State Baptist organization says farewell to Rev. Donnie Sims at fete in his honor

Rev. Donnie Sims of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church (far left) and his wife Nealie greet Bishop Darrell Hines at a celebration honoring Rev. Sims, who stepped down as president of the General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin after 17 years of service. Many local pastors, family and friends came out to honor Rev. Sims. The event was held at the Four Point Sheraton Hotel. (photo by Barbara White)

by Barbara White
Holla!
Two hundred thirty-nine (239,000) down 18,900 to go, I-Witness showing the beauty of Black People, our passions, compassion, intellect and Black life in love one event at a time. Hey, 20,100 Black people to go and I-Witness and the "Milwaukee Community Journal" will have touched over 253,000 Black families in Milwaukee.

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

Join the "Milwaukee Community Journal" as it celebrates 30 years telling your stories.

Get on board with us in celebrating "A Journey through Time: Our Past, Present and Future, 30 years in the making at the Italian Community Center, Sunday, August 13. Reception 4 p.m. Tickets cost $55. All MCJ columnist, writers, photographers and staff will be on hand to share a wonderful afternoon with our Publisher Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo whose vision has continued to show the good things about Black life and has given Black people a powerful voice.

For more information, contact Sharon at (414) 265-5300.

Holla-Outs

To: Eric Williams, a student at the MEC (Milwaukee Education Center, and his cousin Ostweeya Tye who understand that in order to be successful one must be prepared. You two made me very proud as I watched you shop for your school supplies on sale and early. Keep advancing that next generation I love it!

To: Christine Hackett, who is a student at UW-Madison majoring in French and Biology. I love it! Keep advancing that next generation.

To: Walter Jefferson, a senior at Hamilton who understands the importance of work and how it becomes a lead in whatever your life dreams are. Keep advancing that next generation I love it!

To: Chris Wilks, delivery staff for Walgreen’s, Holla!

To: My favorite girl, Gwen McNeal over at Walgreen’s on 60th and Silver Spring, she is some kind of special. All the customers know and love her because she does those little extra things like knowing what we like and telling us its on sale this week, she always ask how our day is and she always has that beautiful smile waiting on us. In today’s world where most businesses and their workers could care less about good customer service, people like Gwen are rare jewels. Hey, Gwen I do not know if Walgreen does appreciate you but your customers sure do. I love the way you do the things you do!

To: Dan Hackett, retired from the U.S. Airforce who loves coming to Gene’s Supper Club to hear the blues and eat chicken wings, he loves his wife dearly, and we all know it, Holla!

Willie Lee who has a manly softness, Holla! Both guys work at Star Line Manufacturing. Hey, you two I had a good time with you.

To: Lottie and Donna Harrell, just hollering out it was nice seeing you again.

To: Donna Anderson Hollering at you, girl,

To: Officer Alvin Hannah who is fine my sistas,

To: Brandie Wilks-Neighborhood coordinator of Thurston Woods,

To: Lonnie Romar, Smith of Brown Deer High School just returned from Germany and Paris where he was an exchange student. You go Lonnie; keep advancing that next generation, I love it!

To: Naperville, Illinois Renegades Baseball Team the Great Lakes Raiders played the Milwaukee Diamond Jacks and won in a tournament, here at Rerinson Park.

Hey, Shawn and Tony I told you, you didn’t play the real teams in Milwaukee like my favorite players over at the Beckum/Stapleton League, next time come on over and get your money on, Holla! It was nice meeting you.

Birthday Holla-Outs

To: MCJ Staff Writer Kia Marie Cook, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you.

To: Donald Davis who recently retired from the City of Milwaukee after 39 years, hey Donald it is your turn to dance in the universe.

Get Well Holla

To: Ray Harman, director of Governor Doyle’s Milwaukee office. May your spirits remain high and our prayers comfort you. Get well soon.

To: Kumiko Hackett our prayers are with you get well soon.

To: Chuck Hayes and family on the passing of Mary. Our prayers are with you.

To: William Coinion and family on the passing of his wife Jeanette, our prayers are with you.

To: Bob Johnson and family. Our prayers go out to him on the passing of his mother Maggie Johnson.

To: The family of Vance Coleman whose mom passed our prayers are with you.

To: Mac Weddle and family on the passing of his Uncle J.D. Wilson our prayers are with you.

Rev. Donnie Sims of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church (far left) and his wife Nealie greet Bishop Darrell Hines at a celebration honoring Rev. Sims, who stepped down as president of the General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin after 17 years of service. Many local pastors, family and friends came out to honor Rev. Sims. The event was held at the Four Point Sheraton Hotel. (photo by Barbara White)

Rev. Sims with keynote speaker Rev. Henry Lyons former president of the National Baptist State Convention (center and Rev. Moses Fuller of St. Timothy Baptist Church (far right). (photo by Barbara White)

Celebration time come on, it’s a celebration, "Meet me in the church praise and deliverance is going down."

The General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin said farewell to "the Son of Thunder," the Rev. Donnie Sims of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist has stepped down as its president after serving more than 17 years, well church folks like to say stepping up.

The Rev/Dr. from Gurdon, Arkansas got his first job at the age of 9 making $9 a week. After his stepfather told him, it was time to go.

He acknowledged his calling to the ministry, in 1950 at the age of 14 under the leadership of the late Rev. Samuel Lloyd and was ordained two years later. He is the founder of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and he is now serving 49 years of pastoral service.

The celebration and tribute brought out a star-studded religious cast citywide and it did not matter if you were Baptist, Methodists, Catholics, Church of God in Christ, your church was in the house. Bishop Sedgwick Daniel looked absolutely handsome and healthy after his weight loss.

There was Bishop Darrell Hines, the Rev. Ben Neighbors, the Rev. /Dr. Hugh Davis, the Rev. Moses Fuller, the Rev. Earl Thomas, the Rev. Russell Williamson, the Rev. George Jones, the Rev. John Patterson, the Rev. Robert Sims, the Rev. William Jackson, the Rev. Robert Wilson and the Rev. Aaron Morgan, just to name a few.

The keynote speaker was the Rev./Dr. Henry Lyons former president of the National Baptist State Convention.

The tribute was held at the Four Point Sheraton Hotel. There was a reception, I-Witness sat by the door so she could see everyone as they entered and it was a sight to see and y’all know all the sistas turned out in their Sunday going to meeting dresses with their beautiful hats and head wraps.

You could not tell me I was not in church: the women looked fabulous. The men were dressed in their Sunday suits; some were even Black tie, as they dined on Oyster Florentine, scallops wrapped in bacon, and an assortment of other appetizers.

Many others are joining us now former Mayor Marvin and Diane Pratt, State Representatives Barbara Toles and Polly Williams, Dr. Sudie Tatum, Louise Morman, Sudie Jones, Jeanette Robinson, Joyce Huntley, Darnell Bowles, Ann Wilson, Rev. Hugh and Carolyn Davis, Davis is slated to become the new president of the convention. County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, State Senator Lena Taylor, Alderman and Mrs. Michael McGee Jr. Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton on behalf of the five million citizens of Wisconsin, Gloria Miller, who is the Community Liaison for State Senator Spencer Coggs.

The banquet hall was beautiful--the Rev. Sims’ daughter Michelle Pitts-Luckett of the New Pitts Mortuary laid it out. Each table had a beautiful centerpiece with tall vases, big real roses arranged on the bottom and an array of blossoms on the top with roses inserted. The vases were encircled by candlelight with real rose pedals covering the tabletops.

I shared a table with the Rev. Robert A. Anger, the Rev. Avis Wright, County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, Minster Terris Beck, Pastor Andrew and Ruthie Morgan and Andrew and Edith Taylor.

Kathy and the Ensemble performed melodies of Praise. Rev. Donald Sims called to order and the Grand March began, folks rose to their feet to applaud the Rev. Donnie Sims and the First Lady Nealie Sims, Reverends Moses, Geneva Fuller, Hugh, Carolyn Davis, Nate, Michelle (Pitts) Luckett, Bro. Willie Rodgers, and keynote speaker from Tampa, Florida, and the Rev. Henry Lyons.

Every branch of government representative took to the podium to declare Friday, August 4 as Dr. Donnie Sims Day. They praised his leadership, his compassion, his commitment of love for his fellow man, and his faithfulness.

The Rev. Donald Sims stated, "he is a great man of vision and he knows how to take his time moving things through the process. He is a leader who loves God’s people and it takes a special kind of love to work with pastors.

"Dr. Sims is a leader that is kind, compassionate; he deals with a skilled insight. A leader that is patience, faithful and he is a selfless leader."

Executive Director of the Urban League, Ralph Hollmon cited the Rev. Sims in the likes of Fredrick Douglas, Marcus Garvey, W. E. DuBois, Malcolm X and the Dr. Martin Luther King calling him the drum major of justice and peace.

Jeffery Norman, who is running for judge, shared some very enlightened moments with us regarding the reverend, and he reminded everyone to vote for him and a new benchmark next year.

Pastor Fuller, Dr. Sims knows if you are going to lead men and be a leader, you are gonna have to know how to follow. Dr. Sims knew that.

Senator Taylor spoke of how the Rev. Sims was always there for her when she did not know what she was going to do. "However, he did and I thank him for being," she said.

County Board Chairman Holloway gave the reverend a tribute and testimony on how the reverend came to his defense and has supported him through many crises and I just want him to know I appreciate it. He added a bit of humor by saying y’all know I am in the paper all the time.

The Rev. Ben Nabors paid an excellent tribute to the Rev. Sims and the first lady. He called Rev. Sims the Cadillac of Preachers. He further stated, "we have come together in celebration and not in funeral. Yeah, he’s the Cadillac he has preached and fought against systematic racism, preached against the war in Iraq, preached for the drug addicts and he will preach until the two conventions become one and he will preach until God say it’s over!"

There were music selections by Jerusalem Baptist Choir and Brother Willie Rodgers, who sang a song y’all. As I listened to him, it seemed as if I was listening to Sam Cooke.

And then I did hear Sam Cooke in him as he brought the guest to their feet singing;

I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I’ve been running ever since
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gon’ come, oh yes it will

It’s been too hard living but I’m afraid to die
Cause I don’t know what’s up there beyond the sky
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gon’ come, oh yes it will

Rodgers brought the house down in praise and I could have listened to him all night.

Bishop Daniels took to the podium, and shared with everyone of his visit to Duke University, he called it the fat farm.

He stated he had to go because his heart and diabetes was out of control. He had us in laughter when he said, "I thought I looked good then, but I know I look good now after losing 40 lbs. and no longer on insulin." He continues, "I’m not afraid to say Dr. Sims taught us all as he stood and danced in a preacher’s mode like the Reverend and I came here tonight, Rev. Sims, to say ‘I want my Baptist license back.’" Bishop Daniels had us all rollin’ on the floor.

Then the Rev./Dr. Henry Lyons, thanked all who put the wonderful in him, he stated he always had one thing going for him and he was thankful that he could "stand here and say that for a fact I know I am forgiven. The only way I can be forgiven is through repentance and I had plenty of time to do it. The Lord has wiped my slate clean and I am not big and bad but I am free."

"I have such a great respect for my friend the Rev. Sims," Lyons said. He shared with us that Peter and the Holy Ghost took him to the text Acts Verse 1 as he thought of Dr. Sims. "I have seen, President Sims in the scripture of Peter and John for he has met every challenge like Peter and John. Fifty-six years of meeting challenges and he has risen to the challenges. Peter and John showed us what you have to do to please God.

"And they went up together and for 17 years Rev. Sims has held it together, keeping it together like Peter and John went up together and passing the torch and he is giving a convention that is solid and he has given it back to you the way he received it. Not only was he leading all of you but he was also leading preachers."

Lyons stopped, looked at everyone and said, "Don’t look at me as if I am the only one who got in trouble, y’all just didn’t make the newspaper." Everybody broke out in laughter. He continues, "I do not care what your shortcomings are just let this be a lesson.

"We must praise God that this city has had the likes of Rev. Donnie Sims, Bishop Daniels. Sims took his time and stop to zero in on the problem, the need and deals with the situation. You have to fix on the problem," he said.

Lyons continued, "Peter and John fastened their eyes on the man. Look upon us, that’s the job of the preacher we have kind of gotten away from look upon us to look at us.

"Peter and John had something to look upon us they knew they had access, they knew they were plugged in; they knew they had the Holy Ghost and they knew they had power and authority even if they locked you up."

Continuing, he said, "Donnie Sims has power and authority; he can pray and get an answer he is plugged into the Holy Ghost. When I am in a hospital or wherever, I cannot hope I get an answer, I got to know I can and that is what Dr. Sims has been doing for 56 years praying and getting answers."

Lyons hinted several times on how the Creator told him to come on to him and how the Creator has delivered him.

He concluded with thanking the Rev. Sims and wishing him well in his new endeavors. He was really good

Michelle Luckett spoke of her father with much love, "he may be up in age but inside there’s a young 35-year-old inside of him, my father is a peacemaker. I have never ever heard my father raise his voice; he has always been about peace.

"My dad is a good man. And my mom, he could not be all without her, she is a bad woman." She further thanked the Rev. Redmond and thanked folks for loving her father. "Not a one of you said no when I asked you. Thank you so much," she said.

At this point, the First Lady addresses her court, "You all have blessed my husband and family. My husband would not be what he is without all of you. Thank you."

Then the man of the hour, Rev/Dr. Donnie Sims he talked of coming here in 1950. He talked of Dr. Tatum whom he had a crush on. Then he met his wife and he praised her. "She helps meet my spiritual needs and natural needs and I appreciate and love her," he said.

He states, "I am getting ready to build God a new church. Many of you may say I am too old but first I want to know what it feels likes to get old."

Hey, y’all the Good Rev is clowning up in here, Holla! He continues, "there is a young man inside of me," he said as he danced around.

"When you look at me, you are looking at living history I was here before many things. I never seeked the presidency of the State Convention, but when the time was right I was anointed by Jehovah. God Bless all of you, God Bless all of you."

Hey, y’all I saw a young man so full of life, but equally as important I saw a faithful man. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine ... 1 Timothy 5:17.

Hey, Dr. Sims I had a good time with you and you certainly deserved all that your guest gave you, wishing you the best in all your endeavors, go head let the young man dance in the universe, Holla!

North Division’s Class of  '66 holds 40th class reunion

Go Blue Devils! The North Division Class of ’66 at Robert Cargile’s home in Mequon. (photo by Barbara White)

North Division’s Class of ’66 held a three day 40 year class reunion and beamed with pride because they held all their events in our community supporting our businesses.

Opening night was a reception at Gene’s Supper Club where the classmates brought their class books and other mementos of back in the day when they had it going on. Okay some of them still think they look the same, Holla!

Mac Weddle director of Northcott Neighborhood House opened with "some of you may not remember me because back then I was a little taller and a little bigger every one roared." (Mac is about 5’3").

Many of the Blue Devils traveled across country to attend the reunion, James Strong-Las Vegas, Nevada, James German-Pennsylvania, Mary Austin-Texas, Carol Carter-California, Pat Friends-Georgia, John McCantrell-New Jersey and Bertha Johnson-Florida.

Many were childhood sweethearts who are now married like Louis and Julia Truly who met in the fourth grade and they married when Louis returned from Vietnam.

Former MPS School Board Director and teacher at the time, Bob Harris and his wife Mary Anne, who was the school nurse, walked in and all the classmates stood and applauded them.

There were many good stories that reflected what an excellent teacher Harris was and the fact that he really cared about the students.

Harris was a health and physical ed. Teacher. He was also the football coach. Harris states: "I was the head coach at the time when the Green Bay Packers were playing in Milwaukee and winning." Harris took it upon himself to raise money for equipment and other things that his team needed.

He did not want the players to wear or play with inferior equipment or wear mismatched uniforms. Ben Barkins of the renown "Circus Parade" who was a North Division alumnus, along with Joe Foreman put up $15,000 at the sporting good store for the team to get whatever it needed.

Harris got in trouble with the school board members for doing it. (Why no one would ever understand, oh yes we did at the time we were Black children and we did not deserve to be educated or play sports.)

Harris bragged, "we were the first to have the White jerseys." Harris also trained the students to practice good eating habits. As Harris and I were talking many of the students served as the "Amen Corner." Harris continues, "yes, Dr. John Riddley became our team physician; he was the leading Optammalologist in the city." Mac Weddle was trained to become the team trainer.

Harris, a true believer in education, got wind of six scholarships being offered by Bacone College in Muskogee, Okay so he applied for six students: Mac Weddle, Chuck White, Waddell Boydles, Charles Friends, Gary Smith. Harris also sent the students there for the summer to check it out.

Harris also went to Brills clothing store to get clothing for the six young men so when they started school they could dress and look like the other kids on campus.

Upon the young men beginning their first semester at the collage, they got there and the school had forgotten they were supposed to be there.

Needless to say, the young men completed the two-year collage and went on to obtain other degrees from the UW systems through the state of Wisconsin.

Harris talked of 1959 when Lincoln High School and North Division both played each other in the State Championship; Lincoln won by 16 points and followed by winning three straight State Championship Titles.

The WIAA did not ever want to see the two Black high schools play each other again in a championship match.

So, they changed the rules so they would have a playoff before the championship thus making sure that only one team could go to state, which gave the little White children more opportunity to try to win state.

Oh yes, Harris and his wife, who was the school nurse, at the time never knew that all the kids in the school knew they were an item, Holla! The evening continued with a nice dinner and plenty of hugs and memories.

The day the class met for breakfast at the Fred Jones International House of Pancakes (IHOP) for breakfast.

Blue Devils Part Two

Every year Robert Cargile hosts a Blue Devil Bash at his house in Mequon, where all classes of North Division Blue Devils come and "partee."

Upon my arrival, I knew where the house was before I parked because ’60’s music filled the air and everybody who was ever a Blue Devil was every where. North Division alumni made their presence known, including: Howard Fuller, Annie Smith, Jim (Smitty) Smith, Dennis Williams, the Rev. LeHavre and Barbara Buck, Alan Walker, Tammy Hegwood, Evelyn Williams, Veatrice and Marvin Blackmon, Jackie Smith, former Alderwoman Marlene Johnson and hubby Joey Odom, Chief Arthur Jones, Rosemary Dillard-Smith, Linda McHenry, Sherry Watson-VP of M&I Bank, Valerie Shelby, George and Carol Penman, Mildred Wattle, John Swan, Gloria Harper attended North for one semester but her children graduated from there.

I teased Howard because he appeared to be the oldest alumnus there graduating in 1958. Of course, he frantically went on a search to find someone else to make that not true. However, he concluded that he ages well because all of the other guys looked older than him.

Many of you may not know that many of these guys were some of the first to be drafted into the U.S. Armed services and fought in the Vietnam War. A war that tore this country a part and many of our soldiers upon coming home were not welcomed.

Many of the teachers of the alumni attended the bash, Mike Cumming-physical education teacher and alumnus, Sarah Grant-health/physical education and Bob Harris.

Robert Cargile shared with me, he throws the party as a way for every one to get together and have a good time. "In most cases you only see folks when it’s a funeral, someone dies, not good.

"Here we get to see each other find out what and how we are doing, party and have a good time with classes of every year at North Division." And they were all having a good time. Robert brothers Sam, Percy, and James all hosted the bash.

Jesse Anderson of the Class of ’81 was on hand at both North Division events selling the Blue Devils hats for his class fundraiser.

Howard Fuller, Mike Cummings and several others and I talked about North Division and I ask why do you think North Division was always under attack by the system.

Howard stated he believed "because folks had built their careers on integration, but they would rather see Black students fail than to see us educated and successful. In every critical moment in North Division’s history folks have stood in the way."

Cummings interjects "Because Howard had almost Black teachers in the school; the union attacked us and threaten to throw us out of the union. They accused Black teachers of being bosses like in the Mafia because we wanted to teach our children."

Howard states, "it was not until I became superintendent did I find out that every good thing we implemented at North Division they would sabotage it intentionally.

"Emil Ruckenwald, who worked for Superintendent McMurrin conscious was bothering him and he told me that McMurrin and others gave the directives to destroy any plans of success for North Division for this community."

He continues, "I truly feel had we been able to institute many of the things we wanted to implement; I believe the history of North Division would be different. Fifty years later and integration look at the results."

Many more folks came and left headed to the Class of ’66 banquet being held at Karen’s Entertainment.

Robert’s swimming pool was quite inviting but I had to leave before the party really got started. Hey, Robert I had a good time with all the living legends of a time when education was the only mission. Next year when I come, I am going to bring my bikini so I can float in the pool and show what I am working with, Holla! Keep doing the good stuff I love it!

"Class of ’66 Finale"

The Class of ’66 closed at Garfield 502 Club with a "Soul Food Brunch." Here they really went down memory lane. There was a video presentation of the class with that ’60’s music playing in the background I loved it!

They did a "do you remember" trivia game where folks won prizes if they remembered people, places and things at North Division during their time. Like what Blue Devil is known worldwide, Golda Meier. It was hilarious because the class Valedictorian Paul Renaeau knew all the answers, so they had to tell him to be quite, Holla!

They also did a "Community Journal" trivia to my surprise, what is the name of the column that Barbara White writes in the "Community Journal" and what is her famous introduction word. Of course, the answer was "I-Witness" and "Holla!" Everyone started saying, Holla! I loved it!

Julia (Truly) shared with I-Witness how the Class of ’66 looks at Black love. "Black love means Black wealth to us. We have used all Black vendors, held all our events in Black establishments, we are so proud that we know how to show our community Black love."

They also did news clips and things that happen in the world in 1966 like James Brown appearing on the "Ed Sullivan Show" singing "Papas Got A Brand New Bag." Mac told all who arrived late that they missed him doing the "James Brown."

Many alumni were there, like Roy and Georgia Evans who were childhood sweethearts and have been married for almost 40 years; their whole family and their children graduated from North Division. Other alumni also attended like Brenda St. Julian, Barbara (Moses) Robertson, James Strong, Lois (Williams) Rinion of Rock Island, Illinois, Bob Hudnell who after 56 years found out they were spelling his name wrong. The dinner was nice, think soul food and they had it. They also did a tribute to all the fallen Blue Devils. Mac wanted us all to know he was really an All-American in high school student. He was into wrestling, tennis, gymnastics and was the student trainer of the football team.

The Class of ’66 had a good time reflecting on their youth, their connection for life, what they now have accomplished in life and cherishing being a Blue Devil Forever. Hey, y’all I want you to know I had a good time with you.

I-Witness made a special effort to cover the North Division things this year due to its closing and rich and colorful history that shows how strong and focused y’all were in spite of the inhumanness perpetrated against you by the system, which consistently set you up for failure because you had Black skin but it did not stop the Blue Devil.

I-Witness asks the question: "What’s your favorite Love Song"

Y’all know I-Witness is a romantic at heart and that I love music especially love songs. So I have asked many of you what your favorite song was when you knew you were in love. Checkout the songs:

I-Witness--"Sweet Thang"

R. Mack Pumphrey--"Paradise" by the Temptations

Linda Cocroft--"Send For Me"

Roy Evans--"Georgia On My Mind" because his wife’s name is Georgia

Mac Weddle--"Always and Forever"

Marvin Pratt--"Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing"

Georgia Evans--"My Guy"

Truly--"A Thin Line Between Love and Hate"

Tina Moore at Jamie’s Club Theatre--"Me and Mrs. Jones"

Jesse Anderson--"This Is For the Love of You"

Betty Washington--"Oh What a Night"

Lelah Huntley--"Don’t Say Goodbye"

Don Lewis--"I Got Love On My Mind"

Bobby Drake--"Brown Skin"

Nakia Ali--"The Closer I Get To You"

Renee Pegues--"Wild Flower"

Autumn Blaze--"Adore"

Gaulien (Gee) Smith--"Is This The End?" At first, I didn’t think he understood my question.

He said he did, it was when she said it was the end that he knew he was in love.

Y’all know many of them had me rollin’ on the floor because some of them even tried to sing there song, Holla!

Send me your song when you knew it was love.

A Taste of

"His aura--like that of summer rain, owning an atmosphere, an energy, Crisp--Clean, Relaxing like a sedative ... rocking me like a wave of tranquility.

"If it weren’t the ultimate sin I’d idolize him, bow down to him like an obedient servant and call him Lord like Sarah did Abraham in the days of old, I’d build and dedicate temples to him, construct thrones of gold and sapphires, And exalt him, Praise his name and chant, Recant why he is so majestic to me.

I--love him, I praise him, I--Glorify him, I--Breathe Him, I--Believe in him, I--simply adore him."

These are the spoken words from the newly recent book of Autumn Blaze called a "Taste of Autum." Blaze held her first book signing at the Mecca Lounge, the poet’s haven.

Blaze appears on WNOV 860 every Thursday on the "Homer Blow Show" spitting her words, she was part of the 2005 National Poetry Slam Team in Alburquery, New Mexico she has appeared on Fox 6 Milwaukee’s "Showtime," "Floretry" at Summerfest and she has worked with many local and national poets.

In chatting with Blaze briefly, who I found to be very warm, confident, and spiritual, I asked her, how did she develop such a passion with the spoken word? In a soft voice, she states, "it like I had too. It’s therapy for me."

Blaze who was born in New Jersey and raised in Florida made her way to Milwaukee not so much by choice but for the safety of herself and her two children. Blaze is a survivor of domestic abuse and homelessness.

She states, "I didn’t like the idea of doctors always giving me pills. I have experienced so many childhood traumas but this time I began to write and it became a way for me to heal myself."

Blaze worked for WE Energies, and she recently quit to pursue a career in writing and spoken word. She is working on her second book and she working on her first CD, which will be titled "The Autumn Blaze Experience" with two producers one from Germany and the other from Los Angels, California. The CD is to be released in spring of 2007.

Autumn speaks that "poetry are not just words they are life changing. And what makes me know that it is all worth it is when I speak candidly of my experiences through my words and it touches another soul to help them then I am healing. What I want to do is go around the country to domestic shelters and share with women my experiences through my words."

Autumn took to the stage and spit some words out at us. She did the poem "I had Snap Today" and it brought the audience to their feet as they applauded and chanted Oh, Oh, Oh! The booklet is a good read and Autumn is truly gifted, we will hear a lot more from her in the future. Autumn I had a good time I enjoyed you book wishing you much success in all your endeavors.

Hangin’-Out with Marvin Pratt

Former Mayor Marvin Pratt and I hung out for the evening. We first went to the Wisconsin State Fair where they hosted the Katrina Survivors. (More on them in two weeks near the one-year anniversary of Katrina.) The survivors were treated to a night at the circus and it was wild elephants and all.

Many folks brought the boxes for them to see the show. They were also treated to the world famous cream puffs and New Orleans coffee with "Chicory," which is like pieces of bark from a tree, it was good.

Mary Beth Carr, who is special project director for the fair, stated she wanted to do the fair with a New Orleans theme and invite the survivors of Katrina to join us. It was a good thing, I did get to taste the cream puffs everybody talks about, and they were good.

Marvin and I stopped over at the Wilson Club to hang out with Steve and Kitty Wilson. Kitty is really down to earth; I-Witness loves real folks. Janice Carnell joined us from Exclusively Yours Catering. I had my Heineken for the night and Marvin and I played a game of pool, while we listened to some of the CD by Crystal Scott a local artist here. She is pretty good. I like her positive style.

Y’all know I had to let Marvin win after all how would it look if I beat the mayor, Holla! Kelly Orr, Eric Rucker, Kenny Utsey and Darlene Grant were also in the house.

We had a good time and I loved the music on the jukebox. Hey, Steve and Kitty, I had a good time and I will be back soon.

A Jazz Tribute

Jamie’s Club Theatre in conjunction with the Legacy of Jazz of Wisconsin is paying tribute to all jazz club owners of the past and jazz musicians every Sunday at the club.

Tina Moore vocalist for the group TuFu and owner of Jamie’s, states the Legacy of Jazz of Wisconsin are trying to preserve one of the greatest contributions to music jazz. Jazz is dying and we do not have anything on the North side in our community so we are trying to save our jazz community.

Every Sunday we will feature a tribute to some of the jazz club owners, musicians and photographers. This Sunday the tribute was to Jimmie Mack former owner of the Main Event and a jazz lover.

Don Lewis a trumpet player says, "Jamie’s is the hot spot for jazz, but not only for jazz--Tina herself is a good person. We are trying to rebuild our jazz community, so we must invite all our friends and family to help save jazz in Milwaukee and that Jamie’s is a good place to come for good jazz." Billy Johnson and Company were playing on this night and they were good. Jazz Photographer Charles Queens recently did a picture tribute to Miles Davis that was really good.

Other tributes have been paid to clubs like Jazz Oasis and Space Lounge. Therefore, get in the mood to cool out and stop on over to Jamie’s Club Theatre on Sundays and hear some of the best jazz this city has to offer.

You can touch I-Witness @ www.IwitnessMCJ@aol.com; Milwaukee Community Journal; 3612 North Martin Luther King Drive; Milwaukee, WI 53212; (414) 265-5300; fax: (414) 463-8590; website: www.communityjournal.net.