Scratching my head all this time: Before you unwrap your Christmas gifts.

Okay. It seems that the holiest of days 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 probably out shopping getting your gifts, ready to get them wrapped. Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” or a movie called “The Night Before” or “Home Alone” or any other holiday movie of your choosing with your with your family and friends. But like anything else even on the holiest night of the year, we still deal with concerns and problems in the world. And also in America. And in our communities. And in our neighborhoods. So as we celebrate Christmas 2019 tomorrow, most of you already right now. Yes it is the happiest holiest days of the year. But then again, I’m scratching my head….

So the woke conscious folks hate on Christmas this badly all this time? What else is new?

Question: why do people get offended with the “X” in Merry Christmas? Many already didn’t know that the X is the UNKNOWN! Go back to your Roman Numerals from History Class! And futhermore, no one really knows when Jesus was born anyway. Let that sink in.

Who really deserves a Christmas holiday? Those who have everything or those who have nothing to share or to comment or to explain to get mad?

Yes we all know that Christmas is not the same for us older folks. But why do the older folks have to spoil the fun for the young to enjoy their first or some 18th or 12th Christmas as a child? Many of you are just bitter! Let them have their fun. For now.

Did Eddie Murphy brought it on SNL?

For us the Introverted, are we holding up our end of the deal with some quiet time in between breaks? We know us!

Okay truth-tellers and woke folks: can you really explain to me exactly what truth lies within Christmas being as a “pagan holiday?” If Christmas is supposed to be a so-called pagan holiday, do you think your birthdays/anniversaries are pagan holidays too? Yeah, follow that! Is Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Marcus Garvey Day a Pagan Day? Don’t get me started!

Of all the old School Christmas jams: Which sticks out the most? No matter if it’s soul, R&B, Rock, Jazz, or Hip Hop? You already know!

So, what was the best gift to give for your kids for Christmas of 2019? And for the Adults what was the best tech gadget? Or woman’s gift, for Christmas of 2019 that you may have missed or didn’t know about?

For many of us who are experiencing a “Blue Christmas”, that means that there is someone who used to sitting in the chair or at a table spot that is very empty is no longer with us. So the big question is what will be the ultimate opportunity to not only to try to move forward, but try to build new ideas for new traditions with the Christmas holiday?

Okay this needs to be asked: How was the new Star wars movie? Don’t say nothing here!

For us in the Midwest, we are having a foggy Christmas Eve. And also a mild Christmas Day. Everybody in Milwaukee has a Harley out with a Golf Game?

Back in the day, sitting in front of a TV with the commercials on. Now who remembers the real Classic Christmas commercials that used to get you in the mood for the spirit of the holiday, and also the future of the presents to be opened?

Who’s ready for the TV Yule log on Christmas morning? All day until about 6 p.m.? If not, you still have the Google Fireplace.

I need to know this question. How you going to top Christmas in 2020?

Word on the street, or in the neighborhood, or in the world that one of the cathedrals in France may not have a Christmas Eve Mass for the first time in 200 plus years. That’s like a long streak being broken. Any other Cathedral or Church experienced that?

Next week in 2020, January 1st: can the Badgers ACTUALLY WIN THE ROSE BOWL?!

Milwaukee in years past had great Christmas decoration things. Who wants to see them back?

Has anyone ever got tired of the Hallmark Christmas shows yet?

Oh I see that the other channels have Christmas shows out. Now you know have to realize that other channels like BET or TVONE have their Christmas Specials on lockdown like crazy?

For the Jewish readers, How is your Hanukkah going?

Is it time to do a modern version of the following movies like It’s a Wonderful Life? Even in today’s times of the so-called woke and consciousness of darn near everything?

Here’s a question also and this may kind of hurt: How is because that Churches are not scratching the surface enough of the real meaning of Christmas as much as everyone else?

Bonus question to ask on this Christmas Eve: And I know many of you have probably seen this movie. Who really got scared of FX’s version of A Christmas Carol? That right there, was THE CHRISTMAS CAROL! It was not your Grandpa’s or Grandmother’s Version. It wasn’t the fuzzy warm version like Mickey or Bugs Bunny. The BBC and FX went so DEEP! That was a Dickens!

Does feeling nostalgic at Christmas all day really bringing back those memories? And if so how will it go for the next era?

Okay this needs to be asked to what was the purpose of 45 have to implement the thing called the “Space Force?” Really?

For 2020, I hope the Democrats get a real Christmas present by being hard on 45 for next year. Can they actually make this happen without beating each other up like the royal rumble?

BEFORE YOU VOTE: Have you checked your Voter Stats lately?

Before this year is over, and I know many of us are going to be doing this a lot: What is going to be the best and worst of 2019 that you want to forget, pass, and not to move forward?

I don’t know about you, but when Christmas comes, does anyone’s mind wonders off and forgetting about the day and time? And no, there is no weed or alcohol.

Do people really seriously wake up about 3 in the morning for opening the presents?

Should Black Milwaukee do a story of the history of Christmas in their household traditions?

Optional question: who traditionally goes to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? And then to the house and CHILL?

The Milwaukee Bucks went hard on Christmas Day vs the Knicks last year. Could they do the same vs the Sixers this year?

PACKER BACKERS! We got the NORTH! But we know it’s not enough. What is enough you asked? You already know!

Rumor has it the Christmas garland represents a symbol of a snake going around a tree. Now I need to know this serious question and I know a lot of you on Facebook have probably asked this question or read you some what statement on the question with all those memes: Where is the actual proof of reference? This is really a fault on our Education!

For my Sagittarius folks, did we had a good season that made our Birthdays good? Sling the arrows all the way!

There’s always a War on Christmas. Why?!!!!

More and more people have actually spent money on Christmas day than any other day of the whole year. Why is that?

So the Christianity Today is now against the words of Trum….I mean 45. Where have they been at?!!

Should every holiday be a Christmas Day in it? Easy question to spoil.

Why do people get tired on Christmas Eve anyway? You know it’s good exercise! You know, walking and junk.

And one final question to ask: who still does display Black Santas on the front lawn or in this case having a Black Santa/Mrs. Claus teaming up at the Malls and schools? Oh yeah, there are Black Santa everywhere. Even as displays in the house. Just like the white ones.

So with that: Merry Christmas everybody! Now you may unwrap your gifts.

Scratching my head all this time: The Thanksgiving Edition.

By now, you had the turkey. You had the dressing. You had the cranberry sauce, vegetables, and pie. You’re probably stuffed with all the food. And yes, you probably went to a late night club and got started by shaking down those pounds, carbs and calories. Of course, that’s what Thanksgiving would do to you you fill up and you got to lose weight! Hopefully many of you have had a blessed Thanksgiving, a blessed time with your families and friends and strangers probably came in and see you have something to eat. And hopefully that maybe you’ll do the same thing for the upcoming Christmas season. And of course we have to talk about politics, 45’s crappy stuff, the ongoing problems and concerns about black neighborhoods, churches being so hypocritical, (which partially the good ones can stay afloat) and also your basic everyday road rage and folks driving to crazy and asking the same by the question what is your problem? And just the ad more walls and joys and concerns of holiday employment. Yes if you have not guessed it Christmas is coming. But guess what? I’m scratching my head again.

How thankful are really the things you have already, and willing to go for?

Question for Milwaukee, now we all know that mayor Tom Barrett it’s going to put his seat on the line for the fifth time. But the big question is will he able to retain it with the likes of Lena Taylor and Tony Zielinski. Plus voters that may or may not favor him?

Is the Milwaukee Streetcar really that pointless?! After one year?!

Okay this needs to be asked, which relative really sparked that conversation that you did not want to talk about at the dinner table on Thanksgiving?

You know this is going to happen which came first your football game or Macy’s Parade?

Milwaukee: the Brewers now has a new logo, as a matter of fact: they have brought back the old ball/glove logo that has been slightly enhanced for the ball club’s upcoming 50th season next year. Yes the Brewers are turning 50. Will this next era bring a thing called a Championship?

Already, the 2010s decade is vastly closing real soon, What was your best moment?

Okay this needs to be asked again: which families do and do not use canned cranberry sauce?

For those who may have been “triggered” on Thanksgiving, you probably read about the Indians being murdered after a church service on Sunday morning. And for those of you who probably have never had a chance to re-read the question you might have been triggered all the wrong questions. Did any of us ever had the chance to research the truth?

Which of you Facebook and Instagram users were so scared and worried about the transmissions being almost cancelled on Thanksgiving?

Who was not prepared for the “onslaught” on Black Friday?

For people who drive so stupid in Wisconsin roads, Wisconsin streets, Milwaukee areas, and I know who I’m talking about, when someone is trying to make a turn, or coming out the driveway, coming out of the garage , why do you honk your horn so bad? That right there is going to make you look stupid and irritated. Don’t be surprised if cars come equipped with cameras so they can record your every single driving mode get your license plate and check you. And by the way, that idea is coming for me in 2020 for my cars. Just wait. I’m not playing!

Is Black Friday really worth shopping nowadays?

For the sake of those asking and this is the only question asking why is it that a TV is mentioned on Black Friday the most? As everybody knows.

Right now, the Hallmark channel has it’s Christmas movies playing. And many of us are still wondering why. But you know something, BET, TVOne, and other channels have Christmas movies too. Can you check out those?

For all of my introverted readers, can any of us relate to this?

Attention Black Friday shoppers don’t mean to ask this but, you will be hearing this from your pastor on Sunday. Don’t get triggered because you know it’s the truth. Am I wrong or right?

Is the pressure of the WWE is really building from AEW wrestling?

For all of my UPS, FedEx, USPS, and many other delivery package drivers this holiday season take a look at this:

Now you really have to ask this one question, what kind of mess and crap is this? and the thing is the woman on the video had some crack was on drugs by the way claiming that her car was broken into so many times on outside of a house. Anything is try that turn into racism is really stupid. I hope that no black driver or driver helper this holiday season coming out should not want not and will not go through that type of stupid remarks of racism and many other factors. And this is one of the main reasons why race is still on the deck of the topics of tables in American households, classrooms, churches, the dinner table, the neighborhoods, the malls, the restaurants, and many other places we go and spend our money every single day. They say that the holiday supposed to bring up the good folks in everybody, but I have to remember they can bring out the worst in people too, and this is not about losing folks to death. Even racism place apart around this season especially for those who are trying to do some good deeds by deliver packages to houses or businesses every single day. And don’t assume that the influence of 45 is afoot.

For Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday, which is the best small business you go to support every single day?

For Cyber Monday, which online store you support the most everyday? and don’t assume it’s always Amazon.

For Giving Tuesday, which companies or donations you support the most? As in idea: DONATE TO YOUR ALUMNI!

Milwuakee, it was so naked without our former traditional Christmas Parade that lasted for so long. What will it take to get a new tradition like that to stick for another Generation?

Speaking of “the current Generation that doesn’t want to go on” what is up with Milwaukee restauruant Vitucci’s closing up after 85 years?

Now for you Millennials and Generation Z folks: What is up with this #OKBoomer mess? If any generation can go one on one the most, is Generation X.

For my Live Streaming Folks and I know you got this: Christmas is coming and I’m looking for a gift to save money and get the best live streaming device on the market. I’m looking at Amazon Firesticks, Roku, Android TV JetStream devices and that’s it. So I’m asking all of you, which is the best one you think is the best to buy? Drop a comment in the box or on Facebook.

Sometimes football players make bonehead moves. Myles Garrett. And also this Ole Miss Player, Elijah Moore after making a play, made a dog peeing gesture and costed him and the team the game vs Mississippi State. What was the point of that dumb move?

You know the Milwaukee Bucks are RED HOT right now. How far will they go for another playoff run?

So far, the Green Bay Packers had 8 victories and 3 losses. But this last loss vs a different San Francisco Team gave the Green and Yellow a worst L on the record. The last time they played the 49ers: Colin Kaepernick was playing and won 17-3. Yeah Niners, the Pack won that one. But December is coming and the team usually comes out firing the Big Guns the most in the birthday month of Aaron Rodgers. And mine. Will the Packers make a statement and bust out the guns again in the 12th Month?

And so far, the Wisconsin Badgers are undefeated at the Battleground. And they must go for the Axe vs Minnesota. I think the Badgers must use this as a chance to get redemption vs the Golden Gophers after this ugly L in the Mad City last year:

Will they do this? And keep in mind, it’s not the same Badgers team like last year.

In the next 8 months, Milwaukee will be home of the DNC Convention. Is the Brew City/Cream City really ready for full tilt in Democratic Blue?

For you non Milwaukeeans, yes we’re also called Cream City. Not because of cows or milk. It’s really because of the buildings that have a creamy look on them that blend in. Who knows? And you know why the Milwaukee Bucks have “Cream City” on the jerseys?

How about this interview between the Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin? Very interesting to see on the WWE Network!

Is the confidence of Christmas still an all time high? Not weather wise I should say.

Just to add also, TV One is doing at Family Matters Reunion all weekend long. Yes, nothing but Urkel all day and night. Who’s watching?

If the decade of the 2010s were to end today, what would have been the worst and best moment? I’ll also save that next month.

CALLOUT: Black people: why do you still put a pic of White Jesus on your Facebook pages? Knowing the fact you know better that Jesus WAS BLACK! Speaking of “slave mentality” and “being on the plantation”.

Black People: you do realize that there is an African Heritage Study Bible that really details the truth in biblical times?

Uh-oh: there are names being purged from the voting records. You voters better get to your Election Offices to make sure you are straight with your voter statuses! Now will you be ready when the voting year comes?

All this technology stuff and google searches, and you can’t really read certain books?

And the last thing to ask: After all this weekend of Black Fridays in all, and the racism, and the good things to happen yet to come, what will the 12th month bring and to make sure that you stay afloat?

In the meantime: Happy Thanksgiving!

Be Thankful: the 2019 Edition that still lingers EVERYDAY!

Here are the rules: Everyone knows how this goes yet again. And it’s really simple. No need to link or google or even #Hashtag. Today, many around the country and in the household or other areas, we Americans will be celebrating that holiday of food called Thanksgiving. From the Parades to the NFL Games, Dog Shows, or other new traditional ideas that will boost the food day. And yes, there will be us going out to the clubs and shaking off the pounds to get loose for Christmas. Or staying home for the house parties. Or just now, folks going shopping. Really?!

And yes, there will be constant reminders of the horrors that our Native American brothers and sisters will not participate in this Thanksgiving Day due to the killing of their ancestors outside of a church on a Sunday morning many moons ago. Henceforth, The National Day of Mourning. We know this. And our Native brothers/sisters are marking 50 years of that horrible reminder that is constantly missed in our schools. It actually happened.

But this holiday, yes does have the two words of Be Thankful for the things and ideas we already have. So here in its 12th Anniversary tradition, here is another traditional Stephen’s Spot Thanksgiving Blog of “Be Thankful”. Break out the tablets, Smartphones, PC’s or laptops. Start reading!

If you have a GOOD PAYING job that is good for you and it pays well for you or family, be thankful.

If you don’t have a job and still looking and STILL not quitting by going to the job fairs or making connections, be thankful!

If you have good insurance, either health, auto, home, vision, or dental STILL be thankful.

If you have a good car or truck that gets you to work every day, and still runs well with or without repairs, be thankful.

If you have a new home, or fixing up your old home, or investing in a home you grew up in and not selling it to those who want to rent out, but want it for life even more: BE THANKFUL!

If you FINALLY have a good doctor or you still don’t have one, but still want to get that monkey (and constant NAGGING) off your back, STILL be thankful about improving your health. And STILL trying. Take your time!

Now I need to say this: If you found out that you have a chronic illness like Diabetes, and you had a devastating moment of asking why it happened and didn’t have the words. But also you had conversations and online postings about those who have it already and knows the feelings of the battles, and you learn from them and they can inspire you to be better and get with the program of what they know, and still believe that it’s possible that you control diabetes and not let it get the best of you. In this month of National Diabetes Awareness Month: BE THANKFUL that you have a support system that can back you up. STICK WITH THE PLANS!

If you have a cool dentist and he or she is good and professional, be thankful.

Like any year, if you have lost any loved one this year or years past, and still feel down that the space is empty or the chair is empty, and you want to fill it up with a new generation of family members that want to pull ahead, even close friends, we must try to be thankful to carry on. It’s hard, but we must. I still miss my father, and like last year, my Thanksgiving will be different without him.

If you had folks praying for you all year for all the things you’ve been experienced no matter good or bad, be thankful that there are folks that know, and are in your corner.

If you are expecting a raise in 2020 and will be getting it, be thankful!

Do you still love your gifts and talents that are unappreciated? And still, do them all the time? Be thankful!

If you still got your parents and/or relatives as your back up, be thankful that they still care.

If you had a sibling in the freaking hospital more than once, who is being taken care of and heard good news about coming home, and I know this AGAIN: STILL BE THANKFUL!

Got any good neighbors that know you no matter how long? Be thankful.

Met any new neighbors lately? Be thankful.

Moved to a different city recently that you feel is best? Be thankful.

Moved back to a city that is best? Be Thankful.

Got a good plan to get that next step in your career, or a different career, and a mindset? Be thankful.

For all of my church folks: if you want your Church to succeed despite those want it to fail due to jealousy, BE THANKFUL that you are willing to fight!

If your birthday or anniversary is coming up or it already happened, be thankful!

If you are STILL very introverted and darn proud of it, and not ashamed to tell about it or embrace it, be thankful!

Single and not in a relationship? Be thankful.

Married with or without kids? Be thankful.

Single and no kids? Be thankful.

Single with kids? Be Thankful.

Divorced? Be thankful.

You still have a church home that you stay and willing to have your kids to grow IN THE CHURCH? Be thankful.

If you have been given a side gig, and love it to be paid with that cash money or checks, no matter what it is, be thankful.

Men, did you celebrate International Men’s Day in #Movember? Be Thankful!

Got a good pet or know a pet that knows you well? Be thankful.

If you STILL give back to your community, your Alumni, your Church, your Scholarship Committees, your Fraternity, your Sorority, your Unions or other groups that have been treating you good all this time, be thankful!

If you STILL appreciate the value of your former teachers or coaches, or former principals, of anyone that knew your value of education, be thankful.

If you put in the work to show up at your meetings even if you see the same people time after time, be thankful!

If you can’t wait to eat the meal that gives you life, be thankful you can still eat the grub.

Still avoiding fake news? Be thankful. They suck.

If you read the old blogs that I can’t control the reading, but still want to read what I want to say regardless from my black point of view, be thankful! Not just for me, but for you.

If you STILL got stuff in your house that you want to give away, be thankful. Somebody will take it.

Still fighting Racism, White Supremacy, Sexism, and others? – Be Thankful.

Got a good business handy? And it’s good for you to make that money like Uber or Lyft or It Works? Hey, be thankful!

If you switch your career to a new company in the past year or will go to a new company to come, be thankful!

Own a business? Got your own time schedule? Invested in a product or material that worked? Be thankful.

If you got many reachable sources to give, or to provide, or to share, or to support, and it’s really catching on, you better be thankful!

If you are planning to vote in 2020, be thankful! Get your ballots ready.

If you are looking forward to another holiday weekend of fun, be thankful.

If you are NOT shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend Black Friday outdoors in the woods or parks, Be Thankful! It’s a release to avoid a violent backlash.

If you are not shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend your cash at a local business, or on Cyber Monday, be thankful.

If you are donating to your favorite charity on Giving Tuesday, Be thankful!

If you can’t wait to finally deck your halls for Christmas or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, AFTER Thanksgiving (some of you did it ahead of time) Be Thankful.

If you criticized 45 for his “horrible so-far job” as President and his tweets, REALLY BE THANKFUL!

If you are breathing right now normally and woke up: be thankful.

If you were removed from a company that had you started in the game, then a rift in Management occurred, but went to another company that is good so far, BE THANKFUL!

If many in the black community have black pride PLUS Melanin Responsibility to uplift our black people without sarcasm and forced stuff, BE THANKFUL!

Now I have to say this: if many have given back to our Veterans or supported our military while on duty, be thankful!

If you are apart of the American Legion and have been celebrating 100 years of it’s existence, and still give back and inspiring those to join up in the Legion, Auxiliary (even now that Husbands can join) the Sons and Legion Riders, I want say yes, BE THANKFUL!

If you are walking tall real good, be thankful.

If you are expecting a really good breakthrough like this year or next month, BE THANKFUL!

If you still condemn any racist act on the internet, social media, at your job, or in the house, your church demoninaton, or in the neighborhood, or any act of disrespect, forced patriotism, and you had to write letters of complaints to a certain company, STILL be always thankful to get your voice heard! Put the pressure on them on not coming back!

If you are upgrading your house to be better, be thankful!

If you got a plan to take a vacation, be thankful.

If you still got your old game systems on a Throwback Thursday and if they still work, be thankful!

If you still listen to your old school joints on your radio, or maybe some new school material, be thankful.

NOTE: For my readers that had to go through hell with school shootings, and still feeling hopeless. I want you all to understand that it’s a hard Thanksgiving Day for you as we know. But in a sense, you should be thankful that you can rebuild. And BE EXTRA THANKFUL that yet, you are still living! And be EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA THANKFUL that a breakthrough is coming for the better!

If you are a conscious-minded person, a defensive-minded person that you know is best, for your own opinions and viewpoints without any harm or hurtful feelings towards humanity, be thankful!

For my Sagittarius readers: guess what? Our season is back! Are we thankful, now? (SAGS RULE!)

And finally: If I missed anything that many have thought about, and it’s good: we all should be and forever so thankful that we must march on. Like they say at the black funerals: It’s already been said. It’s already done.

Happy Thanksgiving!

#BeThankful

A Blog Letter Once more: To the Veterans of the U.S.

By now, Veterans Day weekend has come and gone, and yet we still appreciate. This Veterans Day marked the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion. That’s 1919 you know. Likewise like many, there are Veterans that are or were not appreciated for their service being skipped over or whatever. Regardless of the dilemmas and the regardless of opinionated thoughts, Veterans you are still appreciated! So in the ongoing honor of this Veterans Day, here is a blog letter for you.

And if you are a Veteran that likes what I write here or the comments on the Stephen’s Spot on WordPress Facebook Page or the Stephen’s Spot Twitter Page, I thank you. It’s only the beginning. Again!

Dear Veterans (and Veteran families) of the United States of America:

It’s me Stephen, a son of a late Vietnam Veteran that served proudly.

Yes, this weekend was and is your weekend. I have 4 words to share for this holiday weekend of yours: Reclaim your Veterans Day! Christmas maybe coming real quick, and Thanksgiving is next to come, but still reclaim your time! I sampled again that from the infamous Congresswoman Maxine Waters who kept constantly saying, “reclaiming my time” over and over again. But seriously, Vets it’s your time again to reclaim the holiday that is meant for you. This is your time to take the heart of this occasion to summarize all of the war stories, the valor, the parades, service stories, lectures, and also experiences that many of you endured in uniform. Those of us that haven’t done the job, we go around that having the opinionated thought about wars and many others. Of course, we have that. But however, without the will of God and you guys, that would not be very possible. Many of you have your say of what you did and yes, your commentary is still and always valid.

But the game doesn’t stop there. Matter of fact, it goes on until the wheels fall off. Even it goes on every day at work, school, church, and leisure. Speaking of the challenges, last year it was an ongoing concern about our so-called president lagging behind when it becomes the statuses of our Veterans. And it’s related to the Department of the Veterans Affairs that many of them are not getting their VA cash due to the fact that it’s an IT issue. This year’s challenge is an everyday challenge in regards to your health, education, job search and most of all, the communities. Why do I say this? every week or month, I hear from Veterans all the time, especially African American Veterans that the issues of Jobs has been a concern. Matter of fact, it’s always been a concern either as a Veteran and as a non-veteran. Homelessness is also a concern, that no one wants to be homeless on any day. In Milwaukee today, there was an idea to build tiny homes that homeless vets can get into to get fed, clothed, and yes to get a new fresh start. The first time I’ve seen the Tiny Homes was in Racine County. But now I’m glad that the Homeless vets here the city can get that chance to reclaim their obligation to get back on their feet again to get going. Speaking of getting back on the feet again: I need to address a concern. Yes, this event is coming up in Milwaukee and it’s an annual tradition, the Milwaukee Veteran’s Day Parade is on November 16th, which is ahead of Thanksgiving and yet it’s in financial trouble. Yep another Milwaukee long traditional parade is in financial trouble due to lack of funding, and further more lack of interest. According to the Milwaukee Independent Website, this question popped up in a gasping thought:

“What does it say about the patriotism of Milwaukee and Waukesha corporations, and the general public interest, to actually honor its hometown veterans and active duty members, when a foreign company has to fund our local Veteran’s Day Parade to keep a half century tradition alive?“

Let me stop you right there: Heard of the company called “TransCanada?” This is the company that is out of CANADA that helped funded the Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade back in 2017, sometime after the Flag Protesting took place across the country. Way after Colin Kaepernick (who was born in Milwaukee) made his stance with the kneeling when the National Anthem was playing in the background. Note to those who may have forgotten, it was against police brutality. Not against the flag, the military, the veterans, or any thing other thing that utilizing the thought of expressing the ideal of patriotism. Also in the article: this was mentionted in regarding those complaining about high ticket prices, and expressing interests but didn’t show up:

“That was the question Milwaukee Independent asked in late October of 2017, during the NFL flag kneeling controversy. It came from the observation that members of the local community were willing buy expensive tickets and travel far to attend an outdoor entertainment event, and in an incidental moment show the measure of their patriotism by standing for a song that barely lasted a minute. However, those same people failed to make any time for a free event in their hometown to actually honor American heroes by simply showing up to wave and smile. “

Wait, so folks who had complained about expensive prices for a ticket per say and not showing up to a free event , kind of shows that there is cheapness in the observation. Does this remind you of something? Read this portion that supports the above statements:

Milwaukee Independent: What factors have you seen affect interest and attendance in Milwaukee’s Veterans Day Parade since you first started attending?

Mary Ann D’Acquisto: That is a very difficult question – we have always struggled with getting people to attend the event. We have tried to get the word out as best we could – press releases, posters, e-mail, Facebook, and such, but it was never enough. The first year we took over the event was 2001 and it was just post 9/11, so everyone was very patriotic and we had a huge crowd. In the 18 years since, we have seen less and less attend every year. I have heard many reasons from people for not attending, like ‘it is too cold, I take my kids to the Christmas parade instead, I don’t have any veterans in my family, I donate money to the veterans,’ and the list goes on. I don’t think people realize how much it means to many of our veterans to have a show of public support. When no one is on the street watching the parade it makes them feel as though they are forgotten.

Milwaukee Independent: Has the elderly condition of World War II veterans altered plans for the 2019 parade, and what will the new format look like?

Mary Ann D’Acquisto: Yes, 2019 is the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and many other major battles in WWII. Consequently the WWII veterans are our Special Guests of Honor for this year’s event. All veterans will be honored and participate, however the WWII vets are our featured guests. In the traditional parade format – veterans are outside for almost 4 hours and the last several years the weather has been less than favorable. That lead us to plan an event that was warmer and drier with more indoor time for our veterans.

The agenda for the day is as follows, this is open to the public: November 16 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. 0900: Displays – military related groups and a special WWII display and performances by some of our favorite parade units. 1030 – Memorial Service. Veterans Day Parade will consist of an Honor Walk and Motorcade, it will not be the traditional 1.5 mile parade route. 1100 – Honor Walk to let our veterans know how much we appreciate them as they parade from the War Memorial over the Mason Street Bridge to Prospect Avenue. 1200 – Veterans Motorcade leaves the War Memorial to take our veterans to a reception at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino. Motorcade Route – leaves Prospect and Mason and heads west down Wisconsin Avenue to 6th Street, south on 6th Street to Canal Street, west on Canal Street to Potawatomi.

The veterans will have their coffee and donuts indoors at the War Memorial and can watch the performances from inside the building. The reception and luncheon for veteran participating in the Honor Walk will be at Potawatomi this year, so that we can have a sit down lunch where there is more room. Also, everyone can watch a documentary we are putting together profiling some of our local WWII veterans.

Milwaukee Independent: For the veterans who participate in the parade each year, what do they enjoy most about the experience?

Mary Ann D’Acquisto: The general consensus is the camaraderie of everyone being together – whether at the breakfast, parade, or luncheon. I do know, however, it has been very disappointing for them to see less and less people coming to the parade to cheer them on.

Ok, let’s stop right there. What you just saw is a portion of the interview that the Milwaukee Independent did with organizer, Mary Ann D’Acquitsto who has held the event in the city for the last 18 years. The organization is overseen by the company called, “Honor Our Military, Inc”. Which has been the nucleus of keeping things in order in the traditional Veterans Day Parade. This parade, or celebration has been going on for nearly 56 years. Which is almost a long time of honoring veterans here in Milwaukee. No matter which war campaign or era. But now in the area, and after this news hitting the fan, guess what? This parade will be on the list like the City of Festivals Parade, Milwaukee Christmas Parade, and The Great Circus Parade all faded out because of lack of money. And to think about it, when the parades was making money in all, guess what? there were more folks in the Milwaukee Area! But overtime, many folks left Milwaukee. The businesses that used to be supporters of the parade, also left Milwaukee. But a few came back. As far as financial support, guess what again, that ties into the businesses. And many also don’t know how the parade process works in terms of money! You got to have sponsors, company backers, a route, the participants, permits, and etc. That’s what it takes. And sadly a lot of folks here in Milwaukee as sad as I hate to say: THEY DON’T KNOW MUCH! They don’t! Oh, when I was reading the comments about this story, specifically from one commenter on Facebook who is “still serving” puts the blame on Tom Barrett in regarding the Streetcar, the DNC Convention and many others that are deemed “liberal”. That’s kind of false. I think the writing was on the wall that had nothing to do with the streetcar nor the convention. Blame it on the lack of knowledge and financial backing that the city encountered in the last 18 years. Blame it on that! There is your reason! Or many might say, oh it’s because Milwaukee is “hyper-segregated”. The only parades left in Milwaukee are the Memorial Day Parade, Juneteenth Day Parade, the Milwaukee LGBT Parade, a Labor Day Parade, and that’s it. No other parades not on the radar. Many of you reading this might be shocked nor surprised. It’s the truth! Matter of fact, continue to read the story and see for yourself.

Now many might say after reading this, “Oh Milwaukee doesn’t care about it’s Veterans. They might support a Trolley or a DNC Convention, or that new Bucks Playhouse called the Fiserv Forum, but won’t lift a finger or pulling the level to acknowledge our Veterans that gave so much to service.” To quote Daniel Bryan: FICKLE! How many here in Milwaukee ACTUALLY acknowledges our Veterans in the City? Even if you do support the Streetcar, Lead Water Prevention talks, Jobs, Black Lives, Health Stats of the Flu, combating racism, Men’s Movember, or the DNC Convention? How many here in Milwaukee ACTUALLY has organizations or local churches that supports and appreciates the valor of Veterans annually? What about everyday? Do you realize that there is void in the city that African-American Veterans aren’t acknowledged enough like the white counterparts that served? Come on now! I know this is Veterans Day respecting the Vets in all, but this stuff is EVERYDAY when many are not organizing. My home church, just recently just celebrated it’s 14th Anniversary in Milwaukee in honoring veterans in the congregation and it’s a BLACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH! IN MILWAUKEE! Somebody say AMEN! I’m just keeping it real! Veterans, I love y’all but I’m just saying!

Veterans: yes your day and weekend of appreciation will be concluded, but your ongoing ideas and services on this side, will still continue. Like last year, I hinted again that you need to connect with the younger veterans who are currently starting out and settling in after their service. Many of you probably have that idea in mind. Continue to do so! Direct some ideas for them to get started through programs like the American Legion, the VA or any other organization that attracts them to support and get involved.

And one more thing: Young Vets: I need to say this again, you need to respect the OG’s that came before you. It may not be pretty, but like I always suggest that it takes respect to get respect. They are the Military Elders and been in the game longer than you! I’m just saying. As always yes, the non-vets can hear and receive advice from you about your ideas to continue our cause as we move forward. No matter if it’s a job, community time in the church, health, wellness, counseling, or any other idea that is able to do, hey we would welcome and respect it. If I were running a company or a division in a company, yes I would hire veterans in a heartbeat. Why you ask? Since many of you been in places that many of us have seen on TV, why not you? Just asking. No need to go further!

And finally, I realized that the entire month of November is “National Military Veterans and Families Month”. Or National Veterans Month. And it should be. Matter of fact that should have been on Obama’s watch. I know, it was 45’s crazy thing. But however that’s not the case. What is the case that this gives us a chance to have more appreciations, admiration of valor, celebrations and more ways to do Outreach to all of you. Regardless of your service and past duties.

So……To all the Veterans that got the welcome treatment: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that never got the welcome treatment but got it in small appreciative tokens of appreciations later on: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans who are homeless and still keeping hope alive for the better: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were forgotten or being left out: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were never acknowledged for their service of any kind, but got acknowledged later on: Never Forget.

To all the WWII Vets: Never Forget.

To all the Korean War Vets: Never Forget.

To the families of WWI: Never Forget.

To the Vietnam Veterans and families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Grenada, Beirut, & the Cold War, and Families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Families: Never Forget.

And yes….to the upcoming Veterans and families of Current war on Terror/Iraqi Freedom/etc. – Never Forget!

Additionally: To all the Women Veterans that blazed new paths and set new tones: Never Forget.

To all the Male Veterans: even though you have long historical experiences in the war in uniform, still never forget!

To all of my African-American Veterans: Historically, African-Americans have been in every conflict of wars since the beginning. Even when fighting for the flag and the country that didn’t want them due to race. These are facts, not alternative opinions altered by anyone political. Even with all this: I say NEVER FORGET!

And to all those of other ethnic Veterans ranging from the Indigenous to the European and all: yes, you too should Never Forget!

Never forget your time, Veterans. You have earned the stripes and flowers. Reclaim your Veterans Day!

Thanks to you of all what you accomplished.

Sincerely,

Stephen

Scratching my head all this time: Before Halloween 2019 begins….again.

Well Happy Halloween viewers. Unleash the cauldron! Before you go ghost this year, no I was not quitting. Sure I had to take a break to relax the mind, but I had to be in sync about the issues, concerns and problems that many of us still face today. Oh yes, the cauldron still bubbles. Everything from 45’s wacky results of the world, the uses of Century City due to the fact of a business coming to site, the whole world doesn’t trust the United States, Packers going ok, Badgers need to work it out, snow comes early, dead rising from the grave, dog and cats living together…….ok that didn’t actually happen, but with the closing of the 10th month coming along with our annual awareness reminders……I’m scratching my head again.

For you Simpsons fans, did the Treehouse of Horror XXX actually delivered?

Does Michael Jackson’s Thriller still delivers? Even though that it’s the only Halloween Themed Song like forever in the minds of many? Yall don’t do the Monster Mash?

Here is a fear thought, is the fear of setting your clocks back one hour is a pain? Here we go again as the sky gets dark very early after 4pm.

CALLOUT: How is Halloween is supposed to be “the devil’s holiday” knowing that any day in the 12 months can be devilish?

For you wrestling fans: who’s winning the Weekly Wrestling War? WWE NXT or AEW Dynamite?

Word is that the ratings for both Raw and Smackdown are not doing well. So……what needs to be done, wrestling fans?

You realize that “harvest” means to bring in, right?

You realize that All Hallow’s Eve leads into All Saints Day?

Who in Milwaukee remembers this Halloween commercial?

Who remembers in Milwaukee that the Pabst Mansion was a site of the haunted house in the city?

When is House of the Dead Overkill coming to the Switch? Come on, man!

Before October is over, did every woman (and man) wore pink for Breast Cancer Awareness?

Before October is done, how many of us wore purple for Domestic Violence Awareness?

And when October is done, how many of us ever forget that BULLYING is still a problem? Knowing that October is Bullying Awareness Prevention Month.

After the 31st: you ready for another round of applying for your medical insurance in November? Oh you know it’s coming!

Last week, we lost unceremoniously, Congressman Elijah Cummings. Who was no push over, and always TOLD THE TRUTH! He was not a pushover. If many need to study and follow up on him, you better do it now. Matter of fact, who wants to come up and follow his ideas to actually lead for the next era of politics?

For the record: Men two things to ask – you ready for the ever nagging stuff of “Movember” of going to the doctors again? Oh who’s really ready for International Men’s Day on November 19th? Don’t act like you forgot already!

Is Kanye West’s Jesus Is King Album really making a statement? First 15 years ago he came out with Jesus Walks, then making Yeezus, now this. What’s his angle besides him making it with the MAGA Hats. Oh you know he is.

This just in: we lost John Whitherspoon. You know the man that says BANG! BANG! BANG! Come on now, you knew him as Pops. Right?

The first anniversary of the Milwaukee Streetcar is coming up, and yes it will be charged soon. Which company is coming up with the ideas? Oh, it’s still free to ride for now.

Milwaukee, we are now about 8 months of the DNC coming here next year in 2020. Are we still making plans?

Speaking of the Packers, who is buying the system of Matt LaFleur thus far?

Will Harriet be the movie that can deliver in time before Thanksgiving?

Is Terminator Dark Fate ready? And Linda Hamilton is the lead role once again as Sarah Connor. Like 35 years afterwards.

Remember this last year, Christians?  
ATTENTION ALL Christians and other so-so religious and not very religious, if you hate Halloween so much, you do realize it means “Holy Evening”, right? Do your homework! Not that commercialized version. You know what it is! And the proper word is “All Hallows Eve.” The eve of Saints who have passed on. Go back to class!

For the Christian/Gospel crowds: why the diss of Kirk Franklin and what he had to say about the recent killings among African-Americans, knowlingly that the TBN and Dove Awards changed his acceptance Speech like twice?!!

Kirk Franklin Boycott – 2019

How many of you Black Pastors/Evangelists/Christian Artists that got fueled by the Christian Networks can actually FUND YOUR OWN Network?!

BREAKING NEWS: The Washington Nationals are now the World Series Champions. Now, who will they keep? They are the targets!

Will the Badgers Bounce back big time after the losses of Illinois and Ohio State?

Oooooh! For all you so-called woke folks, President Obama gave y’all the Shade of the 10’s Decade. He called you out big time. Especially to those wishing throwing stones like crazy. Are you crying yet?

So former VP Joe Biden is denied of Communion because his stance on abortion. Really?!!!

CALLOUT: This is very dumb and stupid: there was a thought that Strauss Brands was supposed to be built on the Century City site in Milwaukee. My childhood home is in that area of Lincoln Creek. However there were some protesters with signs like “STOP THE SLAUGHTER” written to counter the idea. So my question is to all those PETA related fools who have been falling for the Okie Doke: What is the real plan to get jobs in that area? Oh, and Khalif Rainey: what were you thinking?!!! Nobody cares about your vegan stance feelings!

So if every so-called VEGAN in Milwaukee hates meat so much, what is the endgame with folks LOOKING FOR JOBS that has nothing to do with you?!

Before Halloween ends, why does it go right into Christmas?!! Um……aren’t we forgetting about Thanksgiving?!!

Fight me on this: Here are my Top Ten Halloween Action Related movies that I watch every year the most:

1. The Crow
2. Ghostbusters (1984)
3. Jonah Hex/Planet Terror (tie)
4. Blade
5. Blade 2
6. Blade Trinity
7. Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
8. The Crow – City of Angels
9. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Halloween Boo!
10. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Halloween Boo 2!

What do you got?

For the record, AGAIN: why do folks DON’T trick or treat in their OWN neighborhoods?

For the record: if you are a teenager with no costume, why are you still getting candy?!! DUMB!

For the record: why are some of the Caucasians are still black facing around Halloween? And it continues EVERY TIME! Usually also around Black History Month.

So the Tent City Residents under the 794 Bridge in Milwaukee has to move out. And who’s picking up the tab to make sure that the homeless have a home to go to?

Since the Addams Family is back in theaters in a cartoonish version, who remembers the 90’s version?

There is an idea about having a National Trick-Or-Treating Day in American on the last Saturday in October. Even though it’s not etched in stone. Should there be a “National Trick-Or-Treating Day?” Even though some of us had it on Sunday after Church.

For All Saint’s Day, can we remember those who have died by serving the cause of Justice?

Milwaukee, what it up with these homicide murders?!!! And yet when the problems happen, we don’t go far enough. Why is that?!

So this is haunt-able and unfortunately it’s haunting everyday. Courtesy of WISN.com, they along with the source of 24/7 Wall Street Survey labeled 10 cities dangerous in America. And Milwaukee made the list at 9. So what’s the solution to being in these Dangerous Cities in all to curb the violence? Don’t say just move. It’s bad everywhere!

Wait: this is new. Fox 6 Milwaukee has a new studio look. When did this happened?! Now they getting all futuristic.

With Elvira is retired and Vincent Price being dead for so long, who is the next prince or princess of horror and scare for Halloween?

Is “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt the next Undertaker? Not by a long shot. But he’s coming along. Nobody can’t be the next Undertaker.

Which wrestling promotion should resurrect Halloween Havoc? WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling or ROH? Don’t choose all at once!

Who remembered when Brandon Lee’s last movie “The Crow” came out 25 years ago? Not the sequels but the original!

And the last question: Milwaukee we will end the month of October with snow on Halloween. Yes, SNOW! The first time it snowed it was in 1926. On Halloween! But for this, will the Monster Mash or the Thriller dance be good? Outside?

Well…Wake the spirits and rise to come. Happy Halloween!

My Take: On the On Wisconsin and Black Population.

Yes, for over 25 years I have been a backer for the Wisconsin Badgers. The first time that I visited or seen a Bucky football game live in Madison at the beloved Camp Randall Stadium was 1993. And yes there was a time that I witnessed the members of the UW Band at the then Milwaukee Holiday Parade (excuse me, The Milwaukee CHRISTMAS Parade) that were marching down the street near Wisconsin Avenue. And yes there was a time that NOBODY was feeling Wisconsin until that resurrection came in the 1990’s before the route to win 3 Rose Bowls, and seeing the legends like Darrell Bevell, Terrell Fletcher, Jamar Fletcher, Brooks Bollinger, Ron Dayne, Chris Chambers, Russell Wilson, Montee Ball, James White, and even soon to be legends like Jack Coan, Jonathan Taylor, Qunitez Cephus and many others that want to stamp their Badger name for life! And for basketball I’ve seen Michael Finley play as well as Frank Kaminsky ball for Bucky. Yes, they were great legends and upcoming players that rocked the house.

But what I am about to post is not about them nor it’s about sports. It’s not about Camp Randall, or the Fieldhouse, or the Kohl Center or any other building or center at the UW-Madison Campus. It’s about this:

Here is the video the @UWMadison homecoming committee posted pic.twitter.com/5rSbf4wgE9

— 👑 Payton 👑 (@payton_renee_) September 30, 2019

Press play above.

What you just seen was a video that was talked about and was further examined. This was the finished product of the UW-Madison Homecoming Video titled, “Home is where WI are.” WI is representing the student body of Wisconsin that attend currently. But in the video, it’s all white folks. No blacks, no Hispanics, no Asians, not even biracial or mixed folks. None of the Native American Students. NONE! When the tone of this product was finished, there were some black students that were apart of the early drafting of the footage, but part of it was cut out. And yet this set off an early firestorm of protests that the black students as well as other students of color were not pleased. Mainly FROM THE BLACK STUDENTS! For quite a while, you may have seen this hashtag online: #TheRealUW. This was just an awareness of the campus’ side that many never get to see. The lack of representation of black students, and some dealt with harassment, racism, intimation while being on campus. And many according to the stories that the black students endured while they stayed for their 4 years. #TheRealUW since then had received very alarming news in regarding the black student population that the University had ignored for many years. Even doctoring photos for a magazine cover to make a face look even less of a color that the true color. Many of us seen this cover like this:

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/photo-finish-2/

This was a booklet cover of the UW Admissions for Undergraduate students from the 2001 – 2002 Semester. And this booklet cover has sparked an outrage among the folks that wanted to capture a black student in the crowd. It was more like being photoshopped. And we know what that happens to be make it more like the real deal. However, this was a bad PR stunt that the University now regrets.

Why do I talk about this? Mainly even though that UW-Madison is a fun college, but it does have it’s issues concerning with race. Most recently, UW-Madison Senior Payton Wade (who also presented the footage on her Twitter Page above) also weighed in her thoughts and reactions to the atmosphere of the video:

Courtesy of WKOW:

https://wkow.com/news/2019/09/30/uw-madison-removes-homecoming-video-from-social-media-after-backlash/?utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR345dTQDXvvLL_A6_RMOg-uBbMOulEv_D7nhzjbo5JTPr99k4X-smjAS0g

In the response to the Homecoming Video being pulled, this is what the Homecoming Committee had to say:

As the student Homecoming Committee, our goal to is to create events that are fun, create pride in our university and are welcoming and inclusive of the entire UW-Madison student body.

To promote student Homecoming, we recently produced a video called “Home is where Wi Are”, and we invited various student groups to participate in the video. Unfortunately, not all the video images produced were included in the final product, including those of students from under represented populations.We regret omitting those images and we recognized that, by doing so, we unintentionally caused hurt to members of our campus community.We are sorry that our video failed to show the full breadth of the university experience and made members of our community feel excluded. We appreciate being made aware of the impact of the video. We apologize to those students who participated in the video but were not included in the final product, as well as to anyone who was upset by the video.We are committed to doing better and working harder to make campus a welcoming and inclusive community.

And in response to this it came to a footage of this:

When I looked at the footage of the black students all centered around the Wisconsin symbol as well as the other minority students, this message should be sent TO ALL if the Universities in the State that have this disdain of black students that are unrepresented. Not seen not recognized. You are probably thinking, “this is supposed to be UW- Madison, the heart of the UW School System and a Big Ten College”. A party school folks wearing “Sconnie”. Oh we know. But many of who study this thing about Madison being racist on Campus, in this context is nothing new. Many of you White UW Students and Alumni probably have said about, “oh I went to Madison and never had a issue of a black students or is all imaginary being racist on campus”. Many of you are SILENT! And uninformed. And having your hands tied. And allowing this to happen all the time. I saw the African-American UW-Madison Alumni Facebook Page and for the former students voiced their disapproval of the then pulled homecoming video. And yet many if them wished they would have attended an HBCU, (that’s the Historical Black Colleges and Universities like Morehouse, Spellman or Howard). But many of them got into Madison based on Scholarships, Grants, and etc. Even though many of them had gone that route of education, however the sting of racism and not being felt at home at Madison was a different plateau.

Of course when the current black students get out of Madison, even this will concern Payton Wade, racial discrimination will be an effective mantra upon graduation into the real world and yet, this will not be a cake walk. Nope! The real world does not give care about your stats, your Fraternities, Sororities, your past college work and many other things you have gone through. And it should be commended and appreciative no matter where you go. Even if you’re black!

I want to be clear that EVERY College and University needs to hear the minority students. I want to see ALL Universities be very clear and concise to the point when discussing the needs and concerns and establishing a “home” on the majority PWI campues. Yes, UW-Madison is a PWI. My Alma Mater, UW-Stout is a PWI. And not only that, I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again, since UW-Madison has a African-American Alumni Association, why doesn’t all the campuses have these? Black Student Unions we know. But what about the Black Alumni Chapters that the Black Alums of these schools can have to reach to the current black student population? And vice versa? This is the problem. Now it seems that many will look at this and say “oh, its racist!” You don’t hear that on the Hispanic or Asian Groups stuff. Even they are Alumni. Of course, It’s Wisconsin. The population of black folks in the state are around the 6% – 8% while many of the folks whom are white are more that 80%. That is a fact. If Wisconsin would have had a black population more than 8% it would be a different story and many things would have been not been bad than good. That’s my take on this. But many have to ask, why does a school like this have a problem with the diversity side of minority students. Keep in mind! Quintez Cephus was expelled for one year out of UW all because of this sex scandal angle with some 18-19 year old white students that was later false! He won his case, got back into the school and got back on the team this year! Let that sink in! Oh please let that SINK IN! This is the same case that many black student athletes face most often. And usually the turnout does not look good. However on some points, it does turnout in a positive way to move forward.

So yes, listen to the minority students of color. Yep, On Wisconsin!

The Rant of Stephen’s Spot: it’s time for reckless drivers to quit driving and surrender their licence.

Attention Reckless Drivers: your time is up. All that crazy driving you’re doing is a waste of time and constant anti-safety among our citizens and recently: our kids.

This is the part where I will get seriously fired up when I read this and partially, the safety of our folks.

It really bothers me that I had to read and hear about pathetic drivers like you are causing all this mess in the streets with you wanna be Grand Theft Auto driving and making drivers a nightmare of your antics. And probably you’re the main reasons why I’ve been blown at for leaving my garage, lane change properly and Oh, I have to park on the street and not come out of my DRIVEWAY because of you @$$$$$ed dummies!

Yeah your driving instructors told you to drive safely but did you listen? Excuse my French, HELL NO! Why because you’re dumb, uneducated and don’t have no f___ing respect for anyone that shares the road like you. But oh no! It had to be about you. It had to be about you being first which many of you don’t even care being last. Oh yeah the cops are watching for speeders and tracking you with the speed guns from their squad cars and motorcycles. But is that enough? I’m going to say nope! Because many of you will go back out and do it again to impress your boys and some dumb broad or boys you recently met. Yeah, I said it! And you females, you are in this too. Don’t blink!

If the judges in Milwaukee County were to handle lifetime bans on driver’s licenses to you reckless drivers that would be a solution. Period. Oh yeah you might be like this negro is crazy. Don’t be surprised! If that were to happen, you all get mad at citizens like me to make the decision. But you need to be mad at yourselves for making the wrong decisions. You need to be mad at those driving instructors that you ignored just to get the licence. If this is a way to judge, then guess what, it is. By your actions and your conscience. Oh yeah, welcome to the real world with cameras installed on the cars and trucks.

So don’t be surprised if that happens. Not just for our kids but for grown folks that have to catch the bus or ride-sharing just to go to work or school.

Your fault. Not mine! Be fairly warned. Your free time of reckless driving is coming to an end.

The rant is ended.

My Double Take: An innocent Milwaukee mother shot dead and 45 is making racist remarks!

Its been a long minute since that I written a double take on anything. But in the recent events of a triple homicide and also just today, 45 is up to some go back where you came from  remarks to OUR 4 US Congresswomen that are all minorities, was one of the disgusting and vile commentary out this man’s mouth! So yes, we are mad as hell! And as I speak on this date being hot, guess what? The heat is on.

First take: An innocent mother loses her life. Many of us in the community  had heard of the triple homicide that occurred in the city of Milwaukee in late June. The area was near 85th and Grantosa which is not far from my sister’s residence that this senseless murder happened. When word got out that the victims were dead by one shooters, one of the victims was a daughter of my Lay Minister from his first marriage. The victim was named Sonya Collins. And according to the reports, she was killed due to the fact that she was trying to protect her children. And the attacker, Oshonti Cannady at age 21 did the job not only on Sonya, but also on two other women at the scene. After that part of the week was dismal, many of us my church was just talking about the incident that was still fresh in our minds. But I kept thinking about the family and MANILY the father of the daughter that I know that had to be extremely hurt over the senseless loss of her daughter. Here’s the thing, Sonya was just 41 years old. She was a mother that once again was trying to protect her children. Her babies! As any mother (excuse me, REAL MOTHER) would do in any situation by standing and protecting her kids! And all that ended in a senseless manner. Oh yes, duirng the week at Church, yes we were talking about it. And yet many of us recalled how many on the congregation lost their loved ones in a senseless manner in the past. Me, I lost 2 cousins in 2002 and 2010. Both in the Summertime. In the months of July and August. We were rocked with grief and anguish. One of my cousins was just 21 years old that started his own business of a Ice Cream Parlor in the inner city of Milwaukee. And going to school to UW – Milwaukee. What lead to the killing at the time was his car. My cousin was driving a 1996 Chevy Lumina that he bought with his own money. And with that, a set of rims that was purchased. These were the rims that many were being targeted for killings and crimes. Unfortunately for my cousin, he was being chased at least 3 times for his car. In the early morning of late July in that year. Here it was a young black male, from a good family, educated, had a job of his own, and yes we do talk about the endangered species when it comes to our African-American Males! Weeks later in my church then, the attacker of my cousin was caught and was sentenced to more that 10 years in prison. And all of this was because of some car rims that many wanted in a criminal manner. In all GETTING CAR RIMS! 

My other cousin was a mother, whom was stabbed to death by her alleged boyfriend in August of 2010. And was so shocking for my youngest cousin, she saw the stabbing in a closet with grief and shock. This is one of my father’s nieces. And usually when we get together for family outings or meetings, it usually involves a Funeral. Am I alone that goes through this? When family members most gather for funerals to say goodbye to a member that was known or not known well? But many of us in the family are trying to change the concept in which gathering at funerals are not the always norm everytime. But getting to my cousin that was stabbed in 2010, we also felt the concern that her children will have to live with their Aunt and Uncle without their mother being around everyday. Weeks later, my cousin’s attacker was found and caught in the state of Illinois and was sentenced for the murder. All of this was 9 years ago in the hot summer of Milwaukee. 

Getting back of course: When I explained all this in church in early July, I told my Lay Member and as well as my UMM Men’s Church member (who also lost his nephew in the same day as Sonya Collins)  that the attackers are just “running and hiding.” But eventually will get caught. I made a prediction that they will get caught and will not get far. I made a prediction about this and held nothing back based on I know. Well guess what ladies and gentlemen, on July 13th, 2019 in the same day that Sonya Collins was laid to rest, her attacker was caught and captured. Sonya was murdered in late June. I said either a couple of weeks or a month that the capture would happen. I asked the family and the church this question: “What did I tell you?” I told them this would happen. Now since the capture that has happened let the true justice, and I mean “TRUE JUSTICE”  must commence and come into play. I got another say on this: I thinking that the sentencing part of this, Oshonti will probably get at 10 years to life in prison. Why I am saying all this on this blog full of nice things? Guess what, I’ve mentioned this before and yes this all comes to those like, we need to take back our neighborhoods, our cities, or Black Lives Matter. Oh of course that many will scream out the question of “What about black on black crime?” This example was and is still in the crawl of most white folks asking when a black male/female gets killed by white folks with badges and guns or by senseless attackers. And of course in our black community we always say that we need to do better for our people in all, but some of us get reality checked ourselves that incidents like this complex every single time. Sometimes we ask about “why blacks don’t celebrate the 4th of July” when we see or read about bodies in the street? And usually that about police brutality. But when one of our own do this, we kind of run and hide from the question. I’m speaking the truth to power. When this happens in all we need to hold ourselves very accountable in terms of US being killed by others. As for these murders, we can go to the government and continue to regulate and try to regulate NEW Laws, but many we need to do it ourselves! It starts with US!

Second Take: take a look of this mess from today. We’ve all seen it while working on the job.

Oh, and see this also:

Did anyone believe the B.S. and I mean the B.S. coming out of this so-called President’s mouth? This is supposed to be the leader of the free world that supposed to set an example of positive. But many should not be surprised that this fool of the leader had to call out 4 of our US Congresswomen of Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlab, Ayanna Pressley, and yes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. All 4 of them had the message to “go back to where they came from”. And also this is sending shock-waves not just in the United States, but also the world. 3 of 4 Congresswomen are U.S. Citizens but Omar is an immigrant that became a citizen 19 years ago. So yes, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is a U.S. Citizen!

“The newly assembled Squad” had a response in regarding 45 dumbfound remarks:

I need to ask, this why do we say to folks, “go back where you came from?” And second, why are we saying this in 2019?! This is all about the one thing that many are beginning to understand that #whitefear is in the minds of those who want to keep the United States of America all under the white rule. Under the White Supremacy that many of us non-whites are sick and tired of. What they are really saying that we should be running this country, not many of the minorities.

Let me be clear to the idiotic bigots that want this to happen. You are indeed playing yourselves!

Even the so-called president whom made the statement is playing himself with these remarks. And yet, you got many folks like him are nodding in agreement. “Go back where you came from” is nothing more than a racist code word by stating that “we don’t want you”. Or “You can’t be us because you aren’t one of us.” or “You’re not our type.” Or many other warning signs of fear that many of the 45 Supporters don’t even want to condemn the so-called president of the remarks he’s stated! Let’s be real: 45 or Trump doesn’t give a rat’s carcass about no minorities in the majority that doesn’t agree with him.

LOOK HERE! THESE ARE #FACTS! And many of us whom are born here in the United States aren’t going back to bow down to the conformity of others that doesn’t make sense! It didn’t make sense back then, or when it started and it sure is hell doesn’t make sense NOW! All this “Go back to where you came from” is dumb!

And oh, here is a flashback: Remember when Obama was in office? Remember when the right wing fans about telling him or commenting about him going back to Kenya? His father was Kenyan Born. Oh yes conservatives and Tea Party Baggers you should remember! And that includes this birther crap (take our country back) that wanted to see if he’s a Citizen, or a Christian (even though he went to Rev. Jerimiah Wright’s Church in Chicago) , or even all of this stuff that didn’t make sense that Obama should do during his 8 years in the chair. This “all going back” crap has been heard so many times from Black folks, Latino Folks, and many others that the so-called 45 President labeled the countries “Sh*tHole Countries”. Some of those so-called “Sh*thole Countries” are laughing the crap out of us. They are. And in fact, I don’t blame them! And when 2020 gets here and if this So-Called President gets reelected, you know that the joke will be on us United States Citizens. Matter of fact, the joke was on us since November of 2016 that many voted him over Hilary, who had EXPERIENCE! But no, the so-called “silent majority” in this country is dumb. The same silent majority that voted up for 45 and those whom are actively wearing those #MAGA hats has racial ties, believe it or not. THINK ABOUT IT!

I’ll bet many years ago used it as a weapon to make the minorities inferior because they didn’t fit the system. Oh really? There have been many times the American Flag was used as a weapon against those whom have been label inferior in this country as a symbol of oppression. That is true. Even though it looks good “on display” as I said in the past. But of course that the flag had oppression viewpoints on how it was presented to scare or to make those less than worthless. Yes I’m talking about black folks that were fighting to get a seat at the table. And were still fighting TODAY to get that chance.

CALLOUT! For all the folks whom assumed that black folks ran their course: NEWSFLASH! the folks have NOT ran their course. We’ve only just begun again.

This is why every 4th of July and every Juneteenth Day, as much as everyday I say these words: “THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES”. And this example is one of them!

Your turn, Class of 2019. A blog letter.

I almost forgot to do this, but this is for the Class of 2019. By now, you just completed your degrees, walked with your classes, heard the commencement speeches, and many of you totally admit that this was the last time you saw each other. This part is sad. But you have to stay in touch with your Alumni to keep up. For all of that, this is your blog letter.

Dear Class of 2019:

It’s me, Stephen. And you know who I am. First to the class of 2019, I say congratulations! You made it! Welcome to the club of the Alumni! Or for some of you, the Real World! I know the feeling of walking that stage and being admired of my educational accomplishments. But I have heard that you all had a tremendous year based on sports, academics and yes, getting to this point in your lives that will be remembered as long as you live. If you’re living, say amen.

Even though that this moment in your lives in your educational history is very sufficient, don’t be alarmed but many of you are probably influencing the next class or the next member in your families that is willing to go to that next level to be the best in your efforts. I’ve mentioned this before with a different class, but the reality is you established something that will be very influential. No matter if its your High School Diploma, Colleges Degrees of Associates, Bachelor’s, Masters, or Doctors, somebody is watching you and saying that “I’m going to do this!” My thing is: GO FOR IT! Do the thing that will get you famous with the pictures on the walls and comeback in 20 years to get another generation of graduates to hype them up for the next level. And most recently, we’ve seen elders up near 90 years old that had graduated years ago, and never received their diplomas that were in their 20’s 70 years ago! But the main purpose is that they lived longer to see this moment for those whom didn’t get a chance to see. But also saw it through their succeeding generation family members.

But I want to take a moment to reflect on your Graduation Ceremonies. Many of you had great ceremonies in which you weren’t dancing. Some of you did. And some of you almost got yanked off the stage. Some of you High School Valedictorians that graduated wanted to say your speeches that included some concerns about Sexual Acts of Harassment and other acts of concerns you wanted to say, was cancelled by the administrations of pulling your microphones away.  Even mentioning of names like Trayvon Martin or Tamir Rice. This crap of what you experienced was nothing of fear! The administrators of your schools were full of BS. They didn’t care. All they cared was like YET again: let’s talk about the good things, pomp and circumstance music, speeches, congrats, walk on the stage, tilt your tassel and go home.

WAIT A SECOND! I written about this before years ago about top seniors in High School almost got yanked off the stage for the concerns about the violence, sexual harassment, and many other FEARS that many will talk about after leaving school. My thing is, you should be concerned! This happens almost EVERYDAY in the real world! You read about it online, in the papers, the news, and yes you hear it from other folks whom have their problems in the families in school! But alas: it’s graduation season. I need to tell these so-called Superintendents, Educators, Secretaries, Principals, Vice Principals, Dignitaries, and yes so-called supporters who favored the yanking of speeches: YOU ARE SO STUPID! You’re all about the one-sided affairs. But not about concerns! When I heard about the students making their speeches about the violence and racial N-words this 2018-2019 school year and many others across the country: where were you administration? Were you listening to the students?! If you were NOT LISTENING to the kids and especially those whom were Seniors, there is something wrong with you! This is our future! This is our next leaders to might be better than us in which they will be in control of the game. And oh, you stripped their right to speak about the concerns. You all need to WAKE THE F//**+ UP! Yeah I said it! Many of you are worried about your wallets instead of your instincts! I thought “the schools” are a part of “the community.” When the community of Children and Youth are concerned about the world of Donald Trump insults on many occassions, and the violence of innocent people being harassed, bullied, killed,  or even traumatized about their classmates’ experience, WE THE SO-CALLED GROWN FOLKS need to LISTEN! They are our future! They are not just on Facebook, or their phones texting or playing Fortnite! And as far as the University Commencements are concern: When the graduates in were dancing around after hearing the names called, one of the folks put their hands on the graduates (black ones) and try to get them off the stage! REALLY?! I get it. Its a day full of joy. And yes the University had apologized to the graduates for the act. Lucky some of the HBCU’s (the Black Colleges) didn’t see that as a distraction or a problem!

Class of 2019: Word from one of my late church members: DON’T LET NOBODY STEAL YOUR JOY! If I had to come to a graduation and speak to most of you, I’m letting those words be the anchor. Not just for graduations or commencement services but everyday! Spoiler Alert: You’re going to put up with folks whom don’t care about your academics, your sports,  your music days in the choir or band, your family background, your heritage, your gender, your issues of whatever, religion, history, and etc. THEY WON’T CARE. It might seemed racist, sexist, shaming, in all. They will not care. Although they might acknowledge them, but many will not care about it! But I say this, be proud that you made it. Let the haters hate, sulk, lose, and suffer!

If they hate that you got a masters or a bachelors from a crappy school that they couldn’t pass, guess what? SORE LOSERS! Same thing with the High Schools. They couldn’t cut the mustard then and not now. That’s why they complain. That’s why they go on the blogs (not this one) Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others piss and moan about guys like you making it. And here is a shocker, some of them could be your former classmates, and I dare say: your church members that never cared about you growing up, your other friends, and even this might hurt, your kinfolk family members. It’s a well known fact of hate!

Real talk 2019, always continue to be the best in all what you do! Be real in all what you do! And don’t let NOBODY or anything stand your way towards that goaline. You have made it this far. Keep going to that next level! Oh, one more thing: since many of you have your degrees, and got all that grad money and I’ve mentioned this before. Get involved with your school’s Alumni Associations. Get involved with them. Attend a board meeting, receive newsletters, email blasts, view social media posts about your class or school. Tour the school for an open house, attend a homecoming game. Just to clarify that Homecoming is really for the Alumni! And for those whom are way younger than 42: I was told to do this at 18, and I’m telling you here: Go to your reunions. And also, donate back to your schools that gave you love in the first place! Now a days if you have not heard, Alumni Groups or Alumni in general now wants to give back to their schools. And also, the schools want to reach out to the Alumni. Either way, GET INVOLVED!

Younger alums: I know that many of you will be busy with family and college. But the Alumni Committees needs to hear from you about what you want to see in your alum orgs. My advice, get to know your Alumni Committee. Get to know at least one member. Visit the schools, get the info that is current! Buy a T-shirt, form your own Alumni groups and events/reunions, and have the elder alumni to talk to you about why you should be a future Alumni Board Member. And like I said in many Graduation Blogs years ago, you might be on the stage in the future giving a keynote address to a future class that might be looking at you as an example while getting  or presenting an Alumni of the Year Award. Which would echo your work in the community.

In conclusion, 2019 you made it this far. Congrats to all of you. Like I said on the night of my father’s wake in March of  2017: Stay in the fight! And to quote Nipsey Hussle: The Marathon Continues!

Sincerely,

Stephen

Scratching my head all this time: The 4th of July Edition – Part III: The trilogy.

Hope many of us had another chance of celebrating the 4th.

Happy 4th by the way.

As in the 4th of July, you know America’s Birthday in all? And I’m sorry to say that many aren’t feeling the goodness in all in which many have came so far in advance of getting that American Dream that many continue to thrive for all this time. And yet, it’s still out there. So for this 243rd edition of the Birthday, it’s time to go deep into the thoughts of asking and yes to come clean. Oh, who am I kidding: with all the meltdown of Patriotism, 45 has this so-called celebration in DC, more black folks denouncing the holiday again but overlooking the good, Nike goes crazy with the Air Max Shoes with the Betsy Ross Flag on it, and everyday shenanigans that makes us Yanks really worried. And yet: I’m scratching my head again.

There is a difference betweeen the “Pledge” and the “Declaration”. Who knows the truth?

For real though, had many really paid attention to 45’s 4th of July Parade with Tanks, and other related copy cat stuff like North Korea?

DYI: (did you know) that in the original draft of the Declaration of Independence, there was this item? (courtesy of the Library of Congress) “he has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating it’s most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither. this piratical warfare, the opprobrium of infidel powers, is the warfare of the CHRISTIAN king of Great Britain. determined to keep open a market where MEN should be bought & sold, he has prostituted his negative for suppressing every legislative attempt to prohibit or to restrain this execrable commerce: and that this assemblage of horrors might want no fact of distinguished die, he is now exciting those very people to rise in arms among us, and to purchase that liberty of which he has deprived them, & murdering the people upon whom he also obtruded them; thus paying off former crimes committed against the liberties of one people, with crimes which he urges them to commit against the lives of another. ”

*This was an idea to strike the issue of slavery out of America. Our founding fathers had this idea in mind (even though more of them were slaveowners) before the states of Georgia and South Carolina had to intervene. And you wonder why asking!

This needs to be asked. We all heard the rendition of Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Speech and yet no one read “The American Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr? Yes! he wrote that in a sermon in 1965 for Independence Day. Who did not read this? By the way Douglass’ speech is really titled: “The Meaning of Fourth of July for the Negro.”

Who still watches the last 4th of July footage of President Barack Obama from 2016? Where he mentioned about “imperfections in our union”?

It’s a fact: there was no parties for the black folks in 1776 when the country was declared. So many had to ask, why the constant stuff like: “This is not my holiday. My holiday was Juneteenth Day.” And also state like, I don’t vote. What kind of ISH is this? And for the record, there were African Americans like Peter Salem and James Armistead Lafayette that fought along the sides of the Continental Army in which…..to gain their freedom. Including John Chavis, Lambert Latham, Oliver Cromwell, Prince Estabrook, just to name few Black Patriots of the era.

The late great Coretta Scott King once said: “Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation”. Agree or Disagree?

Who bought the Betsy Ross Kicks from Nike? $140.00 dollars worth?

CALLOUT: Ok. I like Old Navy. And Old Navy is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary. And yes around this time, the store had all the flag T-Shirts out for the holiday, which was selling during the Memorial Day Weekend. But on Facebook,it was noted that they were selling the shirts in a Purple theme design signifying the silver anniversary on 4th of July. But I need answers: Why did Old Navy had to sell 1,994 shirts online and then when word got out, they were gone?! Somebody really tell me something and yet that is a something worth scratching my head for!

And also, when Old Navy got the purple shirts out, there was a message on the back that transcribed almost with the original pledge of allegiance. Without the words “Under God” on it. And many of the folks on social media went nuts. Why, sway?

It seems that some black folks do celebrate the 4th. And guess what, you know Malia Obama’s birthday is on the holiday, right? And she’s just now 21.

Who’s rocking the Essence Festival this weekend in New Orleans? For the 25th time in a row!

Of all the patriots past and present: who were or are the patriotic introverts in American History that defied the odds? No matter what time-frame, era, gender, race, creed, class, preference, or next generation status?

OK, many folks had to ask: with all this stuff concerning the 4th with fireworks, why not of that for Juneteenth Day? Better start now! We need Black Pyrotechnic Workers!

Milwaukee: last night began a new era in our “July 3rd before the 4th traditional fireworks.” The Milwaukee Brewers, American Family Insurance and other private businesses forged together to bring the now “Lakefront Fireworks”. When the fog was getting to be worse, it kind of cleared. But we had our show. So, how did they do? And also they will be back in July 2020. Ahead of the DNC Convention in the city!

In the first half of Summerfest, Pop Artist Lizzo (you know the one that dissed John Williams’ song Jaws being lazy) had a difficult spot with a member of the security squad member that racially encountered Lizzo’s hair stylist and another stylist after her first Big Gig Performance. And yet, it was Lizzo’s first coming off the heels of the 2019 BET Awards. My question is, has that Summerfest Security Guard Member been fired yet?! And will anyone book Lizzo in the future in Milwaukee? You know already that the city is segregated.

Speaking of the DNC: How are the ideas coming along, Milwaukee? We are about ONE YEAR this month away from welcoming the Democrats to the Brew City!

Speaking of Dream Teams: Which team right now in 2019 is a team that nobody is taking seriously but noticing? Oh, it has to be a U.S. Team.

Speaking of Dream Teams: Which team comes to mind as being a Super team that started the super teams and actually won more than one game and undefeated? Again, it has to be a U.S. Team.

Will the Milwaukee Streetcar be able to “extend the play” in terms of fares and sponsorship between now and 2020? And its still free to ride so far.

How will all U.S. Cities celebrate the 4th of July next year in 2020?

How did many of you played Mortal Kombat 11, the tower version with Jax Briggs, Sonya Blade, etc? Just in time for the 4th.

What is the one place in America that many haven’t gone but need to go?

Seriously asking: is every way the American way?

Seriously asking: Who in the living heck is #ADOS?!! Also known as American Descendants of Slaves? Word is that they don’t know enough knowledge and self hate of being black. And also, what is ADOS’s real agendas regarding the support and assistance of the African-American Community or the Black Community at large that is not very snobbish!

ADOS: Who IS This?!!!

Seriously asking: is there a thing called opportunity to earn your keep? In an American way?

Check this: how will the 4th of July historians really align themselves with the discussions of the 400th anniversary of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade? Which was in 1619?

Should all black historians really align with the 4th in a sense of expressing their own truths to be self-evident that all men SHOULD BE created equal?

The one thing still remains, how will the struggle continue for the better now since the 4th and Juneteenth are now in the rear view? This is an everyday question.

Oh hold up. What up with this? You young Americans and world wide folks take notes on this flow of Hip-Hop!

Second question: for all the triggered folks in America, one of members of Chloe and Hallie will be featured in The Little Mermaid and the triggered folks got mad and pissed all because a black woman is getting the part of Ariel. And they got mad on the Fourth. Really?!

Speaking of being Patriotic: which UNSUNG figures in current American History seemed to be the most patriotic in terms of speaking out against racism, police brutality, white supremacy, and many other shameful acts? Hint: We are talking someone or somebody that is all flag waving celebrating and being very VERY conscious about the issues of America’s problems at hand at the same time!

And…..another thing, anyone noticed that “A Capitol Fourth” was way better than 45’s Celebration in DC? Yeah I said it! And I hate to say it that in the 18th Century, there were no runways and airports. SPOILER ALERT!

Which National Anthem rendition was and is still the best: Whitney Houston, Jimi Hendrix, or Beyonce?

Which America the Beautiful rendition was and is still the best: John Legend, Aretha Franklin or Ray Charles?

This needs to be asked black folks: so the 4th of July “is not considered our holiday” in all, but which holiday is? Oh, if it’s Juneteenth, the word is that many in the Black Community don’t celebrate that either as much as Black History Month. Most of that are facts!

Black folks, when we see our own dress up in Red White and Blue, why do we get upset? Look, many can do Red White And Blue as much as Red, Black and Green and Rainbows. If we can do those without those looks without any disdain, is that considered independent? Or in this case being your own person? Not to offend, but JUST SAYING! As they say, do you!

Which of us in the black community doesn’t mind celebrating the 4th or being greeted “Happy 4th”, but also celebrate Juneteenth Day? Who does BOTH?! This is for those whom are more independent than just being one-sided!

Every Black Family must decorate their houses for Juneteenth Day. Put out the official Juneteenth Day flag and display it. Can that be done? Oh….if those don’t like the Stars and Stripes for the 4th, fly the Juneteenth.

How many times that we were reminded to “Take your place” from the scene of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion? Not put you in your place, but TAKE YOUR PLACE! Just a reminder: Cicely Tyson’s character centered this statement!

When 2020 arrives: is respirations on the list FINALLY?!

When July 4th, 2020 arrives next year, are we going to act more Patriotic and actually VOTE?!! Forget about all the speeches that are anti this or that, what about just going to ballots and VOTE!

When July 4th, 2020 gets here, how many of will not rely on Facebook to sway our votes in a Patriotic manner?

When July 4th, 2020 gets year in a Patroitic manner are we just going to not do nothing or actually get something started to create things HAPPEN?

By the time July 4th, 2020 passes, 10 days later, will be the 2020 DNC Convention in Milwaukee. Will the DNC be Brew City Ready?

And the final question of this 4th of July…….when 2020 gets here are we still going to work towards freedom instead of painting it like a bad habit?

Until the next one: The Struggle (like marathon) Continues!