The Milwaukee Times Newspaper and milwaukeetimesnews.com
The
Milwaukee's Only “Blue Chip” Community Newspaper
Weekly Newspaper
“Journalistic Excellence, Service, Integrity and Objectivity Always”
Vol. 36 • No.8 • Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017 - Wed., March. 01, 2017 • An NCON Publication Serving The Milwaukee Area • 65¢
32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Milwaukee Public School Educators
Nelson Foley
Lester Binns
Anthony McDaniels
Austin Russell
Community Leadership
Ronald Williams
Burnell Young, Jr.
Alvin C. Hill, Jr.
Mechelle King
Gabrielle Rabon
Cassi Scaife, RN
Robin Talbott
Alice Pugh
Law
Dr. Benjamin Tobin, Jr.
Atty. Steven DeVougas
Atty. DeAngela Luna
LaToya Dennis
Tony Neal
Rev. Dr. Betty Hayes
Kevin Evans
Earl Stokes
Diane Beckley
Charles Queen
Myra Edwards
Franklin McCollum, Sr.
George Matthews
Sports
Cynthia Cone
Frank Tyrelle Perkins, III
N'namdi Carter
Montae Brown-Crawford
Adrian Ellis
Nathan Gollop
Hosts
Michael Green
Kayla Howze
Gladys Weston
Volunteerism
Ella Dunbar
Albert E. Jackson
2017 Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients
Reniqua Brown
Fred Reed
Minority Business
Military/Public Service
Social Services
Rev. Dr. Russell Williamson
Dennis Walton
Extraordinary Achievement
Dr. Gary L. Williams
Media
Religion
Music
Rayna Andrews
Education
Terrance Slaughter
Health
Keith Stanley
Dr. Eve Hall
Corporate Trailblazers
Community Service
Johnny Kimble
Keynote Speaker
Siarah Jones
Mohamed Mursal
Savanna Samuels
Our 2017 Partners in Excellence Genevieve Michel-Bryan VP/Broadcast Director at BLACK ENTERPRISE
Sheldon Dutes Melinda Davenport
WISN 12 News Anchors
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at The Italian Conference Center 631 East Chicago Street. • Milwaukee, WI 6:00 p.m. - Social Hour 7:00 p.m. - Dinner & Program
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
The Milwaukee Times Founders
The Late Louvenia Johnson
Nathan Conyers
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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, 32 years later, their vision continues, staunch and steadfast. “Saluting the Best” is what these individuals are all about. Over the past 32 years, the Black Excellence Awards have honored more than 900 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 Late Luther Golden
The success of the Awards ceremony is due to a dedicated committee that has worked diligently and persistently to spotlight our honorees. We most graciously thank our 32nd Annual Awards sponsors: WISN-Channel 12, Reid’s New Golden Gate Funeral Home, Inc., The Milwaukee Urban League, David Gruber Law Offices, LLC, The Milwaukee Business Journal, Robert W. Baird & Co., The Milwaukee Brewers Foundation, Johnson Controls, Meijer, Guaranty Bank, and Hupy and Abraham S.C. We also thank our volunteers, supporters, and The Milwaukee Times graphics and printing staff for keeping the Awards ceremony at the forefront of Black History 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 striven to persevere.
Statement from the Publisher MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper Louvenia Johnson Luther Golden Nathan Conyers (1981-2008) (1981-2005) (1981- ) Lynda J. Jackson Conyers, Publisher Jacquelyn D. Heath, Editorial Page Editor
The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
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Lynda J. Jackson Conyers
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 fourth 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 a 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. The Black Excellence Awards, for 32 years, has been fascinated with the desire to comprehend what compels African Americans, who have been faced with An NCON Communications Publication
extreme social injustice, unfairness and abuse, to rise above these conditions and 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 that not a single one is a stranger to abuse, injustice, mistreatment and stereotyping of their race. More importantly, it is abundantly clear from the myriad of individuals being honored, they did not allow events of their past or present circumstance in life to curtail their achievements. They did not allow the earlier cancers in their lives to kill their motivation, thus robbing them of ambition, determination and the perseverance to make a difference, not only in their lives, but in the lives of countless others.
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 Publisher/President Lynda J. Jackson Conyers Graphic Artists William Gooden Michelle Anibas
Founders Louvenia Johnson Nathan Conyers Luther Golden Website Manager Antonio Alexander
Print Shop Manager Angel Reyes 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
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The Milwaukee Urban League
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In Memoriam...
Mrs. Louvenia Johnson, Milwaukee Times Founder
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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 32nd year on February 24, 2017 and has honored more than 900 local citizens engaged in various endeavors that have benefited all of Milwaukee.
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.
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 secIn 1981 as a retiree, she and three other Miltion to this day. waukeeans – Nathan Conyers, Lynda Jackson
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 has been awarded to area students by the scholarship, which is now a 501-c-3, 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.
Our Hosts
Melinda Davenport
Melinda Davenport is the co-anchor on “WISN 12 News This Morning.” She joined the station in March 2014.
WISN 12 News Anchor
Sheldon Dutes joined WISN 12 News as co-anchor of the weekend evening newscasts in the winter of 2015. In addition to his anchoring duties, Sheldon also reports for the 10 p.m. newscasts during the week. Before moving to Milwaukee, Sheldon spent three years reporting for WNBC-TV in New York. From 2010-2012 he reported for WBAL-TV, the Hearst owned television station in Baltimore. Prior to that, he spent three years as a general assignment reporter An NCON Communications Publication
No stranger to cold weather, Melinda comes to WISN-TV from its sister station WMUR in Manchester, NH. Davenport was an anchor/reporter at the Hearst-owned ABC affiliate for more than two years. Most recently, she anchored the station’s weekday noon newscast and weekend evening newscasts.
Davenport brings multi-market and multi-platform reporting experience to WISN-TV. Prior to joining WMUR, Davenport reported for WCAXTV in Burlington, VT. She also freelanced for The New York Times Company, writing and publishing online articles, and worked in the public relations industry. A Texas native, Davenport received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. She followed that with a master’s degree in commu-
nication from Northeastern University in Boston. Davenport is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the International Association of Business Communicators. Melinda loves to shop and is a self-professed bargain hunter. She absolutely loves bass fishing, a hobby she picked up while living in New England. Melinda also enjoys international travel, listing Hong Kong and Tokyo among her favorite destinations.
Sheldon Dutes
for WCSC-TV in Charleston, SC. Reading, traveling and running He started his career in 2007 as a are some of the ways Sheldon production assistant at the NBC spends his free time. He's comaffiliate in South Bend, IN. pleted two marathons and several half marathons; and looks Sheldon graduated from the forward to exploring Milwaukee University of Notre Dame with on his runs. 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. Sheldon is also a board member on the Notre Dame Alumni Advisory Council.
WISN 12 News Anchor www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Keynote Speaker
Genevieve Michel-Bryan
Weekend Nightly News, The Today Show, and Weekend Today. She also worked at CNN, where she had production responsibilities for American Morning and Paula Zahn Now; WNBC News, where she was a medical news producer for Dr. Max Gomez; and ABC News, where she edited packages for World News Now, World News This Michel-Br yan joined Morning, and Good Black Enterprise in 2006. Morning America. Previously she held a variety of broadcast journalist In 1990, Michel-Bryan and news producer posi- launched GMB & Associtions within NBC News, ates Inc., a company that working on programs such produced public service as NBC Nightly News with announcements for variTom Brokaw, NBC Nightly ous Fortune 500 compaNews with Brian Williams, nies, including General
Genevieve Michel-Bryan is the VP/Broadcast Director at Black Enterprise. In this role, she has executive oversight of content and the production of the company’s two television programs: Black Enterprise Business Report and Our World with Black Enterprise. Along with overseeing a cadre of correspondents, producers, writers and editors, Michel-Bryan is committed to ensuring that the Black Enterprise brand of excellence is transferred to the screen.
Motors, AT&T, Toyota, ABC/Disney, Fox Television Network, and The Children’s Television Workshop. She began her career as a production assistant with WNEW-TV’s Black News and then became an associate produc-
er and producer with Excellence Awards.” Also, WNYW-TV’s The Mc- in 2010, the National Black Creary Report. MBA Metro New York Chapter named her CorM i c h e l - B r y a n ’s porate Executive of the work has received Year. consistent accolades. Between 1985 and Michel-Bryan graduated 1990, Black News and from the City University The McCreary Report of New York at Hunter received the Commu- College with a bachelor’s nication Excellence degree in communicafor Black Audiences tions and has completed Award (CEBA). At advanced studies in TeleNBC Nightly News, vision Journalism and her work on the “Co- Production, and Writing lumbia Disaster” for Television News from received the 2004 New York University. She National Headliners also holds a Certificat de Award for Best News- Langue et Literature Francast. In 2006, “The caise from Universite de Katrina Effect” earned Paris IV at the Sorbonne, the Gerald Loeb Award and a certificate in Diverfor Excellence in Busi- sity in the Workplace and ness Journalism. In 2010, in Management for News both Black Enterprise Busi- Executives from the Misness Report and Our World souri School of Journalwith Black Enterprise were ism. awarded NABJ “Salute to
Our Theme: Educating For Excellence Why we need more black male teachers now
By Kwame Griffith
Throughout history, black men have played pivotal roles in the development of this nation. Despite the legacies of these giants, according to “A Call For Change,” a 2010 study released by Council of Great City Schools, only 12 percent of black male students are proficient in reading by fourth grade, and by the eighth grade, their proficiency rate drops to nine percent. Black men make up only five percent of our nation’s college students, while they represent 36 percent of our prison population. We must change this grim reality — the stakes are too high and the consequences too dire. Although many teachers across our country are working hard to ensure their students receive the academic tools necessary to reach their full potential we still need more talented educators doing this vital work. In particular, in our low-income communities where a majority of students are African American or Latino, we need more outstanding teachers from diverse backgrounds to serve as role models and www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
classroom leaders. This is especially true when it comes to our black boys. Today, only two percent of teachers in this country are black men. As an African American male working at Teach For America and committed to ensuring educational excellence for our kids growing up in poverty, I frequently think back on my classroom experience. It was during my time as a teacher in Houston’s fifth ward that I first understood the scope of the educational inequity that exists between black boys and their wealthier white peers. From the moment I stepped in front of my kids, it was obvious the gap had nothing to do with
their ability or desire to learn. Instead, it was rooted in the extra challenges poverty was throwing in their path, coupled by a tragic lack of educational opportunity. Raised in a mostly single-parent household by my mother in Buffalo, NY, I know firsthand what an education can do to make or break a child’s future. My mother made it her mission to ensure I had something better than what my zip code offered me as a black boy. With her efforts and the critical help of a handful of incredible teachers and mentors, I got through high school and and even attended a prestigious college. Too many of my childhood friends
For America in 2008 and today is teaching 7th grade math at KIPP Ways Academy in Atlanta. As a classroom leader, he is mindful of ways to build long term successful traits and mindsets and open pathways of opportunity for his kids. In turn, his students recognize that their potential to succeed is limitless and dependent on their work ethic and desire. With each passing day in his classroom, Luqman’s students know they have the ability to achieve and have a firm weren’t as fortunate. belief that they will attend And as an adult, I con- and succeed in college. tinue to be shocked by the messages we repeatedly This is an issue that heard. Society was telling should be addressed evus loud and clear: black ery day of the year, not boys from a neighbor- just during Black History hood like mine were inca- Month. While it is going to pable of academic and life take a relentless, all-handssuccess. For many of my on-deck effort, the probpeers, this message perme- lem facing our black boys ated their beings and they is 100 percent solvable. chose life paths that did Our teachers and princinot include attaining aca- pals are absolutely critical demic achievement. players in this solution. In my current role, I have the opportunity to Kwame Griffith, who taught see the powerful impact fourth and fifth grade students African American male in Houston, is now a senior vice teachers are having on president of regional operations their kids across the coun- at Teach For America, overseetry — Luqman Abdur ing TFA operations in GeorRahman is one such exam- gia, Missouri, North Carolina ple. Luqman entered the and South Carolina. classroom through Teach An NCON Communications Publication
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Lester Binns Parkview School Lester D. Binns spent much of his youth outdoors, playing sports at the field next to North Division High School. The Milwaukee native ice skated in the winter and played basketball or baseball at other times of the year, but his true love was track and field. Lester had dreams of making the Olympics and his goal was more than just a dream. At North Division High School, he was city champion in the mile-yard relay, the two-mile relay and the
long jump relay in 19651967. In his junior and senior years he finished in first place in the State Sectional ½-mile individual district championship race. Also, in his junior year and senior year he placed 3rd and 2nd place in the Wisconsin state championships respectively. He was good enough to receive a full four-year track and field scholarship to Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. He continued to improve in college and was hoping to
Nelson Foley was born in Chicago, where he lived for the first eight years of his life. Almost all the rest of his life, he has lived in Milwaukee, but he has traveled widely throughout the world. He is the oldest of four brothers. Nelson said he credits much of his success to learning early to choose his friends carefully. In high school, he was a year-round athlete at South Division High School, playing football, basketball and running track. He earned his diploma in 1986. During junior year, all of his friends were planning to go to college. Nelson said he was concerned that his grades and study habits might not be adequate for college, but peer pressure figured in his thinking. He was also wise enough to know that he would not go far without more education. During high school he worked for a grocery store. He was wise enough to realize that he was unlikely to rise much above that type of labor without a college diploma. He enrolled at Carthage
College in Kenosha and along the way he fell in love with history and his fear of failure at college quickly faded. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1991. After graduation, Nelson returned to Milwaukee and accepted a position as a paraprofessional with the Milwaukee Public School system. After 2 ½ years he accepted a position as an elementary school teacher. For most of his career he has taught fifth-grade students, but for the current school year he is a sixth-grade science teacher at Lincoln Center of the Arts. After teaching for 25 years, Nelson has absorbed plenty about adolescents and how to motivate them to learn. This part of the job continues to inspire and impassion him. The significant increase in the size of his classes and the constant increase in administrative accountability are wearying, but he said he tries to remain upbeat. Currently Nelson teaches five science classes a day, each with an average of
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try out for the 1972 Olympics, but he came down with mononucleosis. He recovered, but he said the disease robbed him of the extra edge which had made him a champion. In 2015 he was inducted into the North Division High School Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his excellence in track and field. He did not give up on school, however, graduating in 1972 from Morgan State with a degree in mathematics. Soon after graduation, he accepted a position as a manufacturing manager for General Electric. The pay and benefits were excellent, but Lester did not find the work fulfilling. After three years, he accepted a position as a production supervisor with the Miller Brewing Company in the packaging department. Lester worked for Miller for more than three years. The money and benefits were very good, but he also did not find this position
35-40 students for a total of 170 students a day, each one of whom he is expected to educate. “This is a very different generation of students,” Nelson said. “They are very tech-minded. Sometimes they have to help me set up stuff, but there are some things I can teach them, too, like Power Point presentations and other ‘apps’ they will use in college or work.” Away from school, Nelson is an Uber driver for extra spending money. It helps pay for his love of exotic travel and thrill-seeking. He said he waited until he was in his 40s before he went down a zip line. He and some friends were in Costa Rica and everyone else went, so he followed. Recently Nelson returned from a trip to Miami.
fulfilling. By this time he had saved a small amount of money and decided that he would purchase residential property and manage it. He said he was not prepared for the challenges during a time of significant social change in Milwaukee during the 1980s. He stuck with the real estate business for seven years before moving on. He struggled with his next career move. He thought about joining the carpenters union as a commercial floor coverer, but a part of him worried whether it would work out.
two jobs. He worked in the building trades for 19 years and would have kept going until he was eligible for full retirement at 55, but by the time he was 50 in 1999, he said the physical demands of the job had started to wear down his body. After two knee surgeries and two surgeries for bulging disks in his back, he knew he needed to find something else.
He decided to obtain a teacher’s certification. “Once I became a teacher, you think you can keep the trouble and poverty that are part of Milwaukee out “That trade thing was of the classroom, but you a major jump,” he said. can’t.” “I wrestled with that for months. I had my doubts at He was named Teachtimes, but I never had fear. er of the Year in 2013 Finally the spirit of the and he continues to teach Lord convinced me to take at Parkview Elementary it. I always wanted a skilled School on Milwaukee’s trade. Academics are one northwest side. thing, but a skilled trade is like a brotherhood.” Lester and his wife, Lezlie, were married in 1990 Lester found fulfillment and have four adult chilin the carpentry trade. dren: daughters Monifa, Ironically within a few Nayo and Fola; and son years, he was making more Micah. All have college demoney laying down com- grees. The family attends mercial flooring than he church at Parklawn Ashad at either of his other sembly of God Church.
Nelson Foley Lincoln Center of the Arts of zebras and wildebeests. A Kenyan tourism agency has created a campground right in the path of the herd where guests stay in tents.
a number of his teaching years. He said he did not know anything about soccer when he first agreed to coach the fifth-grade class. He coached girls’ middle school basketball for five years and was an assistant high school football coach at Custer High School for two years.
Whenever he travels, Nelson said he always tries to include at least once major musical concert as part of the trip. He said he loves all forms of music, Nelson has been attendNelson said he is plan- with a special affection for ing the Kingdom Hall of ning a ‘dream vacation’ jazz. the Jehovah’s Witnesses to the Serengeti Plains of for 10 years. He said he Kenya in the near future, Although he is not doing joined after a friend invited where he hopes to witness so this year, Nelson said him to attend and he found the annual mass migration he has coached sports for a spiritual connection. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Special Honorees: “Milwaukee Public School Teachers” cial advice for personal consumers and businesses. He earned awards, recognition and continued to advance professionally, but the daily routine of working in the corporate setting was unfulfilling. Anthony, surrounded by nieces, nephews, and his own growing children, was inspired to make a difference in our community through education. He returned to school and earned a master of arts degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He completed his teaching certificate in elementary education through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to fulfill Anthony McDaniels his commitment to helpDr. Benjamin Carson Academy Of Science ing others, particularly students at Milwaukee Public Anthony J. McDaniels had moved to Milwaukee. Schools. Anthony is currently was born in Louisville, MS. He gained employment He moved to Milwaukee in the financial services in- a fourth and fifth grade after earning a bachelor of dustry at First Wisconsin teacher at Dr. Benjamin arts degree from Alcorn National Bank (now US State University. He grad- Bank), where he worked uated with national honors for twelve years. He manand was reunited with sev- aged deposit accounts, eral family members who loans, and provided finanAustin L. Russell was born and raised in Milwaukee, and is a graduate of Washington High School. He had seen only a little of the world outside Milwaukee when he was accepted to Carthage College in Kenosha in 2002. Four years later when he graduated with a sociology degree, the job market was starting to turn sour, especially for recent college graduates. Austin did not become discouraged or give up, however. Every day he was up by 7 a.m., applying for whatever jobs for which he felt he might be qualified. After graduating from college Austin returned to Milwaukee with the idea of helping his father, Pastor Lincoln C. Russell, out at his church, The Little Community Church of God in Christ, located on the city’s northwest side. “I did not want all of the sacrifices that my parents had made to be in vain,” he said. “I wanted them to be proud of me. That kind of pushed me.” Within less than six months of searching for work, Austin had landed a job as an executive with a department store scheduling employee shifts at the various store locations www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
throughout the city. He worked out of the corporate office downtown, had his own work space and a supervisor who was receptive to suggestions on how to improve productivity. “I was really happy,” he said. “The pay was good, especially coming right out of college. I went to my supervisor with the idea of holding an LMS (Labor Management Specialist) University session once a week, where all the employees in the department would gather and discuss our successes and failures for the week, get announcements, and collaborate as a community. Eventually with the demands of the job, the meetings kept getting cancelled or rescheduled. Finally they stopped.” The end of the LMS University was a blow to Austin’s enthusiasm for his department store job. He said he was still motivated and worked as hard as before, but he missed the sense of community the meetings had created. At that same time, the Great Recession struck, causing mass layoffs. As one of the newest hires, Austin was one of the first employees to be laid off. He looks back on the incident as a
blessing. “I had become somewhat unhappy,” he said, “because I no longer felt connected. It wasn’t like people were mean or anything, but once the initial excitement of being employed wore off, it became a bit of a grind.” While he was still employed at the department store, Austin had begun volunteering at a tutoring program at the local Community Learning Center. Soon after he was laid off, his mother, Diane, told him about a paid position as a math tutor with the Community Learning Center. The job was only for a few hours a week, but Austin said he loved it. “I felt like I did when I first started working for the department store,” he said, “and that feeling has never left. You get a child to work with and you get to watch them develop and grow. That beats a big paycheck any day.” The following year, Austin applied as a paraprofessional (or teacher’s aide) with the Milwaukee Public School System. He was hired full-time. He said the new job was very fulfilling,
Carson Academy of Science. He has a gift of teaching students who achieve high test scores and those who achieve low scores and perform at minimal levels in subject areas. For Anthony, there is no such thing as an unteachable student. Anthony has improved the scores of several students and made a noteworthy impact on their grades and self-confidence.
Standards. He presides over the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program at Carson Academy and works with West ED in their Leadership Cadre Program as a facilitator to assist with integrating the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into the science curriculum for intermediate grade levels. Anthony works with Arts At Large and designs thematic learning for his stuAnthony develops en- dents. gaging and interactive lesson plans, creates an When students learn a environment of respect new skill in his classroom, and rapport, demonstrates Anthony is reassured he knowledge of students chose the most rewarding and identifies areas where occupation. Additionally, he can design coherent he chooses to volunteer instruction. He challeng- his skills in a political caes his students and builds pacity with the Wisconon their self-esteem to set sin Democratic Party. He manageable instructional attends The Way of the outcomes. He clearly ex- Cross Missionary Baptist presses learning intentions Church. Anthony enjoys and sets out success crite- spending time with his ria needed for students to wife, Rachelle; son Eric, self-monitor their progress daughter-in-law Kianna, while adhering to Wiscon- and two grandchildren sin Common Core State Malik and Nataliya.
Austin Russell Westside Academy II but also eye-opening. “A lot of students were not as lucky as me,” he said. “I was raised by two parents who loved me, my two older brothers, Lincoln Jr., and Joshua; as well as my younger sister, Jessica. We were poor, but my parents never talked about money in front of us.” Austin worked as a paraprofessional for MPS for two years. After his first year, he married his highschool sweetheart, Crystal. The couple has two boys, Jaylen, 5, and Jordan, 4. After his second year as a paraprofessional, Austin was hired as a full-time teacher at Westside Academy II, which teaches students in grades 6-8. His
wife of six years owns her own day care center. She is studying at MATC for an associate degree in early childhood education. Austin is attending Cardinal Stritch University to earn a his license to work as a special education administrator. Austin said he prefers to take his time and consider all possibilities carefully before making a major decision. He said he has considered following his father into the ministry, but at present his biggest interest is encouraging students to consider college, to show them how much bigger the world is than Milwaukee.
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Ronald Fitzgerald Williams Mary McLeod Bethune Academy Lifelong Milwaukee resident Ronald Fitzgerald Williams was as surprised as anyone when he was elected Homecoming King of Harold S. Vincent High School in 1987. “I did not think I was that popular,” he said. “I mean I was a good person and well rounded, but I was certainly not your typical candidate. I was not very active in sports. I was not a ‘ladies’ man’.” Ronald also said that for most of his life he was uncomfortable standing up and speaking in front of people. During college that shyness discouraged him from pursuing a degree in teaching.
Instead he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1992 with a degree in public policy and administration and went into banking, because math was his favorite subject. His first job after college was as a customer collection service representative with Valley Bank. After a year he accepted a position as an assistant branch manager with Transamerica Insurance Corp. There he worked in the collections department on mortgage loans that were in arrears. Before going to work for Valley Bank, Ronald was unfamiliar with collection agencies.
Growing up Burnell Young, Jr., loved playing outdoors and idolized his older brother, Coman. The two turned their 53206-zip code neighborhood home near 25th St. and Chambers Ave., into an urban wonderland where they rode their bicycles, caught bugs and played ‘pick-up’ sports games. But when it came to marrying the woman of his dreams, the normally shy young man did something totally out of character; he hit his future wife, Yolanda, with a sponge ball during a game in gym class. Yolanda was a sophomore transfer student to North Division High School. Burnell was a junior and star member of the football team. “To this day she accuses me of hitting her deliberately,” Burnell said laughing. “What started out as an argument ended up being a lifetime partnership.” For the past two years Burnell has served as Dean of Students at Hi-Mount Public School, a K- 8th grade Milwaukee Public School located on the city’s west side. He describes his job as a combination of helping ensure that the principal’s vision is implemented and a liaison be-
tween students, parents and teachers. Burnell described his childhood home as a wonderful place to grow up, where all the neighbors knew each other and watched out for each other’s children. Although the A.O. Smith plant dominated the landscape, the two brothers and their friends found green space to play among the small number of vacant lots or they rode their bicycles on streets where he said drivers watched out for pedestrians, especially children. “After school we would go to a neighbor’s house and she would keep an eye on us until our parents got home from work,” Burnell said. “I would say I was a pretty well-rounded kid, except maybe for the studying part. My brother was the scholar. I tried to keep up.” Education was always stressed in Burnell’s home. Both his father and brother led by example in that area. When Burnell’s father was laid off from Allen Bradley after 15 years, he enrolled at MATC and after graduation he accepted a job with the city at the Linnwood Water Treatment Plant; he just re-
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“I was fresh out of college and came from a background where collections did not occur,” he said. In 1995 he married Paula Ramseur and in March of that year she was laid off from her job. She went back to school to earn a master’s degree to be a school counselor. Ronald was torn. He was unhappy with his job, but wondered if teaching was what God had in mind for him. “When I decided that teaching might be something that I wanted to do, I asked God about it and the road opened up,” he said. In October 1995, he applied to be a paraprofessional and was accepted. In addition to working as a paraprofessional by day, he took a night job as a data processor for a medical laboratory and began studying for a teaching certification. Two months after leaving Transamerica, the company pulled its operations out of Wisconsin. “For me standing up in front of a room full of people was out of my comfort
cently retired. His mother, Angelia, also worked for Allen Bradley initially, but she later accepted a position with J.C. Penney. She just recently retired from The Equitable Bank. After graduating from high school, Burnell enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and initially struggled at college. “I was away from home for the first time and didn’t have the best study habits,” he said. For the next two years, Burnell attended a community college in Oshkosh while he tried to figure out his vocation. After two years, he returned to Milwaukee and earned a bachelor of arts degree in education in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His first job after college was working as a counselor at a group home for four years. The group home eventually lost its funding. One of his co-workers noted how well Burnell related to youth and suggested that he apply for a position at Excel Learning Academy, a small Choice school where his co-worker’s wife was in charge of hiring. Burnell was hired as an as-
zone,” he said, “but when they understand something that I have taught them, that is confirmation that I made the right career choice.” Ronald taught at several Milwaukee Public Schools before landing in 2009 at Mary McLeod Bethune Academy, where he has taught grades two, four and six. For the past four years he has taught second grade. His class of 27 students has 11 Hmong students from Cambodia and one student who was born in Africa. The remainder are African American. “With second graders you get to see them grow literally from babies into adolescents,” he said. “When kids are young, they pick things up pretty quickly. Being a positive male role model is important to me. Many of my students don’t see that at their age level.” In January Ronald began classes leading to certification as a reading teacher. He has already earned a master’s degree in education from National-Louis University in 2000. Ronald has also been very active in Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, where he assists with the annual Beau-
tillion, a male version of a cotillion. The preparation program run by Alpha Phi Alpha lasts six months and includes a month-long African studies program along with other lessons and rites of passage designed to teach high school-age African American males how to be gentlemen, prepared for college and adulthood. During the past two elections the fraternity also served as election inspectors for a precinct. “We have saying: ‘A voteless people is a hopeless people’,” Ronald said. Ronald, his wife and their two children, son, JaRon, 17, and daughter, Jaya, 15, are lifelong members of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. “One thing I believe in is commitment,” he said. “In whatever I do I try to give 100 percent. I think I make friends easily because I don’t judge a book by its cover. I treat people the way that I would want to be treated. That is my Golden Rule. When I first started teaching I used to put that on the front door of my classroom every year.”
Burnell Young, Jr. Hi-Mount School sistant teacher and stayed at Excel for two years. When Burnell heard about an opening at St. Charles Youth and Family Services, part of the Milwaukee Public School system, he applied and was hired as a student mentor, a position similar to a guidance counselor. After two years at St. Charles he eventually became a classroom instructor. After four years he accepted a position with Hi-Mount Elementary School. His first two years at Hi-Mount he served as a special education resource teacher. Burnell said he and his mother have attended New
Hope Missionary Baptist Church for 15 years, although he sheepishly admits that his mother’s attendance is much more faithful than his. Burnell has cut back on his community volunteer activities now that his two daughters, Aniya, 12, and Alayna, 8, are becoming active in after-school activities. Like his own parents, he wants to attend as many of their activities as possible. “I love Milwaukee,” he said. “I think it has a lot of good going for it. It’s a unique place. I’ve traveled some and there are plenty of other places that I wouldn’t trade for this.” www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients 1988 - 2016
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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.“ - Nelson Mandela www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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2017 Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients Mohamed Mursal Mohamed Mursal is a senior at South Division High School who has earned a 3.1 GPA while maintaining employment at Dream Bikes, Inc. “He is determined to achieve his goals and never stops improving and encouraging others,” according to his English teachers. He is regarded as diligent, driven and works hard for excellence daily. Mohamed plans on attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, majoring in Pre-Med or Biomedical Science with the intention of becoming a doctor in order to help those suffering from medical problems. In his spare time, he volunteers with his high school French Club, the Milwaukee Public Library, and area festivals.
Kayla Howze
Kayla Howze dreams of becoming a music teacher. She believes that by sharing her passion for music she can inspire youth to bring “joy and happiness” to others and “balance” and a “safe haven” to students whose lives might otherwise be filled with “chaos.” Kayla is a senior at Nicolet High School with a 3.1 GPA. Her advisor describes her as having “the self-motivation required to succeed in her future endeavors." She participates on the school softball and tennis teams. During the summer she works as a tennis camp instructor to urban children. Kayla is an active member of the youth choir and president of the Youth Missionary Society at St. Matthew C.M.E. Church. She plans to attend Minnesota State University in Mankato.
Nathan Gollop
Nathan Gollop is a young man who is wise beyond his years, according to his assistant principal at the Milwaukee School of Languages, where he has earned a 3.2 GPA. As a result of Hurricane Katrina, Nathan and his family were adopted by St. Matthew C.M.E. Church, where he is an active member of the youth choir. Of all his many church activities Nathan demonstrated great passion for African American History Month, where he performed Civil Rights reenactments and made speeches about black veterans. He has had a job with Pick ‘n Save for more than a year. Nathan said he does not want “to just let life happen to” him and has been attending pre-college preparation programs since 2014. He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Reniqua Brown
Reniqua Brown is an active member of the National Honor Society, having earned the number two spot in her graduating class at Washington High School of Information Technology with a 3.29 GPA. During high school she served as a student monitor and a member of the school videography team. In her spare time she volunteers for the Save the Kids Foundation. During her junior and senior years, Reniqua frequently visited the college and career center before deciding she would like to become a physical therapist, combining physical therapy with emotional support in order to provide patients “everything they need in order to be better.” She plans to attend Milwaukee Area Technical College.
N'namdi Carter N’namdi Carter has been teaching himself electrical and mechanical skills by repairing broken devices since he was in elementary school. He loves to use his hands and mind to understand how things work and “yearn[s] to create something the world has never seen … even something that breaks the laws of physics.” N’namdi earned a 3.2 GPA at Bradley Tech High School where he was a leader on the Debate Team and recruited for many other extracurricular school activities, because of his maturity, sportsmanship and popularity. He plans to attend Marquette University and major in either mechanical or electrical engineering. An NCON Communications Publication
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2017 Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients Montae Brown-Crawford Montae Brown-Crawford maintained honor roll status throughout his high school career, resulting in a 3.48 GPA at Riverside University High School. In the summer he assists golfers at the Milwaukee Country Club and works year round as a dietary aide at the Villa Manor Park Nursing Home. He has volunteered in the homeless “Hot Meals” and children’s nursery room at Greater Galilee Baptist Church. His Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher describes Montae as one of the most hardworking and deserving students he has ever met. Montae plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and pursue a career in nursing, because he is passionate about caring for others.
Adrian Ellis
Adrian Ellis is the 2017 senior class valedictorian at Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education with a 3.6 GPA. He won first place in Robotics Animation and third place in technical drafting competitions and finished in the top 10 at the state level. In addition to playing video games, his hobbies include golf, writing, cooking, and technology. Adrian plans on attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he intends to major in computer science.
Michael Green
Michael Green is president of the National Honor Society, senior class president and co-president of student government at Wauwatosa West High School, where he earned a 3.7 GPA. As a sophomore member of the Black Student Union, he gave the opening address for Wauwatosa West High School’s first Black History Month Cultural Assembly. Michael is also a standout athlete in football as well as track and field. He served as a freshmen link mentor for seven other students for two years and plans to attend either Dartmouth or Florida Institute of Technology. He intends to major in biomedical engineering and hopes to continue post-graduate study in either medicine or engineering.
Savanna Samuels
Savanna Samuels' guidance counselor at Rufus King International High School believes her best days are ahead of her. Savanna maintained a 3.7 GPA while participating in girls’ soccer, debate team, the National Honor Society, and serving as president of the Black Achievers Program. For the past two years, she has been employed at the Milwaukee Public School system’s Team-Up College Access Center. She has also volunteered at the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, Feed America, Legal Aid Society, Rotary Club, and Luther Manor. She plans on attending Howard University as a communications major and hopes to parlay her education into a career in television.
Siarah Jones Siarah Jones is graduating first in her class at Rufus King International High School with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She also won All American and All State honors in the 1600 meter relay, as well as the 100 and 300 meter hurdle events, qualifying for the AAU Nationals. Siarah has volunteered at the Legal Aid Society, Lupus Foundation, UNCF Walk/Run, MPS Open House, Daddy Daughter Dance, College and Education Fairs, Nehemiah Learning Camp, and the Louis Adams Foundation. She plans on attending DePaul University and majoring in health sciences. Her “goal and dream” is to become an occupational therapist, developing new and inventive ways of promoting health and preventing injury and/or disability. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Community Leadership
Dr. Eve Hall African American Chamber of Commerce of WI
Keith Stanley was born and raised in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee. He continues to call that economically challenged neighborhood home. Keith’s father, Claude, was pastor of Manifest Ministries and also worked for A.O. Smith. His mother, Jackie, worked for Briggs & Stratton. Beginning in 1992 and continuing through 2013, Bill Moyers of PBS-TV periodically filmed the Stanley family as part of a Frontline documentary series titled, Two American Families. The series followed the lives of two Milwaukee families -- one black and one white -- as they struggled to avoid falling into poverty after losing middle-class manufacturing jobs to plant closures. For Keith, his two brothers and two sisters and their parents, the results have been mixed. He said that Moyers and PBS-TV did an excellent job with the documentary and his parents still live in Sherman Park.
Growing up, Keith did not have much interest is playing sports. Instead he was involved in “political stuff,” such as student government and community organizing. He also sang in the student choir at Rufus King International High School, from which he graduated in 1995. After two friends urged him to consider Alabama State University in Montgomery, he applied and was accepted. In 2000, he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing, becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college. After graduation, Keith returned to Milwaukee and accepted a position with Astronautics Corporation of America as a business development specialist. At the time Astronautics had a division which provided service contracts on a variety of office equipment. Keith worked for Astronautics for
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Eve M. Hall, Ph.D., is a Milwaukee native who imparts her education, experience and remarkable influence to revive business communities and inspire students. She works toward building programs for businesses, nonprofit organizations, the government sector and has produced results which have increased education and career opportunities for students and business owners. She enhanced professional training and development for adults while working with organizations, such as the Tampa Urban League, Tampa Boys & Girls Clubs, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Mount Mary University, and Hillsborough (Florida) County Public Schools. Dr. Hall secured important bridges between existing and start-up minority businesses and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Business Development, Associated Bank, and local community partners to increase access to capital. Dr. Hall earned a bachelor of science degree in educational psychology from Florida A&M University; a master of science degree in admin-
five years. During that period he also enrolled in the inaugural class of ACRE (Associate Commercial Real Estate). His goal was to gain a better understanding of the commercial real estate market in Milwaukee. After completing the program he was offered a position as main street manager of the West End Development Corp., a not-for-profit organization that for 30 years focused on neighborhood improvement and housing development on the city’s near west side. As the organization was in the process of shutting down in 2010, Keith was offered a position as a legislative assistant to former Milwaukee Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. During the three years he served under President Hines he was promoted to chief of staff. While he was working there he said he was encouraged to apply for his current position of executive director of Avenues West, one of seven organizations comprising Near West Side Partners, a not-forprofit organization founded through the support of five anchor institutions – Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson, Marquette University, MillerCoors and Potawatomi Business Development Corporation. The mission is to revitalize and sustain the Near West Side as a thriving business and residential cor-
istrative leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. Her published doctoral dissertation, “The Power of One: Mary McLeod Bethune in Leadership, Learning, and Service,” is an example of her own dedication to our community. Dr. Hall establishes crucial partnerships with various individuals and organizations which have generated credible and effective community resources in Wisconsin and throughout the country. She has been inspired by the stories of those individuals who have beaten the odds and stood for what was right, even if it meant standing alone. Her mother, who is also her role model, has more than sixty years of service and tutors children at Milwaukee Public Schools. Throughout the past three decades, Dr. Hall has served
in various organizational leadership capacities, such as chief innovation officer for Thurgood Marshall College Fund, MPS School to Work administrator, and vice president of public affairs for Family Service of Milwaukee. Since 2012, she has served as president and chief executive officer of the African American Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee, WI. Her hard work consists of acknowledging problems, developing and implementing solutions, and collaborating with committed groups for the benefit of the community. Dr. Hall attends Elmbrook Church and enjoys spending time with her goddaughter, Aleja. In January 2017, she was chosen to succeed Ralph Hollmon as the next president and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Urban League.
Keith Stanley Near West Side Partners, Inc. ridor. He said he enjoys the diversity of his position with Near West Side Partners, noting that in the morning he might meet with a homeless person and with a billionaire in the afternoon. His greatest frustration is not having an established platform for all community stakeholders to come together and connect in a meaningful way. “On the one hand you have a community that does not understand the challenges of living in the area and on the other you have people who struggle economically and lack opportunities and resources to improve their situation,” he said. “One group of people wants billions invested to make the area bet-
ter. Other people think residents should take advantage of educational opportunities and get a job.” Along the way, Keith has served as a volunteer on a number of other community organizations including the board of City on the Hill, the Marquette University Police Advisory Board and for eight years on the Sherman Park Community Association. “I dedicated a large part of my life to my career,” he said. “As my friends are celebrating their children’s milestones, like graduating from high school or becoming a grandfather, I am amazed at how fast the time has gone by. I have no regrets.” www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Community Service
versity of WisconsinAbele, where she Oshkosh and earned took a community a bachelor’s degree in action approach to journalism. She also engagement. At the received a master’s decounty, she was regree in urban planning sponsible for comfrom the University munity affairs, conof Wisconsin-Milstituent relations, waukee. In 2008, affairs on aging and Rayna received a cerhuman rights, the cotification from the Asordination of comsociates of Commercial Real Rights Commission and Leg- munity listening sessions, Estate through Marquette acy Redevelopment Corpo- and President Obama’s Black University. ration’s lending committee. Male Achievement taskforce.
From the food pantry to the board room, Rayna Andrews has been a tireless advocate in the Milwaukee community for many years. Rayna is currently the senior director for Feeding America, where she is responsible for the strategic development, management and enhancement of community and volunteer engagement. Rayna was born in Houston, TX. Early in her childhood, she recognized that her life was different. When
Rayna was nine years old, her mother became ill and lost her job, and they would go from being a modest lower middle-class family to what is best describe as a lower-class family. Recently, Rayna did a TedX Talk, where she gave participants a snapshot of her childhood. Rayna attended Xavier University in New Orleans, LA until Hurricane Katrina forced her evacuation to Wisconsin, where she continued her studies at the Uni-
Rayna is deeply involved in public service, as well as political and community organizations, where she serves in a variety of leadership roles. Rayna was selected as a Community Partnership for Health Equity Fellow, where she traveled to Havana, Cuba to study health outcomes among children and seniors. In addition, she was most recently invited to serve on the Community Advisory Board of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Cancer Center. Her board memberships include Chairwoman of the Milwaukee Excellence Charter School, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Mequon-Milwaukee Afterhours, and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Alumni Board. She is the immediate past board representative to Safe & Sound, Milwaukee County Human
By his own account, Dennis C. Walton, Sr., his brother and two sisters were raised in a loving, two-parent home in the Amani neighborhood of Milwaukee near 24th and Burleigh in the much-publicized 53206 zip code, which reportedly contains the largest percentage of incarcerated black males in the United States. Dennis attended John Marshall High School, where he took a special interest in journalism and broadcasting. Immediately after high school graduation in 1992, he enrolled at ITT Technical Institute with a plan to become an engineer. Unfortunately sometime during this time in his life, he said he started hanging with the wrong crowd and fell under the influence of ‘street culture’. He dropped out of ITT just a few credits short of graduation and wound up becoming discouraged. Dennis vowed to change
his ways. He moved back to his childhood home and began taking care of his father and he enrolled in MATC. For almost four years he was a dutiful son. Then in 1996 his father died and Dennis took the law into his own hands. He dropped out of MATC fell back under the influences of street culture. He made a personal and spiritual decision to change. Through a girlfriend, he met Danny Goldberg, a professor at Marquette University. Goldberg taught Dennis the principles of community organizing and hired him to be an organizer for the CITIES Project (Communities Implementing Transformation in Education and Society). His job consisted of teaching young people to read at the Mercy Memorial Howard Fuller Learning Center and learning about the educational opportunities and alternatives that were available, for the purpose of mobilizing inner city residents to support and help pass charter and choice school legislation. From there began his career in community organizing, politics and
non-profit development/implementation. “I found my voice and committed myself to helping rebuild my community,” Dennis said, explaining that he chose to continue living in the same neighborhood where he grew up “Too often when people come out of the darkness they leave the community they damaged behind. I wanted to be an example to others that it is possible to change your life for the better.” He wound up staying with CITIES for four years. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1998 and in 2001 he started his own not-for-profit organization called YEARS (Young Entrepreneurs Achieving Real Success). He bought a convenience store on N. Teutonia Ave. and W. Finn Pl., and used the store as a place to organize his community and to teach young adults about running a business and the importance of becoming entrepreneurs. In 2001, Dennis became the father of a son, Dennis, Jr. The following year he was blessed with a daughter, Diata. He also has another son, Limbric, age five. In 2009 a friend convinced him to help him run The
Rayna Andrews Feeding America Eastern WI
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Rayna served as the professional and personal development chair for the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals, where she facilitated “best practices” workshops. Rayna was selected to serve for the National Urban League Young Professionals TV (YPTV) project. This opportunity provided Rayna the chance to create her voice in media, and use her natural talent and education to advocate for the National Urban League. As the YPTV correspondent, Rayna interviewed many celebrities and local and national leaders like Steve Harvey and Al Sharpton. Rayna is an active member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church. Professionally, Rayna was the Director of Community Relations for Milwaukee County Executive Chris
Rayna was approached by her current employer, Feeding America, explaining that they wanted her to create a platform that would not only feed residents, but would also create solutions to solving larger hunger issues. Rayna is currently a local authority on the hunger crisis that plagues Milwaukee. She is currently trying to use her professional platform to create a demand for healthy food options in the community and at community retailers, versus the junk food and processed food options that are generally available. Rayna is motivated by changing lives for the better. Her life has been in community service and food security has been the area where she has been able to have the greatest influence.
Dennis C. Walton, Sr. Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative. At this time Dennis was experiencing his own challenges as a young father. He had lost contact with his two older children for a time and saw this opportunity as a way to resolve his own parenting issues and to also be a greater force for change in his community. “My experience with losing my children was probably the darkest chapter in my life,” he said. “I learned through searching for my own children that there were thousands of other fathers like me. The experience of getting my own children back
prepared me to help men who are going through similar circumstances.” Dennis now shares joint custody with the mother of his children. He said that he does everything he can to be a supportive and caring parent, providing a further example to those he counsels. “I love cooking for them,” he said. “I am constantly at their athletic contests. I attend their parent-teacher conferences. We go to the movies together.” (Continued on pg. 17)
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Corporate Trailblazers Alvin C. Hill, Jr., was born and raised in Milwaukee. He graduated from Custer High School and earned an associate degree in marketing from Milwaukee Area Technical College. He said his interest in Affirmative Action and Diversity started when he served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1971-1997. During that time, he graduated from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute and served as chief of the Equal Opportunity, 32nd Separate Infantry Brigade for 10 years. Later, Al worked as manager of recruitment and human resources for Riteway Transportation Company; human resources generalist/ affirmative action officer for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District; and manager of diversity recruitment for SITE Personnel. Al is well-known throughout the city for his ability to educate others in diversity and affirmative action issues and practices. He is using that skill in his current position as director of diversity and cultural competence for the Milwaukee Center for Independence (MCFI). MCFI and its staff of approximately
1,000 employees provides programs and services to improve the quality of life for individuals and families with special needs. Al began his employment in 2004 as a human resources (HR) specialist for New Health Services, one of MCFI’s affiliate companies. In that position, he provided HR support to 14 staff persons and more than 900 field staff caregivers. Since his promotion in 2006, Al’s role has been to oversee Alvin C. Hill, Jr. MCFI’s workforce and supplier diversity Milwaukee Center for Independence strategies and initiatives. “Our workplace emphasizes inclusion, so that and women-owned business everyone feels valued and enterprises (MWBEs). Untheir talents are recognized,” der Al’s leadership, the team he said, “and the lives of our was awarded the Wisconsin employees and our clients are Association of Equal Openriched.” He, along with his portunity Strategic Diversity 10-member MCFI Diversity Council Award in 2010 and Team, support the agency’s The Wisconsin Council of efforts to ensure an inclusive the Society for Human Reworkforce that reflects the source Management (SHRM) community that they serve; Diversity Advocate Award in provide culturally competent 2016. healthcare services; and ofAl facilitated diversity fer opportunities to minority training for various other
Mechelle King is assistant vice president of digital marketing for Park Bank, where she manages the company’s website, social media and marketing, mobile/online banking platform, search engine optimization and video productions. She also designed a scholarship program at Park Bank in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the bank.
Her first position out of college was an internship as a marketing coordinator for an accounting firm. She then moved to M&I Bank (now BMO Harris), and landed at Park Bank shortly afterwards, where she was promoted to officer, due to her growing responsibilities. Park Bank has three branches; two in downtown Milwaukee, and a drive-up only location on West Capitol Drive.
Mechelle is a native of Kenosha, WI, where she graduated from Bradford High School. She relocated to Milwaukee to pursue a degree in business (marketing and technical communications) from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), which she received in 2004. She is currently an MSOE Corporation Board member, a group comprised of leaders from business, industry, health care, government and education who advise and support the school. She also received an Alumni Achievement Award from MSOE in 2016, for her outstanding representation of the school in the life of the community.
several non-profits in Milwaukee currently serve child victims of sex trafficking in a variety of important ways, none specifically offer Christ-centered, longterm rehabilitative care. In 2012, seven Milwaukee-area churches came together to respond to this need, and the vision for Exploit No More was born. “I’m just a pretty joyous person,” Mechelle said, “even though I have moments of pessimism or She serves on the board of sadness. There’s so much joy Exploit No More, a local or- in this world. I work to tap ganization that is dedicated into that.” to ending child sex trafficking in the Greater Milwaukee Mechelle also serves as region. In 2010, a number marketing and development of Milwaukee-area churches committee chair for the Wisbegan to ask the question, consin Conservatory of Mu“What is being done to di- sic, which is an independent rectly impact children caught music school in Milwaukee up in or forced to engage in located on Prospect Avesex trafficking? And how can nue, on the city's east side. the local church engage in The conservatory teaches this effort?”After a year of many types of music, includtalking with law enforcement, ing classical, jazz, rock, folk, first-responders, and oth- and blues. In keeping with er agencies about our city’s her love of music, Mechelle counter-trafficking needs, sings mezzo-soprano for the one need became abundant- Milwaukee Choristers, one ly clear: child victims of sex of the premier communitrafficking desperately need ty choirs in Wisconsin. She a community of support and recently participated in a trip safety to help them pursue to Havana, Cienfuegos and freedom and healing. While Trinidad, Cuba in January, 2016 with dozens of other choristers to perform, attend workshops and experience the culture.
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companies and organizations including Associated Bank, DaimlerChrysler Motors, WI Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, State Technical College EO/AA Officers, Froedtert Health, The Sixteenth Street Health Clinic and Wisconsin Community Services. He has also spoken on diversity at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Ottawa, Marquette, Carroll and Mount Mary universities. Al co-authored “Ten Strategies for Managers in a Multicultural Workforce,” published in the August 1992 issue of HR Focus Magazine. “Organizations need to know how to leverage diversity to function successfully,” Al said. So, he is currently serving several organizations in volunteer leadership roles
as the Board Chairperson, Agape Community Center; President, National Association of Human Resources, Milwaukee Chapter; and Co-chairperson, Diversity and Inclusion Special Interest Group, Metro Milwaukee and Director of Diversity & Workforce Readiness, WI Diversity Council, SHRM. Al has been an active member at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church for 57 years, where he serves as an ordained deacon; chairperson of the personnel committee; and advisory board member of the community development corporation. Al also co-teaches a very popular New Member Class with his wife, Essie. They are the proud parents of one son, Christopher; and two daughters, Alicia Tyner and Mojishola Mason. (Continued on pg. 17)
Mechelle King Park Bank She has always been motivated by a drive to succeed. “My parents instilled that drive in me at a very young age. I don’t know how to not be a high performer.” She was selected as one of the “40 Under 40” in 2016 by The Milwaukee Business Journal, and was equally honored that so many of her co-workers from Park Bank came out to celebrate the achievement. “The President/CEO was there. It really let me know
that I’m an asset to the company.” When asked about her motivation for excellence Mechelle replied, “I see things, because of my love of technology. I know there’s always a way to do things, it just a matter of figuring out how. So, when it comes to obstacles, I sometimes take a step back and think, ‘Can I go under it? Around it? Break through?’ There’s always a solution.” www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Corporate Trailblazers
Gabrielle Rabon Kohler Credit Union In February 2016, Gabrielle Rabon became district manager for the Kohler Credit Union, a member-owned, $300-million, not-forprofit financial cooperative institution. Gabrielle oversees the dayto-day operations for full-service branches in the Greater Milwaukee area, Ozaukee and Sheboygan counties. She is also responsible for ensuring the financial growth of those branches; developing the more than
Growing up near North 24th Street and W. Capitol Drive in the 1980s, Ray and Rosemary Slaughter encouraged their three sons to be in one of three locations after school and on weekends: 1) church, 2) outdoors playing in the sunshine with brothers and neighborhood friends or 3) involved in an organized activity such as the YMCA. Terrance Terrell Slaughter, the oldest of the three brothers, also enjoyed technology. He was also a normal child and therefore watched a fair amount of television. In his case he said the result was not all bad. Terrance said he used to watch a program titled “A Different World,” which was broadcast from 1987-1993 and the show had a big influence on his ambition, because it made it seem not just possible, but normal for African American families to attend college and live a comfortable life with the possibility of job promotions. Along with the television show, an even more important influence on Terrance while he was growing up was an organization called Upward Bound. If the television program convinced him that college was possible, Terrance said that the Upward Bound program www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
twenty employees under her leadership; and building a culture where everyone who walks through their doors has a great membership experience. Gabrielle entered the financial world by working in a bank call center at age 23. She stated, “I have always been passionate about working and interacting with people. I love helping people with their finances and solving problems.” She especially enjoys seeing their faces when they are approved for a loan. Her other goal is to be a “servant leader,” serving others and helping them to be successful. Gabrielle has more than 18 years of financial experience holding several management positions including assistant vice-president, branch manager, market development director, compliance manager, product manager and IRA administrator. Some of her previous employers include U. S. Bank, First Bank Financial Centre and Securant Bank & Trust. Surprisingly, her future did not always look as bright and full of promise as it does today. When the Milwaukee native graduated from Solomon Juneau High School, she became a teenage mother caught up in the welfare system. Gabrielle said that she was determined to have a better life even though the odds
at Marquette University showed him how it could be done. The program exposed the youth participants to a world beyond the inner city, one which included trips to see plays, concerts and other cultural attractions as well as visits to colleges. Terrance was very gifted at math and loved technology. After graduating from Rufus King International High School in 1996, he enrolled at Florida A&M University, but he was torn between which major he should choose. Fortunately he sought the advice of one of the school’s guidance counselors who encouraged him to consider an electrical engineering major. Not only would it provide him with plenty of math and technology, his employment prospects would be better upon graduation. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering in 2001.
seemed stacked against her. “I was not going to settle for the bare minimum because I was capable of so much more.” Today, she has an undergraduate degree in business administration with a minor in human resources from Upper Iowa University, and a master’s degree in adult business education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her children (daughters Melanie and Journey; and sons Curtis, Elijah and Cameron) motivated her to continue seeking higher education. The self-described life-long learner wanted to show them what you can achieve through sacrifice and hard work. They inspire each other to achieve more. Three of her children are currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Gabrielle is confident that one day she will earn a Ph.D. Her energetic mother, Ladora Rabon, has also been her inspiration. Ladora wanted to start a business to leave a family legacy. In 2000, Gabrielle established her mother’s brainchild, Safeway Transportation
During college Terrance had been so impressed with the Upward Bound program at Marquette that he chose to return there and work rather than accept a summer internship. After graduation, he returned to the program and worked fulltime for Marquette Upward Bound for five years. During this time Terrance also taught pre-calculus and trigonometry for two years at Destiny High School. The school was founded by Christian Faith Fellowship Church, where Terrance has been a member for 26 years Terrance is a gifted chorister with a wide vocal range. He met his wife, the former Arletta Cobb, at Christian Faith Fellowship; they were married in August 2016. She is the director of the Milwaukee Christian Center and also a member of their church choir. Arletta also was named one of Milwaukee’s “40 Most Influential People Under 40” in 2016. After five years with Upward Bound, Terrance moved to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. He said it was a very similar program to the Upward Bound one offered by Marquette, except that students who completed the program were guaranteed Stein Scholarships to attend college.
Incorporated. Initially it was owned by her mother, father Melvin Rabon Sr., brother Melvin Rabon, Jr., and herself. Now, the highly successful business is solely owned by her brother. That entrepreneurial spirit has been passed on to her 7-yearold daughter, Journey. The young entrepreneur owns Creative Cookie Kits and holds regular business meetings with her mother to learn everything from marketing to distribution of her product. When Gabrielle is not busy supporting her daughter’s budding business, she is active in various community organizations. Her volunteer work includes serving as board member for the African American Chamber of Commerce, Mequon/ Thiensville Chamber of Commerce, North Shore Rotary Club, banking and finance committee member at Milwaukee Area Technical College and financial literacy coach at Maximus. Gabrielle is also active at Loving Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, where Journey is a student.
Terrance Terrell Slaughter Marquette University While Terrance worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs, he also earned an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University in 2010. Despite his job, mentoring and teaching youth, he still felt the lure of technology and also attended MATC for IT networking. He said he was intrigued by the class because it was the first higher education institution he had ever seen offer such a class. Terrance returned to Marquette as a technical support specialist in January 2015. He described his job as being part of the school’s front line of defense against hackers, malicious software and phishing (which is when a scammer sends an official-looking document insisting that your password must
be changed). His department also provides tech support to instructors, administrators and students. Terrance estimates he is responsible for the integrity of more than 4,000 computers and other electronic devices. “The nice part about this position is that it touches on all aspects of technology,” he said. “On the average we get about 15 requests a day. Most of them are software related.” Terrance continues to share his enthusiasm for technology with other students. In addition to his position with Marquette, he is an adjunct professor at Cardinal Stritch, where he teaches classes in business math and computers in society.
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2017 Black Excellence Awards
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Corporate Trailblazers
Robin D. Talbott Tri City Bank Robin Talbott was born and raised in Vincennes, IN. He is the youngest of three children of Stephen and Alberta Talbott. Robin graduated Vincennes Lincoln High School in 1983. As a sophomore, he played on the 1981 Indiana state championship basketball team. Robin said his parents raised their children to value hard work and honesty. His father worked for 38 years for the United States Postal Service and also worked other jobs at times. His mother worked at Vincennes Univer-
sity. After graduating from high school in 1983, Robin attended a local community college in Illinois for two years, then returned to Indiana and went to work for Vincennes University. In 1987 Robin enrolled in Marian University in Fond du Lac, WI. He chose Marian after a rival college basketball coach accepted a position with the school and contacted Robin to determine if he was interested in playing basketball and finishing his business degree. He earned a bachelor of science degree
in business administration from Marian in 1990. After graduation, Robin moved to Milwaukee. He said he knew someone who lived there and had occasionally visited Milwaukee while attending college. He accepted a position in the collections department at First Wisconsin Bank (now U.S. Bank), where he had completed an internship during college. After 18 months, he was accepted into the management trainee program at First Wisconsin. “That is what I credit for my success in banking,” Robin said adding that the program required him to work for at least a brief period of time in every department of the bank. The management training program allowed candidates to choose what area of banking to pursue upon completion of the training program. Robin chose community banking and was made manager of a branch in Waukesha. Soon he was promoted to manage one of the largest branches. Eventually he moved into small business banking. “I was able to work with a lot of talented people,” Robin explained. “One of the ladies who really encouraged me to go into small business banking was Deloris Sims.
She went on a few years later to open Legacy Bank after she retired from First Wisconsin.” Robin worked for 12 years at First Wisconsin. He also met his wife, Kristen, while rotating through the 24-hour banking department at First Wisconsin in 1993. The couple were married in Maui, Hawaii in 1997. First Wisconsin was bought by US Bank in 2000. At around that time, Robin accepted a position with Tri City National Bank as a vice president in commercial lending. He worked there for two years before accepting a position at Legacy Bank, reuniting with his mentor, Sims. “She created a brand new position in her bank for me,” he said. “I wore a lot of different hats there.” From 2003-2005 Rob-
in attended the University of South Carolina - Darla Moore School of Business Graduate School of Bank Investments & Financial Management. He was still working at Legacy Bank when it was purchased by Seaway Bank in 2011. He worked for Seaway for about a year and a half before accepting a position with PyraMax Bank in Greenfield doing commercial lending there for a couple of years before moving to Tri City National Bank as vice president of commercial banking in 2015. Kristen also works for Tri City now, where she is senior vice president for retail banking. “Banks are the engine that helps small businesses create jobs,” he said. “Access to capital is key. I also enjoy working for a bank that will lend to many different industries, Tri City is one of the few banks in the area that provides loans to churches.” Robin serves as a loan committee member for the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation and on the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp., two organizations that are key in community development and both of which he is especially proud.
Education Alice Pugh currently serves as a special education supervisor for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). She began caring for her community while still a student at Milwaukee’s Washington High School, where she volunteered with local community organizations, figuring she would need some job experience, “I had wonderful teachers who took me to events around the city, and really helped shape my character. Plus, it seemed cool.” Little did she know that experience would shape her future. Alice’s passion for volunteering continued while she was earning a degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She volunteered in a local elementary school, and began working in a classroom with children who were considered hard-to-reach. After she completed her studies and began working in a corporate setting, she received a call from her old school. “They said, ‘We need you, where are you?’ and I knew they did need me. I started to study for my teaching certificate, and got back in the classroom.” The most important lesson she learned from those days is the benefits of
consistency for students on the autism spectrum. She has been working with special education students for 33 years, and has a great appreciation for that particular population, with sensitivity to their needs. She has been a classroom teacher at two high schools, and has worked to cultivate both integrated and self-contained learning spaces in special education for the city of Milwaukee. “While some students may have an intellectual disability and may need modifications, we try for the least restrictive choice for the good of the young person,” Alice said. “Many teachers also need support in modifying the core curriculum to fit an Individual Education Plan for the child.” She is currently based at the school level, and is glad to be placed where she can do the most good. Alice also works with the Pregnant and Parenting
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Youth Program (PPYP) citywide. In this program, young mothers and fathers can get support in being nurturing parents, developing healthy eating habits, and managing reproductive health. The program partners with schools, families and community organizations to help young couples and co-parents. Alice is a member of Bradford Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, where Reverend Geraldine Sheets- Howard is pastor. She is a member of the choir, the Women’s Missionary Society, and serves the resource for Mayor Barrett’s Strong Baby campaign, which improves birth outcomes for children of color in the city of Milwaukee. She and her husband Terrance have two children, Tirrell and Jamila, and a grandson, JesZir. Alice was recently recognized as one of the 40 Beacons of Light by the Amani neighborhood for her efforts to reopen Moody Pool in the 53206 neighborhood, where she grew up. “I started thinking, ‘What kind of spirit do kids have when they can’t play in the park, when everything is boarded up’?” She began working hard to revitalize the area, from reopening the pool, to teaching area
Alice Pugh Milwaukee Public Schools kids carpentry skills, attaining a small grant to buy tools and supplies for kids to learn to build push carts. “Imagine, someone has taken their fathers, locked them up, and then they are expected to pull themselves up by their boot-
straps. Some of them don’t have boots.” Although Alice has worked hard for the city she loves she said, “I’m not looking to be rewarded, I just do what I do. That’s enough of a reward.” www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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2017 Black Excellence Awards
32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Education
Dr. Gary L. Williams University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee The oldest of nine children, Dr. Gary L. Williams grew up on Chicago’s West side. Neither his father, Alex R. Williams, who worked in a foundry, nor his stay-athome mother, Ilojean Williams, graduated from high school. Upon moving to Milwaukee, Gary completed his sophomore year at Lincoln High School before he dropped out to work a series of low-wage jobs to help the family. “I did not have a normal teenage experience,” Gary said. “I was in the world of work in my teens.” For the next five years Gary worked in foundries,
factories, filling stations, “bumping around.” When he reached the age of 21, Gary decided that he did not want to spend the rest of his life working a circle of low-wage, low-skilled jobs, so he went to MATC and without any preparation sat for his high school equivalency exam. He passed the GED with such high scores that when he met with a recruiter from Manpower Business Training Institute, the recruiter strongly encouraged Gary to enroll in college. He took the recruiter’s advice and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1971. Gary earned a bachelor of science
degree in sociology and political science in 1975 and a master of arts degree in political science in 1977. Gary credits his father with drilling into him the importance of education. After earning his master’s degree Gary helped develop and nurture several programs at UW-Milwaukee designed to support minority and economically disadvantaged students. Despite enjoying the work that he did, Gary had a sense of unfinished business and in 1991 he earned a doctoral degree in Urban Studies. He continued working in Student and Multicultural Affairs as Director. He then joined the administrative staff of the provost as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Academic and Multicultural Affairs. As founder and director of UWM’s Institute for Intercultural Research, which addresses and responds to the needs of communities of color, Gary accepted a position as clinical assistant professor in the School of Education in 2005. He noticed that there were a number of courses on educating African Americans that had not been taught in a number of years and he was successful in resurrecting those courses, a number of which have continued to be quite popular. Since 2013 Gary has served
as Director of the Black Cultural Center and in 2014 he was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure at UW-Milwaukee’s School of Education, Department of Educational Policy and Community Studies. One of the most meaningful recent endeavors for Gary is his involvement in the Summit on Black Male Youth, which brings more than a thousand black middle and high school young men to UW-Milwaukee for a twoday event at the University. While much of his work has been with high-school age males, Gary said his on-going research suggests that it is important to begin building enthusiasm for college at an even younger age. “We need to get our hands on them as young as possible and reassure them that they have value and that we look forward to them contributing toward society,” he said. In addition to helping prepare college students to become educators, Gary has also published a book, several journal articles, reports, papers and continues researching on quality of
life issues affecting minority and disadvantaged people. He has also been a generous community volunteer. Gary’s resume includes pages of organizations which have benefitted from his time and talent. These groups include: Centro Hispano, the African American Male Initiative, the Helen Bader Institute for Non-Profit Management Leadership Council, and UWM’s Academic Dean’s Council. Additionally, he has served as President of the Brown Deer School Board since 2011, as co-chair of the Social Development Commission (SDC) Youth Poverty Task Force as well as a SDC Commissioner, the Professional Standards Council, the American Cancer Society, the Lisbon Avenue Neighborhood Development Community Board and the Midwest Association of Educational Opportunity Programs. Gary is the father of four children: daughter Sydney, and sons Akil, Gary, II, and Alexander, who is scheduled to graduate from UW-Milwaukee in May 2017.
Alvin C. Hill, Jr. (Continued from pg. 14)
Dennis Walton (Continued from pg. 13) The Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative (MFI) evolved from a two-day training session held in October 2005. The session was conducted by staff from the Maryland-based National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) at the request of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Out of this planning session, a subcommittee emerged with the charge of convening a major, city-wide summit in the fall of 2006. The Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative Conference was held on October 13-14, 2006, with more than 1,200 men attending. In 2016 more than 2,000 fathers participated in the annual summit in Milwaukee. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
Because of the overwhelming community response to the summit, Mayor Barrett and the planning committee formalized the MFI. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation provided $75,000 in initial seed funding, with the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee providing additional in-kind support. In addition to helping plan the annual conference, Dennis works one-on-one with fathers helping them obtain or recover their driver license, reduce child support debt, provide education on parenting, personal finance, developing a healthy lifestyle and promoting the many benefits of children having an engaged, committed, involved and responsible father in their lives while growing up.
Al is not only devoted to his family, but to others. “I have an innate desire to help people and make a difference in their lives,” he said. Several years ago, the MCFI Board of Directors gave him an opportunity to “make a difference in the lives of African American males.” He was tasked with a twoyear project to impact the high unemployment rate in the community. In 2015, Al took his first step by hosting a Black Male Summit with community leaders to discuss the issue and possible solutions. Secondly, he formed a black male advisory board to help him to continue the conversation. “I tried to use my sphere of influence to educate the HR community about the problem,” he said.
Al Hill (pictured right) receiving the Wisconsin State Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Diversity Advocacy Award on behalf of the Diversity Team at MCFI on October 6, 2016.
Consequently, he collaborated with National Association of African Americans in HR- Milwaukee Chapter, and SHRM to match job seekers with the numerous job openings in their agencies. Over the last year, Al held sessions with approximately 150 HR professionals to stress the
need to remove bias and barriers regarding black males in their hiring practices. He impacted his own agency to create change. MCFI achieved its own internal goal to increase the hiring of black males. Improving black male unemployment, Al said,
“Is not going to be a short journey…because of the dynamics of a high rate of incarcerations, health disparities and education disparities in Milwaukee.”
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2017 Black Excellence Awards
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Extraordinary Achievement
Kevin Evans is currently a case manager and basic skills coordinator at the Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center, providing services to clients and veterans with mental health issues, including healthcare for homeless groups, working with alcohol dependent groups, and helping veterans find jobs and housing. He conducts several classes, workshops and demonstrations teaching principle, techniques, and procedures of basic skills, financial management and budgeting to veterans. In 1977, Kevin earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of WisconsinParkside after graduating from North Division High School. Possessing superior athletic ability but poor grades, Kevin lost his scholarship. He tightened his bootstraps and enlisted in the United States Army with the encouragement of his mother, Oralee Evans. After completing two military enlistments spanning more than twelve years with the United States Army and United States Navy as a supply specialist and logistic
School of Social Welfare, and has a license as a Certified Anger Management Facilitator (CAMF) and Anger Management Counselor.
specialist, Kevin experienced homelessness for two decades. Kevin was encouraged not to concede, but was inspired to help other veterans who experienced the same challenges of homelessness. After utilizing federally funded education programs, such as Veterans Upward Bound, Kevin earned an associate degree in human services from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Kevin gained the momentum needed to reach out and help other veterans. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Springfield College. He earned a master’s degree in social work and mental health from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Helen Bader
Kevin and most veterans benefit from structured, team-based military environments, but transitioning to civilian lifestyles may be challenging for some veterans. Kevin spends much of his time helping homeless veterans who may be experiencing difficulties during their transition. For example, Kevin mentioned, “Others don’t always accept help for housing.” He recalled a conversation with a veteran who wanted to sleep outside in the woods as she had while in the military. Kevin told her he had housing for her, but she declined. He gave her his business card for any needs and told her if she needed anything to contact him or visit the organization. Although Kevin seemed to have started off as a homeless veteran two decades ago, working with veterans who face the same obstacles he faced has made him
Kevin Evans Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center not only appreciate how far he has come and how he has changed his life, but more passionate than anyone about helping other veterans.
perience proves his dedication. Kevin is committed to working with veterans at the Center for Veteran Issues, WCS Bridge Halfway House, and Wisconsin Community Kevin has an extensive Service (WCS) Intervention, record of volunteerism with instructing and leading veterthe United States Depart- ans in a variety of challenging ment of Veteran Affairs, activities to build confidence Twelve Step, Guest House, and promote physical, menFriendship Club, recruiting tal and social development. classmates for study groups, and others, including volunKevin is married to his teering through VetSuccess. wife, Pamela, and they are His education and work ex- parents to two adult children.
His first assignment was to start a weather station in England. As a weatherman, he traveled to many places, including South Dakota, Michigan, Texas, Canada and Mexico. Other assignments included Greenland, Arizona, Texas and Vietnam before the war. In 1970, after serving two tours in the Vietnam War, Charles retired from military service. He received numerous achievements and commendations for his service such as The Bronze Star, Weapons Expert, American Defense Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service and Army Achievement. Charles began 20 years in civil service as a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chicago in 1970. He transferred to the National Weather Service at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport in 1975. Charles retired from the National Weather Service Milwaukee in 1990. Throughout his military and civilian Charles E. Queen weather career, Charles alPhotographer and Quilter ways made time for his hobby in photography. He later After graduating from high and South Pacific in Guam, earned an associate degree school, in 1947, in his home Siapan and Tinian. Being in photography at Milwaukee town Chicago, IL, Charles honorably discharged for Area Technical College. E. Queen enlisted in the about a year, he re-enlisted United States Army Air and began a 23-year military He also learned leather Force. He served in the US career in meteorology. work, which included mak-
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ing purses, wallets, bookmarks and other trinkets. Charles became interested in quilting after his daughter showed him a quilt she had made of her Harley-Davidson T-shirts. The seamstress taught him and he complete his quilt with a collection of jazz themed T-shirts. Charles has been quilting for the past 11 years. His work, known as artistic quality work, has been exhibited in many places and has won numerous prizes. The students of the Milwaukee Art Institute created a documentary which featured Charles’s major piece -- a quilt con-
structed of 10,000 one-inch square pieces, which has been requested so often it is now retired. The documentary was shown at the Milwaukee Film Festival. Charles and his wife, Faye, are the parents of son David (Holly) and daughter Charlotte; and grandparents of Ashley, Jordyn, Sydney, Hannah and Josh. He said loyalty is what motivates him to choose excellence in his career and life. Loyalty to his family has made a positive difference in their lives as well as others in the community. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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2017 Black Excellence Awards
32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Extraordinary Achievement
Fred Reed was born and raised in Kinloch, MO, one of the oldest African American communities in the state. It is the home town of a number of influential African Americans, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Billie Davis, Jr., of the Fifth Dimension, two of the Tuskegee Airmen, actress Jennifer Lewis and the actor John Colthrane, Jr., to whom Fred is related. Growing up he enjoyed sports, sang in the glee club and rose to assistant scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts. He graduated from Kinloch High School. Upon graduation Fred began working a series of jobs before deciding to relocate to Milwaukee where he already had family. He attended welding school at MATC and received further on-the-job training at Norberg Manufacturing Co., (now Rexnord Corp.). He rotated through many of the company’s departments, learning a great deal along the way during the three years he was employed there as a welder. In addition, he served as a union steward. His position was terminated after management saw his photo in the newspaper at a
march for fair housing. After leaving Norberg. Fred became much more involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He said he was fortunate to have a number of excellent mentors: Lloyd Barbee, Isaac Coggs, and Cecil Brown, among others. Fred credits Coggs, a former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, for teaching him about the structure and function of city government. He also is grateful to Lloyd Barbee for assigning him to different projects, including the Election Commission. As a member of the NAACP Youth Council Commandos, Fred marched alongside Alderwoman Vel Phillips, Fr. James Groppi and other notable civil rights leaders during the March on Milwaukee in the 1960s. The marchers demanded fair housing for African Americans who faced discrimination. He and Phillips were instrumental in establishing the first black voter registration drive in Milwaukee. Their efforts resulted in the election of two African American candidates: Orville Pitts to the Milwaukee Common Council, and Clinton Rose to the Milwaukee County Board
of Supervisors. At the end of that period, Fred was recruited into the corporate sector. He worked as a supervisor in the sales training program at Boston Store. After six months he was assigned to the personnel department with supervisory status. Within two years he was promoted to assistant to the division administrator for operations. In 1972 Fred left Boston Store to earn a college degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He took a heavy course load and graduated magna cum laude in three years with a bachelor of science degree in education in 1975. He immediately began post-graduate work in urban affairs. Fred was hired by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Human Resources (Project Skill) as a specialist in job development for the handicapped. He left this position in 1978 for a position with the Department of Health and Social Services, Division Fred Reed of Corrections. His initial position was as an affirmaBlack Data Processing Associates tive action/civil rights officer. He transitioned from that position to administra- tive assistant to the budget of Financial Institutions for director. Prior to leaving more than 25 years. He rethe Division of Correc- tired in 2011. He remains actions, he functioned as the tive with the NAACP and is second-in-command in the Vice President and ManageBureau of Human Resourc- ment Support for the Black es. While employed in the Data Processing Associates Department of Health and (BDPA). Human Services, Fred also The nationwide BDPA served as a legislative liaison has in excess of 46 chapfor the Division of Correc- ters across the country that Eosinophilic Esophagitis! You probably don’t know what that tions. He and three others are committed to developalso served on the task force ing the information techis. But Joshua and his family do. which implemented the stan- nology talent pipeline "from dards for the American Dis- the classroom to the boardJoshua was born with Eosinophilic abilities Act in Wisconsin. room.” Fred has dedicated Esophagitis -- he had trouble Fred was also responsible for a great deal of his retirecreating the first complaint ment years into making the swallowing and keeping food system for inmates. Milwaukee BDPA Chapter down, an act most of us take for His next job in state gov- one of the best. His efforts granted. Lucky for Joshua and his ernment was with the De- were rewarded in 2016 when partment of Financial Insti- the Milwaukee Chapter won family, they went to the Pediatric tutions, which has oversight the “Comeback Chapter of Skilled Nursing program at the of all banking and financial the Year” for its accelerated organizations. His expertise growth and commitment to Milwaukee Center for Independence was in securities as a senior students, members, and corfor help. There, staff helped him financial examiner. While porate sponsors. Compared there he did post-graduate to 41 chapters across the naovercome his challenges — and work and completed a cer- tion, the Milwaukee BDPA today he enjoys snacks with his classmates. tificate in public administra- Chapter has attracted the tion from the Department highest percentage of new PSN is the only community based skilled day nursing of Governmental Affairs at members in one year. And, UW-Milwaukee. for the first time in its hisprogram in Milwaukee for children ages birth to 21 with Whether in private or tory, the Milwaukee Chapter profound health care needs that is certified by Medicaid and public service, Fred worked sponsored eight local high accredited by the Joint Commission. tirelessly to direct funds to- school students in the 2016 ward organizations which National High School Comimproved the lives of Afri- puter Competition. If you have a loved one with some other ailment – brain can Americans by increasing Fred is married to Andrea injury, memory challenges, home care needs or developsocial services and employ- Lewis Reed. They attend ment opportunities. Fred re- New Testament Church on mental delays, call the Milwaukee Center for Independence mained with the Department the city's northwest side.
THE MILWAUKEE CENTER FOR
JOSHUA
— 414-937-2020. Visit mcfi.net for more information.
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Health
eral medicine and telemetry floor. At that time, she didn’t want to specialize, but to concentrate on general medicine to become a good nurse. After five years, Cassi became a staff nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital because she wanted the opportunity to work in surgery. To support her career goal, she earned a CNOR (Certificate of Nursing Operating Room) for perioperative nursing. Three years later, she moved to the
role of PM charge nurse/ team leader coordinating all the afternoon surgeries. In 2004, she received an opportunity to join a group of physicians at the brand new, completely physician-owned Surgery Center in Franklin, WI. She said that it was exciting to be involved in a building project from the ground up. Soon after, Cassi was invited to be the head of the center’s operating room. Opportunity knocked on her door again in May, 2009. A group of physicians invited her to join them at a new joint venture with Wheaton Franciscan, which resulted in her current workplace, the Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (MOSH), now part of the newly formed Ascension Health. Cassi stated, “I love orthopedics and the challenge of building something new.” She served as their manager of surgical services for 8 years. Thirteen months ago, she was promoted to director of surgical services for MOSH. Cassi oversees all the operations of perioperative services (care that is given before, during and after sur-
thought I was smart and always introduced me to her friends as ‘my son the A-student’.” The family didn’t own a typewriter while Ben was in high school. He would often work late at his Aunt Dorothy’s house completing homework assignments and recalled watching the sun rise one morning as he completed typing a paper. Despite the fact that Mrs. Tobin’s illnesses often physically incapacitated her, Ben recalled that she always managed to be a presence for him and his two brothers. After his parents' divorce, it would be more than 25 years before he would have any consistent contact with his father. While he missed out on fatherly guidance during some critical periods in his life, he was able to reconcile with his father during the last year of his life. Despite all the challenges in his way, Ben earned a bachelor of arts degree in biology from the University at California-San Diego in 1991 and also earned three non-contiguous minors in music, contemporary black arts, and sociology. He applied to medical school and was eventually accepted at the Medical College of Wis-
consin and a medical school in Chicago, but chose the former as the recruiter in Milwaukee was so eager for him to come that she helped him obtain a partial scholarship for his first two years. Ben began to build up his internal medicine practice here in Milwaukee. He also married. The couple eventually divorced, but not before having a son and two daughters -- Benjamin III, 14, Baylee, 13, and Breeann, 10. Although the children live with their mother in Arizona, Ben has remained very active and supportive in their lives. In January 2009, Ben’s mother finally succumbed to her illness. As she lay dying in a California hospital, he was able to tell her he loved her over the telephone. Although she had been unconscious, she briefly came to, told him she loved him and died less than an hour later. Two months later, his father’s third wife called and told Ben she was becoming too ill to care for his father. Ben agreed to bring his father to Milwaukee and care for him. He said he was very grateful for the time he had to reconcile. Ben received a phone call from the hospital informing him that his father had only a few hours left to live, just as he was about to walk into a mandatory 10year review exam required of all physicians for medical recertification. Despite his anguish, he passed the exam.
Cassi Scaife, RN Ascension Surgical Services “I really love my city,” said Cassi (Dalton) Scaife, who was born and raised in Milwaukee. She has lived in Milwaukee her entire life. Cassi graduated from Rufus King International High School in 1985 and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing science from the University of Wisconsin in 1990. Upon graduation from college, she worked on the Milwaukee County Hospital (now Froedtert) gen-
On Thanksgiving Day when he was seven years old, Dr. Benjamin Tobin, Jr., was enjoying the holiday celebration when his father began to sweat profusely, eventually becoming unconscious and landing face-first in his dinner plate. Ben later learned that his father had suffered a stroke and at the time he was just a frightened kid, wanting to help his dad. He later discovered that doctors help people in situations like this. While this was a life-changing event for him, Dr. Tobin recalled his mother, Priscilla, also was chronically ill and his exposure to both parents’ health issues helped spark his interest in medicine. Ben’s parents divorced when he was a teenager and because his mother was unable to work, he secured two jobs, one at a GAP warehouse and another at a McDonald’s Restaurant. His goal was to unload an undue financial burden from his mother, as she was receiving minimal support from his father at the time. Priscilla Tobin has always been her son’s biggest cheerleader for as long as he can remember. Ben recalled, “I applied myself because she
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gery). Her scope of responsibilities involves pre-admission testing; same-day surgery; operating room; recovery room; and pain management. She also is responsible for staffing and their education; budgetary plans; patient care; and internal/external customer relations. Cassi and Danny, her husband of 24 years, raised all their children (Danny, 23; April, 22; Ashley, 19; and Kerry, 16) in Milwaukee. They have tried to instill their faith and values in them. “We believe that each one of us is a child of God with divine potential within us to accomplish great things. It’s a matter of us tapping into our potential,” she shared. Cassi said that belief is the driving force behind the decisions that she has made in her personal and professional life. Besides her children, she shares it with her staff to encourage and empower
them to bring forth their talents and gifts. Her volunteer work includes children, youth and women programs at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she has been a member for eighteen years. She coordinates volunteer projects for her hospital to support the Hunger Task Force and Milwaukee Rescue Mission. Now, that her three oldest children are in college and she only has one child at home, she hopes to be able to give more time to community service. Cassi stated, “Anyone can provide you with a service, but it is not always excellent service. I focus on excellence.” She wants to provide the community with health education on available resources and how to access them. Also, how we can take better care of ourselves and practice preventative health.
Dr. Benjamin Tobin, Jr. Froedtert and the Medical College of WI
Ben never forgot the eight years of classical piano lessons he took as a child. “My real interest was in playing church Gospel music,” he said. “I basically taught myself [Gospel] and wound up being a church musician for a while. I have also sung in church choirs and performed solos. I firmly believe there is a link between music and healing.” After his marriage ended, Ben built a recording studio in his house where he and friends write and record. He said his interests encompass virtually every genre: R&B, pop, hip hop, contemporary Christian; but his all-time number one hero is Aretha Franklin. He said he has
written and recorded 25-30 songs to date. Ben is an ordained elder at Greater New Birth Church of God, but considers his medical practice to be his primary ministry. Since 2000 he has participated in an apprenticeship program where high school students primarily interested in medicine shadow physicians to get a better understanding of the profession. Despite the many obstacles that he has had to overcome, Ben said he always keeps God’s grace and his mercy in his thoughts. “Grace gives us what we don’t deserve,” he said. “Too often we forget about mercy which keeps us from getting what we do deserve.” www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Law where he majored in economics and English. From there, he returned to Milwaukee and earned a law degree from Marquette University in 2007. “I didn’t know any lawyers, let alone any Black ones,” Steve said. “And now I run into people all the time that I know from way back, and they’re always asking me questions. ‘Do I have a case? What kind of lawyer do I need?’ I’m glad to answer any questions they might have.”
Atty. Steven DeVougas Quarles & Brady, LLP The highest privilege of Steven DeVougas is that he is able to do good in the city he grew up in. He grad-
uated from Marquette University High School in 2000, and went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor,
Although Milwaukee native DeAngela Luna only has two sisters, she has a large extended family with more than 60 first cousins. During family gatherings, DeAngela recalls there was only one way to be heard, and that was by speaking up. It is a skill that, combined with a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has carried her through to her role as assistant general counsel and assistant general secretary for Northwestern Mutual. Music is a large part of DeAngela’s life. She sang in the choir at New Covenant Baptist Church as a young girl and is now one of its directors and a soloist. DeAngela attended Browning Elementary, and transitioned to the Glendale-River Hills school district in second grade as a Chapter 220 student. She graduated from Nicolet High School in 1998, where she participated in cheerleading, orchestra, and the chamber and jazz choirs. She also played the violin for eight years. What she experienced during her undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison would test her in ways she didn’t ex-
pect. “I was naïve,” she said, referring to the racial divide she encountered on campus, an experience that was markedly different than her upbringing. During her freshman year, DeAngela constantly thought about transferring to another college. She decided to stay in Madison, however, and do what her parents taught her; that is, get involved and become a positive force for change. She became a residence hall assistant, joined the homecoming committee and the Inspirational Choir; found new friends and graduated with a double major in psychology and sociology in May 2002. DeAngela decided to continue at UW-Madison for law school the following semester, and earned a law degree in 2005. Despite a weak job market, DeAngela landed a summer internship in the legal department of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. She also juggled a part-time job in retail when a friend mentioned an opening at Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc. (LAW), a local non-profit legal services agency.
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nationally recognized Product Liability, Toxic Tort and Personal Injury Litigation Team, Steven applies legal experience, knowledge, resources, and proven methods to help manufacturers identify potential product liabiliWhile earning a law degree, ty issues and concerns, take Steven worked part-time corrective action, and mount in investment sales at M&I a strong defense both inside Bank (now BMO Harris and outside the courtroom. Bank). Soon, he decided to become a full-time law stuHis motto for right now dent, and joined the law firm is ‘Excellence In Execution’, of Hinshaw and Culvertson, and he is devoting his time LLP in 2008. There he prac- to making sure he lives up ticed commercial litigation, to his word. He said that he and labor and employment wants to be who he is, and defense. This included real improve whatever he touchestate deals; and Title VII es. “My family sacrificed a cases, which involve Family lot for me and my brothers. Medical Leave Act benefits Seeing me succeed makes and discrimination cases. them so proud. My mother In March 2015, he moved makes me feel like I’m on the to Quarles and Brady, LLP, church Christmas program where he currently practices when she sees me out in the product liability defense law. community!” He was raised As a member of the firm’s in the North Side Church of
DeAngela started as a family law attorney at LAW in November 2005, understanding the great need for legal representation in underserved communities. The challenges her clients faced, many of whom were victims of domestic violence, were compounded by issues such as illiteracy, homelessness, lack of public assistance, limited English proficiency and limited access to the courts. “It was eye opening,” she said. “I did not share my clients’ life experiences, and after my first intake with a domestic violence victim, all I could do was cry. I took solace in knowing that LAW cared as much for our clients as I did, and that together we were filling a gap in resources for these individuals. My work at LAW changed my life.” DeAngela worked for LAW for more than eight years until she accepted a position in October 2014 with Emile Banks, Jr., her professional mentor and a prominent African American attorney, at his firm, Emile Banks & Associates (EBA). Attorney Banks helped DeAngela navigate a new practice area and gain the confidence to do anything she set her mind to. After two years with EBA, DeAngela took another leap of faith and joined Northwestern Mutual in February 2016.
God, where both his parents were assistant pastors. He currently attends Parklawn Assembly of God, where he is active in the Men’s Ministry and offers his time and legal expertise to the church. Steven also has a seven-yearold son, Steven, III. Steven bases his volunteerism on the fact that it was hard for him, when he started out, to be taken seriously. “Law can be a tough field for African Americans; I had to bump my head a few times, and the community is generally unaware of what you’re up against. Ambition can sometimes be unsupported. I’ve got the mindset though, that there is enough for everybody.” This belief system has spurred him to serve on the Board of Asset Builders, (Continued on pg. 25)
Atty. DeAngela M. Luna Northwestern Mutual “My path to Northwestern Mutual was certainly nontraditional, but I feel at home here. I am blessed to work with smart people who have good hearts. More important, I am among others who want to be present in their communities. Our company’s robust and growing diversity and inclusion efforts include partnering with diversity-driven organizations and offering employee resource groups that support our diverse workforce. I feel supported in my career to continue building bridges
between our company and our community. I feel valued here. I feel I have come full circle.” DeAngela manages her busy career with the responsibilities of having a young family. She is married to Jose Luna, a City of Milwaukee police officer. The couple has three children -- Leigh Maria, 17 months, Paisley Diane, 5, and Jose, Jr., a new City of Milwaukee firefighter. (Continued on pg. 25)
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LaToya Dennis Milwaukee Press Club/WUWM LaToya Dennis works as a reporter and producer for WUWM, Milwaukee Public Radio. A native of Flint, MI, she went to college at Michigan State University, and was pursuing a degree in human biology with the goal of go-
ing to medical school, when she decided to look for work to support herself during her studies. She worked in retail, and finally took a position at WUWM, the most listened-to public radio station in southeastern Wisconsin,
Earl Stokes’s professional radio experience is vast. He has done everything from college radio to commercial radio, and worked in formats ranging from hip hop to jazz. He is currently most known as an on-air radio personality on WJMR Jammin' 98.3 FM. Earl is a product of the Milwaukee Public Schools, and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1989. Earl didn’t choose media, media chose Earl. Both his parents were involved in media; his mother was in television and his father was in radio. When Earl was 10 years old, he and his father had a radio program called “The Gospel Train.” They were known on the air as “Brother Earl & Brother John.” Earl had a very early start in radio, and his experience grew from there. He earned an FCC 3rd class radio endorsement license from John Marshall High School’s Summer Broadcasting Camp
when he was 13. When he was a freshman in high school Earl had a show on radio station WNOV-860 AM. He was then known as “DJ Ski,” and he broadcast Monday through Friday during the afternoon 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. drive time spot. Upon graduating high school Earl attended Columbia College in Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting. While in college Earl worked at the campus radio station, WCRX.
because she was interested in telling stories. She has been in the field of journalism ever since. After switching majors, LaToya completed undergraduate studies in journalism in 2005, and went on to earn a master of arts degree in journalism in 2006 from Michigan State, relocating to Milwaukee to pursue her storytelling passion. Her primary goal as a journalist is to tell stories “in a complete way.” She explained, “I did set out to tell complete stories. If that has allowed me to do good, that’s a good thing. I wanted to tell stories, and let the stories of underrepresented people be heard. Whenever I get a chance, one of my passions is inner city issues. I see a lot of the same problems and the same good here as I saw in Flint.” LaToya recently received the prestigious Edward R Murrow Award for a series on black male incarceration called Project Milwaukee: Black Men in Prison. This series, which was a partnership between WUWM and Milwaukee Public Television, explored over the course of six months Wisconsin’s high rate of black male incarcera-
After college he was one of the first employees to start at the new Milwaukee station V100. He was 25 years old and one of the youngest in the industry to host a morning drive radio show. He also worked at then Magic 103.7 FM when it had an urban format. partment at WMCS 1290AM for a short while. Earl was not only on the Earl has been with Jammin' personality side of radio; he 98.3 FM since it went on the also worked in the sales de- air in 2001. Its original call sign was 106.9FM.
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tion, through expert analysis and personal stories. “In the 2010 census, Wisconsin had the highest percentage of incarcerated black men in the nation,” she said. “One out of every eight black men of working age is behind bars. In Milwaukee County, more than half of African American men in their thirties have served time in prison.” LaToya does not exclusively produce stories on underrepresented people, but has been awarded for her work in the community, winning a Salute To Excellence National Media Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in 2014, for her coverage of Andre Lee Ellis and his work with the We Got This project to “put the ‘neighbor’ back in neighborhood.” The program started on North 9th and West Ring Streets, and began with a crew of
young boys cleaning up their neighborhood and learning about gardening. The program grew each Saturday as boys came out to assist in duties and were each subsequently paid 20 dollars for their efforts. The program has continued to grow and each week during the summer young boys make their way to 9th and Ring for cleanup and gardening assignments. Upon arrival, the boys are met by positive male role models from the community to assist with their efforts. We Got This is making efforts to recreate Milwaukee communities and the program has since been nationally acclaimed. LaToya is currently the president of the Milwaukee Press Club and will be an adjunct professor in multimedia journalism at Marquette University in Spring 2017. “When I hear from the public and they contribute something positive to the community, that makes me say ‘job well done’. That’s what I’m proud of. Hate mail comes with the territory, but if they acted because of a story and they made the world better, it’s all worth it.”
Earl Stokes Jammin'98.3 FM
When asked what motivates him, he simply said, “I love what I do, and I love being a voice for the people.” Like many Wisconsinites, Earl is a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan. There is never a Earl is also a businessman. season that the Packers won’t In the same way his father make it to the Super Bowl, introduced him to radio, his according to Earl. father also introduced him to business. Earl has owned Earl has been in the media and operated a billboard business for 35 years, and business for about twenty he has no plans of stopping years. His billboards are lo- anytime soon. He said that cated primarily in the central he would do media even if he city of Milwaukee. wasn’t being paid, and there was a time when he wasn’t.
It is refreshing to learn when someone has found their passion and are able to make a living from it. Like Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Earl and his wife, Karen, are the parents of two sons and two daughters, and they also have two grandchildren. The family attends Christian Faith Fellowship Church, where Earl serves on the radio ministry. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Annual Black Excellence Awards Military/Public Service and part-time instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Myra L. Edwards City of Milwaukee - Mayor's Office Myra L. Edwards was born and raised in Milwaukee by parents who were both educators and instilled in her a love of learning and a belief in God. She graduated from James Madison High School and chose to attend one of the historic black colleges and universities, Tennessee State University, in Nashville, where she was the president of her senior class. She is a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Myra studied piano at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music for nine years during her upbringing. During high
George Matthews has dedicated his entire life to advocating for veteran’s rights and education. George is a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, and attended Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Peckham Junior High and Rufus King International High School. He graduated from King in 1972, and joined the United States Army. In September 1973 George enlisted in the United States Army, and was trained as a combat medical specialist. Before he was stationed in Korea, he was a medic attached to a unit. Korea at the time was considered a hostile territory, although there was no combat occurring. He was assigned the rank of private first-class during the Vietnam conflict, although he was never deployed to that campaign. George served two years of active duty service and was honorably discharged in 1975. Upon his discharge is when George found his true mission. While still enlisted in the military he has suffered some pain and ailments and went to the Veteran’s Administration Hospital to get some care, but learning that system was quite difficult. George ultimately was able to figure out how to get his entitled benefits, and he made it his mission to help other veter-
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school, she participated in all of the school plays, concert band, marching band, a cappella choir and the color guard. After earned a degree in communications, Myra returned to Milwaukee and began her professional career as a transportation supervisor for the Milwaukee Public School system (MPS). She was promoted to governmental relations, and later, went on to become community development administrator. After leaving MPS, she spent two years as a management consultant
ans that were having issues navigating the process. Over the years George has worked with a host of organizations with his concentration staying on veteran issues. George started as a volunteer with the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVets) where he would counsel veterans on best practices, and would literally walk them through the application process for VA benefits. He worked for the Milwaukee Area Technical College as a student services specialist in veteran services. He held a similar position with United Migrants Opportunity Service, and also served as a youth counselor at St. Charles Youth and Family Services. George is a tireless volunteer with more than 10 years of committed service to the Frontiers International organization. He has more than a decade with the 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee, where he served as the membership chair and a mentor to at-risk boys.
In 2007, Myra joined the administration of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett where she serves as a Senior Advisor with a focus on education and workforce development. In that capacity she works with MPS, Milwaukee area foundations, affinity groups, and post-secondary and other education-based organizations to advance Mayor Barrett’s agenda. “Mayor Barrett’s goal is to create hope in the lives of Milwaukee’s young people,” Myra said. “That translates to ensuring that they have the best opportunity for success in school, at home, and in their communities.”
son, Evan, who is 12 years old and a fan of basketball, superheroes, and demonstrates a strong talent for drawing. Myra also has an adult step-daughter, Danielle.
mitment, but Myra said she is merely “carrying on the work of [her] predecessor, Maybell Kleckley.” She was director for more than 50 years before her retirement in 2003 and remains Director Emeritus. Myra also sings with the New Jubilee Community Choir as a second alto. The choir performs several times a year. Myra said she usually participates in the spring performance. She said one of the reasons that she makes time to participate in the New Jubilee is because of its commitment to supporting the education of young musicians through scholarships to African American college students majoring in music.
When she is not working or making music, Myra said she enjoys reading. She is currently reading “Integrating the Inner City” by Dr. Mark Joseph and Robert Chaskin. Unlike Evan, who seems to prefer basketball, Myra is a huge football fan. She was in the same class at Tennessee State University with former Chicago Bear Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Dent. Her late father, Jerry, was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan who played football for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College) and was inducted into the Arkansas AM&N Hall of Fame in 2005. He passed away in 2010, yet had the impact of passing his love of the game to Myra; she said she is unapologetically a Packers’ fan.
Myra continues to engage with her love of music as director since 2003 of the Chancel Choir at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The choir has earned a solid reputation for excellence in the sacred music genre tradition of spirituals, hymns Myra’s mother, Ernestine, and anthems. The choir, with Myra has been married for is a retired MPS teacher. She rehearsal once weekly and 14 years to Dextra Hadnot, and Myra's father met and ministry every Sunday morn- Director of External Affairs ing, stands as a major com- for AT&T. The couple has a (Continued on pg. 25)
Currently he is the recruiting member for the Rotary of Milwaukee Sunrise. With six years of committed service he is the voice within Rotary that promotes more inner-city service. George completed the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) Citizens Academy, and he is also a member of the MPD homeless outreach team. Again, he focuses on ensuring that homeless veterans have the basic essentials while living on the streets. George never married, nor did he have any children, but he is a family man and really pushes the importance of education. George proudly stated that all but one of his siblings, three brothers and one sister, have a college degree, and now he has nephews that have exceeded their personal goals by achieving masters degrees.
George Matthews Milwaukee Public Schools
George earned a bachelor’s degree in education and community education from men’s fellowship and Christhe University of Wisconsin- tian board of education. He Milwaukee in 2002. researches and brings scholarship opportunities to high He received a certificate in school students. healthcare education as well he is a certified diabetes fa“I help people that are less cilitator. fortunate, and I have a passion to serve the community George is a lifelong mem- helping people find resourcber of St. Matthews C.M.E. es to help them out of their Church , where he serves as situations,” George said. an usher, as well as on the
George works with St. Joseph’s Hospital with their Stork Nest project working with pregnant women. Through his church he is involved with their Safe Haven Program for pregnant mothers explaining the importance of prenatal care; and the Blanket of Love program which is a general education diploma (GED) program.
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The oldest of five, Franklin D. McCollum, Sr., was born in Winfield, Alabama, his dad was a laborer at Frisco Railroad Line and his mom was a nurse at Winfield Hospital. As a young adult, Frank worked on the railroad and attended Fayette County High School. While attending Fayette County High School, Frank met his wife, Faye. During the marriage Frank continued to work on the railroad. He, along with two friends decided to seek a better life for their families. The three men drove from Alabama to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, leaving family and friends behind. In the spring of 1955, Frank was hired at Jaeger Oldsmobile as an automobile detailer. After a month of employment, Frank moved his wife, parents and extended family to Milwaukee. During his employment at Jaeger Olds, Frank developed a love for cars. At work, he was responsible for the interior detailing of vehicles, exterior buffing and waxing and engine cleaning. After work, he began working on cars as a hobby with his brothers and sons. In 1957, Frank was hired
at Briggs & Stratton as a diecast operator. He worked 1st shift at Jaeger Olds and 2nd shift at Briggs & Stratton to provide for his family. His love for cars lead him into becoming a businessman. In 1972, he opened the first African American hand carwash and detail service called Frank & Son’s Hand Carwash & Detail Shop. The business currently offers full-service detailing of vehicles such as interior shampooing, power vacuuming, engine steam cleaning, exterior machine buffing and hand waxing. Frank’s wife and sons continued to operate the business during the week, while Frank worked at Jaeger’s Oldsmobile and Briggs & Stratton, which only allowed Frank to work weekends at the business until his retirement in1987 from Briggs & Stratton. Over the years, Frank has become a proud owner of ten collector cars and the winner of more than 100 trophies. This collection led him into creating the CB Club and Unique Classic Cars. The CB Club partnered with O.C. White Soul Club to host the yearly Juneteenth Parade. His collector cars would parade
Gladys Weston Gladys and the Clips Beauty Salon The beauty shop is one of the major cornerstones in the Black community. Black hair care does booming business even during gloomy economic times. Gladys (Williams) Weston, Gladys and the Clips (GATC) salon owner, has successfully kept her doors opened for 33 years. The salon is located at 6937 W. Fond Du Lac Avenue, on Milwaukee's northwest side. Gladys knew that she wanted to become a beautician ever since she was a young girl in her hometown, Helena, AR. She shared, “I was always combing someone’s hair during my lunch breaks when I attended Lakeview
High School.” Gladys said that she wanted everyone around her to look pretty. Following high school, that desire led her to attend the Deluxe Beauty School in Pine Bluff, AR. In 1963, she was licensed in the state of Arkansas to style hair and to open her first salon. After two years of operating her own salon, she moved to Milwaukee, WI to seek more professional and personal opportunities. When first arriving, Gladys made a career change and worked for MGIC Mortgage Co., for 14 years. By 1979, Gladys could no longer ignore her passion for hair so she attended and graduated from IBA School
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through the community to kick-off the opening ceremony of Juneteenth. Currently, Unique Classic Car Club hosts Firestone Car Show, Andrew Chevrolet, Sherman Park Annual Father’s Day Picnic, Tabernacle Church Car Show, Home Depot Car Show, Bowlero’s Bowling Car Show, Unique Classic Car Annual Picnic and Christmas Party. For more than 44 years, Frank & Son’s Hand Carwash & Detail Shop has been an anchor in the community, mentoring and training the young men. Currently, located in the Sherman Park community, Frank has employed the homeless, of which two are still employed with the business. One of the men refers to him as "Dad." Over the years, he has been instrumental in helping past employees create their own businesses. When asked about the competition, he says, “There are plenty of dirty cars to keep us all in business.” Today, some of the young men stop by to gather advice and update Frank on their life. Frank's wise words and kind acts of Cosmetology-Milwaukee. That same year, she received a beautician license from the state of Wisconsin. In 1983, the state licensed her to own and operate Gladys and the Clips salon. As the owner, Gladys oversees customer service for GATC. She strives to provide her customers with excellent hair care services and products while they relax in a pleasant atmosphere. Her salon remains competitive by offering weaves, waves, relaxers, natural hair services, eyebrow shaping plus hair cutting and coloring. Unlike most of the 200 Milwaukee Black hair salons in the city, she still offers a good old fashioned “press & curl”. Gladys, who usually styles 15 heads a day herself, stated, “I have been doing hair for 53 years and I still love it”. Her clients have often told her
Franklin D. McCollum, Sr. Frank's Hand Car Wash have earned him respect in the community, with most calling him Big Frank, Dad or Pops. Frank is committed to family. He has been married for more than 61 years. He and his wife, Faye, have five children: four sons, Frankthat she is like a psychologist because she really listens to them. Gladys admits that being a good listener, so that customers can share their hairstyling goals plus vent, is the key to her success. Gladys is also responsible for the overall management of her business and staff. She ensures that her stylists have up-to-date licenses and the training needed to achieve the highest level of professionalism. She also develops and mentors them in salon management, if they are interested. Currently eight of the former stylists she mentored own their own salons. “It has been very important for me to have a good support team,” she stated. That team includes her husband Alphonse Weston, daughter Stacy Theus and grandson Ashunti (Putt) Daniels. Stacy is a teacher and hairstylist
lin, Charles, Jerry, Ricky and one daughter, Deborah. He has a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His proudest moment will be in May, when his granddaughter, Jessica, graduates from Hampton University with degree in Biology /Pre-medicine. working beside her mother at GATC. Gladys says her daughter’s loving care has been extremely valuable. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels always made sure she had a homemade meal. The homemade dressing was always on time. She has been blessed in so many ways by many of her friends and clients. She especially appreciates the incredible support from friends Mae Ollie Dotson and Marilyn Hampton. Gladys continues to be active in church and community service. She is a member of Progressive Baptist Church and frequently visites nursing homes to style residents' hair. Gladys explained “Making the ladies look pretty seems to make them feel so much better!” Finally, Gladys has a desire to continue to mentor and encourage other women.
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Tony Martin Neal was born in Charleston, MO, but moved to Milwaukee in 1968 when he was five years old, and began singing professionally. His first professional work was with the Monumental Baptist Church. He graduated from James Madison High School in 1984 and attended Wisconsin Lutheran College with a major in business and minor in music. When he was 11 years old, Tony was asked to sing with the Harmoniques, a local community choir. Later he joined the Wisconsin chapter of the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of American Choir. This opportunity enabled him to travel throughout the United States showcasing his talent. Tony made his stage debut in Milwaukee, with the Florentine Opera Company's production of Porgy and Bess. He was featured in the Andre Lee Ellis & Company production of When Men Sing. Having the lead role in A. Curtis Farrow's production of Your Arm’s Too Short to Box with God established him as a renowned singer and actor. In the past years, he has toured Europe performing in productions of Black Nativity and The Hansberry Sands Theatre Company's Great Men of Gospel and The Gospel Legends.
Atty. Steven DeVougas (Continued from pg. 21) an organization which offers financial education for adults and students, and hosts a yearly event known as The Money Conference. He also works with the Milwaukee Justice Center, and the Sojourner Truth House to reunite families who have been separated by the legal system, and sits on the advisory board of Social X, a group of local young professionals. He is also the current President of African American Lawyers Association, which promotes diversity in the legal community and offers scholarships to students of color at Marquette University. He is active with TBEY, a local youth arts program and www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Music
assisting other local churches with musical services, weekly praise and worship vocals, musical tracks and voice training. Tony makes a positive difference in the community through his love for God and singing. He volunteers vocal services at funerals, nursing homes, hospitals and correction centers. He also volunteers to help feed the hungry during the holiday season.
Tony Neal Actor and Recording Artist He is the featured soloist for the Mayor’s Scholarship luncheon, performs annually with the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner, and the National Anthem guest singer for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Special honors include singing the National Anthem at the 2012 President Obama campaign rally in Milwaukee. Tony has opened and sung with an extensive list of gospel, country and R &
works to make introductions and promote the achievements of the program to the people of Milwaukee. “Milwaukee is not the place for people who don’t take on projects,” Steven said. “I could have lived in another town, but here, I’m able to be who I am, and do some real good. Lawyers can go from one ghetto to another, professionally. They grew up in the ‘hood, as it’s called, where everyone was just like them. And then they go on to another environment, where everyone else is just like them… and they can’t connect anymore. You end up reinforcing your own biases. I’ve always felt like I have one foot in both worlds which helps me keep my edge. When I stay in my community, it goes a long way to keep me humble.”
B stars – Jess Dixon, Kenny Rodgers and Stephanie Mills, to name a few, showcasing his musical abilities throughout the world. Tony has also been featured as lead and backup vocalist on local and professional recording projects with established and nominated artists. Tony began his business career at V& J Holding Company in 1991 as an administrative assistant. He has since been promoted to
payroll leader/office manager. Duties include processing payroll, orders and handling daily office operations for the restaurant franchises the company owns, such as Burger King, Pizza Hut and Nino’s Southern Sides. Tony has been a deacon and devoted member of Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ for the past 30 years. He spent 13 years as the choir president. Tony has now advanced to
“Being led by the Lord and with God first in my life, I’m motivated to do the right thing and give nothing less than excellence,” Tony said. “I believe service and excellence both come from the heart”. Tony’s love for singing along with a special anointing from God has allowed him to use his gift to serve others. He is currently working on a solo CD recording.
Atty. DeAngela M. Luna (Continued from pg. 21) DeAngela plans to continue working with the communities she served while at LAW, and in the coming months she will begin volunteering in Milwaukee Children’s Court. “God has placed every opportunity and every person in my path at the right time, for a reason,” she said. “With God, all things are possible. He doesn’t make mistakes. I pray He continues to use me as an example of what can happen when you trust Him.”
Myra L. Edwards
populations of stakeholders in order to try and build coa(Continued from pg. 23) litions willing to collaborate. She also frequently speaks married after being intro- publicly about Mayor Barduced by their friends that rett’s agenda for education were brother and sister to to various constituencies and each other. The couple came advises City Hall on educato Milwaukee looking for tional policy. employment opportunities. Jerry also taught school for “Public service presents MPS as did Myra’s aunt and a unique opportunity to afstepmother. Myra has one fect people’s lives all the way sister, Jerri, who lives in Chi- down to households and the cago and did inherit their fa- individuals who live in them,” ther’s love for the Bears. Myra said. “It is a privilege to work in a way that has impact Myra interfaces with work- on the city where I was born force and educational orga- and have lived nearly my ennizations, as well as diverse tire life.” An NCON Communications Publication
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Rev. Dr. Betty Hayes Holy Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Betty S. (Ware) Hayes is a great spiritual pioneer and visionary leader. She has never allowed herself to be limited because of her gender. She is the founder and pastor of two churches in two states. Betty serves as senior pastor for the Holy
Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 2127 West Garfield Avenue in Milwaukee; and Christ Gospel on The Rise Soul Saving Ministry, 123 Main Street in Harrell, Arkansas. As the Shepherd, she is responsible for overseeing
The Reverend Dr. Russell B. Williamson has been the Pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church since July 1986. He was born and raised in Milan, TN and he was nurtured and mentored by his father's oldest sister, Aunt Mattie and her husband, Uncle Vernon Algee. Pastor Williamson said his aunt and uncle were both instrumental in providing him with an excellent upbringing. In 1960, Pastor Williamson and his wife of two years, Evelyn moved to Milwaukee. In 1962, he accepted a job as a mail handler with the United States Postal Service. Later he became a letter carrier, and for the next sixteen years he held the same route, which was located near the lake in Whitefish Bay. In 1989, Pastor Williamson retired from the Postal Service with 30 years of distinguished federal service.
Upon moving to Milwaukee, Pastor Williamson and his wife became members of the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and they remained there until 1964. In 1967 during a revival service at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Pastor Williamson had a conversion experience, accepted Christ as his personal savior, and then united with the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Zion Hill Baptist Missionary Church was founded in 1959 by the late Reverend Obie B. Sartin, Sr., and at that time it was located at North 15th and Ring Streets. In 1978, Zion Hill Church relocated to its present location, 1825 W. Hampton Ave. Pastor Williamson attended Zion Hill Baptist Church faithfully and he was active in a number of ministries for ten years before he felt a calling to preach the Gospel. He delivered his first sermon at
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the spiritual activities and growth of members for both congregations. Betty is also responsible for all administration of the churches. This includes office and pastoral staff; grounds and buildings; boards and ministries. At Holy Mount Carmel in Milwaukee, she can be more hands-on every week. Betty delivers the Word during Sunday morning worship and Tuesday mid-week services. She leads the Saturday Bible study conference-line and facilitates a 24/7 prayer telephone line. The energetic leader oversees the Lord’s Supper and baptisms; provides pastoral care and counseling; as well as, officiates weddings and funerals. Betty and the Hayes’ Evangelistic Team appear bi-weekly on WGLB AM 1560’s “Words to Grow By” program. Her own spiritual journey began as a native of Hampton, Arkansas, when she confessed Christ at the age of 12. “I accepted my call into the ministry in 1974 in Milwaukee. She received my minister’s license under the pastorates of Rev. Harvey C. Momon of the Union Hill Baptist Church and was a
a Sunday afternoon service in 1977. Pastor Williamson said that he was very nervous delivering his first sermon, but he recalled that the congregation seemed to appreciate the sermon; and when he was done, he was much relieved. He said that eventually he became more confident and knowledgeable. Pastor Williamson was later licensed to preach by Zion Hill Baptist and he served faithfully as an associate minister of the church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Obie B. Sartin, Sr., until his death in 1985. Pastor Williamson's educational journey began in a one-room school named "Cunningham Elementary." He completed High School at Gibson County Training School (Polk-Clark) in Milan, TN. He was valedictorian of his high school graduating class. Pastor Williamson furthered his education by attending Lane College in Jackson, TN for 3 years. He is also a graduate of the Milwaukee Theological Institute, the Moody Bible Institute and is the recipient of a Certificate of Completion in Church Administration from the Interdenom-
member there for 20 years. Her ordination was received under the pastorates of Rev. Harold Turner with a panel of 16 pastors and ministers. She attended several educational institutions to prepare herself for a life of ministry, including Grace Theological Seminary, Laris, SC; Christian Leadership University, Elma NY; Gospel Ministry Outreach Theological Institute, Houston TX, Trinity College, Brookfield, WI; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Moody Bible Institute and Concordia University all of Milwaukee. This education resulted in her earning a bachelor of ministry, master of divinity and doctor of divinity degrees.
In March 1981, Dr. Hayes had the spiritual vison to organize and pastor the Holy Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. “Despite the many obstacles that I encountered, I held fast to my vision, faith and determination to build a place of worship from the ground,” she explained. The new Holy Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church edifice was completed in 1990. Betty believes that she was the first female Baptist pastor to break ground and build a new church in Milwaukee. That would not be the last time that she would demonstrate leadership as a strong woman of God. Betty served (Continued on pg. 28)
Rev. Dr. Russell Williamson Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church inational Theological Center of Atlanta, GA. He further studied at the Trinity Theological Seminary and College of the Bible in Newburg, IN; and also received an honorary doctorate degree from the Maryland Theological Seminary and College in Baltimore. Reverend Williamson is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. On July 26, 1986, Reverend Williamson was unanimously selected by the congregation of Zion Hill Baptist Church and called by the Holy Spirit as the second pastor in the history of the church.
In 1997 Pastor Williamson, observing the need of a growing church, led the congregation into a $1.5 million building and renovation project. Along with the existing ministries of the church and with the expertise of the church's Christian Education Director Jenell McVicker-Williamson, new ministries were added to the Church's Program including: Foreign and Home Mission Ministry, The Christian Leadership School, Family Life Ministry, Veterans and Black Marriage Day Observances; an Alzheimer seminar luncheon, and in (Continued on pg. 28)
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Diane Beckley is a Milwaukee native and graduate of Riverside University High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Minnesota. At the end of her freshman year, Diane’s father passed away, prompting a return home to help her mother. Transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Diane pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Iota Delta Chapter. After a year and a half, she was back in Minnesota, helping to Charter Mu Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and African American Studies. Upon graduation, Diane took a position in Minnesota and enjoyed a flourishing sales career with the Motorola two-way radio and consumer electronics (cellular) divisions for six years. In 1984 she acquired her real estate license in the Twin Cities area; her intent was to become a commercial real estate broker. Following the advice of a mentor, she established a track record in residential sales. Diane created a unique career in the Minneapolis central city landscape as a
Re/Max r e a l t o r. She received several certifications and specializ ed in distressed property rehabilitation, holding contracts with the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota, Veterans Administration, Housing and Urban Development and local non-profits. Diane was an initial appointee to the Mayor’s Real Estate Advisory Board and founding member of the Minority Realtors Association of the Minneapolis Board of Realtors. While living out her commitment as a realtor to provide access to first generation homeowners, she found success and was honored with a variety of sales awards. Diane’s experience as a caregiver came unexpectedly when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She put her career on hold and packed up 27 years of living in Minnesota to return to Milwaukee to care for her mother fulltime. The knowledge, compassion and
insight she gained during this time proved to be a catalyst for a new and fulfilling career path. Diane’s inquisitive nature and quest to make her mother’s life easier led to her asking questions of doctors and healthcare providers. Leaving no stone unturned she developed contacts and created relationships with people from the Alzheimer’s Association and Independence First as she learned ever more about dementia and how to care for an amputee. Leading somewhat circuitously to her current position, after caring for her mother, a friend mentioned Interfaith Older Adult Program was seeking a director. Diane inquired and was subsequently appointed as the agency's Director of Neighborhood Outreach for Sherman Park. Through Interfaith, Diane
CELEBRATING
�e exce�ence of all ages & abilities
Diane Beckley St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care was led to her next position as program coordinator for Milwaukee County Department on Aging. Her core responsibilities were senior center contract management, in addition to managing major maintenance, capital improvements, and risk management of senior center buildings owned by Milwaukee County. As program coordinator, Diane was instrumental in creating Golden Idol, a senior version of the then popular American Idol talent show. With a run of seven years, corporate sponsorship and community support, Golden Idol became a staple event in and around Wisconsin. During her time with Milwaukee County, Diane came to know Sister Edna Lonergan, CEO and founder of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. As their relationship developed, Sister Edna began to pursue Diane to join the St. Ann Center. Sister Edna prevailed and in 2015 Diane joined the team at St. Ann Center as Chief Operating Officer. In this her present role, Diane manages more than 70 staff members and was deeply involved in the construction and programming of the new Bucyrus Campus on Milwaukee's north side. As COO, Diane has worked tirelessly to provide a safe, clean and fulfilling environment at St. Ann Center-Bucyrus. The participants, families, staff and community have all benefited and its open doors
have been well received. St. Ann Center has partnered with a variety of organizations and neighborhood groups, recently hosting the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Weekly they are the host site of the Milwaukee North Sunrise Rotary Club of which Diane is a member. In addition, Diane is active as a member of the Milwaukee Beckley Family Club, Dominican Center Amani Advisory Board, Lindsay Heights Commercial Corridors, Riverside High School Reunion committee and St. Matthew C.M.E. Church. A lifelong learner, Diane is a member of the 2016-2017 Cohort of the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Program, a partnership of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Milwaukee, Marquette University, MSOE and UW-Milwaukee. Since 2005, this intense 26 week program has been instrumental in recruiting and retaining minorities for professional careers in the field of commercial real estate development. Diane expects more St. Ann Centers to be opened, and with ACRE she is positioned to assist in that endeavor. Diane’s greatest joy and accomplishments are being able to care for her mother in her final years, raise her two sons, Brad and Myles as well as provide unconditional love for her four grandchildren, Ca’Ron, Lai’Elle, Logan, and Brad, Jr.
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provided a primary example to follow. In college, Tyrelle found himself being able to really concentrate on his passion with focusing on various classes that were important to him. He was always interested in working in either the criminal or juvenile justice system. However, Tyrelle was able to really figure out his true passion after working within a juvenile justice program while still an undergraduate. He found that Frank Tyrelle Perkins, III working with kids in schools Milwaukee Public Schools would be a direction that he desired to help provide support and preventative meaFrank Tyrelle Perkins, provided a safe and healthy sure to incarceration. III, excelled in athletics in- family environment. Frank, Tyrelle did not immediatecluding soccer, basketball, Jr. was a career employee ly return to Milwaukee after and track at Brown Deer with the United States Post- rearning a bachelor of arts High School, but soccer was al Service and Rose was a degree in Behavioral Science his favorite pastime. His fa- teacher within the Milwau- and Law, and Sociology in ther introduced him to the kee Public Schools System 1997. Instead he pursued sport at a very young age. for over 32 years. Tyrelle and earned a master’s degree Tyrelle played with numer- also has twin sisters who are in Social Work in 1999 at ous club soccer teams in the 5 years older than him. UW-Madison. Milwaukee area throughout Tyrelle describes one of “After graduating from his upbringing. Tyrelle was his biggest weakness in high college, I knew I was gorecruited for soccer by a col- school was that he tended ing to go into school social lege before graduating from to procrastinate, but main- work,” he said. “I always high school in 1993, but he tained decent grades with his wanted to work for the Milchose to attend the Univer- parents' support. Ultimately waukee Public School system sity of Wisconsin Madison the decision to attend college so I was glad when they hired where he “walked on” as a was made at an early age by me. It was my hometown, freshman. It turned out to Tyrelle and his friends. my mother worked there be the only year of college “I picked my friends care- and there is such a need.” I soccer he would decide to fully as there were always felt that obtaining my deplay, but he continues to be negative influences in what- gree in social work wouldn’t active with coaching in the ever setting,” he said add- make much since to work in sport today. ing that he remains in touch any other district other than That the Milwaukee born with a number of his high MPS. and only son of Frank Jr., school friends and considTyrelle has now been a and Rose Perkins would go ers how fortunate he had school social worker for Milto college was strongly en- been in choosing his friends waukee Public Schools for couraged at an early age by and associates when he was the past 17 years. He has his parents. Both parents young and impressionable. worked at several Milwaukee had strong work ethics, and He credits his parents with Public Schools during that
Rev. Dr. Russell Williamson
Rev. Dr. Betty Hayes
and was elected to their National Board of the Ministerial Alliance under Bish(Continued from pg 26) op Paul S. Morton; and the Project Focal Point board of on the Board of Manage- directors. ment and was elected Vice President of the Milwaukee “I learned how to strive Association of the American to be a person of excelBaptist Churches of Wis- lence from my mentor, Shirconsin and is that organiza- ley Caesar,” Betty said. She tion's longest serving pastor. traveled extensively with her She also served as Director over a 50-year friendship. “I of Women in Ministry Full try to match her high-energy Gospel Baptist Churches level in everything that I do,” Fellowship, Midwest region, Betty added.
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(Continued from pg. 26) collaboration with the American Cancer Society, with special emphasis on prostate and breast cancer. Pastor Williamson has established a distinguished record of service far beyond his congregation. He has served for a number of years in the Wisconsin General Baptist State Convention as Congress President of Christian Education, General Secretary of the Wisconsin General Baptist State Convention, Instructor in the Congress of Christian Education, President of the Baptist Pastors Conference, Executive Secretary of the State Home Mission Board. He has also served as an atlarge member of the Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc., appointed by President Dr. William J. Shaw; Pastor Williamson also served two
time. In 2004, he married his wife, Shelley, whom he met at his first school placement. They have a daughter, Taylor, who is currently nine-yearsold. For Thanksgiving this year, the family vacationed in Mexico, but Tyrelle said that trip was somewhat unusual, because the family does not do a lot of traveling. The family had such a wonderful time that they have plans of traveling more often in the future. They worship at Bethesda Church of God in Christ located at 2810 W. Highland Blvd., where Shelley’s grandparents founded the Church. Although he has been a school social worker at Rufus King International School, for the past ten years, Tyrelle has been the head coach of the boys’ varsity soccer team at Riverside University High School. During that span of time Riverside has won three city-wide soccer championships. While soccer has always been my passion, I find that coaching the game provides another great outlet in continuing to connect with kids. I feel that sports are always a way to help kids excel in learning social skills, discipline, and overall lifelong lessons important for success in
life in general. Tyrelle explained that a school social worker provides a supportive, safe learning environment for students. A school social worker is that link between home, school and the community. He has provided one on one guidance for students, referrals for invidual counseling for students, and has helped with connecting familes to services in the community. Students must apply to attend Rufus King International High School and it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. He said he tries to pick up cues of which students might be suffering from mental health concerns or some other form of trauma by looking for early warning signs. Social workers monitor attendance among a number of other behavioral cues Tyrelle said when asked to provide an example. When asked to list some accomplishments, Tyrelle said he feels that he just enjoys continuing to connect with students in identifying their strengths. “It’s amazing to see the growth with student and I take pride in being the one to provide that connection to student’s within the school environment.” It’s a great need and vital for student growth to provide that guidance in school. School social workers are able to touch students in schools in a way that other adults in their lives may not. By another adult being able to provide that connection in the school setting is that way to make a difference for the pathway to
five associate ministers and two evangelists, a deacon board of eleven members, a trustee board of nine members and a office staff of two secretaries. Pastor Williamson was married to his first wife, Evelyn for years until her passing away in 2006. Pastor Williamson is currently married to the former Jenell McVicker, who is his encourager and strong supporter. They have a blendyears in the U.S. Army. ed family consisting of four In October of 2016, Pas- adult children, seven grandtor Williamson humbly cel- children and six great-grandebrated his 30th anniversary children. as Pastor of the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. One of Pastor WilliamHe has the energy and ap- son's favorite scriptures can pearance of a man decades be found in Romans chapter younger than his age and it is 1, verse 16, which reads: "For his desire to continue pastor- I am not ashamed of the ing for at least another five Gospel of Christ; for it is the years. Reverend Williamson power of God unto salvation pastors a congregation con- to everyone that believeth; to sisting of approximately 350 the Jew first and also to the active members, and he over- Greek." sees a staff which includes www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Cynthia Cone Milwaukee Magic Senior Softball Team Cynthia Annette Cone was born in Milwaukee and has spent all but a few years living here. Growing up she said she was somewhat shy, an average student and not particularly involved in any after-school activities. She graduated from Custer High School in 1978 and enrolled in MATC where she earned an associate of arts degree in education. After marrying in 1982 and traveling for a few years, looking for a place to lay down new roots, the couple returned to Milwaukee when their son was ready to enroll in school. Cynthia began working as a day care teacher, a job which she loved. However in 1990 she accepted a new position in social services with the Opportunity Industrialization Center (OIC) of Greater Milwaukee. In 2005 funding for that agency was eliminated and Cynthia took another job as a resource specialist with the YWCA, where she continues to work as a customer ser-
Albert E. Jackson was born and raised for the first nine years of his life in Dermott, AR. His earliest memories are of his grandfather and mentor bringing him along and showing him how to work the fields for maximum crop production. Albert, the oldest of three boys and four girls, and his family relocated to Milwaukee at that time. As a young man growing up in the neighborhood around 8th and Walnut streets, he said his days revolved around school and sports, with baseball being his top priority. While attending Roosevelt Junior High School, Albert occasionally volunteered at the Lapham Park Social Center which was directed by Mike Riley, a paraplegic. Albert credits Riley with teaching him and the other youth how to play chess, marbles, checkers and other children’s games. Albert lettered in football, baseball and basketball while attending Lincoln High School. As a sophomore he played on the 1959 state basketball championship team coached by Dick Wadewitz, the first African American high school team to win a state championship in Wisconsin. As a senior in 1961, he scored the game-winning shot in the state
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vice representative. When her son was attending 5th grade at Urban Day Elementary School, his basketball team needed a coach. Cynthia was an avid fan. The principal took note of her enthusiasm and attendance at games and asked her if she would be willing to serve as the coach. Cynthia knew very little about basketball training or strategies, but she accepted and took the position seriously. She bought books on coaching and learned by experience. Her team finished first in the district that year. Cynthia’s son enrolled in Our Mother of Perpetual Help for seventh grade. The girls’ seventh and eighth-grade basketball team needed a coach. Her son asked if she would help and once again she accepted the challenge as head coach. Her team finished second in their division. In 1998 Cynthia organized her own boys’ and girls’ basketball program called Hooper Club, Inc., the program lasted 10 years. Cynthia made sure that the youth in the program got more than a basketball education. Whenever possible, the team would stay at a college campus. Her goal was to show her teams the opportunities that college could make possible beyond the inner city of Milwaukee. Cynthia traveled for several seasons as a fan with her cousin
championship against Rice Lake. Albert credits Coach Wadewitz with helping him to make the transition from a child to manhood and remains friendly with his former coach to this day. After graduating from high school, Albert played baseball for the Milwaukee Falk Corporation semipro team. During that era, college players were permitted to play semi-pro baseball. In 1963 Albert said the Milwaukee Falk Corp., played in the semi-pro World Series in Wichita, KS where they were defeated by a team consisting of a number of future Major League Baseball stars, including Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando and Rick Monday. Albert was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1965. Before reporting for basic training, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Coleman. The couple raised two children, Rhonda Fletcher, an IT specialist in Milwaukee; and Eric, who is a basketball coach with Montana State University. Albert and Joyce recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. During his two-year deployment, Albert was stationed near New York City at a missile site in Tappan, NY. He continued to play baseball and basketball while
James Huff ’s men’s softball team. The two founded their own team in 2008 called the Milwaukee Swat. Unlike basketball, Cynthia had some knowledge about softball, having grown up watching her mother play for 25 years. Despite their knowledge and dedication, the team folded after only one year. By 2010, Cynthia was ready to try again and with the help of her cousin, the Milwaukee Magic softball team was formed. It was the first inner city program to allow players age 50 and older to participate. Many of the players were chosen from the Rose Park Sunday Softball League. There are now 10 similar teams in Milwaukee. Cynthia enrolled the Magic in Senior Softball USA, so the team would be eligible to compete in national tournaments. The Magic play an average of 15 local games and up to four tournaments a year. Since the inception of this
in the Army. Twice during his final year of military service, Albert said he came very close to being sent to Vietnam, but each time he was under consideration his enrollment would have expired before his overseas deployment would have ended. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Milwaukee and worked for 15 years for the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Co., but by 1982, Albert said the company was consistently losing money and he decided to accept the advice of a former baseball teammate and apply for a position with WE Energies Co., where he worked as a crane operator and supply truck loader until his retirement in 2005. When his children became involved in high school sports, Albert began coaching basketball and baseball as a volunteer assistant at Rufus King International High School in the early 1980s. In 1989, Albert was hired as an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team and in 1991 had the privilege of coaching the King state championship team on which his son scored the basket which sent the game into overtime. As an assistant to coach Jim Gosz, Albert won more than 500 games, four state championships and numerous city conference championships. Albert played softball until he was 71 years old, despite having both knees surgically replaced when he was 63. He was inducted into the Wisconsin USSSA Softball Hall of Fame in 1989. He said he reluctantly retired from softball as a third baseman when his throwing arm began giving him trouble. He
program, the Milwaukee Magic has won many honors, including two Senior Softball USA national championships: 2013 in Lansing, MI and 2016 in Rockford, IL. “The uniqueness of the program is our sense of family,” Cynthia said. “Players, wives, children and fans are encouraged to travel with the team. We have developed a tradition in which a delicious, home-cooked, post-game team meal is always provided by my family. “From the beginning my passion was inspired by God,” she added. “I wanted their experience to be an unforgettable part of their lives, whether they won championships or just got to see a different part of the country. My mission is to provide an opportunity for these seniors to participate and compete with their peers, to display their talents and love for the game, and to be an inspiration to other members of the community.”
Albert E. Jackson Milwaukee Public Schools gave up coaching baseball a number of years ago, because of the cold weather in the early part of the season, but he continued as an assistant boys’ basketball coach until last year when he switched to assistant coach of the girls’ basketball team at Rufus King. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015. When asked to describe the role of an assistant coach, Albert said that a good assistant is either the “good guy” or the “bad guy,” depending on the personality of the head coach. Working under Coach Gosz, Albert said his role was to be the grandfather figure. “The players had to play by our rules and I was the one to enforce them,” he said. An NCON Communications Publication
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Volunteerism
Ella Dunbar Social Development Commission If you meet Ella V. Dunbar, you will soon discover that she is an extremely busy person and expert at multitasking. She juggles many balls as the Manager of the Health, Wellness & Supportive Services Department for the Social Development Commission (SDC). In her position, Ella is responsible for management of the Counseling and Wellness Clinic for youth and adolescents; Senior Companion Program; and Elderly Benefits Enrollment Services. During 16 years of employ-
ment with SDC, she has gained extensive experience developing partnerships and collaborating with various community agencies, diverse neighborhood groups and community projects. Her previous positions at the agency include: Program Services Manager; Community Relations Officer; and Executive Assistant & Community Liaison. Ella began her career path in 1977, when she graduated from Dyersburg State Community College in Dyersburg, TN with an associate
At a very early age, Johnny Kimble was motivated by his grandparents and parents to strive toward excellence. They grew up in the segregated south with limited opportunities for education and employment. His mother insisted on the importance of being a role model for others. Johnny has proven to be a leader and a role model in our community. In 1967, Johnny graduated from Crane Technical High School in Chicago, IL. He earned a bachelor of science degree in political science and English from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He relocated to Milwaukee for employment after graduating from college. He earned graduate credits in Urban Affairs from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. He completed specialized training in several areas, including diversity in the workplace, consensus building, public administration, assertiveness training, affirmative action voluntary compliance, harassment in the workplace, employee assistance programs, conflict management and interpersonal communications, and
collective bargaining. In 1972, Johnny invested more than 30 years serving the State of Wisconsin at the Unemployment Compensation Division and Equal Rights Division. Johnny held pivotal roles such as Civil Rights Bureau Supervisor in the Milwaukee Investigation Section of the Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division for several years. Also, he served as acting Bureau Director for two years. Johnny managed a professional staff throughout the state including hiring, training, discipline, evaluation and discharge duties while coaching and mentoring. Johnny participated in public relations and labor law clinics. He served on various committees, including Diversity Council and Department’s Labor Management
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degree in secretarial science. A year later, she relocated to Milwaukee, WI for career advancement after visiting a friend. Her first position in her new city was at M&I Bank as clerical support. Eight years later, she moved on to Milwaukee Public Schools where she was employed as a head secretary and human resources assistant. During this time, Ella decided to return to college to become a teacher. She quickly changed her career goal to satisfy her burning desire to serve her community. “I knew it would be hard, but achievable, to attend school while working full-time,” stated Ella. So, she rolled up her sleeves with laser focus on her goal and it paid off. In 2000, she began her 16year career with SDC which she describes as a “perfect fit” for her. By 2006, she had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Community Education and a master’s degree in Cultural Foundations of Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Ella was born and raised in Halls, TN. Her parents, the late Lester and Mary Dunbar gave her the values to be a hard-working and civic-minded person. “My par-
ents did not just think about themselves, they were always giving to others. Giving and service became a big part my make-up, as well,” she declared. Ella not only gives back through her career as a community advocate, she also gives back as a dedicated volunteer. When discussing her many volunteer activities she shared, “I am driven to excellence and providing the best service that I can to help others.” Ella added, “I believe in doing volunteer work like I’m being paid.” That work includes NAACP Milwaukee Branch Executive and Freedom Ball Committee (member); Garden Homes Neighborhood Association (treasurer); and Literary Services of WI (adult tutor). In addition, she serves as a Sunday school teacher, announcement clerk and credit union board member at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist
Church. The 9-year cancer survivor said that she knows how life can be challenging. However, Ella has learned how sharing her journey and connecting with others can encourage them, as well as herself. That is why she volunteers for After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (mentor), American Cancer Society and Men & Women Supporting One Another cancer support group. How does Ella find the time and energy to handle her demanding job, many volunteer activities and personal life? “The things that you want to do…you make time,” she stated. Ella strives for excellence in all areas of her life, while still trying to create balance in those areas. “I try not to concentrate on the whole picture, just segments of it. Also, I take one day at a time (do what I can for that day) until it’s done,” she explained further.
Advisory Council. Johnny is committed to service. He served as President of the Board of Directors at Highland Community School for several years. The school was founded in the 1960s as a racially inclusive Montessori pre-school in the central city. It is accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the National Montessori Association and licensed day care center. The latest enrollment figures list slightly under 350 students. Johnny also served as a member and on the board of Wisconsin Association of Black Public Sector Employees (WABPSE). He was one of the founders of Historic Concordia Neighbors and also served as president of the board. In addition to his service, his hard work has been acknowledged for groundbreaking legal and community action against discrimination.
Johnny Kimble Milwaukee Public Library
Public Sector Employees presented Johnny with the Special Appreciation Award. Wisconsin Fair Housing Network presented him with the Outstanding Commitment and Service Award. Johnny received the OutJohnny received standing and Dedicated Serthe Exception- vice Award from Friends of al Performance Milwaukee Public Library; Award from the where he has been a volunGovernor of teer for the past eleven years Wisconsin. The at Central Library. Wisconsin Association of Black
Johnny believes he must live life by example. He said, “My children have told me that …it was not what I said to them that was important, but how I lived life on a daily basis, that inspired and motivated them.” His primary inspiration is owed to his family consisting of dedicated grandparents and parents, a loving wife of 47 years, gifted daughter, son-in-law, son, daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Congratulations to the 2017 Black Excellence Honorees and this year’s Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Recipients ! www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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32 nd Annual Black Excellence Awards The
Milwaukee Urban League Congratulates
Dr. Eve M. Hall On Her
2017 Black Excellence Award Presented to her for “Community Leadership” Dr. Eve M. Hall
President and CEO
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As the MPS School Board Director for the 4th District, I am sending congratulations to all of the 2017 Louvenia Johnson scholarship recipients and Milwaukee Public Schools Educator honorees. I am very thankful to you for your service. Please remember to Vote on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 ANNIE WOODARD DISTRICT #4 MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS AT THE BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARDS!
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COMMUNITY COLUMN A couple who shares it all: Kids, college and career goals By: Kathy Quirk Three years ago, Amber and Jared Anderson drove to Drake University in Iowa and back in one day to hear wellknown scientist and educator Neil deGrasse Tyson speak. That’s one indication of how passionate the Andersons are about teaching science. The couple are now seniors in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Married with two children, the couple juggles work, family and classes as they prepare to become teachers. The Andersons are among 23 students currently benefitting from UWM’s innovative Life Impact program, which provides support to UWM students who are parents. The financial support has been a big help, especially after Amber’s financial aid ran out. “I don’t know how I would have been able to finish this year without that program,” she said. But the Life Impact staff also helps them in dealing with other issues, she said. “They’re really like a second family. You walk into that office and they help you keep your perspective; they encourage you and offer guidance. They understand what you’re going through.” “They are an amazing couple,” said Natalie Reinbold, program manager and life coach in the Life Impact office. “I see a hardworking family struggling to provide a brighter future for themselves and their own children, while also striving to provide a better public school opportunity to the children of Milwaukee.” Amber Anderson’s decision to become a science teacher was crystallized by hearing Tyson speak passionately about the need for science literacy in America. “That was really, for me, a personal tipping point, because I was really unsure of what subject I wanted to teach,” Amber said. “Jared was dead set on science from the beginning, but I was a little unsure.” The Andersons, who both graduate in May, spent some time after completing high school in 2007 finding their career paths. “I was the general manager of a store and had worked as a cable technician, but I was finding none of those jobs gave me fulfillment,” said Jared. “We wanted our jobs to be meaningful,” said Amber, “so we could look forward to going to work and making a difference.” The birth of their son, Wesley, in February 2012
ing through the same thing you are,” said Jared. When they graduate, the Andersons are planning to look for positions in urban schools. “One of the reasons we chose UWM was because of its emphasis on culturally relevant teaching and urban education. A lot of education programs don’t focus on that enough,” said Amber. Teaching science is one of their goals, but like Tyson they also want to teach children to think critically and find their own paths, said Amber. “We’re interested in educating kids to be well-rounded individuals, helping them discover their Amber and Jared Anderson read to their children, Wesley, 4, and Bay, 1. Family own strengths and weaktime competes with schoolwork time for the Andersons, both UWM seniors nesses and improving their studying to be science teachers in Milwaukee. (UWM Photo/ Derek Rickert) logical thinking. Science is a great medium for that.” motivated them to make a concrete plan. “We share a lot of the same values and interests, so that’s how we ended up sharing a major, a car and the same school schedule,” said Amber. Their days – and nights – are busy with classwork during the day and children in the evenings. Wesley is 4, and his sister, Bay, is 1. Jared also works part-time as a tutor through the SPARK Early Literacy program with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Family is important to them and they wanted their children to be close in age, but adding one more child while they were still in school has had more impact than they anticipated. “We often find ourselves not even starting homework until 9 or so,” added Jared. “We’ve stayed up until 4 a.m., just to get up at 6 with the kids to get them to school. That’s almost the routine, rather than the exception.” Faculty and staff at UWM have been incredibly supportive, both agree. Senior academic adviser Andrea Azarian was a big factor in their decision to come to UWM, Amber said. “She was so unbelievably helpful from day one.” Jared lauds professor Craig Berg and senior lecturer Ray Scolavino in the MACSTEP 2.0 science education program for their academic support. “They’re knowledgeable, they make science very understandable; they show you how you can make a difference as a teacher and how you go about teaching science,” Jared said. In addition to all the other support, the Life Impact program has helped them connect with other student parents. “It’s nice to have a group of people you know are go-
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Congratulations to our own Dr. Gary Williams and all the
recipients of the Black Excellence Awards. UWM recognizes those who have made positive impacts in our lives and community.
UWM.EDU www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
“Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry:” Controlling the beast within (Part 3) While anger is a natural emotion it can sometimes take over like a beast out of control; and if not managed, it can run rampant over the terrain of one’s life. You cannot control the things that people do to enrage you, nor can you change them; but you can learn how to master the critical skills needed to manage this complex emotion. This week, this writer will offer tips to help you manage anger, thus controlling the beast within. • Recognize what is causing the anger. Know the causes and then know your response pattern. Understand that anger is a choice and we can choose whom or what we let get under our skin. Learn to keep your cool when things get hot.
• Be a student of peace. Notice how your anger ruins your peace. Start associating with people who are peaceful and calm. “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.” (Proverbs 22:24.)
portunity of showing our conformity to the teachings and example that Christ set and that is by praying for them.
• Delay it. One of the best ways to handle anger is found in Proverbs 16:32: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” If you must, bite your tongue, cool down, count to 10, read, garden, watch a movie; but delay your response so that you can regain emotional control. Life is much too short to get angry every time you feel that you have a right to. Remember, angry words are like fire; you can neither control nor reverse the damage. • Control it. You can control your anger when you begin to imagine the results and have compassion with how the person feels on the receiving end of your anger. Remind yourself that getting angry is not going to fix anything and it won’t make you feel better. It might make you feel worse. • Surrender the right to retaliate. Romans 12:19: When something is done wrong to us, right away we want to ‘even’ the score. When you feel the need to retaliate, learn to control your anger by giving it back to God.
• Forgive. Ephesians 4:3132: Be kind to one another. We must be given to forgiveness. Why? God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.
derstanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” (Proverbs 14:29.) Next Week: Conclusion
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would Beloved while like to contact Rev. Lester, write the Hulk could not control to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookits anger, we who are God’s field, WI. 53008. people are reminded: “Whoever is patient has great un-
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• Own it and deal with it in ways that will restore the relationship. How are you going to do that? Revenge must be avoided (1 Corinthians 10:13); and you must learn to manage your thoughts, by flooding them with things that are good. (Philippians 4:8.) • Pray. Matthew 5:43-45: When we are cursed, and/ or mistreated by others, as Christians we have the opAn NCON Communications Publication
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When we all participate People of diverse backgrounds, cultures, characteristics and skills make Johnson Controls stronger. Together, we will continue to innovate, achieve customer satisfaction and succeed.
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Learn more at johnsoncontrols.com or @johnsoncontrols.
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. . . L L A C E ON ! L L A S ’ T A TH
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Get access to subscriber-only tools to grow your business. – Exclusive Business News: Develop a deeper understanding of local issues and trends in your community. Discover what’s at stake for you and your business. – Book of Lists: Who’s on top and who’s on their way up? Survey the business landscape and keep your leads fresh with the latest industry lists and company rankings. – Online Resources & Tools: Don’t just read the news, use it. Empower your business with our subscriber-only studies, company profiles and downloadable contacts. – Morning and Afternoon Edition: Let us simplify your day. Our editors carefully select the most impactful headlines to keep you informed and inspired.
Denise Salamone | 414-908-0561 | dsalamone@bizjournals.com
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
2017 BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARD HONOREES
Thank you for being the difference for so many. Steven DeVougas, Law ’07 Terrance Slaughter Technical Support Specialist Marquette University
fresh. family.
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In Memory Of
Eric Von
Carmen Giles
Miss Me But Let Me Go When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set on me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little--but not too long, and not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we once shared, miss me--but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, miss me--but let me go.
Marlene Johnson Odom www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
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THE PUBLISHER'S BOOKSHELF
Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
By; Lynda Jackson Conyers Publisher, Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
Celebrate Black History Month with inspirational books for Black entrepreneurs and businesses Each February, we celebrate Black History Month, an annual recognition of the heritage and contributions of Black Americans to the nation and the world. The most prominently celebrated tend to be African American achievement in the arts, sports, public service, education and civil rights. But I would be remiss if I overlooked the accomplishments of African American entrepreneurs during Black History Month, especially given the progress made over the past several decades. From my personal library, I would like to share a list of books which have inspired me as I face the many challenges of trying to grow a successful business.
How to Succeed in Business Without Being White By: Earl Graves HarperBusiness, Jan 1, 1997 Business & Economics 295 pages From the high-profile founder and publisher of the highly successful Black Enterprise magazine comes an illuminating and inspirational guide for the aspiring African American entrepreneur." (Graves) engagingly dispenses blunt advice and sharp commentary" (New York Times). In this timely and important book, Graves, one of the most influential and well-known executives in the world, shows how he, the son of a West Indian garment worker, became a multimillionaire entrepreneur, director of several of America's Fortune 500 corporations, and a philanthropist. Using his own story -- which includes careers in the military, real estate, and public service as an assistant to Senator Robert F. Kennedy -- and those of dozens of other black men and
women who have made it in the business world as examples, Graves offers inspiring and down-to-earth advice to help readers take advantage of opportunities to achieve personal and professional success. From overcoming the unique challenges blacks face in getting financing for new ventures to identifying the best industries and jobs for black job seekers and cultivating the behaviors needed to make it as an entrepreneur, How to Succeed in Business Without Being White clearly lights the path readers can take to overcome adversity Combining rich family and succeed in today's largely lore with a deep knowledge white business environment. of American social and economic history, Carol Jenkins Black Titan: A.G. Gaston and Elizabeth Hines unand the Making of a Black fold Gaston’s success story American Millionaire against the backdrop of a By: Carol Jenkins, Elizabeth century of crushing racial haGardner Hines tred and bigotry. Gaston not Random House Publishing only survived the hardships Group, Apr 2, 2009 of being black during the DeBiography & Autobiography pression, he flourished, and 336 pages by the 1950s he was ruling a The grandson of slaves, Birmingham-based business born into poverty in 1892 in empire. When the movement the Deep South, A. G. Gas- for civil rights swept through ton died more than a centu- the South in the late 1950s ry later with a fortune worth and early 1960s, Gaston prowell over $130 million and vided critical financial supa business empire spanning port to many activists. communications, real estate, At the time of his death in and insurance. Gaston was, 1996, A. G. Gaston was one by any measure, a heroic fig- of the wealthiest black men ure whose wealth and influ- in America, if not the wealthence bore comparison to J. P. iest. But his legacy extended Morgan and Andrew Carne- far beyond the monetary. He gie. Here, for the first time, was a man who had proved is the story of the life of this it was possible to overcome extraordinary pioneer, told staggering odds and make a by his niece and grandniece, place for himself as a leader, the award-winning televi- a captain of industry, and a sion journalist Carol Jenkins far-sighted philanthropist. and her daughter Elizabeth Writing with grace and powGardner Hines. er, Jenkins and Hines bring Born at a time when the their distinguished ancestor bitter legacy of slavery and fully to life in the pages of Reconstruction still poisoned this book. Black Titan is the the lives of black Americans, story of a man who created Gaston was determined to his own future—and in the make a difference for him- process, blazed a future for self and his people. His first all black businesspeople in job, after serving in the cel- America. ebrated all-black regiment during World War I, bound On Her Own Ground: him to the near-slavery of Madame C.J. Walker an Alabama coal mine—but By: A’lelia Bundle even here Gaston saw not Simon and Schuster, May 25, only hope but opportunity. 2001 He launched a business sell- Biography & Autobiography ing lunches to fellow miners, 416 pages soon established a rudimenOn Her Own Ground is the tary bank—and from then on first full-scale, definitive bithere was no stopping him. A ography of Madame C. J. kind of black Horatio Alger, Walker—the legendary AfriGaston let a single, powerful can American entrepreneur question be his guide: What and philanthropist—by her do our people need now? great-great-granddaughter, His success flowed from an A'lelia Bundles. uncanny genius for knowing The daughter of slaves, the answer. Madame C. J. Walker was orphaned at seven, married
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at fourteen and widowed at twenty. She spent the better part of the next two decades laboring as a washerwoman for $1.50 a week. Then—with the discovery of a revolutionary hair care formula for black women— everything changed. By her death in 1919, Walker managed to overcome astonishing odds: building a storied beauty empire from the ground up, amassing wealth unprecedented among black women and devoting her life to philanthropy and social activism. Along the way, she formed friendships with great early-twentieth-century political figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington.
On Her Own Ground is not only the first comprehensive biography of one of recent history's most amazing entrepreneurs and philanthropists; it is about a woman who is truly an African American icon. Drawn from more than two decades of exhaustive research, the book is enriched by the author's exclusive access to personal letters, records and never-before-seen photographs from the family collection. Bundles also showcases Walker's complex relationship with her daughter, A'lelia Walker, a celebrated hostess of the Harlem Renaissance and renowned friend to both Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. In chapters such as “Freedom Baby,” “Motherless Child,” “Bold Moves” and “Black Metropolis,” Bundles traces her ancestor's improbable rise to the top of an international hair care empire that would be run by four generations of Walker women until its sale in 1985. Along the way, On Her Own Ground reveals surprising insights, tells fascinating stories and dispels many misconceptions.
Entrepreneurship & Self Help Among Black America: A Reconsideration of Race and Economics, Revised Edition By John Sibley Butler SUNY Press, Feb 1, 2012 Business & Economics 416 pages
Since its publication in 1991, Entrepreneurship and SelfHelp among Black Americans has become a classic work, influencing the study of entrepreneurship and, more importantly, revitalizing a research tradition that places new ventures at the very center of success for black Americans. This revised edition updates and enhances the work by bringing it into the twenty-first century. John Sibley Butler traces the development of black enterprises and other community organizations among black Americans from before the Civil War to the present. He compares these efforts to other strong traditions of self-help among groups such as Japanese Americans, Jewish Americans, Greek Americans, and exciting new research on the Amish and the Pakistani. He also explores how higher education is already a valued tradition among black self-help groups—such that today their offspring are more likely to be third and fourth generation college graduates. Butler effectively challenges the myth that nothing can be done to salvage America’s underclass without a massive infusion of public dollars, and offers a fresh perspective on those community based organizations and individuals who act to solve local social and economic problems. (Continued on pg. 47)
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Black businesses books (Continued From pg. 46) Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice By: Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill Fawcett Crest, 1992 Self-Help 363 pages Author and entrepreneur Dennis Kimbro combines best-selling author Napoleon Hill's law of success with his
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own vast knowledge of business, contemporary affairs, and the vibrant culture of Black America to teach you the secrets to success used by scores of black Americans, including: Spike Lee, Jesse Jackson, Dr. Selma Burke, Oprah Winfrey, and many others. The result is inspiring, practical, clearly written, and totally workable. Use it to unlock the treasure you have always dreamed of--the treasure that at last is within your reach. Smart Money Moves for
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African Americans need to make to start on the By: Kelvin Boston road to financial security. Perigee, Jan 1, 1997 Business & Economics 336 pages Basic money management was not taught by the church, the civil rights movement, or the public school system. Now Kelvin Boston -- a nationally known expert who has helped put thousands of financial lives in order -- offers an inspiring, clearly written, and easy to use guide that will show readers the smart money moves they
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4th Annual Dinner Gala and Awards Banquet
001 No.
Theme: Year of the Young – “Painting a New Image”
TICKETS
Reverend Dr. Sedric D. Veal, Pastor Temple Baptist Church • Cleveland, OH Reverend Robert Faulkner, President Reverend Eric Smith, Executive Secretary Reverend Kurt L. Boyd, Host Pastor
4th Annual Dinner Gala and Awards Banquet Theme: The Year of the Young – “Painting a New Image” Saturday, April 29, 2017 Abundant Faith Church of Integrity 7830 West Good Hope Road • Milwaukee, WI 53223 Reception 5:00 P.M. • Awards Banquet 6:00 P.M. Donation 21 and up: $50.00 • Youth: $25
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North Division Alumni Association of Milwaukee Presents 5th Annual Membership Drive
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WISCONSIN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S CENTER 3020 West Vliet Street Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. ADMISSION: $10 Advance/$15 Door
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BANNERS
Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates its:
80 Anniversary th
“Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present and Believing in the Future”
Milwaukee Times Lynda Jackson Conyers, Publisher 1936 N. Martin Luther King Drive • Milwaukee, WI 53212 414-263-5088 • Fax: 414-263-4445 miltimes@gmail.com • milwaukeetimesnews.com
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Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
Thursday, February 23, 2017
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Wednesday, March 1, 2017
2017 Black Excellence Awards
ce n i S 0 199 INSURANCE AGENCY Dale Gilliam, President
1995 Black Excellence Awards Honoree
Congratulates the 2017 Black Excellence Awards Honorees! DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS & SERVICES
TO THE 2017 BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS
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2017 Black Excellence Awards
Thursday, February 23, 2017
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Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Happy Birthday Salutes! Wishing You All The Best!
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The 2017 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: 2017 Black Excellence Committee: Lynda Jackson Conyers Shirley Sharp Fred Reed Sandra Scott Ara V. Jackson Dawn D. Jackson Sherry Hill Dr. Willie Hart Brenda Sheppard Nelson Nobie Reed 2017 Black Excellence Project Manager: Jacquelyn Heath
Hiring School Bus Drivers! Potential Bonus up to $1000! No experience necessary! Paid CDL Training! Call Us! 855-219-5997 Apply: www.Drive4sta.com
HELP WANTED! Looking for an administrator for a personal care start-up agency. Must have knowledge, experience, and references. Contact Tina at 414-371-2401.
HELP WANTED! Seeking professional counselors who work with or wish to work with children. Interns and professionals with training licenses encouraged to apply. Contact Tina at 414-371-2401.
Volunteers: George Neal Jaye Syc Regular Contributors: Rev. Judith Lester Frank James Michael S. Robertson Dr. Andrew Calhoun A Special Thank-you to: Our Media partners WISN Channel 12 & The Milwaukee Business Journal and our Volunteers from the Milwaukee Urban League The entire 2017 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
Walgreens 2826 N. MLKing Dr. 2222 W. Capitol Dr. 2727 W. North Ave. 4808 N. Hopkins St. 76th & Mill Rd.
Pick’N Save 2355 N. 35th Street 5700 W. Capitol Dr. 7401 W. Good Hope Rd. Other Locations
LENA’S 4061 North 54th St. (Midtown) Libraries Washington Park Library Central Library (Downtown) Banks Columbia Savings 2000 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Seaway Bank 2102 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
February 1st Karen M. Ingram Jayzion Fumbanks February 2nd Donald Driver Hannah Ivy February 3rd Frances Brown Evelyn Glover Evelyn Blake February 4th Yashika Graves JaRon Williams Cleveland Hathaway Christine Pearson
2017 Black Excellence Staff Writers: Alexia Knox Melanie Lambert Richard Badger Terri Jordan Michelle Dobbs The Milwaukee Times Staff: Terry Taylor William S. Gooden Michelle Anibas Angel Reyes Antonio Alexander Yvonne Kemp Tatianna Brimley
Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
McIver's Foot Clinic 7903 W. Capitol Dr. City Hall 200 E. Wells St. The Milwaukee Times Offices 1936 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Or visit our website at: http://milwaukeetimesnews.com/ to download a free PDF version of this week's paper.
BMO Harris Bank 2745 N. MLKing Dr. North Milwaukee State Bank 5630 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
Also be sure to visit your local churches to get your copy of The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper.
February 16th Steffanie Boyd Quiana Staten Charella Butler February 17th Kim Lyons Tony J. Thompson Tony Chamberlain February 18th Tina Spears Courtney Kelly Louise Barnett Jamerh Banks
February 5th Kylah Lyons
February 19th Andrew Green, Sr. Gloria Hunt Ellen Fumbanks Jamera Ellis
February 6th Lawrence Smith Mark Phillips
February 20th Mable Taylor Channing M. Williams
February 7th Beniee A. Randle Trlynayl Banks
February 21st Nia Fizpatrick
February 8th Emily Davis
February 23rd Chole Ann Taylor Bryanna Barnes
February 9th Joyce Nash
February 24th Janice Williams
February 10th Bertha Thompson
February 25th Betty Speed Jeffery Matlock
February 12th Stacy D. Ingram Kieva Smith February 13th Terry Taylor February 14th Angela T. Fumbanks Vicki Chamberlain
February 26th Geraldine Walker Sandrene Watts Louis Davis, Jr. Jo Dean Walker February 28th Louis Taylor, Jr.
February 15th Annie B. Banks
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. www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
Thursday, February 23, 2017
51
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
2017 Black Excellence Awards
STUCK? Problem gambling can turn your life upside down. Maybe it used to be fun. Harmless entertainment. But now it’s all you think about, all you want to do. Betting has become a part of your being.You’re gambling more, and losing more. It’s affecting your work, your family, your finances, and it’s time to stop – before you lose it all. You’re not alone. Help is as close as a call or a click. Reach out. There are people who care, and can help you get back on your feet again.
Call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLE-5 (1-800-426-2535) or visit wi-problemgamblers.org.
®
©2016 Wisconsin Lottery
www.milwaukeetimesnews.com
An NCON Communications Publication
2017 Black Excellence Awards
An NCON Communications Publication
Thursday, February 23, 2017
52
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
www.milwaukeetimesnews.com