by B. White
Holla!
Eighty-seven thousand (87,000) down 154,000 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

Happiness is an emotion that derives from self-love, only you can give yourself the giggles of happiness, others can only enhance it…

Psssst…
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications to purchase condominiums at Woodlands on 95th & Brown Deer. The purchase price of a 3-bedroom condominium is $25,000 and a 4-bedroom condominium is $30,000. The condominium’s have an interest FREE, 20-year mortgage.

To learn more about this great homeownership opportunity, attend one of the information sessions, Saturday July 21, 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00 AM at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity North 30th Street or Tuesday, July 24th, 6:00pm at the Capital Library 3969 North 74th Street.

You can also contact the Family Support Director: Ayoka Huff, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity Family Support Director at 414-562-6100, ext. 11.

Holla-Outs

Hey, Renee Bebeau just want to holla at you,

To: Stephan Quant ell over at Congress Street School. You thought I didn’t remember you … well I did. You almost forgot what you were supposed to say every time you see me, Holla! I love it! Keep advancing that next generation,

To: Kathleen Crawford. Hollering at you,

Hey, Betty (Bird) Chapman, you are not just any kind of bird; I know you know how to fly like an eagle…

Hey, Dee Martin from McComb, Mississippi hope your visit was a wonderful one.

Hey, Candice McDowell, I know you love your two favorite guys, Jamal Jamerr Cosey. Jamerr welcome to the world!

To: Mandy Robinson, you know I love a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. A doctor huh, that’s what you want to be? Well I know that’s what you will be, at 3 years old you have claimed it, I love it!
Hey, Sharon Jewel over at Christ the King Baptist Church, just want Holla at you and all the members of your church.

To: Xavier Corothers even the president would answer your call after hearing your name; you are powerful.

Hey, James Holt over at The Specializers Corporation between you and my daughter I am learning more about medical equipment than I need to know, Holla!

To: one of my favorite couples Sylvester and Caryn Hamilton, I wish every one could meet them. They got it going on and I love how they do it.

Hey Marcia McHenry, Howlynn Damghtry, All in one Security, Carla Capell and D.J. Smooth over at Mac’s Lower Level at Prince Hall, ya’ll know I had a good time especially when D.J. Smooth played my song: "I found love on a lonely highway," Holla!

Sightings

Former Director of PIC Gerald Randall was hanging out with his guys over at Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant. He was doing, great looked well rested and will be traveling for the next few weeks.

He and his guys--Willie Larkin, Chief of Staff at UW-Milwaukee Systems Colleges and Extension; Keenan Grinnell, Associate Provost at Marquette University; and the first Black Chancellor of University of Wisconsin System Colleges and Extension, David Wilson were having dinner at Soche’. Wilson is the only Black Chancellor in the entire UW System, a little bit tells you a whole lot about the UW System and Black people.

Hey, Kenya Evans a freelance writer and community columnist with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, MKE and soon to be writing for Milwaukee Magazine and Vital Source Congratulations, thank you for being a big time I-Witness reader, I love it when fellow writers are big time I-Witness readers, the pleasure is mine, Holla!

Birthday Holla-Out

Hey, Cedric Brown I heard it was your birthday, I was going to sing to you but my voice is a bit under the weather, so I will simply say: "Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday!"
It’s your birthday; it’s your birthday, Happy Birthday Brittni Cloyd!
Hey, Tyrone Johnson, Happy Birthday to you!

Bottled Water and Crime

I wish I could see Milwaukee in a rainbow of colors but it is so hard. Every time I have hope, I am forced to see it as it is in Black and White.

Recently, Chief Hegarty, who has nothing to do until her retirement, began complaining about the young black males who sell water on the street on the islands and how dangerous it is. Well being a paperboy is dangerous these days.

What I found so crazy about her statements is, here are young Black males who have chosen work over idol time, or crime, young males who stand in the hot sun all day making a honest living, being businessmen and I love it! Now she wants to start giving them citations for being productive. I do not get it.

Whether folks want to believe it or not they want to criminalize all our children folks say a citation is not like a crime well it puts the children in the system and if the citations are not paid there are penalties.

We cannot allow our children to be put in the system on every turn and for all things because they want to work. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard but then that’s Milwaukee never a proactive thought when it comes to Black people just lock them up and throw away the key even when they are doing right.

Television

Well it’s official WISN Weekend Anchor DeMarco Morgan will be leaving Milwaukee to join an NBC affiliate in Miami, Fl. Don’t ask the same questions I would ask of WISN12: how do you let a young anchor like DeMarco get away? He is a very talented Black man who has not only bridged your viewership across the regional counties but he has bridged and brought together many folks in our community and raised us to a new level. As for Urban Milwaukee, he was a role model letting all your viewers know that Black People in Milwaukee were doing some good things in this city and that we are not animals or are simply meant to be shown in orange jumpsuits and be called news.

Let me ask this question to you at WISN 12 like Tracy Chapman sings "Give Me One Reason!" What reason do we have to watch WISN12 now? Ok TMJ4, Fox 6, I-Witness is up for grabs and so are many of my friends. Thank you Miami for seeing Morgan’s talents and the good things your viewers will now get to enjoy because even you are only the beginning for DeMarco, the whole world will be his stage soon. Shame on you, WISN12 DeMarco is your loss.

The Man Show

I-Witness shines on an all-male radio program

Hosts of 1290 WMCS’ "The Man Show" take time to pose for a photo during a recent broadcast with special guest: I-Witness. (photo by Barbara White)

I-Witness appeared on the "Man Show" on WMCS 1290 with Radio personalities Eric Von, former Alderman Fred Gordon, Earl Ingram and Mike the "Party Killer." The Man Show is designed to give men a platform to say whatever they think from a man’s perspective on any subject or issue plus have a good time like the chicks on "The View." The Man Show is my favorite show on the station because it has an array of things it offer especially humor and I think our community can use a lot of that. Besides the guys are too funny sometimes. I-Witness decided to join the men for a show and yes, it was hilarious.
Eric starts off talking about my daisy dukes. They really were not; they were simple white shorts. Ya’ll know that me wearing my shorts excited all the men there, especially Eric who had to take the fifth on his excitement, Holla! Of course, the men did their Holla, Holla, Holla I loved it. Radio Personality Ernie Gee was with us and gave a good overview of his 30 years in radio. He talked of the Ol’ School D.J. jocks like Dr. Bop, Jim Frazier and O.C. White and paid excellent tribute to them for paving the way for many of them.

We chatted about I-Witness and the Community Journal’s series "In My Shoes" where I go in and do different folks jobs for a day to show livable wage jobs. The guys had many good suggestions for jobs I should do like being mayor, police chief or county executive, or a stripper for a day.

We touched on the subject of the Police Chief messing with the youth for selling water on the street. Ya’ll know I don’t get that. Here are young black males who want to work and Hegerty wants to attack them for that.

Curtis Harris and Polly Williams stopped by and Oshi Adelabu and Terrance Ray called in on the show. Of course, Don Rosette the GM was wondering if we were going x-rated. They all laughed at me when I told them I was going to be a barber for my next job; they were rollin’ on the floor. We had a good time.

Hey, Eric, Fred, Earl and Mike "the Party Killer" ya’ll are too funny. After the show, many who were listening thought we were good and enjoyed the show. My sistas loved it; they said I held my own. I just want y’all to know I love to invite ya’ll to join me at the Gallery Lounge one day so I can watch ya’ll climb the pole, Holla! I had a good time with you all, we must do it again, just Holla!

50 years of pure marital bliss

Roosevelt and Daisy Willis take time to smile for the camera during their 50th wedding anniversary party. (B. White photo)

Roosevelt and Daisy Willis celebrated 50 years of marriage at Alioto’s Restaurant on Mayfair.

Their four children Pat Smith, twins Theresa Godzik and Dorchreson Willis, Roosevelt Willis and their grand daughter Shuamon Davis were their host and Shannon Powell was the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Friends and four generations of family came from all over the city as well as the country to celebrate the lovely couple in their 50 years of bliss.

Roosevelt and Daisy sat side by side in matching King and Queen chairs as they greeted and knighted all of their subjects who they have set the best example of living, sharing and loving for 50 years.

As their guest arrived, they brought beautiful gifts and cards in celebration of the couples union. There were many hugs best wishes and laughter as D.J. Black Shire pumped the room with some of the best music we have heard in a while, he was good. Holloway Video Image created a video showing the life of the couple from 1957 to the present.

A beautiful dinner of all kinds of foods was served along with D.J. Black Shire providing us grand dinner music. After dinner the party was on, tables were moved and folks were on the floor doing their thing. Many songs of today and back in the couple’s day filled the air. When D.J. Black Shire played Jackie Wilson’s "Baby Work Out," both Roosevelt and Daisy hit the floor. Roosevelt was dancing with his sister-in–law, Doris (Dooney) Smith, and Daisy was dancing with her brother-in-law Elijah Willis; they rocked it.

I-Witness asked Roosevelt what has kept them together for 50 years. He states: "Love, I guess. All marriages have their ups and downs but you put it behind you, don’t deal with past things because it will only make you angry all over again."

WMCS1290 Cassandra Shepard of "That’s What I’m Talking About," radio talk show host and vocalist serenaded the couple with D.J. Black Shire accompanying her opening with "Do you know what today is it’s our anniversary."

She took them back to their beginning telling them she was "fin to get in their business!" She took them back to the ’40s and ’50s singing some of the classics of that time. Replacing words McShepard sang "the girl from Mississippi" that Roosevelt sang to her in the beginning and Daisy singing to him "she gets misty whenever he’s near, misty and so much in love."

McShepard brought us to the wedding night, which was not marital bliss because Daisy’s sister Dooney went into labor and it was not until 25 years later did Roosevelt and Daisy celebrate their wedding night officially in Hawaii and no they didn’t take Dooney along.

Cassandra McShepard did a wonderful did a nice job taking the couple and their guest down memory lane bring them to day, 50 years later.

Hey, King and Queen Willis, I had a wonderful time, y’all know I-Witness is a romantic at heart and when I grow up I want to be just like you two, in love and I know it. Congratulations, I wish you 50 more years.

30 years of spinning great music

Ernie Gee of WMCS 1290 Radio personality celebrated 30 years in the business at Bradley on Bradley. The young Gee started as a sells rep who was asked to D.J. and he has been doing it every since. Tutored by some of the best Disc Jocks in the city: Dr. Bop, Jim Frazier, O.C. White, Mandy Maude, Ernie Gee’s success in the business was a for sure shot.

Ernie Gee who hosts the Saturday Afternoon Drive of Ol’ School on WMCS 1290 is one heck of a guy. That’s why so many came out to celebrate with him on his 30th Anniversary.

Gee’s fan list is huge, the homegrown of Milwaukee, the well-wishers were in the house; folks came from all over the city and country to celebrate with Ernie. I can’t forget that the WMCS family was there to party with Ernie.

And if you think his fans were in the house, the entertainment showcase that came out to perform for Ernie was a hit: Duchie Rogers of Black Earth Plus, the Soul Food Band then there was Ms. Show-out herself, Jeannie Holliday, who rocked a few souls. The Jazzy Jewels line dancers had us thinking we were electric lead by Vi Hawkins and Vivian’s Williams, I will tell you its true nothing gets old but money.

D.J. Ron took over and everyone took to the floor. Ernie Gee showed us what is knows how to do. I will not tell you all Ernie was dancing to how low can you go, I think he even did the splits, ok so Ernie thought he was James Brown, Holla! He was a dancing machine.

Now the moment we have all been waiting for all the way from the little suburb south of Milwaukee, from Chicago, Ill, the Chilites who stepped in to sharp in all orange from their hat to their shoes. They gave us the magic that they have given us for years. I-Witness sat up front and let the Chilites serenade me. Y’all know I felt like a schoolgirl having Curtis Mayfield kiss me on the cheeks.

The Chilites paid tribute to Erine as well as recalled back in the day some of the radio jocks like Dr. Bop who brought them to Milwaukee often. The Chilites had all the mothers come to the stage and they sang their soon to be released single "A Mother’s Love" it was a beautiful tribute to all mothers. I-Witness, predicts it will be a big hit I loved it!

Hey, Ernie how does it feel to get your flowers while you’re still alive? Well you earned them! Congratulations, keep loving music it’s the universal language of the world, I had a great time with you. P.S. you are going to have to teach me some of your dance moves, Holla!

2nd Annual Community Barbecue

Money Motivation Entertainment and Next Level Barbershop hosted annual community barbecue. (photo by B. White)

Money Motivation Entertainment (MME) and Next Level Barber hosted their 2nd Annual Community Barbecue at McGovern Park.

The young men, John Horton, Schrell Tipton, Nathan Fraction, Askia Lawrence, Leonard Givens, Donte Barnes, and Rodney Reed formed a company called Money Motivation, Entertainment; they are music producers, promoters and event planners. The company was their way to do good things in their community and put their touch on the world. Last year, with much success, they came together as young men to hold a fund-raiser for the Neighborhood House.

This year Next Level BarberShop, co-owners Askia Lawrence and Wanda Thrower, joined forces with MME to host their second "Community Bar B Que and fundraiser." This time they were fundraising for the Neighborhood House, Special Olympics and the Boys and Girls Club at Sherman Park.

When I arrived at McGovern Park the guys had it all set up. There were prizes everywhere for children as well as adults to win (they gave away bikes and even packages to the Sybaris). They had the dunk tank, D.J. Shawn and yes food galore. Included in the fun, there was the big baseball game between MME and Next Level they all had to much fun, MME won the game 3-1. This is how the event raises funds for their charities, they ask all who join them for the days’ events for a $2 donation.

Many of the young men are fathers so they show a great love for children and did they treat all the children who came like princes and princesses. I was quite impressed to see young men that cared and were compassionate about making sure that the children had a good time.

The Chef was the stuff Dave Aiken of All Access Catering who has volunteered for the event two times now, he also is a chef at Miller Park and boy can he cook some food his apprentice was Rodney Reed and Rodney Jr.

Lakita Washington, her sister Kamitra, Mable Mallory and her family, Wanda Byrdsong and I-Witness herself were some of the many volunteers.
Hey, MME and Next Level I had a great time and I love that you are doing this for the community. What I loved most is that you were so child focus, I saw the children’s faces and you turned no child away, ya’ll made it their day. Ok I-Witness will volunteer next year, I know when I have been adopted, Holla! Congratulation on a job well done, keep advancing that next generation I love it!

CAV meets with noted activist, Harry Belafonte

Singer, actor, human rights activist and King of Calypso Dancing, Harry Belafonte’ was in Milwaukee recently hosted by Campaign Against Violence (CAV). Campaign Against Violence is a group of young people here in Milwaukee that has been very active on the streets to stop the violence among young people. The have been successful at changing many lives through their poetry, workshops, etc.

Their methods of getting involved in neighborhoods are going door to door; most of those in the CAV are young educators, who are also poets, singers to put it short they are educated artist who use all of their skills to educate young people against violence.

Many dignitaries around the nation are familiar with the CAV. They have sat at he tables with many of them from congressmen, presidential candidates Obama to international dignitaries and now Harry Belafonte’.

Belafonte’ visited many places with those from CAV, he was taken to detention center, group homes any where there were young black males with a message of hope. Belafonte’ partook in many of the activities. I-Witness caught up with him for dinner at Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant and Lounge.

Of course, he was a bit nervous with me being the press and remained a bit reserved I understood. Nevertheless, he chatted here and there, and then he was informed that I-Witness was the community’s columnist. At which point, I addressed him and shared with him anything I give my word to I keep it. He became a bit more comfortable. He mingled with a few folks, had a wonderful dinner.

Upon his departure, Belafonte’ instructed me to take care of his children because they were pretty special to him. We walked to the car in which he traveled and I said to him the next time you come here I want an interview, he’s pretty controversial in America because he speaks his mind and I want to hear about, he states we’ll see. Then I told him I also wanted him to sing and dance for me, he laughed saying that is a big order and I told him I am a big girl. So Harry I will look after your children, you just fill my order when you come back to Milwaukee, Holla!

Celebrating with Pitts Funeral Home

Michelle Pitts-Luckett, owner of New Pitts Mortuary Funeral Home is surrounded by supporters. (Photo by Barbara White)

If you were invited to a party thrown by funeral directors would you attend? No need to answer, it was a full house at Soche’ Milwaukee Restaurant and Lounge where the New Pitts Mortuary Funeral Home hosted the launching of their new "Website Party."

The Pitts’ guest received free valet parking, and they had Soche’ looking so festive, black and gold balloons floated with the Pitts name, a bill board on an easel with the picture and history of the man who started it all Attorney and former County Supervisor Terrence Pitts.

It was a fantastic evening Marcus Adams, Mike Evans and Chris Crain of the group All of Us provided entertainment throughout the evening.

WISN12 Weekend anchor DeMarco Morgan was the Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed everyone, asked for a moment of silence on behalf of Terrance Pitts shared a few words about Michelle.

Jarvis Redd, Michelle’s son who is pianist, entertained us with a John Legend hit, "Ordinary People" everybody cheered him as his mother looked on with that mother’s pride.

Nate and Michelle Pitts-Luckett have changed the way people look at death and dying, they want to share with people about early preparation for what is a very natural part of the life cycle. This fact was echoed by many guests.

Michelle and Nate were introduced; she thanked everyone for coming as she smiled that famous Colgate smile. She introduced her staff, personally thanked them and Demarco, Chef Deon and Corey Smith the owner of Soche’.

The plasma television was turned on and the website unveiled for all to see. It was nice. The website is a convenience provided by Pitts for families who would like to plan a head or do their planning with the whole family among other things.

Michelle’s were guest were asked to put their business cards in the bowl for a door drawings of very nice gifts champagne glasses from Tiffany’s, a $100 gift certificate from Lena’s Food Mart, Free hair cut from Gee’s Clippers all kind of special things. The evening ended with everyone socializing and having a good time.

Hey Michelle and Nate, I-Witness has attended many things but never a funeral home party, Holla! I thought it was great and it really educated folks about death being a natural part of life, taking the gloom and sadness out of it. I enjoyed it and cannot wait for the next New Pitts Mortuary Party. Congratulation, New Pitts Mortuary on your new website.