by B. White

Holla!
Seventy-seven thousand, five hundred (76,500) down 168,500 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
"Anybody can make a baby but it takes a man to be a father."
--Malcolm X
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breaths away…
Holla-Outs
Hey, Virginia Grimes over at the YMCA Brown Deer; it was nice meeting you.
Hey, Renee Anderson over at CVS; just wanted to Holla at you!
Hey, Davon over at Davon’s 3 Price Car Lots, it was nice chatting with you. Your ideas about putting command stations at each end of the lakefront and charging $5 to all who enter, is a good idea. The $5 would go toward cleaning the lakefront. I also agree that the lakefront should be open at least until midnight and that the police need to quit hassling taxpayers who are there to enjoy the lakefront.
Birthday-Holla-Outs
Joyce Burt, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to youuuu, you know I had to sing to you, a big-time I-Witness reader. It was nice that your friends got together to celebrate with you over at Broadway Baby Dinner Theatre’, wishing you many, many more.
Congratulations
Nationally Renown Poet, the People’s Champ Kwanbena Antoine Nixon is the new Entertainment Director of Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant/Lounge. Hey, Kwabena I know you will do well in your new endeavor, maybe you can contract with I-Witness to come and sang some stuff for you, Holla! You know you are one of my favorites.
Hey, Roy and Georgia Evans I hear it’s your 40th Anniversary and that you two are really doing it up, first you are stopping in Palm Springs, Ca. to hang out with Dr. Cheryl Martin who has gone big time since she left Milwaukee, then the two of you are headed to Las Vegas, NV., where Roy has plans to chase Georgia around the room Holla! Congratulation you two much love to you both.
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The Story that Caught My I…
Spotlighting the compelling news stories in our city and beyond

Internet
Common Council President Willie L. Hines Jr. announced that the internal investigation into 6th Aldermanic District licensing matters that he initiated weeks ago has uncovered no unusual activities.
According to the information he received from the City Clerk’s Office. "The City Clerk and the License Division have informed me that the 14 pending licenses from the 6th District reveal nothing suspicious and have raised no concerns," explained Hines. "From this point forward, the License Division, the Licenses Committee and the Council will work together to resume normal licensing operations."
The Common Council President thanked City Clerk Ron Leonhardt and Rebecca Barron, head of the city’s License Division, for their assistance in the internal review. Ok, Again, why is Alderman Mike McGee I jail on extortion charges.
Obama
All of you may have heard or seen the new song and video "I got a crush on Obama." The song is about presidential candidate Barrack Obama, it’s a love song ya’ll and I love it. Yes, Obama is fineeee and I have a crush on him too, but I also love his politics. I love the line that the Obama girl sings about being a John Kerry worker and heard Obama at the Democratic Convention and she was through with Kerry and knew if Obama ran she would support him.
Many may find the vignette inappropriate but all through time political jingles and songs were the influence that caught the voters eye familiarizing them with the candidate. So Obama, I don’t know what men would write a song for Hilary, maybe Bill, Holla!
But the Obama girl’s song is a hit. After her song they claim Hilary jumped 10 points ahead of Obama in the polls which I don’t believe, but more importantly, Hilary had to pull her and Bill’s money out of the blind trust in the tune of over 15 million dollars. I love it, hey, my sistas lets write Obama some more love songs, it works. It’s an excellent way to campaign.
Television
The best television commercial that touches your heart and pulls at it, but gives you hope is: the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Here a woman gives her testimony regarding the bad treatment her doctor gave in telling her she has cancer. She was so hurt that he showed no compassion so her sister found the Cancer Treatment Center of America for her and they renewed her belief in life again, I love it!
Carol Meekins and co-anchor Mike Jacobson did a fine job on their "Dining Out" fund-raiser, I love Meekins she has all the guys fighting over her, Holla!
Over at Fox 6 they are bragging that folks have made them #1 in morning news which is on from 5am-9am. Ok I watch sometimes Joanne Williams and Julie Feldman are my favorites.
Radio
WMCS 1290 talk show host Eric Von and his host of panelist (many who were white) are agreeing with our community in the excessive bail Alderman Mike McGee is being held on, which lead one of the guest to say: "When Alderman Michael McGee Sr. became a problem for the city of Milwaukee, they redistricted him out of office. Now that his son Alderman Mike McGee Jr. has become a problem to the city even though the bail is excessive they have him and in plain and simply language they can do as they wish with him."
So now for all you naysayers even white people know that Mike McGee Jr. is being held illegally and is now deemed a political prisoner. This community supported and voted for the new District Attorney perhaps those of you who voted for him should give him a call or pay him a visit demanding that he (Chisholm) reveal the charges against the alderman, set a lower bail or release him.
International Civil Rights Attorney Henry Hamilton says, regarding Alderman McGee, "It’s my first time hearing of secret charges other than in countries like communist China or under the Apartheid structure like in South Africa."
Contributions to the defense fund of Alderman McGee can be made at any U.S. Bank.

Concoctions

New liqour store offers booze and more

Many new ventures have opened
in the city of Milwaukee this past year.
We have the Garfield 502, Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant and Lounge, Finesse Restaurant and Gee’s Clipper’s on King Drive. So many new things and places for us to go on the south eastern side of our community. Well things have changed a bit on the north eastern side of town and it’s called Concoctions, "wine, spirits, and exotic drinks"an upscale liquor store with a "Smoothie Bar" and it’s hot, hot, hot!
Hyaciath Nembhardt is the owner and does she have some good things planned for you. Nembhardt said she opened the store because she loves to entertain and often times she has gone to liquor stores where no one really is there to help you with your party needs. So she decided that she would have a store where there is no worry and everything is at your finger tips for all your entertainment refreshments needs.
What makes Concoctions different than other liquor stores is a computer data base is being set up to assist you with all the ingredients for you favorite drink or a new one. You put into the touch screen computer the kind of drinks you want to serve and the computer will give you a computer recipe of all the things you will need to make the best drinks for your party.
The "Smoothie Bar" is the stuff on those hot days you can run in and cool out with some of the best tasting "Smoothies." You can order a "Smoothie" by going to the computer and inputting in the kind of "Smoothie" you want to order. Not only will you get the smoothie, but you’ll also get a recipe card will tell you what type of alcohol and mixers goes with that kind of fruit smoothie. If you don’t want to have a smoothie made fresh right then and there, then you can step to the cooler, get yourself an already mixed quart of smoothie concentrate, purchase your alcohol and other mixers and pesto, it’s going to be a party.
All the staff were dressed in black "Concoction T-Shirts." We called the women "Lady Concoctors" and we deemed Ricky Smith, the only man there, David Ruffin. He didn’t need the Supremes he had the "Lady Concoctors," Holla!
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 4p.m. and 6p.m. Concoctions makes samples of the non-alcoholic "Smoothies" for customers to sample.
I-Witness sampled several and they were gooood. So if you want to throw that special party or simply have a party for two stop at Concoctions get yourself some smoothie mix, alcohol and mixers for those exotic moments. Hey, Hyaciath wishing you the best in your new endeavor break a leg. I had a good time.

Mother/ Daughter duo succeed together

Kiki Morrices and Sharmika Morrices-Peterson both graduated at the same time. Kiki with a master’s degree and Sharmika received her high school diploma. Kiki, who is a 12 year veteran police officer with the Milwaukee Police Department, held a private graduation party at Savoy’s Night Club after receiving her master’s degree in business management from Cardinal Stritch University. Kiki already has a B.A. degree in criminal justice.
Kiki’s daughter, Sharmika, also graduated from Rufus King High School and will be attending Kentucky State University in the fall to major in psychology. While her mom celebrated at Savoys, Sharmika was at the Great Lakes Beverage Association Scholarships Awards Banquet being honored for her achievements and receiving a scholarship.
I-Witness thought this Mother/Daughter team was truly special and can set good examples for other mothers and daughters as well. The proud mother and grandmother Phyllis Lockett who attended both celebrations not only cried saying "that’s mine" but her eyes sparkled and her chest beamed with pride.
Many co-workers and friends came out to celebrate with Kiki. Her friend Chantell Wilder, retired police officer Fred Burts, Deloris Blue and a host of others partied.
Meanwhile downtown at the Hilton Hotel Sharmika fellowshipped with many other graduates citywide who are about to take their dance in the universe. Sharmika and the other students were being given words of encouragement by many and introduced to the by the GLBA departing with the words of you have a village to always return too to do the good things you have captured and learn through your travel in the world.
While Sharmika and all the graduates huddled and giggled wishing each other well, Kiki was at Savoys with her friends and co workers on the floor being electric, cha cha.
Hey, Kiki and Sharmika, I am truly proud of the two of you and I know the two of you are proud of each other. It’s not often a mom and daughter can share great days of big accomplishments, but the two of have set examples for each other. I know the best is yet to come. Congratulations, keep advancing that next generation, I love it!

Holy Redeemer Academy high school graduates learn life lessons from local entreprenuer during commencement speech

H.R. Acadmey (Holy Redeemer) "Home of the Mighty Rams" held its Class of 2007 Commencement Exercise outdoors at the Holy Redeemer Church in God and Christ campus.
It was a beautiful sunny morning, a morning where one just knew good things were going to happen all day. And that it did. While the major focus was on the high school graduates, the 8th graders moved on into anixiously filled the seats of the departing seniors knowing that in four years it will be their turn to dance in the universe.
It was a beautiful ceermony. The program opened with the musical prelude and the Commencement Processional. Antowain Cheatham did both the Commencement Prayer and the introduction of the Master of Ceremony Xavier Murphy, who also did the welcome.
Tianna Davis seranaded us with the Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Poems were recited by Donyielle Dillard and Josie Harris. Valerie Sims the Salutatorian gave the Grauation Salute. Comissioner Hattie Daniels-Rush gave us remarks for Bishop Daniels who was out of town, as well as introduced the many guest who joined them on this beautiful morning.
She began to describe the Commencement Speaker, as a young man who is a true success story giving not only his business profile but also the ways in which he gives back and contribution to his community.
She spoke of how this person is the father of creating the barber and beauty shop at Holy Redeemer where children can go to get pampered getting free haircuts and styles. She states, "he could be making that money but he chose to give it freely to many children who may not be able to afford to pay for it."
You got it: she introduced none other than, Gaulien "Gee" Smith of Gee’s Clippers.
Gaulien hugged and thanked Commissioner Rush, as he stood looking over the audience. In a soft but powerful voice he says "Goood Morning. I would like to share a few words with you; The present conditions and dark circumstance may make it appear that I have not a chance. The odds may be against me… this fact I admit I haven’t much to boast on, just a little faith and grits but, inspite of the things that stand in my way, I’m determined to be somebody someday.
"There’s no royal blood, or coarsin in my veins and no great family background for me remians. My living conditions have been kind of bad; I haven’t had the luxuries that others have had. But it makes no difference what folks think or say, I’m determined to be somebody someday."
Gee continued with his wonderful poem, enstilling determination to suceed in the new graduates. Throughout his presentation, he offered words of encouragment and even shared some of his personal experiences growing up and starting his own business.
He then closed he speech by saying, "I will leave with you a few words that my good friend DeMarco Morgan always says, his mother taught him this: ‘Remember to watch your thoughts for your thoughts become words. Watch your words for your words become actions. Watch your actions for your actions become habits. Watch your habits for your habits become character. And watch your character for it becomes your destination.’ Thank you."
The Valedictorian, Luther Chambers, was equally as powerful. He thanked his parents and his teachers. Then he said without education your future will be limited.
He continues, "I attended Morris Middle school and I called myself dropping out of school to hang out with my friends because I knew they had my back but I was wrong, right now most are either dead or in jail and today is this most successful day for me, and success you have to earn it. And I stand before you now with one." (A success)
To continue the special day for Chambers not only did he graduate with honors but he received the highest honor. Only 10% of the students in the nation receive this achievement honor signed by the U.S. Education Czar and the President of the United States of America, George Bush. His parents, Luther and Doris Chambers, jumped up in joy, in tears and shouts at hearing their son had received the prestigous recognition.
Brianna Reid did the Middle School Graduates Reflection, Mario Garcia gave special thanks and Mr. Alton Townsend delievered the Congratulatory Remarks.
There was the Conferring of Certificates and Diplomas and the Rose Recessional where the Seniors presented their parents with a rose. A beautiful outdoor healthy lunch was served of assorted chicken, tuna and regular salads, along with fish friut and cake. Janette Herrera-teacher was the High School Graduation Coordinator and Mr. Walker-teacher was the Middle School Graduation Coordinator.
Hey, HR Acadmey ya’ll know I became misty-eyed many times, to see the young people perparing to grab the world by the tail and shake it, staking their claim. I thank all of you for the invite, your hard work, and your faith, Keep advancing that next generation I love it!

The Men Who Cook

The Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center presented the 8th Annual "Men Who Cook" Father’s Day competition fundraiser at the women’s center.
The cooks were on hand doing their thing. There was Chef Myles who whipped up his cajun teriyaki chicken and rice, retired police officer Fred Burts who served up his seafood and chicken Jambalaya, Judge Vince Bobot with the melt in your mouth peacan finger cookies, and C. Levonne Laughinghouse of Laughinghouse Architeach and Design who laid out the salads, turnips, collards, cabbage, kale, mustard any kind of greens you could dream of and they were good. Those were all the ones I-Witness tried. I was joined by my girl Ifama Jackson and we sampled us some stuff holla!
There was excellent entertainment, the Omnipotent Praise Dancers, Comedian D-Rock one of my favorites, Amir pleasured us with poetry and Neo-Soul and funk singer Iberia rocked the neighborhood with sounds. Anointed Pages Magazine (publishers Marvin and Jodine Ivy) were entertainment directors.
It was a good time what’s then food, good conversation and some of the best entertainment. And the winner is my favorite was a tie Chef Myles Cajun Teriyaki Chicken and Laughinghouse’s Green Salads. But I loved all the pecan fingers as well as the Jambalaya so the winner is all the Men who volunteered to cook and show support to their community. Congratulations guys, I love it. Keep doing the good stuff.
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Bringing fathers, sons together

Positive Family Role Models Help Fight Crime in Milwaukee "It’s time for the fathers we honored yesterday to step up to the plate and help their sons"
Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway is encouraging fathers to take an active role in their children’s lives, saying strong, positive role models can lead to a reduction in violent crime in the City of Milwaukee. "Yesterday, we honored fathers in Milwaukee County, today, we ask fathers to do their jobs. It’s time for them to step forward, embrace their children, and contribute to their family and society," Chairman Holloway said during a news conference.
Joining Holloway was Albert Holmes, President and Co-Founder of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Collaborative and Reverend LeHavre Buck of the Milwaukee-based Center for Self-Sufficiency. Albert Holmes states "Crime, teen pregnancy, school dropouts and almost all negative social indicators can be traced to the lack of a positive male and family role model."
"At least 85% of young males incarcerated come from fatherless homes," Reverend LeHavre Buck said. "If you’re a child with no father living at home, how do you expect to grow up to become something that you’ve never seen? It takes a man to raise a boy that becomes a man. A mother can be a good mom, but it takes a male to fill the role of a responsible father. We must figure out ways to keep fathers involved in a positive way early on."
In 1989, the paternity establishment rate in Milwaukee County was below 60%. Now, it’s over 90%. Establishing paternity gives fathers the right to be involved in their children’s lives. "That’s when they become responsible fathers," said Lisa Jo Marks, Milwaukee County’s Child Support Enforcement Director. "Many times, men take a more active role in their children’s lives when they are forced to pay child support. That’s why it’s so important for our office to establish paternity."
"Establishing paternity can assist in fighting crime," Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr., said earlier. "People are less likely to get involved in crime if they have a good relationship with their father."
"While police are important in tackling Milwaukee’s crime problem, creating a police state in Milwaukee is not the answer. Chairman Holloway concluded. "We need to do everything we can to find ways to make sure our children have responsible fathers who will keep them safe and away from crime and violence."