A Bishop, a Governor, a Neighborhood and Hope…
Governor Jim Doyle addresses audience as Bishop Daniels listens during announcement of the "Partnership Neighborhood Loans" Initiative to improve and resell homes. (B. White photo)
by B. White
Holla!
"I feel like bursting loose, bursting loose!" We have done it! In one year and 4 months "I-Witness" and the "Community Journal" have touched the lives of over 253,000 Black people all over the city of Milwaukee showing the beauty of Black people, our passions, compassion, intellect and Black life in love one event at a time.
We are honored to have shared all of your stories with this community as well as the nation, you have allowed us to show the world Black people are more than a song and a dance we are the drum beat of the world and we thank you.
Next week I will share with you several e-mails and thank you cards that I-Witness has received from many in this community, thanking us for telling the good stories of contributions made by Black people in our community and some of the wonderful people I’ve met doing my travel.
We have delivered. As promised, for every one of our folks they have shown in the negative light, "I-Witness" and the "Community Journal" has shown you 10 who are our here making good contributions to our community.
I-Witness also feels we have been objective in our view on many things that have occurred in our community.
However, more importantly we have been solution oriented, not just the whiner and moaner. We see a problem we have not only put it back to you to come up with solutions we have offered many ourselves.
The African Proverb that I-Witness now tags in her column is one that holds many truths:
"Until the Lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter."--African proverb
It may not matter right now, to many how we are portrayed, but 50 years from now, it will make a difference.
Our children of the future will again be judged by what others see of us now.
The world as well as the universe will also make them share the burden of today, thus making them lepers in the world forever.
Thanks to Black newspapers, Black writers and Black filmmakers, we can keep showing the world that we too are human beings doing some great things in society.
Through our stories, we don’t have to seek or ask for their acceptance because we have the power of the pen and pictures to tell our own stories.
So, the next time you’re doing the good stuff and the major media is not there to highlight your efforts and you ask the question: "where is the media now?"
Look around and you’ll see I-Witness, Black photographers or Black filmmakers. We’ll say, "we are here." When you repeat the question, again we will answer: "we are here," then it’s for you to just remember the proverb: "Until the Lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter."
Black writers, photographers and filmmakers, we are you and no one can tell our stories better than we can.
We can only get better with your support. So, take out a subscription and advertise with Black newspapers. We are your voice. ’Nuff said.
Holla-Outs
To: Felmer and Jessie Chaney who I encountered at Brown’s Ham House having a late lunch after Mrs. Chaney finished bowling. Yes, she still bowls y’all and I don’t advise you to challenge her she’s still pretty good at bowling, averaging 434.
To: Tina, Lynn, Gwen, and Cheryl, waitresses at the Brown’s Ham House y’all know you are the best. I also would like to thank Cheryl and Janice Crump for the beautiful earrings they gave me. Asanté Sana!
Hey, Willie Turner Jr., I just wanted to holler at you. Hey, Cliff Fowler welcome back to Milwaukee, I know you may be here only a short while and labor will have you off again, getting folks Labor Ready. Just hollering at you.
Birthday Holla-Outs
To: My wonderful son, Tshaka White, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, you’re the only one who knows your mother can sing and that I do it pretty well Holla! Love Ya!
To: Orlando Rice, Happy birthday you are now a half of a century old. Well, you can’t have a quarter party but I know a 50-cent party would double your fun; then you could include the celebration of your 25th anniversary. Wishing you the best day ever and you and Tammie nothing but bliss. Hey, Hammer Jackson, It’s yo’ Birthday, It’s yo’ Birthday. Happy Birthday and many more, Holla! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Brandon Riley. Brandon turned six on Sunday and his parents Pam and Edward Riley, family and friends threw him a party at McGovern Park. Brandon has Autism, but we are expecting great things from him.
Saying of the Week
Mr. Mill Town shared with a few words. He stated, "If a woman shares a man’s food she must become his Genie." I need ya will to help me out here and help me understand what he is saying, Holla!
Congratulations
To: G-Limit Productions (God’s Limit), on the up coming release of their new gospel movie "I’m On Fire," which will open at the Marcus Theatre in November.
They will also perform the play version of "I’m On Fire" on October 20 at Greater New Bethel Church on 29th and Galena.
Congratulations! To: WMCS 1290 Talk Show Host, Queen Jestene McCord who was out being adventures she recently returned from Los Angles and Hollywood, California where she "oversaw" the rehearsal and taping of the UNCF’s: "An Evening of Stars Tribute to Aretha Franklin."
Hey, Jestene you are a star among stars and with your touch, I know we can expect a fantastic show. The tribute will be televised in January ’07.
To: The Reverend Nate Stampley and his wife Carolyn. They have bore some very talented children, Nate Stampley, Jr. is on Broadway staring in a production of the "Lion King," while his sister Malkia Stampley is in Chicago starring in "Raisin."
Hey, Nate, Carolyn as parents I know your hearts are bursting with pride. I just want to say a job well done. Keep advancing that next generation I love it! Congratulations Nate Jr. and Malkia keep breaking a leg, Holla!
A Bishop, a Governor, a Neighborhood and Hope…
Governor Jim Doyle addresses audience as Bishop Daniels listens during announcement of the "Partnership Neighborhood Loans" Initiative to improve and resell homes. (B. White photo)
Bishop’s Creeks became a part of Governor Jim Doyle’s New Neighborhood Housing Initiatives, which will focus on increasing homeownership among African Americans.
The launching of the New WHEDA (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority) "Partnership Neighborhood Loans" Initiative has targeted Beloit, Madison, Racine and Milwaukee in specific neighborhoods with a high demand for affordable mortgages.
The goal is to stimulate and preserve affordable housing and small business. The Metcalf Park area is the second sight being assisted by the new program.
The initiative will have very different features and benefits and WHEDA will invest over $4 million in the venture. The introduction took place at Holy Redeemer COGIC Mother’s Kathryn Daniels Conference Center where many faith based organizations, community leaders and elected officials gathered for an impressive video presentation of the many programs and services, beyond church services, offered to those in the neighborhood of Holy Redeemer.
Sedgwick Daniels, bishop of Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ, and Governor Jim Doyle did a joint announcement of the Partnership Neighborhood Loans.
Governor Doyle announced that the state will provide a $200,000 line of credit to the Bishop’s Creek project, which will be named after both Dre Henning and Purvis Parker, the two young boys who drowned.
The money will be used to purchase, make improvements to homes, and resell them in the Holy Redeemer service area.
WHEDA Director Antonio Riley shared a few words with us regarding the new initiative and the good things WHEDA is doing across the state in promoting homeownership at a tune thus far of $317 million.
Riley said that WHEDA supports the governor’s "Affordability Homeownership" agenda where stable neighborhoods are created for children to grow up in safer places while fighting high loan interest rates.
Bishop Daniels thanked everyone for joining them and proceeds to talk about the wonderful things they are doing at Holy Redeemer, telling us about the five schools on their campus from MPS to private schools.
He further stated that Holy Redeemer has over 40 partnerships to make the good things happen.
He states: "The church is being challenged to do more in the lives of people. The responsibility of the church is to address the whole needs of the individual and their family. Church can no longer just be on Sunday. Holy Redeemer deals with over 1,000 neighborhood residents a day, 20% with a median income of $10,000 and less, 30% under the poverty guidelines of $25,000 that’s 50% of the area’s population living in poverty."
He continues, "What we hope is that our neighbors will take advantage of the opportunities and will become inspired to advance their life. We have established relationships through out the community we have a 85% graduation rate for those who attend our schools, there are over 2,000 children who use our facilities daily and over 3,000 families receive services from Holy Redeemer through its many programs."
The governor took to the podium, as he thanked Bishop Daniels. He then stated, "the WHEDA Partnership Neighborhood Loans Initiative is aimed at increasing African American homeownership and it’s going to include Bishops Creek. These loans will be better than the WHEDA loans and it does not have a down payment. I have directed WHEDA to increase lending to minorities by 20% in 2007. The $200,000 line of credit to Holy Redeemer is to purchase and refurnish homes.
"I thank Bishop Daniels and Holy Redeemer for revitalizing our community and creating public/private partnerships. Our goal is for every family in Wisconsin to live out their dreams to own their own home and I want to make sure that every family has a path to homeownership through these new programs."
In closing, Doyle says, "Every family in Wisconsin should have the opportunity to live out the American Dream of owning their own home.
Bishop Daniels again thanked the governor for having such insight and then he took us on a quality of life imaginary trip throughout the neighborhood where good things are about to happen. He told the young people in the audience: "when you buy your first house remember this day.
"We are not going to let anyone stop us from doing what our bond and will is with for community."
Hey, bishop thanks for the ride of hope. I see hope all the time, but I do not have many folks who can see it with me. Now I know where I can come when no one else can see her (hope) because she is right there at Holy Redeemer where they are creating miracles. "And I believe in Miracles, Yahoo Miracles." I know Bishop you did not know I could sing, Holla! Keep providing opportunities and advancing that next generation, I love it! (Look for more I-Witness in WKND)
Pssssst
WISN 12 Co-Weekend Anchor DeMarco Morgan served as master of ceremonies at the Congressional Black Caucus last week. Many people from Washington, DC and other places called to Milwaukee seeking and asking who is that Masked Man from Milwaukee he is awesome!
Well DeMarco we know that you are the best-kept secret in the nation. We heard you represented your adopted home well. We are very proud of you. Thanks for keeping Milwaukee on the map in a positive light. I love it!
The 36th Annual CYD Image Awards
CYD Image Award Coordinator James Nelson and CYD CEO Jeannetta Robinson congratulate Woman and Man of the Year honorees Martha Love and J.D. Watts. (photo by B. White)
Y’all know it. They were dressed to the hilt in their colors of pink and white with touches of royalty, the color purple. All were simply too sharp.
Career Youth Development, Inc. (CYD) had love in action at its 36th Annual Image awards Celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Dedicating these awards to the memory of its Co-founder Claretta (Mother Freedom) Simpson to "God be the Glory."
CYD is a social service agency that is child-focused, but is family oriented. Every year they hold the "Image Awards" to show off the many children and their families who have overcome challenges and obstacles and have become empowered within themselves to do the good things in life and live their dreams. The "Image Awards" also recognize many in our community who know how to give a helping hand.
James Nelson was the coordinator of the event and Mistresses of Ceremony were Supervisor Beth Coggs-Jones and Dr. Rene Settle-Robinson, podiatric surgeon. Jeanette Simpson-Robinson is the CEO of CYD.
There are many benefactors of the Love in Action of CYD. Success stories include: Supervisor James White who didn’t even have a GED when he began going to CYD; nationally renown actor, song writer, comedian, Bradford (D-Rock) DeShawn; the list could go on. Other former CYD students include: State Representative Leon Young, Ivory Taylor, Michael brown, B. Thassainee Gutter-Parker, Tavaris White. The lives of young people that CYD has loved with success could probably circle five times around the globe.
It was a who’s who at the awards from every candidate running for office to Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker, and the children who loved being dressed up and their families. Michelle Crockett, Amos Adams, Sadie James, Urban League Director Ralph Hollomon, WGLB gospel radio jock Brother Will Payne and his wife Sarah and their daughter Artasia, CYD’s Board President Earl Hill, Vice President Robert Spindell, WNOV Radio Jock Homer Blow, Milwaukee County DBE Director Freida Webb, the Honorable Vel Phillips, State Senator Lena Taylor, Dismas Becker and former Municipal Judge candidate Jeffery Norman, Alderwoman Faye Anderson, Jeanette Herrera who was one of the honorees, Jeff and Beryl Marker (Julie’s parents) Photographer and CYD’s Board Member of the Year Cy White who was too sharp in his suit, Holla!
The evening program is too long to list, but it was a fun-filled evening. I will highlight some of the activities.
And the honorees are: Woman of the Year, Martha Love; Man of the Year: J.D. Watts, County Supervisor of Year, Lee Holloway; Family of the Year, Minister Joshua Honey and Family; Alderman of the Year, Ashanti Hamilton; Volunteers of the Year, Edna Robinson and Doris Butler; and Spiritual Friend of the Year, the Reverend Joe Kinlow. The honorees were many.
Then there was the true highlight of the evening the King and Queen Court Majestic Walk.
Here is where the young people, from tiny tots to teenagers, strolled their court in a gentlemen and lady fashion, showing off their skills of courtesy, etiquette bringing us much joy in their accomplishments.
Tiny Tot 2006 Students of the Year, Wandell and Mercedes Anderson; 2006 King and Queen German Womack IV and Marlaina Foster; 2006 Valedictorians John Robinson and Amelie Meyers.
CYD’s 2006 Youth Students of the Year Torrance Smith and Tacara Bonds, 2006 Youth King and Queen Torrance Smith and Chloe Coggs-Jones and 2006 Valedictorian Robert Youngblood and Mary Newson.
There was a surprise video presentation where folks like Supervisors Lee Holloway, Beth Coggs-Jones, Peggy West and a host of friends and supporters paid tribute to Jeannetta and CYD.
Survivors of Homicide Mothers did a special presentation to Jeannetta thanking her for showing them how to live through their tragic loss of their children.
Now the Queen herself, Jeannetta who was short and sweet, (Okay y’all I did not believe it either. Holla!) She thanked the CYD staff, the board everyone there. Then she said: "Thank God we are now free!" (Referring to some of the challenges the agency faced in the past.) Under the reins of County Executive Scott Walker, CYD is free. She thanked Walker for his great work and told him to continue to be there when they called and all the Glory goes to God!
She talked of the man and the woman of the year and their involvement in the community and thanked them for it.
She touched on politics stating, "politics is not Black or White, Democrat or Republican with me it’s about have I seen you in the ’hood and do you care about poor people."
She again thanked folks personally for their friendship and support to CYD.
Hey, Jeannetta over the years, if I had to put a tag on what y’all have given to the young people in this community it would be one thing. Yes, it would be plenty of love, but you also gave them the ability to put Love in Action with a song. Let me sing it for you. "Yes, we can, can, can with love and inspiration why can’t you if you wanta yes you can, can."
Okay, so you did not know I could sing either huh. I know your house is the house of miracles. Keep doing the good stuff, healing and advancing that next generation, I love it!
God was in the House
Youth who attended the funeral of Candace Moss, the 13-year-old Honor Student who was killed by a stray bullet. The youth who stood before Moss’ coffin were given the opportunity to accept Christ. The funeral was held at Christian Faith. (photo by B. White)
I attended the wake and the funeral of Candace Moss, the 13-year-old Honor Student, Academic achiever, a leader and athlete at John Muir Middle school who everyone says was destined for greatness. An aimless bullet meant for someone else killed her.
Candace was killed by another youth who states he never intended to shoot her, he did not even know her but he intended to kill another young man who he claims had been trying to kill him for weeks.
Her mother Rozelia Moss, her father, Darris Davis, stepfather Ricky Adams, grandparents Henry and Georgia Moss, Milton and Ada Davis, eight sisters and one brother, survive Candace.
I attended the wake where over a thousand people turned out to say good-bye to Candace. Young people filed by the casket tearful and filled with grief declaring to Candace how much they will miss her.
At the New Pitts Mortuary, Michelle Pitts is very sensitive to the children, so she surrounded the casket with beautiful things like balloons and her awards, her jersey, stuff animals, pictures creating an atmosphere to try to soften what we were all going through.
"I Believe I Can Fly" filled the air as a video presentation of Candace’s short life flicked to every drumbeat.
I watched as teachers, coaches, cousins and friends walked by Candace, as tears filled all their eyes as well as mine.
Organizers and crime prevention workers even William Muhammad from the Nation of Islam, and Gary Henning, the grandfather of Dré Henning was in attendance all to view the sadness of this young lady with a promising life ahead of her and every body asking why and when does it end.
Candace belonged to a sorority at her school called Brother2Brother, Sister2Sister, a mentoring group, which has over a 1,000 middle school students strong in it in several schools through out the city.
Pastor Randy Nichols is the creator of the organization.
They came to the Pitts Mortuary in their red shirts, which stated who they were. Many were in tears they stood close to her with watchful eyes as if they had to make sure she knew they were here to protect now.
There was a short service by Pastor Redmond of Christian Faith Fellowship Church.
Everyone proceed outside where Brother2Brother and Sister2Sister joined together in a circle as their mentor Nichols talked to them about what families do in tragic times they stick together and support each other. They then recited their pledge of excellence.
Each was given a balloon, which they all released to float in the skies for Candace. Upon the release of the balloons, the fraternity and sorority in unison put up their creed sign to the skies as hundreds of other young folks watched.
I had no plans on attending Candace’s funeral the next day because I too was filled with grief. However, something told me I needed to go to the funeral. Why? I did not know.
Upon arriving at Christian Faith, the church was filled and mostly with young people. Mother Corina Hines was singing "Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, yes, and Jesus loves me for the Bible told me so." As Mother Hines sang, many stood with raised hands and shouts of concurrence.
Many ministers sat in the pulpit Gene Champion, Pastor Redmond and a host of others. Muhibb Dyer from Campaign Against Violence was there as well as many others.
The Signature Dancers did a praise dance.
Many got up to speak Alderman Ashanti Hamilton who recently found out that Candace and he are related. His wife told him about Candace being killed.
He states he has been to a number of funerals and the worst ones are when you have to bury your children. "It is unnatural and it’s not suppose to be. Candace did what she was supposed to do and God will take care of her. The way we have been functioning the price is too high."
He continued, "I have an 11-year-old daughter and in the middle of the night, I went in and hugged her and I started crying because she could not do that (die) on me. It is not natural. We have to find a way to take control of this city; we had no idea what Candace had to offer."
John Muir teachers and her classmates came up to talk about Candace. Many of her teachers stated she was a leader you could leave Candace in the classroom and you knew she would take care of it. Many of the male teachers could hardly talk for the tears and had to be comforted.
They stated she was a role model for many kids.
There were poems of love and I miss you, and her stepfather Ricky Adams had a special poem, which told Candace she will be loved forever.
Candace Grandfather Henry Moss thanked everyone especially Michelle of the Pitts Mortuary and Pastor Redmond for all they have done.
The eulogy, Pastor Redmond took to the pulpit. I listened to him but he began to sound a bit different to me.
"It is a sad day in our community with our families all across the nation with record death tolls.
"The senseless taking of lives Black-on-Black crime, somebody is keeping a record on how masterful we have become at destroying each other," Redmond began.
"However, it is time for the truth, the butt-naked truth. Quit giving God the credit for what the devil is doing. Sure, we seem to be going through hell, hell is the problem not heaven. The shooter was not given the power by God to kill our baby then hell must have had a hand in it."
He continued to tell all the young people about in 1960 Black people were justice seekers. They were motivated to stand together in the name of equal rights and justice for all and we were united with a unity that has been divided over the years.
"We all know that someone has contrived this division and it was unleashed in Black communities all over America the weapon of dope, cocaine, heroin, crack, guns. These weapons became the perfect weapon of destruction, more deadly than any cancer, Civil Rights movement, and any war. Why is it when anybody wants crack they go to Black communities. These weapons have us burying our babies. Did not we plant good seeds in the soil are not we from the same family, how come Baby Boy don’t act like us?"
He started to talk about God and how you have to ask God in because God is a gentleman. God will not force himself on you. You have to invite him in.
In a soft yet powerful voice he continues, "there is another option we can stop it now.
"The "Bible" says one touch 10 and 10 touch 1,000, we can stop the crack, the cocaine, the guns, the violence, and we can stop it."
Pastor Redmond then asked: "are you ready to know Jesus? Are you tired and you want to put God’s protection on your life, today. You have to ask, God is a perfect gentlemen. You got to want him to come into your life. Do you want to be free?"
At this moment, three young Black males stood up and walked to him. Then three more and one by one young people were going up with tears in their eyes to ask God into their lives. I cried it was the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen over a hundred of them said with tears and their hands in the air that hey were tired and they wanted the Creator to come into their life. Pastor Redmond did the prayer of salvation with them. He told them they will be forgiven for all sins and that they are on the books now. So, when the enemy comes God will say not with my child.
I thank you Pastor Redmond for talking their language and showing them how much God truly loves them.
I know now I was supposed to go to the funeral just as Pastor Redmond to be a vessel to write the story to share with y’all how powerful our Creator is. I am to let you know that Candace is all right because the Creator did not let her die in vain when she left here. She has become a real leader and role model her going home garnered our Creator over 100 new soldiers to represent. I just want to say Candace a job well done!
***Atten---tion Salute!***
A Memorial MC Ride
Members of the Milwaukee Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club gathered recently to take part in the second annual Memorial Run and cookout, which is a tribute to the club’s first president Earl (Oak Tree) Minley. The event was held at Spiders Lounge. (B. White photo)
The local chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, a chartered chapter of the National Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, did their second Annual Memorial Run and cookout in tribute to their first President Earl (Oak Tree) Minley at Spiders Lounge.
Riders came citywide and as far as Chicago to ride in the tribute. No I-Witness was not adventurous this weekend so she did not ride, Holla!
According, President Misty Minley, Oak Tree, who is now deceased, started the Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Riders Club.
Oak Tree did many good things with the chapter like hosted the first ever MC Round-up in Wisconsin, (It is like a convention for riders.) as well as other contributing events.
The Buffalo Soldiers do many charitable events like back-to-school supplies, giving to food pantries.
Presently, they are working with the other 55 chapters nationwide to raise money to restore the original statue of the Buffalo Soldiers in Alabama.
The memorial run ran from Spiders Lounge to Wisconsin Memorial Park where they do a ceremony.
They returned to the lounge where the party began. All proceeds from the cookout and other activities will be donated to a local charity.
Well Buffalo Soldiers, I wish you well in your bid to raise funds to restore the original Statue of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Preserving our history and contributions to history is something we must keep alive. Keep doing the good things, I love it!
Money, Money, Money
Money Motivation Entertainment hosted a cookout on behalf of the Neighborhood House at McGovern Park.
Money Motivation Entertainment is a promotional company with a focus on music. They manage their own artist James West who is also a member of the group. The group consists of Donté Barnes, John Cancer, Leonard Givens, James West, Rodney Reed and Nathan Fraction, who is the CEO. All of the young guys at one point or another started at the Neighborhood House.
According to Eugene Lace, sports coordinator of youth development at the center, the Neighborhood House is a social service agency that has been in existence since the 1940s providing many quality of life services. They have a focus on youth offering many sports programs and travel outings. But academics is their focus with a program called Books and Bulls, which includes school and home tutoring, mentoring as well as community service.
"We promote mastering algebra and other basic skills. We want a child to be the best they can be as a citizen in your community and as a student. However, we want you to be the best student who wants to learn. We have an excellent teacher Brooke Raister who sets the curriculum and work with kids. She is really good. Children who have gone through our program for two years or more graduate from high school and go on to some secondary education," Lace said.
He continued: "We reward our children through various activities we have traveled to Vegas where we played in Prime Time Sports. Last year we took second place in the national tournament in Florida."
Money Motivation Entertainment, CEO Fraction stated that the group heard, at one time, the Neighborhood House has been having financial problems. "So we wanted to do our part to help. We are now back to give back."
I chatted with the young guys and they say this is their first time hosting this kind of event. "We have learned a lot but we can only get better," they said. Y’all know it made my day to see young Black men learning to care about their community.
They delivered dinners from the park as well as a number of folks coming in the rain to get the dinners of Barbecue rib tips, brats, burgers spaghetti, corn, baked beans prepared by non other than Davy’s Catering, the chef Dave Allen. Y’all know my community feeds me. So the young guys fed me and I give it four snaps and a pop, which is very good.
Money Motivation Entertainment all chatted and they look forward to their next charitable event.
I asked Lace, "when you see these young guys and you knew them when they were little ones simply trying to find their way and you see them now, what do you think?" He stated, "when you see the young people become proactive and they see the need and do something about it. They set the standards for those coming behind them."
I wish them the best of luck and that they continue to do the good things they do. The good things you just do not do this, to do it, it has to be on your heart.
All proceeds from the dinner sales will go to the Neighborhood House.
Hey, Guys you are beginning to do some good things in your community. I think it was great that you returned some of the hugs that you received from the Neighborhood House. Keep doing the good things and advancing that next generation. I love it!
