MCJ Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014

38 ANNIVERSARY

COMMUNITY VOL. XXXIX Number 1 July 30, 2014

The Milwaukee

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W I S C O N S I N ’ S L A R G E S T A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N N E W S PA P E R

Inspiration M E E T S Aspiration: E D I T I O N

FABULOUS FIT, FUNAND

Fantastic

Laying the Foundation for Our Future Continues

14th-Annual Fellowship Open Honors Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and Community Leader and Activist Velvalea Phillips

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

So said the great Frederick Douglass, and his wisdom remains as true today as ever. In that spirit, the Fellowship Open has entered its fourteenth year of inspiring and enriching the lives of Milwaukee’s youth, supporting them in the pursuit of the greatness inside them by providing financial assistance for local programs that open doors to productive careers.

To date, the yearly fundraising golf tournament and auction has raised more than $900,000 and supported more than 65 worthy organizations, helping to raise an entire generation of strong children who comprise tomorrow’s business and civic leaders. The mission continues.

The Fellowship Open pursues its vision on multiple levels, including the celebration of great role models whose lives and records of service provide powerful sources of career motivation to youngsters, and this year is no ex-

Vel Phillips

Frank Robinson

ception.

Two-time Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player and Hall of Fame hero Frank Robinson, and legendary social pioneer Velvalea Phillips, are this year’s honorees, and both are outstanding examples of leadership for our kids to look up to.

Frank Robinson played in the outfield for five MLB teams and is the only player in history to have won MVP honors in both the National and American Leagues. The NL Rookie of the Year in 1956, he went on to win the Triple Crown in 1966, leading the AL with a .316 batting average, hitting 49 home runs, and batting in 122 runs.

He also was named the 1966 World Series Most Valuable Player, leading the Baltimore Orioles to a World Championship. Mr. Robinson appeared in 14 All-Star games, played on two winning World Series teams, and then went on to take AL Manager of the Year honors with the Orioles in 1989.

After retiring from baseball, he was no less an all-star, serving in the MLB front office as a Special Advisor for Baseball Operations, Special Assistant to Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, Senior Vice President for Baseball Operations, and Executive Vice President of Baseball Development.

In 2005, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W.

Bush. In short, Mr. Robinson achieved such greatness that The Sporting News nominated him as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

Vel Phillips, born on Milwaukee’s South Side, has broken so many barriers that she may be counted among Wisconsin’s greatest citizens. Attorney, city official, judge, and politician, Ms. Phillips was “the first” again and again throughout her career. She was the first black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. She and her husband Dale Phillips were the first husband-and-wife couple to be admitted to the Wisconsin bar.

She was the first woman and first African-American member of the Milwaukee Common Council. She was the first woman judge in Milwaukee and the first African-American judge in Wisconsin.

In 1978, she made history as the first woman and first non-white elected Wisconsin Secretary of State, and she even served as Acting Governor of Wisconsin for a brief time. She was also the first African American to be elected as a member of the Democratic National Committee (and the first black person to be elected as a member of either major political party).

After her retirement from law and politics, Ms. Phillips remained active in the community, making a lifetime of service to others and leaving behind a brilliant example of strength and greatness for any child to follow.

“The Fellowship Open has been blessed to honor some amazing leadership figures over its history,” said John W. Daniels Jr., chairman and founder of the event.

“Vel Phillips and Frank Robinson are incredible role models and wonderful people, who provide our youngsters with shining examples of what they can achieve. We are grateful for their presence, and extremely excited to welcome them to our roster of legends.”

This year’s Fellowship Open has once again filled every tournament slot in its golf roster. Beneficiaries of this year’s event include the Zoological Society, the Al Moreland Boxing Club, Freedom Expressions, and Lissy’s Place, each of which has committed to use the funds for youth-development programming. For more information, visit www.fellowshipopen.com or follow the Fellowship Open on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fellowshipopen.

THE 2014 FELLOWSHIP OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY

AUGUST 15 SILVER SPRING COUNTRY CLUB N56W21318 Silver Spring Drive Menomonee Falls, WI

THIS YEAR’S HONORIES:

VEL PHILLIPS

Community Leader Award

FRANK ROBINSON

Fellowship Open Legends Award

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 2

Forward

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 3

“W

Our Fabulous 2014 Honorees represent Life, Love, Resilience and Success

Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo

“The Honorees have witnessed our good years and our not so good years.

They have critiqued us when we were on target on issues, especially elections, and advised us when we missed the mark. We have always respected their opinions.”

By Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo--Publisher, Milwaukee Community Journal cases, lived through drug infested neighborhoods hen I Was Seventeen, It Was A Very Good Year” : a inas some they fought to retain their homes. They have lived life!

It’s never been a bed of roses, yet it ‘s full and meaningful song, written by Ervin Drake, in 196l, and sung by and worth living, as their profiles attest. many giants, including Nate King Cole and Frank Life’s negatives were never sought nor justified but with resilience, personal fortitude and community support, they Sinatra, shares the many high-points in life and yet have overcome, despite adversities.

They examined options, made sacrifices and in faith beexplains how quickly years, like seasons follow. lieved in better days ahead. They now pay forward and How true is that song when we reflect upon the Mil- support these aspiring students, who begin their lives.

Their lives will inspire our youth who have come through waukee Community Journal, now celebrating it’s a deep recession that forced them to revamp, renew, retool. Each students is a Honor Student, with a 3.0 g/p/a 38th year of continuous publication.

First called to the role of Publisher by community businesspeople, in 1967, I left teaching and supervisory education to assist them after the Milwaukee riots in 1965.

Plans were to help that summer, but as their need to force insurance companies to pay for damages from the fiery destruction of business district after district became more evident, I found myself writing, editorializing, mobilizing residents to withhold payments until the insurance companies honored their agreements and got the businesses up and running again. It worked!

There is power in the pen and, more importantly, credibility in providing needed services that build community.

That experience insured that legitimate rights earned through payment, education, voting, and anti-red-lining campaigns. were honored, regardless of race, gender, geographic location, or economic strata.

And rights are worth fighting for.

Many of those early MCJ readers, mobilizers, grassroots organizers are among the Honorees we salute, this year. They picked up the Soul City Times and later the Milwaukee Community Journal and they have been avid readers and supporters since. They truly represent the

newspaper’s foundational base.

The Honorees have witnessed our good years and our not so good years. They have critiqued us when we were on target on issues, especially elections, and advised us when we missed the mark.

We have always respected their opinions. Our PULSE front page commentary, continues to give good community perspectives that equitably forecasts and affirms. We treasure each opinion, for each has made us better and stronger! We have always wanted to be “your paper”.

Fast forward to 2014: “ Inspiration Meets Aspiration”: Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic. Milwaukee, like the rest of the country, is flush with residents over age of 50. The baby-boomers, born between 1946 and 1969, daily move into this phenomenon that has been tracked and predicted for decades. Many are remarkably healthy, vibrant, involved, and actively committed to community, just as they were in their youth. They are our advocates!

Yes, they have experienced life...as do we all: Education, marriage, careers, families, advanced employment opportunities, economic recovery after recession and downturns.

They have lost loved ones, known the pangs of divorce,

or better.

And we congratulate the seniors from Hope Christian School who emulate these scholars with 100% scholarship awards in their June graduating class. WINNERS! The students are brilliant and focused, as they study to prepare their lives. They have had great inspirers over the years and now seek role models who will guide them through their academic pursuits and their professions of the near future. Indeed Inspiration Meets Aspiration, this August 2014.

We salute every MCJ supporter; the Dr. Terence Thomas Scholars. Salute yourself for joining this outstanding group of role models of excellence, resilience, and generosity.

And applaud our partner, Interfaith Older Adult Programs, the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center, and their outstanding Director, Henrietta Allen, whose love unfolds before you.

Salute every sponsor, volunteer, consultant, MCJ staffer and elected official who has worked to bring this annual fund-raising event to fruition. And salute LIFE, LOVE, RESILIENCE, AND SUCCESS. We celebrate all: Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic: We celebrate YOU!

Event Details

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 4

Master of Ceremonies Larry Waters

Larry Waters is the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Opportunity Funding Corporation, a Washington, DC based division of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

In September 2013, he retired as the Senior Director of Community Commerce and Partnerships for MillerCoors after a 34-year career with the company.

Working out of the Chicago headquarter offices, Waters was responsible for the development of various community strategies and initiatives that aligned with the business objectives of MillerCoors.

Waters has served as a member of leading civic and business related organizations, boards and committees. He is a member of the board of directors for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee. He is also the Wisconsin NAACP State Conference Economic Development Chair and a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chairman’s Council.

Waters most recently served as the board chair for the Milwaukee Urban League, secretary for the National Council of Urban League Board Chairs and as a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra board of directors, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Corporate Advisory Council, the Corporate Advisory Boards for the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation and the National United Merchants Beverage Association.

Waters earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Entertainment

Christopher’s Project

Since its inception, this group has put together quite an impressive resume. The group has opened for national and legendary acts as diverse as the Temptations, George Benson, David Sanborn, The Supremes and Jennifer Holiday.

They have also performed at corporate functions for notable Corporations such as Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Wax, Quad Graphics and Time Warner.

They have also performed at The Grand Opening Ceremony for The Midwest Express Convention Center and at the political galas for The Governors National Conference and The Mayoral Candidacy Party.

The group also performs for festivals, special events, weddings and private parties.

They are repeat performers at some of Milwaukee’s annual festivals, Riversplash, Summerfest, Rainbow Summer and Bastille Days to name a few.

For a lighter side of music Christopher’s Quartet would be the perfect entertainment selection. The Quartet is a smooth, melodic infusion of Jazz delivered by four soulful musicians. The Quartet is comprised of keyboards, drums, bass and saxophone.

Christopher’s Project is lead by saxophonist Chris Pipkins, a three-peat winner at Showtime at the Apollo, a prestigious Theater in New York City that showcases the best of up-and-coming talent.

The groups lead vocalist Ameerah Tatum is one of the best female vocalists in the business.

Ameerah has performed locally as well as nationally. Her national and local credits include Janet Jackson and Eddie Butts,respectively. The rest of the group rounds out with Del Bennet on drums (Sister Moon), Eric Hervey on Bass (Darryl Stuermer).

Theo Merriweather on keyboards and Darryl Thomas on Guitar (Chameleon).

The group’s best asset is its ability to perform a wide variety of music for a wide age group.

The group performs Classics like, “It Had To Be You,” “Unforgettable” and “Wonderful Tonight.”

Dance hits like “All I Do,” “Black Cow,” “Celebration” and “I’ll Take You There.”

And Originals like “9:25,” “Blu Mist,” “Suite 3” and “Serenade.” Their song list is vast and their talent is endless.

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 5

Advertorial

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 6

Q&A with Thelma Sias Thelma Sias (second from left) with other participants at a recent United Way event.

United Way of Greater Milwaukee 2014 Community Campaign Co-chair

Sias works tirelessly to improve the community she loves

Thelma Sias works tirelessly to improve the community she loves Thelma Sias is known throughout Milwaukee for bringing people together to build a stronger community.

So it’s no surprise that this year, in addition to the many boards she serves on, Sias took on the critical role of co-chair for United Way of Greater Milwaukee’s annual community campaign.

In a recent interview, Sias talked about why this particular commitment is so important to her.

Why United Way? That’s a very simple question for me to answer.

United Way has done an extraordinary job of making a difference in the lives of men, women and children throughout this community.

United Way makes it possible for men and women to be able to say, “I care about this community. I’d like to give back, to give opportunity and hope for others.”

Most importantly, United Way makes it possible for social service agencies to be there to make a difference in the lives of so

many.

Why should your neighbors in the central city be aware of United Way? I think it’s important for us all over this community, including the Milwaukee central city community where I live, to understand how people are making a difference on behalf of those in need. We are making it possible for all, not just some, but for all.

It’s important for members of the central city neighborhoods of Milwaukee to understand we have a reliable support in the dollars and efforts that the

United Way has made possible.

United Way is providing the leadership to make certain that we can indeed bring an end to critical issues in the community.

Every day, United Way is driving us towards long term outcomes.

This is personal for you, isn’t it?

This is personal for me. I see day in and day out how United Way-funded programs at agencies all over this city make a difference for people. I look in the eye; I hear the sounds of voices of people that benefit from the care and the way in which these local agencies provide opportunity for them. So it’s very personal for me, as it should be for all of us in the Greater Milwaukee community, to care about the ability for everyone to have opportunity.

Anything else?

I think it’s important for all of us to figure out how we can make a gift to make a difference in our community. Every gift is an important gift, be it a small gift, a medium gift, a large gift every dollar is what agencies need to continue to make this opportunity possible. So I say to everyone, “You, too, can give a gift to United Way of Greater Milwaukee.”

Paul E. Purcell, Chairman & CEO of Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, and Scott Wrobbel, the Managing Partner of the Deloitte LLP practice in Wisconsin, are also serving as co-chairs for the 2014 United Way Community Campaign.

“It’s important for members of the central city neighborhoods of Milwaukee to understand we have a reliable support in the dollars and efforts that the United Way has made possible.”

--Sias

Salutations

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 7

“Mister Speaker, I am proud that the Milwaukee Community Journal hails from the 4th Congressional District. It has consistently informed, analysed and entertained readers for nearly 38 years. I am pleased to give praise to Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo and her staff for providing a voice to the community and providing educational opportunities to students. I wish them many more years of success.”--a segment from Cong. Gwen Moore’s remarks she made on the Congressional Record paying

TNT Scholarship recipient joins AT&T’s Finance Leadership Development Program

tribute to the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Dr. Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Annual Brunch

“Crystal Owney (pictured above) is the first from her school selected to join the Finance Leadership Program at AT&T. Owney is working out of AT&T’s corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX as a Lead IT Financial Analyst.”

Crystal Owney has joined AT&T’s prestigious Finance Leadership Development Program as a summer intern.

Owney is one of thirteen MBA students nationwide to be accepted in this prestigious program.

AT&T’s Leadership Development Program has been ranked 2nd in the nation amongst the top MBA rotational programs.

Crystal Owney is the first from her school selected to join the Finance Leadership Program at AT&T. Owney is working out of AT&T’s corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX as a Lead IT Financial Analyst. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to sharpen her finance and leadership skills with a Fortune 11 company this summer.

Owney was also selected as 1 of 21 fellows for AAUW’s prestigious Selected Professions Fellowship.

Owney competed at the national level and was one of two students from California represented with others ranging from MIT, Princeton, and Harvard.

After her 12 week internship, Owney will travel back to California to finish her last year of graduate school.

The

Honorees

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 8

Mark Behar

Mark Behar was heavily involved in local gay health & activist politics in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. In the areas of health, Mark was the first director of the GPU VD Clinic, and changed the course of that facility from a testing center to a diagnosis and treatment facility (1977-79). He was a cofounder of a national professional group, the Lesbian, Bisexual, & Gay Physician Assistant Caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (1979).

Also in 1979, Mark volunteered at the Chicago Conference on Current Aspects of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Symposium to form the National Coalition of Gay Sexually Transmitted Disease Services (NCGSTDS), and was that group's newsletter editor for the next 10 years.

In the early 1980s, Mark was one of the first people in Milwaukee to openly talk about HIV/AIDS to the media (long before the doctors in town chose to do so).

In activist politics, Mark served on Governor Tony Earl's Council on Lesbian & Gay Issues in the mid 1980s, and helped guide the State's response to the HIV/AIDS, and gay & lesbian health issues.

As an offshoot of Mark's involvement in health and activism combined, in the late 1980s-early 1990s Mark was the executive producer of the Milwaukee Gay Lesbian Cable Network, and produced & coproduced over 100 programs for public access TV, including Tri-Cable Tonight. (Mark assisted in ensuring the preservation of most of these programs by helping with the transfer of existing tapes to the UWM Archives in 2003.)

At last word, Mark remains active in Milwaukee's GLBT community, and contributes at times to the web site Behar (pictured on the right) on a public access program during "gayhealth.com". the early part of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Rev. Willie Brisco

Rev. Brisco is the leader whose vocal, demonstrative, ecumenical arm focuses on areas

such as education, jobs, economic development, housing and community stabilization, safety and alternative drug treatment diversion.

MICAH is a multi-racial, interfaith organization committed to addressing justice issues

that have an impact on the community and on the members of MICAH’s congregations. Its

goal is to empower people to act together in pursuit of justice and to organize so that peo-

ple of may traditions can come together to speak with one voice for justice. They have

helped eliminate drug houses and local establishments where crime has flourished. They

have established “safe zones” and Holy Ground around congregations, created opportunities for neighborhoods to work together and strengthened relations with elected officials

and city services to effectively deal with issues to improve our communities.

Reverend Willie Brisco, retired from Milwaukee County in 2009. He left a stressful yet gratifying job, only to begin a new one. The

golden years are supposed to finally free us of early wake-ups, and permit late breakfasts, slow coffee’s and golf, or long lunches.

Reverend Brisco’s family came to Milwaukee in 1966 from Detroit, by way of Sardis, Mississippi and settled at 15th and McKinley,

where he began his last year of elementary school.

“Our neighborhood was very diverse. We knew kids from many blocks. The men carpooled to get to work. The little old women

watched out for the children. We watched the deterioration. We came to Milwaukee to be shielded from the Jim Crow South, and we were

protected, nurtured and loved. We saw two and three families living in one household and, as they ‘got on their feet,’ they moved on.

There were jobs and a strong sense of unity in goals and experiences,” said Rev. Brisco.

“Today, there are no jobs. Instead, we see drugs, gangs, neighbors do not know each other, even when they live upstairs from one an-

other. Young men drop out of school and hang on corners. They have never seen men leaving for jobs, with hard hats on, nor move their

families on to better lives. This is far worse than Jim Crow days. This is hopelessness..

“MICAH has a major role to play. Retired teachers are volunteering to help other teachers. Teachers are getting support from them as

they work to prepare our youth for the Common Core, the national yardstick for knowledge that every child should know, and be able to regurgitate at each grade level. The suburbs have a stake in this, as well. They cannot look at these shortcomings as an inner-city problem, for in truth, our country is lagging behind some of the Third World countries in education so this is a national problem. Today we

have a government not for the people and by the people but in-spite of the people,” he said

Rev. Brisco said that MICAH will continue to work, on the behalf of its 38 member churches, their congregations and their neighbor-

hoods, but people must understand that voting is a privilege and failing to vote, will take us back to pre-Civil Rights days, pre-Voter’s

Rights days. He said the problem is that many residents do not know what it was like during that era. He said we must be just as enthusi-

astic about electing Aldermen, the right Governor, Mayor, Supervisor, State representatives, as we were about electing the President.

Rev. Willie Brisco, a magnanimous leader inspires and encourages those who aspire. He is Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic.

Milwaukee Community Journal

38 37 Years In The Community, Serving The Community!

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 9

Doris Hopkins- Annie Carter Tyrone Dumas Brown The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 10

Millennials, today’s young people, meet “Old School” as “INSPIRATION MEETS ASPIRATION: 2014.

Some of the joys of this intergenerational phenomenon is the respect that each generation holds for the other. For example, our magnificent Honoree, Doris Hopkins-Brown, knows and has swooned to songs like “Solid”As a Rock”, by Ashford and Simpson. A classic, our youth will hear now and no doubt understand.

How the lyrics: “We learned to trust, not run away.” And, “Nothing changed, we just got serious; and the thrill is still hot, hot, hot, hot!” resonated for Doris in her hey-day and continues to describe her in many ways, today. Listen up Millennials: You will now meet a woman whose life remains solid..like a rock!

Born an only child yet raised with twelve cousins, who lived next door, Doris learned to communicate and socialize early. She understood the importance of pecking-order and being able to stand up for herself, and also to stand for something.

A self starter who pursued education and a good life, early, Doris uses those skills today for her family, her neighborhood and her community. She truly is “solid like a rock!”

Very few people remain in the same house for 27 years, or live 37 years on Dr. King Drive and over 50 years in the same neighborhood. But Doris and her family have, going back to when she and her cousins planted, cut grass and cleaned their block, each year. They were accustomed to having block parties for graduations, birthdays, marriages and sometimes the sad times, the memorials.

They were the anchors who represented foundational families, even as many blocks changed and became difficult, sometimes even fearful and not as conducive as a neighborhood environment. “ At those times, we had to go to God,” Doris, responded. “We did not like it, and collectively, we said “no way, but we did not run away”.

Through her memberships at the Ebenezer Church of God in Christ and her association with HeartLove Place, Doris just determined that she would not fear and she had to be strong and let the transitional renters know that they would not take their block.

She remained “a rock” in the neighborhood.

Through joint efforts and committed neighbors, little by little, they began to see the re-establishment of home-owners, strong neighbors, people who were determined to live where they desired to live. “ We stood firm, we identified block captains, and we refused to move,” she said.

Doris is the mother of two children, one she lost in 1994. Regrettably, his death, one of the statistics that we hate to hear about, left her deeply crushed . “These losses are real, they are more than numbers and television clips. I still have difficulty talking about his death.” However, she beams as she discusses her remaining son, and her four grands and four great grands, the loves of her life.

A doting Nanna who believes in being involved in their lives, she cooks, creates birthday parties, transfers the family history and traditions and often joins them all for fun times like bowling or miniature golf, movies and school and church activities. The grandchildren know they can depend upon Nanna to help with babysitting or picking up one from school, when the Mother has to work late. She’s also known to teach them games, magic tricks and help with homework. Doris is a solid grandmother. “They’re rotten, “she laughs, “but they’re my babies. I love to love them and spoil them.”

A nurse, who worked over 28 years at the Milwaukee Mental Health Complex, Doris, spent years caring for those with mental health issues. “I’ve seen a lot, and life is not a bed of roses. But you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again, “she shared. “ There are legitimate trials and tribulations but life is what you make it.”

“I tried to encourage people to stick it out, not to get stuck in a rut, because tomorrow is always a new day.” She said she saw a lot of people make bad choices, and those choices dictated their life outcomes. To youth, she always says “think before you act. Stand for something, or it will stand for you. Be a solid citizen.”

When she retired from mental health, she went on to get certification to teach pre-school. She taught five years in K4-K5, hoping to use her skills and love to help youngsters begin their academic years. She continued her teaching career by working with the Rainbow Summer Program teaching math and reading to students aged 6-12 years of age, before retiring.

When arthritis began to be a problem Doris came home, but only for a brief period because she was ac-

(continued on page 18)

We’ve heard about Grandparents raising grandchildren. It’s real! And while the love for one’s grandchildren equals or even exceeds that of their children, raising grandchildren is not the natural cycle of life. Ask Grandparents like Annie Carter who lovingly built her family, one child at a time!

Now matriarch to eight wonderful children and great-grandmother to thirty three, Annie Carter is the consummate Grandmother. Some of her children are by blood, the others by adoption, but all are her children! Annie gives love freely without designation of how they have come to her care. Love is at the core of her capacity and her successes.

Annie had four children but she lost her daughter, in 2012. When the courts began talking about splitting her daughter’s children, Annie immediately sought guardianship. The three grandsons were awarded to her in 1983, the youngest of whom is now thirty years old. The other children have come through the courts from families that needed state support to ensure a healthy, happy environment...so our Grandmother became Granny, Grandma and Nanna to another four kids. “ All of these children are Allen’s,” Annie shares. “I thought Lord, you’ve brought me these children, please give me the strength! Strength for the tasks required plus strength to lovingly guide them. This only comes through prayer and the belief that God has brought us to this place, and He will carry us through it,” Annie confides.

The likelihood of the children all being Allen’s, even though they are from three separate families, was not a fluke to Annie, she believed it was made in heaven and all came from the Lord. And that became a symbol for her as she continued on her parenting journey.

Annie’s walk as Mother, father, friend and advocate often challenged her and there were times she wondered how she could keep on keeping on.

But throughout, the children loved one another, loved her, and understood that her love was unconditional; and more importantly, that their lives would have been totally different had she not stepped to the plate.

She retained her home throughout the growing up years of the children, and only lost it, after 30 years of family stability for the kids, during the recent recession. And still she has gone on! She inspires when many would have thrown in the towel.

She has done it in love, and the fullness of love!

Annie’s work experiences varied over the years.

Always a life-learner, she participated in the Milwaukee County Homemakers’ Program and received her certification of completion in 1968. She went on and took classes at MATC for Secretarial Sciences; then followed with classes through the Veterans Administration in Medical Terminology, in 1969. In 1970, she took a job at Marina View Manor, followed by employment as a Unit Secretary at St. Michael’s Hospital, in 1972, and worked there for many years. Additionally, she did counseling for young women at the Martin Center, at 29th and Wright Street, where she worked to challenge, encourage and equip the girls for better lives and a stronger future.

Attractive and conscientious about beauty and improving oneself, Annie took classes at IBA Cosmetology School, in 1986, and after graduation worked for five years as a skin specialist, for the renowned Mrs. Edna Matthews, founder/owner of Edel’s Face and Day Spa, in the Grand Avenue Mall. This was an unprecedented entrepreneur experience that she enjoyed and freely shared with clients as she later worked in several local salons.

These earlier work-experiences seemed to begin to aggravate her hip and ultimately Annie had hip replacement surgery, in 1995. In 1999, Annie took computer classes through the Milwaukee County Displaced Homemaker’s Program and was assigned to Interfaith Program for Senior Adults, under the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, in 2000.

She worked at the Interfaith downtown office for four years, as a Receptionist/Data Entry employee and was later transferred to the Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center and worked there for another six years. “ There I found love, people who were thrilled to give a good hug on a challenging day. I enjoyed this

(continued on page 18)

Tyrone Pierre Dumas is a 2014 graduate of National Louis University in Education Leadership. Now 62 years young, this life-long learner exemplifies what fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic inspirers can accomplish. His commitment to life, learning and bettering life in the community makes him a model for students and others considering advanced classes.

After a brief stint as Principal of Emmaus Lutheran School, a Milwaukee Parental Choice K-9 School; and prodding from his wife, who got her Master’s degree while teaching, taking care of family, and attending classes, full time, Dumas enrolled in an Accelerated Leadership program at National Louis University, in 2012, while volunteering, lecturing, working and taking care of family, as well. The new degree bolsters his professional vitae in areas like curriculum development, academic evaluations, parental participation and school culture now credentialing his vast work experiences.

Dumas demonstrates that life evolves and we must evolve with it. His education began while watching his mother create, run, and successfully maintain her businesses for years. Witnessing her tenacity, vision, and her ability to network to accomplish her goals were daily realities that impressed him as a child. “ We helped Mother at Darlene’s Lounge, her signature bar and restaurant, in our youth. It was never easy but she envisioned entrepreneur-independence at a time when women seldom ventured into their own businesses,” he explained. “ She believed in quality, having a good product, and serving her clientele with commitment. These values were at the center of our early lives.”

Beginning his personal career, Dumas graduated with an Associate Degree in Architecture, from MATC, in 1975.

Continuing at UWM, he received his BS Degree in Architecture, in 1977. His major was one few African Americans had chosen but his interest in how things work, and how to make them work better, led him into graphs, schematics, load-bearing potentials, existing products and thoughts of cost-effective alternatives.“ At the same time he was fine-tuning architectural skills, he was also performing as a comedian, working with existing organizations and schools, using a keen sense of humor to explain regular life-experiences. “ These were the days when our community worked collectively,” he reminded. “ I worked, or volunteered for everyone of the newspapers’ and their events, the Urban League, NAACP’s annuals, Northcott Neighborhood House, Juneteenth Day, OIC, the Festival of Arts and African World Festival. We shared a common vision of how we would build a strong community. There was competition but one never felt that you had to take sides. We grew, as a community.”

Dumas shared, “ In my architectural role, the client tells you what he wants. It is my job to design, make it fit, eliminate problems and come up with the solution. The ability to work backwards has helped me throughout the years. It is an inverted pyramid, instead of building up, I have to build down. Taking all of the knowledge available, then coming up with the numbers, the program that works for the client, is my job. Problem solving has always helped me succeed in any position I have taken, and I always wanted to succeed for the community.”

His first employment experiences included working for the Milwaukee Country Department of Public Works, the City Department of Public Works Bridges and Public Buildings, Snap On Tools, and Miller Brewing as a Corporate Engineer.

Then from 1999 through 2002, Tyrone was hired by MPS for the Bradley Tech, Director of Technical andTrade Education Initiative, where he worked with colleagues to design curriculum for MPS’ plan for improving K-12 trade programs. That was followed by working as Project Manager of Neighborhood Schools. As Project Manager of School Closings, from 2005-2007, he coordinated School Closing Engagement and with a consultant developed the criteria and framework to involve teachers, administrators, parents and the community in the closing process.

That portfolio extended until 2010, where he worked with student employment and training, linking contractors and vendors to resources and facilitating building rentals of empty schools left after closings being his focus. This resulted in an increase of 50% in rental revenue and strengthened collaborations, partnerships and support systems, as well.

In the role of Accountability Contract Compliance Officer, Mr. Dumas’ responsibility required ensuring all applicable MPS requirements dictated by the Board, the State, Federal, Department of Public Instruction, and County,

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F. Patricia Dunn Victoria Frazier Ronnie Grace

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 11

Patricia is a successful corporate-model. While she retired in 2004 from We Energies, the utility conglomerate, where she reported directly to the Senior Vice President on many issues, including sexual harassment and diversity related issues, Pat’s resume illustrates a corporate ladder of growth.

Her employment journey included working at Wisconsin Electric Power before Wisconsin Gas and Wisconsin Electric merged. As a member of the Local Union I, she was only the second female Vice President to hold that office. Her work with business unit directors and managers was exemplary.

She had to assess training needs and implement programs about customer relations, human resources, team building, verbal and non-verbal communication effectiveness.

She also established and maintained good working relationships with federal, state, local regulatory agencies and ensured that the appropriate training complied with the agencies requirements.

Reflecting on the changes she experienced during those years, Pat remembered, appreciatively, Jim Lungsford who moved from the Wisconsin Electric Third Street office to the downtown office and brought her along with him. “We networked closely during those years, she recalled.

At my family’s dinner table were people like Attorney Mabel Raimey, the first African American woman to attend Marquette Law School and the First Female Attorney in Wisconsin, Vel Phillips, the first female city alderwoman and Clinton and Bernice Rose, foundational elected officials, whose names are now memorialized at the Rose Center, today.”

Civil Rights, the NAACIP and the Milwaukee Urban League were visible, daily, and “we all were working collectively to stop segregation and inequality in opportunity.

Pat was a new divorcee, challenged to get help in caring for her young child, Kimberly J. Dunn because there were only a few day care centers. “I was a self-made woman, there were so many firsts, during that time,”she reflects.

After 35 years with the utility company, Pat moved on to her next phase in life. A world traveler and a life-long learner, she confides, “ I don’t believe in having a bucket list, I live life day by day. If it’s important enough for me to want it, and consider it, I do it. And I don’t believe in the word “retirement”, either, I have revamped, refined and retooled but I shall never “retire. There are so many places I want to see when “I grow up”, she laughs.

She and her husband, Curtis Washington, have traveled to 33 of the 50 states. She has visited three European countries and other destinations in the Caribbean.

She and her husband owned a home in Ajijic, Mexico for over 10 years. Travel is important for everyone, she believes.

Exposure negates many pre-conceived notions and the examination of culture, people, places and monuments bring history alive, she’s learned.

For example, “when we grew up, Germany was involved in the cold war and there were many stereotypes about Germany, as a result. Our friend, an opera singer, invited us to visit so we spent almost four weeks traveling nine cities; and we found Germany to be a splendid country. We understood everything so much better and we were Americans, not Black Americans,” she explained.

An avid reader, Pat is a new member of a local Book Club. The group reads many Black novels, light pieces like “Sundown Town”, political offerings like the “Anita Hill Story”..

She is a consultant and CEO of Dunn and Associates, that utilizes her years of experience in management and strategic development for companies desirous of expanding design and implementation programs specific to organizational needs.

Pat is an iconic dinner party hostess and enjoys a great dance party, too. When she found she no longer knew a lot of the new line dances, we began to look for others who knew them.

Not a person to enjoy going to the gym, yet very committed to fitness and having fun, the Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center just seemed to be the perfect solution, for Pat. “ We went to Garfield Park as youngsters for picnics, ice skating and sledding, so many childhood activities were on those grounds but my daughter, Kim, told me about the programs at the Rose

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Sometimes retirement brings a brand new life, a second career, an opportunity to be your own boss and to help others become entrepreneurs, employers and advisors.

Victoria Frazier is a business woman, a woman of new birth, she empowers other women. Victoria Frazier is Fabulous, Fit and Fantastic.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Victoria Frazier has been in Milwaukee with her husband and son for over 30 years. An iconic teacher of teachers in the Milwaukee Public School system, with a graduate and post graduate degree, she has mentored many administrators currently in the system and always enjoyed sharing information, teaching youngsters to love education for education’s sake, and using her talents in her church Sunday School class, for many years.

Victoria is a teacher’s teacher!

Having thought she’s spend more time helping her husband, J.C. Frazier, CEO of Northwest Funeral Chapel, she took Grief Counseling at Marquette University before her anticipated retirement from MPS. Modeling one of her mentors, Mrs. Ernestine O’Bee, who did grief counseling for the funeral home well into her latenineties, Mrs. Frazier had thought her forte would be in “after-care” for families serviced by the funeral home.

A people person, who has always been involved in academic committees, YWCA, Zonta International, whose mission is to Advance the Status of Women Worldwide and her church, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, retirement was never seen as going home and sitting on her laurels, but opportunity knocked, unexpectedly. Her husband wanted her to learn more about the business and when they decided to remodel, the 4034 W. Good Hope Rd site into the Northwest Family Activity and Event Center, he chose her to bring this new venture alive. “ I had always been involved with the funeral home and I looked forward to working with grieving families, but I had not thought about being so intensely involved until this opportunity came along. I love young people. I have had years of working and sharing with women; and I believed there was a real need to have additional facilities, within our community, that serve, more vigorously our families, social, educational and conference needs. Northwest Family Activity and Event Center has become my new passion. “ Opened in October, 2013, as part of the Northwest FuneralChapel’s twentieth anniversary celebrations, Northwest Family Activity and Event Center is a full-service rental facility. Designed to cater to corporate conferences, with full WIFi and soon Skype capability, individual meeting rooms for clubs, organizations and the Greek orders, plus an exciting out-door pavilion for BBQ, picnic and outdoor weddings, family reunions, dinners, showers, parties and celebrations, the Northwest Family Activity and Event Center is growing and exceeding first year expectations.

Thanks to the vigilant leadership of Victoria Frazier and her catering and event planning team, new dates are already being posted for 2015 and beyond. And the elegant upstairs, downstairs dining rooms can serve easily a group of 200, including dancing. The center has gained a splendid reputation for cleanliness, punctuality, quality set-ups and friendly, professional service. Attention to detail and the lesson plan, as a teacher, now carries over to Victoria in her role as CEO and team leader for every event at the center. “ Retirement, I do not understand the word, “she excitedly proclaims, “I ‘m now putting new tools into my tool-box, and with God’s help, I’m re-inventing myself and I like it.”

Many of her contacts, over the years, teachers, administrators, parents and students know her and love her in this new role. Her credibility and desire to get the job done and to do it right preceded her, so the transfer has been easier than even she thought it would be.

“It’s a blessing when people know you, respect you and believe you will do what you say you’re going to do. I have not had to sell myself. I’ve introduced the new facility and all it has to offer, and it has sold itself,” she proudly states. “ Today, our business is about 60/40, with repasts after funerals adding to the other business.”

Her greatest joy has come in empowering other young women, photographers, wedding planners, event planners, counselors, who are using the facility on an on-going basis. “They say they find the center warm and inviting, and that affirms what we have been trying to establish. Beverly Kern has been a God-send, she is tireless and always positive. She has been a joy to work with. Her years of experience has added much to those beginning events.”

“When I’ve become tired or weary, I have drawn on my faith, my hopes, the vision my husband and I had when we first began. He has been very supportive, particularly in this chapter of our lives with his understanding of business and the recognition that it takes time to make the business work. He has been enlightening and so encouraging to me.”

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Maya Angelou says: “ When we know better, we do better.” Oprah also reminds us we have much to learn to make life the quality experience it is designed to be, for all. This can certainly be said for Ronnie Grace, our Honoree, a face and mentor for HIV Prevention in our community.

Grace exhibits the commitment, courage, and expertise that changes health disparity quotients in the LGBT community. This distinguished honoree dispels myths, stigmas, the misnomers that divides access, each day. As the Program Coordinator of HIV Prevention and Testing, at Diverse and Resilient, inc., he works with Male and Female plus the Transgender Programs, and lives the life he desires to create for others. He had worked in various capacities, at Diverse and Resilient, over seven years, before his current appointment, in 2012.

Diagnosed twenty-seven years ago with HIV, Grace was first employed with Comprehensive Health Education, under Carol Calvin, who introduced him through the Black Health Coalition. As Peer Counselor, he was in the forefront of beginning discussions and awareness in the Black community, where he openly broached subjects like medications, testing, acceptance, and resources within the African American community, at a time when stereotypes often exempted openness.

“Over the years much has changed. Yet much has to change to balance the number of cases diagnosed versus those infected; and services to treat those infected versus those in denial, and therefore not receiving care,” Ronnie shares. In fact, this imbalance led Grace to develop the Men of Color Empowerment and Support Group, in 2009. In 2011, the group was awarded the LGBT Staff Awards for their work with men with HIV. Federal cutbacks during the Recession dramatically reduced services for men having sex with men, and this disproportionately affected the African American community. Black men continued to be the group with the highest number of new infections, but a recent grant has again increased opportunities to address how new infections are transmitted and hopefully, these changes will begin the turn-around, again.

Acceptance Journeys, a program that pairs a LGBT person with a straight ally, has been an effective attitude game-changer. Over 110 Milwaukee County buses, for over a year, displayed participants in the Acceptance Journey program. Ronnie and his niece have graced those buses, becoming pioneers in encouraging accepting people with love, understanding and support, regardless of sexual orientation.

In addition to the bus campaign, Ronnie has been on Black Nouveau and Milwaukee Magazine lauding the advances in medications and services available to LGBT today. “The Center for Disease Control recently announced a new initiative called PREP, designed to promote HIV prevention, through education and testing.

And new pharmaceuticals, like Truvada, are part of the arsenal coming to the community, today. Couple that with increased availability and use of condoms, these major initiatives are showing identifiable successes,” he revealed.

Ronnie’s personal journey has been a trajectory of finding himself, as a HIV infected person, medically, spiritually, socially and professionally. Personal health issues consumed him for a brief period of time, however after addressing them, he came back with personal changes that enhanced his health and desire to share his knowledge, experiences and skills with others.

He is a mentor and a model. “I have a rewarding life supporting these young men, teaching them how to navigate the system. Through the CDC grant, given because of our high rate of infection, our program is coming up as the best in the state for men of color.”

“Compared to cities such as Los Angeles, Washington, DC and Atlanta with much higher LGBT communities, Diverse and Resilient has excelled in reducing cases among Black men.” he said. “Our youth program, our condom campaign, our women transgender programs have been the most successful in the state.”

This is a major accomplishment for Milwaukee. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, with compounding health crisis and preventable deaths, had long prevailed before more medical and social awareness was promoted through Diverse and Resilient, “ Ronnie explains, “With HIV/prevention and testing, knowledge is golden.”

Governor Scott Walker recently announced that 81,000 Wisconsinites used the Obamacare network. The Affordable Care Act brings access to many who had no care. “In the last two years, Diverse and Resilient administered over 1000 tests.

Today, young men and transgender women using street hormones can see doctors. This will save lives.

Our goal is to reduce the transmission rates and eliminate full blown AIDS. The stress of no insurance is devastating mentally and physically. Availability of good healthcare can only strengthen our mission and result in fuller, quality lives. Families who sometimes reject loved ones, can now refer, support and encourage healthy lifestyles.” Grace shared.

Ronnie Grace graduated from Washington High School and attended UWM before going to New York, where he modeled. In 1975 and 1976, he modeled under the Beverly Benson Modeling Agency, where he, Norman Knox and Al Culbreath were major models in Milwaukee reviews, and with the Jackie Carter Agency, as well.

An old proverb goes “No one can understand my journey nor my path until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes.” Ronnie Grace knows the journey and he knows the successes, he devotes his life, daily, to helping others journey without having to repeat the shortfalls. He wants his life to make life for those who can benefit...and daily he does! He is inspiration wrapped in aspirations. He is fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic.

Viola “Vi” Hawkins

Sam Holland Melissa Jones

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 12

Viola ‘Vi” Hawkins says her mission has been to: “be an empowering voice for people who strive to make their living environment a better place.

Through the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging and the State Aging Advisory Committee, I would like to see my knowledge of community needs, concerns and resources to advocate for the common good of senior citizens living in Milwaukee County and the greater community as a whole.”

Few coordinators have the breadth and depth of this 2014 Honoree. While she continues to say “ I like to work behind the scenes”, her presence, knowledge and tenacity go a long way in every group with whom she has affiliated. Vi Hawkins is a changeagent.

She epitomizes the slogan used in the first Obama-Biden campaign ”“Yes We Can”, for once on a mission, project or strategy, Vi Hawkins does not accept “No” for an answer. A seasoned diplomat and a savvy politician, Vi is a people person who creates the kind of forum that ensures the people she represents have weight at the table.

Viola Hawkins came to Milwaukee in 1957 from Louisiana. She lived with her sister and brother-in-law, who were employed at Briggs and Stratton. After marriage and having two children, Vi soon became involved with Reverend W.B. Gregg, Pastor of St. Matthews AME Church, Attorney Lloyd Barbee, and Realtor Sherrod among others, at meetings to change central city lines and defacto-segregation of neighborhoods schools began to be a demanding community issue on quality education within. “ I was definitely one of the marchers protesting many of the major issues that were quickly changing the city of Milwaukee. When Dr. King was assassinated, when the community marched about the unjustified death of Ernest Lacy; when we expressed our distrust of Chief of Police Harold Brier, on these matters, I was a part of those historic times. We all stayed the course, and later marched for open housing and other issues with Father Groppi across the 16th. street viaduct. Change came through our advocacy. “ Young people need to know, today, that God gives everyone of us common sense and wisdom if we examine and inquire. Degrees are important but if you do not know how to work with people, to have pride and respect, to be willing to make some sacrifices and use diplomacy instead of one’s fist or a gun, we have not moved as a people.”

Viola Hawkins’ involvement in many of the foundational issues of the growing Black community brought her face to face with politicians, newsworthy leaders locally and nationally. Most of all, her experiences taught her how to ask the questions and to express the needs of the community she passionately represents.

“There are over 153,000 seniors, sixty years of age and older, in Milwaukee County? As a member of the State Aging Advisory Board, I’m the only person of color on the committee. The other members come from the other 71 counties in the state, and often their image of Milwaukee County is flavored by what they’ve heard on the nightly news.

My original meetings were met with gracious curiosity but today there are sincere hugs and requests for my opinions. Yes, you earn trust and credibility but you have to get the job done. Milwaukee is the highest paying Revenue County in the State, we have to be represented and our issues have to be heard at the State Aging Advisory table.” She has two more years on the Milwaukee County Department on Aging Commissioner Board as Chairperson to complete her term, but I know that won't be the end of her.

Knowing ones politicians, becoming more politically involved, participating in the voting process are mandates that Viola Hawkins believes in. “ How can you expect anything from a politician if you have not voted...even if not for him...at least being involved in the process. We cannot wait for someone else to do what we are expected to do for ourselves,” she exclaims. “Christ walked the highways and the byways, he responded to the needs of many, along the way. But he said, “ I will make you fishers of men”. We have to be able and willing to fish, produce, elect and make our elected officials accountable.” She needs a tee-shirt now that says: ‘ You Are Your Own Destiny’ ‘Step up to the Plate’ or "Vote" every election is important, ” Viola Hawkins is on a roll.

After 25 years of volunteering throughout the City Housing Authority Developments, Vi’s employment portfolio began at Lapham Park Housing with the City of Milwaukee, having worked as a Supportive Services Coordinator with the Housing Authority, including being a liaison between residents and the city management, she later was transferred to Hillside for the renovation of the $40 million dollar project. After completion, the next renovation project was at Parklawn Housing development. She was an intake specialist/supervisor for the Women, Infant and Children’s (WIC Program), for four years. She develop after school programs for

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A gardener, complete! Sam Holland is a man who loves to play in the dirt. As the world becomes more aware of natural, non-processed food and improving health and lifestyles, Sam Holland’s love of gardening becomes even more important. “ I’m getting ready to start soaking my seeds,” he offers, as we began our interview. You could tell that he was a man on a mission. When asked what kinds of seeds, a dissertation bellowed from deep within his spirit as he continued, “ Lemon cucumbers and Asian cucumbers.” Asian cucumbers I’d never heard of, so many inquiries resumed. “Massafra or Lemon cucumbers look like melons, or a gourd, sometimes they are mistaken for squash.”

Okay, we now understand Asian cucumbers..but listen to this. “I also have yellow watermelon seeds, and I’m looking for orange ones, also. Melons don’t easily grow in Milwaukee, but they can grow to 60 pounds, you really have to nurse them.” Continuing, with excitement, by now, “ I don’t have a greenhouse, they’d grow beautifully in a shelter like that. Guess I’ll have to make a greenhouse on my upper deck and hope the squirrels, or the raccoons or rabbits can’t get to it. These kinds of plants take special nurturing, they can’t survive in my backyard garden, too many people think it’s a community garden,” he laughs.

“We had a large garden when I was kid; at age 14, my Mother allowed me to dig up enough back yard to plant what I wanted. I chose a hand full of pop corn kernels from the grocery store. Much to my mother’s disbelief, most of those corn kernels quickly sprouted to a bountiful harvest. From that harvest, we had plenty of cream (fried corn) and boiled corn on the cob, everyday for about a week. We even had fresh popcorn, for the following Christmas. My mother saw me a little differently from then on.”

Gardening is more than a hobby for Samuel Holland, gardening is also his therapy. “There have been days I would come home from work so tired and beat I barely had enough energy to lift one foot in front of the other. Then I’d notice one of those pesky weeds needed to be plucked out. Well after training vines over trellises, finding and ridding more weeds, retying tomato plants or sorting produce, I’d find myself emerging from my little crop with dusty knees and dirty hands, 20-40 minutes later, with a refreshed and rejuvenated attitude.”

Now fast forward 20 years after the great popcorn experiment, “ I planted a lemon seed, inside my apartment. For two years, I babied the plant, setting it out on sunny days and bringing it indoors for the winter.

After it grew about two feet tall, I decided to un-pot it for the summer, in my mother’s backyard, only to have it cut down by my younger brother carelessly mowing the lawn. Michael just didn’t know the weeds from the trees.” Unscathed, Holland pledges to start several citrus plants from seed again. And, proclaimed, “ I’m hoping! ” Samuel Holland, or “ Holland” as he prefers to be addressed, is an urban gardner who fancies the normal plants like okra, tomatoes, snow peas, squash, and beans but he has a passion for the exotic plants like snake gourds and other varieties of sweet corn, with particular interest in varieties that produce stalks growing over 20 feet tall and ears almost a foot and a half long. When others are watching television, Holland is searching seed catalogues for new varieties or examining new techniques to make the garden produce more in his limited space.

“If I had a half acre lot, I would be a happy farmer because I could really grow so many more things.

Today, most of my plants I use myself. Of course there are some crops that are really bountiful and I’ve given a lot away.” But most of it he freezes, and on his shelf are Ball glass jars and lids, just waiting to be filled with produce. “ Canning is not as difficult as some people believe,” our gardener advises. “There are new techniques that take the hard work out of canning these days.”

Mr. Holland was an insurance salesman, nearly ten years ago, but taking time off to care for family members, his license expired. When he tried to return, too much time had passed to renew his license. “Maybe when I bring my wardrobe back up to status and acquire reliable transportation, I might break back into the business for a few years or so.”

“Before discovering Clinton and Bernice Rose Center, I spent many months struggling to meet the challenges of unemployment. At the Rose Center I found lives in greater need than my own and I was positively encouraged to come back and hangout there where others were dealing with illnesses and ailments and they could use my assistance.”

“Each day, many seniors come to the Rose Center for our health checks, for communications and valu-

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People person! Passionate community participant!

Patient practitioner! Performing professional ! These are the prescriptions of an effective change-agent, they are the personal strategies of our distinguished Honoree, Melissa Jones, Community Outreach Leader of Molina Healthcare.

Born in Milwaukee, Melissa Jones is a local product, having graduated, in 2000, from Washington High School where she was involved in many extracurricular activities and clubs. Community issues and interest in making a difference were important in high school when Melissa participated in the Tom Barrett for Congress campaign, as a member of the Youth Advisory Council. Only a select group of teens helped in that political activism, advocacy role.

Melissa Jones earned an Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities from Milwaukee Area Technical College and continued at UWM from which she graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Community Education, in 2010.

A networker, by nature, Jones, with mentor-support from Azerd de Cryms, Director of the American Heart Association, volunteered with the Heart Health Equity Council and Planned Parenthood, as well. Her interests in the Heart Association were directly influenced by her own congenital heart defect, diagnosed at birth. She learned a lot about her own health and began to share that information with the communtiy.

Volunteering and holding down a full time job, while nurturing her eight year old son, as a single Mom, would have overwhelmed many but with help of her son’s father, they co-parent and remain active nurturers, which strengthens the mental, social, emotional health of the unit and stabilizes their family.

Health disparities and statistical gaps in services and outcomes in the African American community were identified while Melissa was employed as a data health entry clerk. The health ranges were so pronounced that she began to look for new ways to affect the numbers, outside the corporate office.

Believing she could combine her interest in community outreach and her expertise and skills, when Molina Healthcare declared their mission and strategies for changing the health diaspora, she immediately applied and began her present job just over a year ago, as the outreach leader. “ This job is my niche! Molina’s visions are so aligned with my own. It’s great to be able to work within a company like this. It feels like family,” she explains. “ I see my outreach with the professional community and the grassroots. It simply feels right, it’s where I am supposed to be.”

Working closely within the community with groups like the NAACP and the Urban League’s Young Professionals kept Melissa close to what’s going on but what was missing was the connector. Her role at Molina Healthcare has provided the connections which she has brought immediately to the table. “ I volunteered so long, people used to think I was an employee, especially when I was guiding some of the staff. But I was learning and quickly saw how Molina Healthcare could be the game-changer in bringing better health opportunities to the community.“ And, the passage of the Affordable Healthcare Act is the stimulus for making good health a major initiative in the community. “ There are so many options now for getting good healthcare and living longer, healthier, more quality lives,” she beams. “ My job is to bring these options to the community and make them doable; and to bring a greater sensitivity to the providers because they have a new population many of whom have not been to a doctor, or only limited visits, typically in crisis. This makes my job not only exciting but definitely a new learning curve.”

Simple things like terminology create major teaching opportunities. For example, culturally when describing a nagging headache, we might wonder if this is high blood pressure, while the physician would immediately question do you have symptoms of hypertension. Speaking in terms that both parties understand is critical; only a thorough description of what the patient is feeling can lead to a correct diagnosis and the right prescription. Both patient and doctor have to completely understand each other.

Because regular office visits are becoming available to a lot of patients, one may go to the office and not understand ypical protocol: You sign in, you wait to be weighed and the blood pressure taken, then you will be called

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Lorretta Kingsby Charlotte Lewis Dr. Arthur Mines

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 13

Lorretta Kingsby is a striking figure, tall, stately, with beautiful silver hair; you’re automatically drawn to her. This is especially true as she ministers to her families in her role as a Licensed Funeral Director at the Northwest Funeral Chapel.

Death and dying are a natural part of life, as is birth and growing up and maturing, yet, it is at these times that families are most vulnerable, most in need of compassion, most desirous of meeting the wishes of their heart and that of their loved ones. It is at these times that Lorretta Kingsby shines brightest.

She is as valuable as she is tall; she is a humanitarian whose love of people illuminates her every action. Lorretta Kingsby is a legend, a servant supreme.

A mother of three wonderful children and grandmother of seven, Lorretta began her career as a registered nurse at the Milwaukee County Mental Health division and worked there for twenty-four years, she was accustomed to meeting people’s needs. “I loved my work, but after a number of years, I simply was burnt out.”

She continued, “And, it was never the patients that bothered me, it was the new requirements and regulations that simply made me more concerned about what I could not do versus what I needed to do for the patients. So I began to think perhaps it’s time for a change.”

After having numerous conversations with her late husband David Kingsby, Lorretta signed up for classes at MATC in Funeral Services, thinking if she didn’t like it, she’d quit. Instead she found she loved her classes and saw herself being able to still help people. That was over twenty years ago, and she has never looked back.

Lorretta trained under Mrs. Ernestine O’Bee at the legendary O’Bee Funeral Home at 2400 W. Center Street. The first female African American Funeral Director in the State of Wisconsin, Mrs. O’Bee took Lorretta under wing and mentored her through her internship and the year-long apprenticeship.

“Before you can get your license you must work under a licensed Funeral Director, pass the State Board Examination and submit documentation of your successful completion of your year long apprenticeship. Mrs. O’Bee’s role was life-changing for me as I entered this industry. I could not have had a better teacher,” she said.

Mrs. O’Bee was a good listener, a talented professional who made the families her primary focus. She wanted them to know she was there to serve and she was always kind. Even when there were situations that could rile most, Mrs. O’Bee remained calm and composed and to this day I continue to follow in her footsteps.

“Mrs. O’Bee often told me. “Lorretta, you had better behave”, Kingsby reflects. “She was so willing to continue to learn and taught us we had to be open to new techniques and changes that impact the industry.

She was a life-learner who believed in education, growth and upward mobility and she insisted upon it from all of us. She taught me how to be gracious under stress, how to be humble without being weak, how to share without fear of personal loss, how to control anger and keep your thoughts to yourself. Most important, she taught me how to forgive and still love unconditionally.”

Lorretta Kingsby followed the advice of her mentor and went on to become a Licensed Funeral Director which she received in 1992, joining a unique cadre of Women Directors in the State of Wisconsin. “I thought I want to be just like that grand lady.” Today Lorretta is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, Past President of the National Mortician and Funeral Directors Association Milwaukee Chapter and a member of Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. George Jolly.

Today, in addition to arranging funerals and working them, Lorretta guides the Pre-Planning Division at Northwest Funeral Chapel. “There are many myths and old wives tales associated with death and dying. I encourage everyone to ask the questions. Let us dispel the unknowns. There’s no question we’re not willing to answer. It is important that families know their loved ones are valued in our business. Each person is honored, respected and given dignity, that we pledge and honor everyday.”

Lorretta continues to educate the public by conducting seminars at the YMCA, the Salvation Army, Churches, and many of the High Schools during their career days. Lorretta’s message to people on a regular basis is that “education is an on-going process and we must continue to inform the community on the changes that have occurred in our industry. By doing so we have questions and answering sessions, educating them about life insurance, pre-arrangements, and the costs associated with funerals, today. Too often we postpone these (continued on page 18)

We call her “Miss Incredible”, others describe her as a multi-tasker. Charlotte Lewis makes being a senior adult a matter of year of birth. It does not describe her ability, her agility nor her capacity.

Charlotte Lewis is definitely “Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic! This 2014 Honoree walks three miles a day. Yes, three miles everyday! And it does not stop there, she also bowls. Listen to this, she bowls in three different leagues each week! Bowlers know you’ve got to be good to participate in three leagues.

Not only must you have the time, and the money, but you also have to have the skills to be kept on the teams. No team wants a loser so Charlotte Lewis has to have some serious skills!

Born in Mississippi, she moved to Milwaukee in 1972; Charlotte has been a go-getter all her life.

When she was diagnosed with arthritis and became active with the Milwaukee Arthritis Foundation, she was referred to the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center for Senior Adults where she joined the Walking Club. The club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and they walk to music at the center. There are over 50 participants enjoying the fellowship and the other activities extended to the club, by other groups. They eagerly participate as a group, representing the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center as they do.

Charlotte participated in the Susan G. Komen Bowl for the Cure, sponsored by the Milwaukee Bucks, in February of this year, and she helped raise over $ 1000 for this great cause. She says in addition to helping various groups, the exercise helps her arthritis. “ The walking eases my pain; when I miss a few days, I can tell it. Walking is therapy for me and the many participants at Clinton and Bernice Rose Center. It is said ‘if you don’t use it, you’ll definitely lose it’. Charlotte informed us there are many with different health issues, i.e, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke victims and those recuperating from surgery, and this exercise has become a healing balm for the group.”

Over the years, Charlotte’s employment included MATC, McDonald’s, Eagle Knitting, as well as Koss Electronics. All of the jobs required standing for long periods of time. No doubt that exacerbated her condition and at age 50, she began to seek ways to help her pain.

When her daughter became high school age, Charlotte made the decision to go back to Mississippi in order for her daughter to take advantage of the richness of her southern values and heritage. Her daughter, an only child, went on to graduate from Callaway High School in Jackson, Mississippi, where she participated in many organizations and was crowned Ms. Senior Class, Class Favorite, Jr. Patron of the Mayor’s Office and Ms 10. I’d say Charlotte made a wise choice.

Upon her daughter’s entrance to the HBCU of Tougaloo College, Charlotte decided to relocate to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her daughter has blessed her with three grandchildren, Brandon, Bryant and Brianna. She has also been blessed with three wonderful great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Kyra and Ka’ Mya. Dressing up her grands was one of her favorite pasttimes and now she has the three great-granddaughters to continue with her passion. And, her grandchildren continue to support and applaud their amazing grandmother in all her endeavors.

Reminiscing about those youthful days, Charlotte shared, “ Mississippi will always be close to my heart.”

She grew up on land owned by many generations of her family. Her grandfather knew that land/real estate was a honor to have, so he made sure that the family would be secure for years to come by placing a clause in his Will. The land stays in the family!

“And we were all raised on that land; we had our own livestock, massive vegetable gardens, and we had ponds for fishing. I remember my grandmother attempting to help me get over the fear of snakes. She would walk me through the woods, knowing that my mind was on possible snakes. Then she’d sit with me at the pond while we fished with long cane poles hours upon hours. She kept us attentive by passing on our history, family traditions, family commitment and her expectations of how we were to carry ourselves.” Charlotte remembers.

Today, the home of Charlotte’s beloved grandparents remains intact and continues to signify strength passed on throughout generations. There are several new homes surrounding the grandparents‘ home.

Many of the younger family members have built their homes and are enjoying the joys of this simple, yet wonderful life.

Charlotte reminisced that it was a totally different kind of life! “ It was peaceful, we had everything we needed and really all we wanted. Cousins were all around us, we considered ourselves sisters and brothers.

We never lacked anything, and my grandfather showed us we could have whatever our heart desired through hard work and family ties. He was among a select few who could buy a new automobile every other year, no problem! In Mississippi !“ “We lived off the land and everybody shared the bounty, and the family shared with adjacent neighbors to make sure all were able to feed their families, (continued on page 18)

An old African Proverb goes: “ A wise man strives for good health while a foolish man strives for wealth.” Truer words were never spoken and Honoree Dr. Arthur Mines knows well the importance of that message. Dr. Mines is a health change-agent.

For 33 years, he has been practicing medicine as a Family Doctor. Family doctors treat everyone and all areas of health. His specialty includes babies, mothers, fathers, children, seniors, the whole family.

His understanding that disease can oftentimes be “dis”- ease makes him a special professional for improving the health disparities in our community.

Presently, Dr. Mines is one of the quality health professionals at Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. at their 2555 N. King Drive and 8200 W. Silver Spring Drive locations. Known for patient satisfaction, Dr. Mines has always been committed to changing the statistics in the African American community; and he will play an even greater role now as the Affordable Health Act continues to rollout, successfully, within the community.

Disparities, morbidity rates, predispositions to certain maladies, that are culturally influenced, are the areas for which Dr. Mines is especially suited. His attention to lifestyle changes and supporting patients, as they commit to taking the next steps, have been consistently expressed as his “gift”.

In his youth, he, like many high school students, was not certain about what he wanted to become. He knew he liked the sciences but it was after time in the United States Army that he began to consider becoming a physician. During the Vietnam War, he worked as a combat medic.

Working side by side with career physicians, they encouraged him to consider medicine as his life-career.

They saw something special in his care and attention to detail. “ My medic- role brought me front-line experience with injury, wounds, amputations and repair of mangled parts. That confirmed my ability and opened the door for me to view becoming a medical doctor as a real possibility.”

Dr. Mines earned his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine- Chicago Medical Center. He moved to Milwaukee in 1978 and completed his residency in Family Practice at St. Michaels Hospital. During that residency, he met two physicians who impacted his understanding of the profession, immensely.

“Dr. V. Lubsey and Dr. George Lane were my mentor/role models. They shared openly and impressionably,” he explained. “I shall always be indebted to their personal/professional guidance.” “ My parents instilled that education was the key to my future,” he shared. “My father worked two full time jobs, as a bus driver and hospital orderly. My mother, a computer key punch operator, always told me that I could be anything that I desired if I studied. My parents saw to it that I had opportunities they they never had. I stand on their shoulders.”

Continuing, “ My work ethics came from my high school track coach. He taught me to always give that extra effort and to push harder when I thought I had no more to give. That training and mind set helped me with my studies throughout medical school.”

These virtues were ever-present when Dr. Mines opened his practice in Milwaukee from 1981 to 1990. As the practice grew, he joined Family Health Plan and continued to build patients and relationships through 2000. Aurora Health Care recruited Dr. Mines through 2006, whereupon he joined Milwaukee Health Services, Inc.’s Isaac Coggs Heritage Center and he continues to practice there, today.

Years of experience and patient satisfaction led to Dr. Mines’ appointment at the Medical College of Wisconsin as Assistant Clinical Professor, in 1986. Over the years, he has helped to guide many medical students, who went on for residencies locally and nationally. Additionally, he teaches Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. “ My philosophy to future doctors and medical professionals is that what we can impart to others; and how we can make a difference in the patients lives is what really matters. A kind word, empathy and compassion, will last longer, after we have fulfilled our mission in their physical world. Ministering to the whole patient ultimately heals the body, the spirit and mind. Kindness coupled with our medical science is the ideal combination.” “ I’ve learned that sometimes all a person needs is an ear to listen, a hand to hold and a heart that understands: Luke 22:32. This knowledge is at the core of Dr. Mines bedside manner and his patient satisfaction equation.

So how does the good doctor stay fit, fabulous and fantastic... He enjoys radio-controlled model airplanes; digital camera photography and using computerized editing, music and traveling. “ My wife and I enjoy the blessings that have been given us. And I am thankful for this art and the joys that have come in seeing patients heal, become well, become whole,” he said.

Dr. Arthur Mines: Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic, an Inspiration to our medical aspirants, an Honoree Supreme.

Dana World Lois Redic Angeline Smith Patterson The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 14

Dana World Patterson has become the face, voice and advocate for Human Trafficking in Milwaukee.

This term has significant meaning and an undeniable presence, over the past two years, as a result of Martha Love and Dana World Patterson.

Often confused with teenage prostitution and frequently mis-identified, even by police and professionals in the justice system, Human Trafficking is not a middle-east phenomena. Nor is it isolated singularly to impoverished neighborhoods. Human Trafficking does not discriminate; it is a growing business that feeds upon illicit sex that enslaves and frequently captures unsuspecting youths, male and female.

Dana World Patterson is a Milwaukee native, a graduate of Marshall High School, who graduated from Jackson State University, in Mississippi, with a degree in Speech Pathology. She received her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and pursued counseling with an emphasis on substance abuse.

Throughout her professional career, however, there was this drive to “own her own business”. So, she created her for-profit corporation, “Visions Etiquette Training and Image Consulting”, almost 25 years ago, becoming an employer, an entrepreneur, a community leader.

Beginning one’s own business requires facing fears, learning to be flexible and remaining conscientiously focused on needs versus services, assessing personal skills and expertise to meet needs that help people, while growing the Milwaukee community.

With a contract at the YWCA, under the leadership of Marie Crockett, Dana World Patterson began to teach students to build confidence, improve scholastic competency and increase graduations and higher education pursuits. “ This decision was by far one of the best I’ve ever made,” World Patterson shares. "While I thought I would be emphasizing speech pathology, increasingly, I found myself working on educational leadership areas. I was teaching more and more classes about table manners, treating people fairly, being kind. These were the kinds of things that typically come from the home, but I found the young women were in need of a nurturing curriculum.

Fast forwarding, with a contract through MPS, World Patterson began her work with young men. Some of the same patterns were identified, most unsettling was the anger that so many of them exhibited. “ A prevailing attitude of hyper-sensitivity was apparent, which led me to ask the question: “Have you been touched inappropriately?” In one setting, fourteen of the fifteen girls, present, raised their hands. And to a lesser degree the males also acknowledged inappropriate touching.”

"Grandfathers, uncles, Mother’s boyfriends, multiple male figures were said to have touched them.

And, regrettably, in too many cases, the adult or guardian would not believe nor change the environment, so the teens were angry, they were ready to explode. Therein lay our recognition of a hidden problem.”

Meanwhile, Dana began to attend meetings convened by Martha Love about Human Trafficking.

‘These foundational meetings, led by Ms. Love, revealed a direct correlation between vulnerability, early touching experiences and human trafficking.

While we continue to learn, daily, about the statistics, the underlying reasons, and the ways to avert this travesty, more and more people are beginning to hear us and join us in seeking to reduce the number of youth being led into this sex-slavery dynamic.”

The statistics on human trafficking are harrowing, over $32 billion dollars, annually, is said to be circulating in the sex-trade. And the money goes to the pimps/trafficker, not to the victim/sex workers. Human Trafficking victims can experience death if they try to escape, and most live a debilitated life, without opportunities to exit nor have personal control.

“Human Trafficking is different from prostitution. We must know that in Human Trafficking there is no choice, “ World Patterson repeats. “This slavery component led me to create Foundations For Freedom, LLC, the non-profit arm, whose mission is to speak to women and girls, building confidence and awareness of the presence of human trafficking so they can recognize traffickers and take control before they are lured into the unthinkable.”

“Through the organization, we expose the girls to typical lines that may be used by the trafficker when he or she is trying to pursue them for business. We teach them that the trafficker often approaches, looks into the eyes of the young lady, and if she gives a shy response, she might be considered a good candidate because that signals lack of confidence. So confidence building is a major item in our curriculum, our speeches and our role-playing exercises.”

When asked about the number of young boys that are seduced with clothes, tennis shoes, or other lures, Dana World Patterson, responded, “Males can be just as vulnerable. There is a disproportionate number of minors who are kicked out of their homes, for various reasons, it maybe attitude, refusal to follow rules, sexual preference and the family’s refusal to accept this lifestyle. Some may be involved in survival sex which can then lead to being trafficked.”

How Milwaukee has become an Ivy League city in the human trafficking chain defies acceptance, and World Patterson reminds that it is this attitude that made human trafficking grow to the magnitude that it has. “ We have denied it, we have not wanted to call it what it is. We have been splitting hairs between the person who sells of their own volition and those who have been taken without consent, nor control. An underage male or female who is housed, forced to perform acts, for money, and cannot leave or return to their parents, is a victim of human trafficking. That is against the law”!

“Typically, 13 - 14 year olds are the target of the pimps, however, some have begun as early as 9-10 year olds. Unfortunately some girls are birthed into the trade, locally and internationally. And recently, girls from a Nigerian boarding school were captured by al Quaida operatives to be sold into the sex-trade, stirring an international response by the world community.”

“Like the Hong Kong flu, we have not taken responsibility for what we allowed to happen. We learned a lot from talking with women. Some of the sex workers today were the youth of human trafficking. When they became older, drug addicted and less compliant, some ran and some came to a place of “enough is enough!”. Yet, their introduction to the trade often came without consent, much earlier in their lives.”

Other examples included neighbor groomers who take in children. Introducing drugs to teens has often

(continued on page 18 )

If ever you meet Lois Redic you will be enriched, immediately. Lois is a bundle of energy, a cup of love and kindness, and a vessel of faith. Her smile, personality, her witness to God, as the source of her joy, is an on-going testimony. “ I accepted Jesus early in my life”, she shares; and she has been a member of Mount Moriah MIssionary Baptist Church for over 48 years. Lois, quickly adds, “ my philosophy, throughout, has been one of “ Here I Am Lord”!

Raised by her Grandmother, who came to Milwaukee at the age of 94 years, with her daughter, Lois’s Mother, and her siblings, they chose Mount Moriah, as their church home. Grandmother, daughter and Lois have taught Sunday School, a family tradition they all enjoyed. And, it has been at the core of religious education for Mt. Moriah’s congregation and their families, throughout the years.

“Church was always been important in our family. In fact, my Grandmother retained a dual membership in Mt. Moriah and our old Louisville, Kentucky church, throughout her life”, Lois reflected. “This background has given me much love, and a strong foundation spiritually, emotionally and physically”.

And while life has had its challenges, as it does for everyone, Lois exudes excitement when she speaks of the love of her life, her husband, Henry. “ I call him Louis. We met at church, where else”, she laughs. “ He is my soul-mate. Spiritually we are always on the same page, he completes me as I complete him. This December 18th, we will be married twenty, wonderful, years. Louis is a member of the “Mighty Men of Mt. Moriah”, the male chorus, and loves the fellowship and the spiritual growth this outlet affords him. “Church is at the forefront of his life and scripturally he leads our family in faith”.

This union strengthens their family, their church and their neighborhood. Louis had no children and eagerly adopted Lois’ four. He has been a strong male model for their son, Mc Quinn and the girls, Michelle, Margena and Mae, whom they call ‘Penny’. The girls reside in Milwaukee and Mc Quinn, who graduated from Tuskegee University, has lived in Tennessee, Georgia and now California. In fact, Lois and Louis spent

“Hair, Hair all that wonderful Hair!” Songs, poems and stories have been written about it.

Women love it and hate it. Men cut it, grow it, and little girls love to play in it.

Angeline Smith, owner of Nefertari Beauty Boutique, on King Drive, has been passionate about hair since she was a little girl. A 30 year aficionado, an expert, she is treasured for having “growing hands”.

Growing hands are a gift given and honored by women of color as God-given and God received. Her history of quality care, attention to moisturizing and regularly scheduled treatments is praised by many a customer who came to Angeline with serious hair problems that were resolved through her love and professional attention. “ I watched my aunts, my mother do hair as a youngster, she shared “I loved the before and after witnessed as women came and left after a press and curl. Then my brother said “You’re good at that”, when I was a teenager, and that affirmed what I was thinking about, so off to cosmetology school I went.”

Attending IBA Cosmetology School and meeting the requirements for licensing was completed in 1983 and Angeline went on to work at a number of local salons. Always committed to not just following trends but creating healthy hair, Angeline freely discusses what she does, the nutrients she’s found helps her build strong hair. She confided that what she eats, what is ingested is just as important to hair quality as what we put on top of it. Good food is important for good hair, good nails, strong bones and healthy bodies. “ You can’t tell people how to eat, but I share what works for me and other successful customers. The client makes their own decisions, “Angeline reminds. “However, many problems like hair loss, brittle hair or common split ends can be immediately identified and solved with her 30 years of experience.

Angeline says we should never down-play the equation of what we want to look like and what we must do to ensure that the look is supported with professional care and follow-up. While there are many do it yourself products and many people use them, seldom does that care compare, over the long term, to the professional expertise of the hair technician. She has spent years learning her skills and many years following the many changes in styles, products, documented problems often resulting from trying products, or hair extensions, wigs and pieces without any professional advice or consultations.

“There’s an old saying: ‘There’s nothing new under the sun”, Smith reflects, “ We used extensions years ago...we’ve dyed hair, pressed, curled, done naturals, Afros, even done wigs, so all of these things are not new to hairdressing. However, each of these options must be done by a professional, someone trained in complete hair care. That’s how we eliminate breakage, hair-pulling, bald spots and total loss.”

“In the 1980’s we were making our own extensions,“ Angeline remembers. “ We were providing full service to our customers and we kept our money in our neighborhood. We had several Black-owned beauty supply houses in the community. Then the Asians began to manufacture lace-front wigs and we tried to hide what we had already destroyed. We’ve become a people who have had to take whatever they gave us.

We pay a price for that.”

Continuing on the need to think before we buy, Smith, said, “It’s sad because most beauty operators try to work with their clients on costs, regular follow-up scheduling, how to care for you hair at home so we can ensure health and safety. Our greatest joy comes in seeing the transformed client walk away with beautiful hair, healthy hair and professional advice that if followed will keep their hair growing, strong and admired.”

But that takes time, clients say. And they’re right. We have become a microwave society. We want instant gratification, we want instant beauty, we want to look like the stars. “ But the stars have professionals taking care of their eye lashes, their extensions, their new hair colors, their multi-colored nails. They do not try to do these professional tasks themselves. We must do the same. That’s why a professional cosmetologist has to be credentialed and having successfully worked on many clients. They are approved after extensive

(continued on page 18)

time with Mc Quinn and his family during the Easter season.

“We have a baker’s dozen of grandchildren and great-grands, now. The Bible says be fruitful and multiply and we have. Some are grown and some are babies. We get together often in love and harmony. We are blessed; they call me Gee Momma, Gee Gee, Grandma, Grannie, all are terms of endearment. They show their love and respect for us”, she beams.

Retirement and excursions are common expectations by this time in life, and Lois and Louis pack their bags and hit the road, often. They’ve traveled all over the United States and enjoyed many cruises and international destinations, as well. Their son Mc Quinn has treated them to multiple trips and cruises as part of his employment advancements and intergenerational programs. They have also enjoyed a number of cruises with friends. “ We try to get at least two trips, each year. And, sometimes we just go places where “nobody knows, our name”, Lois laughs.

“Life is wonderful. They say these are our golden years and we live that life, each day, for tomorrow is not promised. We thank God for each day, seek His guidance on using the day to His purpose, and we example for other young people, that life is supposed to be full, loving and worth living. We also have biannual Family Reunions that bring the larger family together, they’re usually held in various cities, so that takes us to many new cities, too,” Lois continued.

The Redic’s are anchors in their neighborhood. “We’ve watched it change multiple times, yet we wanted to remain and retain this traditional part of Milwaukee. Several homes have already received historical designations and we expect ours to be one of them, over time”. So they continue to make the repairs and updates that solidify the housing stock. Today, the Redic’s love their neighborhood, their neighbors and their life.

Much of Lois’ daily activities include the Cltinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center, today. “ I retired, after 27 years, from the City of Milwaukee Library system. I spent most of my years as the head Reference Librarian where I had time at Finney Library, the Bookmobile, Oklahoma Avenue, Atkinson Avenue Library, and I retired as the Branch Manager at the Dillard Library. I loved that setting, I have always loved books and I looked forward to my hugs and the interaction with people who frequented the libraries.” “ When the Library began offering computer classes, I knew the hand-writing was on the wall and I thought this is not going to stop, it will only get bigger and better and the need for reference librarians will soon fade away. I was right, because today Smartphones do everything we used to do. My grandkids use their apps and lap-tops and every tech-instrument available to two and three year olds. These are the times we live in today.”

“So, I was ready for my next phase in life. Throughout I always retained a bucket-list of things I wanted to do and when my Dad had come to Milwaukee, I took him to the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center. He did’nt stay but I said then, when I retire I’ll be active at the center. Clara Davis, from our church had always exercised there and so did Sister Pitchford. They were active and always shared their excitement about the Roselettes Dancers. So, in 2003, when I retired, I returned to the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center. It is like family”!

Lois was invited to join the Roselettes and quickly began to learn the repertoire of about 15 dances. The troupe performs throughout the community, Garfield Avenue Days, African World Festival, Juneteenth Day, nursing homes, assisted living centers and schools, wherever they’re asked to perform, they go. “I could have been a go-go dancer in my other life”, she sheepishly giggles“, or maybe even danced on the bar”, she bellows in jest. When she began, she was the baby in the group.

Today, they are 18 dancers strong with an expanding repertoire that continues to include new popular songs. “We are a very affectionate group, some of us live alone so coming together is life, it’s family, it’s togetherness. No matter the program, we include prayer and the services, under the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, ensures that the everything offered meet our needs.”

“We have a group called the Dusters who do urban line-dances; there are five pool tables, the men play dominoes, “ throwing the bones” from 8 until 5. There is Pinnacle and Bid Whist and loads of “smack” which is the fun part of the game. I am also into quilting, yes, quilting, a lost art form that many of us are enjoying, again. There’s loads to do, and there’s loads of love at Clinton and Bernice Rose Center. We get to get our hugs, each day.”

“We have fun, we stay fit, we help one another as we learn. You remember how you used to just hang out when you were a teen, well sometimes, we just hang out at the center. Everybody knows your name and there’s always a game for mind stimulation, or a buddy with whom to share a concern, or a birthday that demands celebration, or a bear hug for one who has just lost. These things don’t cost you a single dime but they bring life, and love and laughter to you everyday”.

“We thank God for the staff at Clinton and Bernice Rose Center, especially Henrietta Allen, our Director, who puts her heart and ministry into making a place where we can come, enjoy, support one another, laugh, learn, heal, and help! Clinton and Bernice Rose Center is more than a complex, it is a family. We have many friends, we establish lasting relationships. We understand age and wisdom and we cherish health and happiness and fun and family. We are able to sit, to take it easy, to be of sound mind and body. Now, you tell me: “Ain’t God Good”, she exclaims.

Some people work all of their lives, even die on their jobs, never having taken the opportunity to enjoy life. “We have to show our youth there is a time for every season, a time to learn, a time to work, a time to reap, a time to enjoy. And they must see this as seasons dictated by God and nature. It’s misiguided to attempt to do it any other way: education, employment, family and relationships, brings the greatest joy and the stable successes”, Redic responds. “ It is a true blessing to testify to the goodness of God and thankfulness that I can share this blessing with young people who are climbing the ladder of success, today. Value your youth, use it wisely and you will be fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic, as we are truly blessed to be. Keep God always in your life and your plans,

Eugene Cherrye Trotman Smith

Eugene Smith is an entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur!

His work ethic as a certified steamfitter, for over 20 years, speaks to his tenacity. But it takes work ethic, a lot of savvy and grit, and fortitude to create a job for yourself and many others. It’s taken all of these to successfully run his businesses for over 35 years.

Eugene Smith’s entrepreneural history is an example of economic development worthy of review.

Jesse Jackson often talks about the importance of civil rights, for building our communities. And he also stresses the need for silver rights, economic development if our communities are going to grow exponentially.

Eugene Smith knows these concepts from both sides of the community coin. “To be able to work and provide for one’s family is a blessing. But to create work for myself and others is a blessing that multiplies. This keeps money in the community and returns money for other jobs.” Economics 101, Eugene Smith practices everyday! “ A friend of mine asked me to come by a building he was thinking about buying. He never showed up, so I bought the building. That was my first business, Gene’s Nite Life on North Avenue, in 1979,” he shared.

Then Smith saw another opportunity and Gene’s Supper Club became his second venture. And then there was Tee’s Everglades, today called Geno’s Grill.

And typical of a good businessman, you see another opportunity and if the math is right, and the staffing adaptable, you move on! And Gene’s Lanes and Lounge is the result today.

Gene’s Lanes and Lounge keeps Eugene Smith, his employees and thousands of Milwaukeean’s fit, fabulous, everyday. The Brunswick certified bowling venue is one of a couple in Milwaukee’s central community. And while the lanes are under reconstruction and leagues, teams and specialty groups are the vision of Gene Smith’s immediate future, he keeps the facility active and producing by holding multiple Steppers classes and Urban Line Dance, each Saturday afternoon. Currently over 75 to 100 dancers come every Saturday and the numbers are growing.

His vision, you ask: “Bowling is exercise!. We all want to be fantastic, fit and have fun.” Smith said.

“Unlike many forms of exercise, bowling is more fun than hard work With competitive leagues, family, male and female and multi-generational groupings available to everyone, the bowling alley is being designed to meet all of your needs. Beginners classes, school parties, birthday parties, anniversaries, bridal showers and even baby showers will be held at Gene’s Lanes.” Love to bowl, or would like to learn to bowl, Gene’s Event Planner will soon be ready to make your visions a reality. Gene’s Lanes and Lounge is already a people place. And, soon it will be a phenomenal place!

So who have been role models for this spirited entrepreneur? Other entrepreneurs, of course. “ Boobie Moore was one of my first role models. Other mentors include Catfish, Arlis Jones, Robert D. and Jewel Currie. We all mentor each other,” he said.

Well how does this busy man relax. What does he do for fun? “ My hobbies include fishing, traveling, and golf. They always take me away from the tasks with the business. ““And I have a strong support system through my family, and friends. And yes, I also exercise. It takes away a lot of tension and I eat healthy, always. You cannot feed the body things that will not support it for the long-haul. Eat well to live well,” Mr. Smith confides.

Continuing, Eugene Smith shared, “ Take care of yourself first. You can’t give to someone else what you have not given to yourself. No, I do not mean be selfish, we have too much of that. But do unto others as you would want them to do unto you, is good advice for everything in your life.“ “You cannot give from a well that has no water.

So always make certain that something is feeding the well. Life teaches us a lot about living and living well. To the students, I strongly say, “Don’t worry about what someone else is doing. Do what works for you.”

Honoree Smith reminded us that getting one’s credentials is very important and he strongly supports everyone of the students being honored today. But he also says that in life we often start out in one thing and end up in something totally different. So, he suggests that, “ We have to learn how to be flexible, to be open to new thoughts and ideas, to evolve as the world is evolving. New technology is changing our world by the second. And still many things remain the same. We all need love, and food and fun and family and community. And, we all need a place to pull within and reach beyond the exterior. Create those opportunities to feel, to examine, to refresh and to listen.”.

An old adage, Mr. Smith, reflects. “ Everyone is going to learn. You will either learn from the world of school or from the school of hard knocks. But learn! Then after you learn, be willing to share! “ And to all of the students, he reminds, “ Treat everyone fair!”. Sage advice indeed.

Eugene Smith is a successful entrepreneur who has winning skills and traits. His success has evolved over 56 years of growing personally and helping others grow. He understands the importance of paying forward as he invests into future Milwaukee. He is fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic. Thank you, Mr. Smith.

Milwaukee has many treasures, especially those who remain Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic. They are builders in the city, those who elected our officials, educated our children and created our neighborhoods. Cherrye Ballard Trotman is that kind of treasure. She, her late husband, Reginald, who was born in Panama, and her sister Ruby Young, now 101 years young, are roots in Milwaukee's' Black Community since 1945 in the case of Ruby and her husband Oscar, who came to Milwaukee from Detroit, Michigan; and in 1958 for Cherrye and Reggie. Cherrye's heritage is illuminated by education role models like her mother, a teacher and graduate of Alabama State Normal School, in 1905, at the turn of the century.

This family life-line included Cherrye's father, who graduated from Tuskegee Institute when Booker T. Washington was President of the school.

So, by 1900, many post slavery Blacks were matriculating in normal schools, technical schools and agricultural schools, such as Tuskegee Institute.

Blacks became teachers, bricklayers, iron smiths, scientists and farmers, espousing the philosophies of intellectual giants like Dr. W.E.B. Dubois and Dr. George Washington Carver. Prospering to better one's self were non-competitive philosophies that most Blacks agreed would strengthen us as a race and as citizens of these United States. The rapid creation of church sponsored HCBU schools began the development of the Black middle class in the South and in emerging northern cities buoyed by the Great Migration.

Thus, when Cherrye and Reginald settled on 22nd and Roosevelt, a solid Black middle class was evolving in the alcove. Most of their neighbors came to

Milwaukee with degrees from universities throughout the South, and many had Master's degrees, PhDs, MDs, and JDs from major institutions throughout the United States.

Cherrye graduated from Alabama State University with a degree in Secondary education, however, MPS did not give her a secondary placement so she was assigned as an elementary teacher at H.L. Palmer Elementary School for 29 years, followed by 6 more years at Washington Irving School teaching math and reading to deaf students with the help of an interpreter before her retirement.

Reginald, an entrepreneur, owned many properties in the central community before his death. So jointly, they provided a strong, stable environment for their daughters. Raised in the Roosevelt Drive community, the Trotman girls became noted professionals. Enid, the eldest daughter completed bachelors degree at Spelman College and her MD at The Medical College of Wisconsin. She is currently a Family Medicine physician at Columbia-St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee. She and her husband Lewis Anyanwu, are the parents of Lura Janet, a graduate of Spelman College, now employed in Marketing in Chicago, and Leah Justina, who graduated from Fisk University and now teaches in New Orleans. Both girls attended University School of Milwaukee through the tenth grade and graduated from Homestead High School before beginning undergraduate studies.

Their younger daughter, Eunice, received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Florida A&M University resides in Missouri and is a Systems Analyst for General American Insurance. Now affected

by Multiple Sclerosis, she is confined to a wheelchair

What do you do when you learn you have hypothyroidism and your weight gain will continue without medical support? What do you do when your weight gain, your attempts to take control of your health, and this disease, is met with criticism instead of support? What do you do when you go to work one day and you’re met with a pink slip because the company has decided to eliminate your whole department, privatization they called it? You’re now a new statistic, you don’t have a job! How do you go on when you’re met with one challenge after another? Zatira Washington is a strong woman, a woman of faith, who has learned to pray and stand!

Our 2014 Honoree is a young woman who celebrated her 40th birthday in 2013. She works with women of all ages in her fitness program called: “Getting Fit While Giving God the Glory”.

Giving God the glory is synonymous with Zatira’s philosophy about life and living. She believes you can’t fall and crumble when life throws you a curve ball, “you reach for faith, fitness, fun and fortitude and you challenge the challenge and win”, she said!

“We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Trusting in His Holy word, He never failed me yet! Oh, oh,oh, oh, no turning round; we’ve come this far by faith”. Zatira has lived that song and she is winning! Her theme song for 2014 is Tye Tribett’s – He (God) Turned It! Because God will turn

things around for you, as he did for Joseph in the O.T. when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. “ This is my season,” Zatira Washington, excitedly proclaims. She had just returned from a one-day trip to New York to see “ A Raisin In the Sun: with Denzel Washington. I met Samuel L. Jackson, it was a wonderful trip with a classmate. Finally, I can do some of the things I’ve wanted to do. I’ve cruised, and taken several trips with more planned. We will go back to New York and tour the inside of the 9/11 Memorial Museum.”

Having raised her daughter Zerenity, who recently graduated from UW Whitewater in 2012. Having survived and continues to survive the Kohl’s accounting department closing on February 7th 2014, she knew on the day her department was informed of the upcoming job elimination, June 19th 2013 that she desired and wanted to relocate to Dallas, Texas. She prayed and finally determined the time had come for her to leave her city of birth and begin anew. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and calls me according to His purpose”, she reflects.

Zatira awaits the closing on her home, while packing and becoming recertified for the YMCA Group Excercise certification and obtaining her CPR/ AED for infants, children and adults so she plans to carry her exercise to Gospel music business to her new

Zatira Washington

THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL Published twice weekly, Wednesday & Friday

3612 North Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communityjournal.net/Advertising@communityjournal.net MCJ STAFF: Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo Publisher, CEO Robert J. Thomas Assoc. Publisher Todd Thomas, Vice Pres.

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Colleen Newsom,

Classified Advertising Jimmy V. Johnson, Sales Rep. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Taki S. Raton Richard G. Carter Fr. Carl Diederichs Rev. Joe McLin Rev. Roxanne Cardenas PHOTOGRAPHER: Yvonne Kemp

Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length.

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 15

yet remains active through the love and companionship of her devoted husband, Wayne Francis, an aerospace engineer. Eunice and her husband Wayne Francis’ children are all graduates of the Mary Institute County Day School. Her daughter, Jenelle, graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis and is now studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. Jenelle's sibling Simone is a future doctor at Temple University Medical School and their brother Aaron is studying Electrical Engineering at University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri.

"All four of my granddaughters are college graduates," Cherrye proudly states. Two of the granddaughters are now in medical school, following the example of their beloved aunt and the others have chosen business and pre-school education in New Orleans. All of the grandchildren have followed in the footsteps of their fore-parents and they understand the importance of excelling and giving back. "We are thankful and proud."

Cherrye Trotman's life continues to increase, and this treasure continues to create new treasure in the children she has taught, those she has adopted and in her two daughters and her grandchildren. Her light is a beam that multiplies in vibrancy and illuminates many new paths.

community. Soon, “Getting Fit While Giving God the Glory” will have a Dallas affiliate.

I had to learn how to say ‘NO” to rice, soda, and over abundance of fried foods, white sugar. I eat brown rice, brown flour, brown sugar and turkey. It works for me.”

“God has granted me peace throughout. My prayers for clarity, for direction, and guidance, my prayerful intuitions have kept me focused and open.”

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 16

F. Patricia Dunn

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 17

Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Recipients

Diamonique Felder *Post Grad - Masters Education -Alverno College

Quinton Thomas Freshman - University of Dayton, Ohio

Aaron Wilder Freshman - University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Serah Washington Sophomore - University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

T’Yanna White Sophomore - Marquette University Donavan Elisha Jackson *Post Grad - Professional Development - University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Mikayla Robertson Sophomore -US Air Force Academy

Erica Coleman Senior - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Patricia Walker *Post Grad -Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

. Brianna Jackson Sophomore - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Kendall Keith Junior - University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Jasmine Hines Senior - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Angelica Weary *Post Grad -Master Public Health Walden University

Crystal Owney *Post Grad - Mills College

Brittany Mays *Post Grad -Medical College of WI

Trenton Dockery *Post Grad - Emory University - Candler School of Theology

Camille Lester *Post Grad - MA Psychology - DePaul University

Caroline Walker *Post Grad University of Wisconsin-Madison (School of Pharmacy)

(continued from page 11) Patricia is a successful corporate-model. While she retired in 2004 from We Energies, the utility conglomerate, where she reported directly to the Senior Vice President on many issues, including sexual harassment and diversity related issues, Pat’s resume illustrates a corporate ladder of growth.

Her employment journey included working at Wisconsin Electric Power before Wisconsin Gas and Wisconsin Electric merged. As a member of the Local Union I, she was only the second female Vice President to hold that office. Her work with business unit directors and managers was exemplary.

She had to assess training needs and implement programs about customer relations, human resources, team building, verbal and non-verbal communication effectiveness.

She also established and maintained good working relationships with federal, state, local regulatory agencies and ensured that the appropriate training complied with the agencies requirements.

Reflecting on the changes she experienced during those years, Pat remembered, appreciatively, Jim Lungsford who moved from the Wisconsin Electric Third Street office to the downtown office and brought her along with him. “We networked closely during those years, she recalled.

At my family’s dinner table were people like Attorney Mabel Raimey, the first African American woman to attend Marquette Law School and the First Female Attorney in Wisconsin, Vel Phillips, the first female city alderwoman and Clinton and Bernice Rose, foundational elected officials, whose names are now memorialized at the Rose Center, today.”

Pat was a new divorcee, challenged to get help in caring for her young child, Kimberly J. Dunn because there were only a few day care centers. “I was a self-made woman, there were so many firsts, during that time,”she reflects.

After 35 years with the utility company, Pat moved on to her next phase in life. A world traveler and a life-long learner, she confides, “ I don’t believe in having a bucket list, I live life day by day. If it’s important enough for me to want it, and consider it, I do it. And I don’t believe in the word “retirement”, either, I have revamped, refined and retooled but I shall never “retire. There are so many places I want to see when “I grow up”, she laughs. She and her husband, Curtis Washington, have traveled to 33 of the 50 states. She has visited three European countries and other destinations in the Caribbean.

She and her husband owned a home in Ajijic, Mexico for over 10 years. Travel is important for everyone, she believes.

Exposure negates many pre-conceived notions and the examination of culture, people, places and monuments bring history alive, she’s learned.

She is a consultant and CEO of Dunn and Associates, that utilizes her years of experience in management and strategic development for companies desirous of expanding design and implementation programs specific to organizational needs.

Not a person to enjoy going to the gym, yet very committed to fitness and having fun, the Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center just seemed to be the perfect solution, for Pat. “ We went to Garfield Park as youngsters for picnics, ice skating and sledding, so many childhood activities were on those grounds but my daughter, Kim, told me about the programs at the Rose Center.”

“The Clinton Rose Center was one of the first Black venues for weddings, receptions, repasts after funerals, “ It was the place to go, within the community. There were very few places where Blacks could go for their parties if their homes were inadequate, so we have long respected the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center.”

Excitedly, she continues, “My love today is the Roselettes!

We have a wonderful group of women, aged 60-85 years,

Lisa Williams Vi” Hawkins Sam Holland

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 18

Entrepreneur, financial advisor, community advocate, builder of equity and stability, all describe Lisa Williams, Broker/Owner of Williams & Associates Realty.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Lisa Williams began looking to purchase herself a home. New to the many necessary requirements before she could make a purchase, she had to learn what she was supposed to do. Owning one’s home is just one of the equity builders in a person’s financial picture, but statistics reveal your home is probably one of your highest, most valuable assets in your total personal estate.

Your home far outweighs your automobile or clothes or jewelry as a viable asset. Your home, life insurances, your stocks and annuities are the things that should be uppermost in your personal financial portfolio. The importance of Economics 101 should begin while you are in high school or before you head off to college. Learn about the interest rates of the your student loans. Learn what you will have to pay on loans before you can begin to think about buying your home.

Know the mathematics of costs versus value, value versus trends and fads. And insist that you pay all bills on time so your credit rating always merits new credit. Your credit history can help you build financially or make it impossible for you to get anything on credit. So learn while you’re young, now rather than later.

Good credit builds a good future.

Realtor Williams has taken many classes, seminars, continued education courses and certifications that she now can share with you. Her extensive credentials included memberships and workshops at the National Federation of Housing Counselors; National Association of Realtors, Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors; Member of Multiple Listing Services; Milwaukee Realtist Association; Graduate of Real Estate Institute-GRI; Certified Residential Specialist-CRS; Registered HUD foreclosure agent; Nominee for 2006 Inner City Growth Assets Awards; Accredited Buyer Representative- ABR Trained; Military Relocation Professional-MRP; and she is the Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent; and Certified Broker’s Price Option Realtor-BPOR. Now that’s professional acumen and expertise gained in a short amount of time. We mentioned that she began learning about real estate when she was trying to buy her home; well she learned a lot about buying and soon postponed purchasing her own home and instead purchased rental and investment properties. She owned three properties before she finally purchased her home.

Realtor Williams helped a lot of others do the same through advocacy, community-building and personal stability. Everyone won! Before this experience, however, she thought she would be a teacher. As sometimes happens, she was first offered a position as a Housing Counselor for a non-profit agency, “ so I thought, will I make any money doing this? Can I do this?” A friend convinced her that she would be educating individuals and families early on in the home buying process, then she thought, “I can do this”!

Her parents have always been her greatest role models, they taught her love, respect, flexibility and resilience. “ I was told you can do anything you want to do...prepare, then work it.” And she has. Another of her role models was her second grade teacher, “her strength, care, knowledge and willingness to teach, inspired me at an early age,” she shared. “ And today, my customers encourage me and inspire me. There are a lot of changes in the industry and being able to help those seeking to become homeowners is very rewarding. Seeing their joy, their happiness and their advancement keeps me motivated.”

Remaining motivated also requires maintaing balance in our lives beyond the finances. “ I love spending time with my family and friends. Often it is difficult but I’ve learned you must make time for yourself and the rest will fall into place. I love traveling, bowling, concerts and plays.” “ And, I highly recommend that our students never stop learning. Life lessons continue long after graduations. One of my most inspiring Scriptures is: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Financial health and physical health are important for a long, successful, meaningful life so Realtor Lisa Williams insures that her body, mind and spirit are fed. “I believe in daily prayer and exercise. I say a prayer before I leave the house; I try to eat healthy with a lot of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. I’ve cut out lots of salt, junk food and sodas. And I laugh often. The body needs endorphins , the happy hormones, to enjoy the simple things in life.”

Lisa Williams, Realtor, entrepreneur and community-advocate is committed to making life better for others in the community, she is fit, fun, fabulous and fantastic and she pays forward to build future homeowners in the city of Milwaukee. Thank you, Ms. Williams.

Hopkins-Brown (continued from page 11)

customed to being busy, so she joined the Board of Directors of HeartLove Place, an ecumenical collaborative of churches that minister within the central city, located near Doris’ home.

It was a perfect marriage for her skills, her neighborhood and her interests. One of her great grandchildren participates in one of the programs at HearLlove Place. He also attends the Hope Christian School, known for their academic successes with children from the neighborhood where they are taught Christ, College and Character are winning combinations in defying statistics and moving them and their families upwardly mobile.

Doris joined Interfaith Program for Senior Adults, funded by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, at the Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center, seeking ways to better her health and relieve arthritis. She first signed up for a six week class titled, “Tai Chi Energy for Arthritis.”

The class helped her condition, particularly her neck, and she wanted to continue, but the class-leader was not returning, so he agreed to teach her what to do. Today, with the video, and years of practice, Doris is the group leader of the class that she and others enjoy. Through the DVD, and required signature of freedom of liability for exercising at your own risk, approximately seven women meet each Monday, from 10 until 11 in the morning. Their class is followed by a social hour. They have the benefit of this Asian healthform that continues to help many arthritics; and they enjoy each other.

But Doris’ work at the Rose Center does not end there, she volunteers daily doing things like the Internet Cafe, helps out in the dining room and the reception desk when needed. Doris serves as a hostess for special events held at the Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center. She helps with the stock box; the gardening group, and weekly she participates in the arts and craft class, where she is working on watercolors and other art forms, including her family shield.

These active seniors also travel several times during each quarter. They go to plays, museums, and often out of town trips are planned. Doris is always an out and about participant who enjoys the excursions. She is a people-person who loves working with people and she truly loves having fun, herself. The Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center is a home away from home, each day for Doris and all of her friends...they are family and fellowship. “ I love doing what I do,” the Diva declares, lovingly named by her peers.

Our Diva, Doris Hopkins-Brown is Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic. She demonstrates daily that substance is significant and character is ‘solid as a rock”. Thank you Doris!

Annie Carter (continued from page 11)

work,” she shared.

Annie also found many programs, several in which she decided to to participate. Walking, the fitness center and mild dance began to strengthen her hip recovery and recuperation. New friends, new peers, and a loving family supported her immediately and brought new meaning to her life. “Clinton and Bernice Rose Center became my home away from home.” “ The Center is like a fountain of youth, we can be diva’s and dancers and singers and performers. We have karaoke , “Golden Idols”, which was created by former County Executive Scott Walker, The Rose Grace Choir, and I often sing when we perform. Since 2008, we have sung at a number of local venues. I first sang at the center’s 25th anniversary and I have been runner-up three times, now. I am also working on a Family Crest in the art class where each generation of my family is now represented. I have displayed art from the art classes; and I volunteer at the center each week.”

“People have to know that Henrietta Allen is a superb Director. We started at the center at the same time; and she just got stronger and stronger. She is truly amazing. She makes us all family and we love her. We thank God for her, she teaches us love and respect and support for one another. Henrietta has made this center a phenomenal program center for all people; she brings an energy that permeates our walls and every person who comes here.”

So Annie is now looking forward to wowing her wonderful family as she sings at the Jazz Brunch. She will also model an outfit showing that age is in the eye of the beholder. Age nor surgery is a dictator of fitness, fun, fabulous or fantastic, for Annie Carter is all of that and a Grandmother supreme! Thank you Annie Carter...You Inspire ...those who now Aspire! You are Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic and we salute you, Honoree 2014.

Charlotte Lewis

(continued from page 13)

as well. Family meant everything and that value has been passed on and will continue to pass on to the next generation. Sundays we attended church and afterwards the Pastor would come to Sunday dinner.”

Asked where she gets all of this spunkiness, Charlotte recalls, “My father’s mother was the energetic one, my mother’s mother was very quiet. I suppose I get a lot of my spunk from my father’s mother,” she laughs.

“She never accepted no or can’t for an answer and I suppose I’m a lot like her. I wouldn’t change anything about my childhood except osing my mother at age four. My mother was quiet and beautiful.”

“In addition to the fun things that I do at the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center, I am a crossing guard from 7:15 to 7:50 each school-day morning and then I go back from 2:15 to 2:55 to see that the children get home safely.” And would you believe that in between, from 12 until l p.m., Charlotte goes to the Rose Center to walk; or work out in the fitness room on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays; and on good weather days, she walks at the Lakefront, keeping those knees functioning at their optimum. “ Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fabulous” do not begin to sufficiently describe this amazing woman.

She explains, “ I have been a concession lead at the Bradley Center at all of the Bucks home-games, since 2000. I get to see the games, cheer for our great team, and I’ve even won a suite, by participating with the Bucks sponsored Bowl for a Cure: 2014” There’s an old saying: “ An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”. Well one has to never worry about Charlotte and idleness. She is busy, productive, active and happy. “I am blessed with family, friends, faith and fellowship, one cannot ask for more.”

“Inspiration Meets Aspiration”, 2014! Charlotte you challenge us all to use our bodies to better our families and our community. We thank you; you are the epitome of “Fabulous, Fit, Fun and Fantastic!”

(continued from page 12) youth at Silver Spring & Custer High.

Her education credentials, include UWM Board Member Institute training and classes focus on Community Education, MATC, with a major in Business Administration and Management; and the National Center for Economic and Community Development Leadership Training, and Future Milwaukee Institute Training.

Hawkins’ volunteer experiences span 50 plus years in community service, including the American Red Cross, Friends of Dineen Park Neighborhood; Interfaith Older Adults Board member; Troop Leader of Cub Scouts, Explorer Post of the Boy Scouts of American; and Aerobics program for the community surrounding Lincoln Park Lutheran Church; Voter Registrar and Pollster for the City of Milwaukee.

An athlete in her youth, she loved playing soft ball, volleyball, in Milwaukee City/County’s Recreation Department League. While only 5’ l, she always stayed in shape. Even when her children were in elementary school, she was in bowling leagues. Managing some of those teams led her to her passion: The Jazzy Jewels Dancers.

The Jazzy Jewels is Viola Hawkins’ love and commitment, today. The dance troupe has been together for eight years and they perform all over the city, and the state. Sassy, talented women ages, 65 to 82 years, the ladies are family. “God gives you birth family, life gives you new family. We are there for one another.

We have repertoire that goes from one song to fifteen minutes to 45 minutes, or a full show. “ Jazzy Jewels dancers go to nursing homes, major community events, like Juneteenth Day, Summerfest, State Fair, Washington Park Festival, Parties and other requests.

Viola “Vi” Hawkins is a minister of gratitude. She and the Jazzy Jewels continue to be living testimonies of health, wealth and joy. “God made everything in seven days. He looked at what He made and said.

“This is good.” “He gave us free will, He did not make any junk. He said you take one step, he will take two. Have faith, not to worry.”

Continuing, “we have learned to appreciate the moment, the glass is never half empty, it is always half full. I now understand the poem “Footsteps in the Sand”, God lifts and creates opportunities for us but we have to do the work. We have to follow the path, we must complete our journey. “ “Today, I focus on passing my experiences down. I tell my grandchildren get your education. Education remains the key to upward mobility. And then get wisdom. Enjoy but be a leader not a follower. I remind them to ask the question: “What would grandmother do”. My daughters have been phenomenal mothers, daughters, and spectacular people. I am proud to call them mine,” she shares.

Viola “Vi” Hawkins is a community-thought leader, an advocates, an ambassador, a friend, a child of God who uses her gifts, daily, to glorify her existence. Viola Hawkins is inspiration personified as fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic.

Melissa Jones

(continued from page 12)

into an inner office and the doctor sees you. Understanding of the process is part of the outreach strategy as well according to Melissa.

“My role is to bridge patient service and professional services. I want to educate the community that the physician works for you, so ask questions. When you do not understand, ask questions and ensure that you fully understand the health issue, its correct terminology and the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment so that healing is the mutual outcome for you both. Doctors want to cure and the patient wants to heal, so they share a common goal, but following his advice, monitoring reactions and taking the medication as prescribed is the patients responsibility.” Therein lies good healthcare.

“Doctors have to take the time. They have to hear the patient, regardless of their economic strata. They must also help the patient understand the things available to them now. For example, when a patient did not have regular healthcare, they may have gone to the Emergency room. That was their only option. Now they need to know you can get a Primary Care Physician and see the same doctor annually, or as prescribed. That doctor will have your records, know you, be able to advise you. And instead of the Emergency room, which might require a $ 100 co-pay, the patient can go to Urgent Care, when that fever gets high, or Johnny cuts his finger. The co-pay at Urgent Care might be only $ 50, so it saves the patient money.”

Melissa meets her community where they are. She goes to the corporate meetings and the community meetings.

She targets the child-bearing population, those often without income, at the W2 building or the WIC building so they can see her, learn of her services and share the many programs available to them and their babies. “ All of this is designed to change the statistics. We are seeing healthier babies and the infant mortality rate is finally dropping.” proudly she shares.

“We have to develop an attitude of what we can do instead of what we can’t do,‘ Melissa shared. There are many options available including Milwaukee Health Services. and Badger Care, all part of the Affordable Healthcare Outreach community. The Greater Milwaukee Healing Clinic and St. Mary’s Columbia are just a few.”

Melissa Jones is a game changer. She is a community advocate who knows that patience with performance is the way to continue the health gap reduction process. She works, daily, to bring the vision of her company, Molina Healthcare, to the people who will make healthcare a personal mandate that reforms!

Melissa Jones is inspired, and she inspires us all.

Victoria Frazier

(continued from page 11)

Sometimes retirement brings a brand new life, a second career, an opportunity to be your own boss and to help others become entrepreneurs, employers and advisors.

Victoria Frazier is a business woman, a woman of new birth, she empowers other women. Victoria Frazier is Fabulous, Fit and Fantastic.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Victoria Frazier has been in Milwaukee with her husband and son for over 30 years. An iconic teacher of teachers in the Milwaukee Public School system, with a graduate and post graduate degree, she has mentored many administrators currently in the system and always enjoyed sharing information, teaching youngsters to love education for education’s sake, and using her talents in her church Sunday School class, for many years. Victoria is a teacher’s teacher!

Having thought she’s spend more time helping her husband, J.C. Frazier, CEO of Northwest Funeral Chapel, she took Grief Counseling at Marquette University before her anticipated retirement from MPS. Modeling one of her mentors, Mrs. Ernestine O’Bee, who did grief counseling for the funeral home well into her latenineties, Mrs. Frazier had thought her forte would be in “after-care” for families serviced by the funeral home.

A people person, who has always been involved in academic committees, YWCA, Zonta International, whose mission is to Advance the Status of Women Worldwide and her church, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, retirement was never seen as going home and sitting on her laurels, but opportunity knocked, unexpectedly. Her husband wanted her to learn more about the business and when they decided to remodel, the 4034 W. Good Hope Rd site into the Northwest Family Activity and Event Center, he chose her to bring this new venture alive. “ I had always been involved with the funeral home and I looked forward to working with grieving families, but I had not thought about being so intensely involved until this opportunity came along. I love young people. I have had years of working and sharing with women; and I believed there was a real need to have additional facilities, within our community, that serve, more vigorously our families, social, educational and conference needs. Northwest Family Activity and Event Center has become my new passion. “ Her greatest joy has come in empowering other young women, photographers, wedding planners, event planners, counselors, who are using the facility on an on-going basis. “They say they find the center warm and inviting, and that affirms what we have been trying to establish. Beverly Kern has been a God-send, she is tireless and always positive. She has been a joy to work with. Her years of experience has added much to those beginning events.”

Working with young mothers is a special objective Victoria hopes to actualize this Fall. She wants to be able to hear their concerns and help them identify resources, programs and other mothers who can guide them, so that their babies have the benefit of this knowledge, the tutoring and the opportunities for advancement.

Plans this Fall include the “Back to School” event on August 23rd, at the 4034 W. Good Hope Rd. location.

Several Retreats are scheduled, training seminars; family reunions for the full weekend, using the entire facility for their Family picnic, Family formal dinner, Family History updates, Breakfasts and games.

Dana World Patterson

(continued from page 14)

been a precursor to creating dependence which has led to trafficking. “The walls are tall,” World Patterson confides. “ Even after some of them get out, they return when money gets low, it becomes survival and they say, “What else can I do”?

What’s the next step, Dana quickly states: “Awareness! We must open our eyes to the problem. We are beginning to make a dent in awareness. People now know what we’re talking about, they are looking to identify the problem. Next, we have to acknowledge that everyone is at risk. It goes beyond address, color, and socio-economic status. Then we must call it what it is; we can no longer see it, know it, but call it something else. We must raise the truth! Human trafficking is not ONLY a Black girl, from a poor neighborhood, with no father in the home; the problem is not isolated to her. That is a big misnomer!”

Of course, supporting Foundations for Freedom is integral to continuing the message and creating training and learning opportunities for young people. The Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee is allied with about 50 people monthly, with support from professionals from hospitals and the universities.

“We meet, we learn, we share this information and we are building alliances. Sociology students are coming to meetings now. “ “Alverno University recently held a forum on Human Trafficking where the signals, the things we must look for, and the services available to help the community understand the individuals who are being pursued, was explored. Additionally, resourcing youth into existing programs so their immediate needs are met, whether financial, psychological, academic or parental was made a mandate for changing statistics. We must take charge, as a community, and bring stability to our young," she explained.

Dana World Patterson personifies Inspiration that meets, services and supports Aspirations. Her life, her passion, her pursuit of health, confidence and control of one’s own life make life for many teens positive, productive and profound.

Dana World Patterson takes “profit” out of the teen equation. She examples fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic.

We applaud her and pledge support, not denial, options not sex, a future through community awareness for many young men and women in the city of Milwaukee. Dana World Patterson inspires us all.

(continued from page 12) able information sharing, exercise, a hot meal, sometimes the only hot one of the day. We are a family!

Mrs. Allen and her assistants make each individual feel like each of us are her favorite. Each person is valued and respected with the dignity that keeps them comfortable to keep coming back.”

To the person, all participants at the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center, say Mrs. Allen has a way of identifying the gifts and talents of each person and she builds upon those gifts. No one has to compete as each gift is respected. For seniors, in particular, this is a special skill, one that clearly strengthens the programs at the Rose Center and broadens the physical, mental and spiritual components of the fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic.

Mr. Holland says he is a changed man, from 25 years ago; “ I never considered myself a giver until after allowing GOD to change my life and my spiritual journey, I am anchored to the word of God. From reading the Bible, I have been inspired to share my heartfelt compassions with all who will listen to my gratitude for health, mobility, the joy of my Christian experience. I give differently as I age and my perspective of needs have changed. Of course, I love to provide more understanding and peace. Gardening is part of my personal therapy but it is only one of the several venues I use to pass on the blessings that have been given to me.”

Samuel Holland started the first garden at the Project Focal Point Senior Center on 8th and Burleigh Street, he said “it was real hard digging the ground because the soil was so extremely rocky. But because of frequent watering and weeding, we had a robust harvest of produce for cooking right there at the center and some people were able to take some home with them. Soon after I began became more and more involved with community activities that I began neglecting my home garden.” “ I am healthy, I am happy, I have learned to be content with what I have.” And “ if I was able to get my license back, I would like to work again. There are many companies looking for agents to sell the numerous products available to the more mature customer. Maybe I will have that opportunity again. I hope to always find ways to help the Clinton and Bernice Rose Center, the staff has been good to me over there. I feel blessed and I am grateful. I want to be a living testimony of what GOD can do with and for a man who chooses to read and obey His written word.”

“The Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center will always have a special place in my life for it permits me to blossom.” Samuel Holland, you are fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic.. Thanks for your thankfulness!

Lorretta Kingsby

(continued from page 13) discussions and have to grapple with crisis planning. So Lorretta welcomes your visit for advance planning.

“The State programs are radically reduced and are being eliminated, little by little,” Kingsby shared. “It’s important to educate about the importance of pre-planning because in many cases public funding may not be available. We must begin end of life planning just as we do other major things in life.”

Lorretta works daily to better serve her families. With input from many of the clergy, she makes certain that whatever she says will be done is accomplished to the total satisfaction of the families. Around the Funeral Home, she is called the Lieutenant, a name given by Mr. Frazier. She is a stickler for detail because “when a family sees their services, our professional attention to detail, and our desire to go the extra mile to comfort and provide quality, they come back. They also share their good experiences with others. We want every family to feel like family, and they are. They are a part of our Northwest family, and we honor that tradition. This tradition goes back to the early 1940’s and continues through the Northwest Funeral Chapel family today.”

Lorretta has thought about retirement but has never been able to set a date. “Somehow, the need to serve has precluded my desires to travel,” she laughs. And we agree, she still has much to give, she has an important job to perform.

She remains mindful of her health, her fitness and her ability to remain strong for the job she needs to do. “I’m eating better, healthier. I am exercising. I am truly enjoying what I do. So I know retirement is not in the immediate future.”

We salute Lorretta Kingsby and wish her continued good health, a long, happy life, and many years of ministering to her families. And if she can example her mentor, who lived to be almost 100 years of age, we all would be very happy!

Lorretta Kingsby is inspired as she inspires, doing God’s work with commitment and conviction. She is fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic. We thank you, Lorretta.

Tyrone Dumas (continued from page 11)

City rules and regulations had been met. He left MPS in 2011, after years of community impact and implementation.

With the tenured track record of being able to examine the whole while dissecting its parts, Dumas consulted for the Milwaukee Urban League’s Housing and Employment initiatives. He also worked on the Transitional Job Program in 2013. “I’ve learned to seek the most efficient, effective, ways to reduce cost, time, waste and redundancy.

I like meeting the challenge of making jobs less cumbersome while being a catalyst for change.”

“Today, I am the Interim Director of an after-school program for the SOS Center, and simultaneously, I am a part-time administrative assistant for farmer, CEO, and Founder of Growing Power, garden-guru, Will Allen. With his leadership team, we are focusing on project nitiatives such as site acquisition analysis.”

Tyrone has written a humorous cook book, titled “Food Is My Orgasm”, about food, healthy eating and the elimination of health disparities, such as diabetes and hypertension. Once overwhelmed by diabetes, he is now controlled and continues to up his success-quotient. He openly shares his book and daily practices with others.

A diverse group of people are among Dumas’ role models. He admires Rueben Harpole for his ability to connect people and services, the past with the present. Often called the “connector”, increasingly Tyrone is playing that role, ever mindful of the integrity of Rueben and Mildred as a team, over the years. Al Flowers, Director of the Community Design Center, taught Tyrone many skills, in the 1970’s, particularly those about community design, and he ranks high on his people of influence list.

In his role as elder, educator, spouse, parent, grandparent, Tyrone P. Dumas continues to view his life, passions, and commitment to making a difference as the architect professional. He has been married to the love of his life for over 42 years. They have two children, both college grads, and four grandchildren, two of whom are in college presently, with the other two to go.

Looking over his life and forecasting for his new role as an credentialed educator, he said, “ While there are problems, many larger than we shall be able to immediately eradicate, it is imperative to recognize that news about shootings, deaths, violence must be addressed and it will take an arsenal of professionals working to eliminate the many causes. It is not a simple, singular project. But that element pales in the face of the majority of students, parents, citizens who are doing great things everyday, in their neighborhoods, homes, schools, churches, businesses, in their university settings, and non-profit agencies and community based organizations. We must again foster a collective philosophy that connects, supports, bolsters, applauds, and the majority must be our focus, our strategy for growth.”

Dumas has worked twenty plus years with the Dr. King Elementary School, bolstering black male educational pursuits through black male imagery. In 1992, as a volunteer, he recruited other professionals as chaperones to go on the annual Civil Rights Tour, and HBCU schools, enroute, constitute this annual pilgrimage.

Innovation will continue to be at the forefront of Tyrone Dumas’ day to day activity. In addition to the many hats he presently wears, he began a new project in December 2013 which includes work on the Art Call, Ican2labs/Wikiseats, Beintween and Artery Projects as commissioned by the GMC. Wickiseats begin with tri-pod steel angles that the student participants will have to turn into a chair while understanding quality, client, comfort, desirability and functionality. Dumas designed the curriculum, class schedules, and evaluative criteria for student proficiency.

Tyrone P. Dumas does the job! He analyzes, designs, critiques and solves problems, he produces results. He is a man for all seasons who continues to live, to promote connections and he grows daily in wisdom, and life lessons which he freely shares with clients, his students, his community. He is Inspired while he continues to aspire! He is fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic.

Angeline Smith

(continued from page 14)

internships by an accredited operator before passing the state examination and the license before it is issued”, owner, Angeline Smith reminds.

So who are the people who inspired Angeline Smith. “My Mother, aunts, were early models. They were beautiful women who always looked beautiful, they kept themselves together. My Mom had fifteen children and she taught us to be beautiful, as well. We had everything, love, food, health, rules that had to be followed and there were high expectations from everyone of us. We knew we had to succeed.“ “As an early technician, I watched the shows of “Hair By Ware”, he was a wizard in creating new styles and using special oils to make the hair luxurious. I learned a lot from him. Then I followed my IBA instructor, Clarence O’Neil. I began with him as a baby in the industry, he followed me, led me, advised me, and made me into a full grown woman in this industry. He’s retired in Arizona, now, but I shall always honor him for his guidance, making me a talented technician and a compassionate, sensitive professional.”

Angeline Smith said, “Madame C.J. Walker is quoted as saying: “ I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the wash tub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen and from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations.

I have built my factory on my own grounds.” Her history, her determination, her willingness to work and work hard continue to inspire Angeline, yet today.

“Today, we talk about good hair, relaxers, natural styles, hair weaves, nappy hair, short cuts, coconut oils, shea oils, argan oils, Vitamin E and grapeseed oils. Movies have been made about our hair. Chris Rock brought the issue of Indian hair and our fascination with other people’s hair to the public in 2009. James Brown wore the big Afro and we all wanted to be “Black and Proud.”

Angeline Smith is a dedicated professional who promotes beauty and believes that God created all of his children for love, happiness and joy! Her joy comes in helping each customer reach their highest beauty inside and out. A woman of faith, Angeline knows that prosperity is more than money, though she believes we are designed to prosper. “ My Mother always told us, you can have whatever you want but be willing to work for it”, she explained. And being willing to work for it she has. The hours are long, the customer is always king, but the rewards are equally inspiring, for Angeline has witnessed beauty that comes after being beautified inside and out.

So after 30 years, Nefertari’s Beauty Boutique and its illustrious owner, cosmetologist, Angeline Smith thanks God for sunshine. “I thank Him that I have learned how to be patient, how not to worry, how to look for good and see good come to me. “ “I thank Him for the many professionals who have come through my shop and now carry these skills and gifts of growing hands to others. I thank Him for my beautiful Mother, now 90 years young, who still cooks and is clothed in her right mind. She and my aunts raised all of their children and we all came out okay. I thank Him for the people we’ve been able to give “second chances” and watch them grow, prosper and create opportunities for others. I thank God for this opportunity to share with young people this marvelous history, this beautiful experience of bringing beauty to many while being blessed in this process. “ “I thank God that I have been able to adapt. I encourage our students to remain focused, put God first, be guided and then execute your plan. Use the gift that God has given you,” she excitedly explained. “ I’m blessed!” And blessed she is as she blesses us. Angeline Smith is fabulous, fit, fun and fantastic...and she is a gift to us all.

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 19

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 20

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 21

The Milwaukee Community Journal 38th Anniversary Edition July 30, 2014 Page 22