Stephen's Own Domain 2008

I indicated in my last blog that I would be writing a faith blog on my Church Anniversary. Which is right now.  i am writing this because this is part of my demonination's annual traditions. If you must know, I am a United Methodist. 4th Generation. But anyway here goes...A faith blog about my church anniversary.


Last weekend, September 19th-21st, my home church, St. James United Methodist Church observed and celebrated 59th years of service in Milwaukee. It was celebrated with song, dance, history, party, pot luck and fellowship. The title of our anniversary was called "A Beacon of Hope". In which was an inspiration to symbolize the church as a beacon to symbolize a pathway of finding a way back. And part of that, a model of a lighthouse was in place to give an example of a Beacon, in symbolism meanings. Now the word "Hope" is passed around more this year. We know the "Hope" in which Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain are trying to promote in their campaigns. "Hope" has been around since in the inception of the world, civilization, country, cities, companies, and others. Including Churches.

During my Church's Anniversary Service on Sunday, I read the history of my church. It was a Historical Record in which my late grandmother scripted. And by the way, she was one of the original charter members that helped the Church to get started. St. James UMC started mostly with five members gathering in a house on Lloyd Street in 1947. The founder of the church, Rev. Hermes Zimmerman orginated an idea to have a church for African-Americans, at a time in which Milwaukee was good for migration. A year later, "Hope" answered again in which the same five members were leading the way more in order to officially open the doors of Milwaukee Methodist Church (the original name).  And the location was on the corner of 11th and Brown, near the Carver Park Area.

Remember all that talk about community organizers don't have actual responsibilities? Guess what, my home church, which started with 5 Members along with the founder were Community Organizers in their own right, that had a responsibility to build a church congregation and fill it with members based on the philosophy of "Faith and Love"! And to me that same influence is being felt and retooled today.

Previously on the Anniversary's first night, was a Youth and Praise Night in which the Children and Youth of the church perfomed their songs along with dance and poetry. Also there were local artists (both Gospel and Christian Rap) that showcased their talents by using their CD's and Mixtapes in the background along with the lyrics they were speaking. Now keep in mind that the artists were Gospel and Christian Rap. The Christian Rap Artist who goes by the name of Black Mozes,  also perfomed a rap song that had an instrumental song of Lil Wayne's Lolipop in the background. This to me was a first having a Christian Rap Artist from out of state in the church, using his God-Given, almost mainstream, rap lyrics in the Church. Now after the performances, there were some who didn't favor the Rap Performance, but the thing is, one of the issues that my Pastor empahisized the fact that not everyone may not follow traditonal religious music, but may follow with upbeat contemporary music. That's the change in which most churches are going into. Especially Black Churches!

The second day was the Annual block party in which was the Church's way of embracing with the neighborhood. Cookouts, Rummage Sales, Music, and Games were the features of the event. Morely, it was the tenth time in the church's anniversary history that the block party had opened up in the church neighborhood.

Now getting back to the final day, the highlight of the Anniversary Service was Rev. Daniel Blackburn of Christ The King Baptist Church. He's a young pastor in his 20's that brought the message. Morely the message was brought to those who are younger, although it was diverse for all assembled. He talked about living in a ungodly world based on the problems we see and read about. His message was articulate, direct, thoughtful thinking, not racist, and overall it got the attention full attention. Keep in mind this is a young pastor preaching!

Overall the anniversary was indeed "A Beacon of Hope" intails of members leaving for other cities, death, and those needing a chance. This theme was influnced from the start of the Church's founding and I believe, it will be a genunine reminder on how this came about of realizing potentials in service.

Bill Maher once said in his New Rules last year that "New Rule: Death isn't always sad". In making reference at the time to Jerry Farwell. Well that same statement can be applied to Tim Russert, or anyone that we loss during bereavements. I know that when his death at work was announced as a result of a heart attack, it reminded me of one of my late uncles who went the same way as Tim did. Like Tim, my late uncle, Robert Lloyd Burton, died on the job while working as a bus driver for Milwaukee County. He also was a bass player (who by the way started in the family), had skills in HVAC, plus his character was "gentle" although he was a gentle giant. The morning of January 20th, 1999 was a shocker in our family that my uncle died at work. He worked at the Fond Du Lac Bus Station for the county. And yes, he did had co-workers who looked up to him as an inspiration. The strange thought of all of this, was the fact that he was at my parents house the night before his death. Very true folks! It took a toll on us as a family that week. Now I know I should be focusing on Tim Russert but I'm coming to him now.

For Tim Russert, yes his death too, was a shocker. It was shocker because of him of dying at his place of business. Similar of what happened to my uncle in 1999. I too watched Tim as he asked the tough questions to senators, presidents or any other government official or person that he interviewed. Or the coverages of the elections that he did. In my opinion, he was a class act for real. I also looked at his eyes most of the time while asking the questions. It's almost like intensity or determination. I never really saw that in any National newsperson like a Chris Wallace, Chris Matthews, George Stephanopolis, Juan Williams, Mara Liasson, or Cokie Roberts. Even Birt Hume, Hannity or Colmes, Greta, and I dare say, Bill O' Reilly. Or previously (before he went to work for Bush) Tony Snow.

Rev. Bernice King once spoke about God isn't going to find another MLK or CSK (that's Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King). I don't think the almighty isn't going to seek out "another Tim Russert". I say that because there can only be one like him. The Sunday Mornings and MSNBC (I know this is Fox) won't be the same without Tim Russert on it. And I know years ago, when Peter Jennings died, World News Tonight wasn't the same until Charles Gibson came in on a new plan.

Like everything else, the show (and competition) must go on. Even for NBC as a whole. And the same for Fox, ABC, and others. I know that Tim Russert died on Friday The 13th. The last person to die that I know of died on the same day, was Tupac Shakur. This was a week after he was shot in Las Vegas. I feel for his family going through this. So, like I said, the show will go on.

 

With the second month still in effect, yes it's time for Black History Month. In one of the blogs last week, I know that some had a hard time coming to pass on why this celebration of still exists now. Some said that we shouldn't have it, or it's segregated, or it's just a waste of time because we don't teach our children more. Every ethnic celebration has a reason for it's upstarts and Black History Month is one of them. Like it or not, it is a celebration, and since this is a faith blog, it's can be joyous celebration for the achivements, contributions, barrier breakings, and difference makers that blacks made in the United States. Let me clarify a few:

 

About 2 weeks ago in church, my pastor gave a sermon in regarding this year's election. He did mention that this is first election in years that has an African-American (as would most folks say) and a Woman going at if for the Democratic Side for the White House. Previously, he mentioned with respect about his reasons why we have a Black History Month: If it hadn't been for black history month, without the eyes of God, Blacks would still be labeled as second class citizens, under the negative power struggle of Jim Crow, Slavery, being trapped or lost in a country with the almost Christian-like values of religion that would hinder them based on their beliefs. That's what he said. Not me. What really urks me is that some folks think that there shouldn't be one period, or African-Americans should not be subjected to celebrate their ethnic month in February. Which African-Americans are they talking about? You know, when I think about comments, I wonder does anyone take the time to read about "WHY" black history month was created in the first place? If some of those who protests the celebration,  took the time to understand, by reading more into it, there shouldn't be any arguing, protesting, boycotting, canceling of anything that pertains to the second month of the year. I also said, I don't hear any arguments about Hispanic Heritage Month in September, nor Women's History Month in March. But why is it always Black History Month? I don't understand it. That has to be put to sleep.

 

 

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Remeber last year when former America’s Next Top Model Adrienne Curry wanted to “boycott” BET and Black History Month from her MySpace blog, and I reacted in a blog called "This Model Needs to Chill Out!", and most of you telling me that I'm an American, period? Did you study slavery in school?  Remember that? I hope so. I didn't delete any of the blog comments. I know that I'm an American Citizen, duh! No need to go "Overly Patriotic" here! Ok,  Just take a chill pill and calm down! I fly my American Flag, Wisconsin Flag infront of my Sister's house every Memorial Day, 4th of July, and 9/11 just like everyone else. Even if it’s reading the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and at times reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I was born in 1976, which was a bicentennial year!  To quote my mother, "So hey!" The day after, Adrienne did make an apology on her blog stating yes, she meant what she said in her view, and her blog made some folks upset. Mainly Blacks! Speaking of that, if I were to sit down with her like a reporter, or in this case an educator, and ask her about her statement, I would be asking her: "Adrienne, do you know why Black History Month was started in the first place?  "Who created it and why?" “Had anyone asked you about that before?” "What was the objective of the creation of Black History Month? She also confessed that she is an example of a failed public school system in her apology and she now understands. Well that's debatable. I would probably respond to say of what my uncle told me about one of my childhood nicknames that "you can protest all you want, but it's too late now!"

 

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This also reminds me of an epidsode of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air back in 1991. I'm sure everyone watched the show during the six seasons. This was the episode when Will flunks his history test, and mentions to Aunt Vivian that if he were to study Black History, he would be interested and study hard. The epidsode was titled "The Ethnic Tip" from the first season. But apparently, after the lectures, Will did state that he read the Autobiography of Malcolm X three times. And Aunt Vivian asked "And that makes you a serious student studying of black history?" She also about the fact to Will that he could wear the t-shirts, put up the posters, and shout the slogans. This statement rung true to Will: "But if you know all the history behind it, you're trivializing the entire struggle!” This I would probably say to those who are looking at Black History Month also. When we were younger, we all probably nose dived into the" romantic part" of the celebration, but probably never had the chance to review or talk about the origin. Like I said, every ethnic celebration has a beginning, just like Christmas.

 

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But getting back to Black History Month, to answer the call, Dr. Carter G. Woodson was so passionate about black history. He was the reason why we have a "black history month" now. Even in this technological, "my" internet site surfing, digital downloading, Xbox 360 playing, Nintendo Wii challenging, Summerfest attending, Ipod downloading, Digital Television switching, 21st Century! This week alone February 11-15 was the original "Negro History Week". It was centered around two individuals that had great significance of freedom of African Americans: Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass. That to me was the launch of the celebration. In earlier stages, when  Dr. Woodson was about 20 years old, he was talking to some Veterans who fought in the Civil War, whom were black. The Veterans of the time told him that they fought in the war, but no one came to them to tell their stories - their experiences of what they went through. In other words, their stories haven't been recorded. Ladies and Gentlemen, this was in my estimation, a generated start of the birth of black history month. Now you why we have this now? It was long overdue.

 

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For me, Black History Month is a blessing. That's right. A blessing! At least, I am able to learn about those who set the table before me. Or those who busted down doors for someone like me to walk through. Even if it's to cross lines of color to integrate with fellowship among other races or creeds, or maybe helped those to become the first to organize, created, assisted, invented and many other developmental ways to for me to tap into just like any other person. Those who prepared it such as Coretta Scott King, Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, Hattie McDaniel, Diahann Carroll, Louis Gossett Jr, Michael Jackson (yes I did say Michael because of MTV and Thriller is 25 years old!) Shirley Chisholm, Martin Luther King Jr, Nikki Giovanni, Marian Anderson, Langston Hughes, Dr. Charles Drew, Madame CJ Walker, Mary Mcleod-Bethune, Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Ray Charles, Rosa Parks, Garrett Morgan who invented traffic signals and gas masks; Lonnie Johnson, who made the Super Soakers a household name. He got the idea by watching water spraying out forcefully on ships. I read about him in Black Enterprise Magazine back in the 1990's about the invention. Now you know why they are “Super Soakers”.

 

 

 

 

Continuing, more individuals that paved the way like James Brown, Wilma Rudolph, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X, Sojouner Truth, Tony Dungy/Lovie Smith who were the first black coaches to go head to head in a Superbowl, which Coach Dungy winning the Lombardi Trophy and becoming the first African American to win it. Even Mike Carey, who is an 18 year referee in the NFL, became the first African American Male to officiate in a Super Bowl. Just 20 years ago, Doug Williams became the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Even though blacks have made history, but are continuing making history. It's like infinity.

 

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When my mother was talking to me about the black soldiers in WWII, she first mentioned that we had family members that served both in the Pacific and Europe. Those were my Granduncles, Ernest and Glenn McFadden. She also said that the black soldiers, who helped liberated Europe, went into the holocaust concentration camps first during the war, before the white soldiers came in. Yes they did, and guess what, that information didn't come from a school history book! The Egyptians back then, were black. Cleopatra was black, Nefreteri, was black, and even those who ruled as Kings, Pharaohs, and Queens were black too. And there were some information about Slavery, the word “Picnic” of how that intersected with Slavery, and the Black Kings/Queens, never came from the school history books either. It's the truth! I didn’t know. So that goes to tell you that history books, specifically school books, don't always tell most information! Some of that, I learned out side of school. I attended one of my Family Reunions in Detroit in 1999, and one of the stops on the tour was the Charles H. Wright African-American Museum. This is the place where I mostly learned about black history by some of the descriptions I described above. And the tour guide at the time gave us some insights of Black History, that weren’t mentioned in History Books, or from teachers! Don’t believe me? Go there!

Yes, I am a product of Wisconsin Public Schools (namely MPS), as well as Wisconsin Technical Colleges and the UW-System like anyone else, but still I got the deep information of Black History through my family. Most of that information came through my late Grandfather, Robert Burton, Sr and my mother who always keeps me grounded on the subject all the time! Although this has nothing to do with Black History, but there was a time in Milwaukee that all the stores were closed on Sundays, except the Zoo and Movie Theaters. And I picked this up in a U.S. History Class at MATC. And the same about Thanksgiving, which really the Indians were the shooting victims by the Pilgrims, that started on a Sunday, after a church service.

 

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Now these are some of the things that have a significance of why there is a Black History Month or Black History in general. Hopefully this should shed some light to say, “Oh, now I know why there is Black History Month. This is what I’ve been wondering or asking about.” I wish there could be more comments like that.  But I know that in today’s era, there are some and none beliefs, young black males still killing each other for stupid reasons, saying the N-Word, sagging the jeans, and etc. And just like the question I asked, “What is wrong with our people?” There was a time that Blacks took a stand against things in a positive light. I know that Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders are no longer here. They are not going to reappear again. We are dealing with a whole new monster in this young Millennium. I know that this has nothing to do with Black History Month, or Black History, but the educated process of all of this has to cycle in the mind.

So, love it or hate it, Black History Month is not going anywhere. Yeah give it up! Some of us don’t like it. Well just respect it. There was a time I didn’t understand why there is a Black History Month either, now I get it. It’s all about celebrating black excellence, achievements, recognitions, durability, accomplishments, inventions and most of all, telling and recording our stories! This is my culture which has come far by faith. Although it's only one month, but Black History is an infinity to summarize.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For this blog, I will be summarizing my tribute to Black History Month. I thought about summarizing famous individuals like MLK, CSK, and others that made a path of greatness in the country. But I thought about those that I knew as church members that made an impact not only in Milwaukee, but in Wisconsin. Pardon the the long blog, but this is about three men that were church members of mine, who are no longer alive, but have left a great significant measure of passion in the community: Alonzo Robinson, Thomas Monroe Cheeks, and Andrew Reneau. You might recognize these names, but are you familiar with the work they did? It might suprise you. And by the way, I have to give credit to my church for the info!

Alonzo Robinson

Mr. Alonzo Robinson was to me an inspirational figure in the Black community. He was a WWII Veteran, a graduate of Howard University, Delaware State College, Marquette and UW-Madison. After WWII ended he resumed his college studies, got married, raised 4 children, and later added with 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. In the early 1950's he relocated to Milwaukee to applied for a position of an architect. By 1956, he took the Wisconsin Architechtual Licence Exam, and with that, he passed the test to became, the State's first black Architect. That's right, the first Black architect in the state of Wisconsin. As of now, there are only 2 registered Architects in the state that are Black. Mr. Robinson worked for both the City and County of Milwaukee, the US Navy as an Naval Architect, and in 1998 he retired as Managing Architect with the County. He also was in partnership as an Architect/Engineer for the Dequardro, Robinson and Crouch in Waukesha. Plus, by 1972 he owned and operated his own business, Alonzo Robinson Architect and Sons here in Milwaukee until his death in 2000.

Some of his accomplishments of architectual designs here in Milwaukee are as follows:

• The Vel Phillips YWCA
• Headquarters of the Polish Association of America
• Pilgrim Rest and Mt. Carmel Churches
• Doyne Park Shelter House
• Hilcrest Nursing Home
• Milwaukee Fire Department Adminstration Building
• Sorens Ford/Nodell Cadillac
• McKinley Marina
• Milwaukee County Courthouse 6 floor courtroom. (That's right a six-floor courtroom!)
• Central City Development Corporation

   

Thomas Monroe Cheeks

Personally, I didn't knew Mr. Cheeks as a church member. But I did recognized some of the work he done through my current chruch members that worked in the educational system like MPS. Previously, Mr. Cheeks grew up in Oxford, Ohio. His parents were both simple farmers and his grandfather was a slave who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War. Then Mr. Cheeks' grandfather moved to Oxford after the Emancipation Proclomation and was bestowed "Mayor for the Day" by the small town. Mr. Cheeks was a 1929 graduate of Miami University(in Ohio, mind you). He also became the first African American Graduate of the University. In 1938, he became a gradute of Indiana University in receiving a Master's Degree. Later in 1976, Mr. Cheeks became a recipent of the Bishop Medal from his Alma Mater for Public Service. In his early educational career, Mr. Cheeks taught social studies/history in Indiana between 1929-1951. He was also a basketball coach and in 1940, his team at the time won the Southern Inter-Scholastic Basketall Tournament at Tuskegee Institute.

After Mr. Cheeks moved to Milwaukee in 1951, and got married to Diana Bonner, who was a long-time Milwaukee Resident, he began teaching for Milwaukee Public Schools. When he first came here, he was approached by an old-timer who once said to him these words: "You are coming to this city now, and here you will find many frontiers." I wish that same statement could be around today in Milwaukee. You don't hardly see it now. I think that statement inspired Mr. Cheeks to be a Pioneer, as in a first to found, create and form. We all know what the word means! Mr. Cheeks became the first African American to teach for MPS at a high school level of Social Studies, Civics and History at Lincoln High School. He also continued his career as a head basketball coach and track coach for the school. Mr. Cheeks was also a mentor. He was mentoring young althletes called "The Knights". In continuing his educational career, Mr. Cheeks as appointed as Coordinator of School and Community Relations in 1964, which goal was to report to the Superintendent for Milwaukee Public Schools, and to work with local businesses, labor, and industry support for school system. That also lead to forming an "Inroads" Program for students to gain real on the job experience. Outside of his educational work, Mr. Cheeks established his own real esate business called Cheeks Realty (or Cheeks Comet Realty). He sold homes to and for many African American Families. Getting back to a number of firsts, Mr. Cheeks also became a pioneer in many areas in the community:

• The first African American teacher in the MPS School System at a high school level
• The first African American Head Baskteball coach at a high school level
• The first African American head Track coach at a high school level
• The first chairman of a high school academic department
• One of the first African Amercians to work for MPS' Central Office/hold a position of Coordinator of School and Community Relations
• The First African American and only African American to be a member of the Wisconsin Coordinating Committee for Higher Education, which generated the Wisconsin State College System, later became now what is known as the UW-System.
• The First African American in Milwaukee County to receive the Gold Good Citizenship Award, which was presented by the Sons of the American Revolution's Milwaukee Chapter
• The First African American to receive the William C. Fyre Award for Outstanding Citizenship, by the Milwaukee Foundation.
• Plus: He was one of the first African American families to move into Glendale, where he retired for 20 years up until his death in 2001.

Mr Cheeks was also one he firsts or among the first African-Americans to be appointed to organizations such as the Milwaukee County Work Training Board, the Board of Governors for Junior Achivement, the State Historical Society Board of Curators, Inroads Board of Directors, Metropolitan Youth Commission and the Goodwill Industries Board of Directors.

For his community efforts, Mr. Cheeks was active in organizations of the Frontiers International-Milwaukee Chapter, a founding member. He also served on the board of directors for the YMCA's North Central Branch, one of the founding members of Kappa Phi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a member of the NAACP and my home church, St. James United Methodist Church in Milwaukee. Mr. Cheeks was also one of the founders of the "Committee of Concern" which was a group of individuals from the black commuinity whose purpose to seek improvements of the conditions in the city, which met with different groups of leaders from the Milwaukee Area Business, labor and industry. The groups later formed an organization called the "We Milwaukeeans" which lasted between 1963-1971. The organization, along with the late Irvin Maier, focused the group on three areas of the city: housing, employment and education. Their slogan at the time was a motivational method of "To make Milwaukee a better place to live". - I wish that can be spirited today.

Andrew Reneau

He was one of the influential church members that I knew. Matter of fact, the reason being because he was part of an influence of the community. Mr. Reneau was a Judge, and served as Family Court Commissioner for Milwaukee County. A first for black history here in Milwaukee. He was also a past president of the NAACP's Milwaukee Chapter, the first editor of "The Globe", which was one of Wisconsin's first black newspapers; a graduate of Marquette University's Law School Class of 1946/member of the Alumni Association, a UW-Madison Grad of 1942; (he was also the first African-American to graduate from Marquette's Law School and one of the two African American students to graduate from UW-Madison); and served on the State Bar of Wisconsin's Board of Governors; Boy Scouts of America, Milwaukee Council, director of North Central YMCA, Y's Men Service Organization, served as Vice-Chair of the National Conference of Christian and Jews, lectured on Family Law at Marquette and UW-Madison on several occasions. Plus he was a two-time recipient of lifetime achievement awards: 1996 Black Excellence Award and Lifetime Achievement Award In Law from Marquette University in 2003.

Last May, I read about him in the Journal Sentinel about his life moving from Mississippi to Beloit, Wisconsin in his younger years. He was a grandson of slaves. Mr. Reneau graduated from Beloit High School at age 21. That's class of 1937 to us. And after high school he worked at Allis-Chalmers on the south side, which was the only job he could get in the city, and the company hired blacks migrating from the south at that time. After he sustained an injury on the job, one of his sons commented about a coin toss for his next profession: Law or Mortician. Law was the winner and dedicated nearly 30 years to it. During his law practice with James Dorsey, he had mostly African-American clients. But also as his practice grew, one of his sons commented that he also had clients from the Polish and Italian communties, which for him, broke some color barriers in the city at that time.

Mr. Reneau lived 90 years old overall until his death in May, 2007 but I knew him as a founding church member for at least 17 years. Click here to read the article, "Reneau Found Law On A Coin Toss" from the Journal Sentinel's website.

Now many of you asking, why this? First of all, this my tribute to Black History Month. The goal of this to recognize those who paved the way for individuals like myself to to get an opportunity to earn a shot. Even though we live in a technological society of the 21st Century of MySpace, MyFox, and many other "My's" in this era. No pun intended! These men before me, I think struggled, conducted and orchestrated their way to be pioneers and a number of firsts in Milwaukee, and Wisconsin. They probably had barriers in the way because of their color. but they still worked. Second, this gives me a chance to talk about some of my church members that have made firsts in the community. Last Februrary, my sister once commented in church about learning about "us." Us as in our families, church members whom we feel made an impact in this community. She told the kids that they may not be an MLK or Coretta Scott King now, but they could be one day. She also said, that they could be the next to help cure cancer, or AIDS, or to be lawyers or any other profession that they can be. That was my idea of writing this blog about the men whom I think were inspirational. Third, this also hopes that the current and next generations of "the new players" our young children, that they can achieve and work smarter for their craft. Without any drama I hope. I also hope that those in the black community, who are in the struggle to find work in the city, state or country, can learn, research, and summarize men like these, and can appreciate their value of what they laid out in the beginning.

And fourth, some of you are asking, where are the women? That is in my next blog which is coming later in the month. And it will feature my late grandmother, great-grandmother, and yes another church member.

So there it is. This is my first part tribute to Black History Month.

 

 

The year of 2008 is here. Welcome to the '08. Or the 2K8. No doubt it's time to make those infamous New Year's Resolutions. The goals or objectives that we must make in order to have a jump off to a fresh start. 2007 was a bleak, dark, crazy, but sometimes fair year in my view, but there are some spots open in order to get things patched up. Like the crime, taxes, high unemployment and the state of things that need to work out for the better. So now, since the year 2008 is officially here, for 366 days, what could the year bring us? Let's say if you received a blank check of a million dollars, what are you going to do with it? How would you spend it? Compare that with the resolutions! Oh, in case you wondered, 2008 is a Leap Year. We get an extra day in February - February 29th.

This year, I plan to continue mostly to look for a full time job. I have too. The thought of earning more money is beginning to sink in along with benefits. In addition to that, I plan to sling out more of my resumes differently to employers and mention to them that I am "dead serious" of applying for their companies to gain an interest  and say, "This is what I want". I have a janitor's job now, but still I want something greater in a career that is "College Grad Entry Level" friendly.

Next, I don't know any of you, but I would like to participate in voting drives. Since 2008 is an election year, (duh!) I would to get involved more in encouraging non-voters who haven't registered to get registered. One particular is the City of Milwaukee's Election Commission, which I'm apart of as an Poll Worker.  And then maybe go around, either in person or online, to help those to register and attempt them to get counted. To quote the old adage, "If you don't vote, you don't count!".  Four years ago, I was at MATC when rap star Diddy showed up along with Mary J. Blige, for the "Vote or Die" Campaign, encourage those to step up and vote on Election Day.

And speaking of that, look out for my next blog about applying and working as a Poll Worker. This will be under the Political Blogs Section.

I can also say more about sports like checking out the Milwaukee Bonecrushers indoor football team, etc that I would like to see unfold this year. And to go to special events like the Auto Show in February. And yes, spending time with family, getting to a more healthier state,  and give back to the church, financially.

But anyway, jumping back to resolving. I, like everyone else plans out resolutions, and half of the time, don't follow up. Yes, I'm just as guilty as the next guy. I confess! I know the pain. I remember hitting myself of getting a driver's license between 1995 and 2005, while I rode the bus. That's 10 years! I did complete that objective for a primary reason: Jobs. Not all buses aren't going to get you where you want to go. So I had to increase my mobility to get around. But I think in order to stick with our resolutions, we just have to try it out. Or in this case, try to work them out. Yeah, we will fall off the horse once in a while, for example. But we just have to keep riding with a different plan. That's it. Doesn't matter if you want to lose weight, stop smoking, earn more money on the job, find a job to earn more money, pull up the grades, get a driver's licence, learning to ride a Harley, go see Rambo or the next Batman Movie, hang out at the clubs, join a club, or hang out at the clubs again. Go to church, or go back to church. Or yes blog more and chat with relatives on MySpace or Facebook. Find a plan and try to stick with it.

Now for the tips: Here are some suggestions I think would set the tone for planning our resolutions. No matter the cause or the dream:

1) Set a goal. - What do you want do? What do you need to do? We all know this. The new year is like a blank check. What are you going to do with it?  - to repeat the question.

2) Work it out - Now suppose you have your plan in mind, it's time to put it to work. Pass or fail, try to work it out. Ever heard the terms of "Bring the heat"? "Do the best that you can" or "Just Bring It"? - Yeah those quotes. Keep those in mind! I kept these quotes in mind when I was starting my fall/spring semesters in college, and they are great motivational tools to remember.  One thing I remember mostly that if you played NFL Street, you would hear one of the characters say "You gotta bring it strong, yo!". Add that to the list.

3) Reflect or review - Go back and see what you did. Good or bad. If it's bad, what went wrong and how do you want to fix it?  If it's good, record the work done and move on to the next thing. And encourage others to follow it up. Don't quit!

Now that's mostly I think it's  a way to generate a start for the new year. Almost like the first day of school. To add, I have been doing some reading on two books. Rev. Run of Run DMC said in his book about "focusing" from his "Words of Wisdom" Novel - "Focus! Focus! Focus! You will only have significant success with something that is an obsession. Success comes from having passion and having fun creating your objective!"  He also has another quote: "Do your best, and forget the rest".

His brother Russell Simmons had a book out last year called "Do You!" and he pointed out a tip of starting up a plan in his first law tip titled: "See Your Vision, and Stick With It." In the chapter, he comments about having your vision shared, or cleared with yourself and shared with those around you. Sound familiar? By the way both of their books are in the stores, right now.

So I think those are some tips on somewhat to start up "your new year". Just take the ball and try to run with it and see how it goes. You'll never know. And may your 2008 be filled with more opportunities and blessings than your 2007. Happy New Year to all!

While we look back at this year at the good, bad or ugly, I think it's time to reflect on those whom have passed on in this year. I can say anything about Luciano Pavoratti, Yolanda King, Chris Benoit, Anna Nicole Smith, Ike Turner, and recently the ex-prime minster of Pakistan, which was assassinated. Terrible. But I decided to reflect on those whom passed on in my life, either family or community. I have compiled a list I feel that would set the tone of remembrance.

1) Ernest McClinton, Sr. - As I indicated before he was my grandfather. My last grandfather. I known him for 30 out of the 31 years in the family and I never forget the lessons taught. There were times in my younger days growing up that myself and my older sister would go over and be watched or babysat while our parents were working. There were times that my grandfather would reach in his wallet and pull out some cash for me to have. He just did it with no questions asked. In his church, he as an active Deacon for many years, and he was a solider! And he always rode the bus and watched the Packers. Plus he worked for Allis-Chalmers for 25 years. He also was one of the men who migrated from the south to the north during the late 1940's. Last Christmas, there were signs of him slowing down and not feeling well. He spent about 3 and half months in a hospital and later in a nursing home in Glendale. The last time I talked with him was March 15th of this year, and I told him: "I never forgotten about you". This was on his last legs toward death. And that was our last conversation for one hour. On the night of March 26th, he was reaching death's door and all of us cousins, uncles, aunts, mother, father, sister and nurses gathered around his death bed and gave the last rights, recited The Lord's Prayer, and said our goodbyes. His death was recorded as result of congestive heart failure, while his temperature was burning up. His homegoing services in April was decent, but memorable of celebrating life. He died peacefully at age 94. My grandfather had a good decent life that was loved by all who knew him.

2) John Freidenfeld - How many of us had this teacher? If you did, you probably remember alot of TV Cameras, Camcorders, Soundboards, Tape Machines and many other pieces of technology. I have learned so much from Mr. Friendenfeld as a teacher not because of the technology, but of him giving us the knowledge to move forward in life. I had him in the 2 of the 3 years at Jackie Robinson Middle School. I would say the 1988-89 and 1990-91 semesters. One of the class projects I remember was making commercials, and sending my former Gym teacher Mary Fowlkes "video interviews" while she was serving in Operation: Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia. - She did serve, folks. I didn't get to attend Mr. Freidenfeld's homegoing services to celebrate his 62 years of life in October, but I did reflected those years of technology from the classroom. I currently do sound tech work at my church now, but after I reflected on him, I realized my technical teachings were beginning to be in full form.

3) Johnnie B. Triplett - Johnnie always said in church "I am not going to let anyone steal my joy". He meant that with his own words. Johnnie was an active member in my church serving on many committees. Including the United Methodist Men's Group. He also was a Korean War Veteran, and a Mason Member - Masonic Order 7. Plus, he worked in the Prison System at one time, owned a grocery store in the community, worked in Construction, and as a Insurance Agent. At 77 years in June, Johnnie passed. When I attended his funeral this past summer, I remember his 3 sons speaking highly of their father. To me that was the highlight of the funeral. No doubt, his sons would be proud of giving their father a proper salute. He also didn't believe in the word "can't" but the word "can". We all need to learn that too.

4) Ella Mae Robinson - Last year, Mr. Harold Robinson passed in the summer of 2006, her late husband. Now it's Mrs. Robinson's turn. I remember those days at the church on Saturday mornings practicing our weekly junior ushering duties, by learning how to hold the collection plate and walking down the aisle at the same time. I was about 10-11 years old back then. There were times we recited The Lord's Prayer every time. That's what we did. Mrs. Robinson was an active member of my church and she was part of the Ushers Board and the Eastern Star Group for a long time that have given her a distinction of being part of those organizations. Mostly, her contributions as an Usher made her significant towards her life's work. Her life was celebrated back in March at age 80.

5) Earl Goolsby - You probably don't know this, but Mr. Goolsby was first man in my church I met when he was a Mortician. Yes. He was a Mortician. Or Undertaker (not the wrestler if you will!). He co-owned a funeral home with his wife Marion on Port Washington Road for many years in Milwaukee. The funeral home is still there: Johnson-Goolsby Funeral Home, and now their grandchildren are in charge of the family business. Mr. Goolsby's funeral was more of a farewell tour because his first part of the funeral was here in Milwaukee, the second was in Chicago, where he got his start as a Mortician, and third was in his native North Carolina where he was born. In his 88 years of life, Mr. Goolsby was an active member of my church, and one of my former pastors reflected on him as an inspiration of keeping things going. My current pastor labeled Mr. Goolsby as a "Mortician's Mortician". He was a teacher, mentor, leader, patient individual, and example of providing advice. Mr. Goolsby was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Wisconsin Funeral Directors, Frontiers International, Milwaukee County Council Boy Scouts of America District 45, a former member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Wisconsin Rules and Regulation Board Association. And many other organizaions. He was always fascinated with one of my church member's poems as an example of inspiration. In speaking of going out style, most people requested to have their favorite suits or dresses for funerals, but Mr. Goolsby was dressed in his Smoker's Jacket, in his oak casket, a way to symbolize his thought of just relaxing to heaven.

6) Rev. Herbert W. McGuin- Now this became of a shock to me as I reflected on Rev. McGuin. He was one of my former pastors at my church between 1985-89. Then he pastored in Indiana, previously in New Jersey, Utah, and the rest of his remaining days in Texas. But here's another significance about him. He was very passionate of his work in the Ministry. He taught those how to pray, and having a comfort with God. In my view, he really got the ball rolling in my younger days growing up. His family were "adopted" with mine as began to see more of each other. He was great mentor, and provider not only for his family, but for families across the board. His 64 years ended this year in March, but his spirit lives on in his widow, Dorothy, his 4 children who are now Pastors(or the Ministry) , Pharmacists, School Administrators, and a Technician in Pharmaceuticals. And his brother, Rev. Lawrence McGuin, whom I know biblically since birth! Plus his extended relatives and friends.

7) Andrew Reneau - He was one of the influential church members that I knew. Matter of fact, the reason being because he was part of an influence of the community. Mr. Reneau was a Judge, and served as Family Court commissioner. A first for black history here in Milwaukee. He was also a past president of the NAACP's Milwaukee Chapter, the first editor of "The Globe", which was one of Wisconsin's first black newspapers; a graduate of Marquette University's Law School Class of 1946/member of the Alumni Association, a UW-Madison Grad of 1942; and served on the State Bar of Wisconsin's Board of Governors; Boy Scouts of America, Milwaukee Council, director of North Central YMCA, Y's Men Service Organization, served as Vice-Chair of the National Conference of Christian and Jews, lectured on Family Law at Marquette and UW-Madison on several occasions. Plus he was a two-time recipient of lifetime achievement awards: 1996 Black Excellence Award and Lifetime Achievement Award In Law from Marquette University in 2003. I read about him in the Journal Sentinel about his life moving from Mississippi to Beloit, Wisconsin in his younger years. He was a grandson of slaves. Mr. Reneau graduated from Beloit High School at age 21. That's class of 1937 to us. And after high school he worked at Allis-Chalmers on the south side, which was the only job he could get in the city. After he sustained an injury on the job, one of his sons commented about a coin toss for his next profession: Law or Mortician. Law was the winner and dedicated nearly 30 years to it. He was also the first African American to graduate from Marquette's Law School, and one of the two African American Students to graduate from UW-Madison graduating class of 1942.  Mr. Reneau lived 90 years old overall until his death in May, but I knew him as a founding church member for at least 17 years. Click here to read the article, "Reneau Found Law On A Coin Toss" from the Journal Sentinel's website.

These indivduals may be known but unknown. They had different lives that impacted on way or another. But the signifcance of these people had gone through struggles and continued to impact themselves. And there were those who picked up their lessons of guidance and continued the journey. For us that are living, and in the struggle of finding a job, or a decent life, learn from these people. You may not have to know them, or their favorite color. That's not important. But what was most important, they were here, and did their job. Now we have to do ours. May they all rest in peace.

Before I begin this blog, I got say these words: Happy Birthday to Me! and I mean it. By the time this blog is posted, I think you would read it on December 5th,  the same day that I share my B-day with Little Richard, Walt Disney, Frankie Muniz, Margaret Cho, President Martin van Buren, (Not Bush!),  and Doctor Dre, a former rap star/actor now radio person, who at one time was teamed with another rap artist turned radio personality, Ed Lover, This is my first blog that I am writing on a day that means to me just as having a good, vocal, spiritual,  and at most times gracious family.  I would add that the age I'm turning is the same as Al Harris' jersey, which I bought a replica version at a local sports store! - But no need to go into that!

Why the B-Day blog? I think it says itself as an example. Back in church on the 2nd, my pastor talked about "Preparing The Way", as in prepping for this Advent season. Now, he wasn't talking about breaking out the Christmas decorations and putting up the tree, ornaments, wreaths, stockings and etc, in order to get as I call, "Advent-ready", or going into "Holiday-mode" through the 12th month of the year.  He reviewed about the preparing the way for the real meaning of Christmas which involves the birth of Christ. I know that it has been reviewed over and over again on this site, but it is truth.  We have to remember in this advent season that it's not about the gifts, it's also about the thought. Yup, the thought! Remember the scene in "Martin" when he went out and bought a gift for Gina? Instead of underwear, it was a footstool. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go get the the first season of Martin on DVD.  Yes, this is the same Martin Lawrence that was in the WildHogs movie this year. Think about the thought when gift buying for your closest individuals this holiday season. I on the other hand will be doing the same later on in the month.

Now since I'm turning another age, it come to new challenges. First, like Christmas, this will be the first birthday that I will be celebrating without my grandfather. I mentioned before he died in March of this year at 94. But I know that his precesnce will be felt some way or another. I'm not sad that he is no longer with me to look after, but I know that the memories and lessons taught will always be a review of refreshment. Matter of fact, this will be the first birthday for me without all my grandparents, but like the entertainment business, the show must go on.

Another challenge to me is to question, what I am going to do now? This is question that I really can't answer but it will have to develop during the year upcoming. Yes, I would like to be involved in the election work of helping citizens to register to vote. Did I mention that I volunteered as a Poll Worker? Also some things will remain the same for me of looking and getting that job that would reflect my objectives of my Bachelor's Degree from Stout. Some say that I should go into teaching. But to think, I don't know! I also have thoughts about learning to ride a motorcycle, or a snowmobile, but I don't know. An also, like every year, my  family and I will spend more time with each other.

But getting back to "Preparing the Way". Let me end this by saying that we all have to prepare things in order to go a way which we can lead, teach, learn, and grasping opportunity. Or in this case, "the American Dream".  Lord knows that I'll be doing it, continuously. Even with Christmas, or as I like to call: "The greatest holiday of all time", we must prepare ourselves of the true meaning, and the thought of individuals that reminds us of sharing with one another.

To conclude: Happy Birthday to me! and Happy Birthday to those who are December/Sagittarius/Capricorn  born!

We sing it every year around the Christmas season. The same song about 12 times. The same songs about the Partridge in a Peartree, and the 12 Drummers Drumming. Plus the Five Golden Rings. Yes, I'm talking about the 12 Days of Christmas. We also heard before that every song has a meaning behind it, right? Well the 12 Days Christmas, is no exception.  I have dug a research on Xmasfun.com and another site, all-creatures.org, which it gives details about the lyrics, and the meaning behind the songs. Mostly the lyrics reflects on the 12 days after Christmas and leading into Epiphany, which I believe is the week of January 6th. - which in reference of the Three Wise Men viewing the Baby Jesus.

So now....what does "The 12 Days of Christmas" really mean? Check this:

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

1) A partridge in a pear tree. "My true love" refers to God. And "Me" is referring to Christian. And what about the Partridge in Pear tree? - Jesus Christ.

2) Two Turtledoves- Now you would say two friends. Or two lovers. But in this case it means the Old and New Testament books of the Bible.

3) Three French Hens - You would probably think The Three Wise Men, But no. Three simple things to remember about trinity: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

4) Four Calling Birds - Heard of the Four Gospels? That what the calling birds symbolize of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

5) Five Golden Rings - What do Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy have in common? They are the first 5 books of the Old Testament.

6) Six Geese a Laying - This refers to the six days of creation.

7) Seven swans of swimming - When you get a chance, read the New Testament, 1 Corinthians; 12th Chapter versus 8-10. You will see and review about seven spiritual gifts. That what the swans represent!

8) Eight Maids a Milking - Heard of the Eight Beatitudes? If not, read Matthew 5:3-10. Hint: Blessed are those........

9) Nine Ladies Dancing - Read  Galatians 5:22-23. You will see that the Nine Ladies have in common with the nine fruits of the holy spirit.

10) Ten Lords-A-Leaping: We read them, we broke them (maybe), and somewhat learned from them: The Ten Commandments!

11) Eleven Pipers Piping: This is the real thing. It refers to the Eleven "faithful" Apostles, not Judas. He was betrayed by Jesus.  Just for clarification: Simon, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, James (the Just), Matthew, Simon (the Zealot), and St. Jude.

and last but not the least......

12) Twelve Drummers Drumming - If you recite the Apostle's Creed in your Church services, (the twelve points in the creed) this is what the drummers represent.

So now, it's apparent that the 12 days of Christmas have every day faith situations in our lives. When you hear the song, or sing it, you may want to ask, what do they mean? All about Christian faith. Read up on the websites highlighted about the 12 Days, share it and review. Who knows? This could be a topic for your Christmas services or celebrations!

Ok. Thanksgiving is coming.  The fourth thursday of November. I can't help enough to set aside and give thanks for the things that we receive or give each time. It occurs to me that every time I see advertisements in stores it's always between Halloween and Christmas and a little of Thanksgiving. Boggles the mind. I see little of dining sets and inflatable turkeys of Thanksgiving and a whole lot of Christmas decorations! Well, anyway between Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas I like to call "the giving seasons".  Why? because I think we give more around this time than any other day or season on the calendar. Just my opinion.

What's on the menu for me on Thursday? Nothing but the Food, Fellowship, Family, Football and just being together. I might be able to do a errand routine of getting extras of nutmeg, butter, buying the thanksgiving edition of the Journal for reading and shopping previews. Also, I'll play my Madden 08 game a couple of times during the day. For this Thanksgiving, there is going to be a missing factor because my late grandfather, Ernest McClinton, Sr.  is not going to lead us in prayer. He is deceased now. But that's ok, because proabably my sister will lead us in prayer in place of him. Also, I think that this year's Thanksgiving will be a new jump start of my dad's side of the family. Traditionally, my family might attend a Thanksgiving Eve service Wednesday Night at one of my sister churches in the city.

So now come the imfamous question: "What I am thankful for?" or maybe "What are you thankful for?" Each of us being here is thankful for something or someone. A new job, or current promotion, being in school working on a degree, having your car repaired so many times, looking for a job so many times, but the work and the beat goes on. For a supplement, I have copied my final thought  comment from MySpace. (not my final final thought) just to extend a further thing to read about.

To those of us here in America, Happy Thanksgiving. Well, at least be thankful for the fact that if you're reading this blog, be thankful that you're reading it while still living.

If you have a steady job, be thankful.

If you have a outlet to go in case of help, when everyone else is closed or locked out, be thankful.

If you are looking for a job, and still haven't found a darn thing, try to be thankful that you're out there looking instead of sitting at the house. 

If you have a good relationsihip, either personal or business, be thankful.

If you go to church on Sundays,  or during the week for activities, be thankful.

If your familiy still helps you out at age 30 and up, be thankful.

If you take time to volunteer, be thankful.

If you are single and not looking for love, like me, be thankful!

Ok, If you are dating and planning to get married, be thankful.

If you have kids, or planning to have kids, be thankful.

If you have a family member or friend that is joining the Military, or Clergy, or a Guardian Angel, try to be thankful for that person.

If you have relatives or immediate family members that can take you in when one else could, be thankful.

If you have relatives or immediate family members that you never met, nor seen in a while, and they come over, be thankful!

If you have former church members that you haven't seen in a while, and they make a suprise appearance, be thankful.

If you know someone that lost a family member, or in jail, and you constantly go and visit them each time out of your schedules, be thankful.

If your pet died, and if someone you know gives you another dog, or cat, be thankful.

If you have a buddy system, that you go over and help your buddy out, and your buddy does the same thing, be thankful.

 

Overall, Thanksgiving here in America to me is being "thankful". And if you had family members who had passed on, and couldn't make it for Thanksgiving, be thankful.

So there is a Faith blog among us, eh? Well this is indeed good news to share. And speaking of sharing, let me dive in on this tidbit about how God can have help along the way in the church. Several weeks ago, our church had got a call from the IRS. Yes, the Internal Revenue Service that we turn over our tax forms each year. Well, anyway they were indicating that some of our back taxes were overdue around about $56,000 dollars from a couple of years back. My church home is St. James United Methodist Church in Milwaukee if you must know. Plus there was bills need to be paid for our church van, and other furnishings that the church utilizes on a daily and monthly basis. During the week of October 20th, our church had an Emergency Finance Meeting with the members, and there was a voting factor in which what to do in this situation. Our new District Superintendent, who is Hispanic, came to our church for assistance, prayer, guidance, and most of all moral support for the congregation. We all voted and the results of the vote were a ratio of 44:1 in favoring the United Methodist Church and the General Board of Global Ministries, giving us a grant check to help the church pay off its debts. We always talk about Joys and Concerns. This was a "needed joy". That wasn't just a fly by night advantage, that was faith working. That was prayer working, and that was generating a fire in all of us to take action and getting behind our church. My church has been in Milwaukee since 1949 at a time when Blacks were migrating to Milwaukee from the South. Recently, our church has survived and celebrated 58 years of God's grace in the community and I hope the church continues to generate more faith in the years ahead. Our theme was called "A Fresh Anointing", and it was indeed a refreshment.

Speaking of "fires", my Pastor, Rev. Vernon Moore gave a sermon that was worth waiting called "How Hot Am I?" Say that with your fellow blogger neighbor and ask them "How Hot Am I?" This sermon was worth waiting for in my opinion because he was under pressure due to the death of his Mother-In-Law, that passed away in Louisville ,Kentucky after a battle of Cancer. And he expressed his thanks of sympathy. Overall, the main theme of the sermon is to "stay hot" in the midst of trials, troubles, and tribulations. We have to "stay hot" in every area that continues to come at us. Stay hot than the Molten Lava in a Volcano, the Sahara Desert, a winning streak in a game, and etc. My pastor will tell you that. In our conference, the Wisconsin Conference in the United Methodist Church, there was a question about losing "the Wesleyan Fire" modeled after the founder, John Wesley. After the service, my mother and I were talking about my pastor's sermon and it was something that had to be said. I on the other hand commented that he had to do what he had to do. And I mentioned to him two things: "Push the Envelope!" and "Raise the bar!" in ways to get the congregation moving more in the church. Which means, expanding yourself in areas that you thought was unexplorable. That is what I think was the sermon is worth waiting for.

So bloggers, "stay hot" in everything you do. The more you do that, I think, your faith will grow.