BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID INSIDE: ThreeVOL. XLI sistahsNumber 40 April who 25, 2018 planted thewww.milwaukeecommunityjournal.com seeds of growth in 25 Mikel Cents MILWAUKEE, Holt WISCONSIN PERMIT NO. 4668

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Waffle House hero TTIIMMEE TTOO James Shaw, left, gets a standing ova- PARTY tion after speaking PARTY during a press con- ference Sunday, AAGGAAIINN!! April 22, in Milwaukee Brewer First Nashville, Tenn. Baseman Jesus Aguilar pre- Shaw wrestled the pares to pounce on home- gun from the shoot- plate and his teammates ing suspect. Behind prepare to joyously greet Shaw is police him after his walk-off home- spokesman Don run to beat the Miami Mar- Aaron. (Wade lins at Miller Park. Aguilar Payn/The Ten- game winning homer was nessean via AP) one of two game winning homers the team hit during their homestand. The Brew- State Rep. Young repeats ers are one of the hottest teams in Major League call for tougher gun Baseball in what is still a young season.—Photo by Yvonne Kemp control measures after Waffle House shooting Praises restaurant patron James Shaw, Jr. for heroic action disarming shooter Compiled by MCJ Editorial Staff State Rep. Leon Young said Sunday’s tragic A personal remembrance multiple shooting at a Nashville Waffle House reinforces the dire need for more stringent, of Vel Phillips, who led common-sense gun control measures, includ- ing a ban on military grade semi-automatic sure every one had a good time. By Richard G. Carter In 1994 -- a year after returning from New York -- I hosted an inside-outside weapons. the way in so partymany at my Northridge Lakes apartment ways at which Vel sparkled with conver- (See our editorial on page 5) “My heroic struggle was over, but none was for spite. “The time for meaningful action on gun control legislation that aims to And then you are 60...” Burgess Meredith, “Hard sation and byplay with Howard Fuller, Annette (Polly) Williams, Larry Har- well, The Shepherd Express’s Dave Berkman; Sanders, Anderson, Michael protect our children and the public at large is long overdue,” said the repre- Contract” (1969) McGee Sr. and his wife, Penelope, and my high school pals Jesse Nixon, John sentative in a recent statement on the Givens, Gerald Payne, James Reed and Alvin Russell. restaurant shooting. Vel and Polly amused the guests with their byplay in my kitchen over how Travis Reinking was arrested after eye On a purely personal basis, I best to make a big pot of highly seasoned stew, on which everyone was to witness reports stated that he opened fire feast. with an AR-15 rifle on a Waffle House in My late mother and father -- Juanita and Sanford Carter -- always found the Nashville neighborhood of Antioch, loved being around Vel Phillips, Vel a delight when she attended a number of our often raucus family gather- killing four people and injuring four oth- ings over the years. Indeed, I almost came to accept her as a member of my ers. Reports have indicated the shootings and her vivacious sense of self- immediate family. were racially motivated. Vel’s marriage to Dale Phillips, Shortly before the shooting Reinking deprecating brother of my uncle, Paul Phillips -- parked his pickup truck in front of the Memorial endeared her especially to the restaurant for a few minutes, than went in humor. Carters, as well as to our relatives -- and opened fire. Services for Vel the Ethel Phillips, Neil Moody, Beat- Reportedly, while apparently attempt- I frequently men- rice Gee, Fernand Colin and Etna ing to reload, James Shaw, Jr. seized the tioned this to her, Phillips will be Chancellor families. moment and came out of hiding from be- From a professional standpoint, I hind a swinging door and wrestled the Rep. Leon Young and how it reminded held Saturday, had several significant encounters weapon away from Reinking and threw it over the counter. After a short scuf- over the years with Vel. One includes fle the assailant fled (naked) and was arrested Monday after a massive man- me of her great good May 5, at St. Mark her smiling broadly as I led the ques- hunt. According to the representative’s statement, an investigation is ensuing tioning during her 1986-87 appear- as to whether or not Reinking was legally in possession of a fire arm. friend -- legendary AME Church, ances before the Milwaukee Journal During a news conference with law enforcement officials and the Nashville Milwaukee news- editorial board, and several lively mayor some 12 hours after the shooting, his right hand bandaged, Shaw, an 1616 W. guest shots in 1994-95 on my top- African American, said his actions were borne of self-preservation, adding woman, the late Vel Phillips rated, controversial WNOV radio he didn’t consider himself a hero. Photo from Black America Web Atkinson Ave. program “The Carter-McGee Report” "When I grabbed the barrel of the weapon it was hot, but I didn't care. It Mattiebelle Woods. -- where she deftly responded to challenging calls from listeners. was life or death," said Shaw, a 29-year-old Nashville native. One of the best examples was at a picnic George Sanders and I hosted hon- When I occasionally would play a doo-wop record -- which was expected Waffle House CEO Walter Ehmer, who was also on hand, thanked Shaw oring Vel in the summer of 1989 at Kern Park. Among the casually dressed by many listeners -- Vel would sing along, delighting my co-host, ex-alder- for his bravery. attendees were my wife, Janice; John and Rosa Givens and their two daugh- man McGee Sr. "You don't get to meet too many heroes in life," Ehmer said before ad- ters; newsman Bill Kurtz and his wife Marge; wheelchair bound Jake Beason; In October 1958, Vel, at 34, received her first major, full-size national pub- dressing Shaw, who dabbed at tears in his eyes. "We are forever in your debt." Milwaukee Journal editorial page editor Dave Behrendt, Journal columnist licity in SEPIA magazine which, at the time, was giving EBONY a run for Shaw said that after going to a nightclub he had decided to stop with a Jay Anderson and ex-New Yorker Joe Dolan. its money. Headlined “Milwaukee’s First Woman Alderman” over my by- friend early Sunday at a Waffle House. The first one he visited was too A jaunty, 65-year-old Vel arrived wearing a short-sleeve, white tee-shirt em- line, it was accompanied by an attractive photo of her on the magazine’s crowded with overnight patrons, so he ended up going to another in blazoned “Brown Sugar” and, laughing and joking, shook every hand -- man, Nashville. woman and child -- in the happy throng. She was in her element and made (continued on page 5) (continued on page 3)

Davey Nelson, a member of the family and all of those who loved Rangers and Royals. In 1973, he was tion. Brewers family since 2001 and a for- him.” an American League All-Star with His annual golf tournament has mer Major League All-Star infielder, Nelson joined the Brewers in 2001 Texas as he hit .286 with 43 stolen helped raise significant funding for passed away earlier this week after as roving minor league outfield in- bases in 142 games. the organization. BREWERS battling a long illness. structor and became the Major Born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Nel- In lieu of flowers, donations to He was 73. League first base coach for the Brew- son graduated from Junípero Serra Open Arms Home for Children are “Davey took every opportunity to ers in 2003. High School in California. He at- suggested for those looking to honor MOURN turn a casual introduction into a life- In 2006, he moved into a broad- tended Compton Junior College for Davey’s memory. Contributions can long relationship, and his legacy will casting (FOX Sports Wisconsin ana- one year and Los Angeles State Col- be made online at openarm- live on in the positive impact he had lyst) and front office role for the lege for two years. Nelson also shome.com. on the lives of so many people,” said organization. served in the Army Reserve for six There will not be a formal memo- PASSING Brewers Chief Operating Officer Prior to joining the Brewers, Nel- years. rial service, but a private celebration Rick Schlesinger. son spent time with the White Sox, Nelson served on the board of di- of Davey’s life will be held later this “Davey’s love of life and commit- A’s, Expos and Indians in coaching rectors for Open Arms Home for spring. OF DAVEY Davey ment to helping those in need were roles. Children in South Africa, an organi- second to none, and we are so grate- A 10-year Major League veteran, zation that serves as a home to over Nelson ful for the time that we had with him. Nelson played from 1968-77 as an 50 children who are either orphaned Pulse of the Community NELSON Our thoughts and prayers are with his infielder with the Indians, Senators, or do not have a stable family situa- will return next week! The Milwaukee Commiunity Journal April 25, 2018 Page 2

8,000+ MPS Students to Perform in First-Ever All-City Arts Festival at Henry Maier Festival Park MPS, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and Summerfest Foundation, Inc. host FREE three-day event; public invited The artistic talent of Milwaukee's kids will be on full display, bigger and better than ever on the city's lakefront, during the first ever All-City Arts Festival, which will be held May 9-11, 2018 on the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park. The event will feature more than 180 performances from 125 Milwaukee Public Schools, alumni and partner groups. Students have been rehearsing vocal and instrumental music, culinary, dance, theater and spoken word performances all year in anticipation of this event. The All-City Arts Festival is FREE and open to the public: Wednesday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Havin’Milwaukee Christian Fellowshipa ball Basketball at League the (MCFBL) ballpark recently celebrated its 23rd Thursday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Annual Scholarship & Awards banquet at Miller Park as they watched the hometown FREE parking is also available for attendees in designated Summerfest parking lots. Festival entrance will team (the Milwaukee Brewers) beat the Miami Marlins at Miller Park to continue their be at the Summerfest South Gate. winning streak. The tickets were courtesy of the Brewers Community Foundation. The The All-City Arts Festival builds on the success of the MPS Biennial Music Festival which existed for almost theme of this year’s banquet was: “Discipling Youth Through Sports!” The board president 50 years. The MPS All-City Arts Festival is expanding this year to showcase all art forms offered in Milwaukee of the MCFBL is Board President Chad Johnson. Ennis Chambliss is the league’s direc- Public Schools. This event will involve students from all regions at the elementary, middle, and high school tor. The current champions of the basketball league is the team from St. Mark AME levels presenting music, culinary, dance, art, and theater performances. Through the partership with Milwaukee Church.—Photo by Yvonne Kemp World Fetival, Inc. and the Summerfest Foundation, students will perform on stages that host world-renowned artists- the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, the BMO Harris Pavilion, and the South Pavilion, a truly unique ment and talent management for contracting opportunity for all the participants. needs. The All-City Arts Festival will also include an art gallery showcasing student artwork from more than 40 schools. This artwork is supported and enhanced by a number of partnerships among various public and private "Business partners are vital to the success of MPS hosts schools, artists, arts organizations, and the community. Milwaukee Public Schools. This event plays a The All-City Arts Festival is presented by MPS and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and is sponsored by MPS critical role in forming new connections and so- Foundation and the Summerfest Foundation, Inc. lidifying current relationships between MPS More information is available on the All-City Arts Festival website. Business and local businesses," said Mark Sain, Presi- dent, Milwaukee Board of School Directors. Symposium "We are excited about the opportunities Mil- Last Day of waukee area businesses provide for the district and our students." School for Symposium sessions include: Doing Business Contractorson April and vendors can27 learn about with the District; Leveraging Certifications for doing business with the school district High Schools Historically Underutilized Businesses; MPS Milwaukee Public Schools will host its 2nd Workforce Development Partners; and Effective Changes to Annual Business Symposium on April 27, at the Capacity Building Resources. Italian Community Center, 631 W. Chicago St. The event is free and space is limited. Conti- nental breakfast will be served. Reservations are May 21 The even is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (registra- Change in calendar tion begins at 7:30 a.m.) required and can be made through the following Contractors and vendors interested in doing link: due to snow day in https://tinyurl.com/2ndABSregister business with the district are encouraged to at- February tend. Schedules will be distributed on the day of the The event includes a series of workshops fo- event. The end of the school year is cused on supplier diversity, economic develop- approaching and Milwaukee Pub- lic Schools has a necessary change to the last day of school for all 9th to 12th grade students. Vincent High Due to the snow day on Febru- ary 8, 2018, when schools were closed, MPS will need to extend School hosts the school year by one day for students in grades 9-12. Wisconsin requires schools to Agricultural provide a specific number of min- utes of instruction for each grade level. Spring Showcase Because there was no instruc- Public invited to experience the only tion on the snow day, MPS is re- agriculture-focused high school in Milwaukee quired to add additional time to the calendar. Vincent High School recently hosted its second annual Agri- The last day of school for 9th - cultural Spring Showcase to spotlight the rigorous, engaging and 12th graders will be Monday, dynamic work the school’s students and staff have been engaged May 21, 2018. MPS apologizes in this school year. for any inconvenience this causes Vincent is located at 7501 N. Granville Rd. on the city’s far our students and families. ular registration fee, plus a one-time $15 specialty plates The district explored a number northwest side. issuance-fee for non-personalized plates. At each annual of other options, but they were Students were introduced to universities, businesses and com- WisDOT issues renewal, plate holders will pay the annual $25 donation much more complicated for fam- munity organizations that can help them achieve their dreams and the regular registration fee. ilies and staff than adding an extra and begin their careers. Visitors met the cows who became fa- Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation was one day. mous earlier this year when they escaped campus and saw the new Children’s of the first organizations to apply through the new Au- The last day for grades K-8 at thorized Special Group license plate process, which new lamb that was born only a few weeks ago. began October 1, 2016 with Wisconsin Act 227. schools on the early start calendar Media and the public are invited to the Showcase. Students are Hospital specialty When a group applies for a specialty plate, DMV will will not change and is still Friday, excited to show members of the public and media their accom- make the public aware of the application and invite indi- May 18, 2018. plishments and hard work in Horticulture Science, Animal Sci- For all schools on the tradi- licenseThe Children’s Hospital plate of Wisconsin specialty li- viduals with objections to the group’s application to fill ence, Food Science, Environmental Science, Culinary Arts, out an objection form. This form is available on the DMV tional calendar, the last day of cense plate, featuring their blue children silhouette Agribusiness, and General Science. website at wisconsindmv.gov/specialgroupreview. school is June 8, 2018. logo, is now available. The donations collected will go Visitors saw animal exhibits, were able to buy plants, inspected to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation and To apply for an Authorized Special Group license plate, The MPS updated calendar is will fund child-life programs not covered by insurance, groups must pay a $15,500 fee for development costs and translated into seven different lan- class project displays, witnessed science demonstrations, and en- needed supplies and equipment to advance ground collect signatures from 500 Wisconsin residents who in- guages and is available for fami- joyed food prepared and sold by the school’s culinary arts stu- breaking research, and support the latest medical equip- tend to purchase the special plates. If authorized, the lies now. dents. ment and tools specific for children. group must maintain 500 valid special plate registrations after three years, or the plates will be discontinued. More Families who have questions Representatives from higher education institutions, members Anyone may request this or any other specialty plate. are encouraged to contact their on the process is available here. of the agriculture community, and community partners shared The $25 tax-deductible contribution is transferred to the child's school. sponsoring organization, which is in addition to the reg- their information with students and attendees. The Milwaukee Commiunity Journal April 25, 2018 Page 3 MKE Health Dept.: Milwaukee Bucks UWM program Thon Maker and Gian- Lead exposure nis Antetokounmpo trains paramedics poses a double team the significant threat Boston Celtics’ Al Hor- as community ford during the Bucks toThe the City of public Milwaukee Health De- win over the Celtics. partment (MHD) is sounding the The Bucks won two health partners alarm to all Milwaukee residents that no level of lead in the water is safe. games to tie the se- By Laura L. Otto MHD is working diligently to make ries, but lost game five Milwaukee lead-safe. in Boston. The Bucks In November of 2017, the Milwau- With the help kee Common Council passed a Lead must win game six in of a UWM Transparency resolution about the Milwaukee to take the program, dangers of lead exposure in water and series back to Boston Kendria the need for broad community educa- for a deciding game Donaldson tion. The resolution was sponsored by Alderpersons Tony Zielinski, James seven.—Photo by Bill found her Bohl and Chantia Lewis. Tennessen calling as a “I appreciate the leadership the Common Council has demonstrated Milwaukee for a jacket, going another way. on this very important issue,” stated community Shaw said a bullet apparently grazed him on one elbow Health Commissioner Patricia Mc- and he fell and hit his knee as he escaped, landing in the paramedic. Manus “No level of lead is safe! This Young repeats hospital for a time early Sunday. —UWM includes lead from paint, water or Photo/Pete soil.” "I didn't really fight that man to save everyone else. call for tougher gun That may not be a popular thing," said Shaw, a Nashville Amland As detailed in the Lead Trans- parency resolution, populations living native who went to college in Tennessee and now works Kendria Donaldson thought the career she wanted in homes where lead service lines are control measures as a wireless technician. "I took the gun so I could get was traditional nursing. Then, when her boyfriend’s present are at-risk if they are: (continued from front page) myself out" of the situation. Women who are pregnant, who are As he entered the Waffle House, he was just two min- He said he was glad others were saved. brother joined the Milwaukee Fire Department, she of childbearing age (15-45 years) or utes ahead of the gunman, seating himself at a counter. When Shaw's father went to visit him in the hospital considered a different option. who are breastfeeding, and Children Suddenly he heard a loud noise, thinking at first that early Sunday before he was released, he had one piece of Becoming a firefighter would still allow her to help people with their health, up to the age of 6 years old. freshly washed plates had crashed from a stack in the advice for his son: "Don't do that again." but in a way that would build long-term wellness rather than just provide spot MHD encourages families who restaurant. But he said he saw restaurant workers running "I take no pride in him charging a loaded gun," James care. A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee program helped her do just that. may live in homes with a high risk for and turned and saw a body near the front door as the gun- Shaw Sr. said. "I do take pride in him helping save the Donaldson discovered that running into burning buildings is a relatively small lead in the drinking water to avoid man burst in. lives of other people." part of the job. Far more common are health-related 911 calls, including many lead exposure by: It was then that he realized he was hearing gunshots. In his statement, Young expressed his prayers and con- that aren’t true emergencies. Many of these frequent calls are from people un- Using drinking water filters "I looked back and I saw a person lying on the ground dolences to the victims and families, and praised Shaw equipped to manage chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes and heart conditions. (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) that are cer- right at the entrance of the door, then I jumped and slid for putting his life on the line and preventing further “A lot of times, when we get there, the person tells us they just don’t feel good. tified to remove lead. This is the most ... I went behind a push door — a swivel door," Shaw deaths and injuries. That’s where the conversation starts,” Donaldson said. “We have to find out why effective way to reduce lead exposure said. "He shot through that door; I'm pretty sure he “Once again we are seeing the deadly results of random they are not finding the right care. With those patients, we are forming a long- from drinking water. grazed my arm. At that time I made up my mind ... that gun violence via assault weapons,” Young continued. term relationship. When you spend two hours with a patient, you can have an im- Flushing drinking water by running he was going to have to work to kill me. When the gun “The AR-15 rifle that he (Reinking) used is classified as pact.” faucets on cold for a minimum of jammed or whatever happened, I hit him with the swivel a semi-automatic weapon and should be banned. “The In 2015, the Milwaukee Fire Department partnered with the UWM College of three minutes (or longer if needed) door." time for meaningful action on gun control legislation that Nursing and Milwaukee County Emergency Medical Services to train firefighters until the water is noticeably colder. Shaw said as they began wrestling he grabbed the hot aims to protect our children and the public at large is long who are already paramedics as “community paramedics.” Their role is educating, Using only cold water for cooking overdue.” fact-finding and building relationships with patients whose emergency calls are barrel of the gun, ignoring his own pain. and drinking, and considering buying Young said enacting common-sense gun control meas- not urgent. "He was kind of cussing while we were wrestling bottled water for drinking and cooking ures like: universal background checks, raising firearm The goal was twofold: improve people’s health habits while reducing the num- around. When I finally got the gun he was cussing like I from a known lead-free source. was in the wrong," he said. "It wasn't any kind of talking age and banning bump stocks, have wide public support. ber of non-emergency calls coming in. And the strategy worked. Cleaning and removing, on a regu- between us; I just knew I just had to get that away from “Truth be told, rapid-fire assault weapons with large Under the program, which the fire department calls Mobile Integrated Health- lar basis, aeraters from faucets and him." clips of ammunition have only one purpose: the mass care (MIH), 911 use across all demographics for Milwaukee County dropped sig- rinsing out any dirt, which may in- nificantly from 2014 levels. According to Michael Wright, MIH care coordinator Of the gun, he added: "I grabbed it from him and threw slaughter of large numbers of human beings. They are de- clude particles of lead. for the Milwaukee Fire Department, the calls were down 56 percent in 2016 and it over the countertop and I just took him with me out the signed for use by the military to achieve that mission in Replacing lead service lines or in- 62 percent in 2017. entrance." combat—and that mission alone. Assault weapons should terior plumbing. UWM has trained more than 70 community paramedics at fire departments all Shaw said after getting the man out of the Waffle be banned along with high-capacity magazines.” The City of Milwaukee Health De- over Wisconsin, and nearly half of them work in Milwaukee. Another class will —Associated Press report was a source for this arti- partment provides drinking water fil- House, he ran one way and saw the suspect, naked save be offered this fall. ters for at-risk populations. Community paramedics try to learn what barriers prevent patients from man- aging their own health, whether it’s finding transportation to clinics or under- Individuals can call the MHD Lead standing the correct use of their medications. Community paramedics also check Hotline 414-286-8800 to see if they for safety hazards around homes and give patients information on other programs qualify. that can help them. All children in Milwaukee should That’s different from traditional firefighter paramedics, who perform triage in be tested three times before age 3; order to quickly transport a patient to a hospital for treatment. some children may need to be tested “The community paramedics program capitalizes on the strengths of all par- up to age 6. Parents and caregivers are ticipants,” said Kim Litwack, dean of UWM’s College of Nursing. “Our expertise encouraged to make sure their chil- in health promotion and health education paired with the knowledge of fire de- dren are tested by their medical partment paramedics in neighborhood-centered care can lead to improved health provider. MHD provides lead testing outcomes for the citizens of the state.” at its clinics as well. UWM’s nurse-trainers expose the firefighter paramedics to different parts of Milwaukee Water Works treats and the medical field, including pregnancy issues and chronic conditions like asthma. delivers drinking water throughout the They also learn how to help navigate the challenges faced by many people who city that is lead-free. Lead service live in poverty, such as how to get around on a bus with children, where to go lines and plumbing inside the home when you are homeless, or how to obtain and use food stamps. can cause lead to get into drinking “It was very eye-opening,” Donaldson said. “Sometimes, people are stuck be- water. Residents can find out if their tween paying their energy bill or buying their medications. By telling them about home has a lead service line at Lead- various other programs available, we may give them some more options.” SafeMKE.com. For Donaldson, the most valuable aspect of the training was learning how to Milwaukee residents are encour- interact with people who may be struggling with untreated mental health needs. aged to frequently check the City of She also takes pride in being able to directly help her community. Milwaukee Health Department’s Lead “I like the idea of treating our own frequent callers,” she said. “We’re a broth- Poisoning Prevention website for re- erhood and sisterhood. And if we’re helping our own, it will ultimately lead to source information and MHD’s Face- fewer calls.” book and Twitter pages. The“I Milwaukee Remember Commiunity Journal April 25, 2018 Page 4 Mom...” (continued from front page) a son, and is expecting another child shortly…” SEPIAA personal SALUTES page. remembranceMy piece ended of thusly: Vel “Vel Phillips Phillips impresses those I remember mama as a Even though we at times had This also was the first thing I ever wrote that appeared who meet her with her straightforward character and soft spoke tower of power! strife, my mother would seek to in a national publication -- the product of our refreshing warm charm. It is this feeling of friendliness and under- bring peace to our young lives. She had a look that made interview. And this is how it began: standing that endears her to the citizens she represents.” She worked as a substitute I clearly recall her words when she called me after the you automatically correct “Firstest with the mostest” is an apt way to describe feacher and was starting to go Milwaukee’s Vel Phillips, indeed, a very remarkable per- magazine came out.: “You really did it, Dickie. A young bad behavior without back for her Master’s Degree son. man like you. Thanks so much. Please tell Nita {my late speaking a word. when her health took a turn for “That city’s first Negro alderman, first woman alderman mother, Juanita} how much I appreciate what you did. I She could whisper in your ear the worst. and an accomplished lawyer who shares a thriving prac- will never forget it, or you.” and you’d smile while tears were She’d be barely able to walk tice with her attorney husband, Dale Phillips -- another One of my funniest memories of Vel was when she coming out your eyes. sometimes, but she was deter- first for the state of Wisconsin -- is, in addition, the first and Dale, and his brother Paul, were discussing how Being raised during the turbu- mined to complete her goal. Un- Negro to serve as national committeewoman for a state Paul almost made the 1936 Olympics as a sprinter. But lent sixties was a feat she never fortunately, she died before she political party organization (Democratic). She was he lost out to Ohio State’s Jesse Owens and his Mar- bowed down to. could finish. I remember looking elected to the latter post in May to serve out the term of quette University teammate, Ralph Metcalfe. While riots and fighting were at her resting in heer casket and Mrs. Betty Graichen, who resigned to take a job in Wash- Said Vel: “Don’t fret, Paul. Maybe your legs didn’t all around us, my mother spoke wanting her to wake up. ington, D.C….” measure up to Jesse and Ralph, but you and Dale have of being respectful and turning Afrter she passed, I’d catch a Midway through, I wrote: “Mrs. Phillips regards her ‘em beat brain-wise, from here to Sunday.” the other cheek. Eunice Augusta glimpse of her smiling face in a election to this honorary, yet important post, with great Smiling, Paul replied: “Yeah, but I still don’t have My dad was the more radical “Evelyn” McIntosh crowd or smell her perfume in enthusiasm and has promised to devote more time to it Jesse’s money,” bringing the kind of belly laugh from the wind. I like to think that was one and my mom was the calm- dured the blows of segregation than has been the custom in the past. Vel that is how I probably best remember her.—Mil- God’s way of helping me get ing spirit that kept the time bomb and the Jim Crow laws. She “Even more active at home, than on the council floor waukee native Richard G. Carter is a freelance colum- used to her being gone. from going off in our family. lived during a time when Blacks of the city hall were she serves on the finance and public nist Now I find myself thinking of She always pushed for her were considered second class utilities committees, Mrs. Phillips is the proud mother of how I’ve used her instructions in girls to get a higher education citizens. my life to help my children in and it was mandatory for us to Her struggle was one she their lives. always conduct ourselves in the strived to keep away from her My mother’s name was Eunice fashion of a lady. children. She took us with her in Augusta McIntosh. To family and “Success isn’t about how It was a long time before I the march for housing across the friends she was known as Eve- knew I couldn’t get pregnant 16th street viaduct. She wanted lyn. She was 41-years-old when from kissing a boy. She was not to make sure we knew how to she answered God’s call to one to play with with it came to fight for what was right. much money you make, come home. Because of her boys. My mother instilled in me a be- love and devotion to family and Although I may have been lief that God is my creator and friends, I’m able to instill those naive about some things she in- my strength. She instilled in me same qualities of loyalty, honor it’s about the difference stilled in me a will to stand up for qualities of honor and being and love to my family. I know her myself and speak out against trustworthy. qualities in me are still enabling adversity. She always made home a our family to be strong today. My mother came up during a place of love and happiness. you make in people’s time of great struggles. She en- —As told by Donna Johnson lives.—Michelle Obama

In Loving Memory Quality Service...a tenured tradition sin- Maggie Vance celebrates 100 years of life cere concern at your time of need. Offer- Maggie “Idea” Vance (seated center wearing hat) recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends recently at the ing pre-need, at need and after-care Carter Conference Center at Holy Redeemer COGIC. Vance was born in Wilmot, Arkansas on April 17, 1918. She moved to Mil- services to families in Milwaukee, Racine, waukee in 1949. She held various jobs through the years: nursing homes, the dietary department at Mt. Sinai Hospital, to name Kenosha and other communities a few. She was very active in the community, going door-to-door in the 1950’s and 60’s working on voter registration. She was a throughout our state. member at Philadelphia MBC under the late Rev. H. Henderson; a member of Genesis MBC under Rev. A.L. Douglas Jr., and is presently a member of Greater Love MBC under Pastor Frank Ballantine. When she first moved to the city in the late 1940’s she lived on 7th Street. She moved to 23rd and Walnut Street in the late 1950’s where she purchased two homes and moved her only daughter and her six children into one of the homes and she lived in the other. Her daughter died in July of 1972 in a car-train ac- cident. Without hesitation, Vance moved into the home with the six children and got them to adulthood. Vance witnessed two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Apollo Moon Landing, 20 U.S. Presidents including voting in the election of the first African Earnestine O’Bee-Founder J.C. Frazier, Funeral Director American President, Barack Obama, and remarkable advances in medicine and technology. As you can see Maggie has accom- plished and seen a lot with only a fifth grade education and the Lord on her side.

Milwaukee Racine 6630 W. Hampton Avenue Families served by: 800 Barker St. Milwaukee, WI 53218 Northwest Funeral Racine, WI 53402 Telephone: (414) 462-6020 Chapel O’Bee, Ford Telephone: (262) 637-6400 Fax: (414) 462-9937 & Frazier Fax: (262) 637-6416 The Milwaukee Commiunity Journal April 25, 2018 Page 5

MCJMCJPERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES EDITORIALEDITORIAL Congress owes victims of The three “Pioneer Sisters” mass shootings laws that keep guns out of the hands Of the many African Negro hierarchy seemed to look who downinfluenced on us. my life of American terrrorists American women who Obviously, I was wrong in one re- If you listened to Armstrong William’s syndicated helped mold me during spect: while a caterer was commis- sioned to serve, he or she was not a radio talk show Monday, you probably were as my formative years servant, but an entrepreneur. shocked as we were to hear him provide a ‘partial’ (which continue to this But at the time, I viewed our list of mass shootings in America over the last 20 day), three in particular “clients” as prestigious “House Ne- years. groes” who disrespected my mother can be credited with till- and every hard working menial The list went on for several minutes, which gives ing the hardened Ameri- Black worker by their uppity atti- you an idea of how many “native” terrorists and can soil deeply enough to tudes. By Mikel Kwaku Oshi Holt psychopaths were included in his deadly diatribe. Maturity and exposure ultimately archal-inspired rites of passage, I served as a lieutenant in Polly’s seed my growth. changed my minds about them. opening our eyes toSIGNIFYIN’ the rich and Army and learned to appreciate her Most of the mass shooting victims numbered a half And while each have joined our Vel helped to change my percep- beautiful culture of our ancestors. tenacity and philosophy (which I dozen people per rampage. ancestors, I (we) continue to stand in tion. And her dedication was such that shared). Interestingly, none of the three dozen terrorists their shadows reaping the benefits of She could have sat on a throne. In- she left UWM to run Urban Day After this paper took on the estab- their wisdom and maternal instincts. were Black, although many of their targets were stead, she dedicated her life to ac- school, where she could plant seeds lishment (“eduacracy”) in support of Civil rights icon Vel Phillips, cul- tivism, starting with her in the fertile minds of hundreds of choice, Polly and I traveled the racially motivated, including the Waffle House mur- tural advocate and educator Virginia championship of the open house or- Black youth. country promoting Black empower- ders of last Sunday morning. Stamper and Polly Williams, the dinance, which was my first expo- And unbeknownst to many, the ment. mother of school choice were on dif- Two thoughts come to mind when you provide lis- sure to the civil rights movement. Queen was also one of the early cat- My book, “Not Yet Free at Last” ferent political and cultural trains, The White media painted a picture alysts for the school choice revolu- paints a portrait of this dynamic teners (or readers) with the cold hard and deadly but the same track, which inter- of the “po’ Negroes” being led by tion. She attended the historic leader. reality of homegrown terrorism in America: first, de- sected at the waystation of Black the “great White father,” Roman meeting in 1988 with MPS Superin- In fact, it was originally conceived empowerment. Catholic Priest Father James Groppi tendent Robert Peterkin who sought as a biography of her, but morphed spite the pronouncements and political rhetoric that Some of us boarded their trains, usually follow this tsunami of terrorism, their con- during the 200 days of the open a partnership with Black independ- into a chronology of the educational while unfortunately far too many housing campaign. But while I ent schools. The bill he “authored” revolution. cern ends there, with words and little or no action. others chose instead to find comfort would recommend him for saint- was ultimately high jacked by the The seeds these three women In fact, Congress has even turned a blind eye to under the shadow of slavery, which hood, the marches were the brain- teachers’ union. The next year, a bill planted in the hard ground of Amer- explains why we have not fully pro- the cries of America’s youth, who assembled by the child of Vel, and orchestrated by the introduced by Polly was signed into ican apartheid can be witnessed in gressed as a people. NAACP and Commandoes. law, where upon the Queen proudly the advocacy of their protégés, each thousands around the country on two occasions Phillips, who died last week, was Vel inspired and tasked us to con- filled out the application making of whom takes on the attributes of this month, demanding gun control and safe the matriarch of Milwaukee’s civic tinue marching even as we con- Urban Day the first school in the their mentors. rights movement, breaking ground schools (the focal point of a half dozen terrorist at- fronted racists on the Southside who program. Alderwoman Milele Coggs is in the political and legal battlefields. refused to allow us to live in their There was probably no more po- today’s Vel Philips, following in her tacks). Queen Virginia was the personifi- neighborhoods. The bricks and bot- larizing and empowering sister in footsteps as an attorney (Vel once Secondly, in all but a couple of cases, the guns cation of Ghana’s Yaa Asantewa, in- tles thrown at us were not enough to politics than Polly. said all council members should troducing hundreds of college stop us from revealing the system of Over the years, she lambasted Re- have law degrees—obviously I dis- (sometimes semi-automatic weapons) were legally students—including myself—to the purchased. apartheid that still exists in Milwau- publicans on a regular basis and De- agreed) and alderwoman. richness of our native land, inspiring kee. mocrats as often as necessary. She Coggs learned through Vel to an- That disheartening reality is true because there intellectual curiosity, and more im- Vel’s involvement in dozens of was forced to turn to the Republi- alyze issues from all perspectives, to are few “national” safeguards to protect us, from portantly, planting the seeds of cul- other political campaigns opened cans to support the school choice stand fast in her positions and to use tural pride. “them,” (the terrorists). many doors, and while we disagreed legislation because her Democratic her office to close the gap between Mother Polly was the only true in- on her seemingly blind loyalty to the Party colleagues put special interests rich and poor, business and labor, For example, while some states have strict re- dependent state representative of my Democratic Party and her opposition (teachers) before Black children, haves and have nots. quirements for obtaining a concealed-carry permit, era, putting her people before her to school choice, I loved, respected prompting Polly to declare, “No per- Russell Stamper II has taken into “adopted” political party (and thus or to purchase a gun, in many others a mentally and applauded her accomplish- manent friends, no permanent ene- office many of the attributes of his incurring their wrath), and espoused ments. mies, just permanent issues.” mother: her tenacious spirit, her cul- disturbed, domestic abuser with a felony conviction a Black Nationalist philosophy that Queen Virginia, was my cultural Indeed, Polly was one of the few tural foundation and her unwavering can walk into a store, plunk down his money and ultimately resulted in the most sig- mentor, my Black English and cre- Black leaders who was unafraid, desire to empower our people. walk out with a bazooka. nificant educational movement in ative writing teacher and my co-par- didn’t care about party politics and As an added bonus, he also carries U.S. history. We’re exaggerating…BUT, not by much. ent (that latter title given for her help was quick to call a liberal a racist, as with him into battle his father’s in- I loved all three sisters, each of in raising my late son, Malik, as I she was a conservative. tellect and assertiveness. And there are also “strawman sales,” in which whom played an important role in took on the challenge of being a sin- Polly was unapologetically Black. I am a product of each but many guns are purchased by a person on behalf of some- my life. gle parent). And although she was a champion would assess Polly’s imprint is my Call it fate, coincidence or a one else who doesn’t qualify for a gun because of a Queen Virginia brought Africa to for justice for all, she prioritized most obvious tattoo. nudge from Nyame, each of these life through her cultural mentorship, what was best for Black folks, and I don’t disagree, but Vel and prior felony conviction. pioneer sisters’ voices have been in and opened my eyes about the was uncompromising in her ethics Queen Virginia significantly influ- Our leaders on the national and local level better my ear this month. African elements that we subcon- and her sledgehammer tactics. enced who and what I am. Vel’s death last week sparked a sciously kept alive that link us back She first emerged on the scene as Virginia explained to me the im- wake up, swear-off NRA money, and realize Amer- well-earned citywide commemora- ica is a—in military jargon—“target-rich environ- to the Motherland. co-chair of the Coalition to Save portance of planting a tree to com- tion. The city’s first African Ameri- Did you know that we say “dis” North Division (which has been res- memorate my son’s passing. That ment.” can and female alderwoman, judge and “dat”, not because we have poor urrected in light of the meddling of cultural paradigm is particularly They must create and pass legislation that, while and state office holder (secretary of grammar, but because there was no the same union that wanted to limit apropos given that each of these sis- state), she was a tireless worker for not denying law-abiding, felony-free citizens the “t” sound (as in “this” and “that”) in Black student options) and even ters have now joined him among the civil rights and equal opportunity. many West African languages? The sponsored legislation to carve out a ancestors. right to “bear arms,” keeps these “weapons of mass I first met her through my mother, Queen taught us that in her pioneer- separate school district that would So, next time you feel a tug on destruction” out of the hands of not only felons, but who Vel would always describe as, ing study of African American lin- be totally staffed and controlled by your shoulder or a tingling sensation “my dearest friend.” those who have had multiple run-ins with the law guistics. She proved Ebonics was Black educators. and no one is there, it just might be Vel opened doors for my mother rooted in African languages and When the union stopped that rev- these sisters trying to tell you some- and/or suffer from some form of mental disease. when she recommended her to cater Black English is a result of a culture olutionary effort, she turned to thing. You should listen. Congress owes the victims and their families...the a series of functions for Milwau- that refused to be beaten out of school choice to empower Black Hotep. nation...nothing less! kee’s Black Bourgeoisie. slaves. families to control the education of I use that term because there Virginia took us through a matri- their children. was—and continues to be—a caste system within the confines of THETHE apartheid that provides a clear dis- tinction between the haves and have Headline correction! MILWAUKEEMILWAUKEE nots (which is not to say they were any less “Black”, or committed to COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY overturning apartheid, but that they separated themselves from us JOURNALJOURNAL through culture and social mingling. Published twice weekly, Among the elite were the doctors, Wednesday & Friday lawyers and “some” entrepreneurs who met specific educational and 3612 North Martin Luther lifestyle prerequisites. King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 W.E.B. Dubois called them the Phone: 414-265-5300 (Advertising and Administration) • 414-265-6647 (Editorial) • Website: communityjournal.net • Email: Editorial@communi- “Talented Tenth,” theorizing they tyjournal.net/[email protected] would lead. But my first exposure to them left a bad taste in my mouth Patricia O’Flynn -Pattillo duction assistance, tech-support that took years to cleanse. Founder, Publisher Colleen Newsom, My mother was consumed with Robert J. Thomas, Co-Founder Classified Advertising Sales the idea of being a first-class caterer. Assoc. Publisher Leader She studied the culinary arts, and put Todd Thomas, Vice President Jimmy V. Johnson, Advertising that knowledge to good use. Equally Mikel Holt, Founding Editor, Sales important, she took particular joy in We apologize to the alumni of North Division High School and the owners/oper- Associate Publisher Mike Mullis, Advertising service, both because of her up- ators of Irie Zulu resturant for our headline for this and another photo in last Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr., Coordination bringing and also her strong Chris- week’s MCJ (Page 6, April 15, 2018 edition). We meant to say: “DOIN’ LUNCH Managing Editor Yvonne Kemp, Photographer tian ethics. Teretha Martin, Terri’s Innovative Kim Robinson, Photographer My two siblings and I generally AT IRIE ZULU.” (The word we had was “Don,’” as in “don’t.”)The North Computers: Billing Clerk, Pro- Bill Tennessen, Photographer accompanied my mother at her alumni recently treated some deserving students from the school to lunch at Irie Opinion and comments expressed on the Perspectives page do not necessarily catered functions, but I could never Zulu, a restaurant located at 7237 W. North Ave. in Wauwatosa, which special- reflect the views of the publisher or management of the MCJ. Letters and “other get over how these members of the perspectives” are accepted but may be edited for content and length. izes in seasonal, homemade African and Jamaican meals.—Kemp photo The Milwaukee Commiunity Journal April 25, 2018 Page 6 The Milwaukee Commiunity Journal April 25, 2018 Page 7

Samewww.milwaukeecommunityjournal.com place, different address! The Milwaukee Commiunity Journal April 25, 2018 Page 8