One hundred nineteen thousand, five hundred (119,500) down 121,500 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--

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

--African proverb--

Thoughts for the Week

Friendships are like bank accounts you cannot continue to draw on them without making deposits John C. Maxwell

Holla-Outs

Hey, Matthew Jones over at the Milwaukee County Court House Valet Shoeshine and repair, keep shining the world, I love it!

Hey, Gwendolyn Thompson, Past Imperial Commandress, Daughter of Isis Prince Hall Affiliated, just wanted to holler at you.

Hey, Misty Minley, I just want to share with everyone how you ride your motorcycle all over the country, in rain and all kinds of weather, Misty has a 1500 Gold Wing Trek, and she rides it just like the guys, she is President of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club and Worthy Matron of Harmony Chapter #3 Prince Hall. Ride Misty Ride, I love it!

Holla-Out to all of you over at Advance Auto Parts on Teutonia and Hampton.

Birthday Holla-Outs

To: Marcia McHenry, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday! I know you were truly surprised when all your family and friends surprised you with a spread and flowers for your birthday.

Pssssst...

Okay y’all you didn’t hear this from me, y’all know DeMarco who was one of my two favorites is gone and Mr. Wonderful (Gaulien "Gee" Smith) is all I have now and he knows, Holla!

Well, recently Mr. Wonderful decided to make my day. He called and asked me to tell him what had I been encouraging him to do since we met. My first guess was wrong, but my second guess was right ... Mr. Wonderful (Gee) has decided to go back to school! He will be attending MATC and he plans to major in Business Administration. Psssst...He was so excited about school that he went to school on Monday and found out that class does not start until two-weeks from now, Holla!

Okay Gee, I had to tell, Holla! Anybody that excited about education and going to school, that they go on the wrong day, needs their story told to hopefully inspire someone else. Hey, Mr. Wonderful I am so proud of you, you have come full circle and now you are fully claiming your piece of the universe now dance in it dance. I love ya!

Congratulations

To: Eight-year old Dajah Page of Grantosa Elementary School. Dajah has just completed a commercial for the Jamakk Jam Dance Company to recruit young children into the dance troop. Dajah is the only young person to dance with the adult company. Jamakk Jam means Peace and Peace.

Condolences

Our condolences go out to the family of Calvin Turner. As many in the entertainment world knew him as one of the baddest guitarist in the city, playing with groups like 1st Class Show band and the band Something Unique. Turner started out in a band his father created called the Turners Boys. Entertainers from all over came to bid farewell and they said it was a real home going as artist like J.C. (Dennis Lewsome) blew the house out when he sang "Stand" by Donnie McCluklen and Songbird Jeannie Holliday sang "Walk with Me."

J.C. came all the way from Jackson, Mississippi and Trey Boom, Boom traveled from California. It is stated when the casket was opened on the lapel of Calvin’s suit was a flashing-playing guitar as if it was him. Hey, y’all know Calvin would have loved the set thrown for him!

Happy Birthday, DeAnna Rae Gauthier

DeAnna Rae Gauthier cuts her birthday cake during her recent 16th birthday celebration held at the Whitefish Bay Women’s Center. (photo by Barbara White)

Okay y’all I-Witness turned back the hands of time by attending the Sweet 16 party of DeAnna Rae Gauthier, who celebrated her 16th birthday at the Whitefish Bay Women’s Center. And boy did her mom Dorothy Carr and dad Robert Gauthier throw her the bash, black and white balloons were everywhere!

DeAnna Rae is no average 16-year-old; she is a junior at Dominican High School and carries a GPA of 3.5. At 16, this dynamic young lady has a resume to marvel. A professional model, selected the 2007 CYD Queen, DeAnna attends Marquette Upward Bound for summer/fall sessions and has been selected 2007 most outstanding junior biology student, and most outstanding student in Integrated English studies.

DeAnna has also been nominated to serve as a national scholar representing Wisconsin at the 2007 National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., she will join her peers from across the nation with an opportunity to address and give her presentation on the floor of the House of Representatives. (The Congress)

If the above are not enough DeAnna is also the student counsel treasurer and the president of Campus Ministry of Dominican High School. Her leadership ability has led her to play JV varsity basketball as well as JV volleyball, Varsity Soccer, Tae Kwon Do-Midwest Champ and Marquette University Upward Bound Intramural B-ball Champ.

That is why the proud parents of DeAnna threw her a bash of all Sweet 16 celebrations. Gospel singer, Tony Neal rocked the house for the young lady, there was a praise dance performed by her peers, Jasmine Sims and Amber Leazer, who attend Marquette Upward Bound with her.

One of I-Witness’ favorites, the multitalented Lil’ Jewel, serenaded her with Sam Cooke’s "Sweet 16" and R Kelly’s "I Believe I Can Fly." If you have never heard Lil’ Jewel sing before, then you’re missing a treat; this young man can blow! I don’t care if it’s Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, or Rod Stewart, he can take them.

I want y’all to know DeAnna and her friends and family partied to the sounds of D-Rock himself. He had me thinking I was Sweet 16, Holla!

There door prizes and raffles of MP3 players, a very nice dinner and a huge beautiful strawberry cake. Jeannetta Robinson of CYD gave DeAnna a special salute.

Okay D. Rock has them dancing to Reggae, these young people are partyin' up in here. Every one sang Happy Birthday to DeAnna as she tried to hurry them along to go be Sweet 16 and party.

Every young child that takes on the worldview has sponsors Michelle Pitts-Luckett of the New Pits Mortuary and Attorney Michael Hupy of Abraham & Hupy Law Firm.

Hey, DeAnna you are making your parents proud because they know they have given you all the have and put some stuff into to make you successful in life, yes we know it’s you who has to get it done but it’s a team effort you, your parents, family and community. I am truly proud of you. I can now retire to my rocking chair to relax and watch cable the rest of my life because I know you are one of the many young people who have been counted out, have claimed your place in the universe and will continue to work to provide the kind of leadership our world needs to make our world a better place as God intended. Happy Birthday! Sweet 16, Keep advancing that next generation!

Local church shows there are good things in the ’hood!

Pastor Tina Carter (top photo) poses with the children of her church, Joshua Possessing the Promise Ministries. (lower photo) Shay of Top Class Barbershop gave free haircuts to youngsters at the event. (photo by B. White)

They wear T-shirts saying, "Is there anything good in the Hood, Sho’ U Right." Yes, the fourth Annual Back-to-School Block party hosted by Joshua Possessing, the Promise Ministries is something good in the hood.

Boy was it a party for the children of the neighborhood on 32nd and Burleigh. There were free hair cuts provide by Sir No. 2 Shay of Top Class Barbershop, the Little G’s (little Goodies) Joshua Gospel Choir, the Holy Redeemer Youth Choir, and the Praise Temple Ministry Mimes, who are dynamic.

Kelvin and Tina Carter are co-pastors of Joshua Possessing, the Promise Ministries. "We are from the hood and we understand the struggles of our folks," states Pastor Tina. "We are child focus, with numerous activities for the children as well as counseling, a food and clothing pantry." Pastor Kelvin is a teacher in the construction trades at WRTP.

There were good brainteaser games for the children like guessing how many Black Eye Peas, noodles or white beans were in the jars. I loved this game because it made the children count and think. The children had all kinds of goodies to eat and drink. The Ministry also made sure they were prepared for the school year, they gave them book bags full of supplies that said, "Is there something good in the Hood, Sho’ yo’ Right," and I loved it!

Cassea Nance was the coordinator of the wonderful event. In the words of Pastor Tina, we are the church that wants you to come and do you.

Hey, Pastor Kelvin and Tina, "Sho’ You Right," there are many good things in the hood and your ministry is one of them, thanks for caring about the children, I love it!

Get Yo’ Laugh On

Tamu "Jazz" Lawrence, the Princess of Comedy, celebrated the beginning of her 20-city comedy tour during a recent comedy show featuring many heavy-hitting comedians. (photo by Barbara White)

It was Marcus Combs of the Bad Boys of Comedy, Andre’ of Making the Band 4, five time Apollo Winner and BET’s Comic View, Wildcat, Brotha Kamazi of Zulu Nation, Comic View’s Ill Will, Remedy and the woman of the hour, nationally renowned comedian Jazz.

They came from all over to celebrate the Princess of Comedy Jazz and the beginning of her 20 city-tour.

Jazz is more than a comedian she is Tamu Lawrence the mother of two, Jazz has a bachelor’s in psychology and is attending Marquette University working on her master’s. She is founder and CEO of Artist for Change, where she assists artists in pursuing their dreams to work in the entertainment industry.

She has worked with such celebrities like Jamie Foxx and Robin of Good Morning America. If that is not enough, she is CEO of Closed Caption, Inc. a mortgage management and financial company that assist and help folks out of foreclosures, helps to rebuild their credit. She is also a breast cancer survivor recently having surgery this past December but finding ways to live life like there is no tomorrow.

"It has been tough but I finally found a doctor who knew what he was doing. I encourage women to find a doctor who they can work with and know what they are doing. Take notes, read, learn everything there is about what is wrong with you and never stop dreaming," she states.

Jazz leaves for Hollywood, California for a live taping as part of her 20-City Tour and the celebration began at 618 Club (formerly the Ladybug) I-Witness shared the reserved table of Shelby Parrish and Ward Jenkins ... and did we get our laugh on.

Comedian D. Rock, an I-Witness favorite, was the MC and was he funny. D-Rock engaged the audience with "I got some money," then giving them a glass of shut the heck up. Petey, a guitarist, opened the show with the Blues, singing "she is the sweetest thing," his pride and joy and he was serious.

Then the young singing group Remedy, who I-Witness thinks that with a little bit more crafting they will have a bright future, sang. They were pretty good.

Then Brotha Kamazi of Zulu Nation who filled us with our social responsibilities to our communities as he remind us to take a moment for 4-year-old, Jasmine Owens, who was shot and killed, assailed unknown and for all the other young people who have died from violence. He had us chatting with him to stop the violence, stop the war as he had us raise one finger for the All Mighty. He says Hip-Hop has gotten a bad rap, but Hip-Hop has not killed anybody. He was really good.

Jazz was brought to the stage as her friends and staff presented her with a host of balloons and flowers, thanking her for being and helping so many people fulfill their dreams. Her vision has been great and we gon’ keep on dreaming. Jazz responds by saying, "God gives favors to good people." Looking gorgeous in her threads from Torrence’s House of Threads, she thanked everyone then said, "If yo’ man ain’t doing you right, it’s cuz he’s with me. If he ain’t doing you right, get his friend!"

Andre’ of Making the Band 4 entertained us a bit. D. Rock is back, when I say jazz, you say Jazz. Jazz has retaken the stage in her T-shirt and jeans to tell us the stomach she has came with the T-shirt when she bought it. She had us Rollin on the floor.

Then there was Comic View’s Ill Will, a comedian with challenges but had us in tears, "I am the only comedian with medication in his show, I’m a rich handicap, a real baller, give it up for me and my medication and let’s party like a retard. I went from Gangsta disciple to genetically disabled. Don’t mess with me and come in a hospital I will call all my posse out, you will see them in wheelchairs, walkers and scooters!"

Wild Cat was equally as funny, He states: "summer brings it all out but women remember if you wear a size 14, get a size 14 ’cause if you don’t surely something will fall out."

Jazz takes us there, she states many of you came from Chicago to celebrate, Jazz got a foundation called help a witch, help herself.

Marcus Cole of the Bad Boys of Comedy had us Rollin’. He talked about how they had roaches and they were every where so he told his dad why don’t you cut a deal with the roaches that they can stay as long as they don’t come out when we have company because that’s the only time you think about them. We were rolling as he continued his piece.

Hey, Jazz I wish you the best in all your endeavors I had a good time. In your words, "Never Stop Dreamin’, I am blessed and God gave me a favor." Yes, the Creator did he made you an angel, spread you wings girl and fly, the universe is yours.

Fire dum, dum, dum Fire...

Area firefighters hold back-to-school celebration

Doran Kemp of St. Joseph’s Save a Life Foundation teaches Arina Locks CPR. (photo by B. White)

It was a blaze of joy and happiness at Engine 34 and Med 13 as they hosted their Fourth Annual Back to School and Survive Alive Block Party.

Captain Orlando Rice and his crew of firefighters and Medics know how to bring smiles to the faces of children. Joining them were many sponsors like the Brew City Corvette Club who not only brought their Corvettes to show off, but also bought book bags filled with school supplies.

How about Doran Kemp of St Joseph’s "Save a Life Foundation" who showed Little Arina Locks how to do CPR on adults as well as children. She was good. Eighty percent of the people have a heart attack before a family member, so it is really important that you learn CPR.

There were two of I-Witness’ favorite U.S. Service men, U.S. Navy GMI Lavelle Ware and the "world’s greatest" he says, U.S. Navy Recruiter Keith Wilkerson.

We took a trip in the past with Company F29th Infantry Regiment, USCT, representing Blacks who fought in the "Civil War" from Wisconsin.

There were young people who assisted, Sigma Gamma Rho, Youth Rhoer Club, who helped serve food and hand out school supplies. Unique Classic Cars was also in the house.

I-Witness’ new favorite Captain Dewayne Smoots of Engine 8 representing the Brotherhood of Black Fire Fighters both locally and regionally as president.

Local 215 of the Milwaukee Fire Fighters Union and the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Fire Fighters, the U.S. Forestry featuring Smokey the Bear himself, saying "Only you can prevent forest fires," Holla! I loved it!

UW-Milwaukee, Leonard White was in the house recruiting as well as the Philadelphia, Pa Fire fighters, Local 122 who sent book bags and school supplies to help support the efforts of Engine House 34, I loved it!

Okay y’all the children or their parents were not without entertainment, Fire Fighters did designer balloons, artist Sylvester Sims had his works on display joining his son Terry Sims of the Terry Sims Band, which features retired Firefighter James Davis on Sax, and can he blow. God’s Holy Tabernacle Church was also representing.

Tammy Rice (Captain Rice wife) was the Mary Kay Beauty Consultant to help us out after we finish eating all of Ms. Parrish’s Desserts and Ms. Perkins of Perkins’s Family Restaurant famous Peach Cobbler, Holla!

Captain Rice states, "we do this in the spirit of Harambee, which means pulling together in the spirit of unity. We love the providing the activities for the children, the books and supplies as well as fellowship over food. We have good people in front of the children face to face to show them they can do and be anything they choose in life."

New Fire Chief Doug Holton was on hand as well sharing with us. He told us that many babies are dying from SIDS death from sleeping with adult family members. "We must change our sleeping practices with the new babies," he urged everyone in attendance. Holton also said that the firefighters would continue safety education citywide and donate a special crib for newborns in need.

Froedtert Hospital’s Donors Network was also on hand, Captain Rice recently underwent a Kidney Transplant at Froedtert and he states: "I stand before you by the graces of God. I thank my sister-in law for being the angel she is for giving me a gift from her heart, a kidney; organ donation is a good thing."

What is a block party thrown by firefighters without the Survive Alive House? The big red house stood large as child after child took their walk through it.

Hey, Captain Rice and all my Fellow Firefighters, y’all are too special, and I want all of you to know I love you. Y’all do so much in our community to make life better. You are special people because only special people can love children and put their life on the line for another human being. Keep doing the good things, I love it!

It’s a surprise!

Anita Miles was honored with a surprise retirement party. Alderman Willie Wade presents Miles with a special proclamation. (photo by Barbara White)

Psssst... Anita Miles’ children--Kindle, Tracey, Lynn, Christina and Cory--threw her a surprise retirement party to celebrate her new milestone in life. Miles is retiring from the Milwaukee County Transit as a bus driver who drove the bus Route 76 for 32 years. She has decided to flatten her tires at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center.

Bus drivers, family and friends came to surprise the driver they all admired. Miles was more than a driver she was a person who gave to her community as well by volunteering to do, whatever she could with many organization. However, what made her truly special was her customer service that she provided to riders on her route; she would always go that extra step. Many of the riders loved her as was spoken of through letters that they sent to the company as well as the 32 commendations she received through out her career.

The center was decked with balloons dancing in the air to the sounds of D.J. Craig McNeal. Seasoned with Grace Catering had it laid out, they had a big buffet table beautifully dressed, with a chocolate and raspberry chocolate fountain as appetizers and you could dip an array of fruit from bananas, pineapples, cherries, strawberry or pretzels, or Rice Krispies, it was awesome.

Folks waited anxiously for the guest of honor to arrive, as she entered D.J McNeal played "Hey there sugar dumpling come on give me something..." Boy was she surprised, I loved it! She could not believe it.

Each person that spoke gave her a rose and that continued throughout the evening until a bouquet of 30 roses was created to represent each year she worked for Milwaukee County Transit. The program opened, with prayer by Ruby Brooks, her son Cory who is an executive at Target did the welcome, Alderman Willie Wade and his wife, Lizzette were in the house and Alderman Wade presented Miles with a Resolution from the city of Milwaukee and a Proclamation from the Milwaukee County Board.

Cedrick Allen, director of Transportation, read letters from customers and talked about her beyond the call of duty style. He said: "if a pit bull was blocking riders from getting on the bus, all others would just pass them up but not Anita she would take the pit bull off the stop so her riders could board."

Each of her children took to the floor in a special recognition of their mother. Her son, Cory, started by saying, "my mom is a great person and influences our lives..." It was a tearjerker y’all but I did not cry. Kindle her daughter who lives in Minnesota has breast cancer and she talked of all her family taking turns to come and see her. Okay y’all I-Witness was on the verge of tears, but I did not cry, Holla!

There was a wonderful dinner and a video presentation of her life. Dottie Miles gave Anita a gift from the heart, Vincent Morrow sang a special song to her and many of her family and friends took us down memory lane showing the wonderful life Anita Miles has lived.

Hey, Anita if I ever seen love, I saw it that day, through your children, your grandchildren and all your friends, family and your community. Love is a strange thing; you can only get it and feel its real effect when you know how to give it. Congratulations!

It’s a Cincere Day

R& B singer Cincere is honored with a proclamation of his own day. (photo by B. White)

Nationally renowned R&B singer Cincere and Ned’s Pizza on Capitol hosted a pre-celebration of the proclamation of Cincere Day in the City of Milwaukee with a Back-to-School Party.

On Ned’s Pizza lot were the flash cars, entertainment and fellowship. Cincere states it is basically a day for the community to kick off a safe school year for the children. There were raffles, barbecue and of course, pizza.

Troy Easley manager of Ned’s Pizza says, we are doing this for the children, education is very important and it is something Ned’s Pizza has always been a part of so we teamed up with Cincere and put together something to prepare children for school. We wanted to support the community that supports us.

Micah McCraney and her sister Aushai who sings with Rebel Life Entertainment were there having a good time, so was mother and daughter, 7-year-old, Raynia Kimbrough and Mercarea Williams who danced with each other and had their own party, they were Rock stars, Holla!

Yes, there was entertainment, the group Remedy who I think have a bright future. There was Magic Fingers, Brotha Ralph, rapper Smoke Lord, and rappers Dallas Boyz who many say are up and coming and have a hot single by Tezo of the group called "Break a Sweat." Tezo is also a barber at Ebony II.

Cincere treated us with his song "I Do" and two new songs off of his soon to be released CD, which includes a new dance called the ... y’all ready for this: "Bubble Gum!" I watched them do the dance and it was interesting, Holla!

Hey, Cincere and Troy, I enjoyed it, it takes special people to love children, keep loving the children, I love it!