me feel warm inside, Holla!

 

Folks in the club hooked me up with Cheryl Alex who was celebrating her birthday also. Therefore, I taught her the "Capricorn Creed" we had a good time.

 

It is a restaurant, Pat Allison had her son 9 year old Andrew Stonebreaker out with her and he was all the women’s Hercules, Holla! I think he danced with every woman in the place. He was getting his party on. Andrew even gave me a birthday dance, Holla!

 

Okay ya’ll it is a party in here; folks in Pewaukee know how to parteee. Duchie and Black Earth Plus are whippin it. It’s wild.

 

Lori Ann, who also sings and plays drums in the band, did a duet with Duchie. They sang "The closer I get to you;" they burned it, ya’ll know the lovers come out at night.

 

Lori Ann then takes over and starts doing Stevie Wonder and began engaging the crowd in dance. I do not know, but ya’ll might want to check Piano Blu out because they know how to party up in here.

 

Lori Ann then sang Happy Birthday to me and then Duchie did a special dedication to me, "Never Gonna Give you Up" and the women went wild.

 

They played the Black Woman’s National Anthem "Brick House" and every woman has taken to floor, old men were falling to their knees wishing for younger days, and I loved it! It’s Hot, Hot! Hot! Up in here.

 

Well I am headed back to Milwaukee; I hate to leave a good party. Piano Blu, I had a good time, I may have to come back and party with ya'll again. Hey, Duchie and Black Earth Plus, thank you for making a part of my evening filled with joy.

 

Soche’ Milwaukee

 

While I did not get to all the places I wanted to get to for the day, I tried. My designated driver drove me to the next place Soche’ Milwaukee where I was told folks were waiting for me. Ok ya’ll I said I was doing me, well party is what I love, Holla!

 

I arrived at Soche’ and was greeted by my favorite Mr. Wonderful (Gee) who gave me the biggest hug and ordered the Patron shot and Heineken and he toasted me. Ya’ll know I love how Mr. Wonderful does it, Holla!

 

Not to be out done Mr. Fantastic, Corey Smith owner of Soche’ Milwaukee had to give me the big hug and Happy Birthday too, I loved it!

 

They began one by one nationally renowned poets and educators Kwabean Nixon and Muhibb Dyer, Mimi and Lelah of Mi’Le Productions, Officer Alvin and my nephew Rico Ricardo, a principal at Bryon Kilbourn who does not go out came to celebrate his aunt.

 

Ok ya’ll "it’s my Birthday, it’s my birthday", Kwabean and I are getting our groove on. I’m having a party every body’s swinging and dancing to the music played by Three the Hard Way, Holla!

 

Caesar Stinson, Danielle Shakoor Poet Black Jesus, Juan Allen, Jeffery Garland are in the house as well as my No. 1 son, Tshaka White. "It’s My Birthday, It’s My Birthday!"

 

Ok ya’ll, you have to roll with me on this one. Lelah started leading me around and telling folks I was quite busty and green on top. You see, I came in to Soche’ a 38D, but as I continued to party and follow Lelah around I became quite busty. I grew to a size 42EE; I was all green up there with $50, $20,  $10 and $5 dollar bills ... what can I say it’s my Birthday, Holla!

 

Chandra Cooper of WMAQ NBC 5 in Chicago came to toast me with Patron shots; I think they ran out of Patron, Holla!

 

Somewhere along the line I have lost Tanya and my sister Kay, ok I think they having their own party, Holla!

 

Ok I know I have forgotten many folks and I am sorry, just remember they ran out of Patron. Hey, Gee, Corey I had a good time. Thank you for making me busty for a night, I loved it!

 

Andre’s on Garfield

 

Well its day two of celebrating my birthday and I am at Andre’s on Garfield. Where I’m in for a few surprises that I didn’t know about. I thought I was just coming to have a birthday drink, well with Andre’ nothing is ever normal, Holla! It was also Andre’s one year anniversary; He’s been in business one whole year, Congratulations Andre

 

R&B singer Tony (TNT) Washington met me at the door with big hugs and an even bigger Happy Birthday I loved it!

 

I took a seat with Angie Murphy as Andre’ got on the mic. I had no clue what was about to happen. Andre’ welcomed every one and then started talking about this person, as he talked I realized there was something in his hand with my name on it, he then called me up and presented me with a dozen roses and a beautiful birthday card, I was truly humbled.

 

Tony TNT and the Explosive Divas (back-up singers) took to the stage and from the gate, they rocked us. Tony and the Divas are bad they can do any kind of music you name. Also in the group is Mark Phillips and Ron Monroe a guitarist who is blind, but he can play that guitar.

 

Freida and Jacqueline Webb have joined us and Tony and the Divas are showing out. Big Mac, Mac Weddle has joined us; it is his birthday also so we are getting it on.

 

Tony is doing a rendition tribute to James Brown who was called the hardest working man in show biz well Tony and the Divas are the hardest working group in the biz in Milwaukee, I love it!

 

Musicians and artist are coming from everywhere: Ballartier, Bobby Childs, drummer Paul Murphy, singer and keyboard player Tim Campbell, actress Rochelle Streeter, a host of Handsberry Sands actors and actress, members from Harvey Scales and the 7 Sounds and Richard Thomas who is in the Stage Production of "A Raisin In the Sun" in Chicago. It’s a party ya’ll.

 

Serious entertained us with a bit of spoken word. Joe Jordan the lead singer with the Milwaukee Bucks Orchestra has taken to the stage with Saxophonist Al Turner and he presents me a gift of CD’s wishing Mac and I a Happy Birthday, and then dedicates a song to us, "Ordinary People" by John Legend.

 

Andre and Joe teamed up once again, as they did when they were in the group Crew Seduction, in a duet "What you won’t do for love." They rocked the house. I think they were having a Crew Seduction reunion up in here, Holla!

 

Upon my departure the Explosive Divas wanted to say farewell to me, so they did "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday" Stevie Wonder style, they were awesome!

 

Hey, Andre, Angie, Joe, Tony and the Explosive Divas and all the other artist and musicians who made my day I thank you.

 

Milwaukee celebrates a King’s Holiday

 

A look at some of the MLK celebrations in the city

 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration was kicked off by a color presentation by the Veterans United for Community Service. (photo by Barbara White)

The Sixth Annual King Birthday Brunch Celebration was held at the home of Shirley Warrens. Friends, family members, politicians and educators gathered for a day of reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (photo by Barbara White)

 

In Milwaukee, there are so many celebrations for the Dr. King federal holiday.

 

Dr. King was a world leader and revolutionary who believed and fought for the human rights of Black people. His method of fighting for God-given-rights that all other people were granted was by means of civil disobedience, marches, being jailed and even beaten without resistance to show the world who the real animals were in America.

 

Consequently, Dr. King was assassinated for wanting to be treated as a human being. Now every Jan. 15, we celebrate the freedom fighter’s heroic life, which had given hope to all worldwide. Therefore, I attended a few of the celebrations:

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Center

 

It was a salute to a King at the Dr. Martin Luther King Center, where Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, County Supervisor Elizabeth Coggs-Jones, and Parks Director Sue Black and the King Center hosted the 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Federal Holiday. The theme, "Celebration of a new beginning: No More Business as Usual."

 

The Celebration featured music, dance and prose in salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Senator Lena Taylor and County Supervisors Michael Mayo and Peggy West were in the house.

 

The celebration was full of pure energy and joy, as it opened with the Veterans United for Community Service Presentation of Colors. Lamont Johnson did the Invocation. Michelle Cherek led the national black anthem, "Lift Every Voice." Donna Brown-White and Rob Cotton, the center’s managers welcomed everyone.

 

There were greetings from all the host. Devona Coggs-Jones, Miss 2007 CPBA, introduced the keynote speaker Albert Holmes President of the Board of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Collaborative, which is doing an excellent job of influencing and supporting the community in building strong and responsible fathers that better the lives of children and families.

 

Holmes was quite eloquent yet firm in his address. A veteran himself, he spoke passionately of the struggles Black people have in this country even when you defend it. He talked of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Collaborative stating many guys come to them for assistance with their child support issues.

 

He talked of freedom and questioned whether we were really free or still slaves because we have become nothing but consumers and we own nothing economically.

 

Holmes ended his presentation with a challenge. He told us not to "come back here next year unless you have done something different than what you have done in the past. Thank you."

 

Holmes received a standing ovation. He was also presented an award for daring to be…Free. Awards were also presented to New Concepts and the Saleem’s Karate-Do. Sue Black presented a special award to Rob Cotton, who she praised as an inspiration to all throughout the county parks system.

 

Rob was simple in his words of acceptance, "Love is the true answer" and the party and celebration began.

 

Most of the entertainment came out of many of the good programs at the King Centers, where groups, businesses or organizations are heavily involved.

 

It concluded with all of us singing Happy Birthday to Dr. King, Stevie Wonder’s anthem.

 

To all the host of the King Celebration: It was an excellent celebration; I truly enjoyed it. To all who still believe in freedom: the issues are the same 30 years later.We continue to fight against being judged by the color of our skin, police brutality and  lack of basic education. In addition, we now are faced with drugs, HIV, a non-tradition morality and the lack of economic inclusion, but more importantly, ourselves. So let us look in the mirror, and start self-loving and make that change. Human rights and total Freedom is still a must and thank you for still daring to dream.

 

The sixth Annual Dr. King Brunch

 

Shirley Warren hosted the Sixth Annual Dr. King Brunch at her home, where six generations gathered to partake in the celebration.

 

Shirley states they started the King Brunch as a way to show the young people in her family it is not a day to go to the malls, shop, and hang out. It was a history day for Black people and the day should be spent with family and friends reflecting the life and contributions of Dr. King, as well as all Black freedom fighters throughout our history.

 

Many folks turned out to celebrate at the Warren house; there was former MPS School Board Director Joyce Mallory, State Senator Spencer Coggs, State Rep. Polly Williams, Tucker Jones, and Frankie Johnson of Unity Funeral Home who gave us all Dr. King calendars.

 

Folks came and went; it was a brunch of real comfort the fireplace brought us good warmth, the conversations were great and the food well it was so goooood. There was the Joyce Mallory grits, the Shirley Warren baked ham, the Maxine Geter hash browns, the Pam Hutchins flavored coffees, the Letty Albert fruit salad, Mother Hutchins deviled eggs and the Polly Williams pound cake. Shirley calls it the breakfast with plenty of desserts.

 

There were many educators there, both active and retired like Katherine Clark who is retired but is Director of the retired Administrators and supervisors Council along with her daughter, Lein Edwards who is a teacher at Carson Academy. Emma Butts, Lorraine Hutchins and Mildred Whatley and Terry Warren of Top Star Exotic Wear and Lingerie were in the house.

 

Shirley broke out the ice-cold Welch’s sparkling grape juice and we all toasted to Dr. King on his Birthday, as Mother Hutchins told us how they used to make a wine called Mustardine.

 

Of course, we talked politics; it’s consistent across the board: Run Obama Run!

 

Hey, Shirley thanks for the invite, I truly enjoyed it, and I feel like I know Dr. King would have enjoyed his Birthday Brunch as well. Keep doing the good stuff I love it!