Thursday, February 14, 2019 Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper The Milwaukee Times Newspaper and milwaukeetimesnews.com
2018 Black Excellence Awards
The
Milwaukee's Only “Blue Chip” Community Newspaper
Weekly Newspaper
“Journalistic Excellence, Service, Integrity and Objectivity Always”
Vol. 37 • No.8 • Thurs., Feb. 14, 2019 - Wed., Feb. 20, 2019 • An NCON Publication Serving The Milwaukee Area • 65¢
34th Annual Black Excellence Awards Special Honorees: Milwaukee's Urban Entrepreneurs
Steven Tipton
Annette Tipton
Laurie Thurman
Peggy Hardy
Rosia Reasby
Myra Holland
Julia Finkley
Lydia Brown Beasley
Bradley Thurman
Billie Nash
Frederick Robinson, Jr.
Fred Robinson, Sr.
Special Honorees: Milwaukee's Urban Entrepreneurs
Lisa McKay
Jacqueline Chesser
Michael L. Robinson & Woody
Kevin Ingram
Helen Wallace
Religion
Rev. Volina Cross-Dukes
Lester Staples
Lauren Hubbard
Ellen Blathers
Sean Lowe
Angela Adams
Dr. Nkem Iroegbu, MD, MPH, FACP
Mary Proctor Brown
Henry Smith, Jr.
Kurt Mosley
Elise Grant-Taylor
Dwight Moss
Volunteerism
Alicia Smith McCants
Trina Gandy
Herbert Hayden
Vivian Mays
Andrea Williams
Kevin Games
Keynote Speaker
Hosts
Sheldon Dutes Adrienne Pedersen
WISN 12 News Anchors
Jeanessa R. Gant
Marissa E. Morgan
Jaya Owens
Mia Rimmer
Rahsaan Roberson-Teague
Jordyn Smith
Benjamin Thompson
Public Service
Arlene Newson-Lawrence
Kim Robinson
Saluting the Best in Our Community!
Steven Weddle
Managing Director J.P. Morgan Asset Management
2019 Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients
Abdilkarim Ali
Jacqueline Walker
Marchelle Odom
Music
Media
Olivia Bradford Jaskolski
Angela Smith
Theresa Gazdik
Education
Lawrence Rabon
Law
Social Service
Rev. Johnny C. White, Jr.
Dr. Trent Moore, DDS
Rodney Anderson
Corporate Trailblazers
Keyon Jackson-Malone
Health
Extraordinary Achievement
Rev. Lovelace Redmond
William Campbell
Community Leadership
Arts
Jody Alexander
Marcie Lovett
Ashanti Travers, Jr.
Myles Walker
Dr. Lester L. Carter, Jr. Scholarship Award Recipient
Edward Rogers, Jr.
Our 2019 Partners in Excellence
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An NCON Communications Publication
2019 Black Excellence Awards
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
The Milwaukee Times Founders
I
The Late Louvenia Johnson
The Late Nathan Conyers
n 1985, a group of Milwaukee citizens initiated the Black Excellence Awards ceremony. With unwavering tenacity and vision, our group saw the good deeds of people and wanted to praise living unsung heroes and heroines. Today, 34 years later, their vision continues, staunch and steadfast. “Saluting the Best” is what these individuals are all about. Over the past 34 years, the Black Excellence Awards have honored nearly 1,100 individuals who would have gone unnoticed for their outstanding contributions and their great leadership. Still today we often hear that they have flourished to an even higher level of excellence in their personal endeavors and professional careers.
The success of the Awards ceremony is due to a dedicated committee that has worked diligently and persistently to spotlight our hon-
The Late Luther Golden
orees. We most graciously thank our 34th Annual Awards sponsors: WISN-Channel 12, Reid’s New Golden Gate Funeral Home, Inc., Milwaukee Urban League, Walmart, Potowatomi Hotel & Casino, AT&T, David Gruber Law Offices, LLC., Green Bay Packers Giveback, Hupy and Abraham, S.C.; Roundy’s Pick’n Save, Froedtert & the Medical College of WI, Aurora Health Care, We Energies, Goodwill Industries, Meijer, Brewers Community Foundation, Inc., Johnson Controls, WUWM 89.7 FM, and Hayat-Carter Herbal Shoppe. We also thank our volunteers, supporters, and The Milwaukee Times graphics and printing staff for keeping the Black Excellence Awards ceremony at the forefront of Black History Month throughout the years. As we continue to infuse our efforts and commitment in cultivating a new leadership, let us look forward to a future filled with the excellence of those who have endeavored to persevere.
Statement from the Publisher MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper Louvenia Johnson Luther Golden Nathan Conyers (1981-2008) (1981-2005) (1981-2018 ) Lynda J. Jackson Conyers, Publisher Morgan A. Conyers, Associate Publisher Jacquelyn D. Heath, Editorial Page Editor
Lynda J. Jackson Conyers Lynda Jackson Conyers
T he
Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Awards Program has aged and grown in stature through the years. Many individuals, organizations and businesses have contributed to the success of this Black cultural event, which is observed this year on the third Friday of February. The Black Excellence Awards program is one of the city’s largest premiere events, which celebrates, honors and pays tribute to scores of African Americans to whom this community owes heartfelt thanks. These honorees have worked to create an environment which makes this city the wonderful place it is to live, work, raise families and be productive citizens. For 34 years, the Black Excellence Awards has been fascinated with the desire to comprehend what compels An NCON Communications Publication
African Americans to succeed beyond anyone’s expectations. The lives of past honorees and this year’s recipients have been chronicled on the pages of The Milwaukee Times. One commonality these honorees share is the perseverance to make a difference, not only in their lives, but in the lives of countless others. This year’s Black Excellence Awards program is dedicated to the memory of the late Nathan Conyers, co-founder of The Milwaukee Times and the Black Excellence Awards. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the betterment of Milwaukee will live forever in the hearts of those who had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with him.
The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper NCON Publications welcomes letters to the editor, as a response to subjects reported or analyzed in the newspaper or on other issues of interest to the community. All letters must be legible, and contain a signature and a phone number. Submissions must be received by Friday to be considered for the following Thursday’s publication.
STAFF President/Publisher Lynda J. Jackson Conyers Graphic Artists William Gooden Michelle Anibas
Founders Louvenia Johnson Nathan Conyers Luther Golden Marketing Carmen Murguía
Web Site Manager Tony Farrell The Milwaukee Times Weekly newspaper is published each Thursday at 1936 N. MLK Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53212 Telephone: 414-263-5088 • Fax: 414-263-4445 Email: miltimes@gmail.com • http://milwaukeetimesnews.com www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
2018 Black Excellence Awards
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Thank You To Our Partners in Excellence The Milwaukee Urban League
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An NCON Communications Publication
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In Memoriam...
Mrs. Louvenia Johnson, Milwaukee Times Founder
L
ouvenia Johnson, one of the founders of The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper and the benefactor of the journalism college scholarship fund that bears her name, passed away on February 27, 2008, due to complications following a stroke. She was 96 years old. Mrs. Johnson was known for being a woman of faith, strength, integrity, and always being willing and available to offer a kind word of hope and sound advice. She was an astute businesswoman, communicator and grassroots activist who lived her belief of helping others less fortunate than herself. Trained as a licensed practical nurse, she moved to Milwaukee in 1939 with her husband, the late Paul Johnson, from her hometown of Dermott, Arkansas. In addition to working in healthcare, she also worked in the social service arena, serving as executive director of Project Focal Point, an agency serving both youth and elderly adults on Milwaukee’s north side. In 1981 as a retiree, she and two other Milwaukeeans – The late Nathan Conyers, and the late Luther Golden – established a bi-weekly newspaper devoted to church news
within the city’s African American faith community known as, The Christian Times. Within its first year of publication, the paper grew in appeal to cover more general community news and was renamed The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper, with The Christian Times remaining as a standing feature section to this day.
In 1985, Mrs. Johnson and her publishing team launched the Black Excellence Awards program, as a way to pay tribute to the good works of ordinary people from Milwaukee’s black community who were accomplishing extraordinary things, yet going unnoticed. The awards program observes its 34th year on February 15, 2019 and has honored more than 1,100 local citizens engaged in various endeavors that have benefited all of Milwaukee. At the third Black Excellence Awards program on February 27, 1988, Mrs. Johnson established The Louvenia Johnson Journalism Scholarship Fund, initially started with her retirement funds from Social Security, to assist college-bound high school graduates who wished to pursue careers in print and broadcast journalism. To date, more than half a million dollars have been awarded to area students by the scholarship, which is now a 501c3, nonprofit, charitable organization under the IRS. Scholarship recipients include Jamal Abdul-Alim, former urban affairs reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; and Silvia Acevedo, former news reporter for WTMJ-TV/Channel 4 in Milwaukee.
Mr. Nathan Conyers, Milwaukee Times Founder
N
athan Conyers, journalist, activist, business leader, and founder of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper, the Milwaukee Times Printing and Publishing, Co., and the Black Excellence Awards passed away on April 27, 2018 at the age of 72. Mr. Conyers, began his career in journalism as a Telex operator with Time Magazine, while he studied political science at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University). After graduation, Conyers moved to Milwaukee in 1971 and started his career as a journalist working for The Milwaukee Community Journal. During his time at the Community Journal, Conyers met State Senator Monroe Swan, who hired him as a legislative aide. Conyers made history as the first African American legislative aide in Madison. After Swan left office, Conyers made the acquaintance of former nurse and community activist Mrs. Louvenia Johnson. Johnson, impressed with his journalistic skills and political knowledge, hired Conyer as her administrative assistant for Project Focal Point. It was from this working relationship that the idea of a church focused newspaper was born. The Christian Times was founded by Conyers, Mrs. Johnson and local realtor the late Luther Golden. Very quickly, the Christian Times grew to encompass more of what was happening in the community, thus the focus of the paper and its name was changed to The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper. In 1985, the Milwaukee Times publishing team launched the annual Black Excellence Awards. This program pays tribute to the good works of ordinary people from Milwaukee’s black community who were accomplishing extraordinary things. To date, more than 1,100 black Milwaukeeans have been An NCON Communications Publication
by Econoprint President and CEO John Selix to open the first Econoprint franchise in Wisconsin owned by an African American. Nathan Conyers has left an lasting impression on our community. He has been a familiar face and voice on Milwaukee’s general community scene, and in particular, through media promoting the city’s African American community since 1977. He not only carved out a niche for himself as a media professional, but through The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper and its parent company, NCON Publishing and Printing Company, he has been a prolific creator of jobs within Milwaukee’s central city for more than three decades. As a salute to Nathan's entrepreneurial spirit, The 34th Annual Black Excellence awards is honoring 17 local urban businesses and their owners. These honorees share Naintroduced to the community from various than's drive, ingenuity, and desire to improve this community. professional and community endeavors as Black Excellence Awards honorees. At the third Black Excellence Awards program in 1988, Conyers helped his co-founder, Louvenia Johnson, launch The Louvenia Johnson Journalism Scholarship Fund, to assist college-bound high school graduates seeking to pursue careers in print and broadcast journalism. The scholarship now offers financial support to graduating high school seniors seeking a degree in any major. To date, the Fund has awarded more than half a million dol- A clipping from the Milwaukee Sentinel’s November 29, 1982 issue lars to area students. featuring a story on The Christian Times, (later The Milwaukee In 1992, he was approached Times) and Mr. Conyers. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Annual Black Excellence Awards
Keynote Speaker
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teven Weddle is a Managing Director, and the Head of the North American Investments (NAI) East Team in the Asset Management Division of J.P. Morgan. He is also a member of the North America Institutional Management Committee. An employee since 2007, Steven is responsible for serving the investment needs of institutional investors, including corporate and public retirement plans, endowments and foundations with a focus on the Northeast region. Prior to his current role, he was Client Portfolio Manager for Global Real Assets responsible for advising clients on the opportunities and risks associated primarily with Infrastructure and Global Maritime investing. Prior to 2007, he was Director of Alternative Investments at ING Investment Management Americas, responsible for establishing and executing an institutional sales strategy for private equity (PE) investments, real estate (RE) investments,
Steven Weddle
and funds of hedge fund (FoHF) investment strategies. Previously, he was President and CEO of the South Africa Enterprise Development Fund in Johannesburg, South Africa, responsible for making PE investments focused on 11 southern African countries. At Eccles Associates, he was based in Lusaka, Zambia, where he advised the Zambian Privatization Program on the sale of state-owned companies to private investors. Steven has a B.B.A. in finance and marketing and an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin. He also holds FINRA Series 3, 7, and 63 licenses. He is married, has two children and currently resides in New Jersey. He is a Milwaukee native; and the son of Nellie Weddle who is the Executive Director/Founder of NORI, Inc., also a 1999 Black Excellence participant, and Willie Weddle who was a longtime businessman and owner of Club Deville.
Our Hosts
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Sheldon Dutes and Adrienne Pedersen
heldon Dutes co-anchors the 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. weekday editions of WISN 12 News This Morning. In addition to his anchoring duties, Sheldon also reports for various newscasts.
WISN 12 News Anchors
Since joining WISN-TV in 2015, Sheldon has earned a regional Emmy Award. Before moving to Milwaukee, he spent three years covering breaking news and severe weather in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as a reporter for WNBC-TV. From 2010-2012 he reported for WBAL-TV, the Hearst owned NBC affiliate in Baltimore. Prior to that assignment, he spent three years as a general assignment reporter for WCSC-TV in Charleston, South Carolina. He started his career in 2007 as a production assistant at the NBC affiliate in South Bend, Indiana. Sheldon graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in American Studies. He was senior class president, and continues to serve his classmates in that capacity through the Notre Dame Alumni Association. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
Sheldon is also a member on the Notre Dame Alumni Advisory Council. Traveling, reading and running are some of the ways Sheldon spends his free time. He's completed two marathons and several half marathons; and enjoys exploring Milwaukee on his runs.
A
drienne Pedersen is the weekend evening co-anchor and weekday evening reporter. She joined the WISN 12 team in August 2016. Adrienne grew up in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, has family in Wisconsin, and is thrilled to be back in the Midwest. She covered news in Florida for six years at WFLA-TV in Tampa as a reporter and anchor. During that
time she covered national events like the 2012 Republican National Convention and several tropical storms. One of the biggest and most difficult stories she covered was the Orlando shooting massacre in 2016. She anchored the station's coverage that day. Before her time in Tampa, Adrienne worked her way up at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, summa cum laude. She decided she wanted to be a journalist in middle school when a teacher assigned a paper about career aspirations. She's always been curious. Adrienne's parents joke that she would stare at strangers from her high chair. Adrienne has many fond memories of Wisconsin from her childhood. She remembers bike rides in Door County, visiting family in Janesville - and of course, stopping at Mars' Cheese Castle in Kenosha on her way back home to Illinois. Adrienne is enjoying her time in Milwaukee with her husband and their Goldendoodle.
An NCON Communications Publication
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34th Annual Black Excellence Awards Special Honorees: “Urban Entrepreneurs”
fter they married, Annette and Steven A Tipton both had good jobs for more than 10 years before they cautiously began to consider starting their own business. The couple married during spring break from college in 1988. Afterward, they agreed that Steven–who moved to Milwaukee from Covington, Tennessee when he was seven years old – would continue with his education while Milwaukee native Annette went to work in an accounts payroll department for two years.
Steven completed an associate of arts degree in business administration in December 1988 and worked in management at several companies Steven and Annette Tipton over the next few years. In 1996 he accepted a Able Access Transportation, LLC position with Aldi Foods and was promoted to general manager. The position paid well enough that he was able to save enough money that he specialized vehicle transportation service for inand Annette could consider opening their own dividuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. business. One of the most difficult decisions was Before they could begin transporting passenwhich line of business to enter. gers, the couple needed a license from Medicaid. Meanwhile, Annette continued working full In order to receive the license, the business had time. In 1994 she accepted a position as a cor- to have at least one road-ready, American Disporate customer service manager with Bradley ability Act (ADA) compliant van. Instead of purCorporation in Menomonee Falls. She left that chasing a new vehicle when their existing lease position in 2000 and earned a bachelor of sci- expired, the couple opted instead to buy and ence degree in business management from Up- convert a van. For personal transportation they per Iowa University in 2003. She earned an MBA had to share their daughter, Vanessa’s, car. They from Cardinal Stritch University in 2011. The transported their first customer on September couple also raised three children: Steve, 37; Va- 2, 2001 officially as Able Access Transportation, nessa, 33; and Whitney, 29. Annette said she and LLC. Soon after opening for business, the couher family had a comfortable life and really had ple acquired two other ADA-compliant vans. to be persuaded to go into business for them- Steven drove one and continued to work a full time job as a sales manager with Office Max. Anselves. In 2000, Annette and Steven took a startup nette drove another van and Steve’s brother Mibusiness class. They researched various indus- chael was hired as their first employee to drive tries for a full year before deciding to enter the the third. In 2002, Annette gave Steven two weeks’ notice para-transportation business, a non-emergency eggy J. Hardy and RosP ia L. Reasby are two sisters who share a lifetime bond of
waukee Area Technical College. She married the love of her life, Alvin Reasby, and together they raised their 4 children and 12 grandchildren, until he passed in early 2003. Rosia is also an avid traveler throughout the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle and Europe where her adventurous spirit loves to explore the world. Both Peggy and Rosia are life-long members of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
friendship, fun and business together. Through the years, they have embodied the importance of helping others, education, community and entrepreneurship. As senior citizens, they possess the youth and vitality to continue to pursue their dreams with the Black Inventors Gallery. Peggy J. Hardy and Rosia L. Reasby were both born in McComb, Mississippi and moved to Milwaukee in 1959 and 1960 respectively. Peggy is the mother of four children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She began her career with a family day care business in her home in 1972. As an entrepreneur, she owned a trucking business for 4 years and traveled all across the country and lived in 48 states. She is also the first black female in Milwaukee to own and operate a private driving school and purchased a fire station where the business was located. As a staunch supporter of education, she purchased a private elementary school with her sister where all her children attended and reopened it as a private school for students in K4-5th grade, along with a group day care center. Peggy earned a bachelor of science degree in education from UWM and her master’s degree in educational policy and leadership from Marquette University. She has received many honors, certificates and awards throughout her life, including special awards from the Black Women’s NetAn NCON Communications Publication
as a driver and accepted a position as a customer account manager with Strattec Security Corp. She continued to hold down a full-time management job and maintain Able Transportation’s financial records until November 1, 2010, when she formally returned to the company with the title of partner and chief financial officer. Her responsibilities at Able Transportation now include accounting, finance, customer service, new business development, human resources and vendor contracts. Meanwhile, Able Transportation grew exponentially. The company now employs 48 fulltime and two part-time employees and is in the process of acquiring additional vans to bring to the total number in service to 55. In 2017 the company provided an average of 8,000 rides per month and has quadrupled in size since 2010. It has outgrown its existing facility on Silver Spring Drive, according to the Tiptons who said the business has grown to the point where they are starting to consider stepping back within a few years and allowing managers to perform more of the day-to-day operational work of running the company. Regardless of who runs the office, they said they will not allow quality of service to deteriorate. "Every person we serve is someone’s mother, sister, uncle or cousin," Annette said.
Rosia Reasby and Peggy Hardy Black Inventors Gallery work and Top Ladies of Distinction. Peggy is well traveled and loves to explore the world. She has traveled to Asia, Africa and Europe; and her most memorable trip was to the Holy Land, where she was baptized in the Jordan River. Peggy has met Presidents of the United States, visited the White House and continues to find her joy in helping others through her volunteer and community service work in neighborhoods, churches, schools, and nursing homes. Rosia L. Reasby followed her older sisters to Milwaukee and enjoyed the success of working at Miller Brewing Company for 34 years, retiring in 2009. She went to high school in Mississippi and attended college at Mil-
These sisters have intertwined their lives with a strong family and an incredible work ethic. They have been in business together with the Family Child Development Center, Family Academy, and now the Black Inventors Gallery. Peggy J. Hardy, Founder of the Black Inventors Gallery (BIG) began collecting artifacts in early 1994 when she received a newspaper article citing important inventions of African American inventors. She was amazed that although these inventors were mostly poor, black and uneducated, they used their circumstances to spark their creativity, innovation and intellect to invent items that still impact our lives today. Rosia Reasby serves as the co-owner and vice president of the Black Inventors Gallery, helping to ensure that the gallery becomes a beacon of education, culture and diversity and provide a venue to broaden perspectives and generate new knowledge about African American inventors and their inventions. (Continued on pg. 8) www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Annual Black Excellence Awards Special Honorees: “Urban Entrepreneurs”
hen Milwaukee native W Bradley Thurman first purchased a long vacant, former
bank building at 2803 North Teutonia Avenue and opened a coffee shop, he said his shop was an island amid an economically desolate neighborhood. Coffee Makes You Black was surrounded on four sides by two vacant lots, foreclosed homes and vacant commercial property. Today Thurman and his wife, partner and financial backer, Laurie Henderson Thurman are celebrating in a thriving neighborhood. During the years that Coffee Makes You Black has been in business, the surrounding neighborhood has been transformed into a six-block oasis of new housing, businesses, a new church and a new sense of hope. Bradley declines to take credit for the transformation, but notes that it is plainly evident. The café has grown as well. Initially only coffee and doughnuts were on the menu. Several years ago, Bradley and Laurie installed a commercial kitchen with a full breakfast and lunch menu. Despite the increased menu options, the original vision of a community meeting place offering a limited number of small offices and a 40-seat multi-purpose room remains. The café offers free Wi-Fi internet and is capable of accommodating 100 guests at a time. The mission was to provide a place for members of the community to network and enjoy good coffee. For 16 years after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a bachelor of science degree in education in 1973, Bradley
had at least one job as a child. He said he first developed an appreciation for coffee as a child waking up and sharing a cup with grandparents Inez and Emmitt Graham. He earned his diploma from Lincoln High School in 1967. Bradley has three adult children: Bradley Thurman, Darmon Thurman and Malik Henderson.
treats every customer with professional courtesy and respect. None of his employees have been incarcerated again and offers this as evidence that if there were more economic opportunities in the Central City, violence and crime rates would be much lower.
As a student at UW-Oshkosh, Bradley was one of the entire class of 94 African American students at UW-Oshkosh who protested the treatment they received as students in 1968 by writing letters to the chancellor, the Board of Regents and the president. When their letters were repeatedly ignored, they When Bradley decided to hand deliver a copy of Bradley and LaurieThurman sought financing for their grievances to the president. Coffee Makes You Black his new venture from They were temporarily expelled as a banks he was repeat- result and required the assistance of was a firefighter with the Milwaukee Fire Department. During his career edly rejected. In order to finance the a lawyer to be reinstated. with the MFD, he helped put his ed- renovations and complete the other Bradley said he has mellowed ucation to use teaching other MFD necessary steps to open the coffee personnel on best practices and the shop, Bradley said he used all of his considerably with the passage of use of new equipment and firefight- savings and borrowed from rela- time. He and Laurie own four tives and friends. He also tapped his acres of land in Adams County and ing techniques. wife, who was working for AT&T at Bradley said he much prefers huntAfter retiring from the MFD, the time. Even after the coffee shop ing and fishing there than fighting Bradley did some traveling. The in- was a proven success, he was un- City Hall. He said that since she left spiration to open a coffee shop came able to obtain bank credit to install AT&T, Laurie handles most of the during a visit to Seattle where Star- a commercial kitchen. He believes day-to-day business of running the bucks and other coffee shops were the refusal of banks to invest in the coffee shop. just getting started. As part of his Milwaukee Central travels, Bradley spent six months in City is a primary Jamaica studying all aspects of cof- reason for its lack of fee production. However, when it businesses and ecocame time to stock his shop, he said nomic opportunity. he uses primarily coffee beans from Coffee Makes You Africa, noting that is where coffee originated and that “you could not Black employs 14 full-time employdo better than the origin.” ees, a number of Born the third child of five to whom were formerMamie (Graham) and Raymond ly incarcerated. He Thurman, Bradley said he always said his workforce
ne summer day about five years ago O while visiting a Victorian tea shop on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee
70 percent of the business is interior design, with the other 30 percent coming from sales of items in the store.
native Lydia Beasley decided to have a cup of tea when she met Milwaukee native Julia L. Finkley. Julia was at the tea shop helping the owner devise a business plan. The two women realized they had a lot in common, including interior design. Julia invited Lydia to attend bible study with her and a close friendship soon developed. After talking about opening their own interior design studio, the two women decided to turn their dream into reality when a desirable location became available. Creative by Design Inspired, LLC opened its doors on September 26, 2015.
When the ground-level location at 1840 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive became available, it was directly below Lydia’s accounting firm, Brown-Beasley Accounting. Lydia and Julia considered the availability of the location as a sign that their interior design studio was meant to be. The new business venture was somewhat uncharacteristic for Lydia, who said as a student, she had been attracted to accounting because she enjoyed working with numbers and accounting offered her the opportunity to do quality work without having to depend on anyone else. Julia L. Finkley and Lydia Brown Beasley Lydia first became interested in accountCreative By Design Inspired, LLC. “Our design process begins with your viing after taking a class at Washington High sion,” Lydia said. “It includes an interview, School. After graduation, she accepted a powhich establishes a personal profile of the sition as a bookkeeper with J.H. Collectibles, purpose is to create and design a client’s space, customer. We present design ideas, layout tech- with interior design concepts and ideas that a women’s business and sportswear apparel comniques and design styles to fit your budget. Our bring beauty and color to a client’s home, office pany. She worked there for 10 years. Later she or special event. We offer a place where attended Lakeland College, earning a bachelor people from the local community can of science degree in accounting in 1992. Togethfind items unique to their tastes and er, Lydia and her husband, Rodney, raised three CREATE REPURPOSE REFRESH RESTORE explore their design needs with two children – Robin, Tiffany and Aaron, who are all adults now. women who love a good project.”
Inspired, LLC 414-988-9646 1840 N. Martin Luther King Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53212 “Like” us on Facebook www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
Creative by Design Inspired is an equal partnership. It is the only interior design studio owned by African American women in the central city. The store is also where the two women first meet with customers seeking an interior design or expert help staging a space for an event such as a party, special event or perhaps to sell a house. About
Julia attended North Division High School and earned a degree in theology from Grace Theological Seminary in Loris, South Carolina. She has used her theological training to minister to individuals, visiting the sick and the elderly, and encouraging people in the community to have faith in God and to use the resources available (Continued on pg. 9) An NCON Communications Publication
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34th Annual Black Excellence Awards Special Honorees: “Urban Entrepreneurs”
yra J. Holland never really paid much M attention to the many houses with wrought-iron security doors in her hometown of
Memphis, Tennessee. She is the only child of Leo and Norean Farmer and was recruited to teach third grade by the Milwaukee Public School system after earning a B.A. in elementary education from Tennessee State University in Nashville in 1959. After relocating to Milwaukee, Myra taught third grade at 20th Street School (now Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School) for three years. She then transferred to Garfield Elementary where she remained until her retirement 26 years later. She also earned a Master’s degree in urban education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
turned to its previous level after they reopened. Myra said to the best of her knowledge, Fred’s Ornamental Security remains the only business in Milwaukee making customized wrought-iron security doors. Myra said a number of Milwaukee residents had either lived in the South or were familiar with the wrought-iron doors and business has been brisk since the day the company first opened. Fred’s Ornamental Security Doors currently has five full-time employees and has expanded its operation to include ornamental wrought-iron window guards, ornamental fencing, handrails and protective fencing for outdoor machinery and/or equipment such as air conditioning units. Fred’s relocated across the street from its original building in 2000 when the city of Milwaukee wanted to build a new school at the old location. Myra suffered injuries as a result of a car accident in 1988 and retired from teaching. She Myra J. Holland also turned day-to-day operation of the security Fred's Ornamental Security Doors door business over to her son, Mark. She remains The company prospered and in 1987 Fred and president. She said she takes great pride in proMyra decided to purchase the old Sears & Roe- viding protection in a beautiful way to custombuck building located at the intersection of North er’s houses. Avenue and Fond du Lac. Myra credits Fred with the idea of converting that building into a shopFRED’S ping mall. Fred died in 1994. Before he passed, Ornamental Security Doors Myra said she and Fred had agreed to maintain the security door business if the other died first. Ph. 414-873-4400 Myra sold the Milwaukee Mall building in 2018.
One day in 1975 while waiting in line at a local bakery, Myra met Fred Fowlkes, a Milwaukee roofer who told Myra that he had visited her home town and noticed that almost every house had an ornamental wrought-iron door. He convinced Myra to go into business with him making ornamental wrought-iron security doors for Milwaukee residents. The two entrepreneurs each put up an equal share of money to purchase a building and thus Fred's Ornamental Security Doors was born. Fred made and installed the doors and, for the next 14 years, Myra kept her full time job as a third-grade teacher, wrote the contracts, kept the financial records for the comAfter Fred passed, Myra said she continued to pany. With her late husband, William E. Holland, rely on her experienced staff. In 2010, Myra fell Jr., she raised two sons: Mark, 54, and Michael, and suffered a severely broken leg, forcing Fred’s 52. to close temporarily for about a year while the she recuperated. Myra said business quickly reilwaukee native Jacqueline Chesser M had a good career with benefits working for a large insurance company; but despite
“I really enjoy cooking and it doesn’t matter to me what it is,” Jacqueline said, “and so I started off playing with cakes and chocolate. I really very quickly learned early on that I did not want a full-fledged bakery, I didn’t want to cater either, eventually I was asked to open a store that just sold chocolate, but you can’t do that. Chocolate can be a real challenge to ship during the warmer weather months.”
4425 N. Oakland Ave. Shorewood, WI 53211 Phone: (414) 906-1042
http://goodygourmets.com/ An NCON Communications Publication
3123 W. North Ave. Milw., WI 53208
The company is planning to open a second location with more retail space. Jacqueline said the new location would provide another retail location with more parking, more space for corporate headquarters, storage and allow Goody Gourmets to continue mentoring and teaching soft skills to local youth that will hopefully lead to college and better employment opportunities in the future.
Jacqueline Chesser Goody Gourmets
chocolate treats. Jacqueline said it was her idea to sell the popcorn in various flavors. She sat on the idea experimenting for more than 10 years, but when the perfect store location practically “fell into her lap,” she finally took the plunge and opened Goody Gourmets. Within six months after giving notice at her job, her employer laid off nearly the entire division and relocated it to Instead, Jacqueline said she kept searching and India and the Great Recession struck, making for traveling around looking for exactly the right an economically uncertain time to open a new product mix. Eventually she discovered popcorn business. which she thought would make a perfect pairing with a small variety of high-quality, affordable Jacqueline signed the lease on the store and worked most of the year getting the shop ready to open. She financed most of the renovation work from savings, opening the doors for business in December 2006. The business has consistently increased regardless of the overall economy. Jacqueline Chesser Owner
Myra Holland - Pres. Mark E. Holland - Exec. Dir.
limited parking and limited retail floor space.
her situation, she said for many years she wanted to do something else with her life. One day, she was helping a friend search for an apartment in 2005 when she found the perfect storefront to realize her 15-year-long dream of opening her own business making unique, high-quality, affordable baked goods and candies. In the years since Goody Gourmets opened for business at the small retail location on North Oakland Avenue in Shorewood, it has grown significantly. In addition to visiting the store, customers can place orders over the internet. The company also works with fundraising event organizers and offers bulk sales.
Secure—Insulate—Beautify Your Home or Business Window Guard-Columns-Rails & Ornamental Fencing
Goody Gourmet sells 25 different flavors of popcorn and nine different types of high-quality chocolate confections in its store menu. Goody Gourmets’ regular flavored popcorn offerings include bacon, BBQ, pizza as well as caramel and cheese with pecans, among others. Confections include raspberry truffles, pecan megarods, pecan turtles and several similar offerings. Jacqueline loves the Shorewood location, but it has very
Rosia Reasby and Peggy Hardy Black Inventors Gallery (Continued from pg. 6)
Together, they live the vision to collect, preserve and increase the awareness of African American inventors, their inventions and the contributions they have made through structured educational programming and other public programs. The Black Inventors Gallery houses hundreds of artifacts from Black inventors, including patents for the stoplight, pulleys, automated shoemaking machine, automatic elevator door, blood plasma bank, locks, mops, refrigerator, typewriter, as well as current inventions such as the Super Soaker. The Black Inventors Gallery has already been viewed by more than 20,000 people and models the importance of infusing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) into the community. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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reenwood Park Gallery and G Framing, LLC is not Milwaukee native Fred Robinson, Sr.'s first success-
president; Fred, Jr. is vice president, and Billie serves as business development manager and gallery director. ful business venture. After graduating The family has also encouraged many from Rufus King High School in 1967, local amateur artists by producing their he joined the US Army, receiving an first art show and helping other local honorable discharge in 1970. Not long artists prepare their works for display. after returning to Milwaukee, he became Greenwood Park also offers tours, cusintrigued watching many customers patom framing workshops and meeting tronize a local business where neon signs facilities. were designed and repaired. After taking When the team decides to branch into note of the large number of customers, other aspects of the print industry or Fred decided Milwaukee could use anpurchase equipment, Fred said the famFred Robinson, Sr., Frederick Robinson, Jr. and Billie Nash other neon sign business. ily balances risk by keeping overhead Greenwood Park Gallery & Framing, LLC. and debt low (like the recent purchase Later Fred and his son, Frederick Robof an Epson printer, which can enlarge inson, Jr., purchased the building which about the opening of the gallery led people to the and transfer art and photos to a full-size now houses Greenwood Park Gallery and Fram- building. The next service that followed was cus- canvas). The team stays current on art trends ing; but for years, other than the neon sign busi- tom framing. Fred said that a good custom frame by attending numerous trade shows and workness, they did not have a specific plan for the job can make even a mediocre print look like shops, and networking with art industry reprefacility. The neon sign business occupied the an original masterpiece. This period coincided sentatives. ground floor but the upper floor needed substan- with a decline in the number of businesses using “People can buy art off the internet, but only a tial renovation, most of which was done hands- neon signs and Fred refocused all his energies on custom frame can bring out its beauty,” Fred said on and out of pocket, without resorting to loans. framing, printing, and the art gallery that show- with a wide smile. cased their work. The decision to enter the art business came afThe team of three now included Billie Nash, Greenwood Park Gallery & Framing, LLC ter Fred attended a Circle City Classic football Fred, Sr.’s significant other. Her extensive expegame in Indianapolis, Indiana where he noted rience in printing and forms design proved inFred Robinson, Sr. an art vendor selling predominantly African valuable as the family business branched out to Frederick Robinson, Jr. American art as fast as he could uncrate it. Fred offer printing art and photos with a digital print& Billie Nash Owners was so impressed by the size of the crowd and er on cotton rag paper, canvas and photo paper. the amount of art being purchased that, upon his For several years Greenwood Park participated return to Milwaukee, he looked for a way to pro- in many local events, damaging art during trans4233 W Fond Du Lac Ave, vide the local community with art that reflected portation and bad weather. About 10 years ago, Milwaukee, WI 53216 themselves and their culture. After exhaustive the family decided to sell art exclusively in the art (414) 444-5166 research in the field, Fred started selling art in gallery with an emphasis on reasonably priced greenwoodparkgallery.com the midst of renovations because word-of-mouth African American themed art. Fred is the owner/
L
isa McKay was born in Texas. She lived in the Lone Star State until she was two years old, then moved with her family to northwestern Milwaukee. Lisa is an award-winning chef and has her own catering company, Lisa Kaye Catering, LLC.
main sources of motivation is to help anyone in need. She is in the process of creating a cooking after-school program for youth and their families.
When Lisa was younger she never imagined becoming a chef, especially since her specialty meals ranged from frozen dinners to tater tots. She even once cleaned her meat with detergent. It was safe to say that becoming a chef wasn’t an obvious career choice for Lisa. It wasn’t until she met her husband, Dwayne McKay, that she finally decided to learn the art of cooking. Lisa had one simple goal in mind, to cook a great meal for her husband. Lisa learned how to cook by observing her mother and sisters-in-law. Over the years she has mastered the skill of cooking. After hosting a few dinner parties for family and friends, her niece asked her to cater her wedding. Two years later in 2010, catering snowballed into a career and Lisa incorporated her business. Lisa has a culinary arts degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College and is currently one class away from earning a culinary management degree. She invests her time in community service. Lisa is a chef and child foundation director at the American Culinary Federation. She hosts an annual kids culinary summer camp that runs for a
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Lisa McKay Lisa Kaye Catering, LLC.
“Service is giving of yourself and giving back to the community, whether that is children, elderly or even giving a head start to someone leaving prison,” said Lisa. She has garnered a number of awards that highlight her success as a chef. In 2015, the American Culinary Federation named her Chef of the Year. In 2016, was the winner of Battle of the Chefs. In 2017, she competed and won the Rev-Up Milwaukee award that granted her $10,000 of funding for her business Lisa has been working out of the Northcott Community Center kitchen for the past two years. In March, she will be opening her kitchen in the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino business district.
week. Each year the camp has a theme; last year it was Caribbean Fest, where kids ages 7-17 learned Julia L. Finkley and Lydia Brown Beasley how to cook a variety of meals such as coconut shrimp and curry chicken. Lisa also makes sure Creative By Design Inspired, LLC. her students learn kitchen safety, sanitation and (Continued from pg. 7) food culture. to help them to improve their lives. She also In 2018, she held the first ever winter camp earned an associate degree in business adminiswhich included a three-day cooking class. Lisa tration from Milwaukee Area Technical College also volunteers her time at Milwaukee Public (MATC). Julia brings an extensive network of Schools to host occasional cooking classes for contacts in the community to the business. She students to help educate youth in healthy eating and her husband, Win, raised three children, habits. who are now all adults. When staging for a temporary design, Lydia Lisa and her husband Dwayne have been and Julia will often include pieces available for married for 11 years. They have a blended sale from the store. Both Lydia and Julia enjoy family, a total of seven children and seven shopping and visiting estate sales. They also enjoy grandchildren together. Dwayne serves as “repurposing” furniture, lamps and other unique marketing director for Lisa's catering com- items. In addition to acquiring pieces for sale, pany. They both volunteer together and Creative by Design Inspired also has a network of make it part of their household to give back “villagers,” people who make jewelry, clothes or to the community. who own unique items which would otherwise not have a retail location to be displayed. New Lisa believes that no child should be left items arrive regularly and items on display often behind and that education should extend sell quickly, so it can be worthwhile to stop by beyond the school environment. One of her and browse frequently, Lydia said. An NCON Communications Publication
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ven before one crosses the threshold of E Marcie’s Florist, the pleasant scent of flowers is apparent. Marcie Lovett became one of
ated so many beautiful flowers,” she said. “I love to mix them together and create beautiful bouquets.”
the first African American women to own a floral business in Milwaukee when she converted a vacant hardware store into a floral shop in 1966.
Marcie grew up the fourth of 10 children born to Lemma and Shuley Lovett in Banks, Arkansas. She adopted Milwaukee as her hometown after high school. Growing up, her mother had always kept a modest flower garden on the property and Marcie admired the many different colors and shapes of the flowers. She even helped care for the flowers on occasion. She worked on an assembly line in a now-closed Milwaukee factory for about 10 years until she decided she had enough money to open her own floral shop. Marcie said she made sure to visit funeral homes, churches, as well as community groups and organizations after opening in order to introduce herself and her new business. Aside from the floral arrangements on display, the store has not changed much in the 52 years that it has been open, according to Marcie. The type of customers have changed, however. Marcie said she does not have nearly the same amount of walk-in traffic that she did in earlier decades. She attributed the decline to the local economy and the loss of good-paying manufacturing jobs. She joked that more husbands and boyfriends could avoid finding themselves in the “doghouse” if they brought flowers home once in a while.
In order to maintain a successful floral business, a person must be very organized, because flowers do not last forever, Marcie said. She refuses to sell flowers that are past their prime, declaring several times during the interview that “bad flowers are bad for business.” When she initially opened the store, Marcie attended a special floral school in Utica, Michigan in order to perfect her technique. For the most part, she is self-taught. When she was younger, Marcie Lovett she would occasionally work with a girl from Marcie's Florist the neighborhood who expressed an interest in the floral business, but the youth seem to be less store. Marcie has a good reputation for matching curious and Marcie said she has less energy or colors and types of flowers to customer taste and patience. delivering orders on time. Marcie continues to attend trade shows and Initially when she consults with a family that conventions in order to remain current on the has made an appointment to order an arrange- latest trends and styles. She said she has no plans ment, they often do not know exactly what they to retire. wan. Marcie enjoys spending time with such people, asking them questions to try and match “I’m going to retire when the Lord tells me well their taste and preferred colors to the season. done,” she said. “I enjoy what I do.”
Even if walk-in traffic has slowed down since she first opened, Marcie still elaborately decorates her shop's retail area, changing it according to the season. Although the retail floor area is relatively small, it is rich with a variety of live plants, live flowering plants, and high-quality silk flowers. Fresh cut flowers are located in a Three to four times each week, Marcie visits walk-in refrigerator. the Milwaukee wholesale flower market to select a variety of flowers to cover both pre-ordered “I enjoy working with some of the beauarrangements and also flowers for display in the tiful things that God created and He cre-
Marcie's Florist Marcie Lovett Owner, Floral Designer 1134 W. Keefe Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53206 (414) 562-3900
illiam (Monk) Campbell, 83, has been W cutting hair for more than 60 years. Since 1981, he has been the owner and head
barber at Monk’s Barber Shop. William said his grandmother, Bessie Campbell, read a detective story in which the lead character was named “Monk.” William said she began calling him by that name when he was a young child and he hasn’t been able to shake it, so he named his shop after it. William is a self-confessed jazz fanatic and inside the shop, William has decorated the place to resemble a barber shop from the era when jazz was king. Most of the antiques, including the chairs and cash register, are still fully operable. In addition to himself, William employs two other William Campbell barbers, but since each chair is located in its own Monk's Barber Shop cubicle, the experience feels more relaxing and private. William said he often plays traditional jazz music through the sound system in the shop. was a finalist in several NCAA basketball championships. Back in the day, when the Green Bay Packers William is the older of two children born to played in Milwaukee, William said he would ofCharity (Sisemore) and William Campbell. The ten cut the hair of Willie Davis, Willie Wood and family moved from Decatur, Alabama to Milother Lombardi-era African American Packer waukee when William was about seven years old. players. He often cut hair for Hank Aaron and Both of his parents worked for the Seidel-Thiele Willie Mays as well as many other African AmerTannery Company. William attended North Diican baseball players. He also cut hair for many of vision High School and enlisted in the United the African American players at Marquette UniStates Air Force in 1953, receiving an honorable versity during the 1970s when the school won or discharge in 1957. One of the two buddies with whom he enlisted, Joe Sellers, convinced William that he should attend barber school. He Monk's Barber Shop received his degree from Milwaukee Vocationth al School (now MATC). 4394 N. 27 Street Milwaukee, WI 53216 Joe Seller’s mother, Mildred, was the first (414)447-9325 woman in the state of Wisconsin to receive Hours: Tuesday - Saturday a barber’s license. She owned a shop on 14th 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Street and Walnut and William worked for her for more than 15 years and then purchased a An NCON Communications Publication
location on Green Bay Avenue near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in partnership with her, but the city of Milwaukee bought that property prompting his move to the current location at 4394 North 27th Street after about three years. From 1977 to 1997, William held a full-time job with the Miller Brewing Company. For the first seven years, he worked the third shift at Miller and would then cut hair. When he was promoted to first shift, he had other barbers in charge of the shop until his shift ended. William has six children: Anthony Clark, Todd Campbell, Rodney Campbell, Mark Campbell, Tony Campbell and Shela (Adams) Penn. Rodney is senior pastor at Crossing Jordan Church in Milwaukee. Monk’s Barber Shop has been closed for renovations since November 17, 2018 after a fire caused by a defective space heater in one of the upstairs apartments. Fortunately no one was injured, but the only electricity currently being supplied to the building is by generators that William is running to keep the pipes from freezing. He said everything is on schedule for the renovated barber salon to reopen in February. He dismissed his current problem as a minor setback. “I’m 83 years old,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot during that time.”
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o walk into Staple Brothers Paint & T Hardware near West 35th Street and North Burleigh Avenue is somewhat like walk-
The building was insured, but most of the store contents were not. By that time Lester and his younger brother, Edward, were primarily running the business and the hardware store industry was just starting to change. The loss of so much merchandise provided Lester and his brother with a valuable lesson: if they were going to co-exist with the large hardware stores, then they would have to do things differently.
ing into a time machine when the neighborhood hardware store had everything, including some really obscure tools that you eventually realized you needed to keep your home and yard in good shape. After more than 50 years of continuous operation, there isn’t much about home repair that Lester Staples doesn’t know; but he wasn’t always so confident. As a child growing up in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Lester Staples, Jr., said he frequently took small machines apart, but then failed to reassemble them correctly. He persisted, however, and eventually became proficient enough to repair his father’s tractor. Lester relocated to Milwaukee in search of better opportunities when he was 17 years old. He earned a GED from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1958. After graduation, Lester continued to take classes and earned certification in various trades,
Staple Brothers Paint & HardwarE Window Repair Lester
Small Engines Edward
3432 West Burleigh St. Milwaukee, WI 53210 (414) 449 - 2001
Lester Staples Staple Brothers Paint & Hardware
including brick masonry, welding, electronics and TV repair. Starting with relatives and friends, he began to make a good reputation for himself as a man who could fix things. Military service interrupted his plans to start his own business. Lester was drafted in 1960 and served two years in Germany before receiving an honorable disIn addition to individualized service, Staple charge. Brothers will at their discretion repair items and offer suggestions to customers on how to make In October 1968, Lester, five brothers and one repairs. Staple Brothers also continues to do cerbrother-in-law decided to open Staple Brothers tain craft work, such as window and screen rePaint and Hardware. Initially the store was lo- pair, snow blower repairs, lawnmower tune-ups cated at North 27th and West Center streets. The and repairs, locksmith work, and repair of some store remained at that location until a massive electrical devices, business that the large hardfire in the early 1980s, caused by a tenant fall- ware stores have pretty much abandoned. ing asleep while smoking in bed in an apartment unit above the store, forced the brothers to relo“I do things the giants do and I have kept my cate to the current location. Fortunately no one prices competitive with the big chains,” he said. was seriously injured.
ilwaukee native Rodney D. AnderM son grew up on the same block as Tastee Twist ice cream stand. In 1979, when
ber of the family who has not worked at the ice cream parlor is his wife, Avis Anderson, a retired educator.
Rodney was just 23 years old, he purchased it as a way to help his seven siblings learn about business. While he was growing up, Rodney’s father, Ivy Anderson, worked construction and would at some point be laid off from work most winters. Rodney decided he wanted more control over his future and pursued a college education.
After receiving a diploma from West Division High School, he earned a bachelor of science degree in business from Carroll University in 1977; and after graduation he accepted a position in management with the J.I. Case Company. He retired from Case in 2016. Before retiring, Rodney also earned an MBA from Keller Graduate School in 1996.
Staple Brothers Paint and Hardware has remained a neighborhood hardware store. Lester carefully studies what his regular customers typically buy and tries not to keep too much excess stock on hand. This enables him to keep his prices competitive with the bigbox stores, especially if you factor in trying to travel to get to one of those stores. He said his location is more than 25 blocks away from the nearest bigbox competitor which has helped him and his younger brother to remain a neighborhood institution. But he credits adaptability as the primary business tactic that has enabled him to coexist alongside the corporate hardware store giants.
The Tastee Twist ice cream stand certainly seems to have helped familiarize his siblings and his own children with business. Rodney said several of his siblings have very good careers and one of his children is a medical doctor. Rodney said family members are usually more flexible about working on short notice.
Rodney Anderson Tastee Twist
“It takes a team to be successful,” he said. “While I was at work, it was essential that family members step up and look out for the business. It’s not overwhelming anymore now that I’m retired. I go on vacations in the winter months and don’t have to worry. I’m often here working during the summer months because I like things to be done in a certain way.”
“Over the years I’ve had to learn to become more flexible with family members who work Tastee Twist is open from April through Octo- here,” he said. “I’ve got to keep the line [of peoRodney said he is grateful to all of the customber and for the first 36 years during the summer ple] moving.” ers who have supported Tastee Twist for the past months, Rodney would put in a full day of work 38 years. “My family was the reason I took the at Case. Then he would pitch in and help “keep In addition to his siblings, Rodney said his risk of opening my own business,” he said. “God the lines moving” at Tastee Twist until the ice four children – Dorian, 30; Phoebe, 28; Dante, has blessed me.” cream parlor closed for the night. 24; and Destin, 18 – have all worked at Tastee Twist. For the first 15 One of the most important lessons that Rodney years his late mother, learned is that an ice cream cone is an impulse Barbara Anderson, purchase from a marketing perspective and if the also worked at the ice wait in line is more than about 10 minutes some cream parlor. Rodpotential customers may not be willing to wait. ney said that her help was instrumental and the only time he felt overwhelmed and considered selling the business was around 2005 after his mother had stopped working and a number of his siblings had moved on to careers of their own. Barbara died in 2016. The only memwww.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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or the past 27 years, Dr. Trent Moore, F DDS, has felt very grateful for the chance to make a living working with his hands to im-
financing to enter this profession.” Dr. Moore said he has learned to manage a significant amount of the risk of operating a dental clinic by remembering that providing excellent care for teeth is just a small part of maintaining the smooth operation of a modern office that receives payments and bills from a large number of individuals and healthcare companies, each may require a different code and all of which must be submitted correctly before payment is made. Maintaining good records, keeping up-to-date with proper billing procedures, staying abreast of the latest in dental treatments all have helped keep Teutonia Dental thriving for nearly three decades.
prove the dental health and by extension, physical health of the estimated 10,000 patients for whom he has provided care at Teutonia Dental.
Trent was born in Marshall, Texas and spent the first 12 years of his life there. Dr. Moore credits his family including his father, Harold Wilburn, Jr., mother, Annie Wiburn and five sisters: Taryn, Trena, Tonia, Theressa and Althea with implanting in him a life-long love and respect for education and learning in him at a young age. Dr. Moore and his family moved to Milwaukee where during high school, he worked hard enough that along with earning a diploma from Bay View High School he qualified for a scholarship to Iowa State University. While at college, he said he became excited about dentistry as a career while researching his options. He earned a B.S. in zoology with a chemistry minor and was accepted into the dental program at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 1987. Dr. Moore remained in Omaha for a year after graduating to complete an internship. He returned to Milwaukee and worked briefly at the dental clinic which used to be located inside a Milwaukee-based Sears Department Store. After about a year there, He accepted a position with another clinic, Dental Associates. Dr. Moore said he would have been happy to remain there, but when he learned that the Teutonia Dental practice was available, he decided to strike out on his own. Dr. Moore said he has learned that the ability to provide a service in the health care profession and to be your own boss comes with many risks,
Dr. Moore and his wife of 29 years, Altamese, have 28-year-old twins: Ethan and Salena. The family are members of Eastbrook Church. Within the community, Dr. Moore has helped collect and distribute food for Feed America. He has also previously served as a volunteer football and basketball coach.
Dr. Trent Moore, DDS Teutonia Dental probably the most significant, according to Dr. Moore being the fact that most of the time you are responsible for everything. “The buck stops with you,” he said.
Teutonia Dental
Another risk somewhat unique to dentistry is the cost incurred getting an education and setting up the business. "Even with an undergraduate scholarship, I had to go into debt to enter this profession. The risk is the cost you incur in getting your education and setting up the business,” he said. “Most people have to go into debt
2545 N. Teutonia Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53206 Phone: (414) 562-7460
he childhood of Henry Smith, Jr., roughT ly coincided with the era where comic book publishers began publishing African Amer-
The Toy Dimension is the only collectible toy store owned by an African American in Milwaukee. It is a spectacle of delight for neighborhood children who peer in from the sidewalk at the rows and rows of exotic toys. Henry’s target audience is slightly more mature and interested in the toys for reasons other than play, but with many of the toys still in their original packaging, Henry Smith, Jr. the temptation to play with them probably exists The Toy Dimension for at least some fans of Star Wars, Star Trek and various comic book heroes and villains. restaurant. His life took a decisive turn when he accepted a position with Renaissance Books in Henry attended Rufus King High School, and 1986. The position allowed him the opportuniearned a GED from Milwaukee Area Technical ty to deepen his knowledge of comics – and also College. Later he attended the Milwaukee School books and literature, Henry chuckled. of Art and Design while working at a JC Penney warehouse and then he worked briefly at a In 1992 he left Renaissance Books after accepting an offer to manage Collector’s Edge, a comic store owned at the time by Jef ParkTHE TOY DIMENSION er. Henry worked at Collector’s Edge for five years before returning to Renaissance Books ACTION FIGURES, COMICS with the intention of opening his own collect& COLLECTIBLES ible toy store. On Thanksgiving night in 1997, Henry announced to a friend that he was goHenry Smith, Jr. - Owner ing to open his own collectible comic book and action figure store. Parker, whom Henry credits with being a life-long mentor and help5925 W. North Ave. ing him arrange merchandise in his first store, Milwaukee, WI 53208 died in 2001.
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Dr. Trent Moore, DDS Dentist/Owner
ally changed the collectible toy industry from one primarily dominated by auctions and comic book stores to one where stores would carry decades-old merchandise in like-new condition.
ican super hero titles. Henry, who grew up near North 16th St. and Keefe Avenue, said he knew as young as age five that he wanted to be a comic book artist when he grew up. Henry, who owns The Toy Dimension, a collectible shop of vintage comic books and action figures, he credits comic books with inspiring his passion for reading and with giving him the confidence to take carefully thought-out risks.
(414) 476-5596 toydimension@juno .com
“I was fortunate to be the recipient of a scholarship during college and I wanted to pay it back,” he said.
The popularity of the internet and bypassing a physical store has led to another shift in the industry, according to Henry. First he had a revelation: “One of the things I’ve learned in this business is that I’m selling a want, not a need,” he said. “There are still people that like coming to stores. They like talking to another person. Many of my customers are long-time friends and I will keep an eye out for items that I know are of interest to them.” The store location fascinates young children who pass by with their parents, according to Henry. He said that the business is continuing to grow. Henry is the father of two daughters: Chelsea, 26, and Michalea, 20. He said he feels very blessed that he has been able to earn a living doing something about which he feels passionate. He said he is also proud of the fact that he has helped encourage some neighborhood children to develop better reading skills after being introduced to comic books. Henry has already developed a presence on various internet websites in anticipation of further changes to come in the industry. By constantly keeping up with trade show news, running his own annual trade show for decades and his specialized experience with Renaissance Books, he has also developed a much more discerning eye for what his customers want and an item’s true value. “I am in this for the long run,” he said.
Henry said that the popularity of Star Wars merchandise beginning in the late 1980s rewww.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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34th Annual Black Excellence Awards Special Honorees: “Urban Entrepreneurs”
tinues to be supportive now that he has his own business.
I n 1993, after four years of study, Milwaukee native Kurt A. Mosley left UW-Milwaukee before receiving an undergraduate degree in mass communication when he accepted a position with Firstar Bank (now US Bank). The Pulaski High School graduate did not realize it at the time, but the bank position was the start of a 23-year journey which led to the formation of Trans-Professionals in March 2016.
Kurt felt comfortable at Amato and his reluctance to take the plunge and strike out on his own might never have happened if not for the encouragement of Michelle, who had launched her own business several years before with Kurt’s encouragement.
Trans-Professionals is a special transportation service for people with health or physical disabilities, whose condition makes using personal or mass transportation problematic. The company primarily offers on-demand call-up door-to-door service from any origin to any destination in a service area for non-emergency medical appointments. Trans-Professionals currently operates five vans and employs four full-time and threepart time employees and boasts a 97 percent on-time record. The company partners with managed care providers currently having contracts with three such agencies.
Kurt A. Mosley Trans-Professionals
entrepreneurial turning point for Kurt came in early 2016 when he agreed to help develop a While working at Firstar Bank, Kurt first be- non-emergency medical transportation business gan developing business plans for clients. The plan for a friend for free. Later he learned that his friend’s company was thriving after putting Kurt’s business plan into place. Around that same time, Kurt had been helping a friend who had been experiencing difficulties getting to and from his dialysis appointments. Kurt and his wife of 23 years, Michelle, decided that perhaps this business was something they should pursue. Before launching his new business, Kurt was serving as Director of Operations for Amato Automotive Group. Kurt credited owner John Amato, with being an influential mentor who was reluctant to lose a good employee, but conilwaukee native M Theresa Gazdik earned a diploma from
Custer High School (now Barack Obama School for Career and Technical Education) in 1977. After graduation she attended Manpower Business Training Institute (MBTI) where she received a certificate in data entry, and for the next 20 years she continued her career in administration while she continued to take classes to help her become more proficient in the industry. In 1994 she accepted a position at Glenn Rieder, a custom architectural millwork manufacturer and commercial interior contractor now
located in West Allis. One day while working at Glenn Rieder she went shopping for bras and experienced a frustrating lack of options. She started talking with many other full-figured women who were going through the same frustration. Many stated that they could not find high quality, sexy, comfortable undergarments and lingerie. They had to settle for discount retailers selling them bras that were not the correct size and of lesser quality. Theresa said she asked her boss Doug Rieder, if he thought opening a business for full-figured women would be successful. He told Theresa he thought she could do anything she put her mind to. The opportunity came faster than expected when Doug sold the firm and Theresa was laid off.
dering bras from internet based dealers can be frustrating because sizes differ depending on the manufacturer and the style, Theresa said. Voluptuous Secrets bras range in price from $50$90. Voluptuous Secrets also sells bridal corsets which have become one of its bestselling items. For brides and their bridal parties, the store offers corsets for all sizes. “We fit future brides so that they are lifted and comfortable to enjoy their special day,” Theresa said. Voluptuous Secrets also sells allin-one body suits, lingerie, sexy PJ’s and more. Theresa said new customers often ask why she started a business for full-figured women. She said she was general upper body discom- full-figured until she was fort. In addition, improper- diagnosed with diabetes in ly fitted bras do not provide 2011 and colon cancer in the proper lift which over 2016, which caused her to the years causes sagging lose a significant amount of breasts. My joy comes from weight. Today she is cancer seeing my customer's faces free. the first time they wear a bra that gives them the lift that Along with the Wisconsin they always desired to have. Women’s Business Institution Corporation (WW“Bras are an investment BIC), Historic King Drive and require proper care,” Business Improvement DisTheresa said. “At Volup- trict (BID), and Doug Rietuous Secrets we teach der, Theresa also credits her women how to care for their late father, Roosevelt Willis, bras so that they last longer with supporting her and and keep the women lifted giving her the confidence to and looking beautiful.” Or- pursue her dream.
Theresa Gazdik Voluptuous Secrets purchasing a present for his wife.
Theresa said she provides accurate bra fittings which makes Voluptuous Secrets popular with women of all Within a few weeks, cultures. Every customer Theresa had enrolled in is treated individually, decontinuing education pending on their needs. classes at UWM where “My job is not complete unshe learned to prepare til my customers are propa business plan. Seven- erly fitted and comfortable teen months later the in their garments. When doors to Voluptuous women wear bras that are Secrets opened on De- not the proper fit, they excember 17, 2002, and perience problems such as to her surprise, her first back problems, sore shoulcustomer was a man ders, skin irritations and
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Kurt worked for the new company for a year before receiving a salary or accepting its first passenger. During those 12 months, he researched the para transportation industry and underwent an extensive application process to be licensed. Kurt said he faced a minor setback after his company received its license and the most promising managed care company initially rejected Trans-Professional’s application. Rather than give up, Kurt spent months speaking with case workers and was able to secure a contract with a different provider in the area, My Choice Family Care. Soon after it began transporting passengers, Trans-Professionals began to develop a reputation for being on time and professional. Kurt said the company has embraced a "quality over quantity" business model in which it typically transports clients individually rather than combining several clients in one vehicle. The company is particularly sensitive to persons undergoing chemotherapy or kidney dialysis, both of whom suffer physical discomfort if they are forced to wait for an extended time after receiving treatment. The personal service seems to have found a profitable niche. In the past two years, Trans-Professionals has added a fifth van to its original fleet of four and currently has a waiting list for its services.
An NCON Communications Publication
2019 Black Excellence Awards
Thursday, February 14, 2019
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
34th Annual Black Excellence Awards Special Honorees: “Urban Entrepreneurs”
ngela M. Smith was born in Anniston, A Alabama, moving to Milwaukee as a young child. She attended Hopkins Street El-
ing the benefits of yoga. She also specializes in crystals, essential oils, medicinal herbs, topical herbs, tarot readings and other services to assist people live richer, fuller lives.
ementary School and earned a diploma from Brown Deer High School.
Angela worked in the Milwaukee retail business for more than 10 years, first as a store manager and later as a regional manager. After more than a decade in the retail service industry, Angela said she wanted a career in which she could employ the managerial experience she had developed. She accepted a position in customer service with a Milwaukee-based seasoning company which sold bulk orders to restaurants and food processors. Within a few years that company was bought out by Unilever Corp. Angela purchased a house on North 34th Street that she intended to use to generate income. For the first 10 years she took in sewing and then branched out into designing one-of-a-kind hats. The hat-making venture proved popular enough that it became a business, “Dqueens Crowns.” The business was growing until one day fate intervened when Angela injured her back trying to open a window. The injury persisted eventually leading Angela to a Reiki healing practitioner who was able to relieve the pain.
Angela M. Smith The Zen Dragonfly, LLC.
Angela said she is in the holistic “wellness business,” adding she did not just launch a business, she launched a new life style. While there are other holistic healing centers, in areas where people of color live, work and play, Angela said there are very few which she is aware of that are black owned. Part of her holistic wellness business philosophy includes using alternative methods to help members of the community learn to heal themselves. Angela helps the local community in a variety of other ways. She is the vice president of the Merrill Park Neighborhood Association, a Walnut Way volunteer and has served with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student union. She has one daughter, Shannon, who lives in Florida.
Reiki, she also took classes to be certified as a life coach. She said she realized that she had a gift for healing. “I didn’t just start a business,” she said. “I started a whole new life.”
She began attending yoga classes and was aware that she did not see many people of color or her Angela became so interested in Reiki that she size. She began attending classes regularly and began to study it herself. Eventually she accumu- eventually began training to become an instruclated enough hours to become a certified Reiki tor. She now offers a variety of classes, many with Master Teacher and The Zen Dragonfly, LLC has a therapeutic emphasis. enabled Angela to realize her ultimate goal: “To help people find movement, flexibility and joy In order to provide a wide variety of healing within their body for the rest of their life.” She techniques, Angela also studied Feng Shui, the began working on family and friends. Word of ancient Chinese art of energy flow in the home. her skill quickly spread and paying customers More recently, Angela has become a certified began inquiring. Holistic Life Coach. She also offers yoga classes which she said are especially welcoming to AfriShe said she knew a number of people who can American women who comprise a relatively needed healing and as she continued to practice small percentage of the overall population enjoy-
Congratulations To Our Urban Entrepreneurs! You honor the memory and legacy of the Milwaukee Times founders: the late Luther Golden, the late Louvenia Johnson, and the late Nathan Conyers. with your hard work, your ingenuity, your creativity, and tireless drive and determination, You remain a true blessing in our community. Able Access Transportation, LLC. • Black Inventors Gallery • Coffee Makes You Black Creative By Design Inspired, LLC. • Fred's Ornamental Security Doors Greenwood Park Gallery and Framing, LLC. • Goody Gourmets • Lisa Kaye Catering, LLC. Marcie's Florist • Monk's Barber Salon • Staple Brothers Paint and Hardware • Tastee Twist Teutonia Dental • The Toy Dimension • Trans-Professionals • Voluptuous Secrets The Zen Dragonfly, LLC. An NCON Communications Publication
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2018 Black Excellence Awards
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients 1988 - 2019 Jamaal Abdul-Alim Nyairah Abdullah Silvia I. Acevedo Job Alexander Sequoya Allen Priscilla Avant Raven Avery-Moore Jonathan O. Babalola Shaneika Baldwin Jennifer Ball-Sharpe Lauren Barber Darren Barton Chez Bass Aris Battiste Marita Benvenue Risharda Bond Jevita D. Brister Sharvon Montgomery Brown Jaslyn Brown Reniqua Brown Montae Brown-Crawford Qiana Burns Louis Burrell Devin Burton Raetricia Byrd-Townsell N’namdi Carter Michah Childs Brianna Christian Qiana Christian Mindee Cohen Tamyra Cooper Jacqueline Gail Crymes Destiny Dallas Trenton Daniels Jamal Davis Carla Dew Jordan Dinsmore Sa’Sha Nicole Edwards Adrian Ellis Kurtez Ellis Quina Elzie Henry Eruchalu Muhammad Faizal Fakaruddin Kaiyla Farrington David Faye Shaun Flanagan Chelsey French Shanilah Frierson Jessica Gathing Deanna Gauthier Nathan Gollop Isaiah Gordon Donald Grace Darnell Granberry Jaelyn Green Michael Green Pamanisha Gross Denean P. Hall Timothy Hall Megan Harmon Gary Harvey Ebony Haynes Michaiah Hinds Cynthia M. Hodnett Malik Holt
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Sade Hood Jamea Hoover Kayla Howze Kiera Hudson Autherine Ikanih Monique Ingram Wendy Isom Isaac Izard Kiara Jackson Marcell Lanell Jackson Torey Jobe Camille Johnson Siarah Jones Fred Jones-Rosa Asiane Jordan Demond Jude Kendall Keith Domonique Kent Kathryn Lanier Camille Lester Justin Lester Robyn Lockett Kara Macon Kayla Madlock Raven Major Nandi Mallett Tre’Quan Martin Billie Jo Mason-Saffold Collins McClain Trevonte McClain Alice McCoy Brian McDowell, Jr. LaDae'meona McDowell Kharma McGee Kara McKinney James Miller Martinez Milton, Jr.
Treba Mitchell Maasio Mohamed Na Mia Moore Crystal Morgan Wendmy Nida Moyenga Mohamed Mursal Nathan Nelson Ikenna Obiora Darian Perkins Melissa Pettis Clifton Phelps Levar Pickens Robert Pickens Carter Piggee Denise Pitchford Amber Polk Eva Porter Dominique Portis Lawrence Rabon Knjya Reed Stephon Roby Briana Roberts Corbin Robinson DeArquise Robinson Tammy Robinson Angellic Ross Ismel Sahid Shakura Salahaladyn Savanna Samuels Chiara Sanders Josephine Scott Destiny Scott-Dyson Avrianne Seals Tanzania Sewell Trentyn Shaw Justine Shorter Donald Singleton Nicole Singleton Brittany Smith Lonnie R. Smith Alexandria Smith-Richard Rhonda Stingley Sonia Summers Alyssa Sylvester Courtney Teague Lori Lynn Tharps Verla Thibou Devon Thomas Olivia Thomas Quinton Thomas Abigail Thompson Nikki Denise Thompson Trinity Tucker Dalyn Ward Jaymes Warrior Nicole White Aaron Wilder Richard Williams Tabithas Williams Yaaji Williamson Jonathan Woods Deondre Wright Khamaria Wright
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.“ - Nelson Mandela www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
An NCON Communications Publication
2019 Black Excellence Awards
Thursday, February 14, 2019
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
2019 Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients Myles Walker
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yles Walker has earned a grade point average of 3.0 at Golda Meir High School. According to a special education instructor at Golda Meir High School, “Black Excellence is something this young man exudes in many capacities.” Myles became acquainted with the special education instructor who served as a mentor to him on college tours. Another teacher at Golda Meir said Myles’ intelligence and drive were ap-
parent “the first time we met.” In his essay, Myles wrote that college is a big part of his future goals. He has been active as a volunteer with Upward Bound and Link Crew within the past two years. Myles has applied to the University of Arizona and Ohio State University where he hopes to major in geology/paleontology or evolutionary biology.
Abdilkarim Ali
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bdilkarim Ali is destined for success, according to the college and career counselor at South Division High School where he earned a 3.1 grade point average. The college and career counselor said Abdilkarim has “the energy and drive to take the lead of any situation.” The South Division High School Counselor said Abdilkarim is willing “to do the hard work it takes to succeed as an immigrant to the U.S. He is also
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very kind and intelligent, always putting a smile on people’s faces.” Abdilkarim lists his strengths as being a great listener, leadership, adaptability and being a friendly people person. He is proficient in Arabic, Somali and English. He has applied to Milwaukee Area Technical College where he hopes to major in computer software.
Ashanti Travers, Jr.
shanti Travers, Jr., has taken his struggles and turned them into triumphs, according to Alderman Russell Stamper who first became acquainted with Ashanti when he was 8-years-old and volunteering as a community cleaner. Benjamin has earned a 3.1 grade point average at Pulaski High School. For the past two years, Ashanti has served as a youth director for the North Avenue Community
Development Corporation and an assistant youth volunteer coordinator for Historic North Avenue Gateway BID #28 since 2014. In his essay, Ashanti described how when he first began working his mother created a saving plan under the guise of contributing to the family bills. He said at first he resented having to start paying bills before he realized all that his mother had previously provided for him. When he opened
his first bank account, his mother gave him back all the money he had contributed. “That family literacy game that my mother started with me has changed my life,” he said. “It taught me responsibility, accountability and appreciation.” Ashanti has applied to Milwaukee Area Technical College where he hopes to major in either dentistry or elementary education.
Rashaan Roberson-Teague
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ahsaan RobersonTeague has a genuine interest in working toward social change and helping others, according to one of his teachers at MacDowell Montessori High School where he earned a 3.1 grade point average. During the summer of 2018, Rahsaan was one of 100 high school students chosen to participate in the Disney Dreamers Academy, an immersive and transformational program at Walt Disney World
Resort. Rahsaan has been active as a volunteer since 2012. He has volunteered with the YMCA Teen Achievers and Top Teens of America. He is currently serving as regional 2nd vice president and chapter historian with Top Teens which he first joined in 2012. Working with Top Teens of America, Rahsaan has participated in the Hunger Task Force, the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital annual event and the March of Dimes Walk in 2018.
He has also volunteered with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante Cotillion and as a volunteer teaching assistant at Holy Redeemer Christian Academy. His school counselor describes Rahsaan as a highly motivated student. He has applied to Tennessee State University and Clark Atlanta University where he hopes to major in either engineering or film production.
More than $525,000 has been provided to area youths to pursue a higher education. An NCON Communications Publication
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2018 Black Excellence Awards
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2019 Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients Jeanessa Gant
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eanessa Gant has displayed excellence in the areas of academic achievement, drama, vocal performance, athletics, oratorical performance and character, according to her principal and associate pastor at Tabernacle Community Baptist Church where Jeanessa volunteers for youth bible study, children’s choir, children’s worship assistant and youth worship leader. At Riverside University High School, Jeanessa has a 3.3 grade point average and volunteered with the volleyball and basketball teams to help clean the state fairgrounds. Jeanessa has been a member of Girl Scouts of Southeast
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Wisconsin since she was in the second grade, assisting with fundraising activities and service projects. She has also done extensive volunteer service for the Salvation Army of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and the UWM Children’s Learning Center. She obtained her first part-time job at the age of 15 and has learned to develop a budget, set goals and begin saving for a financially secure future. She hopes to attend either Iowa State or Dillard University and lists pre-law and vocal performance as possible majors
Benjamin Thompson
enjamin Thompson is “100 percent committed to everything he does,” according to one of his teachers at Rufus King International High School where he earned a 3.5 grade point average. Benjamin hopes to become a clinical psychologist. In addition to compiling an outstanding academic record during high school, Benjamin has also been a member
of the varsity track team for two years and served as captain of the varsity chess team. Benjamin has been a member of the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation since 2008. He has maintained his own snow removal and lawn care business since 2010 and provided childcare for neighbors and family members since 2012. For the past two years he has served as a paid staff member at
Uihlein Soccer Park and has been certified as a youth soccer referee since 2014. Benjamin has applied to Lindenwood University and Cardinal Stritch University. He hopes to major in either psychology or sociology.
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Marissa Morgan
arissa Morgan earned a 3.5 grade point average from Dominican High School. Since 2012, she has been a volunteer with the Milwaukee Public Schools Congress Year – Round School, assisting teachers, administrators and librarians during the school year with organizing and creating ideas for the classroom and hallways. She is the first vice president of Top Teens of America, Inc., an organization with which she has been involved since 2013. She
has served as the school football manager since 2015, participated in volleyball from 2015-2016 and softball from 2015-2017. Since May 2018 she has worked as a cashier/bagger for Metro Mart and as a nanny beginning in June 2016. Marissa is a young woman with high morals and standards, according to Arthur Reid, Jr., CEO of Reid’s New Golden Gate Funeral Home. He commended Marissa for completing a community service project through the funeral home
titled Youth Grieve Too, which helped youth who have lost a loved one. Her pastor at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church said Marissa has a long history of caring for people in need, serving in the choir, Sunday school, youth department and currently as the Sunday school secretary. Marissa has applied to Texas Southern University and the University of North Carolina Central where she hopes to major in human resources management.
Jaya Owens
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aya Owens is a student at Golda Meir High School who earned a 3.6 grade point average. During her time at Golda Meir, Jaya has served as a yearbook member, a Link Crew member, a monitor for sixth graders and a member of the senior senate. In the summer of 2018 Jaya participated in Lead2Change as a health science cohort, learning about the medi-
cal field and making visits to St. Luke’s Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Jaya believes that it is important to learn the importance of financial planning and saving at a young age. Her college and career center counselor describes Jaya as mature, resilient and humble with a natural affinity for leadership. One of her teachers said that Jaya has matured and grown during
her high school years perhaps more than any other student with whom he has worked. “She is intelligent, personable, responsible, organized and driven to succeed.” Jaya has applied to the University of San Francisco and Tuskegee University where she hopes to study either nursing or biology.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.“ - Nelson Mandela www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
An NCON Communications Publication
2019 Black Excellence Awards
Thursday, February 14, 2019
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
2019 Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients Jordyn Smith
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ordyn Smith achieved a grade point average of 3.7 at the University School of Milwaukee. One of her instructors described Jordyn as “the epitome of what a well-rounded student and community leader is.” During her high school years, Jordyn cofounded one of the school’s first African American clubs. Her instructor said Jordyn started the organization as a way to promote a safe way for students of all races and ethnicity to come together
and discuss current issues. She was a runner up in the National History Day competition in Madison. She currently serves as the vice president of Top Teens of America, sponsored by Top Ladies of Distinction, Milwaukee Chapter. During July 2017, Jordyn traveled to Panama and lived with a host family as part of a service project. While there, she brought donated items from the U.S. and volunteered at an orphanage caring for and playing with children. She received
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the Mary P. Hill Jr. Citizenship Award in January 2018 for demonstrating outstanding humanitarian efforts at the University School of Milwaukee. For the past two years, Jordyn has held down a part-time job as a cashier at a local Dairy Queen. In her essay, Jordyn said a person is never too young to begin planning for their financial future. She has applied to Xavier University, Florida A&M, Tennessee State University and Howard University.
Mia Rimmer
ia Rimmer is the captain of the varsity swim team and president of the Latin Honor Society at Rufus King International High School. According to her assistant swim coach, Mia is an amazing student athlete who achieved a 4.1 grade point average despite taking a very challenging course load that required her to balance homework, exams and swim practice with the many volunteer activities in which Mia has participated. These include a service project renovating residential houses of low-income residents in Appalachia, helping third-grade
students research and type position papers for the Milwaukee Public Schools’ Elementary School Model United Nations and removing invasive plants from Lake Park in order to enable native flora to regenerate. Mia also has worked as a lifeguard for the Brown Deer Recreation Department since 2017. She hopes to attend either the University of Chicago or Carleton College where she intends to major in either the classics or art history.
The Dr. Lester L. Carter, Jr. Scholarship Award Edward Rogers, Jr.
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dward Rogers, Jr., was just eight years old when Haiti suffered a massive earthquake in 2010. Troubled by the suffering, damage to infrastructure and severe shortage of food and medicine, he founded his own notfor-profit organization, Edward’s Greatness of An NCON Communications Publication
Giving Back. His initiative raised more than $5,000 and he received the Young Humanitarian Award from the WTMJ4 television station. Edward’s charitable organization continues actively supporting a number of fundraising initiatives, but the charitable organization is just one among many accomplishments in this ambitious young man’s life. He earned a 3.1 grade point average at Rufus King International High School. He served as captain of the school’s varsity football team. When asked how he thought his teachers and school counselors would describe him, Edward said that he was focused, a hard worker and a person committed to seeing any project he takes on through to completion. Displaying a maturity beyond his years, he said that he welcomed constructive feedback, because “I am committed to constant improvement.” Edward’s Greatness of Giving Back collected more than 4,000 bottles of water and 100 toiletry packages after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017. In addition to providing disaster relief, Edward’s charitable organization also conducts a number of annual community events, including collecting and distributing toys during the holiday season and collecting and distributing 200 warm-clothing packages. He is quick to give credit to other volunteers in his organization, noting that they
would not have been successful without the generosity of other community members, local businesses and the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Edward has applied to Morgan State University and Kentucky State University where he hopes to major in either neuroscience or pharmacology.
Edward Rogers, Jr., is the second student to receive a scholarship at the Black Excellence Awards from Dr. Lester L. Carter, Jr., R.Ph. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
2018 Black Excellence Awards
34th
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
Annual Black Excellence Awards
hat do you do when you are equally passionate about two different interW ests? Why not bring them together into one life-
Arts
long pursuit? This is precisely what Jody Alexander has done with her love of art and her love of history, specifically black history. Her passion for art started with an African sculpture which she purchased when barely out of high school. She began her own art collection and briefly had her own art gallery. But this Milwaukee native and Bay View High School graduate followed up on her passion with course work at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and with art and history classes at City College of San Francisco. There in 2001 she earned a bachelor's degree in African American art history. This degree gave Jody the perfect background to return to Milwaukee and pursue her career at the Milwaukee Art Museum. At various times Jody Alexander over the past decade she has served as vice president, secretary, and treasurer of the African American Art Alliance, a group that helps sup- Jody is excited about having his work in the Milport the Milwaukee Art Museum. This group has waukee Art Museum. been influential in raising money to purchase Besides her involvement in the museum, Jody works of black artists for the museum’s permais a program coordinator for the Milwaukee Artnent collection. ist Resource Network, an organization that conWith great pride, Jody related how one of the nects established artists with emerging artists. museum’s large purchases was a painting by Ke- For the past several years she has served as a sehinde Wiley titled “Saint Dionysus” (2006 oil nior sales associate at the Morning Glory Gallery on canvass). The purchase marked the 15th an- at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. niversary of the Art Alliance. Wiley is perhaps She is coordinator of Blk-Art, History and Culbetter known for painting the official portrait of ture, an organization she founded in 2011. The former President Barack Obama in 2018. Wiley organization is dedicated to educating, honoring, is unique in that he has taken the works of some preserving and celebrating African American life of the great masters and incorporated into them and culture through classes and workshops. young African American subjects. It’s no wonder
ichael L. Robinson is a self-taught ventriloquist who has performed for M all ages nationwide, on television, concerts, fes-
tivals, the stage, and with the Milwaukee Public and private school systems for nearly four decades with "Woody," who is one of several custom-made, ventriloquist puppets with whom Michael ‘edu-tains’. A Milwaukee native, Michael said he became fascinated with ventriloquism after watching professionals such as Edgar Bergen, Paul Winchell and Jimmy Nelson on television. Michael had a love for learning and he would often go to the library to learn about ventriloquism; but he was frustrated in his attempts to find anyone who could teach him the craft. He picked up what he could from reading about the subject. Michael attended North Division High School, but he moved to Alabama as a teen to help care for his grandparents. Later he earned an associate of science degree in occupational music from Milwaukee Area Technical College and an Associate of Theology degree from Grace Theological Seminary in Loris, South Carolina. After a few months in Alabama, Michael returned to Milwaukee and acquired his first ventriloquist puppet in 1972. In 1977, he had Woody custom-made for him by a professional ventriloquist puppet maker and he began to do public performances. Along with being a ventriloquist, Michael is also a musician, songwriter, music producer and tutor. He employs music in his act and includes some routines in which Woody plays a harmonica. As an opening act, he has shared the stage with major entertainers such as B.B. King, Jimmy Smith, Albert King, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Tyrone Davis. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
As a result, Jody has spoken on black art and history topics at various schools and churches in the community. In addition, she has also given workshops for the Milwaukee Public Library system. The focal point of these workshops is black artists who have documented black history in their works of art. For five years she presented a black cinema series of documentaries at the Washington Park Library. All this work certainly is deserving of vacation time. But Jody uses even her time away to foster her love and passion for black art and history. She explained, “Any vacation—all travel I do—I look at what exhibit is where. In New York it was the art of the Civil Rights Movement; in Washington, DC, it was a particular portrait gallery at the Smithsonian.” Her love and passion is driven by the hope for a better future, Jody said. It’s achieving that better future by keeping the history alive. “Celebrating black history only in February is a disservice to our youth, and to all people,” Jody lamented. “There is so much history. I learn something every time I do a workshop or class. Everything I do is to educate, celebrate, and acknowledge the history.” This is not just idle boasting; Jody is a lady of action. On election days she works the polls all day in honor of Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, Barbara Jordan, and all women who fought for a better future. Jody concluded, “If these women did what they did in the circumstances in which they did it, there’s no excuse for us not to carry the torch.”
One of the beautiful things about ventriloquism is that it can used to capture the attention of children in order to convey educational messages in an effective fun-filled fashion, Michael said. "It is extremely important to capture the undivided attention of your audience in order to achieve the best results when conveying educational messages. Ventriloquism is a vehicle that can add a touch of excitement and flair to the learning process," he added. Once when Michael was still new to ventriloquism, Edgar Bergen performed in Milwaukee. Michael had the opportunity to meet the famous entertainer and childhood hero backstage after the show. Michael said he performed a brief routine at Bergen’s request and that Bergen was surprised Michael had become so adept learning on his own. He encouraged Michael to continue pursuing a career in ventriloquism, saying he had a promising future. Over the years, Michael has developed his improvisational skills and prefers not to rely totally on scripted and rehearsed routines. He said he prefers to tailor his act to his audience on the spot and uses some warm-up exercises to help Michael L. Robinson determine the overall mood of the audience. Imand Woody provising also enables Michael to be more effective as a greeter or roving performer. For 13 years Michael has worked with administrators, teachhe entertained thousands per day, both on stage ers, guidance counselors, curriculum specialists, and strolling through the crowd at the Wisconsin psychologists, and a host of other professionals State Fair. to create and implement educational programs designed to increase academic achievement for “To see people, smile and laugh is the joy of K-8 students. His personalized presentations performing,” he said. “To offer a skillful display of ventriloquism, tasteful promote laughter is to humor, music, and audience participation when bring joy, and to share feasible. the richness of life.” An NCON Communications Publication
2019 Black Excellence Awards
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Annual Black Excellence Awards Community Leadership
evin Ingram is an education consultant with the Wisconsin Department K of Public Instruction on the Teacher Education,
Professional Development, and Licensing Team. He has held this position since 2015. Prior to his current position he was the education administrative director with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs and the Office of Urban Education from 2003 to 2014. He was leader of a statewide effort to promote the equity needs for urban elementary school districts, pre-college opportunities for low-income and first-generation students across the state of Wisconsin, and college enrollment services for non-traditional first-time college bound adults and inmates exiting the prison system with financial assistance to enroll in the state’s institutions of higher education. Kevin is a native Milwaukeean, whose career in education spans more than 34 years. After he graduated from John Marshall High School, he was accepted into the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Marquette University. While still a student, Kevin was hired as a tutor-counselor for the University’s Upward Bound Pre-College Program for low-income and first-generation college students. After he earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Marquette University in 1984, he was hired as a full-time counselor with the Upward Bound Program. Kevin saw himself in the faces of the students he mentored and instructed. He understood firsthand the various struggles and challenges that many of the young individuals faced in their lives. Kevin and his three siblings were raised by his grandmother, who only had a six-grade education. His mother was killed when he was six years old and he never knew his father.
Kevin Ingram Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction “My grandmother taught me everything I needed to know about life,” Kevin said. “ He added, his grandmother raised him to feel that he was a gifted black child. Kevin carried his grandmothers' words with him into his professional career and service work to the community. He recalls his grandmother worked a second job as a maid to support him and his siblings. He will never forget the dedication, hard work and support, despite the obstacles, he received from her to achieve his dreams. He counseled about 200 students each year. As a counselor he was motivated to make sure each student got the help and support to ensure they would graduate with an undergraduate degree. Kevin gave career and college advice along with professional support to some of Milwaukee’s community and business leaders. Among those are current Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton; Police Captain Terrell Gordon; Attorney Earlene Laster; Dr. Lille Bobo; real estate developer Kalan Haywood; and, Attorney Antique Ruiz.
From 1999 to 2003, Kevin was the Director of the EOP Pre-college Programs at Marquette. In 2002, Kevin earned a master’s degree from Marquette University. “I am blessed with a successful career that has not only benefited me but hundreds of others that grew up just like me.” He added, “I’m thankful for all the people who touched and guided me through this journey from elementary school to Marquette University and the EOP; it all afforded me the opportunity to fulfill my purpose in life.” When he is not working, he enjoys bowling, golfing and walking. His plate is never too full to take his 68-year-old cousin who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair grocery shopping and to her doctors’ appointments. Kevin is the current chair of City of the Milwaukee Charter Schools Review Committee and is involved with the Milwaukee Teacher Education Association – Milwaukee Graduation Project Team. Kevin has served on many boards throughout the city, state and region, including the Wisconsin Higher Education AIDS Board (2003 to 2009); President, Marquette University Ethnic Alumni Association (2012 to 2014); Destiny High School (2007 to 2008); Northside YMCA Youth Leadership Academy, Inc. Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (1995 to 1997); Chair - North Central Branch YMCA (1994 to 1998); President, Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (1996 to 1997); and Treasurer, Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (1987 to 1989.)
he day in 2012 that Keyon Jackson-Malone accepted an internship as T a board operator with WNOV 860 AM Radio
marked the start of a whole new life, one full of compassionate actions and opportunity, according to the Milwaukee native. Keyon said he inherited the knack for audiovisual technology and research from his father, Raphael Malone a well-respected, high-spirited, village-minded man. His mother, Carolyn Jackson-Malone, for most of Keyon’s childhood, pursued a career in corporate America. Keyon studied broadcasting and broadcast journalism at John Marshall High School for three years. He earned a diploma from Custer High School in 1995 after completing his senior year at that school. Keyon was raised in the Baptist Church, but he walked away from the denomination in his 20s and went through a difficult 15-year period before giving control of his life back over to God. “I believe now [communications] was always God’s calling for me. People kept telling me I was avoiding it,” he said. Since starting at the radio station, Keyon has been promoted to show producer and radio personality. He serves as the director and co-commentator on The Morning Show with Michelle Bryant, a talk radio show airing Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. On Fridays, he hosts his own show, The Man Show, from 7:00-9:00 a.m. Keyon said he tries to offer a platform for the unheard members of the community, organizers, activists and others who would not normally have a place to explore issues and express their opinions. An NCON Communications Publication
Village Group successfully created a safe social space within the Arlington Heights neighborhood by reactivating Atkinson Park, which had been closed to public gathering for more than 10 years. The project required partnering with a number of agencies including the City of Milwaukee Health Department Office of Violence Prevention, the Milwaukee County Park System, Keyon Jackson-Malone and the Milwaukee County Office of African WNOV 860 AM Radio American Affairs. The project also required enlisting the community as resident volunteers and “As a former community disrupter and current coordinators to facilitate activities and workcommunity rebuilder I owe a debt to my com- shops for the youth that participated. A partmunity,” he said. nership with the Hunger Task Force allowed for summer meals, breakfast and lunch, to be incorAmong other advocacies and experiences in porated in the park programming. community activism, Keyon’s commitment to service took root in 2016, while supporting felKeyon also serves as a “violence interrupter” as low activist Vaun Mayes’ “The Parks” initiative at part of the Office of Violence Prevention’s “414 Sherman Park; a successful attempt at bonding Life” Violence Interruption initiative, which is with seemingly troubled youth while encour- focused on reducing gun violence in the Milaging positive behavioral changes and working waukee area. towards better relations between the youth, the community, and law enforcement. Keyon was honored with the Eric Von Memorial Black Male Achievement Recognition Award Recently Keyon founded The Village Group, presented by 300 + Strong in 2016, the “Rumble an organization envisioned to rebuild communi- Young Man Rumble” Campaign for Black Male ties and strengthen families by way of heritage Achievement Conviction Award in 2018 and the restoration, cultural exploration, neighborhood Dr. James G. White 6th District Difference Makengagement, resident cohesion, resource iden- ers Award in January 2019. tification, advocacy referral, education and entertainment. During the summer of 2018, The www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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ngela Slack Adams grew up in Gary, Indiana as the only child of Ruth L. A Carneygee Slack and James O. Slack, both of
whom worked more than 30 years in the steel industry. As a child, Angela was supported by her parents, extended family and teachers, who each encouraged her participation in leadership and career exploration opportunities. She received an academic and performing arts diploma from Emerson Visual & Performing Arts High School in Gary. Angela earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, and later earned a master’s degree in strategic communications and leadership from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. In 2016, Angela was recruited by Goodwill Industries President and CEO Jackie Hallberg to join her team and was recently promoted to Vice President of Community Relations. Her responsibilities include leading the organization through the process of establishing a shared vision and action plan for community engagement through strategic partnerships, sponsorships and volunteerism. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc., is the largest of more than 161 Goodwill organizations. Goodwill employs 6,200 people across its service territory in southeastern Wisconsin and metropolitan Chicago. Angela is helping to share the story of Goodwill as a social enterprise in which the widely known Retail Store & Donation Centers and other business operations serve as the financial engine that enables Goodwill to help people work. The Goodwill mission is to provide training, employment and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages who seek greater independence. In addition to her role at Goodwill, Angela is actively engaged across the Milwaukee commu-
Angela Adams Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin nity. Angela has been a member of Professional Dimensions since 2009, where she has held several key board roles, including past president. Angela serves on the board of the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee (AALAM), on the steering committee of Milwaukee Women Inc., is a member of The Milwaukee Chapter of The Links, and was named a Milwaukee Woman of Influence. The common thread of Angela’s work is serving as a champion for engagement and inclusion of all people. She is deliberate about bringing focus to the issues women and people of color experience navigating career advancement and holding leadership platforms. “When people see other people in leadership roles who look like them, it’s inspiring and encouraging in so many ways,” said Angela. She dedicates time and energy to coaching, mentoring and “straight talk” about the unique challenges women and people of color face in the
workplace. Angela began her corporate communication career in midtown Manhattan with Pfizer Corparation, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer. She relocated to Milwaukee to establish a new sales territory for Pfizer in 1997. Her talent for driving effective communication through creative channels led to the launch of her event planning and PR firm which supported clients for 10 years. In 2008, Angela returned to the corporate setting as a Global Public Relations Manager with Johnson Controls. Five years later she accepted an offer to serve as Director of Communication and Community Relations for Ascension WI (formerly Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare). She remained in that position for three years before joining Goodwill. During her career, Angela has built a significant network of contacts through being of service to others and delivering results that matter. Despite her extensive professional network and her communication and public relations background, Angela places high value on extended moments of solitude as an important trait of leadership and self-care. Angela is married to Maj. Ronald J. Adams, a 30-year career Army officer who also works for Northwestern Mutual. Together they have three children: Ahriyan, 20; Amira, 17; and Anaya, 11. They are all long-standing members of New Testament Church of Milwaukee. As a woman of faith, Angela relies on the scripture in Matthew 5:16 as inspiration in her service to others. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Fa-
t's not unusual for Sean Lowe to devote almost all of his annual vacation time to I traveling around the Midwest, in his volunteer
role as the Central Region Vice President of the National Urban League Young Professionals. The Milwaukee native was elected to a two-year term as Regional Vice President in 2017, the same year his three year term as president of the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals came to an end; so sacrificing his vacation time is not a recent decision. The Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals (MULYP) is affiliated with the Milwaukee Urban League. MULYP sponsors in a number of community service projects, including fundraising activities, social and cultural events, leadership development workshops and educational public policy forums. MULYP also participates in regional and national activities of the National Urban League, which was founded in 1910 and is one of the oldest and largest community-based organizations of its kind. The Central Region of the National Urban League is comprised of 13 chapters in the Midwest, and as regional vice president Sean oversees all of them, including the Milwaukee chapter. Some of the travel can be quite interesting. During his time with the MULYP, Sean has been to the White House and met with half of President’s Obama’s administration; and on another occasion he met all of the elected officials of Wisconsin. As a professional, Sean has also compiled an impressive list of achievements in a relatively short period of time. In the fourth quarter of 2018, he was promoted to Planning and Sales Support Consultant with Northwestern Mutual. He said a significant portion of his new responsibilities include assisting financial representawww.milwaukeetimesnews.com
of the chess club at John Marshall High School, where he earned a diploma in 1999. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration degree with a major in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2003. Upon receiving his degree, he became the first person on either side of his family to graduate from college. Sean said his love for Milwaukee and what it could become is one of the primary reasons he has dedicated so much of his time to the MULYP. Unlike a number of other well qualified college Sean Lowe graduates, Sean chose to remain in Milwaukee, Northwestern Mutual a place he said he loves. The MULYP is just one tives located in the field prepare the best possi- of many community organizations to which he ble retirement solution options for clients using dedicates his time. He sees his corporate and volthe Northwestern Mutual product line. He has unteer work as mutually beneficial for helping worked in a variety of capacities for Northwest- overcome entrenched poverty and segregation while improving the reputation of Milwaukee as ern Mutual since 2004. Sean was initially hired as a financial represen- an engine of economic growth and opportunity. tative in the field. After a couple of years working Even though he is personally a life-long Milout of the company’s Franklin office, Sean took waukee Bucks fan, Sean said he was a firm bea different role at the downtown office, where he has received several promotions prior to the liever that construction of the Fiserv Forum basketball arena was a smart decision in helping most recent one. to retain and attract young professionals to MilSean is the older of two boys born to Robert waukee. Not only will the new arena generate adand Vicki Lowe. His father was a truck driver and ditional revenue, Sean said; a new National Bashis mother worked in retail. As a child, Sean said ketball Association arena can also draw in other he was reserved and studious. He said he never new business investment and the young profesmissed making the honor roll and was captain sionals necessary to staff those positions. An NCON Communications Publication
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awrence Rabon experienced difficulty with his academics at an early age. He L said he was 13 years old before he could perform
long division; but within the next three years he would be taking advanced algebra. His career has advanced even more swiftly. In 2010 Lawrence graduated from Brown Deer High School with a 3.5 grade point average and was a Louvenia Johnson Scholarship recipient. Since September 2017 more than 60 healthcare employees, among them nurse practitioners, ICU nurses, pharmacists, cardiac monitoring techs, and other roles at Inception Health (a wholly owned subsidiary of Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin) report to Lawrence where he is manager of clinical operations. Inception Health does clinical as well as innovative work. On the clinical side, Lawrence helps ensure the smooth operation of a variety of health care professionals who monitor patients remotely through computers. The clinical department at Inception is also capable of providing remote two-way, audiovisual assistance to physicians who request support with certain procedures. One of the most fascinating technology items employed by Inception is a roving camera and speaker attached to a device, which somewhat resembles a two-wheeled, battery-powered scooter, and which can be controlled remotely by a supervisor using a smart phone. In the event of a possible emergency, a supervisor can immediately have eyes and ears in the clinical care room and move around almost as if they were physically present. This technology was supplied by David Chao, Inception Health’s Emerging Technologies Principal. Lawrence worked incredibly hard to achieve the professional success he has experienced. He
community service opportunities for students, helped assist first-year African American students become familiar with resources available through the university, and helped cultivate African American awareness by organizing events for all students on campus. After graduation Lawrence wanted to remain in Milwaukee. He had already begun working with Innovation as a project specialist after completing his undergraduate degree. He continued with his education while working, earning a master of science degree in public administraLawrence Rabon tion from UW-Oshkosh in January 2018. He was Froedtert Health promoted to manager of clinical operations in said his interest in health care began during high September 2017. school when he underwent physical therapy for As a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptwo sports-related injuries – a hip flexor injury tist Church, Lawrence has participated in misincurred during track and a broken ankle suf- sionary work in the Mississippi Delta and given fered during football. As a result of undergoing talks about his work to elementary school stuphysical therapy treatment, Lawrence envisioned dents. During his senior year at UW-Oshkosh, himself pursuing it as a career. Lawrence participated in a University Studies “Sports was what helped push me academically Program and the Titan Multicultural Accelerand gave me a sense of purpose,” he said. “I chan- ated Program. His volunteer work there includneled that energy and aggression I had for sports ed mentoring minority freshmen students and into getting good grades.” sharing experiences from his own freshmen year. Lawrence is the youngest of five children. He was raised by his grandparents, LaDora and MelWithin five years, Lawrence said Inception vin Rabon. After earning a bachelor of science Health will be recognized statewide as a premier degree in kinesiology from the University of high-tech, innovation hub. He plans to be direcWisconsin-Oshkosh, Lawrence chose to pursue tor of clinical operations and would like to spend a career in health care administration rather than his entire career working for Froedtert and the physical therapy. During his senior year, Law- Medical College of Wisconsin. rence served as Black Student Union President at UW-Oshkosh. In that role he helped organize “Ultimately, I’d like to be CEO,” he said.
Education or many years before she became an educator, Trina Gandy was a performer and F dance master with the Ko-Thi Dance Company,
a troupe that is dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional African American and Caribbean dance and drumming. Trina became connected to dance as a student at North Division High School as a part of the Nefertari Dancers. Interested in going to law school, Trina studied for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). While waiting on the LSAT results, she began substitute teaching for Milwaukee Public Schools and immediately knew that teaching was her calling. “I couldn’t imagine having a passion for something like I did for dance, but with teaching it happened,” Trina, adding that when the LSAT exam results finally arrived, she never bothered to open the envelope, so convinced was she that education was her calling. This year Trina will celebrate her 20th year in education. Trina worked as a middle school teacher and was recognized with the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” award in 2002, 2003, and 2004. She worked in administration first as an academic dean, assistant principal, and executive principal for the YMCA/Young Leaders Academy and then as the founding principal for Universal Academy for the College Bound High School. Trina is currently the dean of support services for the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy, a MTEC Charter School. In all positions, she has been dedicated to student An NCON Communications Publication
Having a strong desire to help break the cycle of poverty for Milwaukee youth, Trina is mission driven to close or eliminate inequities in experiences and academics for scholars. She works to help ensure that scholars have access to quality educational opportunities regardless of their background, race, or socioeconomics. Trina continues to be active with dance, offering African and Caribbean Dance to scholars after school. Through her journey of dance, she has been taught that when one has wisdom, talent, or a skill, one must “pass it on before they pass on.” After she retired from professional dancing, Trina started training to run marathons to mainTrina Gandy tain her health and wellness. After completing Milwaukee Public Schools several marathons, she has set her goal on trainachievement and continuous school progression. ing for triathlons, a multisport endurance race involving a combination of swimming, bicycling Trina earned a bachelor of arts degree in busi- and running. ness from Concordia University, a master’s deTrina said she wanted to pay homage to her gree in teaching and a master’s degree in adminancestors, “who have paved the way for me, to istrative leadership from Alverno College. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in administrative leadership my mentors and teachers who inspired me, to and policy analysis from the University of Wis- the scholars and families for keeping my passion for education burning, and a special thanks to consin-Madison. my mother, Wanda Gandy and father, George L. Hicks, family members, and friends.” www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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s a child growing up in west side of Detroit, Herbert Hayden’s mother used her skills as an educator and mother to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in Herbert E. Hayden, Jr. As an adult, Herbert has served as an educator and advocate for those undeserved. For the past 12 years he was executive director of the Adult Learning Center (ALC). “Literacy opens more doors to those who seek it,” he said adding that just about everyone who struggles with literacy can learn to read and decode better. “If you pursue it, you will find it,” he said adding that even small improvements can result in significantly better career opportunities. The ALC provides motivated adults who do not have a high school diploma with life-long learning opportunities and resources to transform their lives and contribute to their communities, according to the ALC mission statement. The ALC offers a traditional classroom learning setting as well as one-to-one tutoring to teach adults basic skills in math, reading, writing and computers. Herbert, his wife Felicia (Echols) and their young daughter Briana moved to Milwaukee from Detroit in 1994. After the family relocated to Milwaukee, a son, Warren, was born. Initially after moving to Milwaukee Herbert taught social studies and reading at Grand Avenue Middle School for four years. In 2000 he accepted a call to be associate branch executive of the YMCA Metro Milwaukee Parklawn Branch. He was later promoted to branch executive before accepting the position with the Adult Learning Center in 2006.
sition in youth development with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan in 1988. He received a series of promotions prior to his decision to relocate to Milwaukee. Herbert said that he and his family have made many close friendships during the 25 years they have lived in Milwaukee, making their decision to return to Detroit even more difficult. “When we moved here we did not know anyone,” he said. “Milwaukee is such a friendly town. My son was born and raised here.” Beginning in January 2019, Herbert relocated back to Detroit after he accepted an offer to be co-executive director of SAY Play Detroit, an organization which seeks to increase academic hard some people must struggle in order to performance, attendance and graduation rates, achieve it. He said his passion for assisting others by offering sports as a reward for study. The facilto become more proficient in literacy is self-sus- ity is located on 15 acres in northeast Detroit and taining in that the harder that his students strug- seeks to create a first-class multipurpose facility gle to master literacy, the more he feels compelled that serves the academic, social and physical fitto help those students succeed. ness needs of underserved youth – and provides a positive after-school, weekend and summer The family has been active at Providence Bap- destination, according to information from its tist Church. Herbert is a deacon, has done volun- website. teer work with the youth group, Vacation Bible School, youth ministry and couples ministry. Despite his reluctance to leave Milwaukee, Herbert said he will be able to live in the house in Herbert was the second of two children born which he grew up and see his first granddaughto Marion and Herbert E. Hayden, Sr. He earned ter, Dorean Denise, more often. Many of his relhis diploma from the University of Detroit Jesu- atives also still live in the Detroit area, he said. it High School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and management from Fisk University (one of the Historic Black Colleges and Universities) located in Nashville, Tennessee.
Herbert E. Hayden, Jr. Adult Learning Center
When asked to describe his own passion for After graduating from college, Herbert reliteracy, Herbert said it was something he took turned to Detroit and eventually accepted a posomewhat for granted until he began to see how archelle I. Odom had a good job as a nurse with Aurora Health Care for M almost 10 years. Then she started to have chil-
ests at heart. I was firm. I was consistent and I had follow through. They knew they could take me at my word. Even students who struggled for one reason or another could relate to me.”
dren and the Crossett, Arkansas native decided that she wanted a career that would more closely align with her children’s school schedule. So she enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned a certificate in English. In 2000 she began teaching English at Custer High School. Marchelle was in the third grade when her family moved from Arkansas to Milwaukee. She earned a diploma from North Division High School and a bachelor of science degree in nursing from UW-Madison in 1992. Marchelle and her siblings were raised in a household where education was respected. Her father, Pastor Daniel Franklin, and mother, Edna Franklin always stressed the importance of an education and said it would increase her power and voice. Marchelle’s three children: Marticia Franklin, Johnna Odom and Kenneth “KJ” Odom are all adults now, but Marchelle continues to be inspired by her career in education. In 2009, she was promoted to literacy coach at Custer High School. In 2010 she earned a master’s degree in education from Concordia University. In 2011, she transferred to North Division High School and returned to teaching for the next five years, because she wanted the flexibility of maintaining a schedule that would enable her to be a mother to her son, Kenneth, who was just entering high school.
Marchelle I. Odom Milwaukee Public Schools works with teachers to ensure that they have the resources and tools they need to make an impact on the lives of their students. There are 10 new teachers at Washington High School with whom Marchelle is working this year. She is also available to all of the other 40 members on the teaching staff as well. She likes her current position of being a coach and mentor to teachers.
When asked for an example, Marchelle said in 2008 she had a senior student named Asyia whose mother's health was deteriorating because of terminal cancer. She summoned Marchelle to the hospital and asked her to ensure that Aysia would graduate from college. Marchelle kept her word. Aysia is currently pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling at Concordia University. Marchelle refers to Aysia as her “bonus child” and the two remain close. Marchelle serves on the usher’s committee, the scholarship commission and the newcomer’s welcoming birthday ministry at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. She also served two terms as vice president of the North Central Service Club and remains an active member. The organization aims to develop civic, educational, social, and cultural programs which can improve the quality of life for central city women, including scholarship assistance. Marchelle also won Teacher of the Year from the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators four times. After she was recognized for the fourth time, she asked the organizers to choose someone else in order to increase the diversity of award winners.
“As a mother and a former nurse, you bring Marchelle accepted a position as support certain experiences and skills from your past,” teacher at Washington High School in 2017. She she said. “In my case these seemed to allow stusaid her responsibilities are essentially the same dents to trust that I always had their best interas her last two years at Custer High School. She www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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t was the Head Start early childhood education program that gave Jacqueline I Walker a jump start on her career. And that ca-
reer has centered around giving students a head start on their academic journey. She is a financial aid counselor at Marquette University. But she does more than just assist students in receiving financial aid. She develops relationships with many of them and their families. Her position has enabled her to get to the core of what it takes for these students not only to succeed in school, but to get a head start on life. Born in Evansville, Indiana, Jacqueline came to Milwaukee at a very young age. In Milwaukee Jacqueline attended St. Leo’s Elementary School, Messmer High School, as well as Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She began working part-time for the Head Start program in high school. With wonderful mentors who recognized her talent, it wasn’t long before she was working for the Social Development Commission in the Head Start Division.
In 1997 she moved to Georgia to become a financial aid counselor at Georgia Military College. But by the year 2000, she was back in Milwaukee at her old job as the financial aid counselor for the EOP. Over the years she has seen over 2000 students whom she has assisted graduate and begin their lives. “I am blessed and fortunate to see students graduate, to know their families, and to maintain relationships with the alumni, keeping in contact with all of them,” she commented warmly. “It’s not just a job,” she added. “It’s something that fulfills me. I love my job, the students, and the people I work with—the EOP family.”
Jacqueline Walker Marquette University
One of the grant programs was the federally funded Educational Opportunity Program In 1976 she applied for a job at Marquette as a (EOP). Administering the program was one receptionist in the financial aid office. As she said of her responsibilities. She worked closely with it, “I was hooked.” She wanted to learn every- the director, and in 1985 became a financial aid thing she could about financial aid for students. counselor just for this program. Through this She talked to counselors, learned about every job program, she served first-generation low-income that existed in the field, and was promoted to be- students. Jacqueline had the privilege of guiding ing an assistant to the grant coordinator. She took and mentoring some 300 students from the time classes to learn more about grants and financial they enrolled as freshmen until the time they aid. The director of the financial aid department graduated as seniors. She worked with them and saw her ambition and offered her a position as their families in providing information about ficoordinator of grant programs and financial aid nancial aid, and assisting them with grants and scholarships. counselor.
Jacqueline explained that the EOP office is a home away from home for students and their families. They can come in, close the door, and know that someone is there to listen who can understand and help. She said, “I enjoy working with people and helping them to understand how financial aid works ... It doesn’t matter where you’re going to college. If you need help, I will help you.” She proves that by carrying around her business cards which she dispenses to anyone who might benefit from her assistance. She also has put on financial aid workshops at many high schools in the community. She is motivated by the desire to share the knowledge she has, and to address any obstacles that stand in the way of a persons’ dream of achieving a college degree—a head start from one who herself had a head start.
Extraordinary Achievement ev. Lovelace Redmond, is a dynamic man of God who is lovingly known by R friends, family, and Greater Milwaukee as the
“Community’s Pastor.” He takes great pride in his personal journey to excellence. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Rev. Redmond attended North Division High School. After high school, he pursued his love of music and entertainment and traveled around the country performing. However, in 1982, God changed his life. 1982 marks the year of transition for Rev. Redmond, from a life in the world to his life in Christ. He became saved at the Philadelphia Church of God and Christ and went on to attend The Charles Harrison and Mason Bible College where he studied spiritual subjects to help in ministry and baseline interactions with others. He officially became an ordained Minister in 1986. Rev. Redmond joined the Social Development Commission and served as a program Rev. Lovelace Redmond coordinator for young first time offenders. He Christian Faith Fellowship C.O.G.I.C. fondly remembers the joy he had in being an advocate, providing pathways to mentorship, and Through his work as bereavement pastor and community outreach while serving within this chaplain, Rev. Redmond intimately provides a role at SDC. glimpse of God’s overwhelming love through his dedication and pursuit of intentionally honoring Currently, he serves as the bereavement and the lives around him. Service, advocacy, support, community outreach Rev. at Christian Faith Fel- and representation bubble out of the work Rev. lowship Church of God in Christ. Within this Redmond joyfully commits to in the Milwaukee role, Rev. Redmond is responsible for day to day community. ministering to the sick, homebound, and shut in. Rev. Redmond is also chaplain at the New Pitts Excellence to Rev. Redmond is defined by one Mortuary where he provides one-on-one after- pouring all that is within them out into the work care services to families in Milwaukee who do they do, whatever that work may be. Rev. Rednot have a church home or church affiliation. mond states that he strongly believes that his An NCON Communications Publication
“…life is worthwhile being able to make a difference in someone else’s life.” 2 Corinthians 2:6 gently rests on Rev. Redmond’s heart as he works, envisions, and embodies excellence in service, community, and Milwaukee. To him, living the gospel is more than checking off boxes, doing mediocre work, and engaging with others at a minimal level—“the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” Embodying excellence is found in the little acts to Rev. Redmond, such as calling to check on others, thinking beyond self, and keeping God first in all that he does. It is evident that excellence is more than just an adjective to Rev. Redmond. Instead it functions more like a verb that is active in all that he does. In 2017, Rev. Redmond published his first book, entitled Demons Gone Crazy, a book written for spiritual enlightenment, and to bring clarity and understanding to principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Demons Gone Crazy is available on www.amazon.com. Rev. Redmond and his wife of 30 years, Geardean, are parents to six, grandparents to five, and the great-grandparents to four. When asked about his ‘secret’ to an enduring union, family, and career, Rev. Redmond humbly replied—the presence of God. Milwaukee is greater, because Rev. Redmond exists within, throughout, across, and alongside it. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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n 1987, less than a year after the sudden death of her husband, Willie L. Wallace, I Jr., Milwaukee native Helen J. Wallace was asked
2001 when the newly appointed superintendent brought in his own staff. Her final job title with MPS before retirement in 2002 was Administrative Assistant in the Office of Student Services.
to apply for and was hired as the first African American woman to serve in the Office of the Superintendent at the Milwaukee Public School Central Services Headquarters on Vliet Street.
Being recruited as the Assistant Secretary to the Superintendent was not the first glass ceiling that Helen had broken through. During her senior year at West Division High School, she participated in a work-study program at the Pabst Brewery and after graduation she was the first African American student hired as an administrative assistant by Pabst. The company was impressed enough with Helen’s hard work that they agreed to pay for her tuition at MATC. Helen was recruited by the Milwaukee Public School system in 1967 to serve as an assistant to the librarian at Rufus King High School. When management at Pabst learned of her impending career move, one of the company vice presidents personally offered her a promotion as well as her own office and staff. Helen was the only one of two people in the office proficient in operating the teletype machine (an electromechanical typewriter that was used to send and receive typed messages) and the other woman was planning on retiring soon. Helen decided that MPS was the better career move for her and she has never regretted her decision. After a series of promotions, in 1975 Helen was approached by the MPS Human Resources Department to apply as a special assistant to a newly appointed consultant to the Board of School Di-
Helen J. Wallace Milwaukee Public Schools (Retired)
Helen was the only child born to Mary, who Helen describes fondly as a “God-fearing, strong, loving, hard-working mother." In addition to her education with MATC, Helen received a bachelor’s degree from the Milwaukee Theological Institute. She has been an active member of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church since the age of 12, volunteering with the youth department, the children’s choir, the usher board, the adult choir, youth director, new member orientation, and Sunday school and Vacation Bible School facilitator among many other activities. She has also done extensive volunteer work within the community serving as an officer of Top Ladies of Distinction, an officer of Church Women United, a member of Common Ground, the Sherman Park Community Association and the Breast Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery Program.” She is a three-time cancer survivor and a world traveler, including a Caribbean cruise with her husband and family trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Canada before her husband passed.
rectors. Twelve years later when she was offered the position as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, Helen was initially unsure if she should apply. Coming so soon after the death of her husband Helen was not sure she could handle the increased responsibilities and continue to be a supportive mother to her two sons, Jerel, 12, and Maurice, 10. Helen also has a step daughter Jana Williams. Fortunately her late husband’s father, Willie Wallace, Sr., volunteered to be home After the death of her husband, Helen continevery day when the children came home from ued to travel, visiting London, Paris, Belgium, school. When he could not be available, Helen’s Puerto Rico and Hawaii, among other destinamother, Mary Newell, cared for the children. tions. Helen received a number of promotions after accepting a position with MPS. In 1975, she was offered the position in the superintendent’s office at the central services headquarters. After being promoted to Administrative Assistant, she served under eight school superintendents until
Health auren C. Hubbard grew up in Milwaukee in the 53206 ZIP code. She witnessed L firsthand the tragedy and mental health trauma
ships in care. “I look forward to continuing to engage the community in mental health awareness conversations, providing support to families in need, and working towards a healthier Milwaukee through expanding our prevention programs,” said Lauren.
Lauren attended the Whitefish Bay School system from K4-12th grade as a part of the Chapter 220 program. She attended Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, on an academic scholarship and earned a bachelor of science in nursing in 2011. She moved back to Milwaukee and obtained her licensure as a Registered Nurse. Lauren began working for Milwaukee County’s Behavioral Health Division (MCBHD) in 2012 as a psychiatric crisis registered nurse in the psychiatric emergency room. Through that work, Lauren C. Hubbard she gained a passion for community engagement and education. She participated in media camMilwaukee County Behavioral Health paigns through MCBHD, which evolved into She was promoted to nurse manager of crisis speaking on reducing the stigma around mental services in 2016, where her primary responsihealth in the Milwaukee area, but more personbilities were managing the psychiatric emerally, in the African American community. gency room and observation units, supervising “Being from the same community as many the nursing staff, and continuing to participate of the clients I served, I quickly recognized the in outreach work. She has participated in media need for education, increase trauma informed interviews, speaking out to help reduce the stigcare, and stigma reduction, and in turn began ma of mental health and promote mental health participating in BHD’s media campaign for this awareness and access to services available in the communities for free or reduced cost to individpurpose,” said Lauren. uals needing assistance. In 2013, Lauren became a mother and her emIn 2018, Lauren was named the director of pathy for the troubled youth in the communicommunity crisis services, with the MCBHD. In ty that she helped to treat on a daily basis grew her work she oversees and leads the department’s greater. Mobile Crisis Teams and community partner-
The BizTimes newspaper honored Lauren with the Health Care Hero Award in 2017. Lauren gives all the credit to her parents. “I was raised to always put my best foot forward and act with integrity in anything that I do.”
that plagued the community. This left her heartbroken and wanting to do something to help the people in her neighborhood.
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She finds gratification in being able to serve those in need, and she is proud that she has been able to help people through challenging situations. She is a lifelong member of Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee and believes her church family have been a great support throughout her life, being understanding and encouraging. She wants to give back and feels blessed to be in a position to give a voice for those in need. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with 5-year-old son, Justin Merriwether, Jr., cooking for family and friends, traveling to destinations on my bucket list, and trying new restaurants and venues around town. Lauren plans to attend graduate school in the future.
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r. Nkem Iroegbu, MD, MPH, FACP hoped that all the medical training he had completed would be sufficient, because as the plane carrying him from Nigeria to New York City began its landing descent in 1991, Dr. Nkem still did not have a place to stay. He possessed contact information for a distant relative, but no one from his family had spoken with the relative in years. She let him stay a week. Then he made contact with another extended relative who let him stay a month. A third relation let him stay six months. After that Dr. Iroegbu was familiar enough with his newly adopted country that he was able to find a place of his own. He is now the Chief Medical Officer for Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore. He and the president of Aurora Healthcare are responsible for strategic planning at the two medical centers. Dr. Iroegbu’s responsibilities include ensuring that physicians who hold privileges at each of the two hospitals he helps oversee provide care that is patient-centered, safe and compassionate. The total number of physicians with visiting privileges amounts to approximately 1,500 men and women. Dr. Iroegbu was the fourth of sixth children born to Richard and Grace Iroegbu. His father was a farmer and his mother was an elementary school teacher who set high standards for her children. He said his first love as a child was outer space, “but that was not a field of study offered in Nigeria.” Instead Dr. Iroegbu chose medicine, receiving his medical degree from the University of Nigeria in Enugu, Nigeria in June 1988. After
Dr. Nkem Iroegbu, MD, MPH, FACP Aurora Health Care completing his internship in Nigeria he practiced medicine for a few years before coming to the conclusion that his curiosity and passion for cutting edge health care technology could only be satisfied in the U.S. Initially he thought he would specialize in cardiology, but within a few months he decided that he wanted to go into general practice. After completing his internship at Flushing Hospital Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York in 1993, and a residency at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis in 1995, he became an associate attending physician at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chicago. He also served as a teaching attending physician with St. Joseph’s. He remained with St. Joseph’s and after a series of promotions over more than two decades he became Chairman of Medicine serving
in that position from February 2015 until he was recruited by Aurora in September 2017. Dr. Iroegbu and his wife, Pat, have two children: Spencer 19 and Simone, 18. Since relocating to Milwaukee, Dr. Iroegbu has sought to improve his new hometown in a variety of ways. One of the initiatives he has helped shepherd is the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership Clinical Council Charter, which is designed to provide cost-effective care for residents of the local community. Dr. Iroegbu said the average annual household income of the three postal zip codes closest to Aurora Sinai Medical Center is $18,000. “Access will remain a problem if health care remains unfordable,” he said. Dr. Iroegbu also participates in the Milwaukee Fellows Program, a mentoring program for young African American youth who are in college and seeking career assistance or advice. Many years ago his original plan was to return to Nigeria and eventually share his expertise with his family and childhood neighbors. Dr. Iroegbu said he still considers the possibility from time to time, but there are many challenges. “Others who have tried have wound up back here starting all over again,” he said. “The question is how do you practice medicine based on what you know with the technology and health care that is available.”
Law t wasn’t a career in law or library science that first led Olivia Bradford Jaskolski to I stay in Milwaukee. It was the harsh winter weath-
er. She had come here from her native Jonesboro, Louisiana to work at a summer job and stay with her sister Gloria and brother-in-law James. She had landed a nice bank job, and wanted to stay on longer—until the winter changed her mind. But a snow storm literally left her stranded in Milwaukee. Her brother-in-law taught her how to handle living with the cold and the snow, and how to drive in the stuff. As she says, “The rest is history.” The Milwaukee area became her adopted home. She finds herself in a rather unique position as being the first African American law librarian in the state of Wisconsin and has represented the state along with other librarians at the American Association of Law Libraries national convention. After her bank job, Olivia worked as a library assistant at Northwestern Mutual Life. The general counsel of the law department, Peter Bruce, was instrumental in choosing her because they were looking for more diversity. She learned from the head librarian and received on-the-job training. She took night classes at UW-Milwaukee to receive a promotion to law librarian. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in business communication from Concordia University. She then took night classes to add a master’s degree in library and information science and was promoted to law librarian shortly afterwards. She retired from Northwestern Mutual after 25 years. But Olivia wasn’t done working. She went to work part-time at the law firm of von Briesen & Roper, S.C. When the head librarian fell ill, Olivia worked full-time and continued as the head librarian. She appreciates the opportunities and support that von Briesen has provided her during the past five years, giving special thanks An NCON Communications Publication
Olivia Bradford Jaskolski von Briesen & Roper, SC to Randy Crocker and Bill Caraher. What does she love about her job? Although it is challenging, she loves the hunt. “I love researching, solving problems and discovering where to go to find the answers that will help others,” she explained. Olivia is active in the Private Downtown Law Librarians of Milwaukee, an organization consisting of all librarians in law firms. They learn from each other and share information through face-to-face meetings and on-line settings as well. She has also been a member of the Law Librarians Association of Wisconsin, a similar organization run on a state-wide level. Staying in Milwaukee so many years ago led to other blessings in Olivia’s life—namely, her family. She met her husband, Carl. He’s a body builder and has a full gym in their basement, a place the whole family uses for working out. That family includes Carl’s son, Eric, and five-year-old grand-
daughter, Skylar. Yes, even the little one works out with her pretty pink and purple dumbbells. Olivia can’t speak highly enough about husband Carl and the positive influence he has had on her life and career. “Carl pushes me out of my comfort zone a lot,” she said. “He sees a lot more in me than I see in myself. He’s always there for support and wants the best for me. He wants me to excel.” Before she began her library career, Carl took her to Marquette University’s law library and showed her what he knew about doing research as a human resource director. “You’ll be very good at this,” he predicted, and built up her confidence to excel and succeed. Reflecting on her upbringing in a Christian community and church, Olivia remarked, “It was always expected that you would do your best.” She credits her sister Gloria for inspiring her and her siblings to pursue excellence. Gloria was the first one to finish college, thus paving the way for the others to excel. “I saw her trying her best and working her hardest,” Olivia recalled, “And that is what motivated me.” Above all, she credits God for providing what she needed to succeed and excel. She states, “Since everyone has different talents and we are God’s children, we should do the very best with what he has given us. So, I strive to do things with the ‘spirit of excellence’ that comes from God. That has always been part of me and my personality.” And how true that has been, whether she is getting through a blizzard, or mastering the search for information.
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wight E. Moss is a native Milwaukeean and has been in the news business for more than 20 years. He is the senior newscast director at WISN-TV 12, Milwaukee's ABC-affiliated TV station. He is part of the hard-working team, Live at 5 p.m., which has been rated the number one newscast three years in a row and was awarded best evening newscast by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA). He loves being behind the camera directing and making decisions about the best way to share news and information in a short amount of time. “My enjoyment is being creative behind the lens,” said Dwight. He and his WISN news team have earned three Emmy Awards for broadcast news. Dwight’s ability to tell informative news stories earned him honors for Best Spot News Reporting in 2018; Outstanding Achievement for Evening Newscast in 2014 and 2015; and a documentary special on The State of Addiction: The Opioid Crisis in 2017. Dwight and his WISN news team beat out numerous Chicago news stations to win the prestigious honors. In 2003, he won the WBA Award for Best Public Service Announcement for his Black History Month Campaign. A campaign that helped educate and increase awareness about historical facts and moments about Black History in Wisconsin and the importance of celebrating African Americans in history not just Black history. He enlisted the help of current and former news anchors and reporters, including Mike Anderson, Toya Washington, Portia Young, and DeMarco Morgan. The tagline was “Not just Black History but American History.” He earned an Associated Press award for his contributions on the show Thanks for the Memories. Dwight was always interested in current events and world news as a teenager. His parents taught him to be respectful to others, treat people like
man Junior High School, both Milwaukee Public Schools.
Dwight Moss WISN-TV12 they have value and do your best in everything. He keeps the advice of his parents at the forefront of his mind when he is directing. “In 20 plus years of directing, I have seen both sides of Milwaukee,” Dwight said. “The stories are not always positive, but I believe there are lots of positive things going on in Milwaukee and I make it my mission to help tell those stories as well.” As the only African American newscast director at WISN, Dwight speaks up about issues that impact the community to make sure adequate coverage is received. He majored in telecasting at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), while working on productions for WMVS/WMVT Channels 10 & 36. He graduated from MATC in 1986 and John Marshall High School, specialty school for radio/ television broadcasting in 1982. Dwight’s second love is music. During high school he played the flute and percussions for three years with the Marshall band. He also attended Benjamin Franklin Elementary School and Francis Park-
During he enjoys listening to live music and watching live theatre performances with friends around town when he is not working. He considers himself a sports fanatic and likes watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers. Dwight’s career motivation and commitment to excellence is rooted in his ability to use his voice to tell the truth in stories. “I look within at myself and think about how I grew up and ask myself what I see or do not see that is being televised?” He serves on the MATC Television Production Advisory Board to provide college curriculum guidance and instruction. “Storytelling is important in news and I want to make sure the next generation of news directors, producers, journalist, and reporters know what to expect and what is expected of them.” Both his parents are deceased. He has two brothers and a host of nieces and nephews in Milwaukee, a nephew in Florida, and a nephew who is a police officer in Indianapolis. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Black Media Association.
fter working at the same Milwaukee-based television broadcast network A for 38 years, Elise Grant-Taylor retired in May of 2018 as the manager of the TV news editing team at TODAY’S TMJ4.
Elise started with TMJ4 under Journal Broadcast Group in 1980 as a news secretary and assignment desk assistant soon after graduating from Marquette University with a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast communications. She explored various roles including on-location reporting, dispatching crews to breaking news coverage, and producing. Elise eventually focused on a career behind the Elise Grant-Taylor camera where she learned a great deal about edTODAY'S TMJ4 iting, video technology, and cataloging. Editing was a position she never fully relinquished because she became so good at it. “WTMJ TV was ing editors, delegating story assignments, and splicing film and editing on three-quarter inch enforcing procedures. Elise continued to manage Editing for another 22 years until she retired. She videotape when I started work there,” she said. says there’s more content today that must be careIn the late 1980’s and early 90’s Elise produced fully scrutinized and obscured before it can go to News 4 at Daybreak and News 4 at 11:30 a.m. air. “Most people don’t understand just how time She prepared show line-ups and wrote scripts consuming it is to produce compelling video and using wire copy, local news releases, 4-ply sheets prevent violation of Federal Communications of carbon-backed paper, and a typewriter. We Commission (FCC) and company regulations.” didn’t have computers back then, “you had to get In 2007, Elise helped lead TMJ4’s transition it right the first time around or you had to start from analogue tape to digital video, and devised all over again,” she said. folders to hold digital content. She says it was exIn 1992, Elise served as video coordinator for tremely challenging and she made certain Edithe news team, and was the go to person for vid- tors received the proper amount of training. Elise eo from TMJ 4 archives. In 1996 she was promot- also took charge of live news feeds, managed ed to executive producer of video and editing, video, and supported news crews with content becoming fully responsible for hiring and train- during live ongoing breaking news coverage. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
There’s so much she misses about her career and the people at TMJ4, but continually meeting live on-air deadlines is not one of them. “Sometimes during the videotape era, we would have people hold doors open and clear a lane in the hallway while an editor ran with a tape to the control room a minute before it was supposed to air,” she said. Elise said she strived to serve as an example at TMJ4 so the door remains open for more people of color in broadcasting. She believes her legacy will prove she was devoted to producing firstrate video content for the viewing audience, and she was one of the first African American women to serve long-term as a manager in a television newsroom in Milwaukee. Elise is a native of Milwaukee and the daughter of (the late) Lloyd and Carnell Grant. She is a member of Christ the King Baptist church. Elise also graduated as class valedictorian of North Division High School in 1975, and was recently honored with the 2018 Media Professional award from the Wisconsin Black Media Association. Elise and her late husband, Reginald Taylor, have two adult children Ayanna and Omari. She says her journey is far from over and she’s in the midst of determining what’s next. An NCON Communications Publication
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ndrea Williams is a native of Louisville, Kentucky who has made Milwaukee A her second home. For 17 years, she has been an
Andrea Williams Jammin' 98.3 FM
Andrea is a former six-year veteran of the Milwaukee Bucks Energee Dance Team and spent 10 seasons as the Milwaukee Bucks Official Game Day Host. She said, 16 years with the Bucks organization was a blessing. She also worked four years for radio station V100. In 2016, Andrea was recognized as one of the Top 44 Most Influential African Americans in Wisconsin. In 2011, she was an honoree for the Women Who Make A Difference award presented by the Top Ladies of Distinction, she has received awards from the UNCF (2007) for being a loyal supporter of youth education and Repairers of the Breach-Milwaukee for being a friend to the homeless. Andrea knows she wears several different hats and is very blessed for having a successful media and entertainment career. She does not take it for granted. She attributes building good and productive working relationships with people in the industry and the community as the anchors for her success. She can be seen hosting Case or No Case commercials for PKSD Law Firm and is currently the executive producer and host of Our Issues Milwaukee, a local public affairs television program, on Milwaukee’s My 24 and CW 18. She believes the work she is doing provides her with multiple ways to educate and inform the community about things that matter by using her love for communicating to inspire, uplift and engage others in improving human relations across cultural, social and economic barriers.
In Milwaukee, Andrea is well known for her community involvement. For several years, she served as the local hostess for An Evening of Stars, the televised fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), a philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for students of color and general scholarship funds for 37 private historically black colleges and universities. She has hosted or co-hosted numerous events in the community including Garfield Avenue Festival, a diverse annual celebration of the Garfield Community, special programs for the Boys and Girls Clubs, Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. and her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Andrea has also served as the mistress of ceremonies for many years at Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Day Celebration, a community-wide street festival. Andrea also enjoys speaking to students at schools, colleges and universities to emphasis her support for academic excellence and shares her own personal and professional advice about working in media and the entertainment business. Despite the many fans and followers she has She does not shy away from important public from being an on-air personality, Andrea said issues because she recognizes the power of influher biggest supporters have always been her famence media personalities can carry and believes it is important to be a resource for the commu- ily. nity.
The
on-air personality on Jammin’ 98.3 FM. She has made listeners feel at home with entertainment, lively conversations and current issues on the radio. Regardless of the kind of day Andrea may be having, she is always focused on making sure her radio listeners enjoy a laugh, smile or a better day because they tuned into her broadcast. “I want listeners to feel like I’m a friend,” said Andrea. When she is not behind the microphone, she meets listeners at various venues around the city and many times she gets asked for a hug, not an autograph. “When I meet someone for the first time and they share a moment with me, I know then they consider me a friend.” In addition to her duties on 98.3, she is also the news and public affairs director for five sister stations at The Milwaukee Radio Group, where she produces and hosts a weekly public affairs program. Andrea’s radio career started in her hometown when she was 16 years old, interning at a local radio station. It is how she discovered her love for music and sharing daily news. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio in 1994. Following graduation, she worked at a radio station in Dayton, Ohio. Her love for communicating provided her with career opportunities in several U.S. markets including Milwaukee, Dayton, Ohio and Washington, DC. “I know entertainment can be a tricky business, so I’ve always had to keep my head on straight and be smart,” she said. Although she keeps her star-stuck moments in check, one of her favorite interviews was with Diahann Carroll, an iconic African American actress, singer and model. The interview was only supposed to last 10 minutes, but it turned into a four-part radio series. “It’s an interview I will never forget, she is a true diva,” Andrea said.
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n 1980 as Milwaukee native Kim A. Robinson neared graduation with a bachelor I of science in criminal justice and social work
from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh soon to be his, he began to explore career possibilities. It did not take him long to choose law enforcement. He was accepted into the Police Academy as a recruit officer of the Milwaukee Police Department in June of that year. He was given a merit award in 1983 for his arrest of a suspect in a homicide case in Juneau Park. In 1984 he was promoted to identification technician in the Bureau of Identification (B of I), he assisted the FBI with the identification of passengers from Midwest Air Express Flight 105 which crashed on September 6, 1985 and claimed 31 lives. He was sent to the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia for 80 hours of additional study in advanced latent fingerprint and classification of prints. When the MPD computerized its fingerprint collection, Kim was one of the first officers trained to operate it and thereafter helped train other officers in how to use the system. He was certified by the International Association for Identification as a crime scene analyst II in 1990. As part of his forensics work Kim was frequently called upon to photograph, collect and preserve biological evidence at crime scenes and through experience and additional training, he became an expert on the technical details necessary to take good quality images. In 2003, Kim was promoted to police identification supervisor with 35 officers and civilians in the Identification Section of the MPD reporting to him. He was the first African American to be promoted to Identification Technician and Police Identification Supervisor. He retired in 2017. A Milwaukee native, Kim was the third of four children born to Alonzo and Theresa Robinson. His father was the first registered African American architect in the state of Wisconsin, design-
Kim A. Robinson Milwaukee Police Department (Retired)
raphy including the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball ing the Milwaukee Fire Department headquar- Association, boxing, and college sports. Kim said ters at 711 West Wells Street, and also a number the work has allowed him to indulge his passion of churches. Kim said he was very interested in for sports and enabled him the opportunity to sports, especially basketball as a child, a passion travel. He estimates that he spends an average of which he still enjoys. He earned a diploma from about 15 hours a week working as a photograRiverside University High School in 1975. He pher. and a wife, Terese (Wheeler) have two daughters and one son, all adults. Kim has also been an active community volAfter his retirement from the MPD, Kim put unteer, especially with the Boys and Girls Club the photography skills he had developed as a where he said he has given a number of presenforensics specialist to use as a freelance photog- tations on photography and forensics. He also rapher and photo journalist. He credits the late serves as a mentor to youth through the Kappa Harry Kemp with mentoring him over the years Alpha Psi fraternity Kappa League. While a poand encouraging him to consider freelance pho- lice officer and retired, he is active in the League tography after retirement. of Martin, an organization of police officers ded“When I saw what Harry was doing, I realized icated to educating the community about law there were many other opportunities to work in enforcement topics and encouraging members photography,” he said. “Photography is still a vi- of the community to consider becoming law enable career. Digital photography has taken things forcement professionals. to another level and jobs are fewer, but there will always be a need, especially for sports photogra“You’d be surprised at the impact you can make phy and photo journalism.” mentoring youth,” Kim said. “It may not be eviIn addition to shooting weddings, Kim also dent immediately. Sometimes it’s only years later does freelance work for a number of newspapers, that you realize the impact you’ve had.” including The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper. He specializes in live-action sports photog-
The
Milwaukee Urban League Congratulates to the 34th Annual Black Excellence Award Honorees for “The Excellence of Imagination, Boldness, and Innovation: Honoring our Entrepreneurs"
Jocelyn Johnson, Board Chair Dr. Eve M. Hall, President and CEO Jocelyn Johnson
Dr. Eve M. Hall
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hen Milwaukee native Kevin Games was born, his eyes were an unusual W shade of blue-gray, according to his mother, Glo-
ria. Neither she nor Kevin’s father, the late Pastor Joe Games, Sr., realized anything was wrong with his vision until Kevin was five-months-old and a doctor concluded that Kevin was blind due to congenital glaucoma. Although he was visually impaired, Kevin’s exceptional musical talent was evident while he was still very young. He was already playing the piano by the time he was five years old. “I play everything by ear,” Kevin said. “It usually doesn’t take long to learn.” Often Kevin adds his own interpretation to the original composition. When he was old enough to attend school, Kevin’s parents decided to send him to Holy Assumption Catholic School in West Allis. Holy Assumption offered classes for the visually impaired taught by Sr. Melmarie. He graduated from Messmer High School in 1981. By that time he was already an experienced musical performer. When he was still in grade school, Kevin brief-
Kevin Games Providence Baptist Church ly studied the musical alphabet with a professor of music from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The professor taught Kevin the names of the keys he was playing and then brought him to other schools to perform for students. He also received some formal training from Mary Ann Koch who was with Holy Assumption. For the most part he is selftrained. During high school, Kevin seldom had access to the school curriculum in Braille. Instead his mother read the lesson to him and asked him questions until she was satisfied that he understood the topic. Kevin would then use
rlene Newson-Lawrence is a vibrant, colorful, and dynamic woman of God, A who elegantly wears Proverbs 18:16 on her heart as she travels on the paths designed for her. Indeed, “a man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Arlene has a beautiful life path to excellence. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Arlene fondly remembers how she was 12 years old when she first realized she had gift. At 12, she received her first paycheck for her musical talents by playin the piano on her first 45 record. Soon after, Arlene attended Rufus King High School, while there, she helped teach the Swing Choir the song, Gifts Maketh Room.
Formally, Arlene was not trained to read music but instead always played and taught solely by ear. In the late 1970’s, Arlene attended the Office Arlene Newson-Lawrence Technology Academy and attained certification Antioch Baptist Missionary Church in computer literacy. In the 1980’s Arlene worked as a studio background vocalist and co-writer which led her to work alongside many musical greats, such as: Aretha Franklin, Rev Al Green, New Kids on the Block, Michael Bolton, Dave Matthews, and many others. Since 2011, Arlene has served as the music director and organist at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Additionally, Arlene is music director for the Laymen’s Choir of the General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin.
a Braille writer to complete his homework assignment, so he would have it to refer back to in class the following day while his mother wrote out his assignments for the teachers so that they could be handed in. When Kevin was 13 years old, the husband of the original musician at Providence Baptist Church accepted a position with another congregation and Kevin took her place. He has been the church musician at Providence ever since. He plays piano, electronic synthesizer and organ. After graduating from high school, Kevin briefly moved into a residential facility maintained by the Badger Association for the Blind, but it was not a good fit. Kevin said he is too independent and he missed his mother’s cooking. Kevin later learned to use a microwave and the stove. He is the older of two boys. His younger brother, Joe, Jr., died of heart disease on December 3, 2017. His father was the founding pastor of Providence Baptist Church. He died in 2013. When he is not performing or practicing at church, Kevin enjoys television, movies, plays, church revivals and concerts during his leisure time. He is a dedicated Packers’ fan and also enjoys electronic technology, especially smartphones. He gets around on his own using taxis or a para transportation service, but said he is not too proud to ask for help if he needs it. Kevin also continues to perform. He plays at weddings and funerals and is the organizer of a Gospel choral group called “God’s Chosen.” Kevin grew up listening to Gospel musicians such as the Williams Brothers, Andraé Crouch and the Richard Smallwood Singers. When some of those musicians performed in Milwaukee, Kevin was invited to play during some of those concerts. He said meeting some of his childhood musical heroes was an exceptional thrill. people—in humility and in excellence as to please an excellent God. Arlene is the wife of Mr. William Lawrence of 25 years; together they share four children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Arlene humbly and openly credits God for all of her numerous accomplishments, as “… God proves himself over and over again.”
When asked what excellence means to her, Arlene fondly remembered her childhood and the fact that, “there was no doing things a second time.” She was diligently taught to do things excellent first and foremost—this probing towards excellence first, is a virtue that has remained with her all of her life. When asked to provide a word of advice for young people searching for their own pathways to excellence and success, Arlene urges them to not fall victim to the world, as the world is fickle and will fool them; God must be kept first as He and He alone, will direct one’s path.
Arlene is deeply involved in a number of community organizations and programs in Greater Milwaukee and nationwide. Arlene volunteered for more than 30 years as a music coordinator and Organist for The Wisconsin Community Choir, worked with the Milwaukee chapter of the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America, and the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. Arlene is a nationally renowned gospel musician, song writer, director, and teacher who is led and directed by the Holy Spirit and fueled by the Word of God. To Arlene, her greatest accomplishment has been using her God given gifts to serve, walk alongside, minister with and through God’s An NCON Communications Publication
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ev. Volina Cross-Dukes recalls that as a child growing up in Kosciusko, Mississippi, she and her friends would “play church" and whenever they did, she was the minister. Rev. Cross-Dukes moved to Milwaukee for her senior year and graduated from North Division High School in 1958. Despite her childhood interest in church Rev. Cross-Dukes said her parents, Arthur W. and Piccolar (Hutchins) Cross, had to coerce her to leave the “Mourners Bench,” for children not yet joined to the church at the Little Hill Missionary Baptist Church during a summer revival. “Other youth, often reported witnessing a great light or some other holy intervention,” Rev. Cross-Dukes said. “I kept waiting for something like that to happen to me.” Something like that did happen to Rev. CrossDukes, but it was many years later. As a result of that experience Rev. Cross-Dukes went to theology school, graduated and became one of the first African American female pastors of a mainline denomination in Milwaukee. Before that religious experience, she married her husband, Shaley, in 1964. The couple had three children: Shaley, Kathy and Russell. In addition to being a mother, Rev. Cross-Dukes also had a career. From 1979-1999, she held a number of positions at MATC, including part-time instructor, career information specialist and coordinator of the career resource center. While she was working and caring for her family, she also began taking college classes. She earned an associate of arts degree in secretarial science in 1975 and an undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1982. She was honored for having one of the highest-grade point averages among her class, graduating cum laude. She also earned a master’s
Rev. Volina Cross-Dukes Good Shepherd Trinity Church degree in administrative leadership from UWM in 1989. Rev. Cross-Dukes said her religious experience came one day unexpectedly when she was going through a difficult period around 1994 and on the day in question sitting alone in her kitchen feeling sorry for herself. She said she clearly heard a voice ask her what she had done for God while He was watching over her. After calming down Rev. Cross-Dukes said she asked out loud what it was that she should do. The answer she received was to “preach and teach my word.” She enrolled in the Milwaukee Theological Institute that same year, graduating in 1996, and then earned a master of arts degree in pastoral care and counseling from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2001. She was named interim pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in January 2000. From 2005-2009, she served as Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church which recently merged with Good Shepherd Presbyterian and was renamed Good Shepherd Trinity Church. Although retired as full-time pastor, Rev. Cross-Dukes still volunteers with the Good
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espite his family being members of Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church since 1942, Rev. Johnny C. White, Jr., was living a “very secular life” in Orlando, Florida as a staff engineer developing some of the U.S. military’s most sophisticated fighter aircraft and missile systems for the Martin Marietta Corporation before he had a life-changing religious conversion in January 1982. “God got my attention,” Rev. White said. “I gave my life to Christ, something I had not previously done.” Rev. White grew up the oldest of four children born to Johnny White, Sr., a deacon at Greater Galilee Baptist Church who worked for A.O. Smith and Delores White, a musician and vocalist for Greater Galilee who also worked as an aide at Andrew Douglas School and later at Badger Meter. His parents set high standards for their children and Rev. White excelled in school earning a diploma from Rufus King High School, attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1970-1973, the Milwaukee School of Engineering from 1975-1977 where he earned degrees in management and manufacturing engineering and finally Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida from 1981-1982. After his conversion, Rev. White enrolled in United Bible College and Seminary in Orlando where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master of divinity degree. In 1990, Rev. White discerned a call to return to Wisconsin. Initially, his wife, Varnaree (Roundtree) and three children: Naeemah, Kikora and John had doubts about leaving Florida for Wisconsin. The family has grown to love Milwaukee and his wife and two daughters continue to live and work in the city. After moving to Wisconsin, Rev. White was ordained at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
Rev. Johnny C. White, Jr. Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Church in November 1991. He also worked as a senior manufacturing engineer for Case Corporation in Racine for five years. In 1995 he accepted a position as senior project engineer for Johnson Controls, Inc. After leaving Johnson Controls, he served as president of HeartLove Place, Inc. His responsibilities there included overseeing construction of a $4 million facility, developing programs and leading the not-for-profit Christian outreach ministry. He also served two years as director of business operations for the Social Development Commission. Beginning in 2000 Rev. White became pastor of United Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Racine. After three years he started a new ministry, Beacon Hill Christian Evangelistic Church in Milwaukee. He began his pastorate at Greater Galilee in 2007, the same year he accepted a position as director of development for the North Avenue Communality Development Corporation.
Shepherd Trinity Church food pantry and serves as a Presbyterian supply pastor, preaching occasionally at local Presbyterian churches including Good Shepherd Trinity. During her time as pastor, the congregation became more involved in the local community. One of the ways Rev. Cross-Dukes and the congregation accomplished this was to implement the “Adopt A School Program” with the Townsend Street Elementary School across the street from Trinity. A member of the congregation who was a scientist helped develop hands-on science lessons for fifth graders and children in older grades were taught life skills such as how to manage money and how to conduct oneself while working at a job. Help with homework and tutoring were also offered by retired teachers. Many of the projects were centered on “God’s Garden,” a vacant lot which was transformed into a community garden. The church also ran a summer youth program – Black Male Empowerment - that provided paid employment for the neighborhood youth during the summer months. Rev. Cross-Dukes is the published author of Getting Honest: A Memoir of a Spiritual Journey. She is a past president of the pastor’s caucus for Milwaukee Inner City Churches Allied for Hope (MICAH).
Greater Galilee is one of the largest congregations in Milwaukee and is considered a pillar of the Milwaukee Christian community. During the pastorship of Rev. White, the congregation of Greater Galilee has grown and the congregation has initiated significant outreach ministry efforts to the local community. Rev. White left the North Avenue Community Corporation in 2011. Since then he has channeled all of his vocational energy into the ministry. Rev. White said the church was already an innovator in community outreach before he arrived, but under his leadership, the church is about to redouble its efforts as construction nears completion on the Greater Life Community Center, a new, 20,000 square-foot facility. Rev. White said the community center will be an expansion of what Greater Galilee is already doing which includes a credit union, a Head Start program, coordination with Feeding America, delivering meals to shut-in senior citizens and much, much more. The new building will also feature other tenants and already has lease agreements with the Above the Clouds an arts program and Lead 2 Change. The Greater Galilee Community Development Corporation was recently award a contract with the Milwaukee County Department on Aging Senior Center, Rev. White said.
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llen Blathers is a dedicated leader in the nonprofit industry. Ellen was born and E raised in Milwaukee. She received a bachelor of
Community Warehouse teaching men how to take personal inventory of their skills and personal development. She also has volunteered for several projects at her church. Ellen has been a member of Christian Faith Fellowship Church of God in Christ for more than 25 years.
science degree in business administration from Cardinal Stritch University in 2008 and a master of business administration degree from Grand Canyon University in 2012.
Ellen is currently working on her doctorate in organizational leadership which she hopes to complete by the end of 2019. Ellen’s career path includes working for The Milwaukee Times over 30 years ago. When working for The Milwaukee Times, she saw how African American entrepreneurs can make a positive impact on the community with a spirit of excellence. Ellen also worked at The Milwaukee Business Journal. But she felt that she could make more of a difference in her community in another capacity. Ellen has worked at various nonprofit organizations over the years. In 2000, she became a part of a mission team to start a nonprofit organization to help men struggling with alcohol and addiction. Ellen is currently the executive director for Serenity Inns, Inc. She leads a small dedicated staff of six people who are in recovery themselves. The staff is committed to helping the men in the program on their path to recovery. There are also hundreds of volunteers who support this seven month residential recovery program. Ellen’s work includes directing daily and weekly operations of the organization as well as working closely with the board of directors.
Ellen Blathers Serenity Inns, Inc. year and also acts as a community building function for the metro Milwaukee area. There is also an outpatient program that operates at a local church. Individuals can receive treatment while waiting for a bed at Serenity Inn. She has also worked with the board of directors to purchase an apartment building for the men once they’ve completed the seven month residential program. They still have continued support in an independent living environment. Ellen loves the fact that she gets to see the transformation of men battling addiction to being in recovery and realizing the purpose God has for their lives.
Outside of her work, Ellen still finds time to serve the community in other ways. She has been Ellen works with more than 200 volunteers invited to talk with men and others in the comthrough the Dinner Fellowship Program. The munity about addictions. Ellen also volunteers at volunteers serve a hot meal to the men 365 days a
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ary A. Proctor Brown is a 33-year seasoned employee of Milwaukee County. Mary is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She graduated from Pine Bluff Public Schools in 1973. She graduated from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and minor in accounting in 1976. After living in Michigan for several years, she relocated to Milwaukee in 1981 to seek better career opportunities. Mary started her career as an accounts payable clerk with a local advertising company for nearly three years. She then went on to work for the Department of Administration Budget Office of Milwaukee County as a budget analyst on April, 1, 1985. Mary worked in this position until 1991. After being a caregiver for her mom, Mary saw the community need for long term care services for the elderly. This is where her passion of giving and caring stems from. She was hired by the newly formed Department on Aging as the budget analyst in June 1991. This was after months of public meetings before the Department on Aging was formed operating separately from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Greater Milwaukee Beautiful - Great American clean-up, United Way, voter registrar, home delivered holiday meals, United Negro College Fund Walk, Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, LePirl Child Development Academy. She’s also a member of the American Society of Women Accountants and the Jeremiah Missionary Baptist Church Board of Directors; New Member Committee.
Mary A. Proctor Brown Milwaukee County Department on Aging
ganization in Milwaukee County. This is now known as Family Care, and the pilot has expanded throughout the state of Wisconsin. The creation of the Care Management Organization as an enterprise fund within the Milwaukee County governmental accounting system. The expansion of the Department on Aging Care Management Mary has been with the Department on Aging Organization to include serving persons with for 27 years and has had many accomplishments disabilities, ages 18-59. The creation of the Care which include: the acquisition of five coun- Management Organization as a department, septy-owned senior centers from the Parks Depart- arate and independently managed apart from the ment, breathing new life into facilities that con- Department on Aging after 10 years. tinue to serve as meal sites, recreation, wellness Mary has developed departmental budgets inand fitness centers, cooling spots during extreme creasing from approximately $18 million to $260 summer weather and much more. The creation of capital improvement and major maintenance million at its height with Family Care. budgets prioritizing senior center work projects Outside of her career, Mary is very active in her for safe and wholesome environments where community as well. Her community involvement seniors can congregate. Serving as one of a few Wisconsin counties to pilot a Family Care Ag- includes: Neighborhood Watch Program, Huning Resource Center and Care Management or- ger Task Force, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Keep An NCON Communications Publication
Ellen’s relationship with God motivates her to choose excellence in her life and career. Her husband, children and grandchildren inspire her to be the best in everything that she does. Ellen believes that serving the Lord encourages service and excellence. “When you are able to serve, to give back, that is the epitome of excellence,” she says. Her mother and aunts taught her that life is service to others, and you are only as rich as what you give. “I will never forget the conversation I had with my mother the week before my graduation. I was bragging about graduating to her friends in front of her. She smiled and sat silent. After her friends, walked away, she told me I should have done it 20 years ago. I thought to myself that I could never please her. Then she explained what she meant and I will never forget. Do not get complacent, never forget where you came from, strive always for excellence and never settle.” Ellen wants to leave a legacy behind in the lives of those that she’s had the fortune to come into contact with. Ellen believes the one thing that service and excellence have in common is integrity, the importance of having a moral code and a willingness to live it. Ellen Blathers is married with three sons and has 11 grandchildren.
Mary has had the honor of working in the departments of eight of the nine Milwaukee County Executives, including the late David F. Schulz who hired her; Janine Geske, the first female Milwaukee County Executive; the late Lee Holloway, the first African American Milwaukee County Executive; and Marvin Pratt, an African American who also served as mayor of the City of Milwaukee. Mary is grateful for Milwaukee County and “to be able to serve and give in the hope of making it a better place from which I found it.” Mary is a divorcee with one daughter, ShaRhaina Brown. Mary likes a memorable saying by the late David F. Schulz: “Milwaukee – a great city by a great lake”. The last 33 years have indeed been great for Mary and great for those who benefitted from her service.
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arly in her career Vivian C. Mays began to formulate a plan that would enable her to E retire at an early age and devote herself to traveling and spending as much time as she wanted doing volunteer work. She arrived in Milwaukee at six months old and considers herself a Milwaukee native. She is the second of seven children born to Edward and Katherine McNealey. Vivian graduated from Rufus King International High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in finance from Alverno College. She began her career as an accounts manager with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Wisconsin. Eventually she accepted a position with Milwaukee County where she worked for 19 years, retiring as director of admissions and patient services at Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex. She is a wife, mother, devoted grandmother, and mentor. She has been a member of her church for more than 40 years serving as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School, Alter Guild, Lay Reader and former member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Board. Her passion for volunteerism began at an early age thru Girls Scouts and during her teen years as a Candy Striper at Veterans Hospital. In college she was initiated in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she dedicated her time, talent, and skills by actively supporting all the projects and numerous community initiatives. Her adult life has been a busy one. She is a life member of
Vivian C. Mays The Links, Inc. WI Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction which sponsors Top Teens of America, The VFW Ladies Auxiliary and a 25-year member of The Links, Inc. These organizations empowered Vivian to be a dedicated public servant in the Milwaukee community. “My passion is for children and young adults,” Vivian said, “Helping them overcome obstacles in school, and the community.” She has worked with a passion the last six years at a local MPS school, tutoring math and reading to fourth and fifth graders to help improve their reading scores. During that period, she started a reading initiative that would not only assist the children during school hours and after school but would also provide reading materials at home and during the summer months. She began the reading initiative with Siefert School during her term as chair of Services to Youth, The Links, Inc. WI Chapter. The initiative has
licia Smith McCants is a dynamic leader, who takes great pride in her own A personal journey to excellence. Born and raised
husband Edison as he passed away after a long and difficult fight with cancer. One of the unique hobbies they both had in common was a love for Chicago Style ‘Steppin’. As a woman who has always had a spirit of giving back, in honor of her late husband Edison, Alicia and Cynthia Wilson co-founded the Milwaukee Steppers and Ballroomers United. This organization has been able to give Milwaukee an invaluable gift: Stepping With the Stars. Through putting her love, passion, and joy together, Alicia created the Edison McCants Comfort Fund, which actively supports cancer patients, cancer specific initiatives provided by Aurora at Home, and nursing staff. In 2018, the fund was able to raise upwards of $75,000.
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alicia attended Milwaukee Technical and Trade High School. From a young age, Alicia has demonstrated the ways in which compassion is a fixture of her very being. As a child Alicia was lovingly known as “Mother Theresa,” as giving her last, helping others, and supporting others is what she has always found important. She lovingly remembers the ways she would run up and down her neighborhood sharing her grapes and snacks—this altruistic and dedicated spirit yet remains. Shortly after completing high school, Alicia traveled alongside her father who suddenly had an aortic aneurism which left him paralyzed and welcomed her daughter RaShonda Stewart, who was born with sickle cell disease. In many ways, unexpected life circumstances forced Alicia to grow up in ways that others her age, may not have. Courage, grit, compassion, sacrifice, and dedication are the threads that bind Alicia to the work to which she so willingly commits her life. Alicia began her professional career at Children’s Hospital as an administrative assistant, grew within the company, and became the director of donor relations. After many years at Children’s Hospital, Alicia transitioned to Aurora Health Care (now known as Advocate Aurora Health) where she has been for the past 10 years. She serves as the director of operations and analytics. Within this role, Alicia manages different departments, system operations, prospective research, donor acknowledgment, and fundraising. No amount of success comes without the responsibility of reaching in, giving back, and inwww.milwaukeetimesnews.com
provided an enhanced library at the school with over 300 hundred books selected by the students and a comfortable atmosphere for reading. For the last four years at the end of the school year all students have been given a gift of books for summer reading. The Siefert School students have been the beneficiary of warm wraps initiative she started four years ago, providing all students with hats, gloves, and scarves for the winter months. Vivian is an active member, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. a national service organization, she has mentored Top Teens of American utilizing Chapter resources in a creative manner to increase awareness of the need for a healthy self-concept/self-worthiness and greater sense of personal and social responsibility and accountability in the community. She has previously served Top Ladies of Distinction as president, vice president and a national officer. During her time with the organization, more than 100 local students in the Milwaukee Community have been “groomed” for college and success in whatever vocation they choose. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has an international platform of service projects which are carried out in local communities. During the past 30 years Vivian has focused on women’s health issues, providing backpacks to young students throughout the world, and offering career counseling and mentoring to high school students. Vivian estimates that she dedicates an average of about 25 hours a week to volunteering with the various organizations to which she belongs. “As long as the Lord wakes me up in the morning, I will do something for someone else, I will continue volunteering,” Vivian said.
Alicia Smith McCants Aurora Health Care vesting across one’s community. Alicia is deeply dedicated and involved in a number of community organizations and programs in Greater Milwaukee, and beyond. Alicia is a current board member for the Social Development Commission, is actively involved in stop the violence activities in Milwaukee, selflessly supports the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s Sickle Cell Clinic, and is on the state leadership board for the American Cancer Society.
According to Alicia, excellence is something that “…we all have in us, if we can focus on being authentically true to who we are.” To Alicia being excellent moves beyond just taking care of oneself, it instead travels outside, down sidewalks, into dark alleyways, living room couches, and into the hearts of others. When asked if there was any advice she would give anyone who wanted to be successful, she stated it is imperative to remember that even if “…all the odds are stacked against you, there are opportunities for success. Perseverance is key.”
In 2012, Alicia steadfastly stood alongside her An NCON Communications Publication
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M&S CLINICAL SERVICES, INC Northside Access Point 2821 N 4th Street, Suite 210 Milwaukee, WI 53212 414-263-6000 fax 414-263-2270 www.msclinicalservices.com
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An Anonymous Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
February 21 - 7 PM Black, Jewish and Red Join Jewish Museum Milwaukee in exploring how Communists and Socialists understood racism and anti-Semitism and became an important catalyst for intellectual, artistic and political innovation, setting the stage for the Civil Rights Movement with Elliot Ratzman, Fellow at Lawrence University. Program Sponsor: The Black-Jewish Alliance of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
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Reid's New Golden Gate Funeral Home, Inc. Racine Location: 1910 Taylor Avenue Racine, WI 53403 262-632-7300
Milwaukee Location: 5665 N. Teutonia Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53209 414-358-0538
Milwaukee Location: 2535 N. Teutonia Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53206 414-264-0600
Congratulations to the 2019 Black Excellence Honorees and this year’s Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients !
Through the years, Arthur Reid, Jr., President and CEO of Reid’s New Golden Gate Funeral Home, has received multiple awards and recognitions from the City of Milwaukee, local television stations, various churches and community organizations. He is a lifetime NAACP member as well as a recipient of the Black Excellence Award. For many years, Arthur has made annual contributions to various organizations, including to recipients of the Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Fund, Inc., to help community youth further their education by providing laptops and tablet computers as well as Bibles.
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The Counseling Corner By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
Black History Month: Joining the fight for social justice - Human Trafficking (Week 3) "Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The
Human trafficking, a trade in humans most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker, is condemned as a gross violation of human rights and blatant disregard for human life. Traffickers of young girls into prostitution in many foreign countries are often “women who have been trafficked themselves. As adults they use personal relationships and trust in their villages of origin to recruit additional girls. In some cases, traffickers approach very vulnerable women (including underage girls) to offer them "legitimate" work or the promise of an opportunity for education. In order to obtain control over their
victims, traffickers will use force, drugs, emotional tactics and financial methods. On occasion, they will even resort to various forms of violence, such as gang rape and mental and physical abuse. Sometimes, the victims will succumb to Stockholm Syndrome (which is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages express empathy and sympathy and have positive feelings toward their captors, sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with them). This is particularly effective with younger victims, because they are more inexperienced and therefore easily manipulated.” (Source: Wikipedia.com). While we may want to believe that human trafficking and slavery are horrific aspects of our past, this serious abuse of human rights has existed in some form globally and in recent years has made a dramatic resurgence. Human trafficking is not just a foreign problem, but a domestic one, too. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports people are being bought, sold, and smuggled like modern-day
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slaves. They are trapped in lives of misery—often beaten, starved, and forced to work as prostitutes or to take grueling jobs as migrant, domestic, restaurant, or factory workers with little or no pay. The FBI is working to stop human trafficking because of the personal and psychological toll it takes on society. If you believe you are the victim of a trafficking situation OR you may have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) at 1-888373-7888 or visit them at: http://www.polarisproject. org/what-we-do/national-human-trafficking-hotline. NHTH is a national, tollfree hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking vic-
tims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. You can also submit a tip to the NHTH online. The NHTH can assist in identifying resources in Wisconsin and help victims coordinate with local service organizations. Many of the referrals made are for advocacy to ensure rights of those who have been trafficked; transportation to appointments; legal advocacy when reporting being a victim of a crime (e.g. kidnapping, sexual assault, trafficking); sexual abuse/assault advocacy and support groups; domestic violence advocacy and support groups, just to name a few. Beloved, the bottom line is, human trafficking represents a human catastrophe on a global scale. In addition to being a blatant disregard for human life, human trafficking is also an insult to the
gospel of Jesus Christ. Victims of human trafficking who have been turned into illegal and disposable commodities, is the new class of the unreached. Spurred by the call of Luke 4:18, it is my prayer the faith community, community leaders and organizations will continue to respond to this crucial social justice issue by educating and raising awareness of human trafficking to stem the tide of foreign and domestic human trafficking of persons. Next Week: Conclusion General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
The Sam & Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies Proudly Presents:
Michael W. Twitty & The Cooking Gene Monday, February 18 • 6 p.m. Book Talk: Michael Twitty, The Cooking Gene Mitchell Street Library 906 W. Historic Mitchell Street Reservations Required: 414-286-3011 Tuesday, February 19 • 4 p.m. Panel Discussion The Cooking Gene with Author Michael Twitty, Moderated by Wisconsin Foodie host Kyle Cherek, with Portia Cobb, Jennifer Jordan, and Shahanna McKinney Baldon UWM Gold Meir Library, 4th Floor 2311 E. Hartford Avenue Michael W. Twitty is a culinary and cultural historian and Judaic Studies teacher whose interests include food culture, food history, Jewish cultural issues, African American history, and cultural politics. He has spoken around the world on culinary justice and the African American impact on Southern foodways, and the complexities of his identity as a gay, African American, Jewish man. His book, The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South, is the 2018 winner of two prestigious James Beard Awards: for Best Food Writing and Book of the Year. Michael’s second book, Kosher Soul, is scheduled for publication in late 2019.
Michael W. Twitty
Books will be available for purchase from Boswell Book Company, and the author will be available to sign copies. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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The
Annual
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nc
Th
e Milwauk e
s Presen ime ts T e
eA w ards
2018 Black Excellence Awards
ck E xce
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The 2019 Black Excellence Awards would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of a great group of positive and motivated staff and volunteers. They are: 2019 Black Excellence Committee: Lynda Jackson Conyers (Chair), Shirley Sharp (Co-Chair), Vi Hawkins (Co-Chair), Brenda Sheppard-Nelson, Jacquelyn Heath (Co-Chair), Dawn D. Jackson, Nobie Reed, Fred Reed, Sherry Hill, Sabrina Grant, Mary Leach Sumlin, Dr. Willie Hart, Dr. Shirley Moutry, George Matthews, Angela Allgood, Yvonne Kemp, Carmen MurguĂa 2019 Event Planner: Sabrina Grant 2019 Black Excellence Staff Writers: Jacquelyn Heath, S.K. French, Felice Green, Radiah Hubbert, Camile Lester, John Miller, Steve Waring, Synovia Moss
MILWAUKEE 2019
The Milwaukee Times Staff: Lynda Jackson Conyers (Publisher), Morgan A. Conyers (Associate Publisher), Michelle Anibas, William Gooden, Terry Taylor, Carmen MurguĂa, Jacquelyn Heath, Frank James IV, Rev. Judith Lester
Saturday, March 16, 2019 Milwaukee Art Museum CO-CHAIRS Celia J. Shaugnessy
Joan M. Price, Ph.D.
U.S. Ambassador Emeritus United Nations
Chief Human Resources Officer Ascension Wisconsin
HONOREE Grady Crosby
Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Public Affairs at Johnson Controls International, President Johnson Controls Foundation
A Special Thank-you to: Our Media partner WISN Channel 12 and our Volunteers from the Milwaukee Urban League
FEATURING Reception Honoree Award Presentation Elegant Dining Parade of Masks Dancing and Live Entertainment Reservations for prime seating and sponsorships are now being accepted. For more information, call UNCF at 414.372.6700 or 414.975.9543 or email julietta.henry@uncf.org.
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Volunteers: Dawn D. Jackson, Gregory Fanning, Nellie Weddle, Tamara Toles, Charlene Golden, Greg Toles, Felicia Sharp, Jaye Syc, Nobie Reed (Chair), Sabrina Grant, Stella Miller, Mia Golden, Melvin Reese, Vi Hawkins (Co-Chair), Monica Payne
#UNCFMILW
The entire 2019 Black Excellence Team would also like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the members of our community including the businesses, churches, media, and local leaders who have supported our event over the years.
Thank You! An NCON Communications Publication
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Building A Better Career By WFA Staffing Group We received a call last week from a great candidate, Jim, who had just completed an interview. The candidate said it went great and he expected a job offer. Sounds great, we thought. So, we called the client and asked how it went. The client said great and they would be extending an offer to Bob. Hold on we said, what about Jim? Jim didn’t quite have the attributes they were looking for. So, it was time for another difficult call. How do you prepare for a call like that? No one really can, but like a marathon runner, in order to even finish the race, we have to be ready for anything coming our way. So prepare for each and every interview like it was a race you wanted to win.
Finding a job is like running a marathon
pages but you can bet that the good HR people are checking yours out before you arrive. Especially if they are interested in hiring you.
Is this starting to sound like a lot of work? Well hopefully so, because it is. Believe us when we say company hiring executives are impressed when you tell them you like the company statement of purpose on the web site. Remember the people you say that to are likely the ones that
helped write it. Thousands of people run marathons every year and many don’t finish. Like getting a new job, none of the finishers get to the finish line without a great deal of preparation. Finally if you don’t make it to the finish line, immediately start preparation for the next race. The race goes on whether or not you are in it, so get over the pain of losing and get ready for it. Your competition is!
Congratulations, Honorees your Congratulations, honorees, on your on excellent Excellent Achievements. achievements. For a great tomorrow, save today
First, study the company’s web site – all of it. This is also a great place to find out how to dress for the interview. It is OK to be a little overdressed but never underdressed. Employers want to see that you have respect for the company and position that you are seeking. Second, Google® the company and read any recent articles. You will find out immediately about both the good and the bad and then you can prepare for it. Third, if you know who you are talking to, check out their information on LinkedIn. Immediately after the interview, connect with these people with LinkedIn. So, yes this means you need to be on LinkedIn. A must on this site is including a business-like picture of you. Fourth, just as important is to check out the people you are interviewing with on Facebook. Do not connect with them just see what they are interested in. We would suggest not mentioning that you looked at their Facebook® An NCON Communications Publication
Columbia Savings & Loan Association 2020 W. Fond Du Lac Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205 Milwaukee’s oldest black owned and operated financial institution. For 95 years, Columbia Savings and Loan Association has been assisting Milwaukee citizens in acquiring HOMES with affordable mortgage loans, and providing saving accounts and certificates of deposit for the people of Milwaukee to SAVE and create financial security. We want to help you, too.
Contact us at (414) 374-0486
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THE PRESIDENT'S BOOKSHELF Books to build your personal library of inspiration
By Lynda Jackson Conyers For years, Nathan Conyers compiled lists of books which inspired him as a writer; that presented thoughts and experiences with which he believed everyone could identify with; and thereby gain insight, strength, and guidance. He thought that everyone should have their own library of spiritual, inspirational, and self-help books with which to inspire themselves. He sincerely believed that reading can give you courage, confidence and the power to live victoriously in life.
on Owning Your Business; Tiger Woods on Setting Goals; Mary Kay Ash on Planning, and Kelvin Boston on Initiative.
Truth, Zora Neale Hurston, Martin Luther King, Maya Angelou, Frances E.W. Harper, Malcolm X, Alex Haley, Benjamin Banneker, Phillis Wheatley; and the The African American unsung ship captain, Robert Book of Values Smalls; Underground RailBy: Steven Barboza road "conductor" William 960 pages Still; stoplight inventor, EliPublisher: Doubleday; jah McCoy (better known 1 edition (September 15, as the "Real McCoy") ; poet 1998) Georgia Douglas Johnson; In The African American etiquette maven Charlotte Book of Values, Steven BarHawkins Brown; Elizabeth boza has gathered together a Keckley, seamstress to Mary wealth of stories that make Todd Lincoln; The African up a moral map for modern a few) the well-known: American Book of Values living. Relying on the words Langston Hughes, Fred- illustrates for young and and stories of (to name erick Douglass, Sojourner old, black and white the
I must admit Nathan did so in his own way. Nathan battled a array of medical problems from 1992 to April 2018. He never lost the zeal to better himself. If we put into consciousness that which inspires and uplifts, it stands to reason that we shall tend to inspire and uplift others. Here is a list of books from Nathan's personal library which inspired him.
necessary characteristics by which we should lead our lives. Split into two sections – "The Book of Self-Mastery" and "The Book of Empathy," and augmented by blackand-white photos, line drawings and color illustrations, The African-American Book of Values will be a stunning "must-have" addition to African American and American households everywhere. (Continued on page 42)
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2019 Black Excellence Awards
The Soul of Success: Inspiring Quotations for Entrepreneurs By: Janet Cheatham Bell 208 pages Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (October 16, 1997) The Soul of Success is a combination of the most profound thoughts of some of the world's greatest achievers. Once again, we are given words—words that embolden and help us with future conquests—plain old common sense and unique insight into what motivates us to great achievement. Celebrating each stage of building a business, this book offers sharp insights into timeless, real-world topics. Among them: Wally "Famous" Amos on Confidence; Oprah Winfrey on Making Mistakes; Spike Lee An NCON Communications Publication
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NOTICE Milwaukee Public Schools is requesting proposals to obtain Small Remodeling and Construction Inspection Services, Divisions 1 - 4 to utilize at Various MPS Sites. Scope, proposal requirements and guidelines may be obtained 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; Monday through Friday from A/E Graphics, Inc.; 4075 North 124th Street, Brookfield, WI 53005; phone (262) 781-7744; fax (262) 781-4250. Call A/E Graphics, Inc. for availability of proposal documents. MPS HUB and Student Employment / Participation requirements are identified under the Contract Compliance Services Section within the Request for Proposal documents for all contracts cumulating over $49,999 per year in fees as a result of this RFP. A pre-proposal conference will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at the office of the Department of Facilities and Maintenance Services at 1124 North 11th Street, Milwaukee, WI. Attendance at the pre-proposal conference is strongly encouraged. A written response of the questions asked at this conference will be issued by way of an addendum to all firms registered as receiving a copy of this RFP. All questions should be submitted in writing to MPS' Facilities and Maintenance Services to DFMSProcurement@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or fax number (414) 283-4682, attn. Mark Bethel. No questions will be answered verbally. No verbal information from any source is to be relied upon by any respondent in the development of their response to the RFP. Only questions submitted in writing prior to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 will be answered. No questions will be answered after that date and time. These responses will be documented by way of addenda, which will be forwarded to all bidders. Submit all proposals to no later than 3:00 PM on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 to Mr. Mark Bethel, Project Specialist of Design and Construction, Facilities and Maintenance Services, 1124 North 11th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233. Keith P. Posley, Ed.D. 11687359/2-5-12 Superintendent of Schools
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ATTENTION MBE/DBE/DVB/SBE/WBE: C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. Is requesting proposals for the following project(s): METRO TRANSIT SERVICE LANE ADDITION - PHASE 1 Bids Due: February 28, 2019 by 2:00 p.m. bids@cdsmith.com C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. P.O. Box 1006 Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1006 Ph: (920) 924-2900 “We are an equal opportunity employer.”
Congratulations to the 34th Annual
BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARDS WINNERS! From awarding scholarships to academic achievers to recognizing individuals who are improving lives throughout Milwaukee, we are honored to once again support the TRIAL MODE − a valid license will remove this message. See the keywords property of this PDF for more information. hard work of The Milwaukee Times and the Black Excellence Awards. Through your efforts and those of the Roundy’s Fund, we will continue to enhance the quality of life in the communities in which we live and do business.
Attorney Michael Hupy
2018
Attorney Jason Abraham
Winner
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Library of inspiration
Happy Birthday Salutes! Wishing You All The Best! February 1st Karen M. Ingram Jayvion Fumbanks February 2 Donald Driver Hannah Ivy Blanche Hogans nd
February 3 Frances Brown Evelyn Glover Evelyn Blake Kiana Hunter
February 13th Terry Taylor February 14th Angela T. Fumbanks Vicki Chamberlain Dora Hogan February 15th Annie B. Banks
rd
February 4th Yashika Graves JaRon Williams Cleveland Hathaway Christine Pearson February 5 Kylah Lyons
February 16th Steffanie Boyd Quiana Staten Charella Butler Tony Chamberlin February 17 Kim Lyons Tony J. Thompson th
February 6th Lawrence Smith Mark Phillips
February 18 Tina Spears Courtney Kelly Louise Barnett Jamerh Banks Charles B. Stokes
February 7th Beniee A. Randle Trynail Banks Pastor Joseph H. Jackson, Jr.
February 19th Andrew Green, Sr. Gloria Hunt Ellen Fumbanks Jamera Ellis
th
th
(Continued from pg. 40)
February 20th Mable Taylor Channing M. Williams Margo Gibson February 21st Nia Fizpatrick February 23rd Chole Ann Taylor Bryanna Barnes Jasmine Rammesses February 24th Janice Williams February 25th Betty Speed Jeffery Matlock February 26th Geraldine Walker Sandrene Watts Jo Dean Walker
Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. By: Chancellor Williams 384 pages Publisher: Third World Press; 3rd Revised ed. edition (February 1, 1992)
February 27th Louis Davis, Jr. February 28th Louis Taylor, Jr. Lyric Burnside
February 8th Emily Davis Deborah (Burnside) Turner February 9th Joyce Nash February 10th Bertha Thompson February 11th Lyrics Serenity Bell February 12th Stacy D. Ingram Kieva Smith
Do you have a friend, family member, or colleague who has just celebrated or is about to celebrate a birthday? Stop by our office with their name on Monday to get them in that week’s edition of Happy Birthday Salutes! Visit us at 1936 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, call us at (414) 263-5088 or e-mail them to miltimes@gmail.com.
34th
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The Destruction of Black Civilization took Chancellor Williams sixteen years of research and field study to compile. The book, which was to serve as a reinterpretation of the history of the African race, was intended to be "a general rebellion against the subtle message from even the most 'liberal' white authors (and their Negro disciples): 'You belong to a race of nobodies. You have no worthwhile history to point to with pride'." The book was written at a time when many black students, educators, and scholars were starting to piece together the connection between the way
their history was taught and the way they were perceived by others and by themselves. They began to question assumptions made about their history and took it upon themselves to create a new body of historical research. The book is premised on the question: "If the Blacks were among the very first builders of civilization and their land the birthplace of civilization, what has happened to them that has left them since then, at the bottom of world society, precisely what happened? The Caucasian answer is simple and wellknown: The Blacks have always been at the bottom." Williams instead contends that many elements—nature, imperialism, and stolen legacies— have aided in the destruction of the black civilization. The Destruction of Black Civilization is revelatory and revolutionary because it offers a new approach to the research, teaching, and study of African history by shifting the main focus from the history of Arabs and Europeans in Africa to the Africans themselves, offering instead "a history of blacks that is a history of blacks. Because only from history can we learn what our strengths were and, especially, in what particular aspect we are weak and vulnerable. Our history can then become at once the foundation and guiding light for united efforts in serious[ly] planning what we should be about now." It was part of the evolution of the black revolution that took place in the 1970s, as the focus shifted from politics to matters of the mind.
Annual Black Excellence Awards Br yant’s Photography “It pleases us to please you.”
George W. Br yant Photographer Milwaukee, Wisconsin Racine, Wisconsin 414-870-6169 Fax: 888-280-3593 gwb.1917@yahoo.com www.imagequix.com
Our Photographers for this event. If you had your picture taken at the Black Excellence Awards, please contact them for a copy. An NCON Communications Publication
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