Black People are the First Wonders of the World--

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

--African proverb

Thought for the Day

Life is drawing without an eraser...

Pssssst

Alderman McGee: I-Witness salutes you today just because, you dare to believe in the power of the Creator, in spite of unholy angels, you dare to believe in the will of "We the People." Equally as important you dare to stand and stare in the eyes of your adversaries as you passionately continue to fight for the voiceless and a brighter day for all, Atten...tion Salute! To those in the 6th aldermanic district, I-Witness cannot vote, so on March 3rd Vote McGee for Me! Thank you.

Jolinea Ghoston is hosting a free Home Buying Seminar this weekend if you are interested in buying a home, check it out.

Holla-Outs

To: Linda Bingham-chief inspector, Nicolette Deal, Marian (Pat) Graham, Velma Payne, Elizabeth Tucker, Chuck Gray and Clifton Johnson over at the Byron Kilbourn School Polling site, I love them they are very friendly, helpful and dedicated. Y’all do a great job.

Hey, Hertis Brown I met this young lady named Aniece Brown (your daughter) who shared with me that you are a big time I-Witness reader. Thank you, she further told me that you saw me on WISN 12 with DeMarco Morgan and you called up your children to watch, you know I loved it! I hear you are pretty special yourself and I want our readers to know a little bit about you. So I am inviting you to Hang-Out at the movies with me and to join me for dinner afterwards at Soche’ Milwaukee. I will be in touch.

Hey, Sara Hunter I just thought I would Holla at you.

To: Attorneys Jacqueline Rogers and Tayyibah over at Legal Ladies in the Bayshore Town Center. I just wanted to Holla at you.

Hey, Keshawn Tommy Anthony over at Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School and Destiny Massey at Little Miss Muffet Daycare. I bet you thought that I forgot all about you, huh? I want y’all to know Destiny sang me a song her uncle Ricky Ghoston taught her and I loved it. Keshawn her brother wants me to Holla-Out to his two favorite teachers, Ms. Sorbyn and Mr. Green, Holla! Keep advancing that next generation, I love it!

Hey, Jakki Campbell I truly enjoyed hangin’ out with you and our very stimulating conversation. I look forward to our next one.

To: Willie Sims, co-founder of the National Association of Black Veterans. Hey Willie I know we can’t thank our soldiers enough for daring to believe in freedom, Asante’ Sana (thank you), Atten...tion Salute!

Hey, Earnestine Sartin and Sambo (Robert Sain) just hollering at you.

Congratulations

To: A former Milwaukeean, Wyman Winston. He is the new Deputy Director of the Tax Allocation District in Atlanta. The job will entail getting up new district neighborhoods both residential and commercial, recruiting new developers to do different task and offer Tiffs. Here again Milwaukee loses again, we continue to deny growth opportunities to talented people particularly if they are Black and our loss becomes every other city’s gain, Congratulations Wyman!

To: Sumer Tyler, who was accepted to Tuskegee University for the fall, go Sumer, go Sumer, keep advancing that next generation, I love it!

To: State Representative Jason M. Fields, who was elected as the Milwaukee Delegation Caucus Chair. The 19-member delegation includes Senators Spencer Coggs, Jeff Plale, Tim Carpenter, Jim Sullivan, Lena Taylor; State Representatives Polly Williams, Pedro Colon, John Richards, Tamara Grigsby, Tony Staskunas, Barbara Toles, Josh Zepnick, Leon Young, Peggy Krusick, Dave Cullen, Fred Kessler, Sheldon Wasserman, and Christine Sinicki.

As Chairperson, Representative Fields pledges to foster a strategic relationship with area businesses and labor unions to create and maintain quality jobs. In addition, Representative Fields intends to collaborate and increase communication with the Governor’s Office and Milwaukee County and city government leaders.

To: Alderman Joe Davis, Sr., who has been named a member of the Community and Economic Development Policy and Advocacy Committee of the National League of Cities and has been chosen to serve as 2007 vice chair of the important committee.

The National League of Cities is the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments. Its mission is to promote and strengthen cities by keeping local officials informed of critical issues affecting them, such as affordable housing challenges, federal economic development policies and immigration. Davis also serves as chair of the Milwaukee Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee.

Birthday Holla-Outs

Hey, Robert Lee Earl (Bob) you know I think you’re pretty special, thanks for looking out for me, I truly appreciated it. You have now just joined the ranks of my favorite guys, Mr. Wonderful, the Distinguish Gentleman, Mr. Debonair, Mr. Excitement, Mr. Romantic, Mr. Personality, Mr. Magnificent, Mr. Fantastic and I think I will call you Mr. Melody. You are one of the special guys who have made I-Witness’ Favorite guy list, Welcome aboard, Holla!

Thank You

"Mikel the lover after you there is no other," Holla! Hey, Mikel Holt the girls and I just want to thank you for a wonderful Valentine’s Day. You are Mr. Romantic, himself. We loved the chocolate covered strawberries and lunch from Solly’s. We don’t know of a better Associate Publisher than you. I guess all the Black men now know your secret, Mr. Romantic, Holla! You know you are one of my favorites, Asante’ Sana on behalf of all of us.

Firrrre dum dum, dum, Firrrre dum dum, Captain Oshiiyemi (Oshi) Adelabu (Eddie Brown) has retired as the World Heavy Weight Champion of Fire Fighters after 31 years of dedicated service to the Milwaukee Fire Department. Many came out to pay tribute to a champion who has dedicated his life to loving children and trying to make a difference in the world. Newly elected Fire Fighter President Bobbie Webber of Local 215 was in the house. It was the first time ever a Black man was elected to lead a local in Wisconsin.

The Champ was more than just a fire fighter and he has shown that throughout his life. As a student at Rufus King High School, Oshi, as we have learned to call him, always displayed much spirit, leadership and community commitment. He was involved in many athletic programs as a young person. He played football, basketball and even danced on his toes to win the Golden Gloves State Championship.

Oshi joined the Milwaukee Fire Department in 1976 where he received two Class A Merit Service Awards. He loved being a fire fighter and began to take it to a new level, combining his work into his community.

Oshi became a member of the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Black Fire Fighters, which led to him becoming Past President of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters; (IABPFF) bringing him to international status. His leadership and being a graduate of the Dr. Holmes Executive Development Institute (EDI) program, which is designed to enhance the professional knowledge and competency of the fire officers in career planning, took him too many places across the nation to assist countless fire fighters.

While most worked their shifts and went home, Oshi would work his shift and then head to the nearest youth center such as Hillside Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army, Athletes for Youths or the Midwest Minority Officials Basketball Association where he spent his time coaching, referring a game or simply giving a child his time.

He is presently mentoring a young man whose parents are incarcerated through the Amachi Model Program founded by former Phildelphia Mayor Wilson Goode.

Oshi’s good works and service with children have not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of many awards, including WISN 12, Twelve Who Care Volunteer of the Year Award and the Black Excellence Award. Additionally, Wisconsin Association for Sickle Cell has recognized him for gallant service in this community.

He is well rooted in the community, with civic duties, he is a member of the Milwaukee NAACP, National United Front and ASCP. Currently, he is the President of African World Festival as well as a lecturer of African and African American History.

Well he is great at many things but what he is best at is being a father to his two daughters, Tarbara Lane of Atlanta and Nikeya Brown, as well as his grandson, Gage Duran Lane.

As a fellow firefighter in training, I-Witness sat at ringside with many of my comrades, Orlando and Tammy (Griffin) Rice, Ifama Jackson, Auriea Mosley, Lamonda and Quintella Pippin, Historian Reuben Harpole, Henry Cannon and Jacqueline Stegall as the bout of the Heavy weight Champ began.

The Weigh In was filled with mingling during the cocktail hour, as we listened to the sounds of Brothers of Kwanzaa and feasted on a continuous buffet of many good things to eat. Oshi graced us with Libation as the Reverend Mose Fuller blessed us with prayer. Anda Riley sang the National Black Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Now the Fight: Round 1, The Golden Gloved Champ, Friends, Family Man. Tarbara, and Nikeya introduced the speakers as they paid wonderful tributes to their dad. The Reverend Ronald Brown of Sunrise Baptist Church, Oshi’s brother, Lifelong friend Cornelius Robertson and former Fire Fighter Ron Taylor of the Omaha Fire Department. They all shared with us the special kind of love they had for the Champ and that special love that only he knew how to give another.

Round 2, In the Beginning (the Recruit 1976) Mac Weddle, Northcott Neighborhood House gave us antidotes of back in the day. He talked of how Oshi could never beat him in basketball; he had us rollin’. Then he said the Champ has helped and made a difference in many young people’s lives. He then turns to Oshi and says, "you are my Hero, a grand man and no one deserves this more than you do." Many talked of the Champs loyalty, his courage and how he would fight for those who could not fight for themselves. In fact, Ernie Gee thanked him for always being there for him.

Intermission, Honored Guest speakers with proclamations and declarations, Mayor Tom Barrett declared it Oshi Day all over the city of Milwaukee but he was out done by Fire Fighter Lieutenant DeWayne Smoots who is regional president of Ten States in the Midwest Region and he declared it "Oshi’s Day" in all 10 states, I loved it!

County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, along with Supervisors Beth Coggs-Jones, Willie Johnson, Michael Mayo, Toni Clark as well as Alderman Mike McGee showed Oshi much love through their own personal salutes and proclamations.

I want y’all to know the spirit and energy in this room was one of true pride and love for a job well done and everybody was feelin’ it, keeping it gangster (real).

Round 3, Dedication and Commitment to Fire Service. Shirley Franklin introduced the speakers, MBFF President DeWayne Smoots who often had us in laughter but mostly he shared with us the love and respect that he had for the Champ, and appreciated all that he has taught him, President Bobby Webber of Local 215 IAFF and Lawrence Quinn of the IABPFF continued the good words.

Round 4, Community Activist/Role Model. Introduction by Nikeya, Jon Voles of the Mighty Panthers one of the teams Oshi coached for many years. He attributed Oshi with many things that influenced his life. However, the tearjerker came from Kansas City Chief Running Back Michael Bennett who flew in just to celebrate his mentor, talked of being a young boy and hearing Oshi call him son. He stated, "many of you may not know what it means when you grow up without a father and you have no one to call you son. When Oshi called me son, it meant the world to me to hear those words."

In his emotion, you could see he took them and stored them in his heart to carry with him everywhere he went.

He continues, "every time things would get tough or I wanted to give up or I would wake up in the middle of the night and hear his voice saying, ‘Son.’ I knew I could face any challenge and triumph over anything. I could do whatever it was I needed to do and many things that I am is because of him, he is just like my father and I thank you for it." It was a tearjerker filled with so much love. Okay so I almost cried.

Round 5, Captain Milwaukee Fire Department 2002. Introduction of the speakers Captain Alonzo G. Chapman, Assistant Chief Mark Sain who gave us the history of the Historic Promotions that made Oshi a captain in a historical ceremony that saw this city promoted eight African Americans one Latino and one woman. He then asked all present and past fire fighters to stand and give Oshi, a thank you for all that he has done for all of us. Many spoke of Oshi, all had nothing but kind words to say.

The Champ received so many gifts from paintings, to African Artifacts but the gift of all gifts came at the Presentation of the Gift from the Retirement Committee, Airline tickets to anywhere on the continent of Africa that he wanted to go. Oshi was undone; he became a bit misty, as he had been all night.

Now I present you the Champ, Oshiiyemi (Oshi) Adelabu: He graced everyone by saying, "I live by the Creed: all that I am I owe and I live eternally in the red. I treat others the  way I want to be treated. I thank each and every one of you." He then hollered out to those who had been instrumental in his life. "I say thank you for all," he said, "I appreciate the praise but I did what I did because it is just me."

He continued: "For those who are young help a brother, lead, help somebody, get some guys ready don’t just sit in the fire house with your feet up, let’s come together." At this point Ernie Gee hit us with "We are Family" as folks surrounded the Champ embracing him with hugs and even kisses.

The Post Fight Celebration: Well I do not have to tell y’all Ernie Gee rocked the house and it was a party up in there. Tony Courtney seemed to be King of the night; he had a harem of women dancing with him. While Tony was grooving, many were thinking it was their birthday, holla! Ifama and Charlotte Sain, who is the wife of the Assistant Fire Chief Mark Sain, and the chief himself were on the floor having a party, Holla! I loved it!

Hey, Oshi it is not often one gets to smell their flowers while they are alive. When other people can speak words of praise filled with love for you then one knows it is a job well done.

Everyone had a story of your courage, your leadership, and your loving and caring spirit just because that is you. Asante’ Sana for being a soldier and knowing how to love and care about another human being unconditionally, Atten...tion Salute! Hotep! (Peace be with you) Ashay! (So be it.)

Milwaukee’s very own dating game

Jammin’ 98.3’s Darrin D hosted the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals’ second annual dating game, where I-Witness was a contestant trying to get a date with a bachelor. Darrin D allows I-Witness to respond to her bachelor’s question (left photo). Mr. Wonderful (right photo) himself was one of the bachelors during the dating game. Darrin D presents Gaulien (Gee) Smith to the audience. (photos by Barbara White)

The Urban League Young Professionals are a group of young people in the city who host a number of events throughout the year that serve as greet and meets, networking and fundraising opportunities for their various community involvement projects.

Alonzo Kelly, who is president of the group, states: "It is a way for young professionals to have fun, and network but at the same time do good things in our community. We do many things like our annual White Linen Gala in the fall, a luncheon at Miller Park, which focuses on our community and leadership, as well as our upcoming Bowling Network Tournament, May 25."

That night, the group hosted a fundraiser at the Bavarian Inn called the Dating Game. Many of you may be familiar with the game show. Yours truly I-Witness was one of the contestant and boy did we have fun.

Kelly said the fundraiser will contribute to the Dr. Wesley Scott Foundation. Cantle Backhoes was the chair of this year’s event with Jammin’ 98.3 Darrin D as the host of the game show and he was hilarious.

Many turned out to support the event, including Dashal Young, Richard Bader, Sheik A. Bacchus, Justine Hall, Leonard Perry (who is moving to Chicago), Crystal Szabo, ReDonna Wilson, Sheila Johnson, Cassandra McShepard of WMCS 1290, Corey Smith of Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant and Lounge provided the dinner gift certificates for the dates. There were many raffle gifts.

DJ L Boogie has signaled everyone to let the games began. Shantel had everyone introduce themselves to two people they did not know, it was a great way to get folks chatting. The game was explained to everyone. The bachelor or bachelorette after asking four rounds of questions to each contestant would then select one to take on an all expenses paid date.

The first bachelor and the contestants were funny and Darrin D was even funnier. After each segment, DJ L. Boogie would do the theme music and Darrin D would ask the audience which contestant they thought should be picked and then the chooser would select one of his/her choice.

Mr. Wonderful (Gaulien Smith) of Gee’s Clippers was one of the bachelors and yes, the women went wild as he entered the stage to the song "Ballin’." He had us rollin’ with his questions of the contestants, like are you a stalker or a stalkee. Corey and I were trying to tell Mr. Wonderful which one to pick. Darrin D should have been a bachelor because he was too funny but I do not think his wife Cherine would approve, Holla!

Then came yours truly I-Witness and two other contestants trying to get us a bachelor, Holla! I was contestant No. 1, our questions were too funny, like what kind of panties are you, draws, thongs, or briefs? No. 2 was draws cause she looked good in anything she wore, #3 all thong, and me, well I was a cross between a thong and a brief, Holla!

Another question: after our date would you kiss me on the cheek, shake my hand or do deep throat with your tongue down my throat? No. 2 would kiss him on the forehead, I stated, I would kiss him on the cheek and No. 3 said it would be deep throat all the way. It was too funny. There was an X-rated answer to a question and the audience rolled on the floor in shock. I-Witness won the audience vote, but No. 2 won the dinner date ... and just think y’all he was 38, two years older then me, Holla!

Darrin D kept saying this game is better than the "Price is Right."

I want to show y’all how these young people support each other, Sheila Robinson, author of the book "Getting Over It in Milwaukee," a guide with seven strategies of dealing with past relationships with funny stories, well she almost sold out of all her books. You can pick it up at Schwartz or Borders bookstore.

Hey, Shantel I had a great time and it was fun, fun, fun. These are the kind of events I-Witness loves where she can have fun and at the same time, our community benefits from all the fun. I cannot wait until next year. Young people I love it, keep advancing that next generation.

Does your home need improving?

NARI Home Improvement Show offered tips to homeowners

A family views a child’s bedroom that was designed by students at MATC. This room was just one of the many exhibits offered at the recent NARI Home Improvement Show. (photo by Barbara White)

The Milwaukee/NARI (National Association Remodeling) held its 45th Annual Home Improvement Show at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park.

Y’all know I-Witness is adventurous. I had never gone to a home show before so I wanted to see what it was like. I know absolutely nothing about fixing or building anything, Holla! I thought to myself: "so maybe today is the day I might learn something." And boy, did I get a surprise. There were all kinds of things to see there that I had never thought about for the home. More than 300 home improvement and remodeling exhibitors displayed information on the newest products, new trends and services for your home.

I chatted with David Pekal, chairman of the Home Show. I asked who comes to home improvement shows. He states, "people who are interested in seeing some products, trends, what manufactures are offering and to ask our professionals questions directly who are experts in their fields."

Pekal prided himself and the organization with the fact that most of the exhibitors were from Wisconsin and had excellent reputations at artisanship, service and products. I was impressed. We conclude our chat and I proceeded to go check out some things.

There were many seminars and demonstrations with professionals in remodeling, design and cooking. There were coloring contest for the children as well as an exhibit of swing sets and other outdoor play sets for children.

Many of the business had actual displays of the products. The best one I saw was the outdoor living quarters; it was laid. Now, I’m not talking about a patio. I’m talking about having your living room and kitchen outside in your back yard complete with appliances, even a fireplace all outdoors where you can enjoy all the summer breezes and sunshine. Harmony Outdoor Living as well as JD Builders Inc. who had a beautiful display of their work can do it and customize it to fit you needs.

I ran into so many folks I knew. I never expected them to be at the home show, Holla! Freida and Jacqueline Webb, ReDonna Rodgers and her mother Bertha, Antoinette Hamilton, Kenny Jones, and Dr. Spider and Sugar Pie Mays.

I did attend the end of the cooking demonstration with Chef Joey Altman of the Food Network Channel. Y’all know that is my favorite channel. Today, Chef Joey was cooking shrimp and a few other things but the big surprise was him cooking Duck in Duct Tape it was wild. He literally cooked the duck in duct tape and showed us how to do it.

Of all the exhibits, my favorite was the competition between MATC-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and Waukesha Technical College (WCTC). The three collages designed and built a room to display at the home show and those who attended selected the winner by voting on which they liked the best. WCTC room was a studio office combination, which was nice but it was too much work hiding things to transform it into an office. MATC did a child’s room, which was very creative, and you could see a lot of work went into its quality. The Institute of Art also did an office studio, which I loved, and it would have been very functional for me. Most every one loved the children’s room by MATC, Danielle and Kenneth Williams and their son Kenneth Jr. loved the kid’s room, so did Rob and Mary Fallon. Well, my unofficial guess is that MATC won it.

The home show was a good adventure for me. I learned so much. I think that next year I will go to just browse around and let my imagination soar. Next year, if you get a chance to go, check out the NARI Home Improvement Show.

A Manner of Etiquette

A lesson on dining out

I thought this was somewhat special Curtis Jordan of Milwaukee College Preparatory School Donavan Wesley were hangin’ out at Brown’s Ham House. The two have a very special relationship and you can clearly see. Donavan calls Curtis his young protege, and they were hangin’ out for a specific reason; they were learning how to properly eat when out. I asked Curtis what had he learned so far. Putting his finger up as he completed chewed his food, he stated "not to eat with your mouth full as number one." We all laughed. He continued, "no smacking while you chew and chew with your mouth closed."

Donavan says, "it is important that a young man knows how to properly eat when he is out so I want to teach him the right way." Curtis is a 4th grade student who does cumlata’ grade point averages, which equals excellent. Hey, Curtis you have a pretty special person in your life that takes the time to let you do you but also is willing to spend time with you, help you and teach you how to grow into a great man to do great things in the world. Always cherish and appreciate him. Thank you Donavan for caring, keep advancing that next generation, I love it!