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

"Every time a baby is born its proof that God has not given up on Mankind."

Pssssst...

It’s a family affair. First, we hear that Commissioner Hattie Daniels has a new job as community liaison with County Executive Scott Walker. Now I hear that her brother Attorney John Daniels has just been appointed chief of Quarles and Brady, one of the largest law firms in the State of Wisconsin. It is the first time in my knowledge that a Black person--much less a Black man--has ever been appointed to such a position. All I can say John is what took them so long, Holla! Besides Attorney Rodney Cubbie, you are the baddest lawyers I know. I know you are going to take Quarles & Brady to a new level. Wishing you the best in your new endeavor, Congratulations!

Holla-Outs

Hey, Janice Griffin over at One Mo’ Gen Recycled Furniture for Children. I love the furniture you make for children.

Hey, Jill Wade over at the Funhouse Lounge and Bridget Williams of Holy Redeemer COGIC. I want everybody to know you two are the salt twins and that you shake, shake, shake it. Tell me, where do you hide all the salt? Holla!

To: Juanita Lucas. I heard you are a big time I-Witness reader. Thank you!

They tell me every week that I have you rollin’ on the floor. You know I love it! Holla!

Hey, Lottie Cannon and Janice Swann of Lottie’s Cleaners. I haven’t seen the two of you in a while and I just wanted to Holla at you!

Okay y’all let me tell who gives good customer service: Tanya, Darrel St. Julien and Cornell Sims over at Advanced Auto Part. There service is so good; Sims, the manager walked me to my car and put my items in the car. Talk about big-time front door service, I loved it!

Hey, Tony Neal, your guy, Derek Scruggs, told me your big birthday bash was coming up soon. It’ll be September 21and 22 at the Onyx Night Club and I know how you do it.

For all of you who do not know, Neal is CEO of Core DJ’s and he manages over 340 DJs nation wide. These D.J’s bring you the hits you hear on the radio. Hey, Neal just wanted to Holla at you to wish you a Happy Birthday!

Get Well

Hey, Aunt Janice Porter: I heard you are a bit under the weather, but your sun still shines bright because we believe in miracles. Yahoo miracles! Get well soon!

Hey Bell Allison: I guess I-Witness is going to have to come over to take care of all the members of my adopted family. Get well soon!

Birthday Holla-Outs

To: Tshaka White, I-Witness’ No. 1 son. "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Hap-py Birth-day to you!" Okay so I am the pretty one and you are the sexy one, Holla! Happy Day, son!

Ben Watson, (pretty Ben) one of I-Witness’ favorites is having a birthday and on his birthday he decided to give a gift to some young men by taking them to camp. I love it Ben! Happy Birthday!

Ron Johnson and James Mills also celebrated their birthdays taking a kid to camp. Hey, you two: what a wonderful gift to give to another human being, I love it! Happy Birthday!

Judge Valerie Hill, I heard "it’s yo’ birthday; it’s yo’ birthday!" I would sing for you, but then you will be saying order in the court, Holla! Happy Birthday!

Hey Tiffany, Melody Lee and Tina Hall, Adrienne and I-Witness want to wish all of you a Happy Birthday!

Hey, Tiffany Newton this must be a Virgo thing! I’m glad that the new baby will not be a Virgo, Holla!

Hey, Christine Barbee and ADT Mack, Tiffany and I-Witness want to wish the two you a Happy Birthday!

Hanging-Out

I-Witness hung out for lunch at Mr. B’s, Brown’s Ham House, with Carl Gee and Jackson Beamon. We had a good time chatting and eating some of the best soul food in the city of Milwaukee. I love going to Mr. B’s you never know who you might see in there. Hey, Carl and Jackson I had a good time with you; let’s do it again.

Customers treated to a second annual appreciation barbecue

Garfield 502 co-owner Jewel Currie (center) poses with two of his supporters during the bar and grill’s recent customer appreciation barbecue where there was a lot of food, folks and tons of fun. (photo by Barbara White)

Jewel Currie and Lamar Franklin, co-owners of Garfield 502, hosted their Second Annual Customer Appreciation Cook Out. Folks came from all over to join the festivities. There was a very nice complimentary dinner of barbecue, corn on the cob and the works.

Music and chatter filled the whole block; folks were having a great time. Doss and Pandora Bender, Dr. Pam Malone, Shantel Bacchus of the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals, County Supervisors Michael and Beth Coggs-Jones, Danielle Matthews, Tom Wilson, Patricia Hightower, and Melody Henderson.

Folks were laughing, talking and playing cards and y’all know that I had to play some bid whist. Dr, Pam Malone was my partner. We lost the first game, but when I reintroduce myself to Virgil Stewart and Al Davis, everything changed because Ms. Boston was in the house, holla! I told Virgil and Al that they had to say my name. Needless to say, after I made them say my name--Ms. Boston, Holla--Pam and I kicked their butts! Shantel was my cheerleader and she made them say Ms. Boston very loud, I loved it!

Al switched partners and Pandora Bender played with him. Not that that mattered because I made her say my name too, Holla! I loved it! In fact, everyone must have loved it because soon Ken Little and Marcus got up their nerve to play and they were talking plenty of it. Pam and Shantel made them say my name very loud too. They screamed: "Ms. Boston, Ms. Boston," I loved it!

Hip-Hop Queens Tanya Whitaker and Catina Cotton arrived for a double celebration; it was Tanya’s birthday. Leonard (LA) Johnson also joined in on the fun. We got Tanya a drink and Kendra Mapp, the waitress, sang a special rendition of "Happy Birthday" to her. She was beating on the tray just like they do it at the Japanese Steak House. I loved it! Tanya was having a good time.

Here comes the Big Mac--Mac Weddle of the Northcott Neighborhood House. He had at least six women on his arms; I think he was more like big daddy, Holla! He kept telling the other guys: "don’t hate, don’t hate." I loved it!

Shortly after I saw "Big Mac," in came Veatrice Blackmon. It was her birthday too and she was too cute. She had on a little flowing dress and her hair and nails were pretty.

Hey, Jewel and Lamar: I had a good time. Although, if I must say so, you two need to get some real bid whist players before I have all your customers saying my name. They’ll be screaming: "Ms. Boston, Ms. Boston," Holla!

Memorial ride for: "Oak Tree"

Members of the Milwaukee Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle club healthier annual Memorial Ride to pay tribute to the late Earl "Oak Tree" Minley. (photo by Barbara White)

Okay, so I-Witness spent her Saturday with the motorcycle riders, y’all know I have some wind in me ,Holla.

The Milwaukee Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers hosted their annual Memorial Ride in tribute to its deceased President Oak Tree (Earl Minley) at Spider’s Lounge.

Motorcycle riders came from all over the Midwest to partake in the Memorial Run. It’s a special annual salute installed by Buffalo Soldier’s President Misty Minley, in tribute to her husband.

Y’all should see the bikes and the women who ride them. And yes, they do it in those high heels Holla! Denise Jones rides a Harley Soft tail, Hot Chocolate Crockett rides a 1300 cc Honda VTX, and John Cole rides a Harley Electric Glade Classic and Curtiss Jordan, a Kawasaki Voyager VII.

The clubs that joined the ride included Throttle Twisters, Stance Riders, Wolf Pack, Midwest Kings and Queens, Motown Riders, HLMC and the Top Riders and Flying Panthers from Chicago, Illinois.

Before the riders headed out, Spider was rockin’ the house; he even had honky tonk blues, I love it! If you ever want to hear some good ol’ school, then Spider’s is the place to go. Spider’s Lounge is the home of the drinks that have names like the pimp juice, the poor ho and pimp drink; y’all know I was rollin’ on the floor.

The riders began to assemble and there are bikes every where. Traffic was stopped as the riders took off to head to Wisconsin Memorial Park where they will reminisce and salute Oak Tree. Then headed back to Spider’s Lounge to partake in a barbecue cookout and party to the sounds of Spider who took them there. Holla!

Hey, Misty you know I always have a good time with the Buffalo Soldiers, next year y’all know I-Witness is going to have to ride.

Moving Forward

Models who participated in the Moving Forward Annual Gala hair and fashion show take time to strike a pose for the camera. (photo by Barbara White)

Cynthia Smith of Moving Forward hosted its first Annual Gala, featuring a hair and fashion show at the Bavarian Inn. Smith also owes Cynthia’s Silk Hair Gallery and she is a cosmetology instructor.

Moving Forward is a youth empowering organization that is designed to assist and equip children with the necessary tools to be successful in life by means of building self-esteem, teaching leadership and motivational enforcements that can lead to a successful life for young people.

Tanya Whitaker was the coordinator of the gala and she and Smith orchestrated a wonderful affair. Appetizers, consisting of chicken of all sorts, penny sandwiches, meatballs and more, were served.

Smith welcomed everyone as Dr. Kathy Martin joined her to share with us her product the Juice Plus. Brittany Griffin serenaded us in song and the Bese Saka Dance Company of the Performing Arts Academy entertained us with dance.

Momentum (Morris Garrett) of the nationally renowned poetry trio 3 Brothas and A Mic rocked us with my favorite piece: "I Have Some God In Me." I think he needs to be on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam.

The show led off with different presentation of hairstyles and nails by Martha, followed by teenage hairstyles by Cynthia’s Silk Hair Gallery.

Disaya Ann’e House of Fashion, flashed us with hairstyles and her fashions. Kendra Wilks, who is the designer of Disaya Ann’e, a Milwaukee based company, will feature her designs in New York with national and international designers during Fashion Week. I liked a few of the designs it was a good show.

Hey, Cynthia and Tanya: I enjoyed the gala. Here’s wishing you much success in your new endeavor.

Fathers and sons gather for the 12th Annual T.J. Father and Son Retreat

In the spirit of Harambee, fathers and sons pull together during a moment of bonding as they prepared to depart for the 12th annual T.J. Father Son Retreat. (photo by Barbara White)

It was a sight of love watching the cars pull up to Northcott Neighborhood House for the 12th Annual T.J. Father and Son Retreat.

The T.J. Father and Son Retreat, Camp for Peace came out the 1995 Million Man March where the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam called over a million Black men to the nation’s capitol to atone. At the march, Black men were encouraged to go back to their cities and start doing some positive things not only with their families, but in their communities as well.

Upon their return, national community organizer Tom (T.J) Jackson, Ron Johnson, James Miller and others came up with the idea to start a Father and Son Retreat. After the death of T.J., the retreat was named the T.J. Father and Son Retreat.

The fathers, their sons as well as other young men who are don’t have fathers in their lives, go up north near the Mississippi to bond with each other and with nature as well.

It was a partly cloudy morning as the men started to arrive. Chatter and excitement filled the air. Pillows, sleeping bags and book bags were headed toward the bus. E.B. Garner, who teaches children throughout the city how to fish at the different county parks, was excited to travel with the group. He states: "It’s great. Fathers and sons bond out in the wilderness with nature, a place where they can just relax their minds and see that there are other things to do in life."

Many men volunteer to be fathers for the weekend to the boys who have no fathers in their life. These young men are told that "every man here is your father." Attorney Bill Baldon, Pretty Ben (Ben Watson), Fred Douglas, Terrance Ray and James Miller all volunteer for the weekend and become a father to over 100 boys.

This year a number of businesses joined them like Charleston Gray, general manager of Levy Restaurants, which manages the Wisconsin Center District. Charleston and his team were so excited about the retreat. Upon their departure from camp, the boys will receive a nice cooler pack filled with school supplies and a Camp for Peace T-shirt donated by Levy Restaurants. Darmon Thurman of Anything Masonry, St. Vincent De Paul, Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, Fatherhood Initiative, Running Rebels, and Coffee Make You Black are also contributors as well.

Kevin Walker who has a wealth of knowledge attends the camp every year, bringing something new to the young men each year. Often times he has ridden his bike to the campsite, which takes him three days. Lately, he has been educating the boys on astronomy; he teaches the boys about the universe. EB swears that he has learned more from Kevin Walker about the workings of the universe than any teacher has ever taught him.

Ron Johnson gives me the history again of their commitment that men made at the Million Man March. "We decided to go fishing, leave our pitch folks and go where, we don’t call each other niggas, there are no drugs, no MF’s and no fighting. We fish, swim in the muddy Mississippi, talk and just a have a good time," Johnson said.

Before their departure, all of the campers are united in the gym, where Ron Johnson gives them their instructions. He opened by saying: "every man you see here today is your father. We are here to build relationships between men and boys, so leave your ghetto here in Milwaukee. This year’s camp is dedicated to the Flight of the Hawk and the Hawk will be there to protect you." (Every year a different animal is selected to protect the group.)

Everyone was asked to stand in the circle as they began to clap. Johnson shared with them in Africa the men would gather in a circle with a fire in the middle before they go do battle and they would chant Harambee seven times holding the last one for as long as they could.

Harambee means pulling together. The gym became filled with the chants of togetherness of fathers and sons as they entered a new kind of battle, bonding and loving with nature. The chants of Harambee got louder and louder as they held hands citing we will be together even in our last Harambee.

Hey, Ron and all fathers and businesses who took the time to not only love your child for a weekend but also love a child who does not have a father in his life: often I say it takes special people to love a child and you know all of you are pretty special. Asante’ Sana, for Harambee!

Wisconsin continues to play with the lives of Black People

The State of Wisconsin has failed to meet its 5% of its goods and services mandated by law to do business with minority-owned businesses. Out of 23 years, since the state legislature passed the 5% law, the state has failed to meet the goal. While looking at the whole picture, the state has given us great sound bites of meeting the goals on many state projects, they have even had some Black-elected officials singing their dance and song but it has all been smoke and mirrors, an out right lie.

The state of Wisconsin spent over $1.7 billion in goods and services and only $48.4 million went to minority businesses. White women cooped most of that money, which is like the fox guarding the hen house. Married White women declare themselves a minority in starting a business and get the benefits just like other minorities. During the Civil Rights era the only real protected class under the constitution were Black people and these other classes have been added on as a see fit.

Governor Doyle, with unemployment, steady rising in the city of Milwaukee, especially for Black men, not doing business or denying business opportunities to Black people in business is kinship to genocide.

The reason that business is not done with Black people is we cannot find any qualified Black people in business, which is an out and out lie.

Let’s do some "Real Talk" politically speaking it is better to kick business out to ones friends and people who can economically support campaigns than to do business with Black people.

Now they have a new game where they hire consultants, White ones of course, to say there is duplications. They say that we need to bundle all of the departments and contract bids specks into one, that way the small contractor is thrown in with the giants where they will never be able to compete. Ask Lena’s Food Mart and others.

The racist nature of the State of Wisconsin continues to enforce Jim Crowism and deem Black business people as incompetent. They continue to perpetuate the idea that Black businesses do not know how to do business, can’t count money and are shiftless and lazy. Then the governmental entities put Black faces up as the talking heads to say, "we are getting better" so no one will raise the issue of race with the Black face as head.

Black people here in the state of Wisconsin need to wake up. We cannot keep hiding our heads in the sand. Our babies are dying daily and our families are being destroyed due to the continued denied opportunities of jobs and our business folks not having access and being treated as full citizens. Folks, it’s still a human rights and constitution issue.

When Black men were denied access to construction jobs or business in New York and Chicago they stopped all work on the projects telling White workers who worked in front of their houses, "if we don’t work you won’t work," then things began to change.

This city is too passive when it comes to being attacked on quality of life issues. Perhaps, many of you do not understand that when folks have the power to deny you opportunity to a livelihood, when they have the ability to deny you access to take care of your family and then isolate you as the only ones this is happening to, then they are trying to "Kill You!" It’s as simple as that.

We must stop looking at ourselves as less or not believing that we can change things. Let’s start looking at ourselves as who we are. We are decent human beings who want the same for our families as every other culture, but more importantly we must began to look at ourselves as taxpayers like every one else and start acting like taxpayers.

If we do not challenge human rights injustices, then we will continue to invite evil and when evil surrounds us nothing good will show and history will soon repeat itself. Thus, we wake up one morning and see our neighbors or our children hanging from trees.

Many of you may say I-Witness you must stop talking about the thin line between love and hate--Racism. I am just dealing with the realities. As long as we have to have laws that say how many of us can work, how many of us can contract with our government to whom we pay taxes to, I will continue to deal with realities.

Our government puts limits on their efforts to award us contracts and jobs like 5% for the state and 25% in the city. We need to continue to be worried and be resistant to the needles of evil.

We have let the Mayor and the City of Milwaukee get away with meeting the minority quota, even though Black people are the majority in the city. Black contractors have very little of the $87 million it is costing to rebuild City Hall. Go check it out.

We can learn a few things from Jewish people. They teach their children from the time they are born of the evils of racism. At one-time in this country they had to hide their heritage and cultural identification for fear of being killed because they were Jewish, but it was the fight for freedom by Black people that gave them full human rights in this country. Jewish people say it every morning they get up and every evening before they go to bed "Never, Never Again" and we ought to be singing that same song.

There should be a call by this community for 51% of all jobs on government contracts, 51% of governmental contracts on construction projects, goods and services throughout the City of Milwaukee, not for minorities but the new majority in the City of Milwaukee, Black people!

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished and that will be the beginning....

I-Witness, the Milwaukee Brewers

grant a wish

Okay y’all I-Witness granted a wish to 94-year-old Willie Wallace. Now y’all know I-Witness cannot go granting wishes without some of her friends kicking in.

Mr. Wallace loves baseball. Besides the Brewers, the Houston Astros are his favorite team. At 94-years-old, he still drives his car and has coffee every morning at McDonalds with his buddies on Ninth Street and North Avenue.

As we chatted, I asked him a question. I asked, "if I could get you a few tickets would you like to go to the game?" He was excited and said, "yes."

Okay y’all I looked at my budget, y’all know I get peanuts at the paper, so I called my friend Lynn Sprangers over at the Milwaukee Brewers. Y’all know I have to call my friends every time I have to get something done, but most never let me down. Lynn sent the tickets and guess what it was to a Houston Astros game, what luck. Needless to say, Mr. Wallace was excited. Elaine Crawford, his daughter, and Clem Thames and Ms. Bettie also attended.

Hey, Lynn I thank you and the Milwaukee Brewers for helping a sista out with Willie Wallace. It felt good that I-Witness could grant a wish with the help of her friends. Go Brewers! Go!