Scratching my head all this time: The Post-Easter Holiday Edition.

Miss me? Of course. I had to take a break. Had to clear my mind of what to write next. It’s apparent that when my break happens, of course, I need to take a step back and chill. But the fact of the matter is, it’s now the Post-Easter Season leading into Pentecost. And of course, with the Easter Holiday now behind us, hope all had a good one. For all of you who are ministers, knowing that preparing for Easter or Resurrection Sunday sermons can be a challenge. We get it. Also, we still have a Spring Election to review, EV cars to talk about, a Milwaukee Bucks Season to summarize, a Milwaukee Brewers Season to seek, folks still crying after Generation X, Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter is still the talk of the town and charts, WWE is coming off a good WrestleMania Season, what about those Milwaukee Admirals?, the name “Professional Wrestling” is back on the scene, the 14th Edition of Milwaukee Day is coming up, the General Conference of the UMC is coming and there will be questions, and yet…I’m still scratching my head again.

So who liked WrestleMania XL? Matter of fact, who likes the WWE right now in this new era of Professional Wrestling? Oh, the name, “Professional Wrestling” is back and it should have never left.

Now that the Spring Election is in the books, what will be the fortitude of Milwaukee and Wisconsin going forward?

For all of you crazy, obnoxious drivers: you have a problem. It’s showing and it’s ugly. Are you seeing this? Many of you do not need to be behind the wheel!

It seems that President Joe Biden and the idea of EV Vehicles are making the gas-guzzling folks all mad. Wonder why? Look, if I had to trade in a Gas Car for a Hybrid or Electric Car, then so be it.

How come when the main news outlets break out all over the local, regional, and national media markets, why is always those who have an opinion act as fools sometimes without any proof of facts?

Here is THE kicker question: Why do the members of groups like the Baby Boomers, Generation Z, and Millennials still hound after my Generation X? By the way, Gen X prefers to be LEFT ALL ALONE! Don’t call us, we’ll call you. Maybe. One thing about Generation X that many better know, we stay in OUR lane! Even when we are working and doing other stuff.

So when the U.S. Government, mainly the House had passed a bill to ban TikTok, (due to the option of spying and cyberattacks) was there any chance that someone would actually want to buy it?

After the NFL Draft will conclude in Detroit, what will Green Bay bring next April? You know its coming.

At the height of the voting in Milwaukee, why was the voting turnout so low? That was no excuse!

Still liking the Beyonce CD, Cowboy Carter? Alright, and those who hate it because……….why? And many cannot use race in this. Obviously, it’s too late. Who do many think started country music? If Beyonce goes to a Country Music Event where she’s invited, you know many black folks will pack that place. Or Beyonce can start her own Country Event Tour and that will be better than any Country concert in the country. Even a “Country Thunder” in Wisconsin. That’s right I said it!

If any country artist or artists who believes that Beyonce should “remove her Cowboy Hat”, and having this discussion that she’s not country enough: STOP. There are those who say that obviously HAD NOT research the history of how is started in the first place. So who’s the joke on?

So the “setups” of the RNC and the DNC are near completion. But since this is in the Midwest, which city will come out on top? I hate to say this, but Chicago will beat Milwaukee in this one.

For those in Milwaukee, you know that Juneteenth Day is like 2 months away, right? Better get started. And to those who are FBA, B1, or whatever, WE DO NOT NEED YOUR INPUT! STAY OUT!

TikTok Fans: what will take to keep the app alive without all the hassle?

In Packer Backer news: Did the Packers really want Aaron Jones to be gone?

So AARP, are you really coming for Gen X and those discount deals you’re promoting?

How will all celebrate Earth Day? Don’t forget, if it hadn’t been for Wisconsin none of you wouldn’t celebrate it.

Where are the Administrative Professionals? That time of the year is back.

Serious question: for all these Country Music stations refusing to play Beyonce’s new songs, what is the real problem facing it? Oh, it’s because it’s Beyonce. This is for all the BLACK radio stations, if the other radio stations don’t play her music, you play it.

This is a question I will NOT joke about. Sade Robinson was a 19-year-old college student who went missing on April 2nd. Then a couple of days later, many of us in Milwaukee had a “Jeffery Dahmer nightmare” YET AGAIN when she was murdered and her body parts were dismembered by the alleged Maxwell Anderson, who is the subject of this caper. Again, this was so disturbing to hear that this 19-year-old was found this way, but to be in the news like this?!! Milwaukee, I thought we escaped this after Jeffery Dahmer’s escapade. If this dude is found guilty, expect him to be locked up for life. And he could die in jail just like Dahmer. Bank on it, he will end up like Dahmer.

When the WWE had the Hall of Fame Ceremony, there were a lot of reactions to Paul Heyman’s speech, but very little to others. Was there a reason for this?

Hold up: Rap artist Wale had his “WaleMania” gathering before WrestleMania, and I’m just now noticing it?! That event went in!

So many are backing out of Twitter or “X” due to the racist thoughts of Elon Musk. Who will still have plans to jump from X to……….something else? Like Threads?

So someone from the Conservative Right got fired. See what happens when many follow Candace Owens and her “stab in the back mentality” regarding the African-American Community?

Word on the streets that recently Milwaukee had talks about the WWE and the Royal Rumble coming to American Family Field. This is a wise move. Think about it: Milwaukee starting the road to WrestleMania to whatever arena it goes to for the big event. Now about 25 years ago, there was an idea floating around about WrestleMania coming to Milwaukee. It was a floating thought. And the Royal Rumble as everyone knows sets the tone for WrestleMania Season. How about it? And keep in mind that the last time the WWE held a wrestling event at a Milwaukee Ballpark was July 31st, 1988. And it was at Milwaukee County Stadium called “WrestleFest”. Research and Google.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a lot of things. Former Football Player, Third Generation Wrestler, Actor, Part Business Owner of the UFL, and board member of the TKO Group. So now we’re asking……..why he is not voting again in this election year?

This April 14th will mark the 14th edition of 4/14, or Milwaukee Day, or 414 Day. It started as an idea to incorporate the calendar date with the area code. And as like every other city doing the same report, Milwaukee followed the assignment. So the question is, what’s a Milwaukeean to do on its 4/14 day?

Now riddle me this. When the ballots had these “uninstructed choices” to choose from, does that count as a loss?

The United Methodist Church will have its General Conference session in North Carolina after 4 years since the pandemic. The primary talk is regionalization in which it has a thought of each region having its own set of rules while following the ministry. It’s funny though, when that happens and it’s official, what will the United States Regionalization do when it comes to Black Lives, the LGBT, BMCR, and many others that many in the other countries will not acknowledge?

The Milwaukee Brewers start a new era with a new Manager and some familiar faces like Christian Yelich. Can they do something different than Craig Counsel tried to do previously?

It seems that music in Church is a tug of war. The old heads prefer the traditional hymns, while the young do not want to hear the old hymns that resemble slavery. The folks in the middle probably don’t care. And here’s the thing, the old church needs young people. And the young people need to be young people. Have we heard this before?

The Milwaukee Bucks this season had its so-so times with a different coach, Dame Time, and a resilient Giannis. However, what is the deal as the team goes playoff-bound? Bold prediction: they will win the Central Title.

I have not talked about the Milwaukee Admirals. Not at all. Not a Hockey fan. But I will give them their flowers by stating, they are the Central Division Champs. Agree?

And finally, as the next upcoming summer season comes, so does this: Movies. Back in the day when the movies came out, it was a must to do on the list. So with the movies at the theaters and/or streaming would make the cut? I’m picking for Netflix: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and for the theaters: Bad Boys: Ride or Die or Bad Boys 4. Now, I do say that I want to see BOTH of the flicks, but the Bad Boys movie: the last time I saw a Bad Boys flick was before the Pandemic in 2020. But this June, in Men’s Health Month, before Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice, it’s game on. No more other movies. No tag-a-longs. No fireworks. None of that. Back to the theaters. Back to the real action. Let’s go!

The Rant: Racism still sucks in the Wrestling Community.

If the concerns of the subject of racism cannot come at a worse time, it certainly has in this era. During Black History Month, in which many of us were relying on references to Black History, the video game maker 2K unveiled a video game cover WWE 2K24 for the public to see. It featured wrestling superstars Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, and yes Bianca Belair. For Bianca, this was the first time that an African American wrestler female wrestler mind you became significant first to have her picture featured on a video game cover. And of course, with Rhea Ripley on the cover, it also marked the first time that women were featured on the cover for the upcoming video game. But never mind Cody nor Rhea, the backlash was on Bianca. It appears that many in the wrestling community and I dare say the video game community had a tough time and were bothered that a Black woman was featured on a video game cover for the WWE. What is it about certain folks okay let’s call them: white people or white video game wrestling fans who go on to social media, and to bash Bianca all because she is a Black woman on a cover for a video game. Is this where we at? In 2024? Well, technically that is a surprise to me at all in which it doesn’t matter what year it is. There’s always going to be an excuse when certain folks don’t want to see a certain individual or individuals or a group on a certain type of cover because it doesn’t exemplify them. But we’re going to unpack this. We’re going to unwrap every single crevice of this subject because there is a group out there who is utterly confused and very hatefully dangerous when it comes to racism based on inheritance, based on self-hatred, and most of all is based on jealousy just because a certain person or persons have never reached the Pinnacle of success, but has to look at somebody else who has a success just to put them down. Oh, we’re going to unpack this today! And trust me by the end of this blog, I hope everybody can understand what’s going on.

Highlighted below is a Facebook posting courtesy of The Pro Wrestling World Facebook page and it features a mini summary or a commentary regarding Bianca Belair. Please take the time to read it below:

WWE Games posted a picture of the cover athletes for WWE 2K24 on IG and people are mad. Take one guess as to why….

People think Bianca Belair does not deserve to be on the cover.

Wrestling fans are usually miserable, so this isn’t shocking. Because of course, someone had to drag race into it. One such comment stated “𝘉𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬.”

You may think it’s just one comment, but I’m here to tell you a lot of guys think like this. I know this because you’re way too bold on the internet. And it goes far beyond not liking Bianca as a character (although if I asked why you don’t like her….). This attitude extends to several Black talent across the industry. Especially Black women. Mercedes Mone. Naomi. Bianca. Jade. Athena.  Countless other Black women wrestlers are subjected to a barrage of nasty comments from a largely male dominated fan base which serves as a reminder…

Most wrestling fans are incredibly racist and terribly misogynist. Sit with that one.

The fact is Black people have made their mark in this industry. Let’s just look at Bianca…

• Undefeated at WrestleMania (3-0)
• Former 3x WWE women’s champion
• 2021 Royal Rumble winner
• ESPN Female wrestler of the year (2022)
• Longest WWE Raw women’s champion in history, longest women’s reign of the modern era (420 days)
• First Black woman – along with Mercedes Mone fka Sasha Banks – to main event WrestleMania

And you really think a career resume like that isn’t good enough to be on a video game cover? Chances are your reasoning is unsavory. Bianca Belair’s career is already the stuff of legends.

And that’s on EST.

– WSM

Okay, pencils down. Now there are a lot of successful truths behind this commentary but I’m going to further stretch it and unpack it at the same time to the best of my ability. First of all, if you’re an individual of my age 47 years old and up, and have been playing video games for a long time since the days of Atari, and certainly the days of playing games like Wrestling Challenge or WWF Superstars, or any other wrestling video game that has been featured since the late ’80s and the early to mid-90s up until the 2000s. And you realize that the favorites from Hulk Hogan to Stone Cold Steve Austin, to Andre the Giant, Big Boss Man, and a host of others, even Sting, have all been featured on these wrestling covers for video games because they were the highest paid stars in the industry during their tenure. And it’s no surprise that they were the future stars because they were the ones who were making the most money for the company at the time. And yes, yours truly has had a knack of interest in the characters or being the characters in these games just to try to advance myself to the next level, and or to compete to win. But none of that was not on my list to complain. Now fast forward to the current day. When we see Bianca Belair on the cover of WWE 2K 24 and even though it spells a great accomplishment and a great outbreak of impressive expectations, yes, we should applaud her efforts in making it this far. But we must keep in mind as African Americans who are wrestling fans, there have been many wrestlers only a few that had a representation of us, and not a whole lot to draw from like Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin. There have been times that Black wrestlers had endorsed low concerns, and not enough praise because they were Black. That no one will ever see a Black wrestler wrestle in a major ring. That’s like saying:

No one does not want to see Black people in the wrestling business.

They have no place in the wrestling ring.

They have no place in commentary.

They have no place in the ring announcing.

All the other things that most African Americans and African-related individuals are doing currently in the wrestling game, you couldn’t see that more than 30 40, or 50-plus years ago during the height of segregation. Or during the height of Jim Crow as many will put it. There have been times that representation for Black wrestlers or black wrestling fans has come on terribly slow and the real reason I’m saying this is because this is what is transpiring right now. Yes, Black folks have always loved wrestling. I remember going to my first WWE live wrestling match in March 1992 when Milwaukee had the Bradley Center. I have folks in my family who had gone to wrestling matches when “Ivan the Terrible” was still in his prime at the MECCA Arena along with favorites such as the late great Da’Crusher. The main reason I’m mentioning Da’ Crusher here in Milwaukee is because he was a local wrestler who was a huge draw to everyone! But yes, we must talk about Black wrestlers. The first time I’ve seen a Black wrestler winning a World heavyweight championship it wasn’t the era of Booker T. It was the era when Ron Simmons won the WCW Heavyweight Championship in 1992 against Vader. That marked the first time that an African American wrestler Ron Simmons won a wrestling championship in the modern era of the sport. Now we could talk about Bobo Brazil and “The Big Cat” Ernie Ladd who also were champions, of Black wrestlers back in their heyday and they have won some championships in their tenure. We can also talk about “Soul Man” Rocky Johnson, the late father of the most electrifying man in sports entertainment, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. And, the grandfather of Simone Johnson, Dwayne’s daughter. Let’s not overshot that in the 80s, Rocky Johnson and his partner Tony Atlas defeated the Wild Samoans to become the WWE tag team champions and they were the first African American men to win a major championship. I remember seeing Ahmed Johnson win his first championship, the Intercontinental title here in Milwaukee, and was the King of the Ring in 1996. When speaking of The Rock, in 1998 The Rock won his first major championship title in the WWE becoming the first African American / Samoan wrestler to win the championship. Let’s keep in mind that The Rock is biracial for those who are keeping score at home. In WCW I mentioned Booker T. winning 5 championships, but he and his brother Stevie Ray won the WCW Tag Team Championships at least over 10 times and they were the first African Americans to win it. WCW had a history of not only winning championships under the singles holders but also for tag team holders and few of them were African American or Black if you will. For ECW, it was different in my opinion but yes there were a few Black wrestlers that won titles based on the ability to go to the “extreme” so to speak, and perform in front of their audience, and their various accomplishments that have been shown. D-Von Dudley, New Jack, 2 Cold Scorpio, and others competed. I’m not talking about when ECW was in WWE, but BEFORE they were in WWE.

So, what does all this mean? What does all this mean when it comes to black wrestlers and their accomplishments? Even though they are recognized, or are being recognized now why do some non-black and all wrestling fans who are a part of the “new movement” so to speak have to put down a black woman like Bianca Belair based on what she is bringing to the game right now, than those who have been pictured and also on a mantle for a long time? So many people are saying that Bianca Belair has no business being in the wrestling ring. They are saying that she has no business being on the cover of a video game cover that is out right now. Whenever I see comments coming from those who feel that Black people shouldn’t be allowed in this or that especially in the wrestling industry, it makes me sick to my stomach. It makes me so sick because of the fact that number one, I thought we have come a long way, but I am forever reminded that even though black folks in wrestling are winning now which is cool to see from my representation standpoint, I still think and have to face the reality that many of us still have this mantra that we have to be twice as good to get to the half like everybody else. And the reason why I say it’s not because it’s a line from Scandal, this is an everyday reference, and black folks have to been told to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and again to work twice as hard per se not just to impress the other guy just trying to catch up other people in a sense having no problem going through hurdles. But the fact of the matter is there are those of us who must jump through so many hoops and run so many obstacles, just trying to get to the finish line just like everybody else. That spells jealousy in my point of view not just because they were black, it’s the way that the plan was designed from the beginning. A way to make sure that we don’t make it, but lose to make it. That is how I see the concerns of the story when it comes to Bianca Belair. Now don’t get me wrong, there are those in the wrestling community who aren’t Black who want to see Bianca succeed. Let’s put that out there. Let’s put that out there in perspective but in the continuation unpacking this situation, what I see in the concern regarding this story is no different from what I read about every single day of discrimination, and also jealousy, and hate coming from the opposition who do not want to see other people succeed even further. This is what I see right now, and it may not be a shock to Black wrestling fans, but why is it a shock to non-black wrestling fans? The shock to them may be because most of them have never had that conversation with their African American counterparts. They never had that conversation with anyone who has gone to the mat with someone who was African American or Black in general but silenced them because the stories the other folks feel are all illusional. It is not.

This is an everyday reality that we are facing even in the 21st century and this discussion is still ongoing. Now don’t ever start quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the line about his “four little children will one day grow up in a nation not to be judged by the color of their skin, but by the continent of their character.” Well, the people who racially slammed Bianca forgot about Dr. King’s quote right there. But the fact of the matter is most of today’s generation folks don’t even read or comprehend. They never had that conversation with other Black people just to come together and sit down, shut up, and listen. They like to come over to Black social media pages and troll African American members just trying to bring attention, or just trying to “start some mess” as I like to call it. That’s all it is: it’s just a mess. And I’ll bet you that some of these folks who tore into Bianca are just jealous of her. From my understanding, Bianca is married to wrestling star Montez Ford. They are a real-life couple and from my understanding Bianca has children. She’s a mother. And I’ll bet you nine times out of 10, most folks won’t care about that. They will not care about her being a mother or being a wife coming from a good family having accomplishments in Track and Field in College, and making transitions to wrestling, winning championships, Royal Rumbles, and many others.

In the late 80s to early 90s, there was a TV show called “A Different World” and a scene and wish that there were White characters and Black characters in the same jail cell. It was an episode where one of the White characters played by Dean Cain talked about immigrants coming to this country who couldn’t speak the language, work hard, and make a valuable life for themselves and turning towards Kadeem Hardison’s character, Dwyane Wayne and asking him why can’t they see that? Kadeem’s character Dwayne responds by simply saying that even though their relatives were immigrants, he stated: “My family helped build this country”. And reflected that it doesn’t matter how many accolades he gets or how many successes he obtains he is just another “N-word”. . This is how I also see Bianca Belair being slammed on social media that it doesn’t matter how many accomplishments she gets or how many championships she wins or how much hard work and dedication she pours into, some still going to say “Look at that N-word right there.” That’s what they’re thinking. That’s what they’re assuming which no matter how many accolades Black folks get, there’s always going to be somebody else who will try to bring them down to their own ignorance. That is what I also see with this scenario concerning Bianca Belair. And even though this story is not a part of that sometimes Black people do this to themselves in a crabs-in-the-barrel mentality. As in a “self-hate” crabs in a barrel mentality. But we’re not talking about that. We’re talking about racism slander attacks online against a successful up-and-coming Black female wrestler, who never came from a wrestling family but has worked hard to break a new mold for herself to be the best she can be.

So, this is why I feel as a wrestling fan, excuse me an African American wrestling fan, that we need to be seen in these places too. And we need to be seen and heard in these places to make our mark very well-established. Keep in mind that way before Bianca Belair hardly anyone gave us any representation in this sport. Even though our faces and pictures may be seen or have been seen, the representation was slowly catching on.

For the Black Women wrestlers, I’ve seen them. Back before Bianca, I’ve seen Jacqueline dominate. When she became the first African American woman to be the WWE Women’s Champion like 25 years ago. I’ve seen Jazz compete and win championships in ECW and WWE. Including current stars of Naomi, Mercedes Mone (or Sasha Banks) Athena, and even Alicia Fox. And also I’m seeing the black women wrestlers doing their thing now in AEW, TNA, ROH, and even Women of Wrestling companies. So yes, it’s a new era. Get used to it, haters.

No matter what anyone thinks, black people will continue to be resilient despite the negative direction that others may assume. If those had been a lot smarter, they shouldn’t said anything that would affect their jobs, education, and scholarships. Many should know that these companies, schools, and I dare say the military would look into a person’s social media profile or comments and would reject the applicant due to what was said negatively! You haters better learn today! So even though the racist attacks on Bianca are somewhat decreasing with all the appreciation posts, which again is nice, racism is still a problem. Even in the wrestling community that has been lingering for a long time.

So in general, the struggle still continues. Even in the community of Professional Wrestling.

WWE 2K24, Deluxe Edition Cover; 2K;2024

Black History Month 2024: Under Review

It appears that the 98th Edition of Black History Month is over. But guess what? Like years past the occasion is once a year, but the references to Black History in general will continue to tell the truth, expose lies, and expose those who feel that it should not be taught. All the time, folks still say, well, Black History is American History……” That is a lie. It is a lie just to make those feel comfortable in their own skin or bones. When I think about BLACK HISTORY, it is really international. It is World History, not just in the good old USA. Sorry to those who are about to be offended, but that is the naked truth. Black History Month of 2024 really brought out the ugliness in folks who are not of African descent on two fronts:

The Black National Anthem of Lift Every Voice and Sing

Yep, Andra Day sang it live at the Superbowl, and already like before, she had to endure the hate. Oh, where do we get off with this dumb question like: “Where’s the Mexican National Anthem?”  “Where’s the Yellow National Anthem?” What about this national anthem or that one? ALL OF YOU SIT DOWN! The same thing happened to Vanessa Williams in 2021 where she performed the song on A Capital Fourth, which is the show on the Fourth of July. The same negative reaction that Sheryl Lee Ralph received. Alicia Keys received negative feedback through the NFL video comments after George Floyd during the Pandemic, and many others felt that the song was divisive. Let us be really clear, Lift Every Voice and Sing IS NOT a song to cause division just because it was labeled as “the black national anthem “. It was named for the reason the NAACP adopted it as their national anthem in 1919. Ever since that year, many Black churches, Black events, HBCUs, Black Sororities and Fraternities, Black History Month Occasions, Martin Luther King Holiday, and even Juneteenth Day have played the song on those occasions the most. But I think one of the main reasons why people feel is divisive is not because of the song’s title, it is because of how the song was labeled towards a group of people instead of the Star-Spangled Banner for many people felt it was for everybody. But in reality, when the Star-Spangled Banner was first created, it was not grouped to everyone. Keep in mind, that the Star-Spangled Banner was written at a time during slavery. And yes, Francis Scott Key was indeed a slave owner. This is something that many people particularly those who are not black, conservatives, and some black grifters, are not understanding. All that talk about “being Americans” and many others has not only backfired but also is giving them a sense of hard understanding of why a certain song like Live Every Voice and Sing actually has meaning. If people actually took the time to research the lyrics and to ask themselves what it means, technically it really does have some meaning when it comes to liberty, freedom, triumph, concerns, prayers, equality, and most of all having the ability to carry on for every single humanity option available. That is what the song is. And no, Lift Every Voice and Sing never overtook the Star-Spangled Banner at the big game. Where was the evidence? Show me the proof. Show me the script! Oh wait, they cannot!

So, people who say it is divisive clearly have not researched the song at all. Almost certain people say as an example, “Black History Month is racist.” They do not understand why there was a need and still a need for Black History Month. I am even surprised that even Black people who feel that the occasion should be ended forever, need to understand why it exists as well. I know that there are certain folks out there of African descent who have looked down on Black History Month because of the lessons that they should have received while they were in school. Here is the thing: The real Black History lessons start at home! Black History Month to me starts in the house. There was a time when Black churches (they still are) could summarize and teach Black history. And having stories handed down from generation to generation from mothers to sons, fathers to daughters, and so on, to make sure that the next generation does not forget or mislead themselves about a sense of history. Many people still say again, “Black History is American History”. I say Black History is international. It is world history because when you think about it, the first race of people that existed before everybody else was black! Let us be clear. You know how we watched WWE wrestling, and we hear and see Seth Rollins talk about being a visionary, a revolutionary type of wrestler. Or remember when Shawn Michaels used to call himself “the headliner,” “the showstopper”, “The Icon”, “the main event”, and so on? Well, guess what, Black people we too are the first headliners, showstoppers, main eventers, visionaries, architects, first creators, and so forth. The reason I am saying this is because it is not just a reminder, it is also motivation to look at the predecessors and actually summarize for us that we too can be better citizens and evolve wonderful things for the next era. Those who feel that we are lying, obviously have not been paying attention or lectured. So, for those who feel that Black History is a myth or a lack of concentration in American history, it is not. The only way that you will know about Black History is to learn it. It is not just for African Americans in general, it is clear to everybody if they are willing to understand.

REPEAT: It is clear to everybody if they are willing to understand.

Like I said in my last blog if I can expect somebody who is not black to study about us, and if I was someone to study Heritage months or appreciation months of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Native Americans, and many other so forth, then what will they say about me? In those cultural months that I mentioned, you are not going to hear much about them often. However, when an issue of Black History comes up, it is just like I said previously everybody has something to say mostly negative. And mostly in their feelings of being divisive prone. As an African American Male, I am incredibly grateful and pleased that Black History Month is something that we can still learn not just in February, but also beyond February. And the thing is, there was a time when no one was talking about us at all until Dr. Woodson started it in 1926.

This leads me to my second point: Country music.

For many years there has been a distant feeling of country music and Black people. In a sense, those of us who feel that country music has this fascination with white people with white Southerners in an attempt, to on their part them feel invented or discovered. Of course, you are going to talk about country singers like Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Morgan Whelan, Jason Aldean, The Chicks (formally the Dixie Chicks), The Judds, Jelly Roll, and many other country artists that many listen to this very day. However, when it comes to African American country artists such as Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, K. Michelle, Linda Martell, and many others of African descent, there is either little or not enough knowledge about those country artists who are of color. If many have not been paying attention, it seems that Beyonce with her two singles “Texas Hold’em” and “16 Carriages” has blown up a new door to give Black country artists a chance. It really speaks volumes that I can say that the blackest thing that happened in 2024 for Black History Month, is Beyoncé with her country singles from her new album which will debut on March 29th. Now when you think about March 29th, that is Good Friday, which is also part of Holy Week. So yes, after many of us go to church on Good Friday, we can go and purchase Beyonce’s new country album and hear the whole album for ourselves without judgment and opinion. Many have already figured out that the way that Beyonce debuted her country singles was directly in her Super Bowl ad. And may have thought including myself was like “Oh it must be a skit or a fake type of advertisement”, but no it was a real deal, and Beyoncé dropped that like it was nothing. And then of course, after Texas Hold’em came out, you are going to have some petty negative attitude at Black folks who had to go all in against Beyoncé to say that yes “Her country single was the worst that they’ve heard.” And the thing is, Beyoncé is making money anyway. Whether you like Beyoncé or you hate Beyoncé, here is the thing: Beyoncé is one smart Black woman. She knows what she is doing. And as far as other country artists who might say “Well if you listen to Beyoncé, why don’t you give me a listen.” or “Give the other guys to listen.” Okay, let us listen to them. Let us hear what they have to say. Let us hear what every Black female country artist has to say as well as the Black Country male artists have to say. When you really think about it and I know this may upset some white people, that country music really started with Black people. The banjo that you normally hear in a “dixie-like style of music,” coming from White people, actually came from Black people. Yes, the banjo is an old-school instrument that survived through slavery, and of course when African Americans arrived on the shore in boats, chains, and branded due to captivity. So, with that, here is the million-dollar question:  why are white folks scared and also upset about Beyoncé singing country music, and Black people having this euphoric wave of emotion to say: “Oh why do they feel that it’s their music?” Here are the things white folks: it has already been said. And I know you are going to get upset about this. Black people and Black Africans started country music. It is deeply rooted in our heritage. Do you talk about blues music? Do you talk about gospel music? or Black spiritual hymns? Where did those come from? And we talked about country music as usual, where did it come from? And when you tie all those things together one by one, line by line, you know it came from the same culture that gave birth to every single genre of music that we have started. Some of you may sound surprised. The big question is, why are you surprised? You clearly have to understand that even though many of you kind of like our music, our culture, our clothing, our lifestyle, or any other thing that we put out there is a barrier of hate. Let us be real. You like our stuff, then around and hate us. Now for the white folks who can sympathize with us and to someone understand what we are coming from and all, I am not talking to you. Simply because you do understand how we feel. You do understand the atrocities and the concerns that we put out there every single time but then again, we get disregarded because of our skin color.

For many, country music is part of the Black culture experience. The same thing with Jazz, the same thing with R&B, the same thing with Pop music, most definitely Rock and Roll, Reggae, Ska, Metal, Folk, Inspirational, Instrumental, and yes Hip Hop and Rap music. And I know that for many of us who started listening to country music again, it is like giving us a re-education from whence we came. And a value of reminding us that even though many of us do not like this kind of stuff in a sense, we created the genre. We created the standard. We created the headliner, the showstoppers, the main events, the visionaries, the architects by design, and many other ideals that we set foot in every single day. So, the question is why are you mad? LOL! Well, I cannot explain that part. But it is the truth that we have designed, and art articulated many genres that most of you normally hear today.

What Beyonce is doing with her two singles, is rejuvenating country music to Black folks in a sense to remind us that we started this thing first. For her fans, The Beyhive may be new to them, or it may not be so new depending on their age and generation, it’s a challenge. But it is a new thing that even the late great Donna Summer helped started 44 years ago before Beyoncé was born. Many other country artists who are of African descent and who had a tough time trying to get their voices out have now had a chance to see and gain traction in this genre that many of us in the Black community have avoided for so long.

Now I do understand that there are Black people who are country through and through. And that is a fact. Now I know that there are Black people who are country through and through not just because of the instruments or the hand clapping, or the foot stopping, or the violin playing, or the banjo playing. They are country through and through regardless. So, the foot stomping, hand clapping, square dancing, and many others, it is no exception to country music at all.

So let this be a lesson to all of you as we conclude Black History Month of 2024, and to help generate Black Music Month in the next 4 months, we will talk about this again. Not only will talk about the subject when June comes, but in between we are going to continue to reference every single time: Lift Every Voice and Sing, Country Music, and many other genres of music that we help start not only to relive, but to be educated even more. And black folks, whenever we sing or dance to country music or any other genre of music that we feel at the time doesn’t have any soul, let’s be clear on one simple thing: it may not have to have a soul to move you, but it has a soul to educate you. It may not be on your top 10 genre list on your playlist that you commonly know very well and that is fine. But the fact of the matter is, it is about our heritage. It is about us. It is about our musical history that we help introduce to the world and not leave for granted. But now in 2024, it has a chance of a much-needed revival. I am not talking about a church revival! I am talking about our Black cultural music revival in an attempt to not be ashamed of what we started before many of us were even born. Or many of us who are old enough now to rekindle that education for once for men who are a lot younger during their 10 years or young adult years.

As Black History Month of 2024 will be in the archives on this Leap Day of the Dragon Year, it is still going to be referenced every day. I stated before and I am going to say it again: Black History is not just American history. Black history is really International History for all to reference, see, and celebrate, which many of us should do all the time.

And to those who like the troll: you can protest, and get fired from your jobs from social media postings all you want but we are still going to keep pushing and we are not going to lay down for nobody!

Black History is not going anywhere. There have been those who have blurred out African American AP Courses in school, books from authors of Toni Morrison, Martin Luther King, and other notable African Americans have been off the shelves due to certain words or phrases being on the banned book list which is ridiculous. And the scholarships like to minorities and DEI are being re-examined because many others feel it’s dividing the people. Many schools had this disdain for Black History and had not had Black History Celebrations. Why? Oh, because it’s Black History. Really? When the other American History-related celebrations take place, nobody says anything. BUT yet again, why does Black History have to be the proverbial punching bag each time? It’s like the repeated question “Why does it have to be about race?” comes up and many African Americans are sick and tired of that sentence! Many should know the reason but do not want to admit the reason. And like the repeated phrase of “Go Back To Africa”, kill that noise. Many of us were born here and not going anywhere, even for many who have built this country. Like I said, Black History is here to stay. And if it needs to be defended every day, then so be it.

That blog readers, is not a promise. Call it a guarantee.

#DEFENDBLACKHISTORY

#BHM2024

#BLACKHISTORYMONTH

#BLACKHISTORYFORLIFE

Stephen’s Spot on WordPress Black History Pop Quiz: Part II

If we really want to do Black History every day, we better act like it! So, I have prepared another impromptu pop quiz that anyone can take, at any time. Do not cheat! No Googling, no Facebook Postings, no Twitter postings, no Instagram pictures, No Tik-Tok, none of that. Dig deep! Here are forty questions that many should know and know better. In the case of those who are familiar with the occasion since 1926. Not only that but those who are not familiar with the modern era that came afterward are still being summarized. Some are historically known, and some are locally known in Milwaukee and related. And as you look, there is a bonus question. Have fun!

****Just to be clear, these questions were not hand-picked by any educator or historian. I designed this to challenge the mind in a customized option. ****

If you score at least 30-40 questions – A+

If you score at least 25 questions or less than 25 – B

If you score less than 20 questions, something is wrong, or you’re trying.

Way less than 30 questions: Hit the books and stop complaining!

1. At what age did Dr. Carter Woodson first creates the occasion with his college classmates?
2. In 2023, the Green Bay Packers chose Jordan Love to be the quarterback of the team. He is deemed to be the First African American STARTING QB in the team’s history. Before Jordan Love, who were the previous Black Quarterbacks in Packers History that weren’t starters, but backups? (Name at least 3)
3. On Facebook, there is a group page called “AI for the Culture”. What is the goal of the page and why was it created?
4. Carole Meekins, who recently retired from Local TV Broadcasting in Milwaukee in 2023, was deemed as the first Black woman to accomplish what feat?
5. The late Dr. James Cameron is credited for the creation of America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee. How did it come to be?
6. This year in 2024, we will have a leap year in Black History Month. How many leap years does this make in total?
7. The actor, Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary recently won an Emmy Award. She is the first Black TV Actor to win the award in a comedy series for the first time in 40 years. Before her, who won it previously in the same category in 1984?
8. In 1989, Prince is credited with making the soundtrack for which 80’s Movie?
9. TKO Group, which is part of WWE and UFC recently appointed a new board member. Who is he?
10. Rickie Weeks, who was appointed as associate manager of the Milwaukee Brewers last year in 2023 has played how many seasons in the MLB in total?
11. Milwaukee had breweries of the industrial names of Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, and currently Miller (or Miller Coors). Which brewery in Milwaukee was owned by African Americans?
12. In 2023, the City of Milwaukee appointed a new port director. Who was she and what was the name of the Milwaukee High School she attended?
13. The City of Milwaukee had its FIRST Certified Architect of the late Alonzo Robinson, Jr. Who was the first Black-certified engineer in the city?
14. Name at least 3 well-known African Americans who were born in Milwaukee but made famous in the art of music or theater.
15. Before Homer Blow, Earl Stokes, Fresh G, Reggie Brown, and the current DJs in Milwaukee, who was Dr. Bop?
16. The late Eugene Kane drew the attention of Bill Cosby in 2004 in what Milwaukee Journal Sentinel news article featuring what subject?
17. Terry Porter, an NBA legend, attended which high school in the Milwaukee Public Schools District?
18. Valerie Daniels-Carter is a minority owner in which of the Wisconsin Pro Teams?
19. The Black Methodists of Church Renewal’s North Central Jurisdiction began as a hub for the Midwestern states of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, And Iowa. How did Wisconsin join the group?
20. The 90’s show “The Parent Hood” had the character Nicholas wanting to play hockey, in the third episode, “No Soul on Ice” from the 4th Season. What was the incident that stood in his way?
21. During the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop in 2023, which CLASSIC hip-hop song was played the most? And who was the artist?
22. “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class — it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.” Who wrote this quote and where is it located mostly?
23. Billy Preston was one of the first Black singers to perform on which winter seasonal televised special?
24. Oscar Johnson, Sr., and Fred Jones had one thing in common in their careers in Wisconsin. What was it?
25. Adolph Caesar, the legendary actor who has acted in such movies as “A Soldier’s Story”, “Fist of Fear, Touch of Death” and “Club Paradise”. Which 1980’s cartoon character he voiced was deemed a magician?
26. Native Land Pod, the new podcast series has made its debut on iHeart Radio and YouTube. What is the inspiration behind the show’s name upon what song?
27. In the tradition of cartoons of the 1980s, James Avery was the voice of Shredder on TMNT. Who voiced Panthro and Mumm-Ra on ThunderCats?
28. Benjamin “Scatman” Crothers was the voice of Jazz on Transformers in the 1980s. What was the start of his career before he voiced the Autobot character?
29. Currently, Beyonce has two singles out now, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” which are on the list as Country Singles from her soon-to-be new album. Name at least three Black country singers who have had influence in the genre.
30. Before he became the curator of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, Clayborn Benson was working at Milwaukee’s TMJ4 in which profession?
31. In 1976, the late Judge Andrew Reneau became the African American family court commissioner in Milwaukee County. Before that, he also was the first African American to be a candidate for which positions in Milwaukee?
32. Before Jonathan Taylor, Melvin Gordon, Ron Dayne, Jamar Fletcher, Terrell Fletcher, Brent Moss, Chris Chambers, and other notable African American Badgers who played for Wisconsin, who was the first African American to play for the team, and in what year?
33. In what year that Haiti begin to celebrate Black History Month? *Note Black History is not just American History!
34. Before Dwayne Wade, Jimmy Butler, George Thompson, Jim Chones, Maurice “Bo” Ellis, Jae Crowder, and other notable African Americans who played for Marquette University. (Doesn’t matter if it’s Warriors or Golden Eagles Basketball) Who was the first African American to play for the team and in what year?
35. The now-late Joe Madison who hosted his show, “The Black Eagle” for many years had a quote he used to state all the time. What was the exact phrase?
36. James Brown was known as the Godfather of Soul for many across the world in his career. Which well-known genre that he influenced that SAMPLED his music many times?
37. In 2022, the City of Milwaukee officially renamed the rest of Old World Third Street to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. How long did it take to complete the process?
38. Lucian Palmer, Milwaukee’s first African American legislator served how many terms in his tenure?
39. We’ve heard the Queen of Soul (Aretha Franklin), the Queen of Hip-Hop& R&B (Mary J. Blige), Queen of R&B (Alicia Keys), but which artist from the 1980s is known as the Queen of Dance?
40. In the 1990 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, titled “The Ethnic Tip”, Will had thought of incorporating a Black History class at Bel-Air Academy. Aunt Viv gave him a real lecture towards the end of the show. What was the learning speech she gave him in regarding Black History in general?

BONUS QUESTION: We all heard about Gerald Lawson becoming the first African American to invent a component for Video Computer Systems or Video Games. Sarah Bond in 2023 became the first African American Woman to be the president of Xbox. Which organizations did she serve as a board member before Microsoft?

The Rant: Americans, you have an Anthem problem. A Black National Anthem problem that you don’t understand.

Let me go in during the 98th Anniversary of Black History Month. Lately, the country has had an issue with a national anthem that is turning heads and epic negativity. What I am referring to of course is “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” You know, the Black National Anthem? If that sounds racist, it is not. Many clearly don’t know what that is and why. They don’t! For those that do understand, obviously, you get it.

Let me go back in time to 2021 on the 4th of July when Vanessa Williams sang the Black National Anthem on point. And, I had something to say:

Let me explain to all the butt-hurt folks who were and are steaming mad over a song. This song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written over 100 years ago by the composer, John Rosamond Johnson, and his brother, the lyricist James Weldon Johnson. They were Black men who wrote the hymn that is widely heard in the country mostly around the occasions of the MLK Holiday, Black History Month, and of course Juneteenth Day. Additionally, any other celebrations or acknowledgments of any African American-related figure, activity, or special event. As I was reading some of the stories and commentary about Vanessa Williams’ performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing online from social media and websites, it’s really coming from people who have this notion that a song like that was separate races of people. WOW, REALLY?!!!! Lift Every Voice and Sing IS an American Song! Lift Every Voice and Sing is an AMERICAN HYMN that was composed by an American composer; Excuse me, an African American composer in 1900! So, the big question is this, why is this song a problem on the 4th of July? Let me count the ways that white folks want it to keep all Yankee Doodle Dandy and of course the National Anthem, God Bless America, and America the Beautiful, which were all sung on A Capitol Fourth! Last year on the 4th of July, Gospel Singer Kirk Franklin sang the song with his choir in his house, and the footage was viewed on America’s birthday online. There was no commentary of concern or any other negative connotation that Kirk Franklin shouldn’t have any business of singing a song like that on the 4th of July. Well, guess what ladies and gentlemen, he did. And let’s admit, Lift Every Voice and Sing in a way, does fit going forward with freedom and justice for all. A long time ago, a pastor here in Milwaukee once questioned about singing Lift Every Voice and Sing around the Martin Luther King holiday. And the pastor asked the congregation: “Why can’t we sing this song every day?” And even today, it is a question that is considered good. I mean, why don’t we sing this song every day? Why not on the 4th of July? I think for two reasons, one it’s whitewashed with hidden hollows of division. And second, when it comes to Black people, the 4th of July is like the Achilles Heel. We really got “half-shaped” at times when the issues of chattel slavery and bondage with no celebrations for us were brought up. Yes, it’s true. Let’s all admit that in its earlier stages, the idea of the Declaration of Independence was formalized for the nation. Now it’s 245 years later, and we are in a way celebrating the 4th, but also recognizing the struggles of Freedom and Independence along the way like never before. Ranging from voter suppression, police brutality, and yes Black Lives Matter. And many other forms of discrimination hatred, racism, or should I say systemic racism. And let us not forget the ongoing battle trying to understand Critical Race Theory, which is not a way to separate black and white further, it’s a way to understand part of the reasons why the separations of black and white continue to exist in the United States of America. This Adults, Boys and Girls of America, this is the America that we are currently living in, and this is the struggle that I always say is continuing right now. Every year on my birthday of December 5th, I always say that the struggle continues. Partially, I’m sampling Melissa Harris-Perry from her MSNBC days of Nerdland. Remember that? That her show used to come on Saturday/Sunday mornings? I know you do, don’t lie.

Well, that part has not gone away. When many of us were watching the Super Bowl this past Sunday, during the pregame segment, it seemed that many hated Andra Day when she sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Oh, there were cheers for Post Malone and Reba McEntire for America the Beautiful and the Star-Spangled Banner. Why hate though? Especially from those who appeared to go online to YouTube and spill every ounce of ignorance and blatant racism at Andra Day for her part. Oh, let me guess, it’s the Black National Anthem. A Lot of these fools still say, “Black History is American History.” Watch your mouth. I often say and still ask, if Black History is supposed to be American History, how come some don’t want to hear about our history? I think I have answered my own question. Part of it is ignorance and dare say suppression, racism, discrimination, lack of education, lack of knowledge, messed up opinions, and various others. America has had all these concerns, and it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone. But over an American Hymn like Lift Every Voice and Sing, why is that a problem? Like the Johnson brothers took bottles of sodas and spilled them on the Declaration of Independence and Francis Scott Key’s arrangement of the National Anthem. And why is everyone asking, “What about the Mexican National Anthem?” Or “What about the Yellow National Anthem?” Or this “National Anthem, or that National Anthem?”

Everyone: You’re Reaching. SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!

That’s what this is. Reaching. That needs to stop. And that’s out of pocket. Just because one group does one thing in a public space, here comes someone or another group who must call a foul ball or copy.  To quote the younger folks: “WOOOOOW. Ya’ll wilding out.” Those who ask those questions should go back to their grandmothers and elders about the anthems.

Like I said before, many are acting silly over a song, yet again. When the hate on Andra Day occurred, it brought me back to Vanessa Williams on the 4th of July in 2021. Sheryl Lee Ralph was criticized last year for the song. When Jasmine Sullivan sang it last year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration was there hate on her for the Anthem? Alicia Keys sang it in 2020 in a video during the pandemic before the NFL Season, after George Floyd was killed. Was there any hate? Talk about Polar Opposites. Oh, check this out, since many know the Star-Spangled Banner well, fully patriotic in all, what about this third stanza:

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Notice something here? Explain it. Keep in mind that the Star-Spangled Banner was written in the early 1800s, specifically 1814, and composed two years after the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key who also was a slave owner. But I’ll bet that many won’t acknowledge that at all.

When the Black National Anthem was sung again this week, it was not to replace the Star-Spangled Banner at the big game. Let’s get that clear finally. Second, all that “1 Anthem 1 Country or Nation” mess is getting TIRED! Especially from the MAGA Conservative fans and alike who think it’s all about them. These are the same folks who don’t want you to vote this election year. Or to bring back Trump in office. He better stay out. Hope your jobs and clubs don’t catch you slipping online with all the Facebook posts and YouTube Videos.

And third, all of us will still hear the Black National Anthem regardless. Even in a Black Church where it’s played religiously. In fact, back in the day, if many grew up in a Black church, regardless of denomination or non-denomination atmospheres, you had someone to tell you about knowing the hymn, by either singing it or playing a musical instrument. Either way, you had to know it. The church I grew up attending in Milwaukee played the song every Sunday. No matter if it was Black History Month or not. So, it’s not new and was not in school. For all of those in school now, I say incorporate that into your Black History Month Celebrations or plays. If you are in college or university and if you come across Lift Every Voice and Sing in your African American History classes, study it! The whole thing from the humble beginnings until it was official.

So why are many still tripping? It is because of the lack of understanding of historical context. Here’s the thing, you don’t have to like it, but you darn sure should respect it. And that entails Lift Every Voice and Sing no matter where, when, and how. The song was dubbed the “Black National Anthem” because the NAACP adopted it as their anthem in 1919. The same year when my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers was founded, and the NAACP was only 10 years old. It was also a rallying cry during the civil rights era. It was written as an anthem for hope and a better tomorrow. So again, trollers and racists: Lift Every Voice and Sing is a legit hymn. The National Anthem was adopted by the US Congress in 1931.

Here’s the Bottom line, if we can get used to the Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, My Country Tis of Thee, and other patriotic tunes, then get used to Lift Every Voice and Sing!

Black History Month 2024: Playing defense with the drum.

You already know what time it is. Black History Month returns. It’s been back, still back, and always will be back. And to those who think it’s a joke, we have never had that conversation or that discussion on why it’s legendary since 1926. And furthermore, it is not a racist occasion to separate Black people from whites. This annual tradition exemplifies our accomplishments and viewpoints which stood for a long time. It’s different. And it’s international, not just American only! So, all that talk about “Black History is American History only” is entirely false.

So, for starters: Why February? Why not June or September? I’m sure everyone knows by now; that Black History Month was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson on February 7th, 1926. Which was known as the beginning of Negro History Week. And the main reason it was picked is because of the Birthdays in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Oh, try to keep up. Historically, Black History Month was morphed officially in my birth year of 1976 as we know it now as a month-long celebration. As short as February is, it is a month-long celebration, period! Why February? In fact, why NOT February? Things that make you go hmmmmm…. says C&C Music Factory.

Now, of course, it’s hard for people, especially some Black folks, to digest this. We hear many say, “Black History is American History.” I want to still challenge that in this era of playing defense against white supremacy and false opinions with online trolling. At times before, if you carefully follow this blog, I always say that Black History is part of World History! It’s not just African Americans. What about the African Canadians? They are black. What about the Black British like Idris Elba? Or Thandiwe Newton? Black Germans like Boris Kodjoe? Or the Haitians, Jamaicans, Kenyans, Ghanaians, and many others in the world who are of African descent.

Again, “Black History is really World History.”

Now, since the month has officially kicked off, what I just said will not be summarized as much. Why? Will some think they know it all and feel like it’s not needed? Well, someone will be failing history class tomorrow. They’ll know it before it hits them like a ton of bricks. And folks, don’t even try to say that it’s decisive to generate a thought of what Morgan Freeman said years ago, “I don’t want a Black History Month. I want an American History Month.” The man was drunk. And guess what, a lot of you will Google it on some YouTube page and generate a lot of clicks. What is funny though, we get a month of celebration, and folks are popping off so badly. Who is the joke now, suckers!? Us. We love to pop off and complain about having a celebration month, and not doing enough to “actually celebrate it every day”. If that’s the case, are you or will you or anyone celebrate Black History every day? You’re realizing that it might be the case, but it’s hard to do! Why? Many of us may not celebrate it every day, because of distractions!

“Black History Lesson w/Karen Hunter & Dr. Chris Jones” Karen Hunter Show, February 2023

Recently, Black History Month needed to be on defense. Let me clarify this right now: Black History should be on defense every day. Within the past year, we have seen and read about the concerns of African American AP courses being watered down, and parents of students decided to skip out on the events and activities. Even books from Toni Morrison and many other prominent African American authors that we read about since before social media and AI creations, have disappeared from schools in various parts of the country. Most of those books that most conservatives like Moms for Liberty and many others have not even taken the time to read the books thoroughly. Additionally, many folks may not believe this, if you think that certain white people were trolling online about Black folks not having a history or a heritage which is one of the most obviously dumbest things to think of. Now you’re going to have Black people, or some Black people (grifters) are taking a shot at Black History Month in reverse.

What also generates my mind, is that when black folks celebrate other cultural-related heritage months or occasions like Cinco de Mayo, or Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, or acknowledge the men and women who are of Hispanic descent acknowledge their month in September and October, or even our Native American brothers and sisters in November, guess what: nobody says anything! When St. Patrick’s Day happens every March 17th, nobody says anything like it’s normal. But: when it comes to Black History Month, or black history references, or acknowledging black history every day in our schools, our churches, specifically the black churches, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods, and even our organizations that were or are a part of based on education or relations to a veteran or any other group that we are part of every single now and then it seems that some people have to say something. That’s just like when you see a Black person regardless of the male or female walking into a store and you watch every single time if they don’t take anything that is non-criminal but they’re going to say something. Or like last year when Angel Reese was commenting about everyone else having a challenging time in basketball or some sort of example, and she stated last year in 2023 after the NCAA Women’s Championship, hardly anyone ever said anything. But when Angel Reese made a gesture that was like what John Cena would do in the wrestling ring last year, everyone had to say something. There were times I escaped from that, but now I see it as a problem. It is a problem because I thought of us, and I mean all of us regardless of race, creed, class, whatever when we see people’s celebration heritage events and or discussions as a positive dialogue, turned into a bitter conversation. This is how I see additionally when it comes to Black History Month. As I said, the other cultural celebrations will be talked about, and nobody will say anything about it in a negative stance. But again, when it comes to our black historical events, and celebrations, at least about 51% are going to turn into a discussion just to provoke the rattlesnake. Whether anyone likes it or not, Black History should be in a positive conversation just as the other cultural months we also view annually in the calendar year. It’s quite a shame that we are in 2024 and this is ongoing. I’m not talking about the election year, nor is it the year of the dragon, nor is it an Olympic year, and nor is it a leap year it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that African American history or should I say Black History in general needs to be in everyone’s conversations regardless of how poor, educated, or rich many people can be.

And this is why I have dictated in summary why Black History needs to be defended every single time we recite a poem, hold an event, do a project, sing a song written by a black artist, play a video game that was first created by a black man, Gerald Lawson in the terms of bringing the arcade games home, or even programming what VoIP means when we’re on the internet like Zoom or Cisco Webex. Those examples were made or are made or created by African Americans. Everybody must be mindful of that. Most of the everyday inventions and/or gadgets that we either buy, use, ride, install, operate, or even look at today in the 21st century and still use, most of the patents were created by African Americans. Also, those same patents (or most of the patents that white people either have stolen or taken credit for) must assume that Black people generated them first. That’s the truth. I can’t imagine if someone were to create a t-shirt for everyday purposes in the pan-African colors of red, black, green, and yellow to display, “Defend Black History”. And I know that many people will see that as racist, divide people black and white all over again, and increase the wokeism. Seriously?!!! And the thing is, I heard this last month in January while many were celebrating Dr King’s birthday in observance. Some of the conservatives had to start embracing more of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and having this tendency to end wokeism. Here’s the thing for many people who don’t know in a sense as he was, Dr. King was woken. He may not have been woken like Malcolm X, but Dr. King was woken in his own way by his viewpoints on nonviolence and civil rights. So, for all, you conservative-minded folks out there who just rely on Dr. King and the quote from his I Have a Dream speech about “his four little children will grow up in the nation not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”, you need to check yourselves clearly that many did not understand why he put that in his speech along with everything else that was deemed to be listened. And I’ll bet many won’t hear enough of the speech that he gave in Memphis Tennessee on April 3rd, 1968, about going to the mountain top. Which also, sadly the next day in the same city where he gave the mountain top speech was the last day of his life was cut short at 39 years old by his assassination. I know that I should be praising Black History Month in this part of the passage. But the thought of people seeing the occasion negatively once again, I’m sorry it needed to be said. And I will not apologize for that at all.

Moving forward: technically again, this is part of the reason Black History Month needs to play on Defense with the drum. And that DEFENSE needs to clarify and check the reasons why it matters! Everyday. Ranging from the so-called fear again of Critical Race Theory, the Black Lives Matter Movement, health disparities, financial mismanagement, civil rights, and let’s not forget about voter disfranchisement. There have been folks in our African American race who stood up and fought back to battle this mess and it will take another generation to try to face this new monster yet again. And what’s even worse, those who want to “do away with Black History Month” are just wasting time. Like they want to teach it. Really?

Wait…I thought Black History was supposed to be American History. Right?!!? WRONG! Then what do they call it? Exactly.

CALLOUT on two fronts: If those opposing Black History Month so badly yet again, then why those who do not want to hear our history? Do those want a so-called “American History Month?” Really?! Well, freaking start one! Don’t get all up in the feeling of being angry at something that doesn’t mean anything! Better save those tears! And if many start an American History Month, come correct with the truth! The good, the bad, and the flat-out ugly!

And no, don’t even think about having another discussion of “White History Month” because that phrase is getting played out. TIRED! It is. And the partial reason is that it’s all about a reaction to get to the point about countering Black History Month. That’s it. When other ethnic months happen in the calendar year, do I get an attitude? No, I do not! If I can’t be respectful of other cultures, how can others be respectful when they see me as a Black man celebrating Black History? Just asking a question.

Black History Month is here for the 98th time. Before that, nobody was talking about us. Our stories, reviews, true ideas, ideals, and purpose were not even thought about until 1926 when Dr. Carter Woodson and his classmates who were part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated all decided to dedicate one week to talking about us Black folks. The original Negro History Week was the week of February 7th – February 14th due to also the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass that Carter Woodson highlighted. Since that time, his work has still been examined each day and each year of this historic time. Years later after Dr. Carter Woodson died in 1950, Kent State University, began their Black History Month celebration from January to February in 1969. And seven years later in 1976, it was made official in the same February month by President Gerald Ford.

The only reason in my view why Black History Month is here and now is because we need to have our stories told just like everyone else. Some good, some bad, some ugly, and some that I don’t want to hear, or don’t want to talk about. But as the stories go on, the truth will come out. Especially what we are dealing with now.

But in the meantime: Happy Black History Month! And it still matters YET AGAIN! Now, my centerpiece awaits.

NOTE: The photo is NOT for sale.

My Take: The young, transitional, and the next resilient 2023-24 Green Bay Packers Season that it was.

Jordan Love Portrait Picture, HOFSM.com; 2021

It’s been a long time since I wrote a My Take on WordPress. But guess what? It’s time to bring it back yet again for the Green Bay Packers. By now, as everyone knows, they were eliminated from the recent NFL Playoffs of the dreaded San Francisco 49ers, but however, this season overall was the season that many thought they had no business being in. But that was just a chunk of the iceberg in the now previous transitional season that it was.

Let’s go back to last March when Aaron Rodgers went on the Pat McAfee Show to announce his decision on his future after the 8-9 season in Green Bay. As many recalled, Aaron Rodgers wanted to intently play for the New York Jets. Several weeks later, he got his wish. Aaron Rodgers was signed to the team which laid the plans to get Jordan Love moving as the new starting Quarterback. This was also a move that the Packers wanted to go in a new direction with the starting position. Aaron had no problems with it based on the interview. Also, this was history in the making that the Green Bay Packers were starting their first African American Quarterback EVER. And guess what, there was some backlash on that in the Packer Nation an example, “Why does it have to be about race?” Well, most folks who are non-Black of the NFL Universe, let this sink in: The Green Bay Packers in their 100+ years as a franchise never had a starting quarterback that was African American. I’m stating a fact! There should be no arguments there. Now when we had Brett Favre, there was Aaron Brooks. When we had Aaron Rodgers recently, there was Vince Young, DeShone Kizer, and Seneca Wallace. All were backup Black quarterbacks in preseason, but none of them were full-time starters. Brent Hundley, remember him? He was also a backup to Aaron Rodgers who had more playing time before Matt Flynn took over that one season when Aaron Rodgers was injured at the time. There was a new embracement in which to get the Packer Nation to become interested and support Jordan. Now, when Jordan Love was getting his name out in the open, it wasn’t well receptive. Ranging from Shannon Sharpe, Adam Schein, and dozens of others, who felt that the draft pick of 2020 from Utah State was doomed to fail. They believe that Jordan Love who sat behind Aaron Rodgers for three seasons was going to add more plummet woes to the Packers franchise in his first year starting fully. Well, guess what lads and lassies, most of us were wrong. Jordan Love in his first year as a full-time starter did more well than fail.

His preseason games fared well for those three games before the start of the season. The 18 weeks were a bit of a challenge. The 2023-24 Packers team was going through a transitional season. You know those seasons of changes that were going to be different and have growing pains. Aaron Rodgers predicted this, and it was true. It happened to him in his first year without Brett Favre. Remember that, Packers Backers? We should. We’ve seen this before, so it is quite noted it was played previously. Aaron’s first year as a starter was 6-10 in 2008. Brett Favre’s record as a first-time starter was 8-5. Some of the games I know stood out well were the two victories against Chicago, the rematches against Minnesota on New Year’s Eve, and the Detroit Lions at their hometown stadium, Ford Field, on Thanksgiving Day. (Side note: Jordan Love should have received a turkey leg). A win against Kansas City during the week of my Birthday, Carolina on Christmas Eve, the comeback win against New Orleans at Lambeau, the victory on International Men’s Day vs the LA Chargers in the 50’s Unis, and to top it off, the wildcard playoff win against Dallas at Jerry’s World in Texas that many claimed they shocked the world as the 7th seed.

And with that, came the eight losses in which some should have been victories against The NY Giants, Minnesota, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Denver, and Tampa Bay. And the more we stressed about growing pains and nearly pulled our hair out when the Packers were about 2-6, we had to remember that it’s Jordan Love’s first year as a starter. He’s just getting his feet wet. So, we just need to relax and chill and assess what he needs to do to get himself and the rest of the team going. Jordan Love, also in the games followed had to learn and still remember that he needed to tame his pass throws to minimize the interceptions that ended the games unceremoniously. But all in that, he stepped up. His teammates from Romeo Doubs, Aaron Jones, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims, Bo Melton, Dontrayvion Wicks, Zach Tom, Darnell Savage, Tucker Craft, AJ Dillion, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Patrick Taylor, Emanuel Wilson, Kenny Clark, Lukas Van Ness, Keisean Nixon, De’Vonte Campbell, Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Jaire Alexander, Carrington Valentine, Jonathan Owens (husband of Simone Biles), Rashan Gary, and a host of others who filled in the gaps all contributed as a TEAM, not just a one-man show. The regular season finished at 9-8, with an overall record of 10-9. Second behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.

By now again: after last Saturday, the Pack is out of the playoffs. But despite that, Packers Backers, this was more of an examination season. No one expected the Packers to make it this far. Many were asking, “What would it be like since Jordan Love took over Aaron Rodgers’s spot?” There were a lot of what-ifs going on in between. Started off slow and sluggish, and being able to get into the last spot of the playoffs is a bit of a small victory. And here was a feature to be included, this was the first time that this young team aged 25 and under got into the playoffs since 1978. And the first team to win the last #7 Wildcard slot, ever. And get this, Jordan Love is the first Packers Quarterback in years that has started in the regular season with a playoff shot in reach. So, there were some historical feats from this year’s Packers Season to take away from. And that recent L in Santa Clara and other cities can’t take away that either. So, the young Packers will indeed learn from this like many others before they go into the off-season and try to do it again next time.

Many have stated that the future is bright. In the 1989 Movie, Batman Jack Napier (aka The Joker) played by Jack Nicholson, kept telling Lt. Eckhart, “THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE!”. Prince, who wrote the produced the Soundtrack of the movie started out with the song:

“I’ve seen the future, and it will be,
I’ve seen the future, and it works,
And if there’s life after, we will see,
So, I can’t go like a jerk.”

So, there was and is talk about the future of the Green Bay Packers. This year, as I indicated, was a transitional season. This was more like an examination to see what this group was all about. Even though it was their first time, we saw something that is yet to be produced. The 2023-24 Green Bay Packers Team wrote their own footnote to say, “Even though we had no stars, not supposed to be here, but guess what, we’re here. Get used to us”. So, Packer Backers, we had the transitional year behind us, and there was an ideal thought they would be contenders for next year’s Super Bowl. That remains to be seen. But for right now, they are just getting started.

I often said about the era of Jordan Love titled, “The Love Revolution”. This was modeled after Lenny Kravitz’s album, “It Is Time for a Love Revolution” from 2008. Well, the “10VE Revolution” may be on pause for this part of the year, but it has made an impact to start for the next. Everyone says, “The Love Shack”, “All We Need Is Love”, “In Love We Trust” or “Love Overboard”. But the 10VE Revolution still sticks because that is what the current Green Bay Packers franchise needs. Another revolution to start, generate a buzz and get moving towards the next level. Just like businesses, organizations, families, and others, the Packers new Revolution of Jordan Love, or “the G-Way”, has already begun.

For the Packers opponents, you know who you are. Sit back and chill, we’re just getting started. Just watch the G flowing with the Green and Yellow Lambeau style. ONCE MORE!

Go Pack Go.

2023: Under Review.

Star Trek TNG: All Good Things pt. 2; 1994

Folks: it is now time to archive the year 2023. It’s time that the Year of the Rabbit is to be archived in the wildlife forest.  But of course, the living examples of voting, racism, protesting, the pandemic that dominated most of the year, and yet many others will linger on. We’ll know, it’s about time that the year 2023, is now over. But before that happens of dropping balls and popping corks: let us review the year that was: My way.

In that case, it’s time for the Traditional Stephen’s Spot Annual Review Blog of 2023! It’s time to review, summarize, and learn from the year that has gone by very efficiently.

The Good Nationally:

Most recently on December 31st, 2023: The Dow Jones ended the year at 37,689.54.

Covid Vaccines.

Covid Testing.

The Texas Rangers won a World Series Title.

The Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship.

For the NFL: Kansas City won the Super Bowl.

For the NCAA Men’s Basketball: UConn Huskies

For the NCAA’s Women’s Basketball: LSU Tigers

For the WNBA: Las Vegas Aces (2x)

Yet on TV Again: Sistahs, Sherri, and The Equalizer still dominate. On Netflix: Cobra Kai Season still strikes for Season 6. Meanwhile, Abbott Elementary continues to come with good intentions yet again.

CBS All Access: Star Trek: Picard ended the series in the third season on Paramount+. Highly regarded as the best season of the series ever! And acknowledged the Next Generation Cast Members 35 years after the first season of 1987-88.

Also on the streaming channels: 1923, and Yellowstone on both Netflix and Paramount Plus. 

Amazon Prime: Jury Duty, Gen V, Dead Ringers.

What was also good:

Student Loans Forgiven, the rise of AI Images on Bing and Canva with ChatGPT.

VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION WAS AND IS STILL A GOOD THING! – for School, Church, and the Workplace!

Roland Martin’s Daily Digital Show, “Roland Martin Unfiltered” turns 5 years old, and it continues to fuel the minds of those who have been misused or intellectually lied to by other networks. Especially among African Americans. But his show is a teachable lesson in what is going on in the Black community. In addition to the Black Star Network with new shows, he also launched his book, “White Fear”. This book is a “MUST READ” for EVERYONE!

Yet again, the Hallmark Christmas specials came back for their 14th year.

WWE: The WWE had a lot trade ups and Superstars making their debuts in NXT, Raw and Smackdown. Ranging from Jade Cargill, to CM Punk. Also the company along with UFC became a part of the organization, TKO Group, which is now listed on the Stock Exchange.

On the flip side of changes in the Wrestling World, Edge or now Adam Rated R Copeland is now in AEW, and Sting announced his final year in Wrestling would be in the coming year.

Milestones in 2023:

North Shore Bank here in Milwaukee, turned 100.

Hip Hop turned 50 years old in August officially.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company turned 120 years old. And has announced that it will have celebrations annually.

Disney and Warner Brothers celebrated 100 years respectfully.

Puma, the shoemaker, and clothes designer turns 75.

Playboy Magazine (now online) turned 70.

Doctor Who turned 60 years old.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated the youngest of the Divine 9, turned 60 years old.

Also turned 60: the Anniversary of the March on Washington.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show from 1973, is 50.

Jurassic Park and Mighty Morphing Power Rangers both turned 30.

WWE’s Monday Night Raw celebrated 30 years on the air. or Raw is XXX.

Ford Motor Company turned 120 years old.

Honda turned 75.

Scarface, the movie that defined the work of Al Pacino, turned 40 as of the Christmas weekend.

In honor of Michael Jackson’s Thriller Video- 40 years.

So So Def, the record label founded by Jermaine Dupri: Turned 30 years old.

In remembrance: The 50th Anniversary of the passing of Bruce Lee and the 30th Anniversary of the passing of Brandon Lee.

Google turned 25 this year.

Black Lives Matter turned 10.

HOT NEWS:

Donald Trump and those mug shots after all that mess with January 6th in Georgia.

When the BET Awards this year happened the most: The 50th Anniversary to Hip Hop.

The cord-cutters of Roku and Amazon Fire TV continued once again to have an interest in those ditching high-priced cable and satellite! More people are switching up this way.

TRADE ALERTS:

NBA: Jrue Holiday was traded to the Boston Celtics. Damian Lillard comes to the Bucks. Adrian Griffin took over as the new coach of the Milwaukee Bucks while former coach Bud Budenholzer was dismissed.

NFL: Aaron Rodgers hinted to play for the New York Jets, and he did. In which made the full debut of Jordan Love. Rasul Douglas was traded from the Packers to the Buffalo Bills. Erik Wilson was acquired from Minnesota by the Packers. Randall Cobb, and Allen Lazard who were formerly of the Packers were traded to the New York Jets.

NCAA: Lots of Transfer Portals. But closely, Jordan Turner of the Wisconsin Badgers recently was entered into the Transfer Protocol as well as Skyler Bell, Logan Brown, and Dean Engram, just to name a few.

MLB: Brandon Woodruff, Rowdy Tellez, J.C. Mejía all traded away from the Milwaukee Brewers. And Craig Counsell was traded to the Chicago Cubs as Manager.

Straight Outta Wisconsin in an effective way:

For the Wisconsin Badgers Football team: The Wisconsin Badgers Football team began the season with a new coach Luke Fickell for the 2023 Season. Many of the Badgers came to the Cardinal and White were new to the Big Ten except for a few of Chez Mellusi, Braelon Allen, and others. The Wisconsin Badgers finished the season at 7-5. They regained the Paul Bunyan Axe Trophy from the Minnesota Golden Gophers for the first time in two years while maintaining the Freedom Trophy against Nebraska. The Badgers lost the Heartland Trophy to Iowa. The Badgers brought a new offense called the Air Raid, but still maintained an offense that they knew well which was the running game. Towards the end of the season, Braelon Allen announced on Twitter that he would be entering the NFL Draft, while Chez Mellusi committed to one more year next season in Wisconsin.

Marquette University: The Marquette Golden Eagles Basketball Team won the 2023 Big East Tournament and finished the season of 17-3 in the conference, overall: 29-7. Marquette’s victory was a first in its school history since the Conference USA’s win in 1997.

Milwaukee Police Department goes after Reckless Drivers in the Hot Spot Zones of the city. Just like last year. YET AGAIN.

For the Green Bay Packers: As of press time, the Packers finished 2023 at 8-8 with a potential push to the NFL Playoffs. Jordan Love made his official debut as the starter of the team. He is the first African American QB to start for the team, ever. Since the start of the season, the Packers had some uncertainty going into the season by beating Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit on Thanksgiving, Carolina on Christmas Eve, LA Rams, LA Chargers, and Kansas City. But losing to Atlanta, the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota, Chicago, the NY Giants, and the Denver Broncos. The Packers have young teams that are at least 25 years old and younger with talents of Romeo Doubs, Luke Musgrave, Anders Carlson, Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims, Lukas Van Ness, DeVonte Wyatt, Corey Ballentine, along with vets of Aaron Jones, AJ Dillion, Rashan Gary, Samori Toure, Bo Melton, just to name few. Many are saying that the future of the Packers is in building mode since the departure of Aaron Rodgers last season. Jordan Love became the first African American starting Quarterback in the team history during the 2023 season. There was a lot of concerns and negative media talk of him, but seemed to prove the doubters wrong based on his growth of performance.

The Good Locally

Milwaukee Public Schools started classes early like in August, again. In-person and virtually. It was also announced that next semester, the school year 2024-2025 will begin in September and end in June.

Milwaukee had cruise ships coming in and out of the port. One of them was the Viking Octantis.

Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair returned to their regular schedules which were weekends/weekdays.

The State of Wisconsin discussed a plan or an idea regarding the future of I-794.

The State of Wisconsin along with Amtrak planned to discuss the future of passenger rail between Milwaukee and Madison with the Twin Cities and Chicago. But…..let’s remember that was supposed to be the High-Speed Rail Line before Scott Walker gutted the idea in his reign as Governor.

The Milwaukee Brewers finished with a 92-70 Record but lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in two games in the playoffs.

The Milwaukee Bucks finished with a record of 82-58 with a Central Division Title. But lost to the Miami Heat 4 games to 1.

The Milwaukee Streetcar celebrated five years in November.

Light The Hoan turns three.

Healthcare Heroes Bridge Lighting – Light the Hoan, 2021

The Milwaukee Art Museum unveiled, “Light the Wings”.

Museum “Wings” Illuminated – Fox 6 Now, 2023

The Bublr Bikes still expanded. Yet Again!

The Bird Scooters returned.

Well-known to retire locally:

Carole Meekins – 30 years on the air for Channel 4, 42 years overall.

Jeff Wagner-25 years on the radio for WTMJ.

Dave Luczak – 40 years on the radio for WKLH.

For the Music of 2023: No mumble crap!

Beyonce and Taylor Swift concerts

The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Concerts and Reunions.

Special: Michael Jackson’s Thriller 40.

So-So Def’s 30th Anniversary.

Leela James

Kool & The Gang

Diddy

Janelle Monae

Tracy Chapman

Special Honor: Missy Elliott, Rage Against the Machine, DJ Kool Herc, and Don Cornelius were inducted into the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Lenny Kravitz

Liv Warfield

Coco Jones

At the Movies in 2023: Either at the Theaters or Streaming:

Candy Cane Lane

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Fast X

The Color Purple

Oppenheimer

The Little Mermaid

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.

The Bad Nationally

Racism.

Don Lemon was done at CNN after 16 years.

The Writer’s Strike in Hollywood.

War in Ukraine.

Whoopi Goldberg’s truth rant about Millenials and Generation Z working 4 hours a day and not getting a house.

AI Issues.

George Santos.

The constant concern of White Fear in media and education.

Reckless Driving.

Nikki Haley and her comments about the Civil War and Slavery.

The false case of Bishop TD Jakes allegations.

The non-factor of Vivek Ramaswamy and his viewpoints of eliminating Juneteenth Day as a Federal Holiday.

Hamas vs Palestine.

Lenny Kravitz comments about the lack of appreciation when it comes to Black Rock Musicians.

Several African Americans (including some hip hop artists like Sexxy Red and Waka Flocka Flame) had commented about voting for Donald Trump in 2024.

Former Star of That 70’s Show, Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years.

Rev. William Barber was ordered to be removed from a North Carolina AMC Movie Theater due to the theater’s “policy” that he couldn’t bring his chair to sit down. MORE LIKE: an ADA Act regulation.

Schools most in the country erased books and history based on Black History, and LGBTQIA+.

The allegations against Lizzo via weight shaming and sexual harassment.

Several artists from Pink to Cardi B had items thrown at them during their concerts.

The Riverboat Brawl in Alabama.

The United Methodist Church had lost several more churches in the United States due to the disaffiliation.

The Bad and Ugly Locally

Racism, of course, struck Wisconsin. Not just in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Day’s Miss Juneteenth was criticized due to her nationality, as well as the choice picked by the Milwaukee Juneteenth Committee.

The assumption of clerks and cashiers in stores and cafes of alleged shoplifting.

Milwaukee’s Population continues to drop slightly due to relocations.

The areas and locations in Milwaukee had low staff workers and a decrease in hours of operation regarding employment.

UW-Stout unveiled its new logo, but not many liked it. Logos change all the time!

Plus, it is not even ugly enough for 2023: Milwaukee’s number of homicides has gone down but remains a problem since 2021: 161.

Reckless Driving.

Hacked and Unpublished Facebook Pages.

Bad Customer Service in Stores and Restaurants.

Sales Tax in Milwaukee will increase starting January 1st.

We Speak their names – the last toast to those who passed on in 2023:

Tina Turner

Ryan O’Neal

Rosalynn Carter

Richard Roundtree

Suzanne Sommers

Rudolph Isley

Burt Young

Dianne Feinstein

Jimmy Buffett

Bill Richardson

Bob Barker

Paul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman)

Sinéad O’Connor

Tony Bennett

Treat Williams

Gordon Lightfoot

Jerry Springer

Harry Belafonte

Len Goodman

Willis Reed

Lance Reddick

Richard Belzer

Raquel Welch

Lisa Loring (aka the Original Wednesday Addams from the Addams Family)

Billy Packer

David Crosby

Lisa Marie Presley

Jeff Beck

Andre Braugher

Samuel Wurzelbacher (aka “Joe the Plumber” from the 2008 Presidental Campaign)

Tom Smothers (one-half of the Smothers Brothers)

Cindy Williams

Lola Mitchell (aka Gangsta Boo)

David Jolicoeur of De La Soul

Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff (one half of (Timbaland and Magoo)

DJ Casper

Jim Brown

Dick Butkus

Antonio Inoki

Hossein Khosrow Ali aka “The Iron Sheik” 

Terry Funk

Windham Rotunda (aka Bray Wyatt)

Laura Lynch (Founder of the Dixie Chicks)

Henry Kissinger

Fred White

Lanny Poffo (aka The Genius, brother of Randy “Macho Man” Savage)

Tori Bowie

Jordan Neely

Christine King Farris

Richard Moll (aka Bull Shannon from Night Court)

Norman Lear

Jean Knight

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

Bob Knight

Matthew Perry

Hughes Van Ellis – One of the last survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.

Tyre Nichols – killed by 5 black police officers in Tennessee after a traffic stop.

And to those that passed on in Milwaukee/Wisconsin in 2023:

Bishop Sedwick Daniels

Former U.S. Senator, Milwaukee Bucks Owner, and founder of Kohl’s Food Stores, Herb Kohl.

Final Take:

And the final analysis of my point of view: Well, this has been a year of blogging with the quarantine. I’ve tried my best to fill in as much as I can, but the thing is all hasn’t been that bad. If many take the chance, I do this on Stephen’s Spot Facebook Page and Twitter Page to extend the news and viewpoints to gain more twists and turns to get the gears going. Of course, the old stuff mattered. But what does matter IS THE NEW! I’ve talked about topics that affect the concerns and needs of the people. And if you’re one of the online folks who jumped aboard, well you’re on time. Late, but……

Now I must say this, again. If you the audience no matter where you’re from and if you checked out this blog beforehand or just now tuning in, thank you. Yes, this blog site has reached over 1,000 posts and over 25,000 hits. But likewise, there is so much to unpack. Ideas like health, finance, employment, gender rights of People, introversion, Voting, my city of Milwaukee, religion, social media false postings and opinions, and other avenues to explore. Even as a Black man in America, I too must draft my stories because nobody else can the way I do.

Knowing that yes, writing blog posts was and is, challenging work! It’s not easy at times, but when it’s on your mind to know and summarize what’s going on in your community, which is when you get your mind jogging and get to work.

1,000+ posts are good. But the best is still YET to come!

Happy New Year!

And the dragon year of 2024 awaits………

Scratching My Head All This Time in 2023.

Oh, you know I’m about to go in. 2023 was just all over crazy! It had me on point, it had me on rotation and it had me bugged out. But at the end of me asking these crazy questions, we might understand it better. But…since this is the last Scratching My Head all this time of the year, it’s not the last! So, as we countdown to the last ticks of 2023, and we prepare for our Watch Night Services, All Night parties, and family gatherings to usher in the transition of 2024, and yes to get our resolutions out of what we want to do in all: you’ve guessed it, I’m scratching my head YET AGAIN!

Alright, who remembers any of my blog posts from 10 years ago like 2013? Go back and read it.

When will the United Methodist Church get it from all this disaffiliation this year?

This needs to be said: with the reckless drivers lurking around like morons in 2023, why is it that the careless customer service in gas stations and bookstore coffee shops gets judgmental when a customer DOES NOT take merchandise at all?

Can the REAL Customer Service in Restaurants come back? (Unlike KFC on Appleton Avenue in Milwaukee.)

I resolved in 2023 in a prediction that President Joe Biden will try to give his story about being re-elected in 2024. Will it happen for the greater good?

Which organizations did not do Giving Tuesday in 2023?

Was we satisfied when Charles was finally anointed King of England?

Were we fooled when Snoop Dogg was ready to give up smoking? But later it was a promo for a Smoke Firepit?

“Snoop Dogg Goes Smokeless” – Solo Stove; 2023

Which Documentary was the absolute best in 2023?

What will the health industry do to boost up the warnings for COVID-19 YET AGAIN for those who didn’t pay attention?

With all the AI programs in the world, what is the issue of content blocking in trying to make a picture that is NOT SO violent or gory?

Why has White Supremacy remained a maximum programmed problem? Even if it’s a problem among Black people in 2023?

What will be next for the Green Bay Packers that can be more dominant in the NFC North and get to the Super Bowl with Jordan Love?

January 1st will begin the new sales tax increase. Are we prepared for this, Milwaukee?

Did the Milwaukee Art Museum’s new lights give folks life?

So which folks in Milwaukee have benefited from riding the Streetcar thus far in its still-free 5th year?

Who joined a Fraternity or Sorority in 2023 that is over 40?

Was Physical Media the problem in 2023?

Our Wisconsin Supreme Court voted a good thing by dumping the gerrymandering maps that the state’s GOP had set up for years. Was that a good move? Many think and agree!

What was the best car, truck, SUV, Van, or Motorcycle in 2023?

Should ChatGPT be the next thing going for jobs and education?

This is what I don’t understand: if every venue in the country is banning DSLR cameras, then can the users be licensed?

Why are churches (specifically Black Churches) way behind when it comes to technology?

What were the worst jobs of 2023 that many will NEVER DO AGAIN for another decade or year?

Was International Men’s Day 2023 mentioned well on social media?

CALLOUT: Black Milwaukee as well as the so-called FBA and B1: You need to apologize to Northcott Neighborhood House and specifically Adaobi Nnamuchi for those online outbursts, online lashing, dumb opinionated stuff about her, her education, her win as Miss Juneteenth 2023, to Elizabeth Coggs, to Tony Kearney, and to all who have WORKED THEIR BUTTS OFF for this year’s Juneteenth Day. And to those who are outside of Milwaukee, you still haven’t punched your ticket to talk to the committee?! Scared.

For all the Beckys, Karens, and other white folks that called the police on black folks doing civilized stuff this year and you know you did, where were your conscious minds doing that foolishness in 2023?! Black folks, keep your cell phones on Horizontal, and hit the record button! Make them pay! Make them lose their jobs.

Has Country Thunder repented after that N-word mess hurled at Channel 4’s Taylor Lumpkin?

The trials of January 6th still lingered in 2023. Will Trump step up and say, I am GUILTY?!

If you smelled like Marijuana all through 2023, and you were in the store or shopped in a store to buy groceries or other items, did you remember to wash up before leaving the house? Like seriously! There was a lot of that. Which was embarrassing.

Black Women: the next time you have a potential date at the Cheesecake Factory, don’t get an attitude. Can that be done?

Many of you believed that Bishop TD Jakes did that act at Diddy’s Party? What if he didn’t?

How many supported black-owned businesses in 2023?

When will be the right time for many to explore NEW YORK for New Year’s Eve?

Mortal Kombat 1 was a hit this year in gaming. So, what was the problem with the Nintendo Switch again KNOWING that the gameplay made the game over the graphics?

Which jobs or careers were or are beneficial for the introverted crowd in Wisconsin in 2023 since many were at home? Or the office?

Which jobs were the good ones in 2023 that were still COVID-19-proof?

In 2023, did many benefit from using bitcoins or owned Stock?

How many liked the Harley-Davidson Homecoming when it was full of bikers in the Brew City?

When the Grads of 2023 had their moment of commencements, did we offer their congrats? In-person or virtually?

Who has or is really learning from Roland Martin’s show online in 2023? Even the Black Star Network?

What was the worst interview this country has ever seen in 2023?

The Punch Bowl Social at the Deer District closed up in 2023. What will be the replacement?

Forget the Barbie movie, what was THE movie that was best in the year?

Black Church folks, are you ready for the Virtual Watch Night Services, again? Or in-person watch night?

Was not getting the flu shot that bad in 2023?!

Black folks, why are we still saying the N-word? Why is that really?! We must be better!

In 2023 who got promoted? Who got paid more?

In 2023: Did many go to the doctors? This means you too, MEN! Did you go?

In 2023: Did any of you retain your resolutions this year? Hearing that the word “no” comes to mind the most.

In 2023 Milwaukee, why did SummerFest not have any Sunday openings?!!!

In 2023: Have any of you saved up financially for that nest egg?

In 2023: level with me, how many times have many of you NOT supported your Alumni groups? (High School, College, University) EVERYBODY MUST BE GUILTY OF THIS. GIVE BACK!

Canva worked out very well with the “grab text” option with the AI images. Can Adobe, or any other graphic arts program do the same? Don’t be surprised.

When 2024 comes: Election Inspectors, are you ready to rumble at the polls in the Presidential Year?

In 2024: It will be a Leap Year, a Dragon Year, an Olympic Year, and in 100 days expect an eclipse. Are you ready now?

In 2023: Who did the most work in your community? Don’t say the same people!

In 2023: Who did the least work in your community but never was recognized?

In 2023: Who did not work in the community at all? They need to be called out. SERIOUSLY!

In 2023: Who was the “Dark Horse” in your family, church, organizations, etc.? The ones that you never expected doing their jobs differently!

In 2023: Who has a job lined up for 2024 that will be even MORE SECURE? And more pay!

In 2023: Who wanted a job lined up that no one wanted but applied anyway?

In 2023: How many churches do you pray to, to be the best they can be? Be very honest.

In 2023: Why were many afraid of CRT? And banning books that ACTUALLY tell the truth?

In 2023: Juneteenth Day was on point again as a Federal Holiday. What was the reason yet again?

The EVs are coming up. Who bought one? Who still wants one to afford it?

In 2023: Who was not paying attention to the new stories of this blog? Better learn!

Don’t lie: who “migrated” out of Milwaukee in 2023 and moved to Atlanta or Texas just to get away from the racism, but only to realize that racism is everywhere? Like violence?

If many hated Church folks so much in 2023, why keep talking about it?!

CALLOUT – This needs to be asked EVERY YEAR: There has been this disdain that College is not for everyone. We have heard that. And there has been this talk about apprenticeships being better than college, it’s the job skills, not the education. Let me ask this: Can colleges/Universities and Apprenticeships come together and talk face to face to discuss what is needed to get to the part about the jobs after education? And feed it to the Alumni (especially those who graduated years ago and still haven’t found the right job) and Community? And stopping having this disdain for colleges isn’t a solution! For real, colleges can be a solution, but not the only solution! Just as the Military is not the only way, trades aren’t the only way. You need a combo package to discuss this ongoing subject!

*And for the record, I have nothing against apprenticeships or for those going for them. I am against the fact that they don’t talk to each other and find common ground.

Has Distance Learning or Virtual Classes or going virtual been respected this year, again?

If many did this in 2023: Resumes. Did many kill it for the job interviews?

By the time you read this, it will be day six of Kwanzaa. Who still doesn’t understand Kwanzaa?! Better learn!

Can someone explain again the bad connection between buying Christmas gifts, and Tax Time again?

In all of the 1,000 posts so far, what wasn’t mentioned?

In all of the 1,000 posts so far, what will I want to mention?

In all of the 1,000 posts so far, what must be mentioned by me?

In all of the 1,000 posts, what was learned from you?

In all of the 1,000 posts did anyone ever follow what else I had to say?

Which jobs ruled in 2023? The site jobs or the home jobs?

Who took the updated COVID Boosters? All of them. Not just one.

Which Wisconsin teams surprised many in 2023? Brewers, Packers, Badgers, or Bucks?

Milwaukee had 161 homicides in 2023. Can that be reduced even more in 2024?

Of all the folks who passed away this year, who was the main person who didn’t receive much recognition?

Of all the folks who were honored this year for their hard work, service work, or even milestone work, who didn’t get any recognition after their hard work?

Who has proudly quit their job in 2023, but not in a selfish way?

Who or what was EMBARRASSED Harshy or ATTACKED in 2023 that will not go away? And will it take a long time to heal?

Which reunions had to be canceled in 2023? Especially if it’s a milestone. Crazy!

What was the fuss when Rev. William Barber had to be removed by the police from that North Carolina Movie Theater?!!! Dumb!

Bonus Question: When I put on here about my Facebook Account being hacked, and my Stephen’s Spot Facebook Page being unpublished. I was worried. I was worried because something just wasn’t right in terms of communicating. When it came to my account being hacked, one of my listing friends who was traced back should have warned me ahead of time. And with my Stephen’s Spot FB Page declared unpublished, it had to be someone who wanted to get back at me for some stupid reason. Well, as they say in church, not today, Satan!!! NOT TODAY!!! Has anyone had that problem and had to go through hoops just to get the accounts back on track? But even though it was hard to get those back, I’ll say this for me: I’m not playing around ever again in 2024.

And this is the last question before the ball drops and clocks out for 2023: What will you carry into 2024 that you learned in 2023? Also, what will you NOT take into 2024 that you went through hellfire and brimstone in 2023?

Everything else remains to be seen.

Now: let’s go to the party.

Ride on.

Strap on your seat belt.

Let yourself go.

Kick butt and take names……er ideas.

Happy New Year!

Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

Before you unwrap your gifts: Scratching my head all this time before Christmas Day on Christmas Eve of 2023.

Okay……. It seems that the holiest of days is again upon us. We’re talking about Christmas Day. However, by the time you’re reading this, it’s Christmas Eve in the world today. And yes, like many others, you’re out shopping getting your gifts, and ready to get them wrapped. Or watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” or a movie called “The Night Before” or “Home Alone” or any other holiday movie of your choice with your family and friends in a semi-socially distant manner. But like anything else, even on the holiest night of the year, we still deal with the recent concerns and problems in the world. And, in America. And in our communities. And in our neighborhoods. So, as we celebrate Christmas 2023 tomorrow, most of you are already doing it now. Yes, it is the happiest holiest day of the year. But then again, while we are Zooming or Face Timing online with family, or placing a phone call, or trying to visit with the masks on in an unpredictable COVID-19 YET AGAIN, I’m scratching my head…

So, do the so-called “woke-conscious folks” still hate Christmas this badly all this time? What else is new? Grinches and spoilers and now Satanic Society Members?!

So far, President Joe Biden’s idea of Student Loans is on. So, to these so-called courts, what is really the problem? Explain.

For all the younger folks, I need to ask this question: Why do you pick on older folks who have physical media? What happens when the streaming stuff goes out, and you’re watching your favorite shows and freak out? Then what?

YET AGAIN: What is the REAL motive of folks not taking the COVID-19 vaccines?

Does supporting Black-owned media really support Black-owned businesses and organizations?

About Aquaman: yes or no at the theaters and streaming?

Who stays up and watches Christmas Mass every Christmas Eve? Even if you’re not Catholic or non-religious. Admit it, you like it.

The Eve before Christmas Eve is becoming a thing. Agree or disagree?

For the dieters, you know you can have a cheat day on Christmas Day. But the next day, you know you must go back to work on the first day of Kwanzaa, right?

Should “It’s a Wonderful Life” be revamped in a new era for today’s standards? It should! Especially around Black Families or any family with heartaches.

Time out: Who in America will not have a White Christmas due to unseasonable warmth? That may be odd for those who were looking forward to snow. Freaking El Nino.

Does online shopping have an effect or is shopping in-person better?

What can be the best Christmas for our youth and young adults in the community?

OK, confess in the confessional: who still watches the Hallmark Christmas Shows? Or even stream them religiously? Even though there are more diverse actors than before. Remember, there were not enough Black actors!

Run DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” is still a Christmas Banger for hip-hop. As well as TLC’s “Sleigh Ride”. Or Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” or even Vanessa Williams’s “What Child is This?” Add Kurtis Blow with “Christmas Rappin.” Are there any takers on the next in line? Who’s next on the menu, Coco Jones?

“Christmas In Hollis” Run DMC, 1987

For the old school: we know The Temptations, Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, and Darlene Love have those Christmas Classics on Seasonal Rotation. Any comments to share?

Since Christmas is on a Monday, and Christmas Eve just wrapped up on a Sunday afternoon and night, does it feel very well overall?

The hustle and bustle of gift stuff was a little more than last year as we know it currently. What made the difference? And what stayed the same? Take a wild guess.

Yo, Sagittarius folks: our season is over for the year, but we sling the arrows. Did we do well with our purple power?

Is anybody Zoom calling or doing virtual calls on Christmas Day as well as in person?

Will we get a Yule Log Video yet again all day on Christmas? Milwaukee is slowly getting used to this!

What is the one thing that gets folks going when Christmas instantly comes? Don’t just say the gifts!

When all the Christmas Stuff is done, on to the New Year, right? With Kwanzaa?

**TRIGGER WARNING** Speaking of Yule Logs with songs in the background, should there be a modern vibe of an idea using Black Christmas songs too? Just asking.

Which cities and towns still have a Christmas Parade and those that used to have them every year for a century?

What will top the gift list for Christmas 2024?

Next time, there must be fireworks on Christmas Day. Wait a minute, does this happen often?

Who do you think deserves the “Scrooge of the Season” Award of 2023? I say Moms for Liberty.

Since Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” has been remade so many times since 1843, which one stands out the most?

Wait a minute: should all be mad at this? As many have seen already, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden unveiled her White House Video featuring the tap dance group, Dorrance Dance from New York. The music in the background was composed by the late great Duke Ellington and titled: “Dance of the Floreadores (Waltz of the Flowers)” So again, what’s the problem?!!!

“MAGA HOLIDAY MELTDOWN”; Roland Martin Unfiltered, 2023

CALLOUT: If Christmas is a so-called “Pagan Holiday”, have any of you looked at the history of your Birthdays or Anniversaries lately? Yes, those days!

For this Christmas: many of us did the color scheme of Green and Red. What will be the color scheme of many in 2024?

After this Christmas is done, are we really going to get back to normal with the ongoing lurking of COVID every day? If folks get tested and/or VACCINATED!

What is the new tradition for Christmas to add on for many?

Can Christmas 2023 be a turning point of greater possibilities for the next? Even if you don’t believe in the birth of Santa? Yeah, I said it!

Which Christmas Decors will make the list for 2024?

QUESTION: Why do many folks still have an issue with this: “Merry X-Mas”. You know that the X is NOT STAMPING OUT CHRIST! The letter “X” as many know is the unknown. Nobody knows when Jesus was born. EDUCATION IS SO NEEDED! And yet many folks who complain the most are Christian. Even non-Christians are complaining. That’s right, I said it!

Coming up, what will make the list for 2024? Think hard here! It’s been a hard look to think about.

HOLD UP WAIT A MINUTE: What was the top gift to get for 2023 that was NOT even thought about that many had on their minds since the season began. You know that gift that many wanted, and it was all over the websites, social media, the news cycles, and others. And it’s not in competition on the religious angle respectfully.

Tell me this, what was the best Christmas Day that many remember the most without getting into trouble? Older folks should know this.

For those who are having a Blue Christmas, my sympathies. No matter what you lost, or who you lost, what lessons do you have to help those who have been in your situations of job loss, death of a loved one, or even financially?

Remember back in the day when Christmas Catalogs were the best to have? You young folks of Generation Z and Millennials don’t know this option.

So: Is the Amazon Movie, Candy Cane Lane a well-done movie?

And the last question to ask: will many of you take this Christmas holiday and build up to the next holiday as being the folks that will use it to give more than your usual? Donations, volunteers, help those find a job, health, and wellness, you know the usual with upgrades!

So, with that being said: May ALL of you the readers of Stephen’s Spot have a blessed, safe, and cool Merry Christmas!

Here is a Christmas Classic from the 1990s: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” By Kenny G. Enjoy!

Also, from the 1990s: Boyz II Men, singing “Let it Snow” from their Album, “Christmas Interpretations”, 1993.